Gasherbrum II

The shining mountain on the Karakoram range is just second highest peak among the Gasherbrum Peaks with an altitude of 8,035m/26,361ft. The first ascent made by Austrians led by Fritz Moravec along with Josef Larch and Hans Willenpart on 8th July, 1956. They set up a base camp on the south Gasherbrum glacier. Camp I was set up at at 6,005m/19,700ft. It was here that the party was forced to stay for ten days because of a severe storm. Consequently, they lost a large supply store in an avalanche. After setting up a few more camps, Fritz Moravec, Josef Larch, and Hansenpart set up a bivouac below 7,620m/25,000ft. pite of frostbites suffered in the bivouac, the three reached he summit of Gasherbrum II on 8th July and came back without meeting any further accident.

The climb on this peak is both on rock and ice. A high level of technical skill, physical fitness and acclimatization is required. The approach to basecamp is via Skardu and about a week trek on Baltoro Glacier.

	I T I N E R A R Y
	Day 1 Arrive Islamabad. Day 2 Briefing at Ministry of Tourism. Meeting with LO (Liaison Officer). Day 3 Fly to Skardu (1 hr) or drive to Chilas. Day 4 Day free at Skardu or drive Chilas - Skardu (8-10 hrs). Day 5 Free Day at Skardu for final preparation. Day 6 Skardu - Askoli (6-7 hrs). Day 7 Trek to Jhula near Domardo River. (8-9 hours)  Day 8 Trek to Paiyu provides good views of Baltoro South, Cathedral Towers and triangle of K2 at far view (5-7 hrs). Day 9 Day free at Paiyu for acclimatization (3600 m). Day 10 Trek to Urdukus: To Khuburtze (8-9 hrs): A gradual climb up Baltoro Glacier on the southern edge. The walk mostly along the crest of lateral moraine, with stunning views of Paiyu Peak, Chorichi, Uli Biaho, Trango Towers and so on. A good camp site at 4200 m. Day 11 Goro II: The first hour walk is across difficult side crevasses, however the way is smoother and easy in the center. Continue opposite of Yermanendo Glacier for 3-4 hrs to the camp site at 4500 meters pitched in the center of the glacier. Day 12 Concordia: 5-6 hours slightly easy walk, with spectacular views and gigantic mountain panorama, including Mustagh Tower, GB IV, Mitre Peak and the mighty K2. Camp at Concordia at 4700 m. Day 13 4-5 hours trek to Shaghrin. Day 14 4-5 hours trek to Gasherbrum II basecamp. Day 15-39 Climb Gasherbrum II. No. of days depends on weather, fitness, and experience of the climbers. Day 40-46 Return to Askole or Hushe and drive to Skardu. In case of trek via Gondogoro number of trekking days can be lesser.  Day 47 Fly to Islamabad or drive to Chilas. Day 48 Day free at Islamabad or drive to Islamabad. Day 49 De-briefing at the ministry of tourism. Day 50 Fly to destination.