Overviews

Gasherbrum II, also known as K4, is an awe-inspiring mountain located in the Karakoram Range of Pakistan. With an elevation of 8,035 meters (26,362 feet), it is the 13th highest peak in the world and one of the most sought-after climbing destinations in the region. Gasherbrum II is renowned for its distinctive pyramid shape and stunning beauty. It is part of the larger Gasherbrum group, which includes several other notable peaks. The mountain's name translates to "Beautiful Mountain" in the local language, reflecting its captivating and majestic presence. The first successful ascent of Gasherbrum II occurred in 1956 by an Austrian expedition led by Fritz Moravec. Since then, many climbers have attempted to conquer its summit, each leaving their mark on the mountain's mountaineering history. Gasherbrum II is considered a challenging climb, requiring technical expertise, endurance, and acclimatization to the extreme altitude. From the top of Gasherbrum II, climbers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Karakoram Range. The neighboring peaks, including Gasherbrum I (Hidden Peak), Broad Peak, and the famous K2, contribute to the awe-inspiring backdrop, creating an unforgettable experience for those who reach the summit. The region surrounding Gasherbrum II is known for its remote and rugged landscapes. It is a pristine and isolated wilderness, characterized by towering peaks, vast glaciers, and deep valleys. The area is also home to unique flora and fauna, adding to its natural significance. Gasherbrum II represents the allure and challenge of high-altitude mountaineering. Its striking appearance, technical climbing requirements, and breathtaking surroundings make it a highly regarded destination for experienced climbers seeking a thrilling and rewarding ascent. The mountain stands as a testament to the beauty and power of nature, inspiring adventurers and mountaineers from around the world.

Tour Itinarary

Arrival in Islamabad Arrival of all participants. We are met at the airport by our team. Transfer to hotel and rest. Depending on your arrival time, short visit of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

Weather permitting, domestic flight to Skardu, otherwise we take the road to Chilas, famous for its Buddha carvings (11-13 hours by bus) on the Karakoram Highway (KKH) along the Indus.

If we were not able to reach Skardu the day before, we continue our journey along the KKH. Overnight at a hotel in Skardu. We complete the formalities for the trekking permit to leave for Askole the next day.

We take a jeep up the Shigar valley to Askole, passing through Dassu and crossing a field of lunar-like sand dunes before heading up the Braldo Gorge. The villages on either side of the valley plunge us into a verdant world, contrasting with the mineral atmosphere. Askole is the last village before entering a world of ice and rock, the starting point of our trek.

Today we begin our trek by walking to Jola from Askole. On leaving the village we leave the last cultivated plots to begin our approach to the front of the Baltoro glacier. A bridge, renovated in 2019, takes us off the route leading to the Biafo glacier, before we reach Korofon (3090 m) for our lunch break, under life-saving groves. Before rejoining the torrent of the Panmah glacier, we take a balcony path that gives us our first view of the Baltoro basin. A final bridge brings us to the shady Jola area, where we set up camp.

In the morning, we resume our walk along the mountainside, between the riverbed and the terraces. On the way, we discover the first views of Paiju peak (6610 m), Trango towers (6286 m) and Cathedral massif (6024 m), the first big walls of the Baltoro valley. We set up camp at Paiju, in the last wooded area before heading for the glacier the following day.

In the morning, we leave Paiju on foot for Khorbutse. We set foot on the Baltoro glacier and cross it to its left bank, where we catch a fleeting glimpse of the rounded summit of Broad Peak... At the Khoburtse Camp (3800 m), we face the legendary Trango Towers and the famous "nameless tower", and even at this altitude, we can already feel the high-mountain atmosphere

We continue our trek towards Urdukas. Cathedral and Lobsang will be our reference mountains for this short day. Short indeed, but necessary for acclimatization. Tonight, the mood is relaxed and the porters offer us their first impromptu concert.

We descend to the Baltoro glacier and then ascend it more or less in the middle. Other mythical peaks appear as we progress: on the left bank stands the north face of Masherbrum (7821 m) and on the right bank the fabulous Muztagh Tower (7273 m), whose ascent represented a step forward in the history of mountaineering. It was one of the first expeditions to combine high altitude and technical difficulty. Even today, the Baltoro glacier attracts the most gifted mountaineers, who dream of climbing it and, why not, opening up a new route on one of its fabulous mountains. At the end of the day at Goro II (4280 m), the Gasherbrum IV (7925 m) monopolizes our attention and we are captivated by its beauty, especially at sunset, whose colors give it the nickname of “shining wall”.

We end our journey along the Baltoro before arriving at Concordia, a surprising and mythical spot named after the meeting of two mighty glaciers: the Godwin Austen glacier, which melts into the Baltoro glacier. The 360° panorama offers breathtaking views of a whole series of splendid mountains. First of all, the famous K2 (8611 m) and Broad Peak (8047 m), two of the four 8000-meter peaks in the Baltoro basin. Mitre (6013 m) eventually monopolizes the view, and you have to break away from it to contemplate Baltoro Kangri (7462 m), Chogolisa (7665 m), Crystal Peak (6252 m) and Marble Mountain (6266 m).

The final stage of the approach hike is a little easier than on previous days, and takes us into an extraordinary amphitheatre. The Gasherbrum II comes into view, and the imposing Broad Peak (8051 m) justifies its name “the massive mountain”. Suddenly, looming almost 4000 meters above us, is the summit of K2. Perhaps the most beautiful stage of the approach walk.

The day is devoted to the climb up to Gasherbrum base camp (5150 m), which will allow us to take time to admire the mighty 8000-meter peaks close at hand.

Climbing and Acclimitization

Today we will trek back to Concordia, it will take us through what must arguably be the most spectacular mountain scenery anywhere in the world. Our approach to Concordia continues along the heaving swells of the Baltoro Glacier as we pass Mustagh Tower (7,284m). Ahead of us Gasherbrum IV (7,925m) acts like a beacon drawing us on, whilst at some points on today’s walk we can also see Gasherbrum ll (8,035m) which peeks out to the right of Gasherbrum lV. As we make our way up the Baltoro, the aptly named Broad Peak (8,051m) comes into view above the ridge connecting Marble Peak and Crystal Peak on our left. K2 keeps itself hidden until the very moment we reach Concordia when suddenly its full height is revealed in sweeping lines that climb almost 4,000 metres from the valley floor to the summit – a sight that will never be forgotten. Concordia is a wide area where glaciers coming down from K2 meet those from the Gasherbrums and Chogolisa. It is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular places on the planet and here you can stand within 24 kilometres of no fewer than four eight-thousanders and ten of the world’s thirty highest peaks! We make our camp at approximately 4,500 metres on a moraine ridge surrounded on all side by jagged peaks including Gasherbrum IV, Mitre Peak, Chogolisa, Crystal Peak, Marble Peak, Baltoro Kangri, Broad Peak and K2.

We turn our backs on K2 to head for the Vigne glacier. An early start is necessary to avoid the pitfalls of this glacier. Even if the valley floor attracts us, it is important to look back from time to time, to admire K2, Chogori or the “wild mountain”, which remains the most majestic of the place. We leave Ali Camp on the left bank to skirt around the last crevasse, to reach it on its rocky promontory and set up camp, our last on the Baltoro watershed.

We set off at night by headlamp, to take advantage of the best conditions to reach the foot of the Gondogoro Pass, which will take us to the other side. For many years, the Hushe Rescue Team has arranged the ascent and descent of the pass, so we have to use the fixed ropes set up on the steep parts of the pass. The aim is to reach the col (5625 m) at sunrise, to admire the blaze of K2 and the superb view of Laila Peak (6096 m). Snow, ice and rock conditions are, of course, subject to change over the course of the season and according to the vagaries of the weather. Once we have crossed this part of the route, we begin a beautiful descent to Khuspang, where we set up camp next to a lake with a beautiful view of Laila Peak.

Today we continue our descent over the Gondogoro glacier, losing altitude and regaining some vegetation and a little more warmth at the end of the day. We circumnavigate Laila Peak and its beautiful tapered shape and set up camp between the trees at Saisho. Meeting up with some shepherds at the camp makes for a final evening of festivities with our team, as we celebrate the crossing of the pass and the end of the trek as a whole

Today we set off on our last day of trekking, and after a good three hours' walk we finally reach the village of Hushe. After more than ten days in a high-altitude, mineral environment, we are back in the Balti village atmosphere, which is not to our displeasure. All that remains is to thank the local team before setting off for Skardu and a night at the hotel (5 hours in a 4x4 vehicle).

Depending on the weather, we fly from Skardu to Islamabad. Once in the capital, we have the rest of the day to visit the city, including the Shah Faisal Mosque and the Lok Virsa Museum (Heritage Museum), which boasts a magnificent and comprehensive collection of handicrafts from the country and Central Asia. If the flight is cancelled, we take the road to Chilas (8 hours) via the KKH, keeping the Indus as our guiding thread and looking out over the Nanga Parbat (8126 m).

Depending on the previous day, either the day is devoted to resting and exploring Islamabad, or we continue our journey from Chilas to Islamabad.

International return flight from Islamabad Depending on your flight schedule

Full Boarding Services

Arrival & Departure: Airport – Hotel transfers – Airport (Pick Up and Drop).

Hotel Accommodation In Islamabad: 2 nights hotel at 4 star Hotel in Islamabad on bed & breakfast Basis-Single Bed Room.

Welcome Dinner: One Welcome Dinner in tourist standard restaurant in Islamabad with Expedition Staffs.

Cargo Clearance: International Air cargo clearance of Member Personal Luggage & Payment of Government taxes in Pakistan.(Before the expedition.

Permit: Expedition Royalty and permit of Pakistan Government to climb the Peaks

Liaison Officer: 1 Liaison officer with full equipment, salary and accommodation.

Garbage Management: Garbage Deposit fees.

Insurance: Medical & Emergency rescue Insurance for all involved Expedition staffs during the trek and expedition.

Map: Trekking and climbing map

Member Transportation: •Domestic Flight: Flight for all members for Islamabad to Skardu & Skardu to Islamabad with one Guide, as per Itinerary. •3 Nights accommodation is Skardu •Land Transportation (Members): Drive by Jeep Skardu to Askole and on returning Askole to Skardu. •Land Transportation (Staffs): Islamabad to Askole via Skardu (by bus / jeep) for All Climbing Guides and Expeditions Staff. (At Skardu all members and staffs will meet each other.

Expedition Stuffs Transportation: Necessary all equipment Transportation for all Members and Staffs From Islamabad- Skardu to Askole by bus / Jeep and to basecamp by Porters / Mule. While Returning: Basecamp to Askole by porters / Mule and Askole to Islamabad by bus / jeep.

Member Luggage: Up to 60 Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek carrying by porters.

Food and Lodging: Food 3 meals a day (BDL; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation at Hotel/Lodge/Camp during the trek and Basecamp. Well-managed base camp set up for member & Staffs.

All Necessary equipment for Camping during the trek

Porter: Porters per member up to Base camp from Askole & Porters while returning from Basecamp to Askole.

Base Camp Staff: Experienced and well-trained Base camp Cook & kitchen Helpers as required.

Staff Salary and Allowance: All staffs & porters daily wages, salary, equipment, foods & clothing.

Base Camp Tent: Each member will have individual tent in Base Camp.

Base Camp Equipment: At Base Camp: foam mattresses and pillow per member, 1 Dinning Tent, 1 Kitchen Tent, 1 Communication tent, 1 Toilet & 1 Shower Tent, 1 Staffs Tent, 1 Tent for Pakistani base camp staffs, Store tents, Tables & chairs & all necessary cooking gears.

Heater: Heater for base camp in each Dining and other necessary camp

Solar/Generator/Light: 1 Solar panel or Generator for battery charge and light at base camp for use.

High Altitude Climbing Guide: 1 Pakistani climbing guide per member.

Climbing Guide Salary& Allowance: Climbing Guide Salary, Equipment, Food And Clothing.

Oxygen Bottle (O2): Poisk O2 cylinder: 2 oxygen bottles ( more on demand for extra cost) (4 ltrs.) for each member and 2 oxygen bottle for each high altitude Guide.

Oxygen Mask & Regulator: 1 Set of Summit Oxygen mask for each member and high altitude guide, which has to be return after expedition.

High camp service: High Altitude Tents, Necessary cooking EPI gas, cooking pot for member, High food for member, High Altitude Guide, all climbing and cooking crew. (C1) (C2) (C3) (c4). Group climbing gears, fixed and dynamic rope.

Satellite Phone for emergency communication carrying by Guide, also available for members with appropriate charge.

Walkie Talkie: Walkie Talkie for communicating from Base Camp to Mountain and Mountain to Base Camp.

Permit: Satellite Phone / walkie-talkie permit for all members and staffs. Comprehensive Medical kit for group and staffs.

Comprehensive Medical kit for group and staffs.

Certificate: Climbing certificate issued by Pakistani Alpine Club (after climbing)

Pakistan Entry Visa fee: Pakistani Visa fee.

Lunch & Dinner: Lunch & dinner in during the stay in Islamabad (also in case of early return from Trekking / Expedition than the scheduled itinerary).

Extra night in Islamabad: Extra nights accommodation in Islamabad. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking / Expedition (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.

Insurance: Travel and high altitude insurance, accident, medical & emergency evacuation.

Trip cancellation Insurance.

Rescue Evacuation: Medical Insurance and emergency rescue evacuation cost if required. (Rescue, Repatriation, Medication, Medical Tests and Hospitalization costs.

Personal Expenses: Telephone, Internet, battery recharge, shower, Laundry, any Alcoholic beverages (during the trek and in Islamabad but we will serve all kinds of beverages for members in basecamp), and also Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Personal Trekking /Climbing Gears.

Filming: Special Filming, Camera and Drone permit and its fee (if required).

Summit Bonus: Summit bonus for climbing guide $1000 Euro. (If company offers Full Board Services).

Tips: Of Staff and High altitude Guide

Extra: Any other services or activities, which are not mentioned in the itinerary.

Basecamp Services

Arrival & Departure: Pick and drop facility-Airport/Hotel/Airport

Accommodation: 4 nights stay in Islamabad on Bed & Breakfast Basis-Twin Bedroom

Welcome Dinner: One Welcome Dinner in a tourist standard restaurant in Islamabad with Expedition Staffs.

Permits & Fees: Expedition Royalty and permit of Pakistan Government.

Transportation: All required Transportation for all Staffs and Members as per itinerary

Domestic Flight: Flight for all members for Islamabad to Skardu and Skardu to Islamabad with one Guide, as per Itinerary

Food & Lodging: 3 meals a day in Trekking & at Basecamp for Members & Staffs

Porters: Porters per member up to Base camp from Askole & Staff Remunerations and allowances: All staffs' & porters' daily wages/equipment/food/clothing with personal insurances

Insurance: All Staff's Medical & Emergency rescue Insurance

Member Luggage: 60 Kg per member as personal baggage

High Altitude Climbing Sherpa: 1 Climbing Sherpa per member

A comprehensive Medical kit for members and staff.

International airfare to and from Islamabad.

Pakistani Visa Charges

Lunch & Dinner in Islamabad

Extra nights’ accommodation in Islamabad. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from the expedition (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.

Insurance: Travel and High-Altitude Insurance / Accident / Medical / emergency evacuation

Personal Expenses: Telephone, Internet, Laundry, any Alcoholic beverages, Personal equipment, and shopping

Sherpa summit Bonus: G II Minimum USD 1300

Tips: Please calculate some tips for Basecamp staffs and porters

The full set of Member's personal climbing equipment & clothing

Rescue Evacuation: Emergency rescue evacuation cost, if needed, and all other expenses of personal nature

Any other item not listed in the "Price Includes" section.