Gasherbrum I Expedition
Photo Credit: “Gasherbrum I” by OLderman
Expedition Details
Altitude: 8,080m
Location: Pakistan (Karakoram Range)
Estimated Price: $25-30k (Price can be in lower range if combined with K2/Gasherbrum II or Broad Peak)
Number of days: ~50-55
Season: Summer
(June-August)
A typical Gasherbrum I (G1) expedition in Pakistan is a ~50-day endeavor, starting with arrival in Islamabad, followed by flights to Skardu and then a drive to Askole to begin the challenging Baltoro Glacier trek to Concordia and finally to G1 Base Camp. The itinerary includes acclimatization, rotations through high camps, a summit push, and a lengthy trek back down, ending with a flight from Skardu to Islamabad for departure.
Important Considerations:
Duration: The entire expedition typically lasts around 50-56 days.
Acclimatization: The itinerary incorporates necessary rest days and rotations to help climbers acclimatize to the high altitude.
Flexibility: Weather conditions can cause delays, so contingency days are essential, especially for the flight between Islamabad and Skardu.
Itinerary
Days 1-2:
Arrive in Islamabad, Pakistan, and transfer to your hotel. Welcome dinner.
Day 3:
Fly from Islamabad to Skardu.
Day 4:
Rest and briefing in Skardu, with time for final preparations.
Day 5:
Drive from Skardu to Askole.
Day 6: Trek from Askole to Jhola.
Day 7: Trek to Paiyu.
Day 8: Rest day in Paiyu.
Day 9: Trek to Urdukas.
Day 10: Trek to Goro II.
Day 11: Trek to Shagharing.
Day 12: Trek to Gasherbrum I Base Camp (approx. 5,000m).
Days 13-41:
This period involves rotations between Base Camp and the higher camps (Camp I, II, and III) to acclimatize and set up the route.
Summit Push: A period is allocated for the actual ascent of Gasherbrum I.
Days 42-43:
Descend from Base Camp back to Goro II.
Day 44:
Trek from Goro II to Khuburtze.
Day 45:
Trek to Mundung.
Day 46:
Trek to Askole.
Day 47:
Drive from Askole to Skardu.
Day 48:
Leisure day in Skardu for de-briefing.
Day 49:
Fly from Skardu to Islamabad.
Day 50:
Leisure day in Islamabad. Farewell dinner.
Day 51:
International flight home.