This was a six‑week mountaineering and kayaking expedition to the Karakoram region of northern Pakistan, undertaken by a six‑member team from June to July 1999. Initially conceived as a bold, ambitious adventure, the final plan focused on crossing one of the world’s longest non‑polar glaciated areas—the Biafo–Hispar system—ascending several unclimbed or rarely climbed peaks, and paddling glacial melt rivers in Baltistan.
After arriving in Islamabad, the team undertook a gruelling 25‑hour journey along the Karakoram Highway to Skardu. From there they travelled to Askole to begin the trekking phase. The early days included difficult progress across the chaotic moraine of the Biafo Glacier and acclimatisation at Baintha, where they ascended Baintha Peak (5603 m) under tough conditions. A major achievement was the ascent of Frisbee Brakk (5825 m)—likely an unclimbed summit—completed in harsh weather and low visibility. The descent became an epic struggle involving steep neve slopes, navigation errors, and exhaustion, but the team ultimately returned safely.
Crossing the Hispar La (5151 m) marked the completion of their main mountaineering objective. The descent along the Hispar Glacier brought warmer terrain, encounters with local communities, and humorous interludes, such as improvised birthday celebrations and intense games of frisbee at altitude.
The kayaking phase in Khaplu introduced new challenges. The team explored the Hushe and Shyok rivers, encountering powerful grade V sections, massive wave trains, and hazardous stoppers. The expedition concluded with flights back to Islamabad and reflections on the landscapes, people, dangers, and personal growth experienced during the journey.
