Gasherbrum II (8,035 m), widely known as “The Shining Wall,” is the 13th highest mountain in the world and one of the most elegant 8,000-meter peaks in the Karakoram Range. The mountain was first successfully climbed in 1956 by the Austrian Karakoram Expedition led by Fritz Moravec, marking an important milestone in high-altitude mountaineering history.
Located in the Gasherbrum massif near Concordia — the spectacular junction of the Baltoro, Godwin-Austen, and Gasherbrum glaciers — the peak offers relatively straightforward access compared to many other 8,000-meter mountains, with base camp reachable after a classic Baltoro Glacier trek. From Concordia, the approach to Gasherbrum II Base Camp typically requires only a day’s trek.
The Gasherbrum group consists of six major peaks, with Gasherbrum I (Hidden Peak) and Gasherbrum II rising above 8,000 meters, while the remaining peaks form a dramatic cluster of high 7,000-meter summits. Due to its comparatively moderate technical difficulty (for an 8,000-meter peak) combined with high altitude challenges, Gasherbrum II is considered an ideal objective for climbers aiming to step into the world of 8,000-meter expeditions.
Departure from your home country for Pakistan. Team members arrive with personal climbing gear and documentation ready for permit processing.
Arrival at Islamabad International Airport. Our representative will receive the team and transfer them to the hotel.
During the day, expedition permits are finalized with the Ministry of Tourism and Alpine Club authorities: equipment inspection and final documentation review.
Evening free for rest after international travel. Overnight at the hotel.
Early morning transfer for the spectacular Skardu flight (weather permitting). The one-hour flight offers aerial views of Nanga Parbat and the Karakoram Range.
In case of cancellation, begin the legendary drive on the Karakoram Highway with an overnight stay in Chilas along the Indus River.
Overnight in the hotel.
A full rest and preparation day in Skardu, the capital of Baltistan, often called “Little Tibet.”
Visit Kharpocho Fort, the local bazaar, and Satpara Lake. Final food sorting, porter arrangements, and equipment packing. Overnight in the hotel.
6–7 hour jeep drive through Shigar Valley and rugged mountain terrain to Askole (3,000 m), the last permanent village before the Baltoro Glacier wilderness.
Camp overnight.
Begin trek along the Braldu River. Cross the Biafo Glacier — a dramatic sea of ice and moraine. Continue to the Korophon campsite.
Traverse cliffs above the river and cross the Dumordo River bridge. The terrain is dry and exposed. Camp by the Braldu River.
Gradual trek with first spectacular views of the Gasherbrum massif and Cathedral Towers.
Paiju is a green campsite with fresh water streams — the last vegetation before entering the glacier world.
Enter the mighty Baltoro Glacier. Trek across moraine and ice formations.
Magnificent views of Trango Towers and Cathedral Peak dominate the skyline.
Walk along the central glacier. Ice pinnacles and glacial rivers surround the camp.
Gasherbrum II appears prominently for the first time.
Reach legendary Concordia — the “Throne Room of the Mountain Gods.”
360° panorama including K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I & II, and many 7,000m peaks.
Trek along Godwin-Austen Glacier to establish Base Camp for Gasherbrum II.
During this period:
Establish Camp I (~6,000m)
Establish Camp II (~6,500–6,800m)
Establish Camp III (~7,200m)
Fix ropes where required
Multiple acclimatization rotations
Weather window monitoring
Final summit push to 8,035m
Gasherbrum II is considered one of the technically moderate 8000m peaks, yet it demands strong endurance, crevasse navigation skills, and high-altitude experience. The final summit ridge offers an exposed but magnificent approach to the top.
Descend from Concordia and traverse to Ali Camp (5,030m).
Midnight start. Steep snow climb using fixed ropes.
At sunrise, unparalleled views of K2, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrum peaks.
Descend to Khuispan campsite.
Rest day after crossing Gondogoro La.
Relax, enjoy the views of Laila Peak, Drangra, and Tasa Peak.
Light walks around the camp for acclimatization.
Overnight at camp.
Descend along the Gondogoro Glacier.
Cross small crevasses and soft ice patches.
Camp near a glacial lake with surrounding peaks in view.
Overnight at camp. (~3–4 hrs trekking)
Continue descent into alpine meadows.
Pastures, streams, and views of Namika and Defokhar Peaks.
Camp at Saicho.
Overnight at camp. (~4–5 hrs trekking)
Reach the green valley of Hushe after leaving the glacial terrain.
Jeep transfer from Hushe to Skardu. Hot showers and a celebration dinner.
Weather-dependent flight or overland drive.
Official debriefing at the Ministry of Tourism. Free time in Rawalpindi/Islamabad.
Transfer to the airport for the return flight home.
Do not hesitage to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
+92 347 4598096
info@rockvalleytours.com
