Gasherbrum II Expedition

Overview

Standing tall at 8,035 meters (26,362 ft), Gasherbrum II is the second-highest summit of the Gasherbrum massif and the 13th tallest peak in the world.

Often considered one of the most attainable of the 8,000-meter giants, Gasherbrum II is a perfect stepping stone for climbers preparing for Everest or K2. For experienced alpinists, it can also form part of a thrilling double ascent with Gasherbrum I.

While more forgiving than some of its Himalayan neighbors, this is still a formidable climb that demands endurance, technical ability, and respect for the mountain. The rewards are immense — breathtaking views, a profound sense of achievement, and the experience of climbing in one of the planet’s most dramatic landscapes.

Key Facts

Category

Details

Location

Pakistan

Duration

44 Days

Difficulty Level

Strenuous 4E

Maximum Elevation

8,035 m / 26,362 ft

Daily Activity

5 – 6 Hours (approx.)

Best Season

Summer

Dates

Available on Request

Price

9000 – 14000 USD

Who This Expedition Is For

This journey is designed for experienced high-altitude climbers who have already completed at least one 6,000 m or 7,000 m peak and are ready to take the next big step.
Participants should have:

  • Strong mountaineering skills and rope proficiency

  • Experience on glaciers and mixed terrain

  • Excellent physical fitness and stamina

About Gasherbrum II — The Gateway Peak

First identified as K4 during the Great Trigonometrical Survey, Gasherbrum II is often seen as the ideal introduction to the 8,000-meter world.

It’s a mountain steeped in climbing history — the site of pioneering ascents, endurance records, and legendary mountaineering achievements. Many climbers use Gasherbrum II as a training ground before taking on the even greater challenges of K2 or Everest.

For HimKa Add-venture, this mountain represents opportunity — a chance to push your limits, refine your skills, and experience the thin-air beauty of the Karakoram range.

Our Expedition Approach

Though Gasherbrum II is regarded as one of the “easier” 8,000ers, success here depends on discipline, teamwork, and precise planning. At HimKa Add-venture, we focus on the details that matter most — safety, logistics, and professional guidance.

What Sets Our Program Apart

  • Comprehensive 44-Day Itinerary
    Designed for gradual acclimatization, ample rest, and flexibility for shifting weather conditions.
  • In-House Operations
    We manage rope fixing, camp setups, and oxygen support ourselves to ensure complete control and reliability.
  • Safety-Driven Philosophy
    • 1:1 climber-to-guide ratio during summit push
    • Reserve guides available for emergencies
    • Trained high-altitude rescue professionals
    • Pre-planned helicopter evacuation support if needed
  • Expert Team Leadership
    Our guides and High Altitude Guide / Porters are seasoned professionals who have summited multiple 8,000-meter peaks.

With HimKa Add-venture, you’re not just joining an expedition — you’re becoming part of a tightly coordinated team where every member’s safety and success matter.

Why Climb Gasherbrum II with Us

    • Ideal entry point into 8,000-meter mountaineering

       

    • Professionally managed expedition with an experienced team
    • Small team size for personalized attention and flexibility

       

    • Proven route plan designed for maximum summit success and safety

       

    If you’re aiming to break into the 8,000 m class and experience the intensity of true Himalayan climbing, this expedition offers the perfect opportunity.

Our itinerary has been refined over years of experience in the Karakoram.
While we make every effort to follow the outlined schedule, weather and natural conditions in high-altitude environments may require occasional adjustments.

Daily Schedule

Day 01: Arrive in Islamabad, transfer to hotel
Day 02: Expedition briefing and preparation in Islamabad
Day 03: Fly from Islamabad to Skardu
Day 04: Rest day in Skardu, finalize logistics and packing
Day 05: Drive from Skardu to Jhula
Day 06: Trek from Jhula to Paiyu
Day 07: Rest and acclimatization in Paiyu
Day 08: Trek from Paiyu to Urdukas
Day 09: Trek from Urdukas to Goro II
Day 10: Trek from Goro II to Concordia
Day 11: Trek to Gasherbrum Base Camp
Day 12: Rest and acclimatization at Base Camp
Days 13 – 36 — Climbing period on Gasherbrum II
Day 37: Clean-up and prepare for descent
Day 38: Trek from Base Camp to Ali Camp
Day 39: Trek from Ali Camp to Khuspang via Gondogoro La Pass
Day 40: Trek from Khuspang to Saichu
Day 41: Trek from Saichu to Hushe Village and Travel to Skardu
Day 42: Debrief and farewell dinner in Skardu
Day 43: Fly to Islamabad, transfer to hotel
Day 44: International departures

We ensure every aspect of your experience is managed with precision and care. Our team works only with trusted local partners and the highest-quality equipment available.

Included Services

  • Airport Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off between airport and hotel
  • Accommodation: 4 nights in Islamabad (Bed & Breakfast, twin sharing)
  • Welcome Dinner: Hosted with expedition leaders and staff
  • Permits & Fees: All required climbing permits and government royalties
  • Transportation: All land travel as per itinerary
  • Jeep Transfer: Skardu ↔ Askole and Hushe Village ↔ Skardu
  • High-Altitude Support:
    • One High Altitude Porter per client (On demand at the time of booking)
    • Oxygen System: 3 cylinders per climber, 2 per HAP
    • Masks & Regulators: 1 set per climber and HAP
  • Medical Support: Full expedition medical kit and trained staff

Gasherbrum II offers an extraordinary balance between accessibility and challenge — a chance to step into the world of 8,000-meter peaks under the guidance of experts who live for the mountains.

Take your next step toward high-altitude mastery with HimKa Add-venture.
Contact us today to receive full expedition details, itinerary options, and pricing.

  • 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)
    • 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.

  • 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