Gasherbrum-II Expedition
Gasherbrum II is part of the greater Gasherbrum group of 5 peaks, 2 of which soar over 8000m, and is the world’s 13th highest mountain. She is roundly held as one of the most straight-forward and accessible of the fourteen, and climbers on her normal route, if sufficiently resourced and prepared, enjoy reasonable summit rates in clement weather.
She is of course an 8000er, and as such repels many dozens of climbers every year. In 2004 some 38 climbers from multiple nationalities reached her summit after a small weather window opened near the end of the season.
The route of choice is the SW ridge. A mostly clearly defined spur that is relatively free of objective dangers. Nonetheless history shows more than a few climbers have perished on this route due to these causes.
If you want to climb G2, you will need outstanding stamina, a fierce determination, and an ability to deal with 'expedition downtime' - boredom, apathy, lethargy, and cold lonely nights on the glacier.
8K peaks are to climbers what the Grand Slam series is to tennis players (with the exception that there are no spectators at 26,000ft). So if your not ready yet for your "Wimbledon" your not ready for G2.
In real terms, you should have several serious seasons of climbing at or above 6500m before you can contemplate an ascent of Gasherbrum II or any other 8000m peak.
Generally most expeditions that come here allot up to 55 days to climb this mountain from arrival in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan.
Trip Facts
Country: Pakistan
Duration: 59 Days
Minimum Altitude: 540 m / 1,770 ft (Islamabad)
Maximum Altitude: 8,035 m / 26,380 ft (Summit of Gasherbrum-II)
Walking Per Day: Approximately 5–7 hours (longer during glacier trekking and approach)
Nature: Trekking, Glacier Travel, High-Altitude Mountaineering & Camping Expedition
Grade: Extremely Challenging / Expedition Level
Best Season: June–July (Summer Climbing Season)
Itinerary:
Day 1
Arrival in Islamabad
Arrive in Islamabad and transfer to your hotel. Rest and recover from your journey.
Day 2
Islamabad (Ministry Briefing)
Attend the official briefing at the Ministry of Tourism regarding the Gasherbrum route. Complete permits, documentation, and expedition planning.
Day 3
Drive to Chilas
Drive along the Karakoram Highway to Chilas. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 4
Drive to Skardu
Continue the road journey to Skardu. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5
Skardu (Preparation Day)
Organize equipment, check gear, and finalize preparations for the high-altitude trek. Meet the expedition team.
Day 6
Drive to Thongal / Askole
Drive by jeep to Askole, the starting point for the Baltoro Glacier trek. Overnight camp at Askole.
Day 7
Trek to Korofong
Begin trekking through alpine valleys and moraine terrain. Overnight at Korofong camp.
Day 8
Trek to Chobraqk
Continue trekking through rugged glacial terrain toward Chobraqk. Overnight camp.
Day 9
Trek to Paiju
Trek along the Baltoro Glacier, reaching Paiju for overnight camp.
Day 10
Trek to Urdukas
Trek further along the glacier, crossing moraines and rocky terrain to Urdukas. Overnight camp.
Day 11
Trek to Goro
Continue trekking across glacial valleys to Goro. Overnight camp.
Day 12
Trek to Concordia
Reach Concordia, the confluence of major glaciers. Enjoy panoramic views of Gasherbrum and other Karakoram peaks. Overnight camp.
Day 13
Trek to Sharing
Continue trekking toward Sharing camp. Overnight in tents.
Day 14
Trek to Gasherbrum-II Base Camp
Arrive at Gasherbrum-II Base Camp. Settle in and prepare for the climbing phase.
Day 15 - 47
Acclimatization & Climbing Period
Extended period for acclimatization rotations and summit attempts on Gasherbrum-II (8,035 m). Higher camps are established, ropes fixed, and climbers attempt the summit when weather windows are favorable.
Day 48
Descent to Sharing
Begin descent from Base Camp back to Sharing camp. Overnight stay.
Day 49
Trek to Concordia
Continue descending along the Baltoro Glacier to Concordia. Overnight camp.
Day 50
Trek to Ali Camp
Trek further along the glacier to Ali Camp. Overnight camp.
Day 51
Trek to Low Camp via Gondogoro Pass
Cross the Gondogoro Pass and reach Low Camp. Overnight camp.
Day 52
Trek to Dalsang Pa
Continue descent to Dalsang Pa. Overnight camp.
Day 53
Trek to Hushe
Finish the glacier trek and reach Hushe village. Overnight camping.
Day 54
Drive to Skardu
Return by jeep to Skardu. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 55
Skardu (Leisure Day)
Relax and recover from the expedition. Optional sightseeing.
Day 56
Drive to Chilas
Drive along the Karakoram Highway back to Chilas. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 57
Drive to Islamabad
Return to Islamabad and overnight at the hotel.
Day 58
Islamabad (Debriefing)
Attend a debriefing session at the Ministry of Tourism and share expedition experiences.
Day 59
Final Departure
Transfer to the airport for your onward international flight, marking the conclusion of the Gasherbrum-II Expedition.
Includes:
- All airport-hotel – airport transport
- 3 nights accommodations in Islamabad with breakfast
- All transportation in Pakistan, including round-trip flights from Islamabad to Skardu & Skardu to Islamabad. In the event these flights are cancelled we will usually wait a few days for another flight before making the 2 day journey by bus to Skardu
- Internet access & satellite phones in base camp. Satellite phone is available at $3 per minute
- Professional weather forecasting services from USA & European based meteorologists
- Sherpa, porters, liaison officer, camp staff and guides
- All administration fees owed to Islamabad, including climbing permits
- Climbing permit fee.
- Necessary number of porters/yak to carry load to & from base camp
- Equipment allowance and insurance of Liaison officer
- Personal climbing Sherpa with wages/equipment allowance/ insurance/high camps load ferry bonus
- Cook and cook boys with their equipment allowance, wages and insurance
- Best quality tents at Base camp with sleeping mattresses
- Best quality dinning tent with heater at Base Camp
- All necessary kitchen & camping equipment at base camp and camp 2 along with table/chairs.
- Shower facility at base camp
- Fresh and organic food and beverages at Base Camp and imported quality high altitude food (individual packet)
- Enough numbers of EPI gases with burner for high camps
- Walkie-talkie and permit fee
- Satellite phone for the emergency purpose (Personal call $ 3 per minutes)
- Solar panel/Generator with accessories at base camp for recharging & power supply
- Necessary climbing hardware gears with fixed ropes except the personal gears
- Required Oxygen bottles with mask and regulator.
- Insurance of local team members
- Rope fixing fee
- Tented accommodation and meal at in/out to base camp
Exclusion:
· International round-trip airfare
· Major meals in
· Personal climbing equipment
· Insurance, should include evacuation
· Alcoholic beverages and bottled drinks
· All expenses incurred in the event of early departure (evacuation fees, transport, extra hotel nights, etc.)
· Personal communication (phone, fax, e-mail) between Pakistan and home country
· Sherpa summit bonus ($1000).
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