Gasherbrum I rises to 8,080 meters in the Karakoram Range, the 11th-highest mountain in the world. Often referred to as "Hidden Peak" due to its remote location deep within the Baltoro region, it stands as a formidable neighbor to Gasherbrum II. The name Gasherbrum comes from the Balti language—"rgasha" meaning beautiful and "brum" meaning mountain, though early explorers mistranslated it as "Shining Wall," a name that stuck to the massif's gleaming faces . This expedition is a serious undertaking that combines high-altitude mountaineering with one of the most iconic approach treks on Earth.

The journey to Gasherbrum I is an immersion into the "Throne Room of the Mountain Gods." After flying into Skardu and driving to the village of Askole, the trek follows the full length of the Baltoro Glacier. For eight days, you walk beneath the massive granite spires of the Trango Towers and Cathedral Peak, eventually reaching Concordia. This legendary junction offers a 360-degree panorama of K2, Broad Peak, and the Gasherbrum massif . From Concordia, a final trek leads to the Base Camp at 5,000 meters, situated directly below the historic Conway Saddle.

The standard climbing route follows the Northwest Face via the Japanese Couloir, a line that has become the preferred choice for modern expeditions since the Japanese first established it in 1986 . The mountain presents distinct technical challenges in its lower sections, requiring solid mixed-climbing skills. As you move higher, the focus shifts to the massive snow faces, which demand careful assessment of avalanche conditions, particularly after fresh snowfall. Because Gasherbrum I and II share a Base Camp and lower infrastructure, many climbers take the opportunity to attempt both 8,000-meter peaks in a single season .

Our 50-day itinerary is designed with the flexibility required for the Karakoram environment. We maintain a full support system at Base Camp, emphasizing high-quality nutrition to aid recovery in the thin air. Our full-board service includes experienced high-altitude staff, supplemental oxygen, and reliable satellite communications. Gasherbrum I is not for beginners; it requires proven experience above 6,500 meters and the mental resilience to handle the uncertainties of extreme altitude. A climber from the 1989 American attempt described the reality: **"We hoped to establish Camp III and then go for the summit... The weather took a turn for the worse. A storm dumped much snow and made the route dangerous. We had no choice but to give up the climb"** . Whether you reach the summit or cross the high Gondogoro La on the return, this expedition is a pinnacle experience for any mountaineer.

GASHERBRUM I EXPEDITION (8,080m)

GASHERBRUM I EXPEDITION (8,080m)

Trip Stats

Overview

Trip Highlights

Day by Day Itinerary

Arrival in Islamabad

Ministry Briefing and Preparations

Fly to Skardu (2,230m)

Preparation Day in Skardu

Sightseeing and Final Preparations in Skardu

Skardu to Askole (3,050m)

Trek Askole to Jhola (3,170m)

Trek Jhola to Paiju (3,380m)

Rest Day at Paiju

Trek Paiju to Khuburtse (3,800m)

Trek Khuburtse to Urdukas (4,130m)

Rest Day at Urdukas

Trek Urdukas to Goro II (4,300m)

Trek Goro II to Concordia (4,600m)

Trek Concordia to Gasherbrum Base Camp (5,000m)

Rest, Training & Puja Ceremony at Base Camp

Climbing and Acclimatization Period (25 days)

Base Camp Clean-up and Rest

Trek to Khoburtse (3,560m)

Trek Khoburtse to Paiju (3,380m)

Trek Paiju to Jhola (3,170m)

Trek Jhola to Askole (3,050m)

Askole to Skardu

Fly Skardu to Islamabad

Contingency Day in Islamabad

Departure

What's Included

Included

Not Included

Book Your Adventure

What Our Adventurers Say

Similar Expeditions

ULI BIAHO EXPEDITION (6,417m / 6,109m)

TRANGO TOWERS EXPEDITION: THE ULTIMATE BIG WALL CHALLENGE

THE OGRE (BAINTHA BRAKK) EXPEDITION