Gasherbrum II Expedition

Gasherbrum II Expedition Overview

Introduction

The Gasherbrum II Expedition (8,035 m) offers climbers the chance to attempt one of the more “accessible” 8000-meter peaks in Pakistan’s Karakoram Range. Known as the 13th-highest mountain in the world, Gasherbrum II is part of the Gasherbrum massif, rising dramatically above the Baltoro Glacier near K2, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrum I. While it is considered one of the “easiest” 8000ers, make no mistake, climbing Gasherbrum II demands endurance, acclimatization, and technical skill. Its long glacier approach, high camps, and summit push test even seasoned climbers. But those who succeed are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Karakoram’s greatest peaks, including K2, Broad Peak, and the Gasherbrum massif itself.

Expedition Highlights

  • Summit Gasherbrum II (8,035 m), the world’s 13th highest mountain
  • Trek the legendary Baltoro Glacier and Concordia, “Throne Room of the Gods”
  • Acclimatization rotations across 3 high camps before summit push
  • Stunning views of K2 (8,611 m), Broad Peak (8,051 m), Gasherbrum I (8,080 m), and Masherbrum (7,821 m)
  • Cultural experience of Skardu, Shigar Valley, and Hunza during the journey

Best Time to Climb

  • Mid-June to early August is the safest and most stable climbing window.
  • The weather after August becomes highly unstable with heavy snowfall.

Difficulty

  • Grade: High-altitude/strenuous (8000 m+)
  • Requires advanced mountaineering skills: glacier travel, ice climbing, rope use
  • Suitable for climbers with previous 7,000 m+ expedition experience

FAQs

1. Why is Gasherbrum II called the easiest 8000er?

It is relatively less technical compared to K2 or Nanga Parbat, but still extremely demanding due to altitude and harsh conditions.

2. How long is the expedition?

Typically 35–45 days, depending on weather and acclimatization.

Duration

35 to 45 Days

Difficulty

High-altitude/Strenuous

Price

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



 Book your spot today

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 Expedition 2026-06-18 00:00

Trip Details

Duration: 35 to 45 Days

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

Difficulty: High-altitude/Strenuous

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 en route.
540 m to 2,228 m
Skardu
Rest, permits & acclimatization. Visit Upper 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, “Throne Room of the Gods.” Surrounded by: K2 (8,611 m), Broad Peak (8,051 m), Gasherbrum IV (7,925 m), Mitre Peak (6,010 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.
7,000 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.
7,000 m
Camp III to Summit
Summit Day: 10–14 hrs climb. Challenges: steep ice slopes, crevasses, and avalanche risk in bad weather. Descend to Camp II.
8,035 m
Camp 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 3–4 stages (C1 → C2 → C3 → Summit).

Beautiful Destinations

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

Famous Mountains

Gasherbrum II – 8,035 m (13th highest in the world), Gasherbrum I – 8,080 m (11th highest), K2 – 8,611 m (2nd highest), Broad Peak – 8,051 m (12th 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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