Gasherbrum II Expedition (8,035 m)
The Gasherbrum II Expedition is a 50-day climb of Gasherbrum II (8,035 m), one of the most popular first 8,000 m peaks in the world, via the normal south-west ridge from a base camp on the Abruzzi Glacier.
- Duration50 Days
- DifficultyVery hard
- Summit8,035 m
- Best SeasonJune – August
- Base Campapprox. 5,100 m
A Classic First 8,000 m Peak
Gasherbrum II (8,035 m), first climbed by an Austrian team in 1956, is the 13th-highest mountain on earth and one of the most climbed 8,000 m peaks in the Karakoram. Its normal route on the south-west ridge is mainly snow and ice, with no very technical sections, which makes it a popular first 8,000 m objective.
The Gasherbrum II Expedition shares a base camp with Gasherbrum I at the head of the Baltoro Glacier. We arrange permits, flights to Skardu, the approach trek past the Trango Towers and Concordia, a full base camp team and support on the mountain.
Trip Highlights
- Climb Gasherbrum II (8,035 m), a classic first 8,000 m peak
- Normal route on the south-west ridge
- Base camp at about 5,100 m on the Abruzzi Glacier
- Approach trek past the Trango Towers and Concordia
- Peak royalty, permit, liaison officer and briefings arranged by TGA
- High-altitude porters and oxygen available on request
Itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Islamabad
Our team meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel. Gear check and welcome dinner.
Overnight: HotelDay 2–3Briefing and fly to Skardu
Expedition briefing in Islamabad, then fly to Skardu (or drive the Karakoram Highway if flights are cancelled).
Overnight: HotelDay 4Jeep to Askole (approx. 3,000 m)
About 7 hours by 4x4 jeep to Askole, the last village.
Overnight: CampDay 5–11Approach trek on the Baltoro Glacier
Trek via Jhola, Paiju, Urdukas, Goro II and Concordia to Gasherbrum Base Camp (approx. 5,100 m).
Overnight: CampDay 12–13Settle in at base camp
Set up camp, hold the puja ceremony and prepare gear.
Overnight: CampDay 14–42Acclimatisation and summit push
Rotations through the icefall to Camp 1 (approx. 5,900 m), Camp 2 (approx. 6,400 m) and Camp 3 (approx. 7,000 m), then a summit attempt via the south-west ridge.
Overnight: CampDay 43–45Reserve days
Extra days for bad weather or a second attempt.
Overnight: CampDay 46–47Clean up and trek out
Clear base camp and trek out via Concordia and the Gondogoro La or the Baltoro.
Overnight: CampDay 48–49Jeep to Skardu, fly to Islamabad
Drive to Skardu and fly to Islamabad for the debriefing. Celebration dinner.
Overnight: HotelDay 50Depart
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your flight home.
Overnight: —Expedition schedules depend on weather, snow conditions and acclimatisation. Summit decisions are always made with safety first.
What's Included
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Islamabad
- Hotels in Islamabad and Skardu
- Domestic flights Islamabad–Skardu–Islamabad, or road transport if flights are cancelled
- 4x4 jeeps Skardu–Askole and back
- Peak royalty, climbing permit and liaison officer fees
- Base camp services: dining, kitchen, toilet and shower tents, cook and kitchen staff
- All meals on the approach trek and at base camp
- Porters to carry expedition and personal gear to base camp and back
- Experienced expedition manager and English-speaking guide on the approach
- Satellite phone at base camp for emergencies
- Letter of invitation (LOI) for your Pakistan visa
Not Included
- International flights to and from Pakistan
- Pakistan visa fee
- Rescue and high-altitude travel insurance (mandatory)
- Personal climbing gear and clothing
- High-altitude porters, supplementary oxygen and masks (available on request)
- Fixed-rope and route fees charged on the mountain
- Summit bonus and tips for staff
- Extra nights or costs caused by flight cancellations, landslides or early return
- Anything not listed under "Included"
Moments from the Trail
Why Choose the Gasherbrum II Expedition?
The Gasherbrum II Expedition is one of the best ways to climb your first 8,000 m peak. The route is less technical than most of its neighbours, the base camp is spectacular, and the approach up the Baltoro is a great adventure in itself.
It suits climbers who have summited a 6,000 m or 7,000 m peak, such as Spantik. Strong teams sometimes add Gasherbrum I from the same base camp.
Before you travel, read our Pakistan visa guide and our advice on travel insurance; helicopter rescue cover is mandatory. Browse all our mountain expeditions in Pakistan.
Plan the rest of your trip
Good to Know
Experience
You should have climbed at least a 6,000 m peak, ideally a 7,000 m peak, and be confident with crampons, ice axe and fixed ropes.
Acclimatisation
We plan rotations to Camp 2 and Camp 3 before the summit push. Many climbers use supplementary oxygen on summit day.
Permits & Royalty
Every expedition needs a climbing permit from the Gilgit-Baltistan government, a peak royalty fee and, for most peaks, a liaison officer. Our team handles the application, briefing and debriefing in Islamabad or Skardu.
When to Go
June to August is the Gasherbrum climbing season, with the best weather usually in July. Read our guide to the best time to visit Pakistan.
Reserve Your Place on the Expedition
Tell us your experience, your plans and your preferred season, and our team will send you a full logistics package and quote for Gasherbrum II.
