Journey overview

A Gasherbrum II expedition programme covering permits, Baltoro access, base camp and staged high-altitude support.

Karakoram Vision Pakistan plans this programme around confirmed road access, accommodation, weather and local operating conditions. Final service scope must define oxygen, ropes, high-altitude staff, communication and rescue arrangements ect which are not included in our service.

Fact & Figures:
Duration of Expedition:    52 Days Islamabad to Islamabad
Hotel Nights:  06 Nights     Camping Nights:    14 Nights
Days for Climbing:  30 Days       Group Size:    08+     
Best Time: 20 June to 15 August
Type of Expedition: Unguided (services up to base camp only)

G2 EXPEDITION PROGRAM

Days 01: Arrive Islamabad and transfer to hotel

Day 02: Fly to Skardu/ Chilas

a) Fly to Skardu by PK 451. (Flight is subject to weather). Upon arrival transfer to hotel for overnight.
b) In case of cancellation of flight (11-12 hrs) drive by coach to Chilas (480 km) on Karakoram Highway. Overnight at hotel

Day 03: Preparation day in Skardu or drive to Skardu

a) Day free at Skardu
b) If you are driving, complete road journey (08–09 hrs) to Skardu (275 km) En-route has good view of Nanga Parbat (8125m) at junction of Indus River and the rapids and fall of Indus River. Overnight at hotel

Day 04: Drive to Askoli (3000m)

By jeeps drive to Askole (6-7 hrs). The last village of about 80 houses. The villagers grow their own cereals, vegetable and fruit and own large herds of sheep's, goats, yaks. Overnight in tent

Day 05: Trek to Jhola camp (3200m)

Start 2-3 hours, walk across wasteland and traverse Biafo Glacier, a tortured Ocean of moving boulders and crevasses 2 km wide. Cross the glacier and after a lunch break continue to Jhola (4-5 hrs). Cross-Dumurdo River Bridge and camp at the  campsite surrounded by a few bushes with a side stream. Overnight in tent

Day 06: Trek to Paiju (3600m)

Start on a relatively easy trail for 3-4 hrs. Crossing Bardumal campsites along a 2-km stretch of sandy River beach. After a lunch break continue towards Paiju for another 2-3 hrs. trail climbs to a Vantage Point providing view of the Snout of Baltoro. And in the far distance a magnificent Panorama of Cathedral Towers and triangle of K2 to the left for the first time. Paiju is a crowded campsite. Overnight in tent.

Day 07: Rest day in Paiju (3600m)

Traditional rest day at Paiju for local exploration and its needs of the low porters for their food preparation etc.  Overnight at tent.

Day 08: Trek to Urdokas. (4200m)

Start for a 7-8 hrs. Gradual climb up Baltoro Glacier on the southern edge. After about two hours the path divides at the snout of Baltoro glacier where the left branch goes to the BC of Trango Tower and the Sarpo Lago pass. Continue to the right climbing up on to the glacier that stretches up the valley 62 km long and 2 km wide. Further 2-3 hours steady climb on a long diagonal to the other side. Follow the southern edge to Liliwa and onward to Khuburtze lovely walks for about 90 minutes to the campsite and with clear water. 4-5 hours lovely walk mostly along the crest of lateral moraine with stunning views of Paiyu Peak, Chorichi, Uli Biaho, Trango Towers and so on. Urdukas is a spectacular campsite. However like Paiyu this site is over used and polluted. Overnight at tent.

Day 09: Trek to Goro II (4500m)

5-6 hours walk on the glacier. The first hour walk is across difficult side crevasses, however the way is smoother and easy in the center. Continue for 2-3 hours to Goro-I opposite of Yermanendo Glacier falling down from the Mashebrum pass. For the next 2-3 hrs continue east up the Baltoro glacier. Following telephone wire from army HQ Goro to Gasherbrum IV. Goro-II campsite is pitched on the rough stones and ice in the center of the glacier with water from the glacier melt. Overnight at tent.

Day 10: Trek to Shaqring (Shama) (4800m)
4-5 hours slightly easy walk, with spectacular views and gigantic mountain panorama, including Muztagh Tower, Gasherbrum IV, Mitre Peak and the mighty K-2. Lunch at Concordia.After lunch you will have the view of Chogolisa, Baltoro Kangari and G-V. Overnight at tent.

Day 11:  Trek to Base Camp (5100m)

2-3 hours walk

Days 12 - 42: 31 days climbing

1st camp at 6000m (Approx.)
2nd camp at 6500m (Approx.)
3rd camp at 7300m (Approx.)
Summit at 8035m

Day 43 - 46: 4 days for return back to Askoli via same route

Day 47: Drive back to Skardu

Day 48: Fly  to Islamabad by PK 452

Day 49: Debriefing  in Islamabad

Day 50: Transfer to airport for your own destination and goodbye

Planning notes:

This is a starter itinerary rather than a binding quotation. Final services, permits, safety arrangements, hotel category and payment schedule are confirmed in writing after the travel dates and group profile are received.

Responsible travel:

Guests are expected to respect local communities, cultural sites, protected areas and mountain waste rules. The operating plan prioritizes realistic travel times and local services.