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Tour Overview & Experience
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Custom pacing, private certified native guides & tailored group itineraries.
Every trip helps support Conservation
Fair-wage porter insurance, Leave-No-Trace practices & local community aid.
Seamless travel, every detail perfected
All permits, deluxe accommodations, private transport & 24/7 expert logistics.
Gasherbrum I, also known as K5 and Hidden Peak, is the world's 11th-highest mountain and the second-highest in the Karakoram Range. Standing at 8,080 meters (26,509 feet) , it is one of four 8,000-meter peaks clustered together on the upper reaches of the Baltoro Glacier — the main access route through the Karakoram.
Contrary to popular belief, the name "Gasherbrum" does not mean "shining wall." It is derived from the Balti words rgasha (meaning "lovely") and brum (meaning "mountain") . The Gasherbrum massif consists of six peaks, with Gasherbrum I being the highest. It was given the name "Hidden Peak" in 1892 by William Martin Conway in recognition of its extreme remoteness .
Gasherbrum I is considered one of the least dangerous 8,000-meter peaks, largely because only the most experienced mountaineers attempt it. It has fewer than 200 ascents and ranks tenth among 8,000-meter peaks on the ascent list .
History of Gasherbrum I
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1936: A French expedition led by H. De Segogne attempted the climb but could not progress beyond Camp V (6,797m)
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1958: The first ascent was made by an American expedition led by Nick Clinch, with Pete Schoening and Andy Kaufman reaching the summit
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1975: Reinhold Messner and Peter Habeler made the first pure Alpine-style ascent of an 8,000-meter peak, with no rope, no supplemental oxygen, and only personal climbing equipment. They summited on August 10, 1975
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2008: A new route up the South West Face was climbed by Denis Urubko and Serguey Samoilov in Alpine style
The most common route is from the west, with all routes leading to the Japanese Couloir on the northwest face. The first ascent in 1958 followed Spur Peak and then the long southeast ridge .
“Along the ancient Silk Road, every fortress, stone bazaar, and welcoming mountain hearth tells centuries of timeless history and vibrant living heritage.”
Tour Highlights
- Gasherbrum I Summit (8,080m) – Stand on the world's 11th-highest peak
- Spectacular mountain-view flight to Skardu
- Explore the ancient Himalayan kingdom of Baltistan
- Trek past the dramatic Trango Towers and Cathedral Peaks
- Spectacular views of K2, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrum II from Concordia
- Explore Concordia and the Baltoro Glacier
- Full-board logistics until Base Camp and above
- Experienced high-altitude porters and Sherpas
- Satellite communication and emergency support
- Weather forecasting and medical support at Base Camp
Day-by-Day Itinerary (43 Days)
Arrival Islamabad
Arrive at Islamabad International Airport. Meet and greet by Hunza Adventure Tours representative, then transfer to hotel. Rest of the day to recover from the journey. Overnight at hotel. Altitude: 500m
Islamabad – Skardu (By Air)
Take a scenic flight to Skardu (2,230m). The flight offers stunning aerial views of Nanga Parbat and other Karakoram peaks. Transfer to hotel. Afternoon free to explore Skardu Bazaar or relax. Overnight at hotel. Altitude: 2,230m | Flight: 45 minutes
Note: If the flight is cancelled due to weather, the journey will be made by road via the Karakoram Highway (2 days).
Skardu – Preparation & Briefing
A full day in Skardu for final preparations, permit formalities, and expedition briefing. Team members will review the expedition plan and safety protocols. Last-minute gear checks and supply organization take place. Overnight at hotel. Altitude: 2,230m
Skardu – Rest & Acclimatization Day
A rest and acclimatization day in Skardu. Explore Satpara Lake, Skardu Fort, or the Shigar Valley. This break allows the body to adjust before heading deeper into the Karakoram. Overnight at hotel. Altitude: 2,230m
Skardu – Askole (By Jeep)
Drive from Skardu to Askole (3,050m) — the last inhabited village before the wilderness of the Karakoram. The rugged off-road journey follows the Braldu River through remote valleys and steep gorges. Set up camp at Askole. Overnight camping. Altitude: 3,050m | Drive: 6-7 hours
Askole – Jhola
Begin the trek from Askole to Jhola (3,200m). The trail follows the Braldu River, navigating rocky paths and glacial streams. Overnight camping. Altitude: 3,200m | Trek: 5-6 hours
Jhola – Paiju
Trek from Jhola to Paiju (3,450m), a crucial rest stop at the base of Paiju Peak. The trail weaves through steep gorges and rocky moraines, with the first glimpse of the Baltoro Glacier ahead. Overnight camping. Altitude: 3,450m | Trek: 6-7 hours
Paiju – Rest & Acclimatization Day
A rest day at Paiju for acclimatization. Explore the area, hydrate, and prepare for the glacier crossing. Overnight camping. Altitude: 3,450m
Paiju – Urdukas
Trek from Paiju to Urdukas (4,150m), entering the legendary Baltoro Glacier. The trail offers unparalleled views of Trango Towers and Cathedral Peaks. Overnight camping. Altitude: 4,150m | Trek: 7-8 hours
Urdukas – Goro II
Trek from Urdukas to Goro II (4,300m), navigating the glacier's ice and rock. Enjoy panoramic views of Masherbrum, Muztagh Tower, and Gasherbrum IV. Overnight camping. Altitude: 4,300m | Trek: 7-8 hours
Goro II – Shagharing
Trek from Goro II to Shagharing (4,530m), where the Gasherbrum Massif comes into clearer view. The journey continues on the Baltoro Glacier, with views of Gasherbrum IV, Broad Peak, and a distant glimpse of K2. Overnight camping. Altitude: 4,530m | Trek: 6-7 hours
Shagharing – Gasherbrum Base Camp
Trek from Shagharing to Gasherbrum Base Camp (5,156m) — the launch point for the summit attempt. The trail winds through the upper Baltoro Glacier, with the imposing sight of Gasherbrum I and II filling the horizon. Set up Base Camp, rest, and prepare for the climb. Overnight camping. Altitude: 5,156m | Trek: 5-6 hours
Climbing & Acclimatization Period
23 days dedicated to the ascent of Gasherbrum I (8,080m).
The climbing period involves:
Acclimatization rotations between Base Camp, Camp 1 (5,900m), Camp 2 (6,400m), Camp 3 (7,200m), and optional Summit Camp (7,500m)
Route fixing on the Japanese Couloir, Northwest Face, and summit push
Summit push from Camp 3 or Summit Camp, usually a 12-18 hour round trip
Rest and recovery days between rotations
Weather window monitoring with satellite updates
Our mountain guide, chef, and supporting crew will stay at Base Camp during the entire climbing period. Oxygen, ropes, and all climbing equipment are provided by Hunza Adventure Tours.
Camp Details:
Camp 1 (5,900m): On the glacier, first acclimatization stop
Camp 2 (6,400m): Vital rest stop before the steep climb
Camp 3 (7,200m): High camp on the Northwest Face
Summit Camp (7,500m): Optional final camp before summit push
Note: The summit attempt is weather-dependent and requires careful judgment. Safety is always the priority.
Packing Day at Base Camp
A day to pack up equipment and prepare for the return journey. Overnight camping. Altitude: 5,156m
Base Camp – Goro II
Descend from Base Camp to Goro II. Overnight camping. Altitude: 4,300m | Trek: 6-7 hours
Goro II – Paiju
Trek back to Paiju. Overnight camping. Altitude: 3,450m | Trek: 7-8 hours
Paiju – Askole
Trek back to Askole. Overnight camping. Altitude: 3,050m | Trek: 6-7 hours
Askole – Skardu (By Jeep)
Drive back to Skardu. Arrive in Skardu and check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel. Altitude: 2,230m | Drive: 6-7 hours
Skardu – Islamabad (By Air)
Fly back to Islamabad. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel. Altitude: 500m | Flight: 45 minutes
Contingency Day in Islamabad
A buffer day in case of flight or weather delays. Explore Islamabad or relax at the hotel. Overnight at hotel. Altitude: 500m
Departure
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your flight back home.
What's Included & Excluded
Package Inclusions
- Transport & Transfers: All domestic flights and ground transportation included.
- Accommodations: Twin-sharing hotel stays and high-grade trekking camps (including D3V sleeping tents, toilet tents, and shower tents).
- Meals & Catering: Full board (daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner) prepared by our dedicated camp cook and kitchen staff.
- Permits & Official Fees: Complete government trekking permits, official paperwork, bridge tolls, campsite fees, and mandatory waste management dues.
- Logistics & Camp Gear: Comprehensive trekking logistics, communal gear, and non-personal equipment.
- Dedicated Crew: Licensed professional mountain guide, kitchen assistants, and porters (up to 15 kg personal luggage allowance per guest).
- Safety & Emergency Support: Comprehensive first-aid medical kit and satellite phone connectivity for emergency communication.
Package Exclusions
- Travel & Visas: International airfare, airport departure taxes, and Pakistan visa fees.
- Insurance: Comprehensive personal travel, medical, and emergency evacuation insurance.
- Accommodations & Upgrades: Single room supplement (available upon request).
- Separate Transfers: Airport transfers for participants arriving or departing outside the group schedule.
- Personal Gear & Expenses: Sleeping bags, room service, laundry, phone/internet charges, beverages (soft drinks, mineral water, and alcoholic drinks), and items of a purely personal nature.
- Custom Activities: Optional excursions, extra sightseeing, or custom deviations from the fixed itinerary.
- Gratuities: Tips for mountain guides, camp staff, porters, and drivers.
- Unlisted Services: Any expense or service not explicitly specified in the "Included" section.
Trek & Route Map
Interactive geographical route & terrain map for Gasherbrum I (8,068m) Peak Expedition 2025/2026
Terms & Conditions
Hunza Adventure Tours promulgates its terms and conditions for all tours, treks, expeditions, and safaris operated by the company in Pakistan.
Reservation & Advance Payment Requirements
- 50% advance deposit is required upon confirmation to secure permits, hotel rooms, transport, and certified mountain guides.
- The full balance settlement must be cleared upon arrival in Pakistan before departure.
- Advance deposits can be directly wired to our official corporate bank account at Bank Alfalah.
Official Corporate Bank Account Details
Direct all international wire transfers to our official account at Alfalah Bank Pakistan:
A 50% advance deposit is required upon confirmation. Deposits are non-refundable in case of client cancellation, but 100% refundable if the company encounters unforeseen logistical impediments.
All tour packages provide hotel rooms on a twin-sharing basis. A single room supplement charge applies for single occupancy requests.
No refunds will be made to participants who voluntarily leave the tour before completion for any unused nights, transport, or meals.
Our certified tour directors hold complete operational authority. Disruptive or unlawful behavior may result in immediate dismissal from the tour group.
All participants are advised to secure comprehensive international travel insurance covering emergency medical expenses and trip cancellation prior to arrival.
Passports must be valid for at least 6 months. We issue official DTS-licensed LOI documentation for the Pakistan online eVisa portal within 24 hours of booking.
Packing & Travel Essentials
- Sturdy trekking boots / trail walking shoes
- Comfortable slip-on shoes for camps & lodges
- 3-4 pairs of wool/synthetic socks
- Thermal base layers & warm fleece jacket
- Waterproof & windproof outer shell
- Sun hat, warm beanie, and lightweight gloves
- High SPF 50+ sunscreen & polarized sunglasses
- Camera / action cam with extra batteries
- Portable power bank & universal adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Gasherbrum I located?
Gasherbrum I is located in the Karakoram Range on the Pakistan-China border, near the Baltoro Glacier. It is part of the Gasherbrum massif .
How difficult is Gasherbrum I?
Gasherbrum I is considered technically challenging due to steep ice walls, crevasses, and unpredictable weather. It is harder than Broad Peak but less technical than K2 .
What experience do I need?
Climbers should have prior experience on high-altitude expeditions, preferably having summited peaks above 6,000 meters. Technical proficiency in ice and rock climbing, as well as excellent physical fitness, are essential .
What is the best season?
The optimal climbing season is during the summer months, from June to August, when weather conditions are most favorable .
What is the standard route?
The most commonly used route is the Northwest Ridge, which involves traversing snow, ice, and mixed terrain. All routes lead to the Japanese Couloir on the northwest face .
What are the camp altitudes?
Base Camp: 5,150m
Camp 1: 5,900m
Camp 2: 6,400m
Camp 3: 7,200m
Summit Camp: 7,500m (optional)
What are the main risks?
Major risks include avalanches, crevasses, extreme cold, high-altitude sickness, and sudden weather changes .
Is supplemental oxygen used?
Only about 10-20% of climbers use supplemental oxygen, as most prefer a pure alpine ascent .
What training is required?
Training includes high-altitude endurance, strength training, glacier travel, and technical climbing skills .
What insurance is required?
High-altitude mountaineering insurance covering helicopter rescue, medical evacuation, and repatriation is mandatory .
