Gasherbrum II Base Camp Trek

Gasherbrum II Base Camp Trek Overview

Introduction

The Gasherbrum II Base Camp Trek is one of the most thrilling adventures in Pakistan’s Karakoram. Standing at 8,035 m (26,362 ft), Gasherbrum II is the world’s 13th highest mountain and part of the stunning Gasherbrum massif, which also includes Gasherbrum I (Hidden Peak, 8,080 m). This trek takes adventurers along the legendary Baltoro Glacier, through the iconic Concordia crossroads, and finally to the foot of Gasherbrum II. Along the way, trekkers enjoy breathtaking views of the Trango Towers, Masherbrum, Broad Peak, K2, and the Gasherbrums themselves. For those who dream of walking among the giants of the Karakoram, the Gasherbrum II Base Camp Trek offers a rare chance to stand at the foot of an 8,000 m peak while immersing in Baltistan’s rich culture and natural beauty.

Why Choose the Gasherbrum II Base Camp Trek?

  • 8000 m Peak Experience: Trek to the base of the 13th-highest mountain in the world.
  • Concordia, The Throne Room of the Gods: Stand at one of the most scenic places on earth, surrounded by 7,000 m and 8,000 m peaks.
  • World-Class Peaks in View: See K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I & II, Masherbrum, and Trango Towers.
  • Cultural Immersion: Journey through Shigar Valley and meet the hospitable Balti people.
  • Adventure of a Lifetime: A challenging yet rewarding trek for serious adventurers.

Trek Overview

  • Duration: 18–21 days (Islamabad → Islamabad)
  • Region: Baltistan, Gilgit–Baltistan (Karakoram Range)
  • Highest Altitude: Gasherbrum II Base Camp (≈5,100 m / 16,732 ft)
  • Difficulty: Strenuous (glacier trekking, long days, high altitude)
  • Best Time to Visit: June – September

Best Time to Trek

  • June – August: Warmest, most stable weather.
  • September: Fewer trekkers, cooler temperatures, clear skies.
  • Winter: Not possible due to extreme conditions.

Difficulty Level

  • Rated Strenuous.
  • Long trekking days (6–8 hrs) on glaciers and rocky terrain.
  • High altitude (above 5,000 m).
  • Good fitness, stamina, and prior trekking experience are recommended.

Packing List (Essentials)

  • Mountaineering boots & crampons
  • Down jacket, thermal layers
  • Sleeping bag (–20°C)
  • Trekking poles & sunglasses
  • Sunscreen, water purification tablets
  • First aid kit & altitude medicine

FAQs about Gasherbrum II Base Camp Trek

1. How long is the G2 Base Camp Trek?

Around 18–21 days from Islamabad.

2. Do I need climbing skills?

No technical climbing, but high fitness is required.

3. How high is Gasherbrum II Base Camp?

Approximately 5,100 m (16,732 ft).

4. Can I see K2 on this trek?

Yes, from Concordia and the surrounding glaciers.

Duration

18�21 Days

Difficulty

Strenuous

Price

$2600.00



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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 II Base Camp Trek 2026-07-30 00:00

Trip Details

Duration: 18�21 Days

$ Price (per person) :
$2600.00

Difficulty: Strenuous

Includes: Guides, Porters, Permits, Camping



Itinerary

Location
Activity
Altitude
Islamabad to Skardu
Travel by flight (1 hr) or road via Karakoram Highway (≈20–22 hrs). Skardu: Gateway to the Karakoram. Famous views: Indus River, mighty Karakoram wall on the horizon.
540 m to 2,230 m
Skardu
Free day for final packing, permits, and acclimatization. Famous sites: Kharpocho Fort, Upper Kachura Lake, Sadpara Lake.
2,230 m
Skardu to Askole
Drive 6–7 hrs by jeep through Shigar Valley → Jhula → Askole. Askole: Last permanent village before Baltoro Glacier. Mountains glimpsed: Bakhor Das (5,809 m), Bakhordas peaks.
3,050 m
Askole to Jhola
Trek begins! 6–7 hrs walk. Trail along Braldu River. Famous peaks: Paiju Peak visible in distance.
3,200 m
Jhola to Paiju
Trek 6–7 hrs. Paiju: Known for Paiju Peak (6,610 m). Famous rest point with green campsite.
3,450 m
Paiju
Acclimatization and preparation of porters. First full view of Trango Towers (6,286 m) & Cathedral Peaks.
3,450 m
Paiju to Khoburtse
Trek 6–7 hrs, entering Baltoro Glacier. Views: Trango Towers, Cathedral Peaks, Uli Biaho Tower (6,109 m).
3,900 m
Khoburtse to Urdukas
Trek 4–5 hrs. Famous for panoramic view of Baltoro peaks. Visible: Trango Towers, Masherbrum (7,821 m).
4,050 m
Urdukas to Goro II
Trek on Baltoro Glacier (6–7 hrs). Famous peaks visible: Masherbrum (7,821 m), Gasherbrum IV (7,925 m), Biarchedi Peak (6,781 m).
4,380 m
Goro II to Concordia
6–7 hrs trek. Concordia: Known as “the Throne Room of the Gods.” Surrounding peaks: K2 (8,611 m), Broad Peak (8,051 m), Gasherbrum IV (7,925 m), Mitre Peak (6,010 m), Chogolisa (7,665 m).
4,650 m
Concordia to Gasherbrum Base Camp
Trek 5–7 hrs along Upper Baltoro & Gasherbrum Glacier. Destination: Gasherbrum II Base Camp (≈5,100 m). Mountains: Gasherbrum I (8,080 m), Gasherbrum II (8,035 m), Gasherbrum III (7,952 m), Gasherbrum IV (7,925 m).
5,000–5,100 m
Gasherbrum II Base Camp
Rest, acclimatization, exploration around Gasherbrum peaks. Majestic views of Shining Wall of Gasherbrum IV.
5,100 m
Gasherbrum II Base Camp
Rest, acclimatization, exploration around Gasherbrum peaks.
5,100 m
Gasherbrum II Base Camp
Rest, acclimatization, exploration around Gasherbrum peaks.
5,100 m
Base Camp to Goro II
Return trek begins. Trek back to Goro II.
4,380 m
Goro II to Urdukas
Trek back to Urdukas.
4,050 m
Urdukas to Paiju
Trek back to Paiju.
3,450 m
Paiju to Jhola
Trek back to Jhola.
3,200 m
Jhola to Askole
Trek back to Askole.
3,050 m
Askole to Skardu
Jeep ride to Skardu.
2,230 m
Skardu to Islamabad
Return via flight or Karakoram Highway.
540 m

Photo Gallery

Trip Highlights

Major Mountains You’ll See

Gasherbrum II (8,035 m) – World’s 13th highest mountain. Gasherbrum I (8,080 m) – Hidden Peak. K2 (8,611 m) – World’s 2nd-highest peak. Broad Peak (8,047 m) – One of the Karakoram giants. Masherbrum (7,821 m) – Queen of the Karakoram. Trango Towers & Cathedral Spires – Legendary granite towers.

Cultural & Scenic Highlights

Skardu: Lakes, forts, and Balti culture. Shigar Valley: Apricot orchards, historic mosques, and Shigar Fort. Askole: The last human settlement before the Karakoram wilderness.

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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