G2 and G1 expedition:
We are planning with a time frame of 48 days for either of the 8,000 meters peaks and for the Doubleheader G1&2 with an 8-day extension (see Upgrade). From the preparation in the Alps to the coordination and perfect organization in Pakistan, we offer you the framework for your Gasherbrum ascent. Here you will find the planned expedition schedule.
Gasherbrum G2 / G1 - expedition itinerary
I. Reaching the Gasherbrum mountains
Day 1 - Arrival: Individual departure: scheduled flight from Europe, probably with QATAR or TURKISH Airlines.
Day 2 - Islamabad: Arrival early in the morning, airport transfer, and accommodation in a simple, private hotel in Rawalpindi/Islamabad - For security reasons we avoid the big international chains. Expedition briefing. Hotel BnB.
Day 3 - Skardu / Chilas: Ideally flight to Skardu (requires approx. USD150 additional costs). Otherwise by bus via the Karakorum Highway to Chilas. From Besham, a small market town, where lunch is served, the most impressive part of the journey begins. We drive through the dizzying gorge of the Indus River. Journey approx. 10 hours. Flight approx. 45 min - overnight stay. Hotel FB.
Day 4 - Skardu: Reserve day: If the flight takes place, we continue with the program of day 5. The journey takes another eight to ten hours, passing Nanga Parbat and through the deep gorges of the Indus to Skardu. Overnight stay in the comfortable Concordia Motel with a wonderful view over the Indus valley, we will stop for a break. Camp FB, altitude: 2,280m (7,480 ft)
Day 5 - Skardu: Free day to organize. If you are interested, we can drive by jeep in half an hour to Satpara Lake with its crystal clear water, from where we will take a half-day acclimatization hike with a view of the first mountains of the Karakoram. The expedition leader stays in Skardu and takes care of the last formalities. Camp FB, altitude: 2,280m (7,480 ft)
Day 6 - Askole: By jeep, the Braldu Gorge is reached through the lovely Shigar Valley via Dasu. Depending on the conditions, the road can be driven to Askole, the last village, or vehicles may have to be changed about 8 hours drive. Camp FB, altitude: 3,048 m (10,000 ft)
Day 7 - Askole - Jhola: The expected 7-day march to Gasherbrum base camp begins. Today we follow the course of the river Braldu past the Biafo glacier, Korophon (lunch break) to the junction with the Dumordo river. We cross it to reach the camp Jhola, approx. 5 hours hike. Camp FB, altitude above sea level: 3,160 m. (10,367 ft)
Day 8 - Jhola - Paiju: Continuing, partly adventurously close, along the Braldu we reach after some up and down the camp at a green forested island called Paiju, approx. 6 hrs. Camp FB.
Day 9 - Paiju: At Paiju, already with a view of the Great Trango Tower and the spikes of the cathedral, we spend a traditional rest day for the porters and for acclimatization. Camp FB, altitude: 3,450 m (11,320 ft)
Day 10 - Paiju - Urdukas: The next day, after a short distance, the 60 kilometers long Baltoro glacier is entered. A laborious up and down over moraines (but with a view of the Trango towers) leads to the southern edge of the glacier, past the Liligo camp to Urdukas, approx. 8 hours hike. Camp FB, altitude: 4,150 m (13,615 ft)
Day 11 - Urdukas - Goro II: We enter the glacier and walk past Masherbrum and Muztagh Tower to the campsite, from now on the ice, approx. 6 hrs. Camp FB, altitude: 4,350 m (14,272 ft)
Day 12 - Goro II - Concordia: In view of the ever more powerful Gasherbrum IV we reach the famous Concordiaplatz with a view of K2, Chogolisa, and Broad Peak, approx. 4 hrs. Camp FB, altitude: 4,800m (15,750 ft)
Day 13 - Concordia - Gasherbrum BC: The trail branches off to the south. Along with the upper Baltoro and Abruzzi glaciers, we reach the base camp under the basin of the Gasherbrum group, about 5 hrs. Camp FB, altitude: 5,000 m (16,404 ft).
Day 14 - Gasherbrum BC (Basecamp): We spend a full day to set up and further acclimatize. Camp FB, altitude: 5,000m (16,404 ft).
II. Climbing Gasherbrum I / II
We have 26 days for acclimatization and climbing. The ascent is along the normal route and the climb is very much exposed to weather and conditions. A possible (idealized!) procedure would be
Day 15 - Camp 1 (C1): Ascent and setup for an overnight stay in the 1st high camp - C1 at 5,900m (19,355 ft)
Day 16 - Camp 2 (C2): Ascent and material depot in the 2nd high camp - C2 at 6,350m (20,670 ft) - and descent to the overnight stay in C1.
Day 17 - BC: descent and rest in base camp
Day 18 - BC: Rest day at base camp
Day 19 - C1: Ascent to the overnight stay in C1 at 5,900m (19,355 ft)
Day 20 - C2: Ascent to overnight stay in C2 at 6,350m (20,670 ft)
Day 21 - Camp 3 - Touch: Ascent and material depot in the 3rd high camp at 7000m (22,965 ft) and descent to C1.
Day 22 - BC: Descent and rest in base camp
Day 23 - BC: Rest day at base camp
Day 24 - BC: rest day at base camp
Day 25 - C1: Summit push: Ascent to C1 at 5,900m (19,355 ft)
Day 26 - C2: Summit push: Ascent to C2 at 6,350m (20,670 ft)
Day 27- C3: Summit push: Ascent to C3 at 7000m (22,965 ft)
Day 28 - Summit day: Ascent to the Gasherburm II - summit at 8,035 m (26,362 ft)
Day 29 - C1: Descent to the C1 at 5,900m (19,355 ft)
Day 30 - BC: Descent to base camp
Extra days (31-40): We have a total of ten days as a reserve. Most likely we will need additional days due to weather (snow, wind, storm) or conditions (danger of avalanches). The acclimatization at 5000m altitude (base camp) level is certainly not yet completed after 2 weeks and further nights in the comfortable base camp will improve our later summit chances.
Hidden Peak (G1): The team at Gasherbrum I will proceed similarly and try to reach at least 7000m altitude during the acclimatization. With the help of our porters/guides, we will set up the camps and attach fixed ropes. The team of the doubleheader G I & G II (if necessary +8 days) will use these and relieve the 1st team during the dismantling.
III. Trek via Gondokoro La
Day 41 - Base camp: Today you have to arrive at the base camp at the latest and should prepare your things for the next day's departure.
Day 42 - Base camp - Camp Ali: We dismantle the base camp and cross the upper Baltoro glacier to Camp Ali at 4,820m (15,815 ft) between Mitre Peak and Chogolisa.
Day 43 - Camp Ali - Gondokoro: As the last highlight of the expedition we cross the Gondokoro La Pass at 5,650m (18,540 ft) into the Hushe Valley. The pass has to be crossed early (or at night) - in the sunrise a great panorama shows up - and then follows the steep descent to Husbang, the crossing of the Gondokoro glacier.
Day 44 - Camp Ali - Gondokoro: The last stage with views of the K6-K7 region and the other side of Masherbrum brings us back to Hushe - towards civilization. The drive through the green Hushe Valley back to Skardu takes six hours. Accommodation as at the beginning of the Concordia Motel.
Day 45+46: Return flight to Rawalpindi. Should the weather not be suitable, we have to start the return trip in 24 hours via the Karakorum Highway.
Day 47: Day for debriefing at the Ministry of Tourism and free time in Rawalpindi / Islamabad. Reserve day for the return journey.
Day 48: Return flight in the early morning and arrival in Germany or Austria, Switzerland.