Gasherbrum I (Hidden Peak) Expedition

Gasherbrum I (Hidden Peak) Expedition Overview

Introduction

The Gasherbrum I Expedition (8,080 m), also known as Hidden Peak, is a legendary climb in Pakistan’s Karakoram Range. Standing as the 11th-highest mountain in the world, Gasherbrum I is located on the remote Baltoro Glacier near K2, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrum II. First climbed in 1958 by an American team, Gasherbrum I presents a more technical challenge than Gasherbrum II, featuring steep ice and mixed climbing sections above 7,000 meters. The expedition is demanding, requiring both physical strength and technical mountaineering expertise. In return, climbers are rewarded with unmatched views of the Karakoram’s greatest peaks and the chance to stand atop one of the world’s most majestic 8000ers.

Expedition Highlights

  • Summit Gasherbrum I (8,080 m), the world’s 11th highest peak
  • Trek through the Baltoro Glacier and iconic Concordia
  • Technical ascent via camps on steep ice and snow slopes
  • Spectacular views of K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum II, and Masherbrum
  • Experience local culture in Skardu and Baltistan
  • A true test for serious mountaineers preparing for K2 or Nanga Parbat

Best Time to Climb

  • Mid-June to early August is the best climbing season.
  • The weather after August becomes unstable with frequent storms and heavy snowfall.

Difficulty

  • Grade: Extremely difficult/technical (8000 m+)
  • Steeper and more technical than Gasherbrum II
  • Requires high-altitude climbing skills: fixed rope use, steep ice/snow climbing, glacier navigation
  • Only suitable for climbers with prior 7000 m+ expedition experience

FAQs

1. Why is Gasherbrum I called Hidden Peak?

It earned the name because of its remote position and the fact that it remains “hidden” from view until you are deep into the Karakoram.

2. How technical is Gasherbrum I compared to Gasherbrum II?

Gasherbrum I is more technical with steeper sections, requiring stronger climbing skills.

3. How long does the expedition take?

Typically 40–45 days, depending on weather conditions and the progress of acclimatization.

Duration

35 to 50 Days

Difficulty

Extremely Difficult

Price

Full Boat Service : $15000
Base Camp Service: $6500



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The trip initial deposit is mandatory to book your place earlier, Cancellation policy can be reviewed and term approval is required.

Trip Dates

Destination Trip Date Extra Information
Gasherbrum I (Hidden Peak) Expedition 2026-06-18 00:00

Trip Details

Duration: 35 to 50 Days

$ Price (per person) :
Full Boat Service : $15000
Base Camp Service: $6500

Difficulty: Extremely Difficult

Includes: Guides, Porters, Permits, Camping



Itinerary

Location
Activity
Altitude
Islamabad to Skardu
Flight (1 hr) or drive (2 days via Karakoram Highway). Beautiful Destination: Indus River gorge, Skardu Valley. Famous Mountain: Nanga Parbat (8,126 m) seen on the way.
540 m to 2,228 m
Skardu
Rest, permits, acclimatization. Visit Kachura Lake, Shigar Fort.
2,228 m
Skardu to Askole
Jeep ride through Shigar Valley & Braldu River.
3,050 m
Skardu to Askole
Continue jeep ride through Shigar Valley & Braldu River.
3,050 m
Askole to Jhola
Trek to Jhola.
3,150 m
Jhola to Paiju
Trek to Paiju. Visible: Paiju Peak (6,610 m).
3,400 m
Paiju
Rest day at Paiju.
3,400 m
Paiju to Khoburtse
Trek to Khoburtse. Visible: Trango Towers (6,286 m).
3,800 m
Khoburtse to Urdukas
Trek to Urdukas. Visible: Cathedral Towers (5,866 m).
4,050 m
Urdukas to Goro II
Trek to Goro II. Visible: Masherbrum (7,821 m).
4,300 m
Goro II to Concordia
Trek to Concordia, one of the world’s most beautiful camps. Surrounded by: K2 (8,611 m), Broad Peak (8,051 m), Gasherbrum IV (7,925 m).
4,650 m
Concordia to Gasherbrum Base Camp
Trek to Gasherbrum Base Camp.
5,050 m
Base Camp to Camp I
Acclimatization Rotation 1: Climb to Camp I and descend.
5,900 m
Base Camp to Camp II
Acclimatization Rotation 2: Climb to Camp II, overnight, and descend.
6,400 m
Base Camp to Camp III
Acclimatization Rotation 3: Touch Camp III and descend.
7,100 m
Base Camp to Camp I
Summit Push: Climb to Camp I.
5,900 m
Camp I to Camp II
Summit Push: Climb to Camp II.
6,400 m
Camp II to Camp III
Summit Push: Climb to Camp III.
7,100 m
Camp III to Camp IV
Summit Push: Climb to Camp IV.
7,450 m
Camp IV to Summit
Summit Day: 12–15 hrs climb, challenges include steep ice sections and crevasses on the Gasherbrum Glacier. Descend to Camp III or II.
8,080 m
Camp III/II to Base Camp
Descend to Base Camp.
5,050 m
Base Camp to Askole
Trek back to Askole.
3,050 m
Askole to Skardu
Jeep ride to Skardu.
2,228 m
Skardu to Islamabad
Flight or drive to Islamabad.
540 m

Photo Gallery

Trip Highlights

Process to Summit

3 acclimatization rotations and 1 summit push in 4–5 stages (C1 → C2 → C3 → C4 → Summit).

Beautiful Destinations

Skardu Valley (2,228 m), Shigar Valley & Braldu River, Baltoro Glacier, Concordia, “Throne Room of the Gods.”

Famous Mountains

Gasherbrum I (Hidden Peak) – 8,080 m (11th highest), K2 – 8,611 m (2nd highest), Broad Peak – 8,051 m (12th highest), Gasherbrum II – 8,035 m (13th highest), Gasherbrum IV – 7,925 m, Masherbrum – 7,821 m, Trango Towers – 6,286 m, Mitre Peak – 6,010 m, Nanga Parbat – 8,126 m (seen en route).

Hedda Asmussen

What a lovely day out! We did two hours of paddling and Phil was an amazing guide. I hadn't done much paddle boarding before but it was easy to pick up with his instructions and we had a nice relaxing journey down the river. Would definitely recommend even for those that haven't tried it before! The location is also amazing, super quiet and beautiful scenery!

Hedda Asmussen

Ansa

Great adventure on River Arun with my paddle bestie and Phil. Phil's trips are very well planned and organised! He asks your interests. With us it was wildlife and paddling techniques. Phil was very knowledgeable about the local area and wildlife and I can't wait to continue practicing paddle strokes he showed us. Thoroughly enjoyed this experience and felt safe and confident on the water with Phil around. Especially as this was my longest paddle. The area is beautiful and it feels like you are on holiday and not just outside London. Looking forward to joining in on another Cave Active Adventure trip soon!

Ansa

JAMES Howe

I have been on two trips with Phil now. One to Scotland and one to the river Thames. Both were spectacularly special for me. Phil is a caring and considerate guide and will really look after you, he takes his job seriously and goes that extra mile to make the experience memorable.

JAMES Howe

Andy

My wife and I booked a 3 day Thames Tour with Cave Active. We arrived at The Barefoot Campsite, which would be the base for the 2 nights camping. Phil arrived, and we set up camp in a great little area with a fire pit. The first paddle was upstream a 4 mile round trip to The Maybush for dinner, I think this was a chance for Phil to assess the standard of paddling and for the guests to get to know each other. After a great dinner, we paddled back down and settled in for our first night under canvas, whilst Phil got the Kelly Kettle fired up for a brew. Day 2 started with bacon and egg baps and hot tea. We then made our way to the Trout at Buckland Marsh for our launch site. A pleasant 8.5 mile paddle through beautiful tranquil countryside. A great lunch stop at Shifford lock with sandwiches from The Trout. We then continued on back to the campsite via the Rose Revived. That night dinner was cooked by Phil with burgers provided by Linthwaite Farms, which were well worth the wait. The last day started with porridge, and we broke camp. The last paddle was a 9.6 mile paddle finishing in Woolvercote, taking in 4 locks and a great alfresco lunch once at Pinkhill Lock, again prepared by Phil. The whole trip was relaxed and enjoyable but also very informative. I think my paddle stroke definitely improved. Phil also has a lot of knowledge about the areas you paddle through. You can tell Phil doesn't do this for a job. He does it for the passion he has for paddling. He has taken on some big paddles, both solo and in groups, and all the knowledge he has, he is happy to pass on. Everything is planned meticulously, and from the start, client safety is the top priority. I would definitely recommend Cave Active and am seriously considering booking on with Phil for his longer 5 day Loch Shiel Trip. He is definitely a man who knows what he is talking about and someone who gets a genuine pleasure from passing on what he has learned.

Andy

Josie Cohen

Phil gave me and my partner an amazing lesson in wind supping at Pagham beach. He was a great teacher - super lovely and patient and clear with his instructions. He brought all the kit (including helmets and walkie talkies) which was all top notch. Plus he happily went over our allocated time without an issue. Overall, we had a great lesson and it has left us very excited to buy a wing and get wind supping ourselves. Would highly recommend Cave Active Adventures to anyone and everyone!

Josie Cohen

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