Gasherbrum IV Summit Expedition

Gasherbrum IV Summit Expedition Overview

Introduction

Gasherbrum IV (7,925 m), also called the “Shining Wall”, is one of the most legendary peaks in Karakoram. Despite being just shy of the 8,000 m mark, it is considered more technical and challenging than many 8,000ers. Its near-vertical west face has tested the world’s best climbers, making it a true icon of Himalayan alpinism.

Quick Overview

  • Region: Baltoro Glacier, Karakoram, Gilgit–Baltistan
  • Duration: 40–55 Days (expedition style)
  • Highest Point: Gasherbrum IV (7,925 m – 17th highest in the world)
  • Route: West Face / North Ridge (very technical)
  • Difficulty: Extremely Difficult – only a handful of ascents in history
  • Best Season: June–August

Best Season for Gasherbrum IV

  • June–July: Best weather window.
  • August: More unstable, higher avalanche risk.

Difficulty & Preparation

  • Difficulty: Extreme, recommended only for elite climbers.
  • Technical Challenges: Vertical walls, seracs, ice flutings, avalanche-prone slopes.
  • Fitness Level: Requires high-altitude mountaineering experience.
  • Gear: Full expedition climbing gear, oxygen optional (rarely used).

FAQs

1. Why is Gasherbrum IV called the “Shining Wall”?

Its west face reflects sunlight brilliantly, appearing like a massive shining wall.

2. Is Gasherbrum IV harder than K2?

Technically yes, many climbers consider G-IV’s west face more difficult than K2’s Abruzzi Spur.

3. How many people have climbed Gasherbrum IV?

Only a few successful ascents in history, it remains one of the least climbed Karakoram giants.

4. Do I need oxygen for Gasherbrum IV?

Not usually, most ascents are done without bottled oxygen, but it requires elite fitness.

Duration

40 to 55 Days

Difficulty

Extremely Difficult

Price

Base Camp Service: $5800



 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
No trip dates available.

Trip Details

Duration: 40 to 55 Days

$ Price (per person) :
Base Camp Service: $5800

Difficulty: Extremely Difficult

Includes: Guides, Porters, Permits, Camping



Itinerary

Location
Activity
Altitude
Islamabad to Skardu
Flight (1 hr) OR 2-day drive along Karakoram Highway. En route: Indus River, lush valleys. Mountain view: Nanga Parbat (8,126 m).
540 m to 2,228 m
Skardu
Permits, expedition briefing, acclimatization. Side trips: Upper Kachura Lake, Shigar Fort.
2,228 m
Skardu to Askole
Jeeps ride through Shigar Valley and along Braldu River.
3,050 m
Skardu to Askole
Continue jeep ride to Askole, last permanent village before Baltoro Glacier.
3,050 m
Askole to Jhola
Trek to Jhola.
3,150 m
Jhola to Paiju
Trek to Paiju. View of Paiju Peak (6,610 m).
3,400 m
Paiju
Rest/acclimatization day at Paiju.
3,400 m
Paiju to Khoburtse
Trek to Khoburtse. Views of Trango Towers (6,286 m).
3,800 m
Khoburtse to Urdukas
Trek to Urdukas. Views of Cathedral Towers (5,866 m).
4,050 m
Urdukas to Goro II
Trek to Goro II. Views of Masherbrum (7,821 m).
4,300 m
Goro II to Concordia
Trek to Concordia, “Throne Room of the Gods” surrounded by K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrums.
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 return.
5,800 m
Base Camp to Camp II
Acclimatization Rotation 2: Climb to Camp I, then to Camp II, overnight, and return.
6,400 m
Base Camp to Camp III
Acclimatization Rotation 3: Climb to Camp II, touch Camp III, and return.
7,100 m
Base Camp to Camp I
Summit Push: Climb to Camp I.
5,800 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.
7,500 m
Camp IV to Summit
Summit Day: 14–18 hrs of technical climbing. Challenges: steep ice/rock walls, exposed ridges, avalanches, unstable ice flutings. Descend to Camp II/III.
7,925 m
Camp II/III to Base Camp
Descent 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

Highlights of Gasherbrum IV Expedition

Gasherbrum IV (7,925 m): Legendary “Shining Wall.” Concordia (4,650 m): Surrounded by K2, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrums. Baltoro Glacier: One of the world’s longest ice rivers. Famous Peaks Around: K2 (8,611 m), Broad Peak (8,051 m), Gasherbrum I (8,080 m), Gasherbrum II (8,035 m), Masherbrum (7,821 m), Trango Towers (6,286 m).

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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