GASHERBRUM EXPEDITION
GI and GII Normal route
65 days, Ex-Islamabad, Non-guided climb
Summery: Gasherbrum II peaks and I stands side by side. Both the peaks have same base camp even the higher camps are common until camp II. Therefore for us ground handling and services to base camp is same for the either of the peaks. Choose one of the either peak or both by paying additional royalty fee. Rest leaves on us and enjoy your climbing.
Gasherbrum
I or II Base camp is a short 5-6 hour walk from Concordia, nature's
version of a highway interchange where several glaciers merge into the
Baltoro.
Hidden Peak is one of four 8000-meter peaks located in a tight cluster in the upper reaches of the Baltoro Glacier, the principle access to that part of the Karakoram. It is also known as Gasherbrum I. Like its bigger sister K2 (located only 20 kilometers west), Hidden Peak displays a classic paramedic shape. Base camp for Hidden Peak is the same as for its busier neighbor, Gasherbrum II, a day and a half east from Concordia, a prominent trekking destination where several glaciers merge into the Baltoro. Your base camp lies directly below the Conway Saddle, which was the first route, used to reach the major Karakoram peaks. Expeditions to the Karakoram now invariably start from Islamabad (capital of Pakistan) and its twin city of Rawalpindi (Pindi to its friends). Once the formalities with the government have been completed, you will continue on to Skardu, located in the district of Baltistan. This trip is made by one of two methods. Often preferred is the air route (when the weather permits), not only because the flight is only an hour, but also because you fly past Nanga Parbat on the way. Alternately, you may take a bus along the Indus River, first following the Karakoram Highway, then branching through the spectacular Indus River gorge as you approach Skardu. The latter is long, but recommended at least once during multiple visits to the region.
From Skardu, you will jeep to Askoli, the last village on the trek. A couple long days bring you to Paiju and the tongue of the Baltoro. Here you will take a rest day as the porters prepare their food for the glacier. Your next stop is Urdukas, a grassy knoll located immediately opposite the Trango Towers and Uli Biaho. Two regular days and a final short day bring you to Base Camp.
Gasherbrum 2 has the reputation of being one of the easier 8000-meter peaks. Its larger namesake, however, is far more technically challenging. Base Camp is at 5200 meters. Camp 1 is at 5900 meters after crossing the treacherous Gasherbrum Ice Fall. Camp 2 is at the Gasherbrum La, about 6400 meters. Camp 3 is at about 7200 meters above a steep couloir’s, although the location is highly variable since it is cut from the steep snow slopes. From the summit, you will see the entire Karakoram, including Broad Peak, Masherbrum, Mustagh Tower, Chogolisa, and of course K2. Depending on the weather, Hidden Peak can be completed in as little as six weeks (Pindi-Pindi) or as long as nine weeks.
The return trip is often over the 6000 meter Gondogoro La and the beautifully green Hushe Valley from which you return to Skardu.
ITINERARY
Note :- Although we try to adhere to the schedule listed below, this itinerary is subject to change due to numerous reasons beyond our control such as bad weather, cancelled or delayed flights, road washouts, vehicle breakdowns, accidents, sickness, govt. restrictions, & all other unforeseen exigencies.
Hidden Peak is one of four 8000-meter peaks located in a tight cluster in the upper reaches of the Baltoro Glacier, the principle access to that part of the Karakoram. It is also known as Gasherbrum I. Like its bigger sister K2 (located only 20 kilometers west), Hidden Peak displays a classic paramedic shape. Base camp for Hidden Peak is the same as for its busier neighbor, Gasherbrum II, a day and a half east from Concordia, a prominent trekking destination where several glaciers merge into the Baltoro. Your base camp lies directly below the Conway Saddle, which was the first route, used to reach the major Karakoram peaks. Expeditions to the Karakoram now invariably start from Islamabad (capital of Pakistan) and its twin city of Rawalpindi (Pindi to its friends). Once the formalities with the government have been completed, you will continue on to Skardu, located in the district of Baltistan. This trip is made by one of two methods. Often preferred is the air route (when the weather permits), not only because the flight is only an hour, but also because you fly past Nanga Parbat on the way. Alternately, you may take a bus along the Indus River, first following the Karakoram Highway, then branching through the spectacular Indus River gorge as you approach Skardu. The latter is long, but recommended at least once during multiple visits to the region.
From Skardu, you will jeep to Askoli, the last village on the trek. A couple long days bring you to Paiju and the tongue of the Baltoro. Here you will take a rest day as the porters prepare their food for the glacier. Your next stop is Urdukas, a grassy knoll located immediately opposite the Trango Towers and Uli Biaho. Two regular days and a final short day bring you to Base Camp.
Gasherbrum 2 has the reputation of being one of the easier 8000-meter peaks. Its larger namesake, however, is far more technically challenging. Base Camp is at 5200 meters. Camp 1 is at 5900 meters after crossing the treacherous Gasherbrum Ice Fall. Camp 2 is at the Gasherbrum La, about 6400 meters. Camp 3 is at about 7200 meters above a steep couloir’s, although the location is highly variable since it is cut from the steep snow slopes. From the summit, you will see the entire Karakoram, including Broad Peak, Masherbrum, Mustagh Tower, Chogolisa, and of course K2. Depending on the weather, Hidden Peak can be completed in as little as six weeks (Pindi-Pindi) or as long as nine weeks.
The return trip is often over the 6000 meter Gondogoro La and the beautifully green Hushe Valley from which you return to Skardu.
ITINERARY
Note :- Although we try to adhere to the schedule listed below, this itinerary is subject to change due to numerous reasons beyond our control such as bad weather, cancelled or delayed flights, road washouts, vehicle breakdowns, accidents, sickness, govt. restrictions, & all other unforeseen exigencies.
DAY 01 & 02 ARRIVAL RAWALPINDI / ISLAMABAD
Upon
arrival met and transfer to your hotel in Rawalpindi. After a short
rest drive to Islamabad, Ministry of Tourism to complete the necessary
formalities and obtain climbing permit.
DAY 03 RAWALPINDI/SKARDU
Fly to Skardu, If unable to fly, same day we will drive to Skardu 2300m, spending a night in Chilas.
DAKY 04 SKARDU
Emergency
day in case, flight does not operate on day 03 this day will be use to
transfer the members by road from Chilas to Skardu. Total drive time
from Islamabad to Skardu is 22-24 hours.
DAY 05 SKARDU
Day at leisure. while staff will make final arrangement for the expedition.
DAY 06 SKARDU -TO- ASKOLE
Embark
jeeps for a full 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 cluster within the embrace of
the fertile terraces. Overnight in tents. All meals served by camp
staff. Distance 96 Km, Drive 07-08 Hrs. Altitude 3050 M.
Note
:-The road to Askole comes undergoing rapid erosion and gets closed
quite oftenly. If unable to jeep, the group will disembark & walk to
Askole on the same day or camp for overnight (subject to distance).
DAY 07 ASKOLE -TO- KOROPHONE
Today
we leave the last inhabited village. For the remaining portion of our
journey we rely on our porters who carry our food and equipment’s and
sustain our expedition. After scrambling over a ridge we come across
what legend says 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 huge 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 Kms east of Askole. Overnight in tents All meals served by camp
staff. Walk : 03 - 04 hrs, Grade : Easy, Altitude : 3100 M,
DAY 08 KOROPHONE -TO- JHULA
Trek
to the Dumurdo river cross at Jhula, (Jhula means wire rope bridge
sported by a wooden basket), now a wooden bridge is made cross it &
camp beside a torrent facing the Bakhordas. Walk : 03-04 hrs, Grade :
Strenuous, Altitude : 3150 M
DAY 09 JHULA -TO- PAIJU
Resume
trek along the Braldu River to a green Oasis under the shadows of Paiju
Peak 6611 M. Paiju - is a Balti word which 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 huge
deposit of salt which drips down to the base. From this camp we have the
first views of the impressive Baltoro Glacier. Overnight in tents. Walk
: 05-06 hrs, Grade : Moderate, Altitude : 3480 M.
DAY 10 PAIJU - Rest Day
Rest & acclimatization day at Piaju. Overnight in tents. All meals served by camp staff.
DAY 11 PAIJU -TO- URDUKAS
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 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 served by camp staff. Walk : 06-07 hrs, Grade : Moderate, Altitude : 4130 M
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 served by camp staff. Walk : 06-07 hrs, Grade : Strenuous, Altitude : 4500 M.
DAY 13 GORO TO CONCORDIA
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 peaks nowhere to be found on this Earth. Overnight in tents. All meals served by camp staff. Walk : 05 - 06 hrs, Grade : strenuous, Altitude : 4720 M.
DAY 14 CONCORDIA REST DAY
Final
day of trek to Gasherbrum base. A 4-6 hrs trek will bring you to the
base of Gasherbrum, here you will say good bye to your porters for about
5 weeks. Overnight in tents. All meals served by camp staff. Walk :
04-06 hrs, Grade : strenuous, Altitude : 4650 M.
DAY 15 CLIMBING
DAY 56 CLIMBING
41
days of non guided climb will start from today. During the climbing
period our staff will be at base camp to help and assist you.
After
an early breakfast leave the K2 base camp and we will cross Concordia
and several side glacier 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 fairly easy then walking on the stony bath on the right
side of the glacier but it depend on the snow condition. Overnight in
tents..
DAY 58 ALI CAMP -CROSS GONDOGORO PASS- KHUSPANG
A very early start as early as 2 or 3 O’clock does in the morning to cross the Gondogoro la to reach Khuspang. The basic theme behind the early walk to reach the top of the
Gondogoro Pass 5700 meters is that in the morning snow will be soft and
you will not get tired quickly as the sun is not strong, but as sun get
strong snow get soft, snow going to be melt and bring water and
stones, also the chance of ice falls or avalanches. Overnight in tents.
All meals served by camp staff. Walk : 10 - 11 hrs, Grade :
Strenuous, Altitude : 5700 M
DAY 59 KHUSPANG -TO- SHAICHO
After
a couple of minutes of easy walk we will comes onto the glacier. You
pick your way across moving boulders and ice, finally crossing the
glacier up to the camping site 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.
DAY 60 SHAICHO -TO- HUSHEY
After
breakfast continue your walk along the Hushey river on a 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 61 HUSHEY -TO- SKARDU
AM : Embark jeeps for a full day ride on a winding jeep trail to Skardu. Upon arrival transfer to your chosen hotel. All meals included.
DAY 62 SKARDU - RAWALPINIDI
Early in the morning fly to Islamabad, if unable to fly same day drive to Gilgit. Overnight hotel.
DAY 63 RAWALPINDI
Upon arrival transfer to your hotel in Rawalpindi. Evening sightseeing.
If unable to fly on day 62. this day will be use to transfer from Gilgit to Islamabad by road.
DAY 64 RAWALPINDI
De-briefing at Ministry of Tourism Islamabad. Evening free
DAY 65 FLY BACK HOME
Transfer to airport for your onward flight to abroad.
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