Karakoram Range

Mountain Ranges

Strenuous

Difficulty Level

June – September

Seasons

Gasherbrum II Expedition 2026: The Gateway to the 8,000ers

Registration is now open for the 2026 Climbing Season.

Date	Peak	Status	Book Now
20 June 2026	Gashabrum-II	Guaranteed

Are you ready to stand above 8,000 meters? Gasherbrum II (8,035m), in the heart of the Karakoram range, is regarded as the safest and most accessible introduction to high-altitude mountaineering.

At Blue Sky Treks & Tours, we invite you to join our flagship expedition. Whether you are a seasoned climber or attempting your first “eight-thousander,” our more than three decades of expertise give you the best chance of reaching the summit.

Expedition Snapshot

Quick facts at a glance.

Mountain	Gasherbrum II (Also known as K4)
Elevation	8,035m (26,362ft)
Location	Karakoram Range, Baltistan, Pakistan
Ranking	13th Highest Mountain in the World
Expedition Duration	45–50 Days
Climbing Grade	Advanced / High Altitude (Least technical 8000er)
Best Season	June, July, August
Primary Airport	Islamabad International Airport (ISB)
Base Camp	5,200m (Shared with Gasherbrum I)

Why Climb Gasherbrum II?

Gasherbrum II (G2) offers the perfect balance of challenge and achievability. Unlike the technical severity of K2, G2 has a more gradual ascent with fewer hazards, making it the ideal stepping stone for mountaineers aiming to join the elite club of 8,000-meter climbers.

Expedition Highlights:

The “Easiest” 8000m Peak: Statistically, the safest and most technically straightforward of the Karakoram giants.
The Ultimate Trek: Traverse the legendary Baltoro and Godwin-Austen Glaciers to reach Concordia—the “Throne Room of the Mountain Gods.”
Iconic Views: Witness sunrise over K2, Broad Peak, and the shining wall of Gasherbrum I.
Cultural Immersion: Experience the warmth of the Balti people and explore the ancient kingdom of Baltistan.
Full Service: From Islamabad to the summit, we handle all logistics, permits, and base camp services.

Expedition Overview & Logistics

Blue Sky Treks & Tours has been organising successful expeditions since 1975. Our standard itinerary is designed to maximize safety and acclimatization.

The Journey to Base Camp

Your adventure begins in Islamabad, where our team greets you for a briefing and rest. From there, we take a 45-minute flight to Skardu, giving you your first aerial views of Nanga Parbat and K2.

After final preparations in Skardu, we drive to Askoli, the last village. The trek that follows is world-renowned: you will hike along the Braldu River, camp under starlit skies at Paiju and Urdukas, and trek onto the Baltoro Glacier.

Upon reaching Concordia, you will be surrounded by the highest concentration of high peaks on earth before making the final push to Gasherbrum Base Camp at the junction of the Duke of Abruzzi and South Gasherbrum glaciers.

The Climb: Strategy and Camps

Our climbing strategy uses a series of rotational camps to help with acclimatisation.

Base Camp (5,200m): Our comfortable hub for rest and strategy.
Camp 1 (5,900m): Accessed via the Gasherbrum Icefall. This section requires caution due to crevasses.
Camp 2 (6,400m): Located on the “Banana Ridge.” This involves a steep snow climb and offers a solid platform for rest.
Camp 3 (7,200m): The springboard for the summit push.
The Summit (8,035m): A diagonal traverse leads to the summit ridge, offering a panoramic view of the Karakoram, including K2 and Broad Peak.

(Note: Climbers wishing to attempt both Gasherbrum I and II can do so with an additional royalty fee.)

Why Choose Blue Sky Treks & Tours?

We are not just a tour operator; we are a 100% locally-owned adventure company.

Local Experts: Our guides and porters are native to Gilgit-Baltistan. They know these mountains not just by map but by instinct.
Cost-Effective: By booking directly with a local operator, you avoid third-party fees without compromising on safety or luxury.
Safety First: We utilize professional weather forecasting and maintain strict safety protocols.
Sustainability: We are committed to responsible tourism, ensuring fair wages for our crew and leaving no trace on the glaciers.

2026 Expedition Itinerary

This schedule is flexible based on the weather and climber’s pace.

Week 1: Arrival & The Approach

Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad. Transfer to the hotel & briefing.
Day 2: Fly to Skardu (2,228m). Views of Nanga Parbat.
Day 3: Preparation and sightseeing in Skardu.
Day 4: Jeep safari to Askoli (3,075m).
Day 5-7: Trekking via Jhola and Paiju to Khoburtse.

Week 2: The Baltoro Glacier

Day 8-10: Trek to Urdukas and Goro II. Acclimatisation days included.
Day 11: Arrival at Concordia (4,600m) – The heart of the Karakoram.
Day 12: Trek to Gasherbrum Base Camp (5,000m).

Week 3–6: The Climbing Phase

Day 13-37: Climbing Period. Establishment of Camps 1, 2, and 3. Rotations for acclimatization and the final summit push window.

Week 7: The Return

Day 38-41: Return trek via the Baltoro Glacier to Askoli.
(Optional: Return via the technical Gondogoro La Pass (5,600m) into Hushe Valley is available upon request).
Day 42: Drive back to Skardu.
Day 43: Fly to Islamabad.
Day 44: Contingency day (for weather delays).
Day 45: Transfer to Islamabad Airport for international departure.

Ready to Climb?

Gasherbrum II is the challenge of a lifetime. With Blue Sky Treks & Tours, you are in the hands of Pakistan’s most experienced team.

Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad

Touch down in Pakistan. Most international flights arrive in Islamabad early in the morning. Our team will meet you in the arrival hall for a private transfer to the hotel to help you recover from jet lag. Once the full team has gathered, we hold a mandatory expedition briefing to discuss logistics, permit formalities, and the climb ahead.

Overnight: 3/4 Star Hotel
Activity: Gear check, briefing, and optional city tour if time permits.

Day 2: The Skardu Flight (or Karakoram Highway Drive)

We aim for the scenic 45-minute flight to Skardu (2,230m). This flight is weather-dependent but offers world-class views of Nanga Parbat and the Karakoram giants. If the weather holds, we land in Skardu, the logistics hub of Baltistan. If flights are grounded, we embark on the adventurous drive via the Karakoram Highway to Chilas.

Key Sight: Nanga Parbat (9th 9th-highest mountain) is visible from the right side of the aircraft.
Contingency: Drive to Chilas (461km / 8-9 hours) if the flight is cancelled.

Day 3: Final Preparations in Skardu

A crucial buffer day for finalizing climbing permits with the tourism department. While we handle the paperwork, you are free to explore Skardu’s rich history. Hike up to the 17th-century Kharpocho Fort for panoramic views of the Indus River, or visit the “Organic Village” to see traditional Balti farming.

Acclimatization: Gentle walking around town (2,230m).
Logistics: Final kit check and packing loads for the porters.

Day 4: Jeep Safari to Askole

We load into 4×4 jeeps for a rugged 7-hour drive through the Shigar Valley. The road narrows as we enter the Braldu Gorge, eventually leading to Askole (3,000m). This is the “end of the road” and the last permanent settlement you will see for two months.

Elevation: 3,000m
Drive Time: ~7 Hours
Highlight: The transition from paved roads to the raw Karakoram wilderness.

Day 5: Askole to Jula (The Trek Begins)

The expedition officially starts on foot. We trek out of Askole, leaving the green fields behind for the arid Braldu valley. We cross the snout of the Biafo Glacier and break for lunch at the green oasis of Korofong. The day ends crossing a suspension bridge over the Dumurdo River to reach Jula Camp.

Elevation: 3,100m
Trek Time: 5 Hours
Terrain: Dusty trails, river crossings, and dry heat.

Day 6: Jula to Paiju

We follow the Braldu River upstream. The trail undulates, requiring good footwork. As we approach Paiju (3,380m), the valley widens, revealing the first views of the catastrophic Baltoro Glacier. Paiju is a traditional rest stop with trees and fresh water—the last “green” campsite before hitting the ice.

Elevation: 3,380m
Trek Time: 6 Hours
Key View: First glimpse of the Great Trango Tower and Cathedral peaks.

Day 7: Paiju to Khoburtse (Entering the Glacier)

A tough but rewarding day. We climb onto the snout of the Baltoro Glacier. The terrain shifts to loose rock and glacial moraine. We traverse the glacier to its south side and hike to Khoburtse (3,760m). The views here are iconic: the vertical walls of the Trango Towers and Uli Biaho dominate the skyline.

Elevation: 3,760m
Trek Time: 7 Hours
Terrain: Glacial moraine (rock on ice).

Day 8: Khoburtse to Urdukas

A shorter day gaining altitude along the lateral moraine. We arrive at Urdukas (4,130m) by lunch. This is a spectacular campsite perched on grassy slopes above the glacier. It offers direct views of the Cathedral Group and Trango Towers across the valley.

Elevation: 4,130m
Trek Time: 4 Hours
Significance: The last campsite with soil/grass; everything after this is ice and rock.

Day 9: Acclimatization at Urdukas

Rest is critical here. We spend the day at Urdukas to allow our bodies to adjust to the 4,000m+ altitude. It’s a perfect day for photography, organizing gear, and washing clothes before the push to the high camps.

Day 10: Urdukas to Goro II

We descend back onto the Baltoro Glacier and head east. The landscape turns icy and dramatic as we pass Masherbrum (7,800m) and Muztagh Tower. We camp right on the glacier ice at Goro II (4,250m). Nights become significantly colder from here on.

Elevation: 4,250m
Trek Time: 7 Hours
Conditions: Camping on ice (sleeping pads essential).

Goro II to Concordia (The Throne Room)

Today, we reach one of the most famous locations in mountaineering history: Concordia. This is the confluence of the Baltoro and Godwin Austen glaciers. As you arrive, K2 (8,611m) suddenly reveals itself, rising nearly 4 vertical kilometres from the valley floor. You are surrounded by 8,000m giants: Broad Peak, Gasherbrum IV, and K2.

Elevation: 4,600m
Trek Time: 5 Hours
Highlight: Unobstructed views of K2 and the “Gasherbrum Group.”]

Day 12: Concordia to Gashabrum Base Camp

Rise early to witness one of the planet’s most iconic sunrises, watching the first light hit the sheer triangular face of K2 and the summits of the surrounding giants. After breakfast, we bid farewell to the “Throne Room” of Concordia. Instead of turning north toward K2, we head south, stepping onto the immense Upper Baltoro and Abruzzi Glaciers.

The route offers a stunning change of perspective. As we navigate the white sails of ice and glacial moraine, the views open up toward Chogolisa (Bride Peak) and Baltoro Kangri (Golden Throne). We eventually reach the Gasherbrum Sanctuary, a massive glacial amphitheater that serves as the shared Base Camp for both Gasherbrum I and II.

Elevation: 5,150m (16,896 ft)
Trek Time: 4 – 5 Hours
Highlight: Walking away from the crowds of K2 into the stunning, secluded sanctuary of the Gasherbrums, with direct views of the “Hidden Peak” (G1).
Accommodation: Full-service Camping (Base Camp Setup)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 13 – 37: Climbing Period

For the next 24 days, we engage in the siege tactics required for Gashabrum-II.

Climbing Strategy & Route Profile

Success on an 8,000-meter peak requires physical endurance, patience, and strategic planning. We use the classic “Climb High, Sleep Low” philosophy to prepare your body for the Death Zone.

1. Acclimatization Rotations

To prepare for the summit, the team completes a series of disciplined rotations. We move between Base Camp and upper camps to stimulate red blood cell production and cache essential gear at higher elevations.

The Goal: To ensure you are fully acclimatized before the final weather window opens.
The Process: You will climb to Camp 1 and Camp 2, spend the night, and descend to Base Camp for rest and recovery.

2. The Route: Southwest Ridge

We follow the standard Southwest Ridge (The Moravec Route), known for being the safest line to the top.

Base Camp to Camp 1 (5,900m): The route begins by crossing the Gasherbrum Icefall. This section requires caution as we move through crevasses and seracs to reach the Camp 1 plateau.
Camp 1 to Camp 2 (6,400m): We ascend the prominent “Banana Ridge.” This involves a steep mix of snow and ice sections. Fixed ropes are used here to ensure safety.
Camp 2 to Camp 3 (7,300m): The route climbs the shoulder of the mountain, crossing snowfields to reach Camp 3, situated just below the summit pyramid.

3. The Summit Push (8,035m)

Once our meteorological team confirms a stable weather window, we launch our bid for the top from Camp 3.

The Climb: Starting in the darkness, we ascend the diagonal traverse across the face below the summit pyramid.
The Ridge: Reaching the summit ridge offers spectacular exposure. You will traverse past the false summit to reach the True Main Summit at 8,035m.
The Reward: A 360-degree panorama of the Karakoram, with K2 and Broad Peak dominating the horizon.

4. Base Camp Logistics

Gasherbrum Base Camp will serve as your command center and sanctuary. It is vital to stay healthy and well-fed during downtime.

Comfort: We provide a fully equipped dining tent with nutritious, freshly cooked meals designed for high-altitude energy.
Support: Our staff manages real-time satellite weather updates and continuous radio communication to monitor every climber’s progress.

Day 38: Clean Up & Trek to Khoburtse

After the expedition wraps up and the mountain is cleaned of our debris, we begin the long descent. With acclimatized bodies, we cover ground quickly, bypassing Concordia and Goro II to reach Khoburtse or Urdukas in a long push. The oxygen-rich air feels incredible as we drop in altitude.

Target: Khoburtse (3,560m)
Duration: 7-8 Hours (Downhill)

Day 39: Trek to Paiju

We continue down the glacier, navigating the Baltoro moraine. We often have to take a detour around the Liligo Glacier, which is active and surging. We end the day back at the green trees of Paiju.

Elevation: 3,380m
Trek Time: 5 Hours

Day 40: Trek to Jula

Leaving the glacier behind completely, we follow the river valley back to Jula. The temperatures will feel surprisingly warm compared to the summit.

Elevation: 3,170m
Trek Time: 7 Hours

Day 41: Trek to Askole (Celebration Day)

The final walk. We retrace our steps to Askole village. This night is special—we host a “tipping ceremony” and party with our dedicated porters and support staff to celebrate the expedition’s safe return.

Elevation: 3,050m
Trek Time: 3-4 Hours

Day 42: Drive to Skardu

We board the jeeps for the bumpy ride back to civilization. Arriving in Skardu means hot showers, soft beds, and fresh food at the hotel.

Drive Time: 7 Hours

Day 43: Fly to Islamabad

We aim for the morning flight back to the capital. Upon arrival, we transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for carpet shopping or relaxing.

Contingency: If the flight is cancelled, we will begin the road journey via the KKH.

Day 44: Reserve Day / Sightseeing

Used as a buffer for flight cancellations. If we flew yesterday, today is a dedicated sightseeing day in Islamabad (Faisal Mosque, Daman-e-Koh viewpoint), followed by a farewell dinner.

Day 45: International Departure

Transfer to Islamabad International Airport. End of the Gashabrum-1 Expedition. Safe travels!

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Inclusions: Full-Service Expedition Package

Logistics & Transport

Domestic Travel: Round-trip Islamabad–Skardu flights, with road transport via Chilas or Besham if flights are canceled.
Ground Operations: All airport transfers and 4×4 Jeep transport between Skardu and Askole or Hushe.
Luggage Allowance: 75 kg each way inward; 50 kg per person return.

Accommodation & Base Camp Infrastructure

City Stays: Stay 3 nights in Islamabad (air-conditioned rooms) and 3 nights in Skardu (Bed & Breakfast).
Trek & Camp Life: Full-board meals provided during the trek; individual D-4 style tents with mattresses provided at Base Camp.
Camp Facilities: Mess, kitchen, toilet, and shower tents with tables, chairs, and fuel supplied.

Support Crew

Expedition Staff: Wages, insurance, food, and equipment covered for Sirdar, Cook, Assistant Cook, and Porters.
Liaison Officer (LO): LO’s salary, insurance, transport, and equipment are fully covered.

Permits & Administration

Government Fees: Include the official Peak Permit and Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP) fees.
Paperwork & Taxes: Assistance and coverage for all required permits, bridge, and road taxes.
Official Briefings: Mandatory Ministry of Tourism briefing and debriefing arranged.
Certification: Alpine Club of Pakistan certificate upon successful summit.

Exclusions: Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Technical Gear & High-Altitude Support

Technical Equipment: Personal climbing gear, HAPs, and high-altitude rations not included.

Personal Kit & Expenses

Personal Gear: Sleeping bags, rucksacks, clothing, and footwear are not included.
Incidental Expenses: Tips, laundry, satellite communication, and extra beverages not included.

Meals in Cities

City Dining: Lunches and dinners in Islamabad and Skardu are excluded (only breakfast is included during the Skardu stay).

Safety & Insurance

Rescue Insurance: Mandatory helicopter rescue insurance with minimum coverage of $15,000.

Gasherbrum II Expedition 2026