Overview The Gasherbrum II Expedition is a thrilling and challenging journey that takes mountaineers to the majestic peaks of Gasherbrum II, also known as G2. Standing tall at an impressive height of 8,035 meters (26,362 feet), G2 is the 13th highest mountain in the world, located in the Karakoram range in Pakistan. This expedition offers climbers an opportunity to test their skills, endurance, and determination in a formidable alpine environment. The journey begins in Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, where the team gathers and undergoes thorough preparations. From there, a scenic flight takes the team to Skardu, a picturesque…
The Gasherbrum II Expedition is a thrilling and challenging journey that takes mountaineers to the majestic peaks of Gasherbrum II, also known as G2. Standing tall at an impressive height of 8,035 meters (26,362 feet), G2 is the 13th highest mountain in the world, located in the Karakoram range in Pakistan. This expedition offers climbers an opportunity to test their skills, endurance, and determination in a formidable alpine environment.
The journey begins in Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, where the team gathers and undergoes thorough preparations. From there, a scenic flight takes the team to Skardu, a picturesque town nestled in the Karakoram Mountains. Here, the climbers acclimatize and make final arrangements before embarking on the expedition.
The trek to the base camp is an arduous yet exhilarating experience. The trail winds through rugged terrains, pristine glaciers, and breathtaking valleys, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Upon reaching the base camp, climbers set up their tents and prepare for the ascent.
The climb to Gasherbrum II is a challenging undertaking that requires technical climbing skills and physical fitness. The route presents a variety of obstacles, including steep ice and snow slopes, crevasses, and unpredictable weather conditions. Climbers must navigate these hazards with caution and teamwork.
Throughout the ascent, climbers establish intermediate camps, strategically positioned at higher altitudes to aid in acclimatization. The camps serve as temporary shelters, providing much-needed rest and respite during the grueling climb.
Reaching the summit of Gasherbrum II is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the climbers’ perseverance and dedication. From the summit, climbers are rewarded with awe-inspiring panoramic views of the Karakoram Range and neighboring peaks.
After descending safely back to the base camp, the team celebrates their accomplishment and reflects on the incredible journey they have undertaken. The return journey takes them back to Skardu and eventually to Islamabad, where they bid farewell to the mountains and reflect on the indelible memories and personal growth they have gained from the Gasherbrum II Expedition.
In summary, the Gasherbrum II Expedition is an unforgettable adventure that tests the limits of human endurance and offers a profound connection with the breathtaking beauty of the Karakoram Mountains. It is an experience that challenges climbers physically, mentally, and emotionally, leaving an everlasting imprint on their lives.
Some of the highlights of Gasherbrum II include:
It’s important to note that climbing Gasherbrum II is a highly demanding and dangerous endeavor. Proper preparation, physical fitness, technical skills, and experienced support are crucial for a safe and successful ascent.
Before your arrival at the airport, you must complete all the required procedures for your visa. You will be welcomed by one of our envoys as soon as you arrive at the airport. After a brief meeting, you will be escorted to the hotel booked for your convenience and relaxation. You can also stroll aroundThe Pakistan Monument, Lok Virsa Museum, Faisal Mosque, and many more cultural places in Islamabad.
Altitude 508 m
Meals N/A
Accommodation 4-star Hotel
On the second day, we will carry out our official procedure which includes: travel permit, documentation, necessary formalities, bag pack, shopping and finalize every requirement for our journey. Moreover, every aspect of the trek will be clarified as an important part of the briefing and you will also feel opportune to introduce yourself to your fellow trekkers.
Altitude 508 m
Meals Breakfast
Accommodation 4-star Hotel
After a palatable breakfast at the earliest hour in the morning, we will fly to Skardu a magnificent city located in Gilgit-Baltistan which is elevated at 2228m from sea level. You will be able to freshen up after an hour of a convenient flight and stroll around the city’s exhilarating places. On the next day, our guides will explain the entire expedition and make you prepare for the following days.
Altitude 2228 m
Meals BLD
Accommodation 2-star Hotel
After a cozy stay in Skardu, we will drive to Askole on the fifth day. Askole is a small town of Shigar valley which is slightly remote. It is considered as the last station before one invades into the wild regions of the Karakoram. The drive will be thrilling and perhaps a bit bumpy from Skardu to Askole as it usually takes approximately seven hours by jeep covering a total distance of 128 kilometers. As soon as we reach our destination, we will settle in and prepare for our camping.
Altitude 2800 m
Meals BLD
Accommodation Camping
Following our night in Askole, we will have already started to behold the beauty of the Karakoram region. Next morning after breakfast, we will start our trek from Askole (2800m) to Jhola(3185m) to avoid the heat crossing the Baifo Glacier. You will experience a relaxing hike to JJhola ascending 385m of altitude. As soon as we reach Jhola, we will prepare for our night.
Altitude 3185 m
Meals BLD
Accommodation Camping
As per our travel schedule, we will be marching on to the pinnacles of Paiyu on the seven days. We will gain a total altitude of 3383m after reaching Paiyu as it will be our campsite for the next two days. Despite various rumors about this incredible place, the region is placid with proper camps.
Altitude 3383M
Meals BLD
Accommodation Camping
After a continuous trek for two days, we will halt in Paiyu as a one-day break. Paiyu falls in the Karakoram Region where we will be opportune to see a golden sunrise falling in the glorious peak of Paiyu experiencing nature’s generosity. We will relax for the entire day and get ready for Urdukas as our next stop.
Altitude 3383M
Meals BLD
Accommodation Camping
After a relaxant break in Paiyu, our journey will start getting tougher as we head to Urdukas (4130m). It will be a challenging day undertaking the rocky moraines of the Baltoro Glacier. However, the breathtaking sights of Paiyu Peak and Trango will truly astonish you. We will ascend around 750m from Paiyu completing a long walk but most intense mountain views and Broad Peak will be in our sight wiping the exhaustion. As soon as we reach Urdukas, we will camp and compose for Goro.
Altitude 4130 m
Meals BLD
Accommodation Camping
Passing an exhausting walk to Urdukas, we will trek to Gora II on the tenth day of our expedition. Somehow, it will be an alleviating day as we will only ascend 120m from Urdukas (4250m to Gora (4250m). You will be mesmerized after reaching the heart of Concordia full of ice smothered by the exotic views of spectacular Masherbrum, Muztagh Tower, and Gasherbrum IV. If we are fortunate enough with a clear evening, we will be bestowed with magnificent dawn and the red hue over Masherbrum.
Altitude 4250 m
Meals BLD
Accommodation Camping
On the eleventh day, we will trek to Concordia which is known to be the most enchanting campsite in the entire Karakoram region with a 360 panorama sight of some exquisite mountains: Masherbrum, Gasherbrum, K2, Chogolisa, and Broad Peak itself. After savoring some remarkable sights, we will camp at Concordia for the night.
Altitude 4550 m
Meals BLD
Accommodation Camping
After beholding some glorious sights from Concordia, we will resume our trek to Gasherbrum Base Camp, the only site from where you can experience the sight of Gasherbrum. As soon as we complete our six-hour hike, we will finally reach the base camp rest for the night.
Altitude 5000 m
Meals BLD
Accommodation Camping
Following our schedule, we will complete our final preparation to attempt the summit as our Sherpas will rehearse glacial travel and climbing technique. In the meanwhile, we may remember the courageously departed souls who lost their lives on the way to the summit.
Altitude 5000 m
Meals BLD
Accommodation Camping
After our final preparation for our attempt at the summit, we will initiate our steps to Camp 1. Our route will follow high camps 1, 2, and 3 making at least one rotation climb before our attempt to the summit. Our team will speculate the weather for the ascent to the summit. Most probably, we will reach the summit on the predicted day if everything goes as per the schedule.
As soon as we exalt the summit (8, 035m), we will start our preparation for descending back to the high camps and the base camp evaluating the weather. We will rest at the base camp for a day and prepare to trek down to lower elevation.
Altitude 8035 m
Meals BLD
Accommodation Full Board Camp Service
After resting at the base camp for a night, we will continue to descend from the base camp to Gora on the forty-day. We will follow our descending route until we return back to Askole, a small town in Shigar valley.
Altitude 2800 m
Meals BLD
Accommodation Camping
Following our travel schedule, we will drive back to Skardu and rest after a seven-hour drive from Askole. We will freshen up and get ready for the flight to Islamabad.
Altitude 2228 m
Meals BLD
Accommodation 2-star Hotel
From Skardu, we will fly back to Islamabad and enjoy the aerial view of the capital city for an hour.
Altitude 508 m
Meals Breakfast
Accommodation 4-star Hotel
After the completion of a long expedition, you can relax in Islamabad strolling around The Pakistan Monument, Lok Virsa Museum, Faisal Mosque, Mragalla Hills, Daman-e-Koh,and many more cultural places of this great city.
Altitude 508 m
Meals Breakfast And Farewell Dinner
Accommodation 4-star Hotel
Our journey to the summit of Gasherbrum II concludes on this day. We will cordially implore farewell with countless memories. One of our representatives will escort you to Islamabad Airport a few hours earlier to your scheduled flight.
Altitude 508 m
Meals Breakfast
Accommodation N/A
Gasherbrum II is the 13th highest mountain in the world and is considered one of the most challenging peaks to climb.
The mountain was first surveyed by the British explorers in the early 20th century, and its first ascent was achieved in 1956 by an Austrian expedition led by Fritz Moravec. The successful team included Fritz Wintersteller, Marcus Schmuck, and Kurt Diemberger. They climbed the mountain via the southwest ridge, which has since become the standard route for most climbers.
Gasherbrum II is renowned for its technical difficulty and extreme weather conditions. The mountain offers a variety of challenges, including steep icy slopes, crevasses, and avalanches. The climbing routes involve technical rock and ice climbing, and climbers often face high altitude sickness and frostbite due to the extreme cold.
Despite its difficulties, Gasherbrum II attracts experienced mountaineers from around the world who are seeking to conquer its formidable slopes. The climbing season typically occurs during the summer months of June, July, and August when the weather is comparatively more stable. Expedition teams spend several weeks acclimatizing and establishing camps at different altitudes before making their summit push.
Climbing Gasherbrum II requires technical skills, physical fitness, and previous high-altitude mountaineering experience. It is not recommended for novice climbers. Safety precautions, proper equipment, and experienced guides are essential for a successful and safe ascent.
Gasherbrum II is part of the Gasherbrum massif, which includes several other notable peaks such as Gasherbrum I (also known as Hidden Peak) and Gasherbrum III. These mountains are located in a remote and challenging region, adding to the allure and adventure of climbing in this area.