Gasherbrum II Route

There are plenty of reasons Gasherbrum II is the perfect 8,000m peak to climb in the Karakoram Range.

To start, the 26,362′/8,034m peak is considered the most tame of the 8,000m peaks in the Karakoram, with reasonable difficulty and limited objective dangers. Secondly, it offers an incredible experience climbing in one of the most remote and rugged mountain ranges in the world in a short time-frame. Using our Rapid Ascent™ technique, we’ll be able to complete the full expedition in almost half the time that it takes a typical expedition. Our 32 Day Itinerary is built to maximize the chances of success while minimizing the time spent away from family and work.

Trek to Base Camp on Gasherbrum II

Pakistan’s Karakoram is one of the most remote and stunning mountain ranges in the world, holding the highest concentration of 7,000m+ peaks on the planet. Our journey to the summit of Gasherbrum II will start with several days of travel before we begin our approach. Trekking along the Baltoro Glacier into the heart of the Karakoram, we’ll hike for six days until we reach the confluence of the Baltoro and Godwin Austin Glaciers.

Gasherbrum II Base Camp

This is where the magnitude of the Karakoram will set in, with spectacular views of Broad Peak and K2 to the north, and the Gasherbrum group laying straight ahead. From here we’ll make our way to the southeast end of the valley and to G2 Base Camp at 16,900’/5,150m. Our pre-acclimatization will enable us to move quickly to base camp, preserving time and energy for the climb ahead.

Acclimatizing on Gasherbrum II

After a few days of rest and acclimatization at Base Camp, we’ll make our way through the Icefall to Camp 1 (19,500’/5,950m). We’ll start our acclimatization rotation with two days of rest at Camp 1 before following the fixed lines up the steep snow and ice slope of G2’s Southwest Ridge to Camp 2. Placed on a sheltered ledge at 21,100’/6,450m, we’ll spend two nights acclimatizing at Camp 2 before we’ll be ready to descend back to base camp over the next few days. Having completed our acclimatization rotation up to Camp 2, we’ll spend one day resting in base camp before we start back up the mountain and begin our summit push.

Gasherbrum II Camp 1 to Camp 2

The first day will see us back at Camp 1 after having moved once more through the Icefall. The next morning we’ll work our way back up the “Banana Ridge” to Camp 2.

Gasherbrum II Camp 3

From here on out we’ll be using supplemental oxygen, as we ascend the fixed lines to Camp 3. Nestled on a shoulder beneath the summit pyramid at 23,100/7,050m, C3 will be the highest camp that we’ll utilize on the climb.

Gasherbrum II Summit

We’ll start our Gasherbrum II summit bid by passing the rarely used Camp 4 and making the “Diagonal Traverse” beneath the summit pyramid. Once the traverse is completed we’ll make our way up a beautiful snow slope to the top of Gasherbrum II at 26,361’/8,035m.

Our summit ascent schedule will depend on weather, route conditions, and managing other teams on the mountain.

Visit the expedition page below to learn more about our Gasherbrum II expedition!