Baintha Brakk is a peak in the Panmah Muztagh (sub-range of Karakoram Mountains) in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. It is at an elevation of 7,285 metres (23,901 ft) and rises above the Biafo Glacier (one of the biggest glaciers in the region).
The first ascent to baintha brakk peak was carried out in 1977, whereas the 2nd one took twenty-four years. It has been known to be one of the most difficult mountains to climb and is also referred to as ‘The Ogre’ due to its extremely rocky structure and steepness. It is because of this complex terrain which is why it is hard to climb.
Baintha Brakk lies in the Panmah Muztagh which is a subrange of the Karakoram near the Shigar village, Gilgit-Baltistan. This is the heart of the Karakoram mountains. The Karakoram Mountain Range is a massive chain of mountains across Pakistan and China that hosts one of the greatest mountains of the world including K2. It is 500km long and 200km wide and connects with Hindukush and Himalaya Mountains at few points. This sub-range also includes mountains such as Latok I, II and III which also share the same rock structure and steep nature.
Baintha Brakk Expedition is a journey through the Karakoram Mountains of Pakistan with mesmerizing views of the mighty mountains and glaciers which are also one of the largest and highest in the world. The trek starts from Askole via Skardu district which is the nearest town to the mountains. It is to be noted that the Panmah Muztagh peaks are the hardest in the region and only recommended for highly experienced climbers.
| 1 | Departure/Return Location | International Airport, Islamabad |
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| 2 | Departure Time | Mountain Range: Karakoram |
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| 3 | Elevation: 8047 m | Best Time: Mid-May to End-August |
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| 4 | Duration: 30 Days | Zone: Permitted |
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Day 1Arrival IslamabadArrival at airport and then transfer to hotel. Overnight stay in hotel at Islamabad.
Day 2Islamabad to Skardu (By Air)Early morning flight to Skardu (flights are subject to weather), if unable to fly we will depart for Skardu by road with overnight stay at Chilas. Overnight stay in hotel at Skardu.
Day 3Chilas to SkarduIn case of flight has operated we will go for sightseeing tour of Skardu and in case no flight, the day will be used for over land travel from Chilas to Skardu (total drive is 22 – 24 hrs from Islamabad to Skardu). Overnight stay in hotel at Skardu.
Day 4Rest day at SkarduThe day is to finalize the expedition arrangements. Overnight stay in hotel at Skardu.
Day 5Drive to Askoli VillageThe participants of Baintha Brakk expedition will begin the jeep safari towards Daso, the passage will go through the Shigar valley. The journey will be followed on the sides of Braldu river which extends to Askole. Askole will be the last village on our route; the members of the expedition will start walking after leaving jeeps behind. However at times the participants may begin their walk before arrival in Askole but it depends on the road conditions. Overall it will take you between six hours to eight hours in covering the distance.
Day 6Trek to Namla via snout of bifauAfter completion of necessary supplies list and equipment the porters will load up for the trek ahead to Jhola. The valley is gateway to Biafo glacier that flow over fifty kms from Hispar La to Braldu. The participants will experience the moraine walking as the snout of the glacier is crossed and they will descend to lunch spot beside the Korofon river. The route will take us the confluence of rivers of Braldu and Domordo. The trail will lead us to go upstream where the participants of Baintha Brakk expedition will cross the river by bridge. On the other side of the bridge the participants will ascend towards domordo river until we reach Namla Camp, on the descend to the edge of Braldu river, Jhola cam lies.
Day 7Trek to MangoThe participants of Baintha Brakk expedition will start the trek towards mango campsite. They will be trekking along dumurdo river in opposite direction of the flow. The participants will have the lunch midway and will camp at Mango.
Day 8Trek to Baintha Brakk expeditionThe participants of bainth brakk expedition will arrive to the base camp on this and will set up base camp that is suitable for the group along with the consent of our guide. Once, the participants reaches the camp, dinner will be served and night stay in tents. The base camp of Latok Peaks and Biantha Brakk are not far from each other.
Day 9Acclimatization dayOn this day the participants will acclimatize while sorting out their equipment's. While, the team of Apricot Tours will set up the base camp and the porter's will trek back as well.
Day 10-25Climbing Day(s)The participants will have 16 days to climb the peak.
Day 26Departure from Base CampThe team along with the staff of Apricot Tours will leave base camp of Baintha Brakk and trek back down. They will trek back down by dumurdo rive to namla. The duration of the trek will be 8-9 hrs as on the next day the participants will be trekking back to Askoli valley Valley.
Day 27Trek to AskoliOn this day the participants of the Baintha Brakk expedition will be back to Askole village after walking up the side of the river to the bridge.The participants will give get to meet climbers and trekkers at Askoli campsite as well.
Day 28Drive to SkarduThe participants will drive back to the hotel in Skardu along with the team of Apricot Tours. Making tea stop at Dasso, and lunch stop in Shigar Baazar.
Day 29Fly to IslamabadOn this day the participants will take a flight from the airport in Skardu to Islamabad airport. You will have a good time to relax at the hotel in Islamabad. The domestic flights sometime get cancelled due to weather conditions. In case of flight cancellation, you will drive to Raikot or Chilas for overnight. It takes 10 hours by a vehicle.
Day 30Contingency day for flight cancellationsThis day is allocated for any potential delays in case the domestic flight does not operate the previous day. Our guests will depart early morning from Chilas to Islamabad which can take up to ten hours. However it will be a free day in case the participants make it to Islamabad on the domestic flight. This time can be utilized for sightseeing in Islamabad.
Day 31Fly to home countryOur staff will transfer all the members of Baintha Brakk Expedition to the airport on their respective departure timings. The checkout time of all our partner hotels is 12 pm.
Services Include:| Lodging at base camp (single supplement) |
| Full base camp with dinning tent, bathroom, showers & solar charge |
| All internal/domestic transport |
| All domestic flights |
| 50kgs (110 lbs) personal baggage |
| All meals during trek and at base camp (B,L,D) |
| Group emergency equipment/satellite phone service with fixed calling charge |
| Two nights stay in Islamabad hotel on arrival and two on return (bed & breakfast only) |
| Staff insurance (guide, cook, kitchen staff, assistant(s) & porters etc) |
| Experienced cook from Pakistan |
| Kitchen staff |
| Porters for all expedition supplies |
| Solar power at base camp |
| Electricity generator (backup for high voltage devices) |
| International airfare |
| Permit/royalty fee according to number of persons |
| Personal climbing equipment, clothing & sleeping equipment |
| Group climbing gear (rope, ice crew, snow bar, EPI gas, cooking pots and others) |
| Mountain climbing rescue and evacuation insurance policy - mandatory |
| Lodging and meals above base camp |
| Any service above base camp |
| Communication radio (walkie talkie) |
| Weather reports |
| Personal equipment cargo to/from Islamabad |
| Pakistan visa fee |
| Tips/gratuities to staff, cook, assistant(s) of US$ 250 per person in total |
| Meals in Islamabad |
| Extra hotel nights after the climb |
| Trip cancellation insurance |
| All expenses incurred in the event of early wind-up/summit (extra hotel nights, meals at hotels, evacuation) |
| Charges incurred due to delays beyond the control of Apricot Tours (Force majeure) |
| Personal communication (phone, fax, e-mail) between Pakistan and home country. |
Baintha peak on Google Maps:
