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Gasherbrum II

Popular 8.000er in the heart of the “Shining mountains” of the Karakoram. Gasherbrum II, 8.035m, Pakistan.

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 8.000m, 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:

  • Challenging eight-thousander
  • Very high safety standards
  • 1 Nepalese Climbing Sherpa per member
  • Certified Western guide
  • High camp equipment
  • Long trek to basecamp is perfect for good acclimatization

Trip dates:

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

Due to the complex logistics of this expedition, there may be changes to the planned itinerary during the trip. The exact itinerary depends on the weather, snow conditions, the progress of the insurcance work on the route and the timetable of other groups in order to avoid potential traffic jams as far as possible.

For a successful ascent, in addition to the basic conditions created by us such as oxygen suppply, Sherpa support, base camp, route, high camp, etc, a large Portion of luck, good weather, condition, ability and mental strength of the members are required.

The expedition may be extended if circumstances so require and if the members so wish and bear the additional costs incurred. We are moving in a very remote, politically highly sensitive area where official or environmental restrictions on our freedom of movement must be expected at all times.

Following itinerary is planned:

1. - 12. Tag: Arrival in Islamabad and trekking to basecamp

Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad, meeting point at the hotel in Islamabad.  Members have a day at leisure while the expedition leader handles last administrative things with the authorities.

Day 2-3: Either two days bus trip to Skardu with overnight stay in Chilas or a flight to Skardu, if the conditions allow it. The bus ride has it’s charm, leading through the varied landscapes of Pakistan to the Indus valley, where we take the legendary Karakorum Highway. On the second day shortly after Chilas views of Nanga Parbat with the Rhakiot flank mastered by Hermann Buhl. Overnight stay in a hotel in Skardu.

Day 4:  We spend the day in the small but lively town of Skardu at 2.300m. The porters are organised, the luggage is loaded, final errands are run or a hike is undertaken.

Day 5: Drive with Jeeps through a wild, impressive landscape and wild gorges to Askole at 3050m. For those of you who have never been here before, this will probably be the most exciting trip of your life! Overnight stay in tents in the small village of Askole.

Day 6-12: An impressive hike through what we believe to be the most spectacular mountain valley in the world, the Braldu valley. Overnight stay in a tent. On the first day we follow a relatively flat path through a very dry and barren landscape up to Jhula at 3.100m. On the second day we reach the last small green oasis settlement Paiju at about 3,500m altitude. There we will possibly have a rest day, which the porters need to prepare for the further way on the Baltoro. On the fourth day we are already moving on the legendary Baltoro-Glacier. We reach our camp Urdukas on about 4.150m next to the glacier. And right across from the Trango Towers! An incredibly impressive view! The fifth day leads us past the beautiful Muztagh Tower to our next camp, Goro II at 4.200m. Because of the spectacular views, the hikes here are very entertaining and you’ll have to force yourself to look at the path. On the sixth day, we reach the famous Concordia Plateau at around 4.600 metres, where so many researchers, explorers and legendary mountaineers have set up camp. From here, we can see two of the most beautifully shaped mountains on the planet: Masherbrum and Gasherbrum IV. Broad Peak, K2 and Hermann Buhl’s ‘mountain of destiny’, Chogolisa, also feature prominently in this stunning 360-degree panorama.

Day 13-37: Summit ascent Gasherbrum II 8.035m

Day 13-37: 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. We will take at least three weeks for the ascent of Gasherbrum II with its 8.035m, whereby the schedule we will also depend on the weather, snow conditions and the members. We want to remain flexible and will adapt to the situation as it comes.

Day 38-42: Return journey to Islamabad

Day 38-39: Dismantling of the base camp and return to Skardu via the Gondogoro La Pass. OOvernight in tent and hotel in Skardu.

Day 40-41: Skardu – Islamabad. Return to Islamabad. If possible with flight otherwise again the two-day bus ride. Overnight stay in a hotel in Islamabad.

Day 42: Individual journey back home.

check_circle Included services:

  • All organization of the expedition
  • Certified Western guide
  • 2 nights hotel of high category in single room in very safe quarter of Islamabad
  • All transfers (private bus or flight to Skardu – depending on the weather, jeeps to Askole)
  • Full board during the whole trip (in Islamabad half board)
  • All drinks included in Basecamp
  • Twin room for stop-overs on way to basecamp
  • Baggage transport to basecamp and back (40 kg personal luggage/member)
  • 1 tent for two members each for approach and high camp
  • 1 tent per member in the basecamp
  • Mat for approach and base camp
  • High camp equipment (tents, stove, gas, dishes, food)
  • All fixing material for the route
  • 1 Nepalese Climbing Sherpa per member
  • Rental oxygen package with a mask, regulator and bottles
  • Insurance and equipment for staff
  • Medical emergency oxygen
  • First aid kit, high altitude emergency medicine, pulse oximeter
  • Kitchen crew
  • Comfortable, heated group tent, shower tent etc. at basecamp
  • Satellite communication and WIFI for a fee and depending on availability
  • Solar charging
  • Radio transmitter for base camps and high camp
  • All fees & permits
  • Liaison officer
  • State helicopter rescue deposit (the actual cost of the rescue must be covered by insurance or Global Rescue Membership. See here.)
  • Environmental deposit
  • Weather report
  • Safety and liability of an EU based tour operator

highlight_off  Not included services:

  • International flight to/from Islamabad (we are happy to make you an offer)
  • 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 insurances
  • Visa for Pakistan
  • Personal medications
  • Alcoholic beverage
  • Summit bonus for the Sherpas
  • Tips
  • Personal mountain and climbing equipment
  • Sleeping bag for base camp and high camp
  • Mat for high camps
  • Fees for satellite phone, emails, internet
  • All services not specifically mentioned in “Included services”

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, and recommend our eight thousander expedition members the possibility of pre-acclimatization in a high altitude tent at home (see also FAQ).

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 down sleeping bag. 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 vertical 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

Unless otherwise agreed, a deposit of 20% of the tour price is to be paid when receiving your invoice, but earliest eleven months before the end of the tour date. The balance must be paid 20 days prior to departure. Please find more information regarding payments 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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