K2/Gondogoro La, Grand Basecamps Trek

Hello, I plan on doing this trek in 2013. Would you reccomend doing this in July? Ive been told this is the best time of year to do this but wonder if the views would be clearer in October? Ive trekked in Nepal twice and found October, November prime. I know this is another range with different conditons. Id rather deal with colder temps if the views would be better. Also, has anyone been on a trek with Vertical Explorers? Reccomended? Thx so much for any help!!

July, August best time to be in the area especially to descend to Khuspang camp after Munir camp across Gondghoro la but even in September, you can cross it , the problem'd be freezing temperatures in the high altitude so if you could cope with that, that seems feasible.

But the views'd be much better with clearer skies in September.

Ciao,

One should be very fit for this trek dear, especially above Concordia when the altitude goes above 4800 m, because I've seen very fit trekkers and climbers falling sick.

Good luck ..

I completed the k2/gongodora la trek this last August with Snowland Treks and Tours and I HIGHLY recommend them. Kamal, the owner, was responsive and professional, the food was good and plentiful, our guide (Akbar) was fantastic, and the whole package was very affordable compared to other trekking companies.

Also, when the road between Skardu and Gilgit was blocked by a landslide, Kamal was kind enough to find us a jeep so we could take the alternate route over deosai plains... With his brother driving!

As far as the trek, the weather was spectacular (though I heard July is usually more consistent weather-wise) and the views breathtaking. The pass was indeed very difficult, so if you do intend to cross it, make sure you are either in decent shape, or have trained a bit before. This was my first high altitude trek, and I completed it without a hitch. An experience if a lifetime!

July - August is good, weather normally clear and dry (though nights will be cold at altitude). Views are likely to be spectacular. would highly recommend Vertical Explorers.

October is low season in the north and snow over the pass may deter your crossing at that time. Trails will be snowy and slippery.

Last year went with Vertical Explorers on Grand Base Camp trek and highly recommend them. can read my trip report at http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=2185928

i second Vertical Explorers. This year in late july I went to K2, Trango Tower, Gashabrum Base Camps and Gongodoro pass to Hushe and had the experience of a lifetime, and a lot of that has to do with VE.
Best and cheapest, can't beat that.They were professional and helpful pre-trip and the staff they had on the trek were second to none.
Porters, guide and helpers were the fittest human beings I have ever met, and were forever patient with all of us, and always there to offer help when needed.

try to search on internet you will find a lot of tour operator companies and also with good prices.

NP

Hi avsfan, as you know, I've been researching this trek too. I found that most people consistently recommend this trek July - mid September. From what I've heard, it can start snowing and get real cold after mid September. Many trekking companies won't want to do the trek in late September/October.