Waking up amidst the untamed wilderness of mountains is a dream lifestyle for peace seekers. Imagine coming out of cozy blankets and finding yourself in between the most breathtaking panoramas – where the towering mountains kiss the clouds, and the sun paints a golden hue over the peaks. With a cup of tea in hand, basking in the serene environment had become a daily dose for us in the frozen haven.
These days in Karakoram, life here has become my favorite chapter in the book of my epic adventures. The extensive stay in Karakoram, Pakistan, where we explored some of the most majestic mountains, including the renowned Broad Peak, Chogolisa, and Link Sar. Yet, the adventure doesn’t conclude here. Before bidding adieu to this imperial range, we still had to trek to another gem, K6.
K6, a mountain with a notable elevation of 7,282 m (23,891 ft) is not something to miss. Also called Baltistan Peak, it is the highest peak in the area surrounding the Charakusa Glacier. Before our goodbye to the Karakoram ranges, we had the privilege to say hello to the K6.
This article narrates the story of the expedition to the Baltistan peak, K6, highlighting all the essential details of the mountain. Read below and relish the exhilarating journey!
Expedition to K6:
Following a simple breakfast of tea and bread, it was time for us to pack up our bags and prepare for another venture. The routine during these vacation days was undoubtedly hectic, yet each moment was infused with a mix of anticipation and adventure.
We hadn’t initially planned to stretch our journey so far, yet we couldn’t be more grateful to unveil these new chapters. A major thanks to our guide and porters, who went above and beyond to extend our stay and ensure we had the best time exploring as much as we could.
“So, friends, are you ready to feast yourselves with yet another jewel of Karakoram?” the guide announced and inquired.
“Ready as always. On your mark, sir!” Lukas exclaimed as we eagerly geared up.
Standing at Link Sar base camp, he pointed out at K6 in the southwest and said, “There’s our destination, only 5.3 km away, approximately. The weather looks fine right now, so, let’s not waste any moment here and reach soon to treat ourselves to the sight of the magnificent mountain.”
Location And Importance of K6:
As we trekked on the rugged terrain of Charakusa and Kaberi Glaciers, the guide highlighted some important details about K6 and the surrounding region.
“The Baltistan Peak, or I say K6, is the world’s 89th highest mountain and 40th highest in Pakistan. It stands proudly as the highest peak in the Masherbrum Mountains, a distinguished sub-range known for its staggering peaks. Its location’s remote and rugged charm only adds to its allure, nestled gracefully between the Charakusa and Kaberi glaciers.
Charakusa, at the head of the Hushe Valley, is often referred to as an “alpine-climbing candy store.” Within a few miles, this region boasts numerous rock walls and technical mixed faces, and it has seen renewed growth in recent years.
For a substantial period, climbing in this region was restricted. But ever since it opened, several elite climbers visit the valley each year to mark their name in history and claim the sought-after prizes of these challenging mountains. The journey usually begins from Hushe, progressing through Charakusa, and then providing access to the north side of K6. For us, we just have to walk straight for a few hours.
You know, despite not being an eight-thousander, K6 is still celebrated as a notable peak of the region. It is because it has huge, steep faces, and great relief above the nearby valleys.”
History & First Ascent of K6:
“Now, if we talk about the first ascent of K6 (Main), it has only been conquered once.”
“What? Only once? And who claims that feat?” I jumped in to ask out of curiosity.
“Yes. While some attempts have been made, K6 Main has only been summited once. It goes all the way back to 1970 when an Austrian team led by Eduard Koblmueller that included Gerhard Haberl, Christian von der Hecken and Gerd Pressl came to Pakistan. (Information verified from Wikipedia)
You know what’s the interesting thing? They were initially aiming for Malubiting and set their eyes on it, but fate had other plans for them. The Government of Pakistan withdrew the permission and eventually allotted K6 to them.
Little did they know, this twist of fate would work in their favor. Ascending via the Southeast Ridge from the Nangmah Glacier, they tackled all the challenges and triumphantly conquered the peak of K6!”
“Woah! That’s interesting!” Marc expressed.
“Yes, I guess, sometimes the turn of events and the shift in plan can ultimately turn out serendipitous. Just like in our case…Who would have thought that our journey would unfold with the opportunity to witness multiple gems of Karakoram in a single stay?” Lukas remarked as we took a moment to catch our breath, while K6 was nearer than ever.
Witnessing the K6 Peak:
The first glance at Mount K6, while standing in its closest proximity, felt like a dream come true. The colossal ice-mixed giant stood prominently in the hushed kingdom. Its sheer majesty left us in awe as we stood in its presence. The dusky sun had cast a soft glow over the peak and the frozen landscape.
“What a surreal view. Absolutely breathtaking!” I couldn’t help but praise the grandeur of nature.
We took our time to absorb the jaw-dropping surroundings. The ethereal view showcased the small Nangmah Glacier to our southwest, while the Kaberi Glacier at the east.
This journey and exploration of Karakoram had exceeded our expectations. We were not anticipating a landscape so rich in awe-inspiring wonders. The resilient beauty of the most breathtaking terrains and the pristine allure of Karakoram’s mountains had engraved themselves into our hearts forever.
We sat and reflected on our journey and all the mountains we had witnessed during this extensive expedition. Undoubtedly, it was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of adventure for us.
Return Journey:
After the extended stay and witnessing the grandeur of multiple mountains, it was finally our time to bid farewell to the Karakoram range. Following the magical sunset at K6, we started trekking towards Hushe Valley.
The journey took us two nights, providing ample time to recount our experiences, share more stories, learn about the local culture from our porters, and listen to incredible mountain tales from our guide at the Ankam and Saitcho campsites, before stepping into the wondrous region, Hushe.
Totally unexpected, Hushe was the most picturesque village we have seen so far. It felt like it had been a long time since we encountered the lush greenery. The vibrant hues and the charming lanes became a treat for our eyes. We stayed a day and strolled in the town to explore more of its refreshing beauty. There, we bid adieu to our expedition companions, Jamal and Qudoos, our diligent porters who efficiently carried the weight of our journey.
Conclusion:
The farewell to Hushe marked the conclusion of not just a physical journey but an emotional one as well. We extended a heartfelt thanks to our guide after reaching the Skardu Airport, following a long 6-hour drive from Hushe to Skardu. He made sure that our expedition went smoothly and effortlessly.
As we boarded our flight to Switzerland, the panoramic views of the rugged peaks bid us a last majestic farewell. The memories of Karakoram, from the towering peaks to the quaint village of Hushe, will no doubt forever reside in our hearts.