Gasherbrum II Expedition 2025-26 (Karakoram)

Altitude: 540 meters
Trekking Time: N/A
Weather: Warm and humid; Avg High: 35°C / 95°F, Low: 24°C / 76°F

Details: Welcome to Pakistan! When you arrive at Islamabad International Airport, our representative will meet you and transport you to your accommodation. Depending on when you arrive, you may have time to tour the city. Islamabad is one of the world’s greenest capitals, and we can arrange cultural orientation tours to the Faisal Mosque, the Daman-e-Koh viewpoint, and Saidpur village. Later in the afternoon or evening, your guide will provide a full trek briefing on safety, route, gear check and expectations for the adventure ahead.

Altitude: 2,230 meters
Trekking Time: N/A
Weather: Pleasant; Avg High: 23°C / 73°F

Details: On a clear day, an early morning scenic flight over the Himalayan and Karakoram ranges would offer breathtaking aerial views of Nanga Parbat, Rakaposhi, and probably even K2. Once you arrive in Skardu, you will be taken to your accommodation. The rest of the day is spent relaxing and exploring. You may wander through Skardu Bazaar, see Kharpocho Fort (an optional short trek), or walk along the banks of the magnificent Indus River. It’s also an excellent day to do any final purchasing for personal items or trekking snacks. Note: In case of flight cancellation due to weather, a backup overland drive via Karakoram Highway (2 days) will be arranged.

Altitude: 2,230 meters Trekking Time: N/A

Details: We spend a relaxing day in Skardu to help us acclimatise. You can take a short trip to Satpara Lake, visit the stunning Shigar Fort—a 400-year-old fortress converted into a heritage hotel—or simply relax and breathe in the mountain air. This is also the day that we manage trekking permits, finalise logistics with porters, and prepare for departure. Our experts will double-check your equipment and assist with any last-minute changes.

Altitude: 3,015 meters
Drive Time: 6–7 hours (jeep road)

Details: Today, the true adventure begins as we leave the paved roads and journey into the rugged interior of Baltistan. The jeep drive follows the Braldu River through tight gorges and rugged routes, with breathtaking vistas of mountains, glaciers, and traditional Balti villages. Askole is the final permanent village before the desolation of the Karakoram. When we arrive, we meet our support team of porters and culinary personnel and set up our first camp. This night under the stars is the beginning of our expedition trail.

Altitude: 3,103 meters
Trekking Time: 6–8 hours
Distance: 20KM

Details: The first day of trekking brings us down a meandering track along the Braldu River, passing through minor streams and suspension bridges. The terrain is rough, dusty, and exposed to the sun, therefore sun protection is required. We’ll journey through farms and summer towns, taking in the breathtaking contrast of bleak cliffs and verdant fields. The day’s climb concludes at Jhola, a semi-arid campsite along a glacial stream. After you’ve set up camp, you’ll have time to unwind, sip tea, and enjoy the open sky.

Altitude: 3,418 meters
Trekking Time: 6–8 hours
Distance: 19.8KM

Details: Today’s trek leads us closer to the Baltoro Glacier. We travel down the Braldu River valley, steadily ascending through magnificent terrain. As we approach Paiju, we get our first glimpses of the Trango Towers and Cathedral Peak, two jaw-dropping granite spires that dominate the skyline. Paiju is a spacious campsite with running water that is sheltered by willow trees. After arriving, have hot tea and a warm supper while admiring the views of the mountains that now surround us.

Altitude: 3,418 meters

Details: We have a rest day to acclimatise to the altitude and prepare for the more difficult glacier trekking ahead. Optional treks surrounding Paiju allow you to explore the nearby slopes and see panoramic views of the Baltoro Glacier. Meanwhile, our porters are prepping for the glacier crossing by baking bread and organising loads. This is also a good day to go over glacier trekking methods and make sure your gear—particularly your boots and gaiters—is ready.

Altitude: 3,788 meters
Trekking Time: 6–7 hours
Distance: 14.8KM

Details: We officially step onto the huge Baltoro Glacier, a 60-kilometer-long ice river. The trail alternates between moraines, freezing spots, and rock outcroppings. Trekking through this area is bizarre, with views of the Trango Towers, Uli Biaho, and other granite giants rising suddenly from the ice. The camp at Khoburtse is located on a lateral moraine surrounded by rocky peaks. The environment is raw and exhilarating, providing a true flavour of the Karakoram wilderness.

Altitude: 3,905 meters
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 6.4KM

Details: Despite the shorter hiking day, the elevation rise makes this portion relatively difficult. We continue navigating the glacier, obtaining a better feel for the terrain. Urdukas is one of the trek’s most picturesque campsites, perched on a grassy terrace above the glacier and offering direct views of Trango Towers and the Uli Biaho Group. After lunch, you can rest, journal your adventure thus far, or hike around for acclimatization

Altitude: 4,285 meters
Trekking Time: 6–7 hours
Distance: 11.9KM

Details: Despite the shorter hiking day, the elevation rise makes this portion relatively difficult. We continue navigating the glacier, obtaining a better feel for the terrain. Urdukas is one of the trek’s most picturesque campsites, perched on a grassy terrace above the glacier and offering direct views of Trango Towers and the Uli Biaho Group. After lunch, you can rest, journal your adventure thus far, or hike around for acclimatization

Altitude: 4,512 meters
Trekking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: 11.7KM

Details: This is one of the most memorable days of the trip. As we progress deeper into the Karakoram, the towering peaks of Broad Peak, Mitre Peak, and Gasherbrums appear ahead of us. Then comes the dramatic moment—arrive at Concordia, a natural amphitheatre encircled by four 8000-meter peaks, including the formidable K2. Every trekker is left awestruck by the sheer majesty of this region, with glaciers flowing in all directions and snow-capped giants towering overhead.

Wake up early to witness an unforgettable sunrise lighting up Gasherbrum and the surrounding Karakoram giants a magical way to start the day. After breakfast at Concordia we begin our walk towards Shagharing .The trail leads us across a mix of ice fins rocky ridges,and glacial terrain as we make our way onto the Godwin-Austen Glacier. Walking along its central ridge we eventually reach the base camp of .This camp is set near the foot of the mountain’s climbing route and offers one of the finest views of Gaserbrum majestic towering and unforgettable. Surrounded by some of the world’s highest peaks this is truly a breathtaking location deep in the heart of the Karakoram.Take a moment to relax, take photos, and soak in the peaceful but powerful beauty of this high mountain world.

ACCOMMODATION: Camping MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

To safely climb Gasherbrum we follow an acclimatization rotation. This means we go up and down the mountain in stages before the final summit push.

From Base Camp we climb to Camp I then return.

Next we go to Camp I continue to Camp II and descend again.

On the third rotation we may reach Camp III then return to Base Camp to rest and recover.

This rotation system helps the body adjust to high altitude and improves chances of a successful and safe summit attempt.

After completing the acclimatization rotations and resting at Base Camp we begin the final summit push.From Base Camp we move up through Camp I, Camp II and Camp III depending on conditions. The summit attempt is usually launched from Camp III during the night or early morning hours to reach the top of Broad Peak (8051m) by sunrise or early day.After celebrating the summit we carefully descend back down through the camps and return to Base Camp for a well earned rest.This is the most challenging and rewarding part of the expedition reaching the summit of an 8000-meter peak!

With the summit behind us it’s time to give back to the mountain. Before leaving we clean up Base Camp collecting all waste packing gear and ensuring nothing is left behind. This is part of our commitment to Leave No Trace and respect the natural beauty of the Karakoram.Once everything is packed and the camp is cleared we begin our descent back down the Baltoro Glacier carrying unforgettable memories of Broad Peak and the mighty K2 region…

Leaving Urdukas behind you follow the moraine edge eastwards until it is possible to climb up onto the broad back of the glacier. The trail on the Baltoro goes past the Yermanandu glacier which flows from Masherbrum and there are views of Muztagh (7270m) Masherbrum (7800m) and Gasherbrum IV at the head of the Baltoro and Concordia. You are quite high now and camping on one of the largest pieces of ice outside the polar regions so we will make sure to wrap up warmly for the cooler nights ahead. The campsite is on the glacier where ledges have been levelled out for the tents.

On this day, the participants will go to the Urdukas campground and then follow the same track down the glacier to Goro I. They will have spectacular views of Trango Towers before arriving in Khurburtse. Even though the participants will be following the same trail, the sights on the way back will be very different.

On this day of the K2 base camp trek, participants will travel down the glacier via Liligo, which will be the final region where they will alter their track from the glacier to somewhat firm ground. After a break, the participants will be able to relax among the trees and enjoy their time at the Paiju camp site

Today is the last day on foot. We return to Askole village, where our jeep is waiting. There is a sense of success in the air, and the trekking group frequently celebrates the completion of the expedition with a special lunch or a group portrait. Porters and staff are tipped and praised here, as many return to their home towns from Askole.

The rocky jeep trip back to Skardu seems like returning to civilization. You will pass through the amazing gorges once more, taking in the beauty of the Braldu and Shigar Valleys from a new perspective. After weeks in the wilderness, a hot shower and a comfy bed will feel luxury when you arrive in Skardu. You will have the evening free to wander about town, browse for handicrafts, or eat at a local Balti restaurant

After returning from the mountains enjoy a relaxing day in Skardu. This is a time to rest reflect and refresh after the expedition.We will also attend the official de-briefing at the Ministry of Tourism where we report the success of the climb and share any important information.The rest of the day is yours to explore the town, enjoy local food or simply relax while surrounded by the peaceful beauty of Skardu

We take the beautiful morning flight back to Islamabad, passing over the huge mountains of Karakoram, Himalaya, and Hindu Kush. When you arrive, you will be transported to your hotel. The afternoon is free for rest, sightseeing, and souvenir shopping. An optional farewell supper at a traditional restaurant allows you to experience local food and reminisce the highlights of your adventure with fellow trekkers.

Note: In case of flight cancellation, overland travel via the Karakoram Highway will be arranged (2 days total).

It’s the last day in Pakistan after a wonderful trip. We will drop you off at the airport so you may fly back home with many happy memories.