Six flanking peaks in the southeast of Concordia form the ‘shining wall’ of the Gasherbrum family. Standing at 8,035 meters (26,362 feet), is the 13th-highest mountain in the world Gasherbrum II is the tallest peak also popular as Hidden Peak. Located in the Karakoram range on the border between Pakistan and China. Known for its relatively straightforward climbing route compared to other 8,000-meter peaks, Gasherbrum II still presents significant challenges due to its high altitud...
Six flanking peaks in the southeast of Concordia form the ‘shining wall’ of the Gasherbrum family. Standing at 8,035 meters (26,362 feet), is the 13th-highest mountain in the world Gasherbrum II is the tallest peak also popular as Hidden Peak. Located in the Karakoram range on the border between Pakistan and China. Known for its relatively straightforward climbing route compared to other 8,000-meter peaks, Gasherbrum II still presents significant challenges due to its high altitude and harsh conditions. In 1958 an American group scaled it for the first time while Austrians led by Fritz Moravec in 1956 hit the zenith of 8,035m Gasherbrum II, second highest of Gasherbrums. These pure rock & icy pinnacles demand sheer determination and high-level technical skills.
The expedition begins in Islamabad, with travel to Skardu both by flight or road. From Skardu, a jeep ride leads to Askole, the last village in the Shigar Valley. A six-day trek through the Baltoro Glacier follows, offering stunning views of the Karakoram peaks, before reaching the base camp.
Climbing Route: The standard route via the southwest ridge includes the following camps:
- Base Camp (5,900m): Acclimatization and preparation.
- Camp I (6,400m): Glacier crossing with fixed ropes.
- Camp II (6,900m): Steep snow and ice slopes.
- Camp III (7,400m): Mixed terrain of rock, snow, and ice.
- Summit (8,035m): Early morning push along an exposed ridge.
- Mountain Name: Gasherbrum II
- Service: Full Board (1:1 Sherpa)
- Country: Pakistan
- Duration: 55 Days
- Route: SW Ridge
- Grade: Hard Difficult
- Range: Karakoram
- Best Season: Summer
- Max Elevation: 8035 m
- Walking per Day: 5-7 Hours
- Nature: Hotel + Lodge + Tent
- Group Size: 2-15 Pax
- Climbing Ratio: 1+1 (1 Member, 1 Climbing Sherpa Guide)
- Coordinates: 35°45'27"N 76°39'15"E
- First Ascender: Austrians Fritz Moravec, Josef Larch, and Hans Willenpart / 8 July 1956
Gasherbrum II Summit Camp Details
Base Camp (5,150 meters / 16,900 feet)
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Location: Usually established on the South Gasherbrum Glacier.
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Facilities: The base camp serves as the main staging area, with tents for sleeping, cooking, and storage. Climbers spend time here acclimatizing and preparing for the ascent.
Camp I (5,900 meters / 19,356 feet)
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Elevation Gain: Approximately 750 meters (2,460 feet) from the Base Camp.
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Terrain: The route to Camp I involves crossing the glacier and navigating crevasses. Camp I is typically set up on a flat section of the glacier.
Camp II (6,400 meters / 21,000 feet)
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Elevation Gain: About 500 meters (1,640 feet) from Camp I.
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Terrain: Climbers navigate through steeper snow and ice slopes. Camp II is often located on a relatively safe and sheltered area to protect against high winds.
Camp III (7,000 meters / 22,966 feet)
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Elevation Gain: Approximately 600 meters (1,966 feet) from Camp II.
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Terrain: The ascent to Camp III involves navigating through steep ice slopes and seracs. Camp III is set up on a flat section of the mountain, providing a critical acclimatization point before the summit push.
Summit Push
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Elevation Gain: About 1,035 meters (3,396 feet) from Camp III.
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Route: Climbers usually begin the summit push early in the morning to take advantage of more stable weather conditions. The route involves navigating steep snow and ice slopes, with the final ascent to the summit being relatively straightforward but physically demanding due to the altitude.
General Considerations
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Weather: The weather on Gasherbrum II can be unpredictable, with high winds, heavy snowfall, and rapidly changing conditions. Climbers need to carefully monitor weather forecasts and choose the right window for the summit push.
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Acclimatization: Proper acclimatization is essential to avoid altitude sickness. Climbers typically spend several days at each camp, making trips up and down to aid in acclimatization.
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Technical Skills: While the route is considered less technical compared to other 8,000-meter peaks, climbers still need to have strong mountaineering skills, including ice climbing, crevasse navigation, and high-altitude survival.
Gasherbrum II, while less technically challenging than some other high peaks, requires careful planning, strong physical conditioning, and experienced guiding. The combination of altitude, weather, and terrain makes it a formidable and rewarding climb.
- Summit Achievement: Conquer Gasherbrum II (8,035m), one of the world's highest peaks.
- Remote Wilderness: Experience the untouched beauty of the Karakoram Range.
- Panoramic Views: Enjoy stunning vistas of neighboring peaks, including Gasherbrum I and Broad Peak.
- Technical Challenge: Tackle a demanding climb that hones advanced mountaineering skills.
- Cultural Exposure: Engage with the local Balti community and explore Pakistani culture.
- Baltoro Glacier: Trek through the majestic Baltoro Glacier.
- Base Camp Life: Enjoy the camaraderie and adventure at base camp.
- High-Altitude Training: Improve high-altitude climbing techniques with acclimatization rotations.
- Wildlife Encounters: Spot unique high-altitude wildlife.
- Prestigious Accomplishment: Achieve a significant milestone in high-altitude mountaineering.
- ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE: Airport - Hotel transfers – Airport (Pick Up and Drop), by private vehicle.
- HOTEL ACCOMMODATION IN ISLAMABAD:
3-night hotel in ISLAMABAD (4-star category) - single room on bed and 5 nights hotel in Skardu on Bed and Breakfast plan. - WELCOME DINNER: One Welcome Dinner in a tourist standard restaurant in ISLAMABAD with Office supporting Staff.
- CARGO CLEARANCE: Assistance for cargo clearance in Pakistan’s Customs, clearance cost is subject to a charge.
- CLIMBING PERMIT / GARBAGE MANAGEMENT: Expedition Royalty and a permit fee of the PAKISTAN Government to climb Gashebrum, for members and Sherpa / Stool Shipment Transfer & Garbage Deposit fees.
- LIAISON OFFICER: 1 Government Liaison officer with full equipment, salary, and accommodation.
- INSURANCE (MEDICAL AND HELI RESCUE: Medical & Emergency Heli rescue Insurance for all involved Nepalese / Pakistani staff during the trek and expedition including Climbing Sherpa.
- MAP: Trekking and climbing map.
- DUFFLE BAG: One XTREME CLIMBERS Expedition to each member joining the expedition.
- MEMBER TRANSPORTATION: (Domestic Flight) Fly from Islamabad to Skardu and way back from Skardu to Islamabad, as per itinerary, along with one guide.
- LAND TRANSPORTATION (MEMBERS): Drive by jeep Skardu to Askole and on returning Askole to Skardu.
- LAND TRANSPORTATION (STAFF): Islamabad to Askole via Skardu (by bus/jeep) for all climbing Sherpas and expeditions staff. (Members and staff will meet each other in Skardu).
- EXPEDITION STUFFS TRANSPORTATION: All necessary expedition equipment transportation for all Members and Staff from Nepal to Pakistan (by air cargo) – Islamabad to Askole (by truck/jeep) and Base camp (by Porters/mules) – While returning: Base camp to Askole (by porters/mules) and Askole to Islamabad (by Truck/jeep). Based on the condition, different transportation variants may be adopted.
- MEMBER LUGGAGE: Up to 60 Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek to be carried by porters or Mules.
- FOOD AND LODGING: 3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation at Hotel/Lodge/TENT during the trek and at the Basecamp. Hygienic and green vegetables, meat, fruits, soft drinks, and juice will be served during the entire expedition. Well-managed base camp set up for members & Staff.
- CAMPING: All necessary logistic arrangements for Camping during the trek.
- PORTER: Porters per member up to the basecamp and from the basecamp (both ways).
- BASE CAMP STAFF: Experienced and well-trained Base Camp Cook & kitchen Helpers as required.
- BASE CAMP COOK: 1 Nepalese and 1 Pakistani well-trained cook for the team.
- STAFF SALARY AND ALLOWANCE: All Nepalese staff & porter’s daily wages, salary, equipment, food & clothing.
- BASE CAMP TENT: Each member will have an individual box tent in Base Camp.
- BASE CAMP EQUIPMENT: Single Tent, foam mattresses and pillow per member, 1 Dining Tent, 1 Kitchen Tent, 1 Communication tent, 1 Toilet & 1 Shower Tent, 1 Staffs Tent, 1 Tent for Nepalese base camp staff, Store tent, Tables & chairs & all necessary cooking gear.
- HEATER: Heater at base camp in each Dining and other necessary camps.
- SOLAR/GENERATOR/LIGHT: 1 Solar panel and Generator for lights at base camp, FOR battery charges, laptop, and other electronic devices.
- TRAINING: Oxygen, Mask Regulator, Ice wall, and Ladder training at Basecamp by UIAGM Guide.
- HIGH ALTITUDE CLIMBING SHERPA: 1 veteran and government-licensed climbing Sherpa per member (1 Member: 1 Sherpa), during the entire climb from Basecamp to the summit and back, and on each rotation.
- ASSISTANCE: Climbing Sherpa to assist in carrying your gear to the high camps.
- CLIMBING SHERPA SALARY & ALLOWANCE: Climbing Sherpa Salary, Equipment, Food, and Clothing
OXYGEN BOTTLE (O2): Summit Oxygen cylinder 10 Total bottles): 3 oxygen bottles (4 liters) for each member and 2 oxygen bottles for each high-altitude Sherpa. ** - OXYGEN MASK & REGULATOR: 1 Set of Summit Oxygen masks & regulator for each member and high-altitude Sherpa. **
- BACK UP: BACK UP Oxygen Cylinder, mask, and regulator (SUBJECT TO A CHARGE).
- HIGH CAMP SERVICE (INFRASTRUCTURE AND LOGISTICS): High Altitude Tent, Necessary cooking EPI gas, cooking pot, High food for a member, Sherpa, and other crews at (C1) (C2) & (C3). Group climbing gears, fixed and dynamic rope during the climbing period as required.
- HIGH ALTITUDE TENT: Members will share tents in high camps (2 members: 1 tent).
- ROPE FIXING TEAM: The team of experienced Sherpas (including personal Sherpa) will fix the route to the summit of Everest (no extra charge will be applied to members).
- SATELLITE PHONE: Satellite Phone for emergency communication carried by Sherpa, also available for members (SUBJECT TO A CHARGE).
- WALKIE-TALKIE: WalkieTalkie for communicating from Base Camp to Mountain and Mountain to Base Camp.
- PERMITS: Satellite Phone/walkie-talkie permit for all members and staff.
- WEATHER FORECAST: Weather forecast report regularly from Meteotest, Bern (Switzerland) during the entire expedition.
- MEDICAL KIT: Comprehensive Medical kit for members and staff.
- CERTIFICATE: G II climbing certificate issued by PAKISTANI ALPINE CLUB (after climbing Gasherbrum II successfully).
- AIRFARE: International flight airfare (from and to Islamabad).
- PAKISTAN ENTRY VISA FEE: PAKISTANI Visa Fee for 90 DAYS.
- LUNCH & DINNER: Lunch & dinner during the stay in Islamabad and Skardu (also in case of early return from Trekking / Expedition than the scheduled itinerary).
- EXTRA NIGHTS IN ISLAMABAD & SKARDU: Extra nights’ accommodation in Islamabad & Skardu. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking / Expedition, or domestic flight cancellation (due to any other reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
- INSURANCE POLICY: Insurance covering both medical and high-altitude evacuation costs (for the trip cancellation, interruption, high-altitude rescue & air evacuation, medical treatment, repatriation, etc.) *Mandatory
- PERSONAL EXPENSES: Telephone Calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers, and any Alcoholic beverages (during the trek and in Islamabad & Skardu but we will have soft drinks for members at base camp).
- PERSONAL CLIMBING
- EQUIPMENT: Clothing, Packing Items, Bags, Personal Medical Kit, and all kinds of Personal Trekking / Climbing Gear.
- TOILETRIES: Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.
- FILMING: Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.
- INTERNET SERVICE: Not included during the trek.
- SUMMIT BONUS: Summit bonus for climbing Sherpa- Minimum 2500 USD per person.
- TIPS: Calculate some tips for basecamp and high camp staff – Minimum 400 USD.
- EXTRA: Any other services or activities, which are not mentioned in the itinerary and not listed in the “Cost Includes” section.
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