Gasherbrum II Rapid Ascent™

35 Days in Karakoram Pakistan / (Skill level: Advanced)

Price per person

$46,950

Next Available: Jun 24, 2023 - Jul 28, 2023
Optional Extension Through Aug 07, 2023

Upcoming: Jun 23, 2024 - Jul 27, 2024

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About this trip

Climb Gasherbrum II in Rapid Ascent™ style - At 26,362', 8,034m, Gasherbrum II is the 13th tallest mountain in the world and is one of the fourteen 8,000 meter peaks. G2 is a great opportunity to climb an 8,000m peak in one of the of most beautiful and remote mountain ranges in the world. A 10-day extension will give you the opportunity to climb Gasherbrum I, the 11th tallest peak on the planet for $18,000.

Overview

skill level
Advanced
Duration
35 Days

Alpenglow Expeditions Rapid Ascent™ climbs are an entirely new way to approach big-mountain expeditions. After 15 years of guiding expeditions all over the world, including more than a dozen 8,000-meter peak expeditions, we have refined and distilled the acclimatization and climbing process to maximize safety, health, success, and enjoyment. Check out our Trip Packet for more in depth detail.

The Perfect Karakoram 8,000m Peak

There are a few reason why Gasherbrum II is the perfect 8,000m peak to climb in the Karakoram Range. To start, the 8,034m, 26,362′ peak is considered the most tame of the 8,000m peaks that make their home in the Karakoram, being of reasonable difficulty with limited objective dangers. The second, is that it offers an incredible climbing experience 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 would take 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.

Two 8,000m Peaks, One Expedition

There is an option to add on a 10 day extension to climb Gasherbrum I, the 11th tallest peak on the planet, after we summit G2. We’ll spend almost a month looking at this peak as we climb its sister peak, going for its summit will be a cherry on top of this already incredible expedition. This 10 day extension utilized our already made acclimatization to climb quickly and efficiently to the summit of G1. Gasherbrum I and Gasherbrum II share a Camp 1, so we’ll be climbing on familiar terrain for the start of our second objective. This is a unique opportunity to try not one, but two 8,000m peaks in the same season.

Expedition Leader – Esteban “Topo” Mena

The Gasherbrum II Rapid Ascent Expedition is organized and led by IFMGA Guide, Esteban “Topo” Mena. Topo is an extremely talented high-altitude mountain guide, having made ten 8,000m summits. He has summited Everest four times, once without supplemental oxygen, and in 2019 he summited K2 alongside Alpenglow Expeditions Founder Adrian Ballinger and fellow Alpenglow guide Carla Perez. Topo has extensive experience organizing complicated logistics for high altitude teams, and has spent countless hours on the mountain rope-fixing with Sherpa, guiding members, and assisting and organizing rescues.

Alpenglow Expeditions offers a small team, low ratio, high-end approach to 8,000 meter peak guiding. We are also the leader in offering Rapid Ascent™ trips to 8,000 meter peaks, utilizing pre-acclimatization and more Sherpa and guide support than anyone else in the industry. This allows you to climb and summit Gasherbrum II quickly and safely.

The Alpenglow Difference

Rapid Ascent™ Strategy

First developed by Adrian Ballinger, Rapid Ascent™ is a unique approach to climbing big mountains across the world. This innovative program combines hypoxic training at home with precise logistics and small team sizes to reduce the overall time spent away from home, all while greatly increasing the chance of success on your international climbing expedition. By pre-acclimatizing for 6 weeks at home, we’re able to reduce the overall expedition time. It is due to this pre-acclimatization that we are able to move relatively quickly through the Karakoram to base camp with no ill effects.

1:3 maximum guide to climber ratio

All guides are IFMGA qualified or aspirants working towards finishing their certification. We guarantee our guides are the best in the business, drawing upon years spent guiding in the mountains to give you the best and safest experience possible.

3:2 Sherpa to climber ratio

Having three Sherpa per every two climbers ensures we have the strength necessary to carry loads, set camps, and assist climbers. All of our Sherpa on Gasherbrum II have worked with us on many expeditions.

Expedition doctor on call

Dr. Monica Piris, has been on fourteen 8,000-meter peak expeditions. She is in daily communication with our teams during the entirety of the expedition and is available for client consultation at any time.

Swiss weather forecasts

Having a quality forecast for Gasherbrum II maximizes both our safety and our summit success. These weather forecasts were originally developed for aircraft traveling at the altitudes that we climb at.

5 bottles of oxygen per climber

This allows us to use high-flow oxygen moving from C2 to C3 , sleeping at Camp 3, and our summit bid day. The use of supplemental oxygen maximizing safety and success. Our Sherpa also climb and sleep on oxygen, which means they have more strength to focus on you and your ascent.

High-quality food

Imported and local foods of the highest quality, combined with a Western-trained cook staff; Alpenglow has the best food on the mountain, ensuring your strength and health throughout the expedition.

Unlimited WiFi internet in Base Camp

We understand the modern need for technology, and this allows you to stay in touch with home and office via email, text message, and phone at no additional expense.

Route Description

The 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 by traveling from Islamabad to the small village of Askoli, where we will begin our six day trek to G2 Base Camp. Trekking along the mighty Baltoro Glacier into the heart of the Karakoram, we’ll hike for several days until we reach the confluence of the Baltoro and Godwin Austin Glaciers. 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.

After a few days of rest and acclimatization at base camp, we’ll make our way through the Icefall to the foot of G2 and C1 (19,500’, 5,950m). We’ll start our acclimatization rotation with two days of rest at C1 before following the fixed lines up the steep snow and ice slope of the Southwest Ridge to C2. Placed on a sheltered ledge at 21,100’ (6,450m), we’ll spend two nights acclimatizing at C2 before we’ll be ready to descend back to base camp over the next few days.

Having completed our acclimatization rotation up to C2, we’ll spend one day resting in base camp before we start back up the mountain and begin our summit push. The first day will see us back at C1 after having moved once more through the Icefall. The next morning we’ll work our way back up the “Banana Ridge” on the Southwest Ridge of Gasherbrum II to C2. 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. We’ll start our summit bid by passing the rarely used C4 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 summit of Gasherbrum II at 8,035m, 26,361’.

After a short celebration atop the 13th tallest peak in the world we’ll start our descent, making our way all the way back down to C1 that same day. One last trip through the Icefall will mark the end of the climb as we return to base camp to celebrate our successful summit of Gasherbrum II. We will plan on trekking back out over the Gondogoro Pass, saving us a few days by not needing to trek back out through the Karakoram. We’ll soak in our last views of the mountains before heading home.

Preparation

Fitness

Climbers must be in excellent physical shape to join this expedition. This is perhaps the most important aspect of high altitude climbing, and cannot be stressed enough. Regular, challenging exercise for many months in advance of departure is the only way to gain the necessary level of fitness that is needed on big peaks. We highly recommend a structured training regime with a gym or personal trainer to assist you in preparing for climbing at altitude. Please contact us for more information on physical training.
Technical Experience

Must be able to climb moderate rock, ice, and snow terrain, often with an alpine pack on your back. You should be comfortable with camp craft in high-altitude camps, and able to perform at a high level for multiple days in a row at altitude. Prior ascents of multiple 6000 - 7000 meter peaks is required.
Altitude Experience

Climbers must have substantial climbing experience to join our G2 Expedition. Prior ascents of multiple 6000 - 7000 meter peaks is required. Climbers must be able to climb technical terrain with an alpine pack on their back. Climbers should also be comfortable with camp craft in high- altitude camps and be able to perform at a high level for multiple days in a row at altitude.

Download Trip Details
- Day 1 — Arrive in Islamabad
  
  After arriving in Islamabad (1,770'), our team will meet you at the airport and transport you to our hotel. We’ll get some much needed rest and start to get over our jet lag.
- Day 2 — Fly to Skardu
  
  Today we’ll leave Islamabad and take a spectacular hour-long flight to the city of Skardu (7,310') in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. Our flight will have us looking down upon breathtaking mountains like Nanga Parbat (8,124m) and Rakaposhi (7,788m).
  
  If the weather is not in our favor and prevents us from flying, we’ll take a luxury van down the Karakoram Highway. This two day journey follows the Indus River along what used to be an ancient Silk Road, and offers incredible views of a region not often explored by western expeditions.
- Day 3 — Explore Skardu
  
  Skardu serves as the Capital of the Skardu region, and is a beautiful city with a rich history. The city has bustling bazaars and rustic stores to explore.
  
  If we are driving from Chilas, we’ll have another day of driving filled with beautiful views. We’ll pass by Nanga Parbat and Rakaposhi, and get a chance to see where the Karakoram, Hindu Kush, and Himalayan mountain ranges meet.
- Day 4 — Drive to Aksole
  
  Heading out from Skardu in jeeps, we’ll drive 6-8 hours through the Shigar valley to the village of Askole. Arriving at the confluence of the Shigar and Braldu valleys, the landscape changes drastically from green farm lands to mountain desert. We’ll spend the night at the Aksoli campground alongside other expeditions and trekkers and prepare for our first day of trekking the following morning.
- Day 5 — Drive to Joula Camp
  
  The first day of trekking will see us following the Braldu Valley to where the Braldu and Dumordo Rivers meet. After trekking up the valley, we’ll cross the footbridge over the swift waters of the Dumordo River and arrive at Joula camp. Today's trek will take 6-8 hours and cover 10 miles. It will be a great introduction to the dramatic landscape that is the Karakoram
- Day 6 - 7 — Trek to Paiju Camp, rest day in Paiju
  
  We’ll start bright and early on the trail that winds along the Braldu River. As we trek, we’ll get glimpses of the Masherbrum range to the south. Made up of 7,000m (23,000’+) peaks, the Masherbrum range will give us our first real taste of the magnitude of the mountain range that we are traveling in. Arriving at the end of our trekking for the day and settling down beneath the granite spire of Paiju Peak (6,600m, 21,600’), we’ll get our first views of the mighty Baltoro Glacier. The day's trek will be 10 miles and should take us 6-8 hours. We’ll spend the following day resting and acclimatizing in Paiju camp before pushing further up valley.
- Day 8 — Trek to Urdukas Camp
  
  Today will be a long but rewarding day of trekking. Working our way across the Baltoro Glacier, we’ll weave our way through the constantly changing glacial moraines to the south side of the glacier and continue along the side of the valley. As we trek, we’ll be met with incredible views of the Trango Towers (6,300m, 20,000’), Cathedral Towers (6,000m, 19,700’), and Uli Biaho Tower (6,100m, 21,600’).
  
  Continuing our way up-valley, we’ll gain nearly 2,500’ of elevation and trek more than 12 miles to reach Urdukas Camp (13,600'). Nestled on terraces that were carved out by the 1909 K2 Expedition led by the Duke of the Abruzzi, this unique campsite will leave us breathless with both beauty and effort.
- Day 9 — Trek to Goro II Camp
  
  Making our way once again onto the spine of the Baltoro Glacier, we’ll climb and descend the many glacial moraines for 7-8 hours as we head for our camp for the evening, Goro II. Incredible views of Gasherbrum IV (7,900m, 26,001’) and Broad Peak (8,047m, 26,414') will beckon us towards the head of the glacier and the 8,000m peaks that rise above as we work towards camp. Arriving at Goro II (14,100'), we’ll make camp within the ice-field and prepare to head into the heart of Karakoram in the morning.
- Day 10 — Trek to Shoma Camp
  
  Today we’ll be trekking into one of the most beautiful and awe inspiring mountain scenes to be found throughout the world. We’ll pass under Mitre Peak (6,000m, 19,200’) on our way to the famous Concordia camp (15,000') that rests at the convergence of the Baltoro and Godwin Austen Glaciers.
  
  The Karakoram holds the highest concentration of 7,000m+ peaks anywhere in the world, and Concordia serves as the ideal camp for exploring these peaks as glaciers leading from K2, The Gasherbrum, and Chogolisa all converge here. We'll push past Concordia to Shoma Camp, half way to G2 base Camp where we’ll spend our evening soaking in these spectacular views.
- Day 11 — Trek to G2 Base Camp
  
  Leaving Shoma and trekking along the eastern side of the Baltoro Glacier, we’ll spend the day hiking underneath the Gasherbrum group on our way to G2. Base camp rests at the convergence of the Baltoro and Abruzzi Glaciers, with excellent views of Baltoro Kangri (7,312m, 23,990'), G1 (8,080m, 26,300’), and G2 (8,034m, 26,300’). We’ll settle into G2 base camp (16,900') after trekking 7 miles over 7-8 hours and gaining nearly 1,900’.
- Day 12-13 — Acclimatization/ Rest Days in BC
  
  Acclimatize and rest in G2 Base Camp.
- Day 14 — Climb to Camp 1
  
  After the last two days of rest and acclimatization at Base Camp, we’ll start our acclimatization rotation by climbing through the Icefall formed by the Gasherbrum Glacier. We’ll start early in the morning when the ice is most stable and move quickly before the sun starts to warm the Glacier. While this Icefall is not nearly as large or as treacherous as the Khumbu Icefall on the south side of Mt. Everest, there will be some steep sections that will require fixed ropes. Having pre-acclimatized, we’ll climb 2,600’ feet in 5-6 hours and find C1 at the foot of the Southwest Ridge.
- Day 15 — Climb to Camp 2, return to C1
  
  After spending the night at C1, we’ll be ready to start our climb to C2. We’ll start up the steep snow and ice slope to the “Banana Ridge”. Following the fixed lines up and taking the path of least resistance, the route will alternate between the ridge and the snow face. While the route is not overly technical, it is steep, and we’ll gain altitude quickly as we move up the fixed lines. After 3-4 hours of climbing and gaining 1,600 vertical feet, we’ll arrive at C2 placed on a sheltered ledge at 21,100’, (6,400m). We'll then return back the way we came, following fixed lines back down the Banana Ridge to C1.
- Day 16 — Descend to BC
  
  An early morning will see us move once more through the Icefall to Base Camp to finish off our acclimatization rotation. Today’s trek back to Base Camp.
- Day 17-19 — Rest in BC
  
  We'll spend the next 3 days resting in Base Camp, as we prepare for our summit bid.
- Day 20 — Climb to C1
  
  After spending the previous days resting our bodies at base camp, we’ll start our summit bid by climbing through the Icefall to C1 once again. Getting an early start and moving quickly through familiar terrain, our third time passing through the Icefall will only take us 4-5 hours. We’ll arrive at C1 after climbing 2,600’.
- Day 21 — Climb to C2
  
  In the morning we’ll ascend the Banana Ridge, working our way up the steep slope to C2 for the second time. After 1,600’ of elevation gain and 3-4 hours spent climbing, we’ll arrive at C2’s sheltered ledge. We’ll spend the evening resting and preparing to make our way to C3 and our new high point for the climb.
- Day 22 — Climb to C3
  
  Leaving C2 in the morning, we’ll once again be exploring terrain that is new to our eyes. Our team will be utilizing supplemental oxygen from here on out, keeping us strong and sharp as we move higher up the mountain. The route from C2 to C3 follows fixed lines 2,000’ up a snow slope. The route is not as steep and exposed as the Banana Ridge between C1 and C2, but will take us about the same amount of time to complete.
  
  We’ll arrive at C3 after 3-4 hours of climbing. Sitting on a shoulder above the main snow slope beneath the summit pyramid at 23,100’, 7,050m, C3 will be our high camp for the climb. The rest of the day will be spent getting some much-needed rest before our final push to the summit of Gasherbrum II the following day.
- Day 23 — Summit Day
  
  Starting around midnight, the team will set out from C3 on our journey to the summit of the 13th tallest peak on the planet. The route from C3 continues up the snow slope for another 1,300’ to the rarely used Camp 4. From here we will make the “Diagonal Traverse” beneath the summit pyramid until we link up with the East Ridge at 25,400’. Once we’ve gained the East Ridge, we will make our way up the exposed but magnificent final snow slope to 8,034m, 26,362’ and the summit of Gasherbrum II.
  
  After climbing for 8-10 hours, we’ll be greeted with one of the most spectacular summit views to be found throughout the world, with an incredible vantage of the Gasherbrum Group and the Karakoram. Broad Peak (8,051m, 26,414’), and K2 (8,611m, 28,251’) will be looming in the distance to the north, and Gasherbrum I (8,080m, 26,509’) will rise behind us to the southeast. We’ll spend some time soaking in the hard-earned view before beginning our descent.
  
  Leaving the summit, we’ll descend quickly as we retrace our steps all the way to C2. In total, we will have climbed over 3,100’ from C3 to the Summit and will have descended 5,600’ on our way back down to C2. Our full summit day should take between 14-16 hours.
- Day 24 — Descend to Base Camp
  
  Today we’ll finish our descent of the mountain, working down the banana ridge and making our fourth and final pass through the Icefall back to base camp. It will take us 4-5 hours as we descend the remaining 2,600’ to base camp.
- Day 25 - 28 — Extra Summit Days
  
  These extra days can be used in case the team, the weather, or other variables require additional time to make a summit push. We’ve seen early and late weather windows that are suitable for a summit push, these extra days give us flexibility in the planning of our summit push.
- Day 29 — BC to Ali Camp
  
  We’ll wake up and enjoy the sunrise over G2 one last time before packing up camp and starting our trek out of the Karakoram. We'll be taking the Gondogoro Pass as our exit from the Karakoram.
  
  The Gondogoro Pass is the fastest way to exit the Karakoram on foot and gives our team the chance to experience new terrain as they complete the loop to Skardu. It will also give the team a final taste of excitement as it is a technical pass that requires a steep snow climb and a rocky descent. Today we'll trek to Ali Camp at the base of the pass and get some rest before an early start the next day.
- Day 30 — Ali Camp to Khuspang
  
  An Alpine Start will see us climbing the steep snow face to the col of the pass as the sun rises. The climb is stunning, engaging, and high, as the pass tops out at 5,500m, 18,300'.
  
  The descent trail is loose and a little complicated, but we'll move through it quickly and find ourselves on the far side of the pass by mid-day. We'll stop here for the day and rest for the remaining trek out the follow day.
- Day 31 — Khuspang to Saitcho
  
  An easier day will see us trek out to the village of Saitcho, where we'll spend our final night in the mountains.
- Day 32 — Saitcho to Skardu
  
  A short trek in the morning will see us arrive at the trailhead, where we'll be picked up in Jeeps and driven back to Skardu. This drive to Skardu takes a better-paved road and will be much easier than if we were driving from Aksoli. We'll arrive back in Skardu and get some much-needed rest after our exit from the mountains.
- Day 33 — Skardu to Islamabad
  
  Today we’ll wrap up our trip by flying from Skardu to Islamabad. We’ll say our goodbyes and prepare to head home from Pakistan.
  
  If we are not able to fly from Skardu, we’ll start our return journey driving along the Karakoram Highway.
- Day 34 — Extra Day in Islamabad
  
  We’ve built-in an extra day in Islamabad in case we are not able to fly from Skardu to Islamabad and are taking this day to finish the drive along the Karakoram Highway.
- Day 35 — Fly Home
  
  Today we’ll depart Islamabad for home.
- Gasherbrum I Extension —
- Day 25 - 27 — Rest in Base Camp
  
  After our successful summit of G2, we'll spend the next few days resting in Base Camp and preparing for our ascent of Gasherbrum I.
- Day 28 — Climb to C1
  
  G2 and G1 share a Camp 1, so this climb will now be quite familiar, as we return to Camp 1 to start our summit bid on G1. We'll make quick work of the ice fall, starting early in the morning and arriving to C1 by early morning.
- Day 29 — Climb to C2
  
  We'll take off from C1 in the direction of the Col that splits G1 and G2. Camp 2, situated at 6,500m, 21,300', lies right before a steep section of climbing and a couloir known as the "Japanese Couloir". We'll also start this climb early in the morning so that we reach the col before the sun rises too high in the sky and it gets too hot to climb.
- Day 30 — Climb to C3
  
  The climb to C3 is incredibly engaging and fun. We'll start by ascending the Japanese Couloir, a steep snow ramp that will take us up several hundred meters until we reach a platform atop a rocky spur.
  
  Depending on the season, Camp 3 will either be placed here around 7,000m or a bit further up the snow ramp to a wider, more comfortable camp at 7,100m. We'll settle in, eat some food, and then head to bed so that we can wake up early to start our summit bid.
- Day 31 — G1 summit bid
  
  The summit of Gasherbrum I is not easily reached. An early alpine start will see us climbing steep snow faces throughout the night as we slowly work our way toward the summit. The ascent is more direct than G2's, but significantly more difficult.
  
  Depending on the snow conditions, we'll push toward the saddle and around to the summit ridge or charge straight to the summit ridge. Once we've made the ridge, we'll continue a short way on a knife-edge ridge to the highest point on the 11th tallest peak on the planet. Standing at 8,080m, 26,510', we'll take some summit photos and have a short celebration before starting our descent.
  
  We'll descend to C2 before calling it a day. Having climbed ~3,500' and descending 5,200', our heads will hit the pillow exhausted but incredibly stoked having reached the summit of one of the most stunning peaks on the planet.
- Day 32 — Descend to BC
  
  One last day of moving on the Gasherbrum Mountains will see us descend from the Gasherbrum Col, back through camp one, and through the icefall a final time. This early morning will be difficult after a long summit day, but we'll arrive back in Base Camp and have hot food, a warm shower, and a celebration waiting for us. This day marks the end of our climbing, having reached the summits of two 8,000m peaks in just 30 days.
- Days 33 - 37 — Extra Summit Days
  
  These extra days are put in place to account for any delays along the way, either with G2 or G1.
- Day 38 — Rest in Base Camp
  
  We'll use the day after our summit bid to rest in camp and pack up our personal belongings for the trek out of the Karakoram.
- Day 39 — BC to Ali Camp
  
  We’ll wake up and enjoy the sunrise over the two moutains we've just summited one last time before packing up camp and starting our trek out of the Karakoram. We'll be taking the Gondogoro Pass as our exit from the Karakoram.
  
  The Gondogoro Pass is the fastest way to exit the Karakoram on foot and gives our team the chance to experience new terrain as they complete the loop to Skardu. It will also give the team a final taste of excitement as it is a technical pass that requires a steep snow climb and a rocky descent. Today we'll trek to Ali Camp at the base of the pass and get some rest before an early start the next day.
- Day 40 — Ali Camp to Khuspang Camp
  
  An Alpine Start will see us climbing the steep snow face to the col of the pass as the sun rises. The climb is stunning, engaging, and high, as the pass tops out at 5,500m, 18,300'.
  
  The descent trail is loose and a little complicated, but we'll move through it quickly and find ourselves on the far side of the pass by mid-day. We'll stop here for the day and rest for the remaining trek out the follow day.
- Day 41 — Khuspang to Saitcho
  
  An easier day will see us trek out to the village of Saitcho, where we'll spend our final night in the mountains.
- Day 42 — Saitcho to Skardu
  
  A short trek in the morning will see us arrive at the trailhead, where we'll be picked up in Jeeps and driven back to Skardu. This drive to Skardu takes a better-paved road and will be much easier than if we were driving from Aksoli. We'll arrive back in Skardu and get some much-needed rest after our exit from the mountains.
- Day 43 — Skardu to Islamabad
  
  Today we’ll wrap up our trip by flying from Skardu to Islamabad. We’ll say our goodbyes and prepare to head home from Pakistan.
  
  If we are not able to fly from Skardu, we’ll start our return journey driving along the Karakoram Highway.
- Day 44 — Extra Day in Islamabad
  
  We’ve built-in an extra day in Islamabad in case we are not able to fly from Skardu to Islamabad and are taking this day to finish the drive along the Karakoram Highway.
- Day 45 — Depart for Home
  
  Today we’ll depart Islamabad for home.
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- What is your cancellation policy?
  
  Click here to view our international cancellation policy.
- What sort if experience is needed for Gasherbrum II?
  
  In order to join our Gasherbrum II expedition, climbers must have experience on a 7,000 meter peak. Many climbers gain this experience by joining our expedition to Aconcagua. Climbers must have solid ice and snow climbing experience, including the use of an ice axe, crampons, and fixed rope systems.
- Would you consider doing a custom expedition to Gasherbrum II?
  
  We always consider custom expeditions. Custom trips make up more than 50% of our groups. Contact us to begin the conversation.
- What level of fitness is required?
  
  Climbers must be in excellent physical shape to join this expedition. This is perhaps the most important aspect of high altitude climbing, and cannot be stressed enough. Regular, challenging exercise fro many months in advance of departure is the only way to gain the necessary level of fitness that is needed on big peaks. We highly recommend a structured training regime with a gym or personal trainer to assist you in preparing for climbing at altitude. Please contact us for more information on physical training.
- What is Rapid Ascent™?
  
  Rapid Ascent™ is a unique program developed by Alpenglow Expeditions that combines the relatively new application of hypoxic training with precise logistics and small team sizes to greatly increase the chances of success while reducing the overall time spent away from home on an international expedition.
- Do I need to purchase Rescue Insurance and Travel Insurance?
  
  We require Rescue Insurance on all of our international expeditions. Rescue insurance will help cover costs in the event that you need to be rescued off the mountain (Ex: Helicopter/medical evacuation). Travel Insurance (which we strongly recommend) can cover issues that would cause you to cancel your trip in advance, like illness. We recommend Global Rescue for both types of insurance.
  
  If you do choose Global Rescue, be sure to select the High Altitude Evacuation Add-On that is needed for insurance coverage above 15,000 ft.
- Are Covid vaccinations required?
  
  Our leadership has made the decision to require all participants to be vaccinated for international travel. This is a safety measure that we have made to not only protect our clients, but also to protect our guide team and the local people in which we interact with during our expeditions. We want to do our utmost to mitigate the risk of Covid disrupting our expeditions, and having our teams vaccinated has become an important part of our risk management system with international travel. Please reach out to us if you have any questions or issues regarding this decision, we’d be happy to hop on a call and discuss this further.
- What all is included and excluded?
  
  THE COST OF YOUR TRIP INCLUDES YOUR LAND COSTS (EXCLUDING IN-TOWN MEALS). THIS INCLUDES:
  
  -Double occupancy lodging while in town, according to itinerary.
  
  -Meals on the mountain
  
  -Group camping and climbing equipment
  
  -Base camp and mountain infrastructure
  
  -Scheduled transportation while in the countries we are visiting
  
  -Certified guides
  
  -Covid testing arrangements for re-entry into home country (does not include cost of test).
  
  THE COST OF YOUR TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE:
  
  – Flights to/from the city where the expedition begins
  
  -Additional nights in hotel outside of the itinerary, this includes but is not limited to extra hotel nights due to an early summit bid and early departure from the mountain.
  
  -Airport taxes
  
  -Visas
  
  -In-town meals
  
  -Immunizations
  
  -Tips for guides or local staff
  
  -Travel, rescue, or any other type of insurance
  
  -Hospitalization or evacuation costs
  
  -Single supplement room charges
  
  -Excess baggage charges
  
  -Alcohol
  
  -Antigen/PCR Covid test cost
  
  -Other personal expenses
  
  -Airport transportation for early arrival/late departures outside of scheduled itinerary
  
  -The costs of delays or changes to itinerary that are beyond the control of Alpenglow Expeditions or its agents are not included.

What others are saying about this trip

Gasherbrum II, an Unforgettable Experience

Climbing Gasherbrum 2, my first 8000 meter summit, was an amazing and unforgettable experience. The Karakoram range and the culture of northern Pakistan are incredible. The Alpenglow team, particularly the lead guide Topo Mena and the Sherpa crew on the expedition were world-class in every way. They enabled me to explore my limits and advance my big mountain skills, while maintaining high levels of safety. I am stoked for my next expedition with the Alpenglow team, which is already planned.

Matthew Greving

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Blog Posts About This Trip

Why Alpenglow Guide Topo Mena is Excited for Pakistan 2023

Gasherbrum II Rapid Ascent™

35 Days in Karakoram Pakistan / (Skill level: Advanced)

Price per person

About this trip

Overview

The Perfect Karakoram 8,000m Peak

Two 8,000m Peaks, One Expedition

Expedition Leader – Esteban “Topo” Mena

The Alpenglow Difference

Route Description

Preparation

Fitness

Technical Experience

Altitude Experience

Day 1 — Arrive in Islamabad

Day 2 — Fly to Skardu

Day 3 — Explore Skardu

Day 4 — Drive to Aksole

Day 5 — Drive to Joula Camp

Day 6 - 7 — Trek to Paiju Camp, rest day in Paiju

Day 8 — Trek to Urdukas Camp

Day 9 — Trek to Goro II Camp

Day 10 — Trek to Shoma Camp

Day 11 — Trek to G2 Base Camp

Day 12-13 — Acclimatization/ Rest Days in BC

Day 14 — Climb to Camp 1

Day 15 — Climb to Camp 2, return to C1

Day 16 — Descend to BC

Day 17-19 — Rest in BC

Day 20 — Climb to C1

Day 21 — Climb to C2

Day 22 — Climb to C3

Day 23 — Summit Day

Day 24 — Descend to Base Camp

Day 25 - 28 — Extra Summit Days

Day 29 — BC to Ali Camp

Day 30 — Ali Camp to Khuspang

Day 31 — Khuspang to Saitcho

Day 32 — Saitcho to Skardu

Day 33 — Skardu to Islamabad

Day 34 — Extra Day in Islamabad

Day 35 — Fly Home

Gasherbrum I Extension —

Day 25 - 27 — Rest in Base Camp

Day 28 — Climb to C1

Day 29 — Climb to C2

Day 30 — Climb to C3

Day 31 — G1 summit bid

Day 32 — Descend to BC

Days 33 - 37 — Extra Summit Days

Day 38 — Rest in Base Camp

Day 39 — BC to Ali Camp

Day 40 — Ali Camp to Khuspang Camp

Day 41 — Khuspang to Saitcho

Day 42 — Saitcho to Skardu

Day 43 — Skardu to Islamabad

Day 44 — Extra Day in Islamabad

Day 45 — Depart for Home

Headwear and Eyewear

Hat

Beanie

Balaclava

Neck Gaiter (Buff)

Sunglasses

Goggles

Hands and Feet

Liner Gloves

Lightweight Gloves

Midweight Gloves

Big Mountain Mittens

Liner Socks (optional)

Hiking Socks

Warm Socks

Heated Socks

Hiking Shoes

Base Camp Boots

Mountaineering Boots (8,000m)

Mountaineering Boots (5,000m-6,000m)

Down Booties (optional)

Upper Body Apparel

**THE COST OF YOUR TRIP INCLUDES YOUR LAND COSTS (EXCLUDING IN-TOWN MEALS). THIS INCLUDES:**