Concordia (Karakoram)

View of Concordia, looking west

Concordia (Urdu: کونکورڈیا‎) is the name for the confluence of the mighty Baltoro Glacier and the Godwin-Austen Glacier, in the heart of the Karakoram range of Pakistan. It is located in Baltistan region of Pakistan. The name was applied by European explorers, and comes from this location's similarity to a glacial confluence, also named Concordia, in the Bernese Oberland, part of the Central Alps.

Around Concordia are clustered some of the highest peaks in the world. Four of the world's fourteen "eight-thousanders" are in this region, as well as a number of important lower peaks.

Concordia offers the region's best place to camp for mountain enthusiasts not involved in climbing. With scenic views, it also offers short treks to several important base camps: K2 (5–6 hours), Broad Peak (2–3 hours) and the Gasherbrum I&II (7–8 hours). An alternative exit to returning down the Baltoro Glacier is available by climbing the Gondogoro Pass (5615 meters). Visitors to the region are advised to carefully monitor their water intake with concern. To avoid often painful and sometimes debilitating stomach upsets at high altitude, water should be obtained from clear water sources and brought to a rolling boil, or purified before consumption.

History

In 1890, Robert Lerco was the first reported person to reach Concordia, followed by William Martin Conway in 1892.[1]

Notable features

Camp at Concordia with Mitre Peak in the background

Notable peaks in this area include:

Panoramic view from Concordia.

Coordinates: 35°44′N 76°31′E / 35.733°N 76.517°E / 35.733; 76.517

See also

References

  1. ↑ "'The Ghosts of K2' Adds Twists to the Early K2 Saga". 2015-11-10.
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