K2 Trek Day 8: Goro II (4380m) to Concordia (4650m)

The final push up the glacier

12 September 2023

We continue trekking up the Baltoro Glacier. To the North is Biange Glacier and view of Mustagh Tower (7284m). The trail continues with rolling slopes up the moraine that is marked by cairns. We pass seracs (ice towers) from colliding glaciers.

Mitre Peak (6030m) is to the right, the Golden Throne (Baltoro Kangri, 7312m) next to it, and the Gasherbrum Group is directly ahead.We see K2 (8611m) and Broad Peak (8050m).

Mitre Peak becoming more prominent. Concordia is right below this peak.

Looking back where we came from. Paiyu Peak is still visible on the right and Masherbrum on the left. The layer of rocks on the ice is also getting thinner, in addition to the seracs is there also ice poking through the rock layer.

Another ridge. Gasherbrum 4 in front of us. The peaks above Rachel are also numbered in the Gasherbrum group. The two tallest one #1 and 2, both over 8000 meters tall are hidden by #4.

We have collected some muleshoes for souveniers for us and to give to friends. Many others we have left on rocks.

Muztagh Tower, one of the most difficult mountains to climb in the Karakorum.

There is no direct route on the glacier. Lots of zigzagging. It also constantly changing so the guides add cairns where they find a better route.

Totally worn out. Nahid has taken Patrick's backpack in addition to Rachel's backpack he is already carrying.

Heading towards Broadpeak and Gasherbrum 4

We arrive to camp in Concordia and find our tent is in perfect position framing K2 from the door. We have "room service" with tea and snacks brought to us at the tent.

A little more. The summit of K2 becomes vissible. We have reached the old Concordia site, our tent is another hour further up the trail.

Room service. Haider and Hussain bring us tea, pakhora and something that resembles kroepoek.

Some more Pakhora? Small pieces of vegetable dipped in batter and deep fried. Tasty snack.

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