GASHERBRUM-1 CLIMBING

Upon arrival at Islamabad Airport, transfer to the hotel. Half-day city tour: 

Our representative/guide will be at Islamabad International Airport to pick up the group and transfer them to the hotel (the new airport is about a 40-45 minute drive from Islamabad City. In the afternoon a half-day city tour will include a visit to Faisal Mosque, which was built in 1986, the Pakistan Monument, Lok Virsa, and a breathtaking aerial view of Islamabad from Daman-e-Koh. Drive back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Altitude: 1663 ft (507M)

A full-day drive by an air-conditioned coach to Chilas on the famous Karakoram Highway (the 8th wonder of the world), we will start early in the morning as the journey is about 12 hours via Besham and 10 hours via beautiful Babusar Pass. En route, we will visit the ancient Buddhist rock engravings from Shatial. Overnight will be in a hotel.

Altitude: 4,150 FT (1265M)

Traveling Time: via Besham: 400 km/11 hours’ drive & via Babusar Pass: 397 kms/9 hours’ drive

We will continue the road journey to Skardu, driving on Karakoram Highway is an adventure in itself which is an unforgettable experience. En route to Skardu, we will stop at Thalechi to have a spectacular view of Nanga Parbat (8125m) & the meeting place of three great mountain ranges; the Karakoram, Himalaya & Hindu Kush near Juglot. Skardu is a small town, and serves as a starting point for most of the expeditions in Karakoram. Overnight stay will be in a hotel. 

Altitude: 7381 ft (2250M)

Traveling Time: 260 km, 9 hours’ drive

We will undertake final preparations for our trekking into the wilderness.  Depending on the availability of time, an optional visit to the town and an excursion to Kharpochu Fort (Built in the 17th Century) it also offers a great view of the Skardu Valley, Sarfranga Desert, and Indus River from the fort which is located on a mountain and Buddha rock engravings from 8th century 3 km from Sadpara Road.  Overnight stay will be in a hotel.

Altitude: 7874 ft (2,400M)

Spare day for the final preparations. Optional visit of Kharpochu Fort & Manthal Buddha

We will drive in four-wheel jeeps up the Shigar through charming villages of Braldu Valley with spectacular views of the snow-topped mountains of Karakorum that lead to Askoli, the last and small settlement. We will cross Korophon (3109m) at the Biafo Glacier. It is the third-biggest glacier in the Karakoram Mountain range. A charismatic trek leads up to the Snow Lake and Hispar Pass to Nagar and Hunza Valley. The next stage proceeds from Korophon to Jhula along the Domardo River. The views of Latok and Ogre (7,400m) peaks on Baifo Glacier in distance is awesome this day. Our trekking will start from here and the first overnight stay in the wilderness under the shade of Bakhor Dass Peak 5809 m a beautiful pyramid with tiny ice at the top. An overnight stay will be in a camp.

Altitude (Jhula): 10498 ft (3200M)

Traveling Time: 130km + 17. 5 km, 8-9 hours 

The trek continues to Bardumal (3253m), which is situated in the Biaho-Lungma- Valley. The Ching-Kang-Valley appears on the opposite side with a view of one of the beautiful peaks Mango Gusar 6820 m. Afterward, the path proceeds via Bardumal to Paiju, which takes another 4 hours. On this day the view of the first above 8000s peaks Broad Peak (8051m) if you are lucky enough with weather conditions. A lush green campsite under the shadow of Paiju Peak (6611m). An overnight stay will be in tents.  

Altitude (Paiju):11811 f (3600M)

Hiking Time: 18.8 km 7-8 hours

The Baltoro Glacier begins after an hour right after Paiju. Baltoro is one of the largest glaciers outside of the polar regions comprising a length of 62km. A narrow trail leads along the glacier tongue up to the great ice stream. It takes roughly 4-5 hours to walk across Liligo and to Khuburtse on the first day on the glacier. Liligo is located on the right side of the glacier. One gets a glimpse of Liligo Peak (6251m) if facing the south, and turning the view to the northwest, the world-famous rock faces of Trango Towers rise up into the sky. An overnight stay will be in the tent.

Altitude (Khuburtse): 13123 ft (4000M)

Hiking Time: 13.0 Km 5 hours

The most beautiful campsite is on solid ground, which means that the next night will be on the glacier ice. This camp offers superb views of Biale (6729m), the Uli-Biaho (6417m), Chorich, the Trango group, and the Muztagh Glacier. An overnight stay will be in tents.

Altitude (Urdukas): 13910 ft (4240M)

Hiking Time: 8.1 Km 4-5 hours

The trek continues on the Baltoro ice stream and leads to Goro I within 3-4 hours. In the following lap, it takes another 2-3 hours to reach Goro II. The Yermanandu Glacier, which comes forward from the Masherbrum Glacier providing a spectacular view of Muztagh Tower (7270m), Masherbrum (7821m), Gasherbrum IV (7925m), is the 17th highest peak on the earth and 6th in Pakistan. The campsite is actually on the glacier, providing not much comfort yet a pleasing experience and it is the coldest campsite on this entire trek. An overnight stay will be in a camp.  

Altitude (Goro-II): 14763 ft (4500M)

Hiking Time: 11.6 km, 6 hours 

The next lap of the trek proceeds from Goro II to the Concordia (4687m). The name is Concordia has its origin in the British explorer Godwin Austen, who invented the name due to its almost 40km wide part where 14 glaciers come together from all directions. It is the most impressive campsite. If luck is on our side with the weather, we will have the most magnificent views of the mountain giants of Karakoram, including the crown K-2, which majestically stands just in front of you. The peaks tower over you, and all appear to be tantalizingly close, Gasherbrum-IV & V, Mitre Peak, Chogolisa 25,147ft/7,665m, Golden Throne (Baltoro Kangri) 23990ft/7312m and Broad Peak 26,401ft/8,047m are some of the high Karakoram giants to be seen. An overnight stay will be in tents.  

Altitude (Concordia): 14763 ft (4687M)

Hiking Time: 12.9 km 6 hours 

The route from Concordia offers magnificent views of the great Karakorum Mountains and giant glaciers. The path goes smoothly on the glacier moraine the panoramic views of Broad Peak, K2, Gaherbrum 4, Baltoro Kangari and many more are life time experience for nature lovers. Shagring is the half-way between Concordia and Gasherbrum Base Camp. Most of the climbers do to Gasherbrum Base Camp that takes another 4 hours from Shagharing to the Base Camp. It is important camp in order to be acclimatized.

Altitude: 15,460 ft (4700M)

Hiking Time: 5 hours 8 Km

The route from Shagharing to Gasherbrum I and II Base Camp offers an awe-inspiring journey through the Karakoram Range. Starting from Concordia, climbers venture onto the colossal Baltoro Glacier, maneuvering through its difficult ice formations and crevasses. The Gasherbrum Base Camp, situated at 5,100 meters (16,404 feet), serves as the initial point for both Gasherbrum I and II expeditions. For Gasherbrum II, climbers proceed to its dedicated base camp at 5,800 meters (19,029 feet), navigating rocky terrain and moraines. Those aiming for Gasherbrum I continue through the Gasherbrum Glacier, encountering challenges like crevasses and icy sections. Finally, Gasherbrum I Base Camp awaits at approximately 5,900 meters (19,357 feet). This route promises breathtaking views, including the mesmerizing Concordia, iconic peaks like K2 and Broad Peak, and the grandeur of the Baltoro Glacier. It requires careful glacier travel, appropriate equipment, and a deep understanding of high-altitude mountaineering techniques.

Altitude: 16,732 ft (5100M)

Hiking Time: 4 hours km 6 K

By the end of this expedition, we could return back by the same route or traverse over Ghondoghoro La Hushe and Skardu, Islamabad in 7-8 days.

You can visit our K2 Circular Trek which provides all the information from Concordia to Hushe via Ghondoghoro La.