Gasherbrum I Expedition

Overview

Rising 8,051 m (26,509 ft) above the remote Baltoro Glacier, Gasherbrum I—known locally as “The Hidden Peak”—remains one of the least-frequented of the world’s 8,000-meter giants. Originally labeled K5 during the Great Trigonometric Survey, its name still feels fitting: even today, the mountain hides behind layers of isolation and technical challenge.

For climbers pursuing all fourteen 8,000-meter summits, Gasherbrum I represents a quiet but formidable milestone—remote, steep, and demanding. At HimKa Add-Venture, our mission is to craft a future-ready expedition program that unlocks this “hidden” peak for committed alpinists through strategic planning, safety-first execution, and a spirit of exploration.

Expedition Snapshot

Country

Pakistan

Duration

41 Days

Grade

Strenuous 4E

Maximum Altitude

8,051 m / 26,509 ft

Daily Activity

5–6 hours on average

Season

Summer

Dates

Available on request

Starting From

Price on enquiry

Recommended For:
Experienced climbers who have previously summited at least two 6,000 m or 7,000 m peaks and one 8,000 m mountain, and who are proficient on mixed rock, ice, and snow terrain.

The Vision — Reaching the Hidden Peak

Our goal is to make Gasherbrum I an attainable yet responsibly managed ascent for serious high-altitude climbers.
At HimKa Add-Venture, we are developing a long-term expedition framework that prioritizes self-sufficiency, team coordination, and environmental respect.

We aim to redefine how climbers approach this remote massif—by combining technical discipline with efficient logistics and a holistic support network. Every future expedition will reflect our philosophy of:

  1. Preparation Over Luck – nothing is left to chance.

  2. Safety Through Structure – control what we can, plan for what we cannot.

  3. Shared Summit Goals – every climber is a partner in the mission.

Why Choose HimKa Add-Venture

  • Comprehensive expedition planning from Islamabad to summit return
  • Experienced and Skilled Guides

  • In-house management of food, rope fixing, and logistics (no third-party dependence)

  • Emergency evacuation coordination and helicopter access where possible

  • Trained high-altitude guides with extensive rescue experience

  • Structured acclimatization schedule and weather contingency days

  • A climber-centered approach—our teams are built around safety, trust, and success

Day 01: Arrival in Islamabad — transfer to hotel and rest

Day 02: Expedition briefing and equipment check in Islamabad

Day 03: Scenic flight from Islamabad to Skardu (weather permitting)

Day 04: Rest and final preparations in Skardu

Day 05: Drive from Skardu to Jhula — overnight camp

Day 06: Trek from Jhula to Paiyu

Day 07: Rest and acclimatization day at Paiyu

Day 08: Trek from Paiyu to Urdukas

Day 09: Trek from Urdukas to Goro II

Day 10: Trek from Goro II to Concordia — iconic views of K2 and Broad Peak

Day 11: Trek to Gasherbrum I Basecamp — establish camp

Day 12: Rest and acclimatization at Basecamp

Day 13–33: Climbing Period — route fixing, acclimatization rotations, and summit attempt

Day 34: Basecamp clean-up and packing for return

Day 35: Trek from Basecamp to Goro II

Day 36: Trek from Goro II to Kurburtze

Day 37: Trek from Kurburtze to Mundung

Day 38: Trek from Mundung to Jhula — drive to Skardu

Day 39: Debriefing and farewell dinner in Skardu

Day 40: Fly from Skardu to Islamabad — transfer to hotel

Day 41: Final departure — transfer to airport for international flights

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off (arrival & departure)
  • Four hotel nights in Islamabad (twin sharing, bed & breakfast)
  • Welcome dinner with the expedition team
  • All required expedition permits and government royalties
  • Domestic flights and all ground transportation per itinerary
  • Jeep transfers between Skardu and trek start/end points
  • One professional climbing guide per climber
  • Five oxygen cylinders per member and three per guide
  • Full Basecamp setup (kitchen, dining, communications)
  • All meals during trek and climb
  • Use of shared climbing equipment (fixed ropes, tents, stoves)
  • Medical kit for team and staff
  • Coordination of emergency evacuation and helicopter access
  • International airfare to/from Islamabad
  • Pakistan visa charges
  • Lunch and dinner in Islamabad
  • Additional hotel nights due to weather delays or early return
  • Personal travel, medical, and rescue insurance (mandatory)
  • Personal equipment and climbing gear
  • Communication costs (phone, internet, etc.)
  • Alcoholic beverages and personal shopping
  • High Altitude Guide / Porter/Guide summit bonus (minimum USD 2,000)
  • Tips for Basecamp staff and porters
  • Any items not listed under “Included Services”
  • Base Layers

    • 2–3 moisture-wicking thermal tops (synthetic or merino wool)
    • 2–3 thermal bottoms
    • Lightweight trekking shirts (synthetic or quick-dry)
    • Trekking pants (convertible recommended)

     

  • Insulation Layers

    • 1 lightweight fleece or softshell jacket
    • 1 midweight down or Primaloft jacket
    • 1 expedition-grade down parka (suitable for -30°C and below)
    • 1 pair of insulated down or synthetic pants

     

  • Outer Layers

    • Waterproof and windproof GORE-TEX shell jacket
    • Waterproof and windproof GORE-TEX shell pants
    • 8000er graded Down Suit

     

  • Gloves & Mittens

    • 1 pair thin liner gloves (synthetic or merino)
    • 1 pair warm softshell or fleece gloves
    • 1 pair high-altitude down mittens (with shell covers)
    • 1 pair waterproof shell mitts

     

  • Headwear

    • Warm wool or fleece beanie
    • Balaclava and/or neck gaiter (Buff)
    • Sun hat or cap with neck cover
    • Glacier glasses with side protection (Cat 4 lenses)
    • Ski goggles (anti-fog, for summit push)

     

  • Footwear

    • 1 pair approach shoes or light trekking boots
    • 1 pair high-altitude double or triple-layer boots (e.g., La Sportiva Olympus Mons / Scarpa Phantom 8000)
    • 1 pair lightweight camp shoes or down booties
    • 4–6 pairs of warm trekking socks
    • 2 pairs of expedition-grade mountaineering socks
    • 2 pairs of sock liners
  • At HimKa Add-Venture, we strive to deliver safe and well-organized expeditions. However, high-altitude climbing involves many variables beyond our control — including weather, terrain conditions, logistics, and local regulations. The following policy outlines our approach to payments, refunds, and insurance coverage.

    Refunds & Cancellations

    • All deposits and balance payments are non-refundable.
      This policy applies even if the expedition concludes early or does not reach its primary objective (for example, the summit), due to circumstances such as:

      Adverse weather or route conditions

      Government or local restrictions

      Insufficient manpower or team health

      Any unforeseen event outside the control of HimKa Add-Venture

    • The expedition leader’s decision is final regarding route safety, timing, and expedition conclusion. Every effort will be made to achieve the planned objectives within safe operational limits.
    • Participants who voluntarily withdraw from an active expedition for personal or medical reasons will not be eligible for refunds of any kind.
    • Due to the high administrative and logistical costs of expedition permits, flights, and operations, no refunds or transfers are possible once payments have been made.

    Payment Schedule

    • Deposit:
      A non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration to confirm participation.
    • Final Balance:
      The remaining balance is due 120 days prior to the expedition start date, unless otherwise specified in your confirmation documents.
    • Failure to submit the balance by the 120-day deadline may result in the loss of your reserved place on the expedition and forfeiture of all payments made to date.

    Insurance Requirement

    All participants are required to carry the following insurance coverage:

    • Travel Insurance (covering cancellations and trip interruptions)
    • High-Altitude Medical and Rescue Insurance (including helicopter evacuation)
    • Accident and Repatriation Coverage

    HimKa Add-Venture strongly recommends that climbers secure comprehensive trip cancellation insurance immediately after booking. This ensures protection against unforeseen situations such as illness, travel disruptions, or changes in expedition conditions.

Gasherbrum I represents both a challenge and a privilege — a remote summit for those drawn to the less-traveled corners of the Karakoram.
At HimKa Add-Venture, our long-term vision is to open this peak to determined alpinists with the highest standards of safety, organization, and environmental respect.

This is more than an expedition — it’s the pursuit of mastery on one of the world’s most secluded mountains

  • Base Layers

    • 2–3 moisture-wicking thermal tops (synthetic or merino wool)
    • 2–3 thermal bottoms
    • Lightweight trekking shirts (synthetic or quick-dry)
    • Trekking pants (convertible recommended)

     

  • Insulation Layers

    • 1 lightweight fleece or softshell jacket
    • 1 midweight down or Primaloft jacket
    • 1 expedition-grade down parka (suitable for -30°C and below)
    • 1 pair of insulated down or synthetic pants

     

  • Outer Layers

    • Waterproof and windproof GORE-TEX shell jacket
    • Waterproof and windproof GORE-TEX shell pants
    • 8000er graded Down Suit

     

  • Gloves & Mittens

    • 1 pair thin liner gloves (synthetic or merino)
    • 1 pair warm softshell or fleece gloves
    • 1 pair high-altitude down mittens (with shell covers)
    • 1 pair waterproof shell mitts

     

  • Headwear

    • Warm wool or fleece beanie
    • Balaclava and/or neck gaiter (Buff)
    • Sun hat or cap with neck cover
    • Glacier glasses with side protection (Cat 4 lenses)
    • Ski goggles (anti-fog, for summit push)

     

  • Footwear

    • 1 pair approach shoes or light trekking boots
    • 1 pair high-altitude double or triple-layer boots (e.g., La Sportiva Olympus Mons / Scarpa Phantom 8000)
    • 1 pair lightweight camp shoes or down booties
    • 4–6 pairs of warm trekking socks
    • 2 pairs of expedition-grade mountaineering socks
    • 2 pairs of sock liners

Climbing harness (lightweight, adjustable)

    • Helmet (UIAA/CE certified)
    • Ice axe (technical or classic depending on route)
    • Crampons (12-point steel, compatible with boots)
    • Carabiners (2 locking, 2 non-locking minimum)
    • Belay/rappel device (ATC Guide or similar)
    • Ascender (Jumar)
    • Prusik cords (2–3 lengths, 6mm–7mm)
    • Sling/webbing (60cm & 120cm lengths)
    • Trekking poles (adjustable, lightweight)
  • By registering for the expedition, participants confirm they have read, understood, and agreed to the terms outlined in this Insurance & Refund Policy, and accept the inherent risks associated with high-altitude mountaineering