- +92 51 4441258
- 2/5-B, Street 30, Sector I-8/1, Islamabad - Pakistan
- +92 51 4441258
- 2/5-B, Street 30, Sector I-8/1, Islamabad - Pakistan
Take on the Gasherbrum II Expedition in Pakistan and experience the challenge of climbing one of the world’s great 8,000-metre mountains. Rising to 8,035 metres in the Karakoram range, Gasherbrum II attracts experienced mountaineers seeking a demanding high-altitude objective amid glaciers, snow-covered ridges and spectacular mountain scenery.
Duration of Trek: 55 Days
Mountain Range: Himalaya
Season: May to August
Maximum Elevation: 8,035 metres (26,362 ft)
Standard Package
$120/person
Deluxe Package
$220/person
Premium Package
$499/person
Gasherbrum II is one of the major peaks of the Gasherbrum massif in the Karakoram Mountains. At 8,035 metres, it is the world’s thirteenth-highest mountain and a prominent objective for climbers pursuing an 8,000-metre summit.
The mountain was first climbed in 1956 by an Austrian expedition led by Fritz Moravec, with Josef Larch and Hans Willenpart.
Although its normal route is often considered less technically demanding than some other 8,000-metre peaks, Gasherbrum II remains an exceptionally serious mountain. Extreme altitude, crevasses, avalanches, severe weather, falling ice and prolonged exposure can create life-threatening conditions.
For experienced climbers, the expedition combines a remote approach through the central Karakoram with the physical and technical demands of high-altitude climbing.
Pursue the summit of Gasherbrum II at 8,035 metres. The climb demands careful acclimatization, sound mountaineering judgment and a willingness to adapt to changing conditions.
Approach the mountain through one of Pakistan’s celebrated glacial landscapes. The route passes through remote mountain terrain toward the upper Baltoro region and Concordia.
Concordia is renowned for its extraordinary concentration of high Karakoram peaks. The surrounding landscape provides a dramatic setting on the approach to the Gasherbrum massif.
Experience towering rock faces, glaciers, snow-covered ridges and remote mountain camps in one of the world’s great high-altitude environments.
An expedition typically includes base-camp preparation, acclimatization rotations, movement between higher camps and a flexible summit window. The exact programme depends on the chosen route, conditions and operator arrangements.
The approach to Gasherbrum II begins with travel to Skardu in Gilgit-Baltistan. From there, the expedition proceeds toward Askole and follows the trekking route through the Braldu Valley, Baltoro Glacier and Concordia region before reaching the mountain’s base-camp area.
The climbing phase generally follows the southwest ridge, with the expedition team establishing and using higher camps according to route conditions and its climbing strategy.
Islamabad: Arrival, documentation, briefing and equipment checks.
Skardu: Final preparations and onward transport arrangements.
Askole: Beginning of the trekking approach.
Baltoro Glacier: Trekking through remote glacial terrain.
Concordia: Arrival in the central Karakoram mountain region.
Gasherbrum II Base Camp: Establishing the expedition’s main climbing camp.
Acclimatization and climbing rotations: Progression through higher camps as conditions allow.
Summit window: Attempting the summit when weather, route safety and climber readiness are suitable.
Return journey: Descending from base camp and retracing the planned exit route.
Arrive in Islamabad, and transfer to your hotel for rest and preparation.
Attend the briefing at the Ministry of Tourism, where you’ll receive expedition details, safety protocols, and itinerary information.
Fly or drive to Skardu, the gateway to the Karakoram. Check into your hotel for a good rest.
Rest and explore Skardu if needed. Acclimatize and prepare for the journey ahead.
Drive to Askoli by jeep. Set up your base camp in preparation for the trek to Gasherbrum I.
Trek from Askoli to Julla through beautiful landscapes. Camp overnight.
Take a rest day to acclimatize and prepare for the challenges ahead.
Continue the trek to Urdukas, which offers incredible views of the Karakoram peaks.
Trek towards Goro II, another scenic camping spot on the route to Gasherbrum I.
Trek towards Shaghring, another camp en route to Gasherbrum II Base Camp.
Arrive at Gasherbrum I Base Camp. Set up camp and rest after the long trek.
Climbers will focus on acclimatization, rest, and attempts to summit Gasherbrum II. The weather and the terrain will determine the exact schedule.
Final ascent to the summit of Gasherbrum II. Climbers will make their final summit push during these days.i
After summiting (or depending on progress), begin your descent to Concordia, where you’ll rest and recover.
Trek down from Concordia to Urdukas, retracing your steps along the Baltoro Glacier, surrounded by stunning mountain vistas.
Continue your descent to Payu, one of the most scenic campsites on the trek, with magnificent views of Broad Peak and surrounding peaks.
Trek from Payu to Julla, as you continue retracing your steps through the rugged landscape of the Karakoram.
Finish your trek by returning to Askoli, the last village on the trek. Set up camp and prepare for the drive back to Skardu.
After completing the trek, take a scenic jeep ride back to Skardu, where you’ll check into your hotel to relax and recover from the journey.
Travel from Skardu to Islamabad either by flight or road. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
The Gasherbrum II Expedition is an extreme high-altitude mountaineering challenge. Reaching 8,035 metres exposes climbers to a severe shortage of oxygen, freezing temperatures, high winds and unpredictable mountain conditions.
Participants should have:
Previous high-altitude mountaineering experience appropriate to the objective
Strong physical fitness and endurance
Experience using crampons, ice axes, ropes and other relevant equipment
Knowledge of glacier travel, crevasse hazards and snow conditions
Experience with acclimatization and high-altitude camp routines
The ability to make conservative decisions in difficult conditions
The main climbing season for Gasherbrum II is generally during the summer months, particularly June, July and August. However, the most suitable period depends on snow conditions, wind, temperature, route stability and the year’s weather patterns.
Summer climbing conditions
Summer provides the usual window for expeditions to approach the mountain and establish climbing camps. Even during the main season, severe weather can close routes or delay a summit attempt.
A responsible expedition plan should include time for acclimatization, weather delays, route assessment and a safe descent. No departure date can guarantee a summit.
High-altitude expeditions use a planned system of acclimatization and climbing rotations to help climbers prepare for increasing elevation.
The number and position of camps can vary with the route, current conditions and the team’s strategy. A typical climbing programme may include:
Base Camp: Main camp for rest, organization and expedition coordination.
Higher camps: Camps established along the chosen route to support acclimatization and progression.
Rotation periods: Planned movement between camps and lower elevations where appropriate.
Summit attempt: An attempt during a suitable weather window when the team considers conditions acceptable.
Descent: Returning safely to base camp and leaving the mountain.
Climbers need specialized equipment suitable for an 8,000-metre peak and Karakoram conditions.
Clothing: Down suit, thermal layers, waterproof outerwear, insulated gloves, balaclava and expedition socks.
Climbing Gear: High-altitude boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, carabiners and ascenders/descenders.
Camp Essentials: Sleeping bag, duffel bags, daypack, headlamp, hydration equipment and personal supplies.
Safety Equipment: Goggles, sunglasses, sunscreen, first-aid kit, personal medication and emergency communication devices.
Supplemental Support: Oxygen systems, masks, regulators, fixed ropes and medical support, as specified in the expedition plan.
Expedition services vary by package. Before confirming a booking, request a written description of the arrangements provided by Karakoram Explorer.
Depending on the selected service level, arrangements may include:
Expedition planning and pre-departure information
Assistance with required permits and documentation
Airport transfers and scheduled ground transport
Accommodation during the planned city stays
Trekking and expedition support staff
Trekking and camping logistics
Base-camp facilities and meals, as specified
Climbing equipment and high-altitude support, where included
Communication, weather updates and emergency arrangements, as specified
Potential exclusions may include international flights, visas, personal climbing equipment, travel and evacuation insurance, tips, additional accommodation, personal expenses and services not listed in the package.
The cost of a Gasherbrum II Expedition depends on the duration, group size, permit and logistics costs, accommodation, transport, base-camp services, climbing support and any supplemental oxygen or high-altitude assistance.
When requesting a quotation, provide your preferred departure dates, climbing experience, group size and desired service level.
Ask for a written breakdown covering:
Expedition permit and documentation arrangements
Transport and accommodation
Trekking and base-camp services
Food and camping arrangements
Climbing support and equipment
Supplemental oxygen, if applicable
Insurance requirements and exclusions
Payment schedule and cancellation terms
Gasherbrum I and Gasherbrum II are neighbouring 8,000-metre peaks in the Karakoram, but they are distinct climbing objectives with different route characteristics and technical demands.
Gasherbrum II rises to 8,035 metres, while Gasherbrum I reaches 8,080 metres. Both require serious preparation, suitable equipment, acclimatization and careful decision-making at extreme altitude.
If you are considering either mountain, compare the proposed route, required experience, climbing support, duration and contingency arrangements before choosing an expedition.
International climbers generally begin their journey in Islamabad before travelling onward to Skardu and the Karakoram trekking region.
Before travelling, confirm your Pakistan visa requirements, expedition documentation, travel and evacuation insurance, baggage limits, equipment requirements and transport arrangements. Leave flexibility in your international travel schedule because weather can affect domestic flights and mountain-road access.
Karakoram Explorer can clarify the travel arrangements offered within your selected package.
Planning an 8,000-metre expedition involves more than reaching the mountain. It requires careful coordination of travel, documentation, trekking logistics, climbing preparations and contingency planning.
Karakoram Explorer can help you review the expedition itinerary, understand the proposed service level and clarify the arrangements available for your chosen departure.
Before booking, ask our team about:
The exact route and climbing schedule
The experience required for participation
The services included in your package
High-altitude support and oxygen arrangements
Weather delays and contingency days
Insurance and emergency procedures
Gasherbrum II is 8,035 metres (26,362 feet) high and is the world's thirteenth-highest mountain.
Gasherbrum II is in the Karakoram range of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, near the border with China.
The duration depends on the expedition itinerary, approach route, acclimatization schedule and contingency days. Check the current Karakoram Explorer package for the confirmed total duration.
The main climbing season is generally June to August, although actual conditions vary. Weather and route safety determine when a summit attempt is appropriate.
It is an extreme high-altitude mountaineering objective. Climbers need appropriate experience, strong fitness, technical skills and the ability to manage risk at extreme altitude.
Requirements depend on the expedition operator and service level. Previous high-altitude mountaineering experience is essential, and climbers should honestly disclose their background when applying.
The southwest ridge is the commonly used normal route. The exact climbing line, camps and fixed-rope arrangements depend on current conditions and the expedition's plan.
Oxygen availability depends on the package. Confirm whether it is included, optional or arranged separately, and ask about the oxygen strategy and emergency procedures.
High-altitude expeditions must follow the applicable Pakistani mountaineering permit and documentation requirements. Ask the operator to confirm the current requirements and the services included in your package.
Contact Karakoram Explorer with your preferred dates, group size and mountaineering experience. Request the full itinerary, service details, pricing and booking conditions before confirming your participation.
Contact Karakoram Explorer to discuss your climbing background, review the proposed expedition services and request the current itinerary.
