Gasherbrum II Expedition, 8,035m
A classic Karakoram 8,000m expedition through the Baltoro Glacier route, ideal for experienced climbers seeking a serious high-altitude objective in Pakistan.
Gasherbrum II is one of Pakistan's famous 8,000m peaks and a major climbing objective in the Karakoram. Located near the upper Baltoro and Gasherbrum glacier system, it offers a remote expedition experience with dramatic glacier travel, high-altitude camps, and a serious summit challenge.
The expedition follows the classic approach from Islamabad to Skardu, then toward Askole and the Baltoro Glacier. Climbers pass through Paiju, Urdukas, Goro, Concordia, and onward toward the Gasherbrum Base Camp area. Chaqon Global Tours supports teams with logistics, transport, porter arrangements, base camp services, permit assistance, and customized expedition planning.
Expedition Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Mountain | Gasherbrum II |
| Altitude | 8,035m |
| Range | Karakoram |
| Region | Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan |
| Duration | 45–55 Days |
| Difficulty | Very Hard |
| Fitness | Excellent |
| Best Season | June to August |
| Style | Expedition style |
| Access | Islamabad → Skardu → Askole → Baltoro → Gasherbrum Base Camp |
| Recommended Experience | Previous high-altitude climbing experience |
About the Gasherbrum II Expedition
Gasherbrum II is considered one of the more attainable 8,000m peaks in the Karakoram, but 'attainable' at this altitude is still relative. Climbers face long glacier days, exposed traverses, and the same short summit windows that govern every peak in the Baltoro region.
Chaqon Global Tours designs each Gasherbrum II program around your team's dates, experience and preferred pace. Our on-ground logistics, base camp services and permit coordination let your climbers focus fully on acclimatization and summit strategy.
The classic route via the south-west ridge is a great introduction to Karakoram 8,000m climbing, with a mix of glacier travel, moderate snow slopes, and one exposed summit ridge. It rewards patient acclimatization more than pure technical difficulty.
We handle every moving piece on the ground, transport from Islamabad, hotels in Skardu, jeeps to Askole, porters up the Baltoro, a fully staffed base camp, and clear communication with liaison officers, so your team's focus can stay on rest, rotations, and the summit push.
Expedition Highlights
A Karakoram 8,000er
Attempt Gasherbrum II, 8,035m, one of Pakistan's most respected 8,000m objectives.
Baltoro Approach
Trek through Paiju, Urdukas, Goro and Concordia on the great Baltoro Glacier.
Gasherbrum Cirque
Climb inside the Gasherbrum mountain group surrounded by G-I, G-III, G-IV and Broad Peak.
Professional Logistics
End-to-end support from Islamabad and Skardu, transport, hotels, porters, kitchen.
Base Camp Support
Full base camp setup with dining, cook, and communications for long expedition stays.
Custom Team Support
Private teams, mixed international climbers and base-camp-only clients welcome.
Detailed Itinerary (approx. 50 Days)
- 1
Day 1, Arrival in Islamabad
Airport pickup, transfer to hotel, team briefing and rest.
- 2
Day 2, Briefing & Preparation
Document checks, equipment organization, and expedition planning.
- 3
Day 3, Fly to Skardu / Drive to Chilas
Weather-dependent flight to Skardu or road journey via Karakoram Highway.
- 4
Day 4, Contingency / Continue to Skardu
Buffer day for travel delays.
- 5
Day 5, Skardu Preparation Day
Food packing, porter coordination, gear checks, and local arrangements.
- 6
Day 6, Drive to Askole / Jhola
Jeep journey toward the Baltoro approach.
- 7
Day 7, Trek to Paiju
Start the trekking approach through rugged mountain terrain.
- 8
Day 8, Rest at Paiju
Acclimatization and preparation before the glacier stages.
- 9
Day 9, Trek to Khoburtse
Continue toward the Baltoro Glacier.
- 10
Day 10, Trek to Urdukas
Reach a beautiful camp with views of famous Karakoram towers.
- 11
Day 11, Trek to Goro
Cross glacier terrain toward higher camps.
- 12
Day 12, Trek to Concordia
Reach the famous glacier junction surrounded by major peaks.
- 13
Day 13, Trek toward Shagring / Gasherbrum route
Move toward the Gasherbrum side of the upper Baltoro region.
- 14
Day 14, Arrive at Gasherbrum Base Camp
Settle at base camp and organize expedition equipment.
- 15
Days 15–17, Base Camp Setup & Acclimatization
Rest, short hikes, route discussion, and camp preparation.
- 16
Days 18–28, Acclimatization Rotations
Climbing rotations between base camp and higher camps depending on conditions.
- 17
Days 29–40, Summit Window
Main climbing period with rest cycles, camp stocking, and summit attempt.
- 18
Days 41–42, Weather / Reserve Days
Buffer days for weather and mountain conditions.
- 19
Day 43, Base Camp Cleanup
Pack equipment and prepare for return.
- 20
Day 44, Trek back to Concordia / Goro
Begin the return trek.
- 21
Day 45, Trek to Urdukas
Continue down the Baltoro Glacier.
- 22
Day 46, Trek to Paiju
Return through glacier and rocky trail.
- 23
Day 47, Trek to Jhola / Askole
Complete the trek section.
- 24
Day 48, Drive to Skardu
Return by jeep to Skardu.
- 25
Day 49, Fly to Islamabad / Drive to Chilas
Weather-dependent travel.
- 26
Day 50, Islamabad Debriefing & Departure
Official debriefing and final night in Islamabad.
Best Season
June to August is the main climbing season for Gasherbrum II. The summit window is decided by weather stability, snow conditions and team acclimatization, which is why our itineraries include reserve days.
Early June is usually spent on the approach and initial base camp setup while the upper mountain still holds heavy winter snow. Most successful summit pushes fall between mid-July and early August when jet-stream winds ease and snow conditions stabilize.
Because good windows are short and unpredictable, we build in flexible acclimatization rotations, weather buffer days, and access to professional forecasts, so your team is positioned to move as soon as the mountain allows.
Difficulty, Fitness & Required Experience
Gasherbrum II is a serious 8,000m expedition. Climbers need excellent fitness, high-altitude experience, glacier travel skills, and confidence using fixed-line climbing systems.
Expect long days in crampons, repeated rotations between base camp and higher camps, and hours of movement on fixed lines during the summit push. Comfort in a down suit, at temperatures well below freezing, and with a heavy pack is essential.
We encourage each climber to arrive with prior 6,000m or 7,000m experience, a recent structured training plan, and a full high-altitude medical clearance. Strong basics, rope work, self-arrest, crevasse rescue, matter far more here than raw technical grade.
- Previous 6,000m or 7,000m climbing experience minimum
- Strong endurance and cold-weather camping experience
- Familiar with crampons, ropes, ascenders, descenders, and crevasse safety
- Able to manage long expedition days in remote terrain
- Comprehensive high-altitude rescue insurance
- Recent medical clearance
Services Included
- Airport pickup and assistance
- Hotel support in Islamabad and Skardu
- Domestic travel coordination
- Jeep transport
- Porter support to and from base camp
- Base camp logistics
- Kitchen crew arrangement
- Permit guidance and liaison officer
- Local coordination throughout the expedition
Services Not Included
- International flights
- Personal climbing equipment
- Insurance and rescue coverage
- Personal high-altitude food
- Extra costs due to weather delays
- Tips and personal expenses
Equipment Checklist
- Mountaineering boots
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Harness
- Helmet
- Fixed rope gear (ascender, descender, carabiners)
- Down clothing / down suit
- Expedition sleeping bag
- Gloves and face protection
- Sunglasses and goggles
- Personal first aid kit
Safety & Permits
Climbing Gasherbrum II requires official permission, careful acclimatization, responsible route decisions, and emergency planning. Chaqon Global Tours provides logistical support and permit coordination assistance for every expedition team.
We help teams review medical fitness, insurance coverage, and evacuation plans well before departure, and confirm that every climber carries a high-altitude rescue policy valid for helicopter operations in the Karakoram.
On the mountain, daily forecasts, satellite communication, and a clear emergency protocol are shared with liaison officers and the wider base camp community. Summit decisions are made together with the team, never rushed to fit a fixed calendar.
- Ministry of Tourism permit and liaison officer
- Daily weather forecasts pushed to base camp
- Satellite communications and emergency protocols
- Fair wages, insurance and loads for high-altitude staff
- Leave No Trace waste management
Questions travelers ask
Plan Your Gasherbrum II Expedition
Send us your dates, team size, and prior experience. Chaqon Global Tours replies within 24–48 hours with a tailored expedition plan, permit guidance, and transparent costs.