Tour Photo Gallery
Step into the awe-inspiring Northern Pakistan wilderness with genuine captures from our journeys.
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 II (8,035m) is the 13th-highest mountain in the world and is widely considered the easiest and safest among the 8,000-meter peaks of the Karakoram. Located near K2 and Broad Peak in Pakistan's Karakoram range, it is part of the Gasherbrum massif and shares the same base camp as Gasherbrum I. Mountaineers can attempt both Gasherbrum I and II by paying an additional royalty fee.
Gasherbrum II is an ideal mountain to attempt as your first 8,000-meter peak. It has been described by climbers as an impressive but achievable peak, much like Cho Oyu, with a gradual walk up the Baltoro Glacier to its base camp — said to be one of the best treks in the world.
The name "Gasherbrum" in the local Balti language means "Shining Wall." There are six peaks in the Gasherbrum cluster, with Gasherbrum II being the second-highest. Also known as K4, it is the third-highest peak of the Gasherbrum massif. The mountain stands in the majestic neighbourhood of Karakoram giants like K2, in a close line-up of the world's highest peaks around Concordia that has no parallel in the world.
History of Gasherbrum II
-
1889-1929: An international expedition headed by Swiss G.O. Dyhrenfurth studied possible routes and reached 6,250m on the south flank
-
July 8, 1956: The first ascent via the southwest spur was made by an Austrian expedition headed by Fritz Moravec, with Josef Larch and Hans Willenpart reaching the summit from a bivouac at 7,700m
The standard route follows the South West Ridge, presenting considerable difficulties on ice and snow-mixed faces. After negotiating the heavily crevassed Gasherbrum Glacier, climbers continue on a series of ridges to Camp 2 (6,400m). From there, a couple of icy pitches lead up the face to Camp 3 (7,490m). After three easy pitches, a diagonal traverse leads to the base of the summit pyramid on the East Ridge. The final climb is straight up a wide-open, snowy face with glorious surroundings before reaching the narrow summit ridge.
From the summit, you will see the entire Karakoram, including Broad Peak, Masherbrum, Mustagh Tower, Chogolisa, and K2.
“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 II Summit (8,035m) – Climb the easiest and safest 8,000m peak in the Karakoram
- Spectacular views of Nanga Parbat & K2 from the flight to Skardu
- Explore the ancient Himalayan Kingdom of Baltistan
- Experience the culture and hospitality of the friendly Balti people
- Trek on the Baltoro and Godwin-Austen Glaciers
- Witness the sunrise above K2 and Broad Peak from Concordia
- Stunning, wild, and remote scenery of the Baltoro & Karakoram Mountains
- Optional return via Gondogoro La (5,600m) and the green Hushe Valley
Day-by-Day Itinerary (45 Days)
Arrival Islamabad
Arrive at Islamabad International Airport. Meet and greet by Hunza Adventure Tours representative, then transfer to group hotel. Rest of the day to recover from your journey. In the evening, enjoy a group briefing about the Gasherbrum II Expedition. Overnight at hotel. Altitude: 540m | Meals: Breakfast
Islamabad – Skardu (By Air)
Take a spectacular 45-minute mountain-view flight to Skardu (2,230m), the capital of Baltistan. En route, enjoy views of Nanga Parbat (8,126m) and, if weather is clear, K2 and Gondogoro Pass. Transfer to hotel. Afternoon free to visit local bazaars, historical forts, or scenic lakes. Overnight at hotel. Altitude: 2,230m | Meals: Breakfast
Note: If the flight is cancelled, drive via the Karakoram Highway to Chilas (8-9 hours).
Skardu – Sightseeing & Preparation
Morning walk to the remains of Kharpocho Fort (built in the early 1700s), offering great views of the Indus River and Skardu Town — perfect for photography. Visit the Organic Village, which grows all its crops organically. Afternoon free to explore or take an optional jeep tour to Satpara Lake. Overnight at hotel. Altitude: 2,230m | Meals: Breakfast
Skardu – Askole (By Jeep)
Drive along the mighty Indus, Shigar, and Braldu Rivers to reach Askole (3,000m) — the last village before entering the heart of the Karakoram. Spend your first night under the stars at Askole, high above the thundering Braldu River. Overnight camping. Altitude: 3,000m | Drive: 7 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Askole – Johla
Begin the trek from Askole to Johla (3,100m). The trail passes through the lanes and fields of Askole, the last settlement before Concordia. The valley opens to reveal the Biafo Glacier, and you get your first taste of moraine walking. Overnight camping. Altitude: 3,100m | Trek: 4-5 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Johla – Paiju
Trek from Johla to Paiju (3,380m). The path climbs to higher ground, offering excellent views of Paiju Peak (6,611m) . Paiju is a green oasis with the first views of the immense Baltoro Glacier and the granite peaks of the Trango and Cathedral groups. Overnight camping. Altitude: 3,380m | Trek: 6 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Paiju – Khoburtse
Trek from Paiju to Khoburtse (3,760m). After an hour, reach the snout of the Baltoro Glacier and climb onto its back. The trail undulates over the glacier's swells, with sensational views of the Cathedral Towers, Trango Group, and Uli Biaho. Overnight camping. Altitude: 3,760m | Trek: 7 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Khoburtse – Urdukas
Trek from Khoburtse to Urdukas (4,130m). The route continues along the lateral moraine or the glacier itself, passing the Great Trango and the Nameless Tower. Urdukas offers sensational views of the Trango Towers and the vast rock walls of Cathedral Peak and Lobsang. Overnight camping. Altitude: 4,130m | Trek: 4 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Urdukas – Acclimatization Day
A rest and acclimatization day at Urdukas. This is the last campsite on grassy slopes off the main glacier, with facilities for washing and cleaning. Take a pleasant walk behind the campsite through grassy slopes full of alpine flowers. Climbing high and sleeping low is the best way to aid acclimatization. Overnight camping. Altitude: 4,130m | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Urdukas – Goro II
Trek from Urdukas to Goro II (4,250m). Follow the moraine edge eastwards onto the broad back of the glacier. Pass the Yermanandu Glacier flowing from Masherbrum, with views of Muztagh (7,270m) and Gasherbrum IV at the head of the Baltoro. Overnight camping. Altitude: 4,250m | Trek: 7 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Goro II – Concordia
Trek from Goro II to Concordia (4,600m) — arguably the most spectacular mountain scenery anywhere in the world. Pass Mustagh Tower (7,284m) and Gasherbrum IV (7,925m) . At Concordia, K2 reveals its full height in sweeping lines climbing almost 4,000 metres from the valley floor. Camp at approximately 4,500m on a moraine ridge surrounded by jagged peaks. Overnight camping. Altitude: 4,600m | Trek: 5 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Concordia – Gasherbrum Base Camp
Trek from Concordia to Gasherbrum Base Camp (5,000m). The base camp lies directly below the Conway Saddle, the first route used to reach all the major Karakoram peaks. Set up Base Camp and prepare for the climb. Overnight camping. Altitude: 5,000m | Trek: 4 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Climbing & Acclimatization Period
25 days dedicated to the ascent of Gasherbrum II (8,035m).
The climbing period involves:
Acclimatization rotations between Base Camp, Camp 1 (5,900m), Camp 2 (6,400m), and Camp 3 (7,200m)
Route fixing on the Gasherbrum Icefall, Southwest Ridge, and summit pyramid
Summit push from Camp 3, usually a 12-18 hour round trip
Rest and recovery days between rotations
Weather window monitoring with satellite updates
Our mountain guide, chef, and support staff 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): After crossing the treacherous Gasherbrum Icefall
Camp 2 (6,400m): At the Gasherbrum La
Camp 3 (7,200m): Above a steep couloir (location highly variable)
Note: The summit attempt is weather-dependent and requires careful judgment. Safety is always the priority
Base Camp – Khoburtse
Descend from Base Camp to Khoburtse (3,560m). It is amazing how different everything looks on the descent. The drop in altitude becomes noticeable, and there is more oxygen in the air. Overnight camping. Altitude: 3,560m | Trek: 7 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Khoburtse – Paiju
Trek from Khoburtse to Paiju (3,380m). Continue on the Baltoro Glacier with spectacular views of the Trango Towers. Detour south to cross the Liligo Glacier (which is steadily growing). Overnight camping. Altitude: 3,380m | Trek: 6 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Paiju – Jhola
Trek from Paiju to Jhola (3,170m). Now off the glacier and at a lower elevation, it is considerably warmer. Walk down the valley, crossing alluvial fans and side streams. Overnight camping. Altitude: 3,170m | Trek: 7 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Jhola – Askole
Trek from Jhola to Askole (3,050m) — your last day of walking and return to civilisation. Pass the Biafo Glacier and the King's Polo Ground before reaching Askole. Celebrate your success with the porters and hand out tips. Overnight camping. Altitude: 3,050m | Trek: 4 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Askole – Skardu (By Jeep)
Drive back to Skardu (2,230m). Cross the Braldu on a suspension bridge and follow the remarkable road through the Braldu Gorge. Arrive in Skardu, check into hotel, and enjoy a welcome shower. Overnight at hotel. Altitude: 2,230m | Drive: 7 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Skardu – Islamabad (By Air)
Fly back to Islamabad. The flight passes by Nanga Parbat before turning south. Transfer to group hotel. Afternoon free for sightseeing or shopping for hand-made Iranian & Afghan rugs. Enjoy a celebratory meal in the evening. Overnight at hotel. Altitude: 500m | Meals: Breakfast
Note: If the flight is cancelled, drive down the Karakoram Highway (2 days).
Contingency Day in Islamabad
A buffer day in case of flight or weather delays. If you flew the day before, spend today sightseeing in Islamabad. In the evening, enjoy a final group meal. Overnight at hotel. Altitude: 500m | Meals: Breakfast
Departure
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your flight back home. Your Gasherbrum II Expedition concludes here. Meals: Breakfast
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 II (8,035m) 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 II located?
Gasherbrum II 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 II?
Gasherbrum II is considered the easiest and safest among the 8,000-meter peaks of the Karakoram. It is ideal for climbers attempting their first 8,000er .
What experience do I need?
Climbers should have prior experience on high-altitude expeditions, preferably having summited peaks above 6,000-7,000 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 South West Ridge, which involves traversing snow, ice, and mixed terrain. All routes lead to the East Ridge and the summit pyramid.
What are the camp altitudes?
Base Camp: 5,000-5,200m
Camp 1: 5,900m
Camp 2: 6,400m (Gasherbrum La)
Camp 3: 7,200m
What are the main risks?
Major risks include avalanches, crevasses, extreme cold, high-altitude sickness, and sudden weather changes .
Is supplemental oxygen used?
Yes, 3 oxygen bottles are provided per member in the Full Board service, with 2 for the climbing Sherpa.
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 .
