At 6,209 meters, Pastore Peak is a “trekking peak” near K2 Base Camp. It is a technically demanding, but manageable climb, affording one of the most sensational “in-your-face” views of K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrum range anywhere in the Karakoram.

It is graded as a PD+ (Peu Difficile+) according to the French Alpine Club (CAF) rating scale. It isn’t technically as hard as K2, but it requires basic mountaineering skills including the use of crampons, ice axes and fixed ropes on snow and ice slopes.

Previously, any high-altitude hiking was needed, however climbing experience wasn't always a must. Basic climbing skills are introduced by Black Yak Adventure on day two in the Base Camp with the harness, jumar and karabiner skills before moving up toward summit.

The best period to aim for is between mid-June and end of August. This is the most settled time of year for weather conditions in the Karakoram, and the conditions of the slopes of Pastore peak are typically more favorable for this alpine style climb.

Estimated trek length is 20 -22 days from Skardu to Skardu; This estimation includes Baltoro glacier trek up to Concordia, the day(s) to acclimatize at Basecamp, summit push and descent either by Gondogoro La or through Askole valley.

After the Pastore Peak Base Camp we will ascend to a High Camp at around 5,200m. The start of the expedition summit attempt will begin just before midnight, so that we reach the summit at sunrise, before the sun warms up the snow and causes extra risk.

No we don’t provide supplementary oxygen for Pastore Peak. Being at 6,209m the approach is to acclimatize naturally. Our route is strategically created to step you through altitude slowly.

We carry high quality communal equipment such as North Face equivalent tents, kitchen gear, dining tents and safety ropes, along with our experienced mountain guides and high-altitude porters who look after all aspects of the climb and its technical security.

You must possess your own mountaineering equipment such as: your double boots, your crampons, your harness, your ice axe, your helmet and a sleeping bag with a rating of at least -20°C. You shouldconsult our"Necessary Material"list to know the specific technical clothing and protection to bring.

Special trekking permit issued by the Gilgit-Baltistan tourism department to climb on Pastore Peak as it is categorized as a trekking peak. Black Yak Adventure will manage all the procedures, paperwork, trekking permit, environmental fees and the local government clearances.

We follow the principle of “climb high, sleep low”. Trekking along the Baltoro Glacier to Concordia(4,600m) is a sort of acclimatization in its own right, and we may spend one or more additional nights at the Base Camp. So your blood oxygen levels are checked for stability.

Our ratio For your comfort and your safety, we are using 1:3. That is one certified high-altitude guide for three climbers. With this small ratio you get personal support, so your guide can assist you while climbing during the steep technical part of the expedition.

Yes. In the event of medical emergencies or a serious high altitude sickness we can arrange a helicopter evacuation through Askari Aviation. All clients must be adequately insured including for high altitude rescue, “mountaineering up to 6,500m”

Our chefs make energetic and nutritious dishes. Most of us eat porridge and eggs for breakfast, while at lunchtime we have rice or pasta with fresh vegetables. Lentils can also be offered, and in most cases vegetarian and vegan and gluten free options can be made available by pre arrangement.

Our kitchen team supplies every camp with safe boiled drinking water. It is advisable to drink 4 to 5 liters a day for acclimitization (preventing headache, tiredness).

Definitely. The Pastore Peak is very close to K2 Base Camp. Normally we have our customers visit K2 Base Camp and the Gilkey Memorial for acclimatization before we depart for Pastore Peak and try to summit it.

Of course it all hinges on weather, and of course fitness can influence success, but the combined knowledge of our guides and careful attention to acclimatisation mean that Black Yak Adventure is still enjoying an excellent success rate with healthy, acclimatized climbers reaching the top.

Yes. We will use local Balti porters who carry the majority of group equipment, food, and your main duffel bag (max weight 15kg), so that you trek with just a light daypack and retain your strength and energy for the expedition itself.

High Camp temperatures at night and early in the morning and down to -10°C or -20°C on the summit. On the glacier at this altitude on a bright day the sun can feel much hotter on the ice.

We're locals with a history in the region and the mountain. That means safety first, only top-notch equipment, and a fair deal for the porters. Pick us for a genuine expedition, handled with care and professionalism. An expedition that benefits mountain people direct.