Gasherbrum II Expedition
Altitude
8,035m
Duration
45-50 Days
Best Season
June - August
Overview
The Gasherbrum II Expedition offers climbers a challenging yet technically less demanding 8000m summit in the Karakoram Range. Accessed via the Baltoro Glacier, it provides an excellent high-altitude experience and preparation for more technical peaks like Gasherbrum I or K2.
Highlights
Team Assembly and Briefing
Meet the expedition team for a formal briefing at the Alpine Club of Pakistan. This day includes gear checks and last-minute purchases. Accommodation: Hotel in Islamabad.
Travel to Skardu
Transfer to Skardu via a 1-hour scenic flight or a 2-day drive via the Karakoram Highway should flights be cancelled. Overnight in Skardu. Altitude: 2,230m. Accommodation: Hotel.
Preparation in Skardu
Rest and preparation day to obtain climbing permits from the Gilgit-Baltistan government and finalize fresh food supplies. Optional acclimatization hikes to Shigar Fort or Satpara Lake. Accommodation: Hotel.
Drive to Askole
A 7-8 hour drive via 4x4 jeep along the Braldu River to Askole, the final inhabited village before the wilderness. Altitude: 3,000m. Accommodation: Camping.
Trek to Jhula
A 6-7 hour trek along the Braldu River, involving suspension bridge crossings to reach the camp at Jhula. Altitude: 3,200m. Accommodation: Camping.
Trek to Paiju
A 6-7 hour trek into the Baltoro Glacier region, offering views of Cathedral Peak and Trango Towers. Altitude: 3,450m. Accommodation: Camping.
Paiju Rest Day
Optional rest and acclimatization day for recovery and short hikes while porters prepare provisions for the glacier. Accommodation: Camping.
Trek to Urdukas
A 6-7 hour trek marking the first day of glacier travel on the Baltoro, featuring views of Masherbrum. Altitude: 4,130m. Accommodation: Camping.
Trek to Goro II
A 6-7 hour trek over ice and moraine with stunning views of Gasherbrum IV. Altitude: 4,300m. Accommodation: Camping.
Trek to Concordia
A 6-7 hour trek to the heart of the Karakoram, providing panoramic views of K2, Broad Peak, and the Gasherbrums. Altitude: 4,600m. Accommodation: Camping.
Trek to Gasherbrum Base Camp
A 4-5 hour final trek across the Upper Baltoro Glacier to establish a permanent base camp with full facilities. Altitude: 5,100m. Accommodation: Camping.
Training and Puja Ceremony
Technical training on fixed ropes, ice climbing, and crevasse rescue, followed by a traditional Puja ceremony. Initial load carries to Camp 1 (5,950m) begin. Accommodation: Camping.
First Rotation
Acclimatization rotations to Camp 1 (5,950m) and Camp 2 (6,400m), including gear deposits and overnight stays before returning to Base Camp for rest. Accommodation: Camping.
Second Rotation
Advanced acclimatization reaching Camp 3 (7,000m) for an overnight stay, followed by descent for full recovery and weather monitoring. Accommodation: Camping.
Summit Push
A weather-dependent summit attempt of the peak (8,035m). Includes ascent through camps and a 10-15 hour summit day, with buffer days for contingencies. Altitude: 8,035m. Accommodation: Camping.
Rest and Packing
Post-climb recovery, base camp clean-up operations, and celebrations with the porter team. Accommodation: Camping.
Return Trek to Skardu
Trekking back via Concordia, Goro II, Urdukas, Paiju, and Askole, followed by the drive back to Skardu. Accommodation: Camping.
Skardu Debriefing
Official debriefing with local authorities in Skardu. Optional sightseeing in Shigar Valley or Satpara Lake. Accommodation: Hotel.
Return to Islamabad
Return travel to Islamabad via flight or a 2-day drive along the Karakoram Highway. Accommodation: Hotel.
Extra Contingency Days
Buffer days reserved for weather-related delays or additional recovery time. Accommodation: Hotel.
Islamabad Sightseeing
Visit local landmarks such as Faisal Mosque and Rawal Lake, concluding with an expedition celebration dinner. Accommodation: Hotel.
Official Wrap-Up
Final debriefing with the Alpine Club and the formal return of climbing permits. Accommodation: Hotel.
Final Departure
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your flight home. Transport: Fly out.
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