Forrest Mallard - May 4, 2021
Baltoro Glacier
Start: Askole
End: Askole
Distance: 108 miles (174km)
Time: 2-3 weeks
Difficulty: Moderate
Surface: Mountain Path,
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Baltoro Glacier is one of the most fabled spots in mountain lore, referred to by most as “Concordia”-or, to the poetically inclined, ‘the throne room of the mountain gods.’ Concordia is the meeting point of two enormous glaciers in a natural bowl deep in the Karakoram Mountains. It is one of the most mountainous spots on Earth, surrounded by four peaks of more than 26,000 feet (7925 m). It is where the Godwin-Austen Glacier flows down from the world’s second-highest mountain, K2, which is 6 miles (10 km) away, and meets the Baltoro Glacier: one of the world’s biggest glaciers, a 39-mile-long (62 km) river of ice feeding the mighty Indus River.
Getting to Baltoro Glacier is far from easy; you start in a small, remote village of mud huts and enter one of the highest mountain wildernesses on the planet. Initial temperatures can top 86°F (30°C), but fall below freezing later in the trip. You’ll need to be prepared for high altitudes: Concordia stands at i4,750 feet (4,500 m). Nevertheless, a few brave souls are always ready to tackle the route. From the village of Askole, most trekkers join a guided party with porters. Eventually, the route leads onto the Baltoro Glacier itself, its surface so rough that ordinary walking boots are sufficient to grip the ice. it takes about a week to reach Concordia, but some walkers still aren’t satisfied and take an optional expedition to K2 base camp.
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Meet the Head Tramp
Forrest Mallard is a travel writer, filmmaker, and adventure guide who has dedicated his life to exploring the world and sharing its stories. With over 50 countries deeply explored, his blog, Tramposaurus Treks, has become a trusted resource for adventurers, even earning recommendations from national tourism boards.
Forrest’s storytelling spans multiple mediums, from documentary filmmaking to in-depth travel writing, often weaving history, culture, and personal experiences into compelling narratives. His acclaimed documentaries on the Walt Disney Company have even earned the rare praise of former Disney CEO Michael Eisner—a testament to his ability to uncover and present compelling stories. His professional background is as varied as his passport stamps—ranging from adventure guiding in Ecuador, Thailand, and Alaska to producing large-scale entertainment in Dubai, managing concert tours in South Africa, and even working aboard National Geographic Expedition ships. This eclectic career path has armed him with a unique perspective: one that blends logistical expertise with an insatiable curiosity for the unknown. Whether leading travelers through rugged landscapes, crafting historical documentaries, or sharing insights on long-distance trekking, Forrest remains dedicated to inspiring others to explore, connect, and embrace adventure—preferably with a well-worn backpack and a good story in tow.
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