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Gasherbrum II Flash™

Reach the top of one of the most popular 8000m peaks surrounded by imposing rock and ice giants – in only 4 weeks

Time is a valuable commodity. We are about to change the fundamentals of high-mountain expeditions. For you.

Acclimatization for this expedition is already done at home. While a traditional Gasherbrum II expedition takes around two months, our Flash™ Expedition saves time and additionally increases safety and chances of success. (4 weeks)

The Gasherbrum II means in the language of the locals “Beautiful mountain” and is with it’s impressive height of 8.035m the thirteenth highest mountain on earth. It belongs to the Gasherbrum Group, which is located southeast of K2 in the border region of the Republic of China and Pakistan.

Gasherbrum II is the main peak of the mountain range, which consits of several peaks.
In July 1956, three Austrian expedition members led by Fritz Moravec were the first to defeat Gasherbrum II. The ascent took place in alpine style. In alpine-style high-altitude moutaineering, even the highest mountain up the 8000m, are climbed in one  turn. The route, which the mountaineers used at that time, is still the normal route over the Southwest Ridge. Below the summit pyramid a crossing to the east takes place, over the southeast ridge of the pyriamid the summit is reached.

The Gasherbrum II is one of the less challenging 8.000m and is therefore perfectly suited as a training mountain for Everest.

Adventure Factor couragous
Experience / Emotion changes your life
Fitness / Struggle very demanding
Risk slight danger
Comfort Expeditionstyle

Highlights:

  • Shortened duration of the expedition (4 weeks only)
  • IFMGA/AMGA lead guide
  • Limited number of members for more safety and higher chances of success
  • The Broad Peak Flash™ expedition is exclusively available at Furtenbach Adventures, no other operator reaches the 4-week mark.

Trip dates:

Booking code:-
Minimum members:-
Price per person: 0

Registration for the Gasherbrum II Flash™ expedition is subject to a personal consultation.

Preparation:

In order to enable an expedition in such a short time frame, appropriate preparation is vital. The preparation starts with an individual consultation talk, where goals and training topics are defined. Every member must have comprehensive mountain experience in high altitudes. Fitness and mental resilience must be trained intensively during the months prior to the expedition. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of careful acclimatization. This will take place at the members home via hypoxic tents: every member will receive an individual training schedule and will be acclimatized in 6 weeks to a altitude of around 7000m. As a result, most of the risky and exhausting acclimatization ascents can be skipped and the total duration of the expedition can be limited to 3 weeks. If you have any questions, read our FAQs or contact us directly.

The following schedule is planned:

The exact schedule might be subject to changes, due to weather and snow conditions on-sight. Furthermore we are traveling in a remote and politically sensitive region, where governmental or environmental restrictions may occur unexpected and can lead to travel restrictions.

In addition to the basic framework which we provide, such as oxygen, Sherpa support, base camp, route, high camp etc., a successful ascent also requires a great deal of luck, good weather, good physical condition and mental strength of the members. We allow maximum flexibility. The expedition can be extended if required by the circumstances, if the members wish to do so and are ready to bear the additional costs incurred.

Day 1 - 3: Arrival in Islamabad and onwards journey to Skardu

Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad and meet-up at the Hotel in Islamabad
Free day for the members while the expedition leader takes care of the last administrative formalities the authorities.

Day 2: Depending on circumstances, either a two days bus ride to Skardu with an overnight stay at Chilas, or a flight to Skardu await us. The bus ride has its own charm and takes us through the varied landscape of Pakistan into the Indus valley, where we embark on the legendary Karakoram Highway. On the second day shortly after Chilas, weather permitting, we can see the Nanga Parbat with the Rhakiot flank mastered by Hermann Buhl. The ride on the second day is slightly shorter. Overnight stay at hotel in Skardu.

Day 3: We spend the day in the small but lively town of Skardu at 2300m. The carriers are organized, the luggage loaded, and you can run some last errands or go on a hike.

Day 4 - 22: Ascent to Basecamp and Gasherbrum II summit attempt

Day 4-7: Shortest possible way from Skardu to the base camp via Gondogoro pass. This usually takes around 4 days.

Day 8-22: Now we have plenty of time to get used to the new surroundings and acclimatize, while the team sets up the route and high camps and everybody is waiting for good weather and suitable snow conditions for a safe ascent to the summit.

Day 23 - 28: Return, Islamabad and journey home

Day 23-26: The group makes their way back to Skardu via the shorter route over the Gondogoro pass or stop at a smaller base camp with reduced service (without a guide?) for another summit attempt, in case the first one was not successful. The way back to Islamabad is organized for the group, an individually planned return is available at extra cost.

Day 27-28: Arrival to Islamabad would then be on the 27th day, the flight home on the 28th day, unless you decide to undertake a second summit attempt. We want all members to have as many opportunities as possible for their summit success. For more flexibility, we recommend to book a flexible flight fare for your flight back to Europe.

check_circle Included services:

  • All organization for the Expedition
  • High altitude generator and tent for 6 weeks prior to the Expedition
  • IFMGA/AMGA lead guide
  • 2 nights in single rooms at hotel in a very safe area of Islamabad
  • All Transfers (private bus or flight to Skardu – depending on weather)
  • Full board during the whole travel (only half board in Islamabad)
  • All drinks included in Basecamp
  • Double room accommodation during our trip to the mountain
  • Porter / Yak to the base camp and back (40 kg personal luggage / person)
  • 1 tent per member at the base camp
  • 1 tent per 2 members during the approach and for the high camp
  • Mat for the base camp
  • High camp equipment (tents, stove, gas, dishes, food)
  • Total securing Equipment
  • Climbing Sherpas for the Group
  • 1 Nepalese Climbing Sherpa per member
  • Oxygen Pack (2 bottles, rent mask & regulator)
  • Insurances (helicopter, accident) and equipment for all Nepalese team members
  • Emergency Oxygen
  • Pharmaceutical travel kit, high altitude emergency medicine, pulsoxymeter
  • Kitchen Team
  • Common tent, shower tent, power generator 2 hours per day etc at the base camp
  • Satellite communication and WIFI for a fee and depending on availability
  • Solar charging
  • Radio communication for base and high camp
  • All fees and permits
  • Government deposit for helicopter rescue (actual costs must be paid by members or their insurance / Global Rescue membership)
  • Environmental fee
  • Weather forecast
  • Safety and liability of an EU based tour operator

highlight_off  Not included services:

  • International flight to Islamabad
  • Excess baggage on the flight to/from Skardu in case a flight is possible (20kg + 7kg hand luggage is included, but the costs for excess baggage are manageable and not comparable with European standards)
  • Lunch in Islamabad
  • Personal insurance
  • Visa for Pakistan
  • Shipping costs for high altitude generator and tent outside of the EU and US
  • Personal medicine
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Summit bonus for personal summit sherpas
  • Tips
  • Personal mountain and climbing equipment
  • Sleeping bag for base and high camp
  • Mat for high camp
  • Fees for satellite phone and emails
  • All not specifically mentioned included services

Why Flash™?

One of the main reasons for a failed climb of a high summit is the long acclimatization time at the mountain. The repeated ascents and descents, the threat of catching an infection at the base camp, where many people must live in a very crowded space, robs many climbers the energy even before the actual climb has started.

To raise the chances of success, we begin with the acclimatization process via hypoxic tents at the members’ home, 6 weeks prior to our actual departure to Nepal. Those tents are going to be set up by our experts and under their supervision, the expedition members body will slowly be acclimatized to a height that is equivalent to around 7000m. Furtenbach Adventures is using hypoxic tents since almost two decades and we have a long experience with these means of acclimatization for high altitude mountaineering.

In 2016, our team was the first successful Everest expedition, where all members where pre-acclimatized with hypoxic tents. This decreased the time we had to acclimatize at the mountain significantly, before we could start our ascent to the summit. After reaching the summit, we were also the only team that was able to descend in one go to Camp 2. This higher performance capacity contributes largely to the safety aspect, thanks to proper pre-acclimatization.

These special preparations, combined with small groups, best oxygen-support, the latest equipment, an experienced team (some of our Sherpas have climbed Mount Everest up to 19 times) and our vast organizational experiences allow a total expedition duration of only 28 days. So far, we are the only operator at Broad Peak that can offer such a short period without increasing any risks.

Since decades, the fundamental techniques, equipment, high-altitude medicine and weather forecasts have been developed over time. The climbing tactics however have remained the same as they were in the 1970s. We are about to change that by providing a modern climbing alternative which meets the current state of the art and respects the general principles of safety.

info  General

Tour operator for this trip: Furtenbach Adventures.

An expedition to high altitudes still presents an enormous challenge despite modern equipment and tactics. Besides technical and fitness requirements, the high altitude still poses the largest hurdle. That is why we place great emphasis on prudent, slow acclimatization.

Weather and conditions on the mountain can lead to program or route changes. Participation in the expedition lies in your own individual responsibility. Furtenbach Adventures assumes no liability for accidents, damages or loss of materials.

If you are not sure that taking part in an expedition like this is the right thing for you, feel free to contact us on Tel +43 512 204134 or e-mail [email protected] for a personal consultation.

This package in general is not suitable for persons with reduced mobility.

https  Insurance

We strongly recommend taking out a travel insurance (including trip cancellation, interruption, medical and luggage insurance) For this journey, the Global Rescue Signature Travel Insurance is suitable. The price of the insurance depends on the trip and the personal data of the traveller. We happily make you an offer after booking or upon request.

To cover search and rescue costs in the mountains, we ask our expedition members to take out a “medical only”-membership at Global Rescue. This membership can be concluded here before departure: https://ss.globalrescue.com/partner/furtenbach/. Further information are provided after your booking.

language  Entry requirements

EU or Swiss citizens:

Pakistan:

When entering the country, you need a passport with a validity of at least 6 more months. Each member must apply for the mountaineering visa early enough via the following website: https://visa.nadra.gov.pk

All required documents will be sent and announced by Furtenbach Adventures well in advance. Information about recommended vaccines and health regulations: http://www.who.int/ith/en/

Travelers must be able to prove their return or onward ticket when entering the country.

More detailed information regarding entry, visa and health requirements for this travel destination will be provided once you’ve communicated your nationality.

work   Equipment

Unless specified otherwise in the detailled program, all high camp equipment will be provided by us. You need to bring your own personal equipment such as down clothing, expedition shoes, an isolated sleeping mat and a sleeping bag with a comfort range of – 20 to -25 degrees celsius for the high camp. Following your booking we will send you a detailed equipment list. We will be happy to advise you personally during the selection and purchase of required equipment. With years of expedition experience, we know what has proved its worth and what not.

insert_chart_outlined  Difficulty / Technique

The ascent always lies in the member’s personal responsibility, while led by the mountain guide and expedition leader. Members must be able to move safely and independently in mixed terrain (rock, snow, ice) and – if required – independently build rope teams under the guidance of the mountain guide. Cooperation, camaraderie and support on the mountain increases the chances of success for all. The guide is there to provide guidance for the whole group, the possibilities for him to respond to individual needs is limited. It is imperative that members adhere to the instructions and decisions made by the mountain guide. Regardless, each member must know their own physical limits, and be able to make a timely decision to turn back.
For expeditions offered by us, unless otherwise specified in the detailed program, the following is required of members: independent getting on and off the fixed ropes on cliffs, snow, ice and firn snow slopes, as well as the independent use of crampons and ice axes in mixed terrain. On climbing passages, as well as very dangerous and exposed places, fixed ropes are attached by mountain guides and by the Sherpa team.

perm_identity  Physical fitness

A key success factor in expeditions is being in good shape. Train in the months before the expedition! Several hour climbs with a backpack and around 1000 meters per day should not be a problem for you. Mental training is also advised for this very challenging expedition. We will gladly provide individual advice on how to best prepare yourself mentally and physically for an expedition!

local_hospital  Health

We recommend that each member undergoes a medical examination prior to the expedition. Good health is a prerequisite for participation. Particularly important is a visit to the dentist because previously unnoticed dental problems can become quite acute due to the sudden change in pressure conditions in higher altitudes.

landscape  Experience

We are very familiar with the charm and attraction of an eight-thousander! However, we want to make certain that you can ascend safely, come back alive, and be able to enjoy the expedition while on it and not afterwards. Therefore, in order to participate in our eight-thousander expeditions, you must already have collected some experience at high altitudes and mountaineering. When booking, please let us know which heights you have already reached and which high mountains you have climbed. If you are a newcomer, no problem, we offer a bespoke program aimed to train you for reaching your desired destination.

In order to participate in our seven-and six-thousander expeditions, you should have at least some experience on the four-thousander peaks of the Alps or other mountain ranges. Our offer for newcomers applies here as well, we can train you to become prudent and safe high altitude climbers!

We offer a special introductory weekend for all those who want to learn about – or refresh their knowledge of – all the skills and techniques needed on an expedition. More info here.

payment  Payment

Deposit Payment is made less than eleven months prior to the end of the trip and is a maximum of 20% of the price. The balance must be paid no earlier than 20 days prior to departure. Please find more information regarding the payment in our GTC.

directions_run Right of Withdrawal

The traveller has the right to withdraw from the travel contract at any time by paying the according cancellation fee stated in the General Terms of Conditions of Furtenbach Adventures GmbH.

For expeditions to 7000 and 8000 meter peaks the following fees apply for cancellations on the part of the client prior to travel: until 3 months prior to departure 50%, within 3 months prior departure 100%.

The tour operator will be released from the contract if the specified minimum number of members is not achieved and if the customer has been notified about the cancellation in writing within the following periods: until 20 days prior to departure.

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