Gasherbrum II Expedition
Climb Gasherbrum II in Pakistan on a 46-day Karakoram expedition with permits, Baltoro Glacier approach, staffed base camp and optional high-altitude support.
Maximum altitude
8,035 m
Expedition length
46 days
Difficulty
Extreme / High altitude
Best season
June to August
Team format
Small expedition team
Region
Gasherbrum Massif, Karakoram
The objective
About Gasherbrum II and the expedition
Gasherbrum II reaches 8,035 metres in the Karakoram and is the world’s thirteenth-highest mountain. It stands in the remote Gasherbrum group above the upper Baltoro Glacier, close to Gasherbrum I and Broad Peak.
The normal expedition approach travels from Skardu to Askole, then follows the Braldu River and Baltoro Glacier through Paiju, Urdukas, Goro II and Concordia. From Shahring, the climbing program generally focuses on the southwest ridge, with staged camps and repeated acclimatization rotations.
Gasherbrum II is often considered a comparatively straightforward 8,000-metre route, but it is never easy or safe by default. Glacier hazards, steep snow, altitude, storms and prolonged exposure require strong technical foundations, fitness and disciplined decision-making.
Who this expedition is for
This is a major high-altitude objective for experienced climbers with appropriate altitude exposure, strong rope skills, excellent fitness and conservative mountain judgment.
Day-by-day flow
Gasherbrum II Expedition itinerary
This detailed plan remains flexible. Weather, road access, domestic flights, acclimatization and route conditions can alter the exact schedule.
- 1
Day 1
Arrival in Islamabad
Airport reception, hotel transfer and introduction to the expedition team.
- 2
Day 2
Islamabad briefing and equipment checks
Complete documentation, review equipment and attend the official briefing for Gasherbrum II Expedition.
- 3
Day 3
Fly to Skardu
Weather permitting, take the mountain flight to Skardu with views across the Himalaya and Karakoram. The Karakoram Highway is the contingency route.
- 4
Day 4
Skardu preparation day
Organize food, fuel, porter loads and group equipment while completing final local formalities.
- 5
Day 5
Jeep journey to Askole
Drive through the Shigar and Braldu valleys to Askole, the final village before the Baltoro wilderness.
- 6
Day 6
Askole to Jhola
Begin trekking past the Biafo Glacier snout and follow the Braldu River toward Jhola camp.
- 7
Day 7
Jhola to Paiju
Continue beside the Braldu River to Paiju, beneath the granite towers of the central Karakoram.
- 8
Day 8
Paiju rest and acclimatization
Rest, hydrate and prepare for travel on the Baltoro Glacier while porter loads are reorganized.
- 9
Day 9
Paiju to Khoburtse
Step onto the Baltoro Glacier and negotiate moraine terrain to the Khoburtse campsite.
- 10
Day 10
Khoburtse to Urdukas
Cross tributary glaciers and climb to Urdukas, a celebrated campsite with views of Trango Towers and the Baltoro peaks.
- 11
Day 11
Urdukas to Goro II
Follow the upper Baltoro toward Goro II near the meeting of the Baltoro and Younghusband glaciers.
- 12
Day 12
Concordia and Shahring
Pass through Concordia’s amphitheatre of 8,000-metre peaks and continue toward Shahring in the Gasherbrum region.
- 13
Days 13–38
Gasherbrum II acclimatization and summit period
Establish base camp and higher camps, complete acclimatization rotations and attempt Gasherbrum II during the safest suitable weather window.
- 14
Day 39
Return to Concordia
Close the Gasherbrum camp and trek back toward Concordia for rest and reorganization.
- 15
Day 40
Trek to Ali Camp
Cross glaciated terrain toward Ali Camp below Gondogoro La; this exit is subject to conditions and team suitability.
- 16
Day 41
Cross Gondogoro La to Khuispang
Make an early, roped crossing of Gondogoro La and descend to Khuispang when weather and route safety permit.
- 17
Day 42
Khuispang to Saicho
Descend from glaciated terrain into the greener lower Hushe Valley.
- 18
Day 43
Hushe and drive to Skardu
Trek to Hushe village and continue by road through Khaplu and the Shyok valley to Skardu.
- 19
Days 44–45
Islamabad flight and contingency
Fly to Islamabad when operating, with a reserve day for weather cancellation or overland travel.
- 20
Day 46
International departure
Complete the expedition debrief and transfer to the airport for the journey home.
Choose your support
Expedition service options
Full-board service
End-to-end logistics from arrival through the climbing period, with staffed base camp and agreed high-altitude support tailored to your team.
Base-camp service
Permits, approach logistics and staffed base camp for independent climbers managing their own equipment and climbing above base camp.
What is covered
Included & not included
Included
- Airport assistance and scheduled in-country transfers
- Hotel accommodation in Islamabad and regional gateway towns
- Domestic transport and approach logistics in the planned itinerary
- Government permits, liaison support and expedition documentation
- Meals, camping and porter support during the approach trek
- Staffed base camp with kitchen, dining and communication facilities
- Local guides, cooks, porters and base-camp team
- Staff wages, meals, insurance and required equipment
- Group base-camp equipment and environmental fees
- Weather information and operational support during the expedition
Not included
- International flights and Pakistan visa charges
- Personal climbing clothing and technical equipment
- Supplementary oxygen and high-altitude porters unless selected
- Travel, medical, rescue and evacuation insurance
- Personal expenses, gratuities and unlisted meals
- Extra costs caused by weather, flight cancellation, rescue or early departure
Final inclusions depend on the service level documented in your written expedition proposal.
Before you apply
Experience & preparation
- Previous high-altitude mountaineering experience appropriate for 8,035 m
- Competence with crampons, fixed ropes, ascenders and descenders
- Strong endurance and a structured expedition training program
- Insurance covering mountaineering and evacuation to at least 8,035 m
- A detailed climbing résumé for experience review before confirmation
Common questions
Gasherbrum II expedition FAQ
Is Gasherbrum II suitable as a first 8,000-metre peak?+
It is sometimes chosen as a first 8,000-metre objective, but participants still need strong high-altitude experience, glacier travel skills, fixed-rope competence and excellent physical preparation.
What is the normal route on Gasherbrum II?+
Most expeditions use the southwest ridge. Camps, carries and acclimatization rotations are adjusted to snow, glacier and weather conditions.
How long is the Gasherbrum II expedition?+
The planned itinerary is 46 days from Islamabad to departure, with Days 13–38 reserved for acclimatization, camp rotations and the summit attempt.
Where is Gasherbrum II Base Camp?+
The expedition approaches via Askole, the Baltoro Glacier and Concordia to the Shahring area of the Gasherbrum massif in Pakistan’s central Karakoram.
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