Gasherbrum I Expedition – Climb the 8,080m Peak in Pakistan

Take the spectacular one-hour flight to Skardu, offering incredible aerial views of Nanga Parbat, K2, and surrounding peaks (weather dependent). If the flight is canceled, you will instead travel by road on the legendary Karakoram Highway. Though long, the road journey is an adventure itself, passing through deep valleys and along the mighty Indus River.

Today is reserved for official briefings, equipment checks, and obtaining final climbing permits. You’ll also have time to explore Skardu, visiting the local bazaar, Kharpocho Fort, or Satpara Lake. This cultural immersion provides insight into Balti traditions before heading into the mountains.

A thrilling jeep drive takes you along rough tracks of Shigar Valley, crossing rivers and steep gorges. The journey is a mix of rugged landscapes, remote villages, and terraced fields until you finally reach Askole, the last inhabited village before entering the wilderness. Camp overnight.

The trek begins with a scenic walk along the Braldu River, where you pass suspension bridges, sandy trails, and rocky gorges. Along the way, enjoy views of Bakhor Das and other peaks. After 6–7 hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Jhola camp, located near the river’s edge.

Today you trek through varied terrain of gravel plains and rocky ridges, often under the hot sun. Gradually, the majestic Trango Towers and Paiju Peak come into sight, creating one of the most iconic views in the Karakoram. Paiju is a lively campsite where many expeditions prepare to enter the Baltoro Glacier.

This day is essential for acclimatization. Porters prepare their loads while you take short hikes in the surrounding hills. From the ridges above camp, enjoy magnificent views of the Trango Towers piercing the sky. This rest prepares both trekkers and staff for the glacier journey ahead.

Entering the Baltoro Glacier, you step into an icy wonderland. The route follows rugged moraines and shifting ice formations, with panoramic views of soaring peaks. After 6–7 hours of challenging trekking, you reach Khoburtse, a campsite with sweeping views of Trango Towers and Cathedral Peaks.

Continue your trek across undulating glacier terrain, gradually gaining elevation. The trail leads to Urdukas, perched high on a grassy slope above the glacier. From here, the panorama is breathtaking, with Muztagh Tower, Paiju Peak, and the Trango group dominating the skyline.

Today’s route is entirely on the Baltoro Glacier, a mix of ice, rock, and moraine. The landscape becomes increasingly dramatic, with Masherbrum and Muztagh Tower rising in the distance. Camping at Goro II feels like being in the heart of the Karakoram, surrounded by icy giants on every side.

A truly spectacular day as you trek to Concordia, known as the “Throne Room of the Gods.” This legendary junction of glaciers is surrounded by some of the world’s highest peaks—K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum IV, and of course, Gasherbrum I & II. The views here are simply unforgettable.

Leaving Concordia, follow the upper Baltoro and Gasherbrum Glacier to reach the base of Gasherbrum I. Base camp is set on a rocky moraine with dramatic close-up views of G I and G II. This will be home for the next month during climbing operations.

The next four weeks are dedicated to acclimatization, establishing higher camps, and making summit attempts. The climb involves:

• Camp I (5,900m): Reached after glacier travel and crossing crevasses, usually requiring ropes.
• Camp II (6,400m): Located on a steep snow slope; fixed ropes aid the ascent.
• Camp III (7,200m): High camp for the summit push, set in extreme cold and thin air.
• Summit day is long and demanding, often 14–18 hours, involving steep snow ridges, mixed terrain, and exposure to strong winds. Reaching the top at 8,080m rewards you with incredible views over the Karakoram, including K2, Broad Peak, and the Gasherbrum massif.

After dismantling base camp, trek back across the glacier to Concordia. This is a time to relax and reflect on the climb while surrounded once again by the Karakoram giants.

Retrace your steps to Goro II, now more familiar. The descent is easier, but still requires careful footing on the glacier.

Continue the descent to Urdukas, where green patches of grass are a welcome sight after weeks on the ice.

Head back towards Paiju, enjoying the changing landscape as the icy environment gives way to rocky plains. This is often a celebratory night for climbers and porters alike.

Follow the Braldu River trail back to Jhola. By now, the warmer climate and easier walking bring comfort and relief after the high-altitude challenges.

A final day of trekking brings you back to Askole, marking the completion of the Baltoro trek. Enjoy your last night under the stars in the mountains.

Return by jeep through the Shigar Valley to Skardu. Check in at the hotel for a well-deserved rest, hot shower, and fresh food.

After a debriefing session with the Alpine Club of Pakistan, transfer to the airport for your international flight home. You leave with unforgettable memories of the Gasherbrum I Expedition.