Gasherbrum I and II Expedition

0
52 Days
Availability : April - August
islamabad
Gasherbrum
Tour Details

Introduction

 

Gasherbrum I peaks and II stands side by side. Both the peaks have same base camp even the higher camps are common until camp II. Therefore for us ground handling and services to base camp is same for the either of the peaks. Choose one of the either peak or both by paying additional royalty fee. Rest leaves on us and enjoy your climbing.

Climbers have described it as an impressive but achievable peak, much like Cho Oyu but with a gradual walk up the Baltoro Glacier to its BC that is said to be the best trek in the world. Its climb provides not too hard and a perfect mountaineering experience for Himalaya beginners. G2 stands in the majestic neighborhood of Karakoram giants like and K2 in a close line-up of world`s highest peaks in the amphitheater of Concordia that has no parallel in the world. In 1889-1929 an international expedition headed by the Swiss G.O. Dyhrenfurth studied possible ways to the top of the Gasherbrum 2 and got to 6250m on the south flank. On July 8, 1956 the first ascent via the southwest spur was made by an Austrian expedition headed by F. Moravec. Fritz Moravec along with Josef Larch and Hans Willenpart from a bivouac at 7700m via the east spur to the summit on 7th.

Departure & Return Location

Islamabad International Airport (Google Map)https://goo.gl/maps/tk8RiFJaGgYm7dan7

Departure Time

3 Hours Before Flight Time

Price Includes

  • Hotel accommodation at tourist class hotels with B/B.
  • All meals during trek.
  • Sleeping tents, kitchen, and toilet and mess tents with tables/stools.
  • Kitchen equipment, crockery, fuel and related camping gear.
  • Services of English speaking mountain guide, assistant guides, cooks, Sirdar and low altitude porters.
  • 12 kg of personal baggage during the trek.
  • Arranging Trekking Permit from Ministry of Tourism,
  • Insurance of our field staff, porters/guides.
  • Safety rope and basic necessary gear.

Price Excludes

  • International / Domestic airfare and airport tax.
  • Excess weight.
  • Sleeping bags and personal nature clothing/equipment.
  • Main meals and extras at hotels like drinks, laundry, phone calls. Insurance liability and other under force majeure conditions, medical aid, and helicopter rescue coverage etc.
  • Any other services not mentioned above.
  • CKNP Entry Fee

Complementaries

  • Umbrella
  • Sunscreen
  • T-Shirt
  • Entrance Fees
What to Expect

Trek from Askole to Saitcho. This trek will be very exhausting, physically and mentally challenging but the end result will be a view of spectaculars and towering Mountains. The journey will start from Islamabad to Skardu. 

  • • You will see world’s second highest mountain.
  • Optional trek to K2 Memorial.
  • • Experience Baltistan Culture and interact with friendly locals.
  • Experience the culture and hospitality of the friendly Balti people.
  • One of the world’s top Climbing and Mountaineering Adventure.
Itinerary

Day 1Arrive Islamabad

Arrive in Islamabad. A representative of Karakorum Explorers will meet you outside the customs and immigration area at the airport. This representative will answer questions, brief you on the immediate arrangements, and escort you to the hotel in Islamabad. Discover the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Rawalpindi is an old British -era settlement and Islamabad is the capital city and administrative centre built some time after the partition of India in elevation in 1947. The cities are Located at about 1,500 feet in elevation in the hot and steamy plains of Pakistan’s upper Punjab. You may wish to explore Rawalpindi by wandering among its many and varied bazaars, or visit the imposing Shah Faisal Mosque superbly situated at the foot of the Margalla Hills. This mosque is one of the largest in the world, with room for 15,000 worshippers inside and 85,000 in the courtyard. This day we will attend a trek briefing at the Alpine club of Pakistan.
Overnight Hotel. Breakfast included.

Day 2Drive to Chilas.

A thin ribbon of asphalt strikes north from near Islamabad and leaves the modern capital and the dusty Punjab plains far behind. As it weaves through sparse green hills, the first wrinkles of mountain-building in this geological ‘collision zone’, this unassuming road gives little hint as to what lies ahead. This is the high road to China, the Karakoram Highway (KKH), which was blasted and bulldozed through an intractable landscape of raging rivers, deep ravines and precipitous peaks in the 1960s and ’70s. It is a 1200km marvel of engineering and a symbolic collaboration between Pakistan and China. It is also a magnet for adventure-seekers.
Along the KKH you will encounter ancient towns of Taxila, Hassanabdal, Abbottabad, Besham, Dassu. It’s a long drive(13 hours) so the journey will start early from Islamabad.
Overnight at hotel in Chilas. Full Board, all meals included.

Day 3Drive to Skardu

Thirty-eight kilometres south of Gilgit, the road to Skardu (170km) leaves the KKH and crosses a bridge and a spit of rock into the upper Indus Valley. Ten minutes from the bridge is a perfect panorama of the entire Nanga Parbat massif, and shortly afterwards there’s a brief view ahead to Rakaposhi south face. Fifteen minutes later the Indus is at its northern-most point. Another 15 minutes on (27km from the KKH) is the fuel stop of Sassi, a green island in a sea of crumbling rocks.
With its size, desolation and the non stop foaming fury of the Indus, the gorge from here south is simply awesome. Where there are no bridges, people still cross by pulling themselves hand over hand in a sphincter-puckering contraption consisting of a platform hung from a pulley on a single cable, often hundreds of metres above the river. At the truck stop of Thangus, 53 km from the KKH, look across the river for miners scraping out a living by burrowing into the mountain’s quartz veins for crystals.
Another 7km further on is a popular travellers’ stop at the basic Midway Hotel and, across the road, PTDC Astak, about 89 km from Skardu. About 31/2 hours from the KKH (21/2 hours from Skardu) is the regional centre Thowar. Across the river is Mendi, capital of the ancient Rondu kingdom. Below Basho the canyon opens into the vast Skardu Valley, and an hour later you’re in Skardu bazaar.
In good weather the 170km trip takes six to seven hours, with at least two police checkpoints. In rainy weather (eg summer storms and winter drizzle) multiple slides may block it completely.
Overnight in Hotel. Full Board, all meals included.

Day 4Briefing In The Ministry Of Tourism.

The expedition upon arrival in Skardu should see the officer concerned in Tourism Division for arranging meeting with the Liaison Officer and assistance on matters like insurance, purchase of rations and allied matters.The rest of the day can spend sightseeing in Skardu.
Overnight in Hotel, Full Board, all Meals included.

Day 5Drive By Jeeps To Askoli.

We will travel by jeep with our crew and supplies along the Shigar and Braldu valleys to Askole. Village in Shigar have changed little in over five hundred years; farms with fields of barley, wheat and vegetables surrounded by stone walls and stands of poplar, willow and apricot trees. The apricot is a very important crop in the north, having a multitude of uses to the Balti and Hunzakut people. Villagers greet us as we pass through on the rugged dirt and stone road that leads to Baltoro. As we approach, the landscapes become desert like and once within the sheer valley of the Braldu, it is necessary to cross the river several times by suspension bridges. At various points the road may have collapsed due to erosion and we will transfer the gear across on foot to a vehicle on the other side. The journey may take anywhere from six to twelve hours, with patience, we will arrive at our first camp of the trek. In Askole the villagers grow their own cereals, vegetables and fruit and own large herds of sheep, goats and dozes.
Overnight in tents. Full Board, all meals included

Day 06 Trek To Jhula.

After considerable organisation of equipment, supplies and porter loads for the journey ahead, we commence trekking towards Jhola. The valley opens out to reveal the Biafo Glacier flowing for more than fifty kilometres from the Hispar La pass to the Braldu. We have our first taste of moraine walking as we cross the snout of the glacier and descend to our lunch spot beside the river at Korofon. We also experience the harsh, stark environment that forms the base of these great mountains. Our route takes us to the confluence of the Braldu and Dumordo Rivers where the infamous flying fox or ‘jola’ is located. It is still there, however a footbridge has now been built making the passage much easier by every perspective. (Consider individual passage of 50 to 70 people with loads, compared with walking straight across a steel bridge!). In past years it was necessary to make a high traverse across a rocky face and descend steeply to the riverside of the Dumordo to gain the flying fox. There is now a safe and pleasant pathway above the river. It is this valley, fed by the Panmah Glacier, which was once a passage between Baltistan and Yarkhand across the West Mustagh Pass (5370m) into China.
Once across, we descend beside the river to the Braldu and then follow along its banks to our camp at Jhola. Overnight in tents. approx 7/8 hrs
Overnight in tents. Full Board, all meals.

Day 07 Trek To Paiyu.

To Paiju (3450m) approx 7 – 8 hrs. The route is mainly at riverside throughout the day, switching up and down somewhat according to the level of erosion and water levels of the Braldu. The Masherbrum Group may be glimpsed to our right via the Xiangang Valley. The range is a vast array of peaks that extend almost the full length of the southern side of Baltoro. Walking conditions are hot and dry and care must be taken to prevent sunburn, as we approach camp several small glacially fed rivulets flow down from the north and the first peaks of the Trango and Uli Biaho group appear on the distant ridgeline. The vast snout of the Baltoro glacier, the fourth longest in Pakistan, is also visible but it’s hard to gather a sense of scale from here. Overnight in tents at Paiju. approx 7/8 hrs
Overnight in tents. Full Board, all meals include

Day 8 Rest day paiyu

An important preparatory stage for our crew and porters. Our goats are slaughtered and roti (breads) baked throughout the day for the journey ahead on the glacier. It is a welcome opportunity for us to relax, read and take photos. Perhaps do some washing and simply enjoy being in the mountains.
Full Board, all meals included

Day 09 Trek To Urdukus.

Making the short approach to the glacier, the great expanse of ice stretching across the Braldu comes into perspective when we see the many porters forming an ant-like trail across it. Ice cliffs tower more than sixty metres above the turbulent waters at the origin of the Braldu River. As a result of its continually changing nature, the glacial moraine may be difficult to trek upon at this stage and our route varies somewhat each time. One should be prepared for a hard day of walking and carry plenty of fluid. Once at the other side, the trail will hug the side and occasionally necessitate a glacier or river crossing. There are now uninterrupted views of Paiju Peak (6610m), Uli Biaho group, Trango Group and Cathedral Group – a majestic, spired collection of mountains that the Karakoram are so well known for. Behind us the steep grassy slopes make high grazing pastures for ibex and the rocks are home to mouse hares (Pikas) and colourful hoopoe birds which forage for food scraps. Overnight in tents. approx 7/8 hrs
Overnight in tents. Full Board, all meals included.

Day 10 Trek To Goro II.

Biango. For the first two hours we walk along the rest of the lateral moraine. Across the Baltoro glacier we have exciting views of Paiju Peak,Choricho (6700m), Uli Biaho, Trango Towers, Cathedrals, and Biale(6750m).After crossing the green pastures of Urdukas (approximately 4050m), we cross the side crevasses, then walk on the medial moraine of the Baltoro to Biango campsite. Biango, at 4250m, is part of the Yermanadu Glacier flowing down from Masherbrum Pass (17,594 ft). From here we have a spectacular view of the snowy triangle of Masherbrum (7821m ft), the 24th highest peak in the world. Seven to eight hours hiking.
Overnight in tents. Full Board, all meals included

Day 11 Trek To G-2. Base Camp.

On this day we continue our trek to words G-ii base camp.it will take 7 to 8 hours.
Overnight in tents. Full Board, all meals included

Day 12-43 Reserved for Climbing

From day 12 to 43 are reserve for climbing

Day 44 Trek to Ali Camp.

The first two hours of the trek are difficult as we leave Concordia and traverse the Baltoro Glacier and its crevasses. One of the Vigne Glacier. It’s a comparatively easy and gradual walk over snow and ice, Mighty Chogolisa (25,110 ft.) stand s guard in the south. Overnight at Ali Camp (16,600 ft.), a combination of small rocky platforms between the cliff face and crevasse. We turn in early, as we have a midnight wake-up call for the departure over the Gondogoro La.
Overnight in tents. Full Board, all meals included

Day 45 Cross Gondogoro La.

We leave camp at about 1:00 a.m.to climb the Gondogoro La (5600m). For the first two hours we walk on the lateral moraine to avoid crevasses. As we get closer to the pass we shift on snow until the base of the pass. The final ascent involves a steep walk on snow and, depending on conditions, the use of fixed ropes as well as crampons and ice axe. The views from the top of the pass are unparalleled, with K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I to IV, Masherbrum, and many other mountains appearing at our level. The descent on the Hushe side is steeper, requiring good balance on the rocks. Camp at Khuispan (4700m.), a lush green meadow with wildflowers covering all around the Camp site.
Overnight in tents. Full Board, all meals included

Day 46 Trek to Saitcho.

As we leave Khuispan, we make a long traverse of the Gondogoro Glacier, first encountering small crevasses, then hiking over the soft ice of the Glacier to get to Dalsampa on the other side. The last half hour is a pleasant stroll though wildflowers, with Commanding views of the Gondogoro Glacier, Yermanadu Kangri (7160m) Masherbrum South (7810m), and the Masherbrum La. As we continue, we gradually leave the icy landscapes and descend to the meadow and pastureland at Saistcho (3400m.). Although we’ve left the icy wilds, we still have tremendous views of the mountains, including Defokhar (6540mt.). Continuing along the lateral moraine we descend to Shaitcho, a picturesque campsite nestled amongst tamarisks, wild roses and junipers set beside the river. There are views up to the Charakusa Valley towards K7 (6934m). Tonight there is the chance for song and dance as the porters are relaxed and happy with a successful crossing of the Gondogoro La behind them.
Overnight in tents. Full Board, all meals included

Day 47 Trek to Hushe and Drive to Skardu.

Trek to Hushe (3150m) 4-5 hrs Descend to the Gondogoro River, enjoying spectacular views of K6 (23,881 ft.), K7 (22,744 ft.) and Link Sar (23,094 ft.),. We continue to descend, passing through small summer settlements en route to the green irrigated fields at Hushe. By jeep to Skardu. Meet with jeeps and drive to Skardu, passing through many picturesque villages perched on vertical rocks. This part of Baltistan appears greener and more prosperous than on our drive to Askole. Overnight at Concordia Motel/Mashabrum Hotel, Skardu.
Overnight in Hotel.Full Board, all meals included

Day 48 De-briefing in Skardu

We will visit tourism ministry for de-briefing. Rest of the day is for free.
Overnight in Hotel. Full Board, all meals included.

Day 49 Drive to chilas

Today, we will start our journey back toward south. Along the way we will stop over at astak PTDC for Lunch and Continue our journey in gorges of Indus to Chilas, our destination for the night.
Overnight hotel

Day 50 Drive to Islamabad

Drive to Islamabad Drive on the greener part of KKH to Islamabad. We may stop at Taxila, the archaeological site of Gandhara Buddhist civilization dating from 500 BC to 500 AD era. At Islamabad, transfer to hotel for overnight.

Day 51 Rest day islamabad

Discover the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Rawalpindi is an old British -era settlement and Islamabad is the capital city and administrative centre built sometime after the partition of India in elevation in 1947. The cities are Located at about 1,500 feet in elevation in the hot and steamy plains of Pakistan’s upper Punjab. You may wish to explore Rawalpindi by wandering among its many and varied bazaars, or visit the imposing Shah Fasil Mosque superbly situated at the foot of the Margalla Hills. This mosque is one of the largest in the world, with room for 15,000 worshippers inside and 85,000 in the courtyard.
Overnight in Hotel

Day 52Departure

After a successful tour we will wish you good health and safe journey from Islamabad international airport.

Departure Dates

Archaeological TourAdult PriceDepositStatusMore Info
2023
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2024
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