GASHERBRUM I and II Expedition
Description:
A Journey that takes you to the heart of the Himalayas, where towering peaks pierce the heavens and nature's grandeur surrounds you at every turn. The Gasherbrum I and II Expedition by Jasmine Tours offers an epic adventure like no other.
Two Peaks, One Experience:
Gasherbrum I and Gasherbrum II, standing side by side, share a common base camp, with higher camps extending to Camp II. This means you can conquer one or both of these majestic peaks, tailoring your expedition to your ambitions. Our experienced team ensures that your ground handling and services to the base camp are seamless, allowing you to focus on the thrill of climbing.
A Gateway to Nature's Majesty: Concordia
The journey begins with a 5-6 hour walk from Concordia, nature's highway interchange, where multiple glaciers converge into the breathtaking Baltoro region. Hidden Peak, also known as Gasherbrum I, is one of the four 8000-meter peaks in the upper Baltoro Glacier area. With its iconic paramedic shape, Hidden Peak is a true wonder. The base camp for Hidden Peak is shared with its famous neighbor, Gasherbrum II, making it a focal point for trekkers in search of adventure.
A Journey to the Karakoram:
Embarking on your expedition to the Karakoram typically starts from Islamabad, Pakistan's capital, and Rawalpindi, its twin city. The journey to Skardu can be made by air, offering breathtaking views of Nanga Parbat, or by a scenic road trip along the Indus River, allowing you to experience the dramatic Indus River gorge.
The Trek to Base Camp:
From Skardu, your journey continues with a thrilling jeep ride to Askoli, the last village on your trek. The route progresses toward Jhula, and plans are to extend it to Piaju shortly. Trekking for several days leads you to Paiju, a stunning spot where you'll rest while porters prepare for the glacier journey. The trek advances to Urdukas, offering splendid views of the Trango Towers and Uli Biaho. A few more trekking days bring you to Base Camp, where your real ascent adventure begins.
Gasherbrum II: Your Ascent Challenge:
Gasherbrum II is renowned for being one of the more manageable 8000-meter peaks. Your journey starts at the 5200-meter Base Camp and involves navigating the challenging Gasherbrum Ice Fall to reach Camp 1 at 5900 meters. Camp 2 is positioned at the Gasherbrum La, around 6400 meters, while Camp 3 is approximately 7200 meters, just above steep couloirs. You'll be rewarded from the summit with sweeping views of the entire Karakoram, including Broad Peak, Masherbrum, Mustagh Tower, Chogolisa, and the mighty K2. Your Hidden Peak adventure can last six to nine weeks, depending on weather conditions.
The Homeward Journey:
The return trip often takes you over the 6000-meter Gondogoro La, leading you through the beautiful Hushe Valley before your triumphant return to Skardu.This is the Gasherbrum I and II Expedition - a journey that combines thrilling challenges with awe-inspiring natural beauty, expertly guided by Jasmine Tours. Your path to glory in the Himalayas awaits.
Tour Detail:
DAY 01 & 02 ARRIVAL RAWALPINDI / ISLAMABAD
Gasherbrum I Expeditions: Upon arrival, meet and transfer to your hotel in Rawalpindi. After a short rest drive to Islamabad, the Ministry of Tourism to complete the necessary formalities and obtain a climbing permit.
DAY 03 RAWALPINDI/SKARDU
Gasherbrum I Expeditions Fly to Skardu. If unable to fly, we will drive to Skardu at 2300m the same day, spending a night in Chilas.
DAY 04 SKARDU
Gasherbrum I Expeditions Emergency day if the flight does not operate on day 03. This day will transfer the members by road from Chilas to Skardu. The total drive time from Islamabad to Skardu is 22-24 hours.
DAY 05 SKARDU
Gasherbrum I Expeditions Day at leisure. At the same time, staff will make final arrangements for the expedition.
DAY 06 SKARDU -TO- ASKOLE
Gasherbrum I Expeditions Embark jeeps for a whole day ride on a winding jeep trail to Askole 3050m - The last inhabitance on our way to the Great Glaciers. Highest in the region, the stone & timber abodes contain dark & narrow stairwells riven by gloomy, unlit alleys clustered within the embrace of the fertile terraces. Overnight in tents. All meals are served by camp staff. Distance 96 Km, Drive 07-08 Hrs. Altitude 3050 M.
Note:-The road to Askole is undergoing rapid erosion and gets closed quite often. If unable to get the jeep, the group will disembark & walk to Askole on the same day or camp overnight (subject to distance).
DAY 07 ASKOLE -TO- KOROPHONE
Gasherbrum I Expeditions Today, we leave the last inhabited village. We rely on our porters for the remaining portion of our journey, who carry our food and equipment and sustain our expedition. After scrambling over a ridge, we come across what legend says is an old polo field. Passing through a rock gap, we cross the Biafo glacier and camp beside its snout at Korophone. The Biafo Glacier is a vast river of ice 63 Km long, which descends from the central peaks of the Karakoram & flows East into the Braldu Valley at a point about 10 km east of Askole. Overnight in tents, All meals are served by camp staff. Walk 03 - 04 hrs, Grade: Easy, Altitude: 3100 M,
DAY 08 KOROPHONE -TO- JHULA
Gasherbrum I Expeditions Trek to the Dumurdo River cross at Jhula (Jhula means wire rope bridge sported by a wooden basket). A wooden bridge is made across it & camp beside a torrent facing the Bakhordas. Walk: 03-04 hrs, Grade: Strenuous, Altitude: 3150 M
DAY 09 JHULA -TO- PAIJU
Gasherbrum I Expeditions Resume trek along the Braldu River to a green Oasis under the shadows of Paiju Peak 6611 M. Paiju - is a Balti word that means "SALT." Since there are some rock salt deposits at the base of this peak, the locals believe that the snow on the summit of Paiju Peak is not snow but a massive deposit of salt that drips down to the base. We have the first views of the impressive Baltoro Glacier from this camp. Overnight in tents. Walk: 05-06 hrs, Grade: Moderate, Altitude: 3480 M.
DAY 10 PAIJU - Rest Day
Gasherbrum I Expeditions Rest & Acclimatization Day at Piaju. Overnight in tents. All meals are served by camp staff.
DAY 11 PAIJU -TO- URDUKAS
Gasherbrum I Expeditions :
- Begin trek after an early breakfast.
- Traverse the junction of Paiju - Baltoro Glaciers through crevasses & lunch below Liligo, the traditional camp under the muddy cliffs with fine views of rock spires.
- Cross the Khuburse torrent early in the morning and ramble over two glacier moraines to reach the grassy slopes of Urdukas, offering splendid views of the Trango, Uli Biaho & Bial Groups.Overnight in tents. All meals are served by camp staff. Walk: 06-07 hrs, Grade: Moderate, Altitude: 4130 M
DAY 12 URDUKAS -TO- GORO
Gasherbrum I Expeditions: A long walk on the icy Baltoro Glacier. Traverse the Yermanandu Glacier, which flows down from Masherbrum & joins the Baltoro. Magnificent views of Muztagh, Mitre & Gasherbrum IV. Overnight in tents. All meals are served by camp staff. Walk: 06-07 hrs, Grade: Strenuous, Altitude: 4500 M.
DAY 13 GORO TO CONCORDIA
Gasherbrum I Expeditions After an early breakfast, resume a long walk on the Baltoro Glacier to a point called Concordia - a huge junction of Baltoro, Abruzzi & Godwin Austin Glaciers at 4000 meters. Within a short radius of 15 Kilometers stand 41 peaks over 6500 meters, including 04 peaks above 8000 M. The 360 view offers a panorama of mountains nowhere to be found on this Earth. Overnight in tents. All meals are served by camp staff. Walk: 05 - 06 hrs, Grade: strenuous, Altitude: 4720 M.
DAY 14 CONCORDIA REST DAY
Gasherbrum I Expeditions Final day of trek to Gasherbrum base. A 4-6 hrs trek will bring you to the base of Gasherbrum; here, you will say goodbye to your porters for about 5 weeks. Overnight in tents. All meals are served by camp staff. Walk: 04-06 hrs, Grade: strenuous, Altitude: 4650 M.
DAY 15 CLIMBING (42 days and 8 days to returning back to Islamabad)
Gasherbrum I Expeditions, 26 days of the non-guided climb, will start today. During the climbing period, our staff will be at base camp to help and assist you.
DAY 16 TREKKING BACK TO ALI CAMP
Gasherbrum I Expeditions After an early breakfast, leave the K2 base camp, and we will cross Concordia and several side glaciers to reach our right path. After 4-5 hours, we will reach Vigne Glacier. It is also possible to walk on the Vigne Glacier, which is much easier than walking on the Stony Bath on the right side of the glacier, but it depends on the snow condition. Overnight in tents.
DAY 18 ALI CAMP -CROSS GONDOGORO PASS- KHUSPANG
Gasherbrum I Expeditions: A very early start, as early as 2 or 3 a.m., to cross the Gondogoro la to reach Khuspang. The basic theme behind the early walk to reach the top of the Gondogoro Pass at 5700 meters is that the snow will be soft in the morning. You will not get tired quickly as the sun is not intense, but as the sun gets extreme, snow gets soft, snow will melt and bring water and stones, and the chance of ice falls or avalanches. Overnight in tents. All meals are served by camp staff. Walk: 10 - 11 hrs, Grade: Strenuous, Altitude: 5700 M
DAY 19 KHUSPANG -TO- SHAICHO
Gasherbrum I Expeditions After a few minutes of easy walking, we will come onto the glacier. You pick your way across moving boulders and ice, finally crossing the glacier to the campsite to reach Dalsangpa, meaning 'field of flowers,' lives up to its name. It is a beautiful campsite at about 4,150 meters, set between two lakes, with Masherbrum Mountain and the white glacier cascading down from Masherbrum Pass reflected in the still water. Resume trek along the path. Keep yourself on the left side of the lateral moraine, crossing several side streams. The next hour is an unpleasant scramble along the stony, sliding glacier edge, with huge boulders poised above, ready to fall.Continue your trek along the path downhill to the summer settlement called Shaicho, a large shepherd's settlement with its mosque. Now, here you can find a hotel and mountaineering equipment shop. This is the traditional camp among the forest of juniper, cedar, and willow trees with giant bushes of wild roses and a good water supply. Walk: 07-08 hrs, Grade: Moderate, Altitude :.
DAY 20 SHAICHO -TO- HUSHEY
Gasherbrum I expeditions: After breakfast, continue your walk along the Hushey River on an easy path. Upon arrival, camp near the fields in Hushey village. An easy day will bring you to Hushey village. Evening free. Overnight in tents.
DAY 21 HUSHEY -TO- SKARDU
AM: Gasherbrum I Expeditions Embark jeeps for a whole day ride on a winding jeep trail to Skardu. Upon arrival, transfer to your chosen hotel. All meals included.
DAY 22 SKARDU - RAWALPINDI
Gasherbrum I Expeditions: Early in the morning, fly to Islamabad; if unable to pass on the same day, drive to Gilgit—overnight hotel.
DAY 23 RAWALPINDI
Gasherbrum I Expeditions: Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Rawalpindi—evening sightseeing.
If unable to fly on day 62. this day will be used to transfer from Gilgit to Islamabad by road.
DAY 24 RAWALPINDI
Gasherbrum I Expeditions De-briefing at Ministry of Tourism Islamabad. Evening free
DAY 25: FLY BACK HOME
Gasherbrum I Expeditions Transfer to the airport for your onward flight abroad.
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