Gasherbrum II Climbing Expedition: 60 Day Karakoram Climb

Expedition Type

Full Board

Expedition Difficulty

Extremely Challenging

Best Time

June to August

Duration

60 Days

Gasherbrum II Climbing Expedition Overview

The Gasherbrum II Climbing Expedition is a premier opportunity to stand on the summit of the world’s 13th highest mountain. Often referred to as “G2,” this peak is located at the head of the Baltoro Glacier and is part of the legendary Gasherbrum massif. Because of its relatively stable weather patterns and straightforward climbing route via the Southwest Ridge, the Gasherbrum II climbing expedition is the ideal choice for mountaineers making the transition from 7,000m peaks to the “Death Zone.” Our 2026 expedition offers a comprehensive 60-day itinerary, providing a world-class support system, featuring a highly experienced base camp team, high-altitude porters (HAPs), and a focus on safety and acclimatization that has made G2 one of our most successful summit objectives.

Gasherbrum II (8,035m) is the 13th highest mountain in the world and one of the most accessible 8,000-meter peaks in the Karakoram Range of Pakistan. Located near the Chinese border, Gasherbrum II offers an exceptional introduction to extreme high-altitude mountaineering while still demanding strong technical skills, endurance, and proper acclimatization. The expedition follows the classic Baltoro Glacier route, passing through iconic locations such as Paiju, Urdukas, Goro II, and Concordia before reaching Gasherbrum Base Camp. With extended time allocated for acclimatization and summit attempts, this expedition maximizes safety and summit success while offering breathtaking views of K2, Broad Peak, and the Gasherbrum massif. If you’re interested in climbing it’s twin peak, consider checking out Gasherbrum I Climbing Expedition.

  • Peak Name: Gasherbrum II (K4)
  • Standard Route: Southwest Ridge
  • Expedition Style: Full-board with high-altitude support
  • Climbing Window: June – August 2026

Gasherbrum II Climbing Expedition Highlights

  • Entry into the 8,000m Club: Conquer the 8,035m summit of G2, often cited as the best “first” 8,000-meter peak in the Karakoram.
  • Extended 60-Day Schedule: Our longer duration ensures ample time for weather windows and safe acclimatization rotations.
  • The Southwest Ridge: Climb a classic, aesthetic line that offers spectacular views of Gasherbrum I and Broad Peak.
  • Trek via Concordia: Approach the mountain through the “Throne Room of the Mountain Gods,” passing beneath K2 and Masherbrum.
  • Premium Base Camp Services: Includes private sleeping tents, a dedicated kitchen team, satellite communication, and medical support.

Gasherbrum II Climbing Expedition Difficulty and Altitude

How difficult is Gasherbrum II? While no 8,000m peak is “easy,” the Gasherbrum II climbing expedition is technically less demanding than G1 or K2.

Climbing Terrain

The primary technical challenge is the Gasherbrum Icefall, which requires careful navigation of crevasses to reach Camp 1. From there, the route follows snow and ice slopes of 35–45 degrees. The final summit ridge is exposed but provides an exhilarating finish to the climb.

Altitude Profile

  • Base Camp: 5,150m
  • Camp 1: 5,900m
  • Camp 2: 6,450m
  • Camp 3: 7,100m
  • Summit: 8,035m

Success on G2 depends on a patient approach. Our 60-day window allows for three full rotations before the final summit push.

Gasherbrum II Climbing Expedition Inclusions/Exclusions

InclusionsExclusions
Domestic flights within Pakistan (20 kg check-in + 7 kg hand carry)International flights, visas & personal insurance
All ground transportation & airport transfersPersonal climbing gear & high-altitude clothing
Hotel stays in Islamabad & Skardu (twin-sharing)Summit / porter bonuses & rescue deposits (if applicable)
Government climbing permits & liaison officer feesEmergency helicopter evacuation & medical rescue
Expedition camping (Base Camp & high camps) with full logisticsExcess baggage & additional hotel nights
All meals during expedition (including high-altitude rations)Meals not mentioned in itinerary
Licensed mountain guide, cook, support staff & high-altitude portersTips & gratuities
Fixed ropes on normal routes (where applicable)Personal expenses & gear rental
CKNP waste management fee & secure baggage storageEarly departure or expedition withdrawal costs
Satellite phone (emergency use) & basic medical kitForce majeure expenses (weather, route changes, delays)

 

Tour Plan

Day 1 Arrival in Islamabad
  • Arrival at Islamabad International Airport.
  • Transfer to hotel and rest after international travel.
  • Expedition briefing and documentation.
Day 2 Flight to Skardu
  • Scenic flight to Skardu (weather permitting).
  • Hotel transfer and check-in.
  • Light walk for acclimatization.
Day 3 Rest & Preparation Day in Skardu
  • Equipment checks and final packing.
  • Optional sightseeing (Shangrilla Lake, Sadpara Lake).
  • Climbing briefing and safety review.
Day 4 Drive to Johla via Askoli
  • Drive from Skardu to Askoli Shigar
  • Get to Jhola and start the trek
  • Meet trekking partners, porters and other support staff
Day 5 Trek to Korfong
  • Begin trekking along the Braldu River.
  • Easy terrain with gradual altitude gain.
  • Camp at Korfong.
Day 6 Trek to Bardumal
  • Trek through wide valleys and rocky paths.
  • Cross glacial streams en route.
  • Camp at Bardumal.
Day 7 Trek to Paiju
  • Enter the Baltoro Glacier region.
  • First close views of Karakoram giants.
  • Camp beneath Paiju Peak.
Day 8 Trek to Khoburtse
  • Trek over rocky moraine and glacier sections.
  • Challenging but rewarding terrain.
  • Camp at Khoburtse.
Day 9 Trek to Urdukas
  • Trek along the edge of the Baltoro Glacier.
  • Panoramic views of Masherbrum and Gasherbrum IV.
  • Camp at scenic Urdukas.
Day 10 Acclimatization Day at Urdukas
  • Rest and acclimatization hikes.
  • Glacier travel training if required.
  • Prepare for higher camps.
Day 11 Trek to Goro II
  • Enter the upper Baltoro Glacier.
  • Walk across ice and moraine fields.
  • Camp at Goro II.
Day 12 Trek to Concordia
  • Trek to the confluence of major glaciers.
  • Spectacular views of K2, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrums.
  • Camp at Concordia.
Day 13 Trek to Gasherbrum Base Camp
  • Trek from Concordia toward the Gasherbrum massif.
  • Arrival at Gasherbrum Base Camp.
  • Camp setup and rest.
Days 14–52 Climbing & Acclimatization Period
  • Multiple rotations between higher camps.
  • Load carries, rope fixing, and acclimatization climbs.
  • Summit attempt of Gasherbrum II depending on weather.
Day 53 Trek Back to Khoburtse
  • Descend from Base Camp.
  • Trek back along Baltoro Glacier.
  • Overnight camp.
Day 54 Trek Back to Paiju
  • Continue descent with easier walking.
  • Scenic views along the route.
  • Camp at Paiju.
Day 55 Trek Back to Johla
  • Trek back through familiar terrain.
  • Leave the glacier region behind.
  • Camp overnight.
Day 56 Trek Back to Askoli
  • Short trek to Askoli village.
  • End of trekking section.
  • Rest and celebration.
Day 57 Drive Back to Skardu
  • Drive through Shigar Valley.
  • Hotel check-in.
  • Free time to relax.
Day 58 Fly Back to Islamabad
  • Fly back to Islamabad (weather permitting).
  • Transfer to hotel.
  • Rest and recovery.
Day 59 Contingency Day in Islamabad
  • Reserved for delays or weather issues.
  • Optional city tour or shopping.
  • Expedition debrief.
Day 60 Departure Day
  • Transfer to airport.
  • International departure.
  • End of Gasherbrum II Expedition.

1 review for Gasherbrum II Climbing Expedition: 60 Day Karakoram Climb

  1. Lukas Schneider

    An incredible climb! Challenging, but the views from the summit made every step worth it. Expert guides made the experience safe and unforgettable.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Gasherbrum II climbing expedition cost?

Our Gasherbrum II climbing expedition cost for 2026 starts at $7,500 USD for full-board service. This includes permits, oxygen, high-altitude staff, and all domestic logistics over the 60-day period.

Why is the duration for Gasherbrum II climbing expedition 60 days?

Do I need supplemental oxygen for Gasherbrum II?

A 60-day duration is essential for 8,000m peaks in the Karakoram. It allows for a gradual acclimatization process and, most importantly, provides a 2-week buffer to wait for a safe weather window, significantly increasing your summit success rate.

Do I need supplemental oxygen for Gasherbrum II climbing expedition?

While some elite climbers summit without oxygen, our standard Gasherbrum II climbing expedition includes 3 bottles of oxygen per climber and high-flow regulators for safety and comfort.

What gear do I need for a G2 expedition?

You will need an 8,000m-rated down suit, triple boots, and technical ice gear (crampons, ice axes, harness). We provide a detailed gear list upon booking and offer rental services in Skardu.

Why book with Karakoram Treks?

With over 15 years of operational excellence, we prioritize safety above all else. Our local team handles all government permits and logistics, allowing you to focus entirely on your climb.