Gasherbrum Expedition (I&II) 2022-23 (Karakoram)
Gasherbrum Expedition registration is now open. We are offering Gasherbrum Expedition departures (guided and non-guided) for mountaineers and alpinists from around the world.
What’s Included in Full-board Service?
Inclusions are given below
- High Altitude Climbing Leader/Sherpa hired from Nepal.
- Rope Fixing Team of Sherpas hired from Nepal according to the composition below.
| No of Participants | Leader | Sherpas | ||
| 7 pax | 1 | 3 | ||
| 8-13 pax | 1 | 4 | ||
| 14 – 18 pax | 1 | 5 | ||
- Lodging above base camp
- Group Climbing Gear/Equipment (tent, rope, ice crew, snow-bar, EPI gas, cooking pots, stoves, gas, etc)
- Meals Above Base Camp during climb ((high altitude food/snacks)
- All Meals during trek to base camp and at base-camp (B,L,D)
- Four (4) nights stay in Islamabad hotel on arrival and two on return (bed & breakfast only)
- Lodging at base camp (single supplement)
- Full Base Camp with dinning tent, bathroom, showers & solar charge
- All internal/domestic Transport
- All Domestic Flights
- 65kgs (110 lbs) Personal Baggage
- Permit & royalty Fee
- Liason Officer(s) – equipment fee and allowance
- Group emergency equipment/Satellite Phone service with
fixed calling charge
- Staff Insurance (guide, cook, kitchen staff, assistant(s) & porters etc)
- Experienced Cook from Pakistan
- Kitchen Staff
- Porters for all expedition supplies
- Solar Power at base camp
- Electricity generator (Backup for high voltage devices)
- Communication radio (Walkie Talkie)
- Weather Reports from European sources
Highlights – Gasherbrum Expedition (I&II)
- Field Office and Permanent Staff for logistical arrangements to and from the mountain
- Itinerary based on our mountain guide’s Indigenous Knowledge and Vast Experience
- Spectacular Mountain Vistas during the expedition
- Alpine Ibex Adventures is a fully licensed Native Adventure Company
- Fixed Departures are normally guided by our Pakistani High Altitude Climber(s) (HAC)
- Private Groups are always one of our top priorities
- We cater to both Guided Expeditions and non-guided (Alpine Style) climbing
- We cater to both “Base Camp Services” and “Full Board Services”
- Nepalese Sherpas available upon timely request (at least 6 months prior to arrival in Pakistan)
- The following High Altitude Support available at extra cost
a. Pakistani High Altitude Porter (HAP) – Will carry 20 kg of personal equipment between camps
b. Nepalese Private Sherpa (personal guide/porter) – Carries up to 20 kg (44lbs) of your personal equipment, climbs with you, melts water, cooks, and will be with you every step of the way.
c. Personal equipment carriage service – Sherpa carries up to 10kg (22lbs) of personal equipment up and down the mountain between camps
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive at Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad
On this Day
Our guide(s) will receive you from the airport. Soon you will be transferred to hotels. On this day, our participants can relax and recover from their long journey.
Pickup Information
It is very easy to spot our guide, holding placards with our company’s logo and your name on it. You must arrive at Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad. International flights normally arrive at midnight or in the afternoon. You must give us the details of your flights, both inbound and outbound at least five days prior to your arrival in Pakistan. Our staff/guide will receive you at the gates of international arrivals unless you are taking a connecting flight from another city of Pakistan. The guide/staff will transfer you to our partner hotel. In case you do not require airport transfer, please inform us in advance.
After lunch and some rest at the hotel (ideally if you are arriving in the morning between 9am to 12pm), our guide/representative will pickup all our guests around 6pm for briefing and remaining payments at our office followed by a dinner. If you are coming late, we will manage remaining payments and briefing in Skardu.
Accommodation
Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale, Prestige Residence or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Islamabad.
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks
Day 02: Free Day in Islamabad
On this Day
On this day we will have have briefing from the Department of Tourism regarding the Gasherbrum I & Gasherbrum II Expedition in Islamabad before travelling to Skardu.
After briefing we will spend time exploring Islamabad and we will have a taste of tradition Pakistani Food.
Accommodation
Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale, Prestige Residence or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Islamabad.
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks
Day 03: Fly to Skardu, Karakoram
On this Day
Participants on this morning will take the spectacular flight from Islamabad airport to Skardu airport. You will be able to see Nanga Parbat if clouds allow. After arrival in Skardu, the day is free. It will be a treat before going to Gasherbrum I & Gasherbrum II Expedition.
Accommodation
Twin-sharing room at Concordia Motel, Mountain Lodge or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Skardu.
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks
Day 05: Drive to Askole Village
On this Day
On this day of the Gasherbrum I & Gasherbrum II Expedition participants will begin the jeep safari towards Daso, the passage will go through the Shigar valley. The journey will be followed on the sides of Braldu river which extends to Askole. Askole will be the last village on our route; the participants will start walking after leaving jeeps behind. However at times the participants may begin their walk before arrival in Askole but it depends on the road conditions. Overall it will take you between six hours to eight hours in covering the distance.
Accommodation
Camping in twin-sharing dome tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner
Day 06: Trek from Askole to Jhola via the Snout of Biafo Glacier
On this Day
Distance: 20 km
Time: 5-8 hours
After completion of necessary supplies list and equipment the porters will load up for the trek ahead to Jhola. The valley is gateway to Biafo glacier that flow over fifty kms from Hispar La to Braldu. The participants will experience the moraine walking as the snout of the glacier is crossed and they will descend to lunch spot beside the Korofon river.
The route will take us the confluence of rivers of Braldu and Domordo. The former trail is not taken for the trek and instead a newer trail will lead us to go upstream where the participants will cross the river by bridge. On the other side of the bridge the participants will descend to the edge of Braldu river and will follow the river bank to reach the camp at Jhola.
Accommodation
Camping in twin-sharing dome tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner
Day 07: Trek from Jhola to Paiju Following the Braldu River
On this Day
Distance: 19.8 km
Time: 6-7 hours
On this day of our Gasherbrum I & Gasherbrum II Expedition, the participants will follow the Braldu gorge, along the bank of Braldu river. The participants will be able to view astonishing rocks of Trango Tower and Cathedral Peak. The participants should prevent themselves from possible sun burns and during this day as the walking conditions can be very dry and hot.
Several streams from glacier flow down into the valley and on the way the participants will have to use river crossing shoes depending on the water levels. The participants will be able to spot the snout of Baltoro Glacier on a clear day. On this day the participants will end their day by climbing away from the river to camp at Paiju, the last camp where you will see trees until for a while.
Accommodation
Camping in twin-sharing dome tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner
Day 08: Acclimatize and Rest in Paiju
On this Day
The participants will spend the day at Paiju Camp for acclimatization and rest. However the porters will take their time to bake themselves bread for next week on the glacier. Acclimatization walk can also be taken towards Paiju Peak base camp on this day. This will be very helpful for the participants before the Gasherbrum I & Gasherbrum II Expedition as their bodies will acclimatize with the region.
Accommodation
Camping in twin-sharing dome tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner
Day 09: Trek from Paiju to Khoburtse
On this Day
Distance: 14.7 km
Time: 5-7 hours
On this day of the Gasherbrum I & Gasherbrum II Expedition walking will get tough however the scenery will become amazing with each step taken onto the snout of Baltoro Glacier. The trail has continuous up and down climbs on the glacial moraine, although the trail is quite safe but it is highly recommended to be careful at all times. The participants will experience the stunning views as they move ahead; the views of Trango Tower and Uli Biaho. The participants are required to go across the glacier to Liligo. From this point the participants will follow a rocky trail which is along the edge of the Baltoro or sometimes to Khoburtse, the side of the glacier where camp will be made.
Accommodation
Camping in twin-sharing dome tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner
Day 10: Cross Small Glaciers and Walk to Urdukus
On this Day
Distance: 6.4 km
Time: 4-6 hours
On this day of the Gasherbrum I & Gashebrum II Expedition, Trango Towers can be eventually seen after coming across two small glaciers. For the following night the participants will make their stop at Urdukas near the army camp. The camp is 100m above the glacier.
Accommodation
Camping in twin-sharing dome tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner
Day 11: Trek to Goro II, the Junction of the Baltoro Glaciers and Young Husband
On this Day
Distance: 11.9 km
Time: 6-8 hours
On this day of our Gasherbrum I & Gasherbrum II, the participants will be walking in the middle of the glacier. The medial moraine will be followed, to the south we will get the views of Masherbrum (7821m). The participants will be climbing up and down on the rocky moraine and as the participants move ahead they will walk pass massive ice seracs.
This will be the first night stay camp on Baltoro Glacier at Goro II, it is the confluence of Baltoro Glacier and Younghusband. The temperature may drop dramatically. Masherbrum and Muztagh Tower will be uncovered for the sight.
Accommodation
Camping in twin-sharing dome tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner
Day 12: Trek to Concordia Through a Rocky Moraine
On this Day
Distance: 11.7 km
Time: 5-7 hours
On this day of the Gasherbrum I & Gasherbrum II, the participants will reach Concordia after continuously walking up the moraine, on the way more and more high snowcapped peaks will appear, the culmination for the sighting of K2 will be experienced on this day. Other peaks that can be seen include Broad Peak, Mitre Peak, Gasherbrum, Sia Kangri and many more.
Accommodation
Camping in twin-sharing dome tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks)
Day 12: Trek to Shahring
On this Day
Distance: 11.7 km
Time: 3-5 hours
It will require two hours hike on glacier moraine from Concordia to the campsite. To reach Shahring the participants will walk on the upper Baltoro glacier. From this point the participants can see Chogolisa, Snow Dome Peaks, Baltoro Kangri and lots of other high altitude peaks.
Accommodation
Camping in twin-sharing dome tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinnerre dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner
Day 13 – 44: Ascent of Gasherbrum I & II
On this Day
Distance: 8.08 km
Time: 4 weeks
We will start our ascend to the mountain on this day and continue our climb during the four weeks duration. We will have contingency days for better weather windows. Apricot Tours Team will set up the base camp for the expedition and will continue to assist the expedition during the time frame.
Accommodation
Camping in twin-sharing dome tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner
Day 45: Trek Back to Concordia and Rest
On this Day
Distance: 11.7 km
Time: 5-7 hours
On this day, we retrace our steps back to Concordia after successfully completing the Gasherbrum I & Gasherbrum II Expedition.
Accommodation
Camping in twin-sharing dome tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner
Day 46: Trek to Ali Camp
On this Day
Distance: 14.7 km
Time: 5-6 hours
The participants will set out on slightly different and less explored route. Short detours will be made to avoid crevasses and the participants should walk on rugged ice rather than slippery ice. In case of snow, the participants and the porters will walk together wearing crampons for safety hooked with rope to each other.
The base will be set in Ali camp, where the participants will reach after hiking for 5-6 hours. “Ali Camp” is name after a local porter, who was the first person to cross Gondogoro La Pass.
Accommodation
Camping in twin-sharing dome tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner
Day 47: Trek to Khuispang Over Gondogoro La
On this Day
Distance: 19.8 km
Time: 5-7 hours
On this day the participants will wake up as early as 2 am. After gearing up and having breakfast the participants roped as one uni will depart for the Gondogoro La base. Depending upon the situation our support crew will be there to fix ropes or helping the members out with the gears. It takes about 3 hours to get to the top of Gondogoro La Pass. You get to see and experience a breathtaking of all four 8000ers in the baltoro region. (K2, G1, Broad Peak, G2).
While, descending to the other side, fixed ropes will be utilized to the full extent, and use of crampons is vital for the safety of the members. The members will get the views of the beautiful and sword head shaped Laila Peak (6,096m) and one can also has the views of other trinity peaks.
The members will have to be extra careful while descending and watch out for every step they take to avoid jolting stones on their teams members. Upon descending for the slope, the trails becomes easy and the participants will move on the moraine. The camp will be set up in the junction point of Gondogoro and Trinity Glacier called Khuispang (4,600m)
Accommodation
Camping in twin-sharing dome tent
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner
Day 48: Trek to Saicho
On this Day
Distance: 20 km trek
Time: 5-7 hours trek
The participants will continue hiking down, Since the hike downwards would be a comparatively easy hike so the climbing equipment i.e. ropes, crampons will be packed while descending. The mountainous and rocky terrain will be taken over the lush green landscapes of Hushe Valley.
After lunch, the participants will continue hiking to the edge of the Gondogoro Glacier, upon reaching the edge they will find a trail which will lead them to the beautiful valley of rhubarb and grass.
At the end of the valley there are 02 different routes to the destination. Our guide with the consent of local porters will decide the trails they are being frequently used.
The trek gets easy when the two trails meet. The members will see the huts made of stones by herders and local settlers. On this day the participants will experience the sign of the settlements in the area and will be able to breathe easily due to big trees and lower altitude. Camp will be setup at Saicho (3,350m), a part of sand with little grass along the flowing glacier water steams.
Accommodation
Camping in twin-sharing dome tent
Meals Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dess
Day 49: Trek to Hushe and Drive to Skardu Town
On this Day
Distance: 20 km trek + 127 km drive
Time: 5-7 hours trek + 6 hours drive
On this day the participants have to trek down for only 3-4 hours, the river stream of glacier melted water of Charakusa, Ailling, Masherbrum and Gondogoro Glaciers. The participants will start see the signs of residences, shelter, fiels and signs of people living.
The participants will experience the 02 storey shelters of the Hushe village, where the ground floor is for cattles and the first floor is for the family to live. After setting up the camp the participants can explore the beautiful hushe valley and interact with the locals. This would be the last camping day of the Gondogoro La Trek.
Upon reaching Hushe, the participants will depart for Skardu town from Hushe and the journey offers a lot of beautiful scenes of the different small village of the Hushe Valley. The participants will cross a suspension bridge above Shyok River (which flows from Ladakh, India) to get to the other side.
In the past traditional rafts which were made of goat skin fill with air were use to cross the river. The suspension bridge which is use now to cross was built in 1990’s. Upon crossing the bridge, the participants will the reach Khaplu.
The drive from Khaplu to Skardu becomes smooth and the route to be followe is the paved road along the shayok river which leads to the confluence with Indus River. Upon driving along Indus River the Participants will reach Skardu in 4 hours. The participants can have the facilities which they did not have for 02 weeks. The first on that list would be taking a hot shower and secondly having a good meal.
Accommodation
Twin-sharing room at Concordia Motel , Mountain Lodge or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Skardu.
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacksert/fruits after dinner
Day 50: Fly to Islamabad
On this Day
On this day the participants will take a flight from the airport in Skardu to Islamabad aiport. You will have a good time to relax at the hotel in Islamabad.
The domestic flights sometime get cancelled due to weather conditions. Incase of flight cancellation, you will drive to Chilas for overnight. It takes eight to ten hours by a vehicle.
Accommodation
Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale , Prestige Residence or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Islamabad.
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks
Day 51: Contingency Day For Flight Cancellation
This day is allocated for any potential delays in case the domestic flight does not operate the previous day. Our guests will depart early morning from Chilas to Islamabad which can take up to ten hours. However it will be a free day in case the participants make it to Islamabad on the domestic flight. This time can be utilized for sightseeing in Islamabad.
Accommodation
Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale , Prestige Residence or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Islamabad.
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks
Day 52: Fly to home country
On this Day
Meals Included : Breakfast
Our staff will transfer all our guests to the airport on their respective departure timings. The checkout time of all our partner hotels is 12pm