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HimKa Add-Ventures — beyond the wilderness

Karakoram · 8,035m

Gasherbrum II Expedition

Alpine-style option available on this peak →
Gasherbrum II Expedition

Overview

Standing tall at 8,035 meters (26,362 ft), Gasherbrum II is the second-highest summit of the Gasherbrum massif and the 13th tallest peak in the world. Often considered one of the most attainable of the 8,000-meter giants, it is a perfect stepping stone for climbers preparing for Everest or K2.

Who We Expect

This journey is designed for experienced high-altitude climbers who have already completed at least one 6,000 m or 7,000 m peak and are ready to take the next big step.

Participants should have: - Strong mountaineering skills and rope proficiency - Experience on glaciers and mixed terrain - Excellent physical fitness and stamina

About the Mountain

About Gasherbrum II — The Gateway Peak: First identified as K4 during the Great Trigonometrical Survey, Gasherbrum II is often seen as the ideal introduction to the 8,000-meter world.

It’s a mountain steeped in climbing history — the site of pioneering ascents, endurance records, and legendary mountaineering achievements. Many climbers use Gasherbrum II as a training ground before taking on the even greater challenges of K2 or Everest.

For HimKa Add-Ventures, this mountain represents opportunity — a chance to push your limits, refine your skills, and experience the thin-air beauty of the Karakoram range.

Our Approach

Though Gasherbrum II is regarded as one of the “easier” 8,000ers, success here depends on discipline, teamwork, and precise planning. At HimKa Add-Ventures, we focus on the details that matter most — safety, logistics, and professional guidance.

What Sets Our Program Apart:

Comprehensive 44-Day Itinerary: Designed for gradual acclimatization, ample rest, and flexibility for shifting weather conditions.

In-House Operations: We manage rope fixing, camp setups, and oxygen support ourselves to ensure complete control and reliability.

Safety-Driven Philosophy: 1:1 climber-to-guide ratio during summit push; reserve guides available for emergencies; trained high-altitude rescue professionals; pre-planned helicopter evacuation support if needed.

Expert Team Leadership: Our guides and High Altitude Guides / Porters are seasoned professionals who have summited multiple 8,000-meter peaks.

With HimKa Add-Ventures, you’re not just joining an expedition — you’re becoming part of a tightly coordinated team where every member’s safety and success matter.

Why Climb Gasherbrum II with Us:

Ideal entry point into 8,000-meter mountaineering

Professionally managed expedition with an experienced team

Small team size for personalized attention and flexibility

Proven route plan designed for maximum summit success and safety

If you’re aiming to break into the 8,000 m class and experience the intensity of true Himalayan climbing, this expedition offers the perfect opportunity.

About the Itinerary

Our itinerary has been refined over years of experience in the Karakoram.

While we make every effort to follow the outlined schedule, weather and natural conditions in high-altitude environments may require occasional adjustments.

We ensure every aspect of your experience is managed with precision and care. Our team works only with trusted local partners and the highest-quality equipment available.

Insurance & Refund Policy

At HimKa Add-Ventures, we strive to deliver safe and well-organized expeditions. However, high-altitude climbing involves many variables beyond our control — including weather, terrain conditions, logistics, and local regulations. The following policy outlines our approach to payments, refunds, and insurance coverage.

Refunds & Cancellations

All deposits and balance payments are non-refundable.

This policy applies even if the expedition concludes early or does not reach its primary objective (for example, the summit), due to circumstances such as:

• Adverse weather or route conditions

• Government or local restrictions

• Insufficient manpower or team health

• Any unforeseen event outside the control of HimKa Add-Ventures

• The expedition leader’s decision is final regarding route safety, timing, and expedition conclusion. Every effort will be made to achieve the planned objectives within safe operational limits.

• Participants who voluntarily withdraw from an active expedition for personal or medical reasons will not be eligible for refunds of any kind.

• Due to the high administrative and logistical costs of expedition permits, flights, and operations, no refunds or transfers are possible once payments have been made.

Payment Schedule

• Deposit: A non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration to confirm participation.

• Final Balance: The remaining balance is due 120 days prior to the expedition start date, unless otherwise specified in your confirmation documents.

• Failure to submit the balance by the 120-day deadline may result in the loss of your reserved place on the expedition and forfeiture of all payments made to date.

Insurance Requirement

All participants are required to carry the following insurance coverage:

• Travel Insurance (covering cancellations and trip interruptions)

• High-Altitude Medical and Rescue Insurance (including helicopter evacuation)

• Accident and Repatriation Coverage

Recommendation

HimKa Add-Ventures strongly recommends that climbers secure comprehensive trip cancellation insurance immediately after booking. This ensures protection against unforeseen situations such as illness, travel disruptions, or changes in expedition conditions.

Acknowledgment

By registering for the expedition, participants confirm they have read, understood, and agreed to the terms outlined in this Insurance & Refund Policy, and accept the inherent risks associated with high-altitude mountaineering.

Join the Adventure

Gasherbrum II offers an extraordinary balance between accessibility and challenge — a chance to step into the world of 8,000-meter peaks under the guidance of experts who live for the mountains.

Take your next step toward high-altitude mastery with HimKa Add-Ventures.

Contact us today to receive full expedition details, itinerary options, and pricing.

Snapshot

Peak height
8,035m
Price range
$9,000–$14,000
Difficulty
Strenuous 4E
Duration
44 days
Season
summer
Region
Karakoram
Difficulty Level
Strenuous 4E
Maximum Elevation
8,035 m / 26,362 ft
Daily Activity
5–6 Hours (approx.)
Dates
Available on Request

Route profile

Gasherbrum II — Southwest Ridge · 5,100m → 8,035m (+2,935m)

Drag across the profile to read altitude

  1. Base Camp 5,100m
  2. Camp 1 5,900m
  3. Camp 2 6,500m
  4. Camp 3 7,000m
  5. Summit 8,035m

Approximate standard-route camp altitudes. Camp placement varies with season and conditions, and your expedition leader confirms the camp plan on the mountain.

Dates & Availability

2027 dates are being finalised.

Enquire now and we'll send dates as soon as they're confirmed.

Ask about 2027 dates →

Itinerary

  1. Day 01

    Arrive in Islamabad, transfer to hotel

  2. Day 02

    Expedition briefing and preparation in Islamabad

  3. Day 03

    Fly from Islamabad to Skardu

  4. Day 04

    Rest day in Skardu, finalize logistics and packing

  5. Day 05

    Drive from Skardu to Jhula

  6. Day 06

    Trek from Jhula to Paiyu

  7. Day 07

    Rest and acclimatization in Paiyu

  8. Day 08

    Trek from Paiyu to Urdukas

  9. Day 09

    Trek from Urdukas to Goro II

  10. Day 10

    Trek from Goro II to Concordia

  11. Day 11

    Trek to Gasherbrum Base Camp

  12. Day 12

    Rest and acclimatization at Base Camp

  13. Day 13–36

    Climbing period on Gasherbrum II

  14. Day 37

    Clean-up and prepare for descent

  15. Day 38

    Trek from Base Camp to Ali Camp

  16. Day 39

    Trek from Ali Camp to Khuspang via Gondogoro La Pass

  17. Day 40

    Trek from Khuspang to Saichu

  18. Day 41

    Trek from Saichu to Hushe Village and travel to Skardu

  19. Day 42

    Debrief and farewell dinner in Skardu

  20. Day 43

    Fly to Islamabad, transfer to hotel

  21. Day 44

    International departures

Included / Excluded

Included

  • +Airport Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off between airport and hotel
  • +Accommodation: 4 nights in Islamabad (Bed & Breakfast, twin sharing)
  • +Welcome Dinner: Hosted with expedition leaders and staff
  • +Permits & Fees: All required climbing permits and government royalties
  • +Transportation: All land travel as per itinerary
  • +Jeep Transfer: Skardu ↔ Askole and Hushe Village ↔ Skardu
  • +High-Altitude Support: One High Altitude Porter per client (on demand at the time of booking)
  • +Oxygen System: 3 cylinders per climber, 2 per High Altitude Porter
  • +Masks & Regulators: 1 set per climber and High Altitude Porter
  • +Medical Support: Full expedition medical kit and trained staff

Excluded

    Gear List

    • 2–3 moisture-wicking thermal tops (synthetic or merino wool)(Base Layers)
    • 2–3 thermal bottoms(Base Layers)
    • Lightweight trekking shirts (synthetic or quick-dry)(Base Layers)
    • Trekking pants (convertible recommended)(Base Layers)
    • 1 lightweight fleece or softshell jacket(Insulation Layers)
    • 1 midweight down or Primaloft jacket(Insulation Layers)
    • 1 expedition-grade down parka (suitable for -30°C and below)(Insulation Layers)
    • 1 pair of insulated down or synthetic pants(Insulation Layers)
    • Waterproof and windproof GORE-TEX shell jacket(Outer Layers)
    • Waterproof and windproof GORE-TEX shell pants(Outer Layers)
    • 8000er graded Down Suit(Outer Layers)
    • 1 pair thin liner gloves (synthetic or merino)(Gloves & Mittens)
    • 1 pair warm softshell or fleece gloves(Gloves & Mittens)
    • 1 pair high-altitude down mittens (with shell covers)(Gloves & Mittens)
    • 1 pair waterproof shell mitts(Gloves & Mittens)
    • Warm wool or fleece beanie(Headwear)
    • Balaclava and/or neck gaiter (Buff)(Headwear)
    • Sun hat or cap with neck cover(Headwear)
    • Glacier glasses with side protection (Cat 4 lenses)(Headwear)
    • Ski goggles (anti-fog, for summit push)(Headwear)
    • 1 pair approach shoes or light trekking boots(Footwear)
    • 1 pair high-altitude double or triple-layer boots (e.g., La Sportiva Olympus Mons / Scarpa Phantom 8000)(Footwear)
    • 1 pair lightweight camp shoes or down booties(Footwear)
    • 4–6 pairs of warm trekking socks(Footwear)
    • 2 pairs of expedition-grade mountaineering socks(Footwear)
    • 2 pairs of sock liners(Footwear)
    • Climbing harness (lightweight, adjustable)(Technical Equipment)
    • Helmet (UIAA/CE certified)(Technical Equipment)
    • Ice axe (technical or classic depending on route)(Technical Equipment)
    • Crampons (12-point steel, compatible with boots)(Technical Equipment)
    • Carabiners (2 locking, 2 non-locking minimum)(Technical Equipment)
    • Belay/rappel device (ATC Guide or similar)(Technical Equipment)
    • Ascender (Jumar)(Technical Equipment)
    • Prusik cords (2–3 lengths, 6mm–7mm)(Technical Equipment)
    • Sling/webbing (60cm & 120cm lengths)(Technical Equipment)
    • Trekking poles (adjustable, lightweight)(Technical Equipment)

    FAQ

    How much does the Gasherbrum II expedition cost?

    USD 9,000–14,000, depending on the level of high-altitude support and oxygen you choose.

    How long is the Gasherbrum II expedition, and when does it run?

    The full programme is 44 days, Islamabad to Islamabad, including acclimatisation rotations and spare weather days for the summit push. It runs in the summer climbing season (June to August).

    Where does the expedition start?

    Every HimKa expedition starts in Islamabad, where we meet you at the airport. From there the route goes via Islamabad, then a flight to Skardu (weather permitting) and the drive to Askole for the Baltoro Glacier trek.

    Is supplementary oxygen included?

    Three oxygen cylinders per climber and two per High Altitude Porter are included.

    What experience do I need?

    See “Who we expect” on this page for the experience this peak calls for. We review every application individually — send us your climbing résumé when you enquire and our lead guide will advise you honestly.

    What insurance do I need, and can I get a refund?

    You must carry travel insurance covering cancellation and trip interruption, high-altitude medical and rescue insurance including helicopter evacuation, and accident and repatriation cover. All deposits and balance payments are non-refundable, so we strongly recommend buying cancellation insurance as soon as you book.

    From the Mountain

    Gasherbrum II Expedition — photo 1
    Gasherbrum II Expedition — photo 2
    Gasherbrum II Expedition — photo 3

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