K2 Expedition & Trekking is excited to announce that registration for the Gasherbrum I Expedition for the 2025-26 season is now open. Known as the 11th highest mountain in the world, Gasherbrum I stands at an impressive 8,080 meters above sea level. Located in the remote and stunning Karakoram mountain range of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, this expedition offers a thrilling adventure to one of the most challenging and awe-inspiring peaks on the planet.
Expedition Highlights:
Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad
Your journey begins in Islamabad, where you will be met by a K2 Expedition & Trekking representative at the airport. After transferring to your hotel, you’ll have time to rest and recover from your journey. Later, we’ll provide a comprehensive briefing on the expedition.
Day 2: Flight to Skardu (Weather Permitting)
Weather permitting, we’ll take a scenic flight to Skardu, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas and Karakoram, including peaks like Nanga Parbat and K2. Skardu serves as the gateway to the mighty Karakoram, and it’s where climbers and trekkers make their final preparations.
Days 3-4: Preparation in Skardu
These days are set aside for final preparations, equipment checks, and acclimatization. You can explore Skardu, the capital of Baltistan, which offers stunning views and rich cultural experiences.
Day 5: Drive to Askole
The journey continues with a scenic drive along the Indus, Shigar, and Braldu rivers to the village of Askole, the last inhabited settlement before venturing into the Karakoram. Here, the adventure truly begins as we set up our first camp under the starlit sky.
Days 6-13: Trek to Gasherbrum Base Camp
The trek to base camp starts from Askole, winding through rugged valleys, glaciers, and iconic landmarks such as the Baltoro Glacier and Concordia. Along the way, you’ll witness panoramic views of Trango Towers, Masherbrum, Mitre Peak, Broad Peak, and the majestic K2. Our skilled guides will lead you through the challenging terrain, ensuring a safe and rewarding experience.
Days 13-42: Climbing Phase
Upon reaching base camp, the real adventure begins. This phase involves acclimatization, setting up higher camps, and the final push to the summit. Climbers will tackle the North West Face, a technically demanding route that requires skill and determination. Our experienced high-altitude porters and support staff will assist throughout the climb, ensuring safety and comfort.
Days 43-46: Descent to Skardu
After the successful ascent, you’ll trek back to Skardu, retracing your steps through the beautiful valleys and glaciers. An alternate route through Gondogoro La is available for those seeking a more adventurous return.
Day 49: Return to Islamabad
Take a return flight to Islamabad (weather permitting). Enjoy a well-deserved rest and celebration in the city before your journey back home.
Technical Aspects & Historical Insights
Gasherbrum I, also known as Hidden Peak, shares a base camp with its sister peak, Gasherbrum II. The climb is technically challenging, with routes that require careful navigation, especially on the lower ascents. The most popular route, Gasherbrum La, leads to the Japanese Culvert, with alternate routes along the north and west ridges. Depending on weather conditions, the expedition can range from six to nine weeks.
Essential Information
Climbing Permits & Government Clearance
K2 Expedition & Trekking will handle all necessary permits and clearances, ensuring a smooth process. The expedition requires permits for peaks over 6,500 meters, and we recommend applying at least three months in advance to avoid delays.
Liaison Officer & Environmental Responsibility
A government-appointed Liaison Officer will accompany the expedition, and all teams must adhere to strict environmental guidelines. This includes ensuring that all waste is removed from the mountain, with fines imposed for non-compliance. Our commitment to preserving the environment is a key part of our operations.
Helicopter Rescue Bond & Insurance
We require a helicopter rescue bond for emergencies, which will be refunded if not used. Comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude climbing is strongly recommended.
Accommodation: Twin-sharing hotel rooms in Islamabad and Skardu; 2-person tents during the trek.
Meals: All meals are included from the first lunch in Islamabad to the final breakfast before departure.
Logistics: Airport transfers, road transport, porter services, and all camping gear.
Expert Staff: Experienced guides, cooks, and high-altitude porters.
Emergency Support: Satellite phones, solar panels, and medical supplies.
Vaccinations & Preventive Measures
Ensure you are up-to-date on routine vaccinations, and consult your doctor about additional preventive measures. There is no malaria risk in Skardu or the mountains, but precautions against mosquito bites are recommended. Proof of Polio vaccination is required for stays longer than four weeks.
Insurance
Ensure your travel insurance covers high-altitude climbing and emergency evacuation. We recommend verifying coverage details with your insurer before departure.
For more information or to register for the Gasherbrum I Expedition, visit our website k2expeditiontrekking.com or contact our team. Let K2 Expedition & Trekking be your guide to one of the most exhilarating climbing experiences in the world.
Arrival and Pickup
Our guide will meet you at Islamabad International Airport, holding an orange sign with our company logo and your name. Please provide your flight details at least five days before arrival.
Transfer to Hotel
You’ll be transferred to a hotel to rest after your journey. If arriving between 9 am and 12 pm, after lunch and some rest, we will meet at 6 pm for a briefing and any remaining payments, followed by dinner. For late arrivals, payments and briefings will be handled in Skardu.
Accommodation
Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale, Prestige Residence, or a similar hotel (subject to availability).
GPS Data: Altitude: 2,498m
In the morning, participants will take a scenic flight from Islamabad to Skardu, with views of Nanga Parbat if the weather is clear. After arriving in Skardu, the rest of the day is free.
Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Concordia Motel, Mountain Lodge, or a similar hotel (based on availability).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, plus tea, coffee, and snacks included.
Altitude: 2,498m
After breakfast, participants will hike up to Kharpocho Fort, which offers stunning views of the Indus River and Skardu town. They can also choose to visit Sadpara Lake and enjoy free time shopping in Skardu Bazaar.
Meanwhile, our staff will handle the necessary government paperwork in Skardu, which may take up to two days. We have extra days planned at the end of the trek in case of any delays.
Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Concordia Motel, Mountain Lodge, or a similar hotel (based on availability).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, plus tea, coffee, and snacks included.
GPS Data: Altitude: 3,015 m
Participants will start a jeep safari toward Daso, passing through the Shigar Valley alongside the Braldu River, heading to Askole—the last village on the route. From Askole, the trek begins, though sometimes walking starts earlier, depending on road conditions. The journey takes 6 to 8 hours.
Accommodation: Camping in twin-sharing dome tent.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner
GPS Data: Altitude: 3,103m
Distance: 20 km
Time: 5-8 hours
After organizing supplies, porters will load up for the trek to Jhola. The route passes the Biafo Glacier, which stretches over 50 km from Hispar La to Braldu. Participants will cross the glacier’s snout and descend to the lunch spot by the Korofon River.
The trek continues along the newer trail, crossing a bridge over the Braldu and Domordo rivers. After crossing, participants will follow the riverbank to reach the Jhola campsite.
Accommodation: Camping in twin-sharing dome tent.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner
Distance: 19.8 km
Time: 6-7 hours
On this day of the K2 Base Camp trek, participants will follow the Braldu Gorge along the riverbank. They’ll witness the stunning rock formations of Trango Tower and Cathedral Peak. Since the conditions can be hot and dry, it’s important to protect against sunburn.
Several glacier streams flow into the valley, and participants may need to wear river-crossing shoes depending on water levels. On a clear day, the snout of the Baltoro Glacier may be visible. The trek ends with a climb away from the river to camp at Paiju, the last campsite with trees for a while.
Accommodation: Camping in twin-sharing dome tent.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner
Before heading to Concordia, Paiju Camp serves as the acclimatization point at the foot of the Baltoro Glacier, where the Braldu Valley widens. This is a key stop on the K2 Base Camp Trek, with access to spring water. The camp offers basic facilities, including long-drop toilets, wash basins, and a bathroom.
This entire day is set aside for acclimatization, while the porters bake bread for the journey ahead. For those with extra energy, a hike above the camp offers stunning views of the Cathedral Peaks, Trango Towers, and even K2 on a clear day. Depending on the river’s course, you may also find small pools nearby for swimming.
Accommodation: Camping in twin-sharing dome tent.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner
GPS Data: Altitude: 3,788 m
Distance: 14.7 km
Time: 6-7 hours
From Paiju, the trek continues upstream to the Baltoro Glacier, where melting water flows into the river. We’ll ascend and walk on top of the glacier, which is covered in rocks and rubble. Following traditional trails, this tough walk across the glacier leads us along moraine paths on the south side. We then head east and cross to the smaller side of the glacier, moving south to enter the valley.
By evening, we reach the Khoburtse camp, where we can enjoy stunning views of Cathedral Towers, Trango Towers, and Uli Biaho Tower. This first day on the Baltoro Glacier can be challenging for many participants.
Accommodation: Camping in twin-sharing dome tent.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner
GPS Data: Altitude: 3,905 m
Distance: 6.4km
Time: 4-6hours
Trango Towers can be eventually seen after coming across two small glaciers. For the following night the participants will make their stop at Urdukas near the army camp. The camp is 100m above the glacier.
Accommodation
Camping in twin-sharing dome tent.
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner
Leaving Urdukas, continue along the Baltoro Glacier past the Yermanandu Glacier. Marvel at views of Muztagh, Masherbrum, and Gasherbrum IV as you progress. You’ll camp on the glacier, so prepare for cooler temperatures.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arguably the most scenic day, the trail leads to Concordia, where four eight-thousanders surround you. The views of Broad Peak and K2 are breathtaking, making Concordia one of the most spectacular places on Earth.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We head to the base camp, setting the stage for the climb ahead. Our journey today is relatively short but takes us closer to the towering peaks of the Gasherbrum range.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The main climbing period begins. Our expert team will support you from the base camp, with a dedicated chef preparing nutritious meals to sustain you during this challenging phase.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After the successful climb, we start descending via the Baltoro Glacier. It’s fascinating how the scenery changes during the descent. We pass by Urdukas and reach Khoburtse by evening.
Accommodation: Full-service camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue down to Paiju, passing familiar sites such as the Trango Towers and Uli Biaho. The route involves navigating the Liligo Glacier, now slightly more challenging due to its constant changes.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
GPS Data: Altitude: 3,103 m
Distance:19.8 km
Time: 5-7 Hours
On this day, walking will be easier as participants follow the same trail to the Braldu Gorge. However, there may be some river crossings along the way. The campsite will be set up at Jhola.
Accommodation: Camping in twin-sharing dome tent.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner
GPS Data:Altitude: 2,498 m
Distance:20 km trek + 127 km drive
Time: 5-7 hours trek + 6 hours drive
On this day, participants will return to Askole village after walking along the river to the bridge. After lunch, they’ll get a chance to relax their feet as they are transferred by jeep to Skardu.
Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Concordia Motel, Mountain Lodge, or a similar hotel (based on availability).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, plus tea, coffee, and snacks included.
GPS Data: Altitude: 538 m
This day is allocated for any potential delays during trekking. We do not want our guests to miss their domestic flight due to delays. These delays can be caused by multiple factors including (but not limited to) road blocks. This time can be utilized for sightseeing in Skardu.
Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Concordia Motel, Mountain Lodge, or a similar hotel (based on availability).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, plus tea, coffee, and snacks included.
GPS Data: Altitude: 540m
On this day the participants will take a flight from the airport in Skardu to Islamabad aiport. You will have a good time to relax at the hotel in Islamabad.
The domestic flights sometime get cancelled due to weather conditions. Incase of flight cancellation, you will drive to Chilas for overnight. It takes eight to ten hours by a vehicle.
Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale, Prestige Residence, or a similar hotel (subject to availability).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, plus tea, coffee, and snacks included.
Meals: Breakfast
Our staff will transfer all our guests to the airport on their respective departure timings. The checkout time of all our partner hotels is 12pm.
