Gasherbrum II, 8,035 m, a classic Karakoram 8,000 m climb reached through Askole, the Baltoro and Concordia.
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Gasherbrum II, 8,035 m, is the thirteenth-highest mountain in the world and the second-highest summit of the Gasherbrum group. It is often described as one of the more approachable 8,000 m peaks, but that can mislead: the mountain is remote, cold, crevassed and fully exposed to Karakoram weather.
For strong climbers it is a sensible first 8,000 m objective after serious 6,000 m and 7,000 m experience. The usual plan follows the Gasherbrum base camp approach from Concordia, then uses three high camps above base camp with rotations before the summit push. July and early August normally give the best mix of access, snow and weather.
Strong climbers who want a serious but logical step into 8,000 m expedition climbing. Best with previous 6,000 m or 7,000 m climbs, good cold-camping habits and the patience to wait for weather. It is not for trekkers who simply want to try altitude.
7 July 1956 — First ascent. The Austrian trio of Fritz Moravec, Josef Larch and Hans Willenpart made the first ascent via the southwest and east ridges, which form the basis of today's normal route.
2 February 2011 — First winter ascent. Simone Moro, Denis Urubko and Cory Richards made the first winter ascent, also the first winter ascent of any 8,000 m peak in the Karakoram.
Airport welcome, hotel transfer and a first briefing on the route, weather and logistics. The rest of the day is for recovery after the journey.
540 mWe go through permits, insurance, personal climbing gear, cargo weights and the plan for getting to Skardu.
540 mMountain flight over the Karakoram foothills, weather permitting. If flights are cancelled we follow the road alternative.
2,228 mFinal food, fuel, porter loads, communications and equipment checks before the road ends.
2,228 m4x4 drive through the Shigar and Braldu valleys to Askole, the last village before the Baltoro.
3,000 mThe trek starts along the Braldu River as porters and camp routines settle in.
3,200 mOn to Paiju, the green camp at the edge of the Baltoro, with the first big views of the granite towers.
3,400 mA planned rest day to adjust to the altitude and let the crew reorganise loads for the glacier.
3,400 mStep onto the Baltoro system and follow the moraine and glacier-side trail to Urdukas, with views toward Trango and Cathedral.
4,050 mDeeper onto the Baltoro, colder and more exposed, with Masherbrum and Muztagh Tower strengthening on the skyline.
4,250 mConcordia, the great meeting point of the Baltoro and Godwin-Austen glaciers, ringed by K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum IV and Chogolisa on a clear day.
4,650 mLeave Concordia for the Gasherbrum side of the upper Baltoro and set up base camp at around 5,000 m: kitchen, water, communications, member tents and storage.
5,000 mRest, sort loads and review the route, glacier travel, fixed-line movement and radio procedure. We only go higher when route and weather allow.
5,000 mThis block is held for acclimatisation rotations, rest, load carries, the summit attempt and the descent. The usual plan uses Camps 1, 2 and 3 above base camp; exact timing depends on route condition and weather.
8,035 mClear base camp, check every load and start the walk down the Baltoro.
4,250 mDown the glacier through the familiar camps, taking care on loose moraine with tired legs.
4,050 mLeave the main glacier and descend toward the warmer Braldu valley.
3,200 mThe final trekking day. Porters are paid and thanked before we rejoin the road.
3,000 m4x4 back to Skardu, depending on the road and any repair work.
2,228 mFlight to Islamabad, weather permitting, or the safest road alternative.
540 mA buffer day for weather delays, packing and a farewell dinner. Keep flexibility in your onward flight.
540 mAirport transfer for your flight home.
DepartureFor the right climber, yes, but only after strong altitude experience. You should already know how your body behaves above 6,000 m and be confident with crampons, fixed ropes and glacier travel.
Summer, especially July into early August. June can still hold unsettled snow and late August gets less certain.
Most teams use three above base camp. The number of rotations and the timing of the final push depend on acclimatisation, snow, rope-fixing progress and the weather window.
The fair price depends on group size, dates, porter allowance, oxygen choice and the level of high-altitude support. We prefer to understand your team first and then send a clear written proposal.
Yes. We handle the mountaineering permit, peak royalty, environment fees, liaison officer coordination and the official briefing and debriefing. We need your passport copies, visa details and insurance documents well before arrival.
Everything required for a fully compliant, safe trek in Baltistan — some of it handled by us, some to prepare before you fly.
6 months valid Passport, Pakistan E-Visa, CNIC/ID copies.
Great Adventure manages restricted area & climbing permits, plus liaison officer arrangements (requires passport submission 8 weeks prior for expeditions).
Must explicitly cover Emergency Helicopter Evacuation and high-altitude trekking.
Altitude sickness (AMS) preparedness, fitness levels, and personal first-aid kits.