Barah Broq Trekking Guide | Moses Peak Barah Valley

 "Overview of the Barah Broq Trek in Pakistan"

The Barah Broq Trek is a suitable option for those who want to go trekking with their family. It was recently discovered by Mr. Musa Khan, a local photographer and trekking enthusiast, and is located in the Barah Valley of Karakoram. The Moses Peak, the main attraction of the trek, does not require a trekking permit or peak royalty fee for climbing. From the peak, one can get a stunning view of K2, the second highest mountain in the world, as well as several other peaks over 7000 meters, including Nangaparbat, Spantik, Latok, Broadpeak, Mashabrom, Ghashabrom 1/2/3/4/, Chogholingsa, Baltoro Kangri, Sia Kangri, K-7, K-6, K-12, and many other snow-covered peaks. The trek can be completed in 4-5 days, starting from the base camp of the Moses Peak and returning to the village of Barah. It is an easy route located in open territory.

K2 view from Moses Peak (Photo credits to wanderlust)

 

The Barah Broq trek is an excellent way to experience the beauty of K2 and the unique culture of the Karakoram region. Despite its recent emergence as a hiking destination, there is very little information available on how to visit and complete the trek. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know, including necessary gear, daily itinerary, and whether or not you should hire a guide. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a beginner, this article aims to be the ultimate resource for this exciting and underrated trail in Pakistan.

To prepare for the Barah Broq Trek:

Here is a list of items that you may want to bring on a hiking trip:

1. A daypack with a capacity of 25-35 liters, or a larger backpack with a capacity of 60-70 liters
2. A filtered water bottle to ensure that you have clean drinking water
3. A warm sleeping bag, ideally one that is suitable for use in all seasons
4. A sleeping pad to provide cushioning and insulation from the ground
5. A headlamp to provide light during the evening and early morning hours
6. Trekking poles to help with balance and support on uneven terrain
7. A good pair of trekking boots that offer support and protection for your feet
8. An appropriate clothing and layering system to keep you comfortable in a range of temperatures and conditions.

Remember to also bring any necessary personal items, such as hygiene products and any medications you may need. It's also a good idea to bring a first aid kit and any other safety equipment that you feel may be necessary.

You will need to be fully equipped with the necessary items for a multi-day hike, such as a 25-35 liter hiking daypack or a large 60-70 liter hiking backpack (depending on the tour company you choose), a filtered water bottle, a warm sleeping bag, a sleeping pad, a headlamp, trekking poles, and a good pair of trekking boots. It is also important to have the proper clothing and layering system. If you go on the trek with Epic Backpacker Tours, all essential items, including food, kitchenware, and cutlery, will be provided for you and porters will carry the majority of the gear. In this case, you only need to bring a daypack with your essentials and a large 60-70 liter backpack will not be necessary. Keep in mind that there are no amenities in the valley besides a shepherd's camp halfway up, so self-sufficiency is crucial.

Why Hiring a Guide for the Barah Broq Trek:

It is recommended that you hire a guide for the Barah Broq trek for several reasons. Firstly, the terrain can be challenging and a guide will be able to safely navigate through the boulder fields and help prevent you from getting lost. Secondly, hiring a local guide is a way to support the local economy and show goodwill towards the people of Barah, who have rights to the land in the valley. It is possible to hike independently, but hiring a guide can make the trek smoother and more enjoyable. Epic Backpacker Tours employs local guides, porters, and cooks from Barah for its Trekking Amongst Giants program, and the team typically consists of 9-12 villagers. The cook team is especially skilled.

(If you don’t know much about Barah Valley and its Beauties is like already, here’s another blog post we wrote all about the subject.

To get to the Barah Broq Trailhead,

You'll need to first reach Skardu, which is the largest city in Northern Pakistan and the starting point for many treks in the area. There are several options for getting to Skardu, including a scenic flight from one of several cities, a shared taxi or shuttle, or a local NATCO bus. Flights are the most convenient option, but they can be prone to cancellations due to bad weather. Allow at least two days to reach Skardu. From Skardu, you'll need to arrange transportation to the village of Barah, which is about 3 hours away by car. A shared taxi or shuttle is a good option, though there is also a local bus that goes to Barah. The trail to Barah Broq begins above the village, between Barah Paine and Barah Bhala. These villages can be confusing to navigate, so it's important to follow your guide closely. The trail officially starts from Barah Bala.

Barah Broq Trek Day @ One:

Starting elevation: 2500 meters Altitude gain: 650-800 meters Sleeping at: 3150-3300 meters

On the first day of the Barah Broq Trek, you will start at an elevation of 2500 meters and gain an altitude of 650-800 meters. Your final destination for the night will be between 3150-3300 meters. The path for the majority of the day is clear and well-defined, with plenty of shade. You will see many empty huts along the way, which are used by local shepherds. As you walk, keep the river on your left and avoid going too far to the right towards the valley wall. You may need to hop over canals to keep your feet dry. After about 2-3 hours of walking, you will reach a colorful pond and rock wall, which could be a potential place to sleep. There are several options for where to sleep on the first night, including a large pond called "The Pool," a series of old huts called "The Huts," or the "The Riverbank." Each location has its own advantages and disadvantages, such as comfort and space, but may not be suitable depending on the weather and group size.

Barah Broq Trek Day @ 2nd:

Shepherds Camp and “The Courts” Starting elevation: 3150-3300 meters Altitude gain: 850-1000 meters Sleeping at: 4150 meters

On the second day of the hike, the scenery shifts from lush apricot groves to a dry, rocky canyon. The hike also becomes more challenging. You can expect to gain between 850 and 1000 meters in elevation, with most of the gain occurring during a steep climb immediately after the Riverbank Camp. The ascent can be difficult, as the path is steep, rocky, and exposed to the sun. It is important to start the hike early in the morning to avoid the heat of the afternoon sun, which can be intense in the valley. You will sleep at an altitude of 4150 meters.

Once you reach a point on the hike where the incline becomes less steep and you see a large area filled with boulders and patches of grass, you can be confident that the most difficult part of the journey is behind you. There is a shepherd's camp located just above this boulder field. This is a good place to stop and rest, have a snack or drink, or even have a full lunch. The local shepherds are usually happy to share some of their fresh yogurt, butter, or Balti tea with hikers. If you have a Balti-speaking guide, they may be able to help you communicate with the shepherds and arrange for these refreshments. It is customary to offer a small payment for their hospitality, and it is also appreciated if you can donate an item like socks to the shepherds, as they often suffer from blisters on their feet due to inadequate footwear.

After you pass the shepherd's camp:

The next campsite is not far away. Simply follow the path uphill, making sure to cross the river, and exit through another wooden gate. The rest of the journey consists of a mix of terrain, including boulders and grassy areas, but the incline is always gentle. As you walk, you will notice several good spots to set up camp, with flat ground and access to water. One particularly good location is the open area before the local mosque (see KML track). This area has plenty of space and a nearby rock pool that can be used by adventurous hikers who want to take a swim. If we have enough time, we often like to play a game of mountain bocci (if we can find suitable rocks). We have come to call this spot "The Courts" because of this activity. From this point, you will be able to see panoramic views of the Central Karakoram National Park when you look back down the valley. The views only get better from here.

Note: The mosque in this area is very rustic and held in high regard by the locals. It is not acceptable to camp in this area, and you may be asked to move by a local or an attendant if you try to do so.

Barah Broq Trek Day @ 3rd:

On the third day, you will either be at Teardrop Lake or High Camp

You will begin at an elevation of 4100 meters and will gain an altitude of between 600-800 meters. You will sleep at an elevation of either 4700 or 4900 meters.

The hike today is mostly moderate, with a steep section at the end if you choose to stay at High Camp. The scenery will change significantly as you leave the dusty valley and enter wide meadows with real mountains and glaciers in the distance. Along the way, you'll encounter more boulder fields, but there are clear trails to follow that run close to the river on your right. Eventually, you'll reach a large meadow with two cirques, one on each side, each containing an alpine lake. The cirque on the right is where you'll camp for the night.

If you have the energy, consider taking a 2-3 hour detour to the cirque on the left, which has a spectacular lake. Avoid the large boulder fields on the edges of the cirque. To reach the cirque on the right where you'll be camping, you'll need to cross the small streams that flow from the cirque on the left and the larger river that you've been following. There are plenty of rocks to use as stepping stones. As you approach the cirque on the right, aim slightly to the right and find a safe spot to cross the river before reaching the lake. Once you've crossed the river, the lake will be just ahead. The lake is known for its blue water and the surrounding jagged peaks. There is some dry, flat ground on the lake's edge that can be used for camping, and Moses Peak is located above.

Climbing to the High Camp (Goma brangsa)

It is possible to sleep at a higher elevation near the lake if there is water available. Sometimes in the summer, there may be small streams or pools formed from melting snow in the boulder fields. If you are feeling well and there is water available, it is recommended to continue to High Camp as it will make the climb to Moses Peak easier. It can be uncertain if there is water or not, so it is common for a porter or local guide to be sent ahead to check for water while the rest of the group has lunch. To reach High Camp, follow the lake's edge on the right for about half the distance and then start climbing up the side of the hill. There are multiple routes and the path can be difficult to follow due to the presence of boulders. It is important to be cautious of falling rocks and watch out for twisted ankles. The total altitude gain for this section is approximately 200 meters.

Hike Near Teardrop Lake

As you climb, make sure to turn around and look back a few times. You will have a great view of the lake from above and will see why it is called "Teardrop Lake". If the sun is out, it will be very bright and colorful. When you reach the top of the hill, the ground will become flat, but there will still be a lot of large rocks around. There are a few areas with open grass that are large enough to set up a group of tents south-southwest of the lake. Just be sure to choose a spot that is close to water. No matter where you decide to sleep, you will have a great view of the rugged peaks across the lake and valley. Additionally, you will have to climb 200 meters less the following day to reach the top of Moses Peak.

Barah Broq Trek Day @4: Moses Peak

Starting elevation: 4700-4900 meters Altitude gain: 400-600 meters Sleeping at: 4100 or 4700 meters

Today is a significant day for hikers who are fit and experienced enough to reach the summit of Moses Peak. It typically takes around 3-4 hours to reach the top from High Camp, or an additional 60-90 minutes if starting from Teardrop Lake. To have the best chances of clear weather and seeing K2, it is recommended to aim to arrive at the summit before 9:00 a.m. After this time, clouds may roll in and the weather may become more unpredictable. To arrive at the summit before 9:00 a.m., it is necessary to have an "alpine start," which means setting an alarm for no later than 3:00 a.m. and departing by 4:00 a.m. To see the sunrise from the top of Moses Peak, it is necessary to leave even earlier, as the sun rises between 4:45 and 5:45 a.m. in the summer.

Moses Peak Barah valley: 

Moses Peak is found at the end of the Barah valley in the Karakorum region of Pakistan Baltistan. It is a well-known spot for trekking and offers a chance to experience the culture and way of life of the local inhabitants while also enjoying the natural beauty of the valley. The nearby village of Barah allows visitors to spend time with the locals and fully immerse themselves in the area.

One of the standout features of Moses Peak is the stunning view it offers of K-2, the second highest peak in the world, and many other peaks over 7000 meters, including Nangaparbat, Spantik, Latok, Broadpeak, Mashabrom, Ghashabrom1/2/3/4/, Chogholingsa, Baltoro Kangri, Sia Kangri, K-7, K-6, K12, and others. The trek to the base camp of Moses Peak takes about 4-5 days round trip from the village of Barah and follows a pleasant route through open terrain.

To climb Moses Peak, no technical equipment is needed, but it is necessary to do a lot of boulder hopping. There are at least three large boulders to navigate between High Camp and the summit, with the first one requiring particular care. There is no specific route to take to the top of the peak and it is possible to take a different path each time. However, it is recommended to climb the southwestern ridge of the first boulder field for a gentler slope and less intense boulder hopping. Then, head northeast up the slope until reaching the next ridgeline, turn northwest, and head directly up the rest of the way, crossing two more boulder fields and being cautious of the edge of the ridge. The summit will be visible. Once at the top, find a comfortable rock to rest on and take in the views, being mindful of the effects of altitude. After spending an hour or two at the summit, return back down the way you came to High Camp.

Where to spend the night:

After completing the climb to Moses Peak, there are several options for where to spend the night:

• If you slept lower down at Teardrop Lake the previous night, you can stay at the same location.
• If you slept at High Camp the previous night, you can pack up and walk down the valley to Camp 3, also known as The Courts. This would be a more practical option as walking all the way to Barah from High Camp would be a long, but doable, day.

Barah Broq Trek Day @5: Return to Barah Valley:

On the fifth day, it is time to return to the village of Barah. The descent is quicker and easier than the ascent. Depending on where you start your descent, the total walking time will be between 5-7 hours and the route will be the same as the way up. When you arrive in Barah, you can have a delicious lunch in a local home or start your journey back to Skardu. You can also take some time to relax after completing a challenging hike.

Would you like to join us on a trek to Barah Broq?

We are inviting you to join us on a trek to Barah Broq, a hidden gem in Pakistan. Our local tour company, based in the village of Barah, arranges trips to Barah Broq with expert local travellers and guides. If you are interested in joining us on this adventure, please contact us using the form on the tour page or on our contact page. We hope to see you on the trails.

Maps:

Map of the Barah Broq trek