Images Dated 21st August 2009

Trango towers and Thunmo Cathedral under clouds

Picture taken in Urdukas camp site, in the Baltoro trekking, Pakistan. In the background, Thunmo Cathedral (5866 m asl) and Trango towers under clouds on Baltoro Glacier, Northern Areas Pakistan.
Baltoro Glacier trekking is one of the best treks in the world. The trekking starts from the village of Askole, walking along the Baltoro Glacier to reach Concordia. Concordia is the heart of Karakoram Range, and center of a complex of some of the world highest peaks and many of the largest glaciers. On every side, within radius of 24 kms, rise up ten of the world's thirty highest peaks, including, K2, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrum peaks. Crossing the high pass of Gondogoro la and enter the other side of Karakoram in Hushe valley.
Trekking into the heart of the mighty Karakoram Range to Concordia Camp involves a long and demanding walk through a remote and rugged land. The trek starts from Askole, a village which is only accessible by way of a rough and tumble drive on a highly weather dependent road along the Braldu Gorge. Any difficulty which has to be overcome is more than compensated for, however, by the stunningly dramatic landscape. At Concordia, the ultimate destination, there is an assembly of giant peaks, including K2 at 8,611 meters, the second highest and arguably the most impressive peak on earth. In no other part of the world can you find such a concentration of 8000 and near 8000 meter peaks. On the hike in to Concordia there are great mountains such as Masherbrum (K1), alongside the famous and spectacular rock architecture of the Trango, Cathedral and Lobsang groups. There is also the sheer enormity of the Baltoro Glacier, over which we have to hike across for the last five days of the approach