The Karakoram is high, remote and changeable. Our itineraries build in acclimatisation days on the Baltoro approach and weather buffer days at the start and end of the trip, because rushing is the most common cause of trouble at altitude. Your guide watches the weather, the trail and how each person in the group is feeling, and adjusts the plan when conditions or health call for it.
Every traveller must hold travel insurance that explicitly covers high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation, valid to the maximum altitude of the trek (we recommend cover up to at least 6,000 m). Trekkers without it may be declined boarding on the trek. Details are in our Booking Terms.
In the Karakoram, a helicopter is never an instant guarantee. Flights depend on weather, visibility and clearances, and often cannot reach high camps for hours or days. Evacuation is coordinated between you and your insurance provider and is at your own expense, as set out in our Booking Terms. Prevention matters more than rescue, which is why pacing and early honesty about symptoms matter so much.
Islamabad–Skardu flights are weather-dependent and the road to Askole can close after landslides or floods. This is why our itineraries include buffer days. If a flight is cancelled we will advise the safest practical alternative. See the Force majeure section of our Booking Terms for how disruptions are handled.
Ask before you book. We would rather answer a hard question now than have a surprise on the mountain: info@greatadv.com.