Gasherbrum II Expedition – Karakoram
The Gasherbrum II Expedition is an exhilarating and hard climbing journey that culminates at the summit of Gasherbrum II, better known as K4. Gasherbrum II, located in the majestic Karakoram Range along the Pakistan-China border, is the world's 13th-highest mountain, rising to an amazing elevation of 8,035 meters (26,362 feet).
The trip begins in the distant Pakistani province of Baltistan, where the journey to Gasherbrum II begins. Climbers embark on a walk through spectacular scenery, including green valleys, glacial streams, and mountainous terrain, beginning in the lovely town of Skardu and gradually making their way toward the base camp.
Trip Highlights
Highlights
- Very competitive prices for an eight thousander peak
- Field office and permanent staff for logistical arrangements to and from the mountain
- The itinerary is based on our mountain guide's indigenous knowledge and vast experience
- Spectacular mountain vistas during the expedition
- Silkroad Guides is a fully licensed native adventure company
- Fixed departures are normally guided by our Pakistani High Altitude Climber(s) (HAC)
- Private groups are always one of our top priorities
- We cater to both guided expeditions and non-guided (alpine style) climbing
- We cater to both "base camp services" and "full board services"
- Nepalese Sherpas are available upon timely request (at least 6 months prior to arrival in Pakistan)
- The following High Altitude Support available at extra cost
a. Pakistani High Altitude Porter (HAP) - Will carry 20 kg of personal equipment between camps
b. Nepalese Private Sherpa (personal guide/porter) – Carries up to 20 kg (44 lbs) of your personal equipment, climbs with you, melts water, cooks, and will be with you every step of the way.
c. Personal equipment carriage service – Sherpa carries up to 10kg (22lbs) of personal equipment up and down the mountain between camps
Itinerary
The Itinerary for Gasherbrum II Expedition is noticeable below
Today's GPS Data Altitude: 540 m Before heading to Skardu, we will receive a briefing from the Department of Tourism in Islamabad about the Gasherbrum II Expedition. Following the briefing, we will spend time exploring Islamabad and sampling traditional Pakistani cuisine. Today's GPS Data Altitude: 2,498 m Participants will take a beautiful trip from Islamabad Airport to Skardu Airport this morning. If the clouds cooperate, you will be able to view Nanga Parbat. The day is free after arriving at Skardu. It will be a nice treat before embarking on the Gasherbrum II Expedition. Today's GPS Data Altitude: 2,498 m After breakfast, the participants will go to Skardu's Kharpocho Fort, which is positioned on a mountain. The Kharpocho Fort offers a spectacular view of the Indus River and Skardu town. Participants will also have the option of taking a tour of Sadpara Lake, followed by free time in Skardu Bazaar. During the sightseeing, our personnel will take care of any further government paperwork that is required in Skardu. This can take up to two days. We have contingency days planned at the conclusion of the walk in case of delays. Today's GPS Data Altitude: 3,015 m On this day of the Gasherbrum II Expedition, participants will embark on a jeep safari to Daso, passing via the Shigar Valley. The journey will take place along the banks of the Braldu River, which runs all the way to Askole. Askole will be the final settlement on our itinerary; after exiting the jeeps, participants will begin walking. However, depending on the road conditions, participants may begin their walk before arriving in Askole. The distance will take you between six and eight hours to complete. Today's GPS Data Altitude: 3,103 m Distance: 20 km Duration: 5-8 hours Following the completion of the necessary supply list and equipment, the porters will load up for the journey to Jhola. The valley serves as a portal to the Biafo glacier, which flows over fifty kilometers from Hispar La to Braldu. The participants will experience moraine walking as they traverse the glacier's snout and descend to a picnic site near the Korofon River. The route will take us to the confluence of the Braldu and Domordo rivers. The former trail will not be used for the journey; instead, a modern trail will take us upstream, where participants will cross the river via a bridge. Participants will descend to the river's edge on the other side of the bridge and follow the river bank to reach the camp at Jhola. Today's GPS Data Altitude: 3,418 m Distance: 19.8 km Duration: 6-7 hours On this day of our Gasherbrum II Expedition, we will follow the Braldu Gorge along the Braldu River's bank. The participants will be able to see the spectacular Trango Tower and Cathedral Peak rocks. Participants should avoid getting sunburned on this day because the walking conditions can be exceedingly dry and hot. Several glacier streams flow down into the valley, and depending on the water levels, participants will need to utilize river crossing shoes. On a clear day, the trekkers will be able to see the snout of the Baltoro Glacier. On this day, the participants will climb away from the river to camp at Paiju, the last camp where they will see trees for quite some time. Today's GPS Data Altitude: 3,418 m The participants will spend the day at Paiju Camp getting acclimated and resting. The porters, on the other hand, will take their time baking bread for the following week on the glacier. On this day, an acclimatization walk to Paiju Peak base camp is also possible. This will be extremely beneficial to the participants prior to the Gasherbrum II Expedition, as their bodies will acclimatize to the region. Today's GPS Data Altitude: 3,788 m Distance: 14.7 km Duration: 5-7 hours Walking will be difficult on this day of the Gasherbrum II Expedition, but the vista will improve with each step onto the snout of Baltoro Glacier. The trail involves continual up-and-down climbs on the glacier moraine, and while the trail is relatively safe, it is strongly advised to be cautious at all times. As they go, the participants will be treated to breathtaking vistas of Trango Tower and Uli Biaho. The participants must cross the glacier to reach Liligo. The participants will next walk a steep road along the edge of the Baltoro or sometimes to Khoburtse, the side of the glacier where camp will be set up. Today's GPS Data Altitude: 3,905 m Distance: 6.4 km Duration: 4-6 hours Trango Towers may finally be spotted on this day of the Gashebrum II Expedition after passing over two minor glaciers. The players would spend the night in Urdukas, near the army camp, the next night. The camp is located 100 meters above the glacier. Today's GPS Data Altitude:4,285 m Duration: 6-8 hours The participants in our Gasherbrum II will be trekking in the midst of the glacier on this day. The medial moraine will be followed, with views of Masherbrum (7821m) to the south. The athletes will be hiking up and down the rocky moraine and walking by large ice seracs as they progress. This will be the first night's stay camp on Baltoro Glacier at Goro II, which is located at the junction of Baltoro Glacier and Younghusband Glacier. The temperature could plummet drastically. Masherbrum and Muztagh Tower will be revealed for the occasion. Today's GPS Data Altitude: 4,512 m Distance: 11.7 km Duration: 5-7 hours On this day of the Gasherbrum II, the participants will reach Concordia after going up the moraine continually, with more and more high snow-capped peaks appearing along the route, culminating in the sighting of K2. Broad Peak, Mitre Peak, Gasherbrum, Sia Kangri, and many other summits may be viewed. Today's GPS Data Altitude: 4,850 m Distance: 11.7 km Duration: 3-5 hours The hike from Concordia to the campground will take two hours on the glacier moraine. The participants will hike on the upper Baltoro glacier to reach Shahring. Participants can see Chogolisa, Snow Dome Peaks, Baltoro Kangri, and numerous more high-altitude peaks from this vantage point. Today's GPS Data Altitude: 5,150 m Distance: 8.08 km Duration: 4 weeks We shall begin our ascent to the mountain on this day and continue for the next four weeks. We will have backup days in case the weather improves. Silkroad Guides Team will set up the expedition's base camp and will continue to help the expedition throughout the time frame. Today's GPS Data Altitude: 4,512 m Distance: 11.7 km Duration: 5-7 hours We return to Concordia on this day after successfully completing the Gasherbrum II Expedition. Today's GPS Data Altitude: 4,500 m Distance: 14.7 km Duration: 5-6 hours The participants will take a little different and less traveled path. There will be short detours to avoid crevasses, and participants should walk on tough ice rather than slick ice. In the event of snow, the participants and porters will walk together while wearing crampons and roped together. The base will be established in Ali camp, which participants will arrive at after hiking for 5-6 hours. The name "Ali Camp" comes from a local porter who was the first to traverse the Gondogoro La Pass. Today's GPS Data Altitude: 5,585 m Distance: 19.8 km Duration: 5-7 hours Participants will be up as early as 2 a.m. on this day. After getting ready and eating breakfast, the group will depart as one team for the Gondogoro La base. Depending on the situation, our support personnel will be on hand to repair ropes or assist members with equipment. The trip to the top of Gondogoro La Pass takes about 3 hours. You will be able to see and experience all four 8000ers in the Baltoro region. K2, G1, Broad Peak, and G2. Fixed ropes will be used extensively while descending to the other side, and the usage of crampons is critical for the members' safety. Members will get views of the stunning and sword-shaped Laila Peak (6,096m), as well as vistas of other Trinity summits. To avoid jolting stones on their teammates, the members will have to be extremely cautious when descending and look out for every step they take. The routes grow easier as the participants descend the slope and go along the moraine. The camp will be located at Khuispang (4,600m), the meeting point of the Gondogoro and Trinity Glaciers. Today's GPS Data Altitude: 3,350 m Distance: 20 km Duration: 5-7 hours The participants will continue hiking down. Because the descent will be a relatively easy hike, the climbing equipment, such as ropes and crampons, will be packed while descending. The rough and mountainous terrain will be carried over the lovely green landscapes of Hushe Valley. After lunch, the hikers will proceed to the edge of the Gondogoro Glacier, where they will find a track that will lead them to a magnificent valley of rhubarb and grass. There are two routes to the destination at the valley's end. Our guide, with the help of local porters, will choose the most popular treks. When the two pathways intersect, the journey becomes much easier. The members will visit stone cottages built by herdsmen and local inhabitants. The participants will see the signs of the villages in the vicinity on this day and will be able to breathe easily due to the large trees and lower altitude. The camp will be put up at Saicho (3,350m), a sand and grassy area along the flowing glacier water streams. Today's GPS Data Altitude: 2,498 m Distance: 20 kilometres trek + 127 kilometres drive Duration: 5-7 hours trek + 6 hours drive On this day, participants must hike down the river stream of glacier-melted water from the Charakusa, Ailling, Masherbrum, and Gondogoro Glaciers for only 3-4 hours. The participants will begin to notice signs of dwellings, shelters, fields, and people living. The participants will see the Hushe village's two-story shelters, where the ground floor is for cattle and the first floor is for the family to live. Participants can explore the picturesque hushe valley and connect with the locals after setting up your camp. This would be the Gondogoro La Trek's final camping day. When the participants arrive at Hushe, they will depart towards Skardu town, and the route will take them through many magnificent scenes of the Hushe Valley's various little villages. To reach the other side, the participants will traverse a suspension bridge spanning the Shyok River (which flows from Ladakh, India). Traditional rafts constructed of goat skin and filled with air were used to traverse the river in the past. The suspension bridge that is now used to traverse was erected in the 1990s. The participants will arrive in Khaplu after crossing the bridge. The road from Khaplu to Skardu becomes smoother, and the option to take is the paved road along the Shayok River, which leads to the Indus River's confluence. Participants will arrive in Skardu in 4 hours after traveling along the Indus River. The participants can use the amenities that they did not have for the previous two weeks. The first item on the list would be a hot shower, followed by a satisfying supper. Today's GPS Data Altitude:538 m On this day, the participants will fly from Skardu Airport to Islamabad Airport. You will have a pleasant time relaxing at the Islamabad Hotel. Domestic flights are occasionally canceled due to weather conditions. If your flight is canceled, you will drive to Chilas for the night. A vehicle takes eight to 10 hours. Today's GPS Data Altitude: 538 m This day is set aside for any potential delays if the domestic flight does not operate the day before. Our guests will travel from Chilas to Islamabad in the early morning, which could take up to 10 hours. However, if the players make it to Islamabad on the domestic flight, it would be a free day. This time could be spent sightseeing in Islamabad. Meals for this day included: Breakfast Our personnel will transport all of our customers to the airport at their scheduled departure times. All of our partner hotels have a 12pm check-out time. Day 02: Free day in Islamabad
Day 03: Fly to Skardu, Karakoram
Day 04: Enjoy a free day in Skardu
Day 05: Travel to the village of Askole.
Day 06: Trek from Askole to Jhola across the Biafo Glacier's snout
Day 07: Trek from Jhola to Paiju following the Braldu river
Day 08: Rest and acclimatize in Paiju
Day 09: Trek from Paiju to Khoburtse
Day 10: Cross small glaciers and walk to Urdukus
Day 11: Trek to Goro II, the meeting point of the Baltoro and Young Husband glaciers
Day 12: Trek to Concordia through a rocky moraine
Day 12: Trek to Shahring
Day 13 - 38: Gasherbrum II ascent
Day 39: Return trek to Concordia and relax
Day 40: Trek to Ali Camp
Day 41: Trek to Khuispang over Gondogoro La
Day 42: Trek to Saicho
Day 43: Trek to Hushe and then drive to Skardu
Day 44: Flight to Islamabad
Day 45: Flight cancellation contingency day
Day 46: Fly back to your home country
Holiday Overview
Reaching base camp is an important part of the expedition since it allows climbers to acclimatize to the high altitude and difficult circumstances. This period of adaptation allows the body to adjust to the thin air and lowers the risk of altitude-related ailments. Before beginning the ascent, the base camp acts as a primary point for rest, preparation, and logistical organization.
Ascending Gasherbrum II requires outstanding mountaineering abilities due to the peak's steep icy slopes, exposed ridges, and tricky parts. Climbers cross perilous crevasses, climb difficult rock formations, and use specialized equipment such as crampons, ice axes, and ropes to secure their safety and progress.
The weather is important in the Gasherbrum II Expedition because the mountain is notorious for its strong storms and harsh temperatures. Climbers must be prepared for unexpected weather changes, such as blizzards and heavy winds, which can endanger the expedition. Weather forecasting and strategic preparation become critical components in ensuring a safe and successful climb.
During the Gasherbrum II Expedition, many high camps were established along the route. These camps function as intermediate stations, providing shelter, rest, and supply storage. Climbers steadily ascend from camp to camp, managing their physical and mental well-being as they gain height.
Climbers who reach the summit of Gasherbrum II are rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding Karakoram Range and its majestic peaks. A panoramic perspective opens from the peak, displaying immense glaciers, deep valleys, and the grandeur of the rocky environment spanning as far as the eye can see.
It is critical to recognize that the Gasherbrum II Expedition is fraught with danger. The mountain's tough terrain, harsh weather, and technical difficulties make it a difficult and risky climb. Proper training, prior climbing expertise, and a trained team are required to reduce risks and ensure a safe and successful ascent.
The Gasherbrum II Expedition is an exhilarating and unforgettable trip that pushes climbers to their limits, appreciates nature's beauty, and rewards perseverance with stunning vistas from the top. It embodies the spirit of adventure, human resilience, and the never-ending drive to scale beautiful peaks, leaving an everlasting mark on the world of climbing.
