Askole

Askole is a village in the Shigar Valley, Baltistan, in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. It serves as the last settlement reachable by road for trekkers and mountaineers heading to several major Himalayan peaks and glaciers, including K2, Gasherbrum I (Hidden Peak), Gasherbrum II, Broad Peak, and the Baltoro Glacier.

As a result, Askole is a crucial logistical hub for expeditions in the Karakoram mountain range. Porters, guides, and supplies are typically organized and dispatched from Askole before embarking on the challenging trek to base camps. The village's remoteness and the difficult terrain surrounding it have historically made access challenging, though road improvements have made access somewhat easier in recent years.

The inhabitants of Askole are primarily Balti people, who are known for their resilience and their traditional way of life adapted to the harsh mountain environment. Their economy relies significantly on providing services to trekking and mountaineering expeditions. The local community has increasingly benefited from tourism associated with the region's mountaineering activities.