Gasherbrum IV (7,925 m / 26,001 ft) is one of the most challenging and technically demanding mountains in the world, located in the Gasherbrum Massif of the Karakoram Range near Pakistan's Baltoro Glacier. Ranked as the 17th highest mountain globally and the 7th highest in Pakistan, it is renowned for its steep rock faces, severe weather, and extreme objective dangers.
Overview
Itinerary
Map
Cost Includes
Cost Excludes
Fixed Dates
Reviews
CountryPakistan
Duration42 Days
RouteVia Skardu
RangeKarakoram
Overview
Gasherbrum IV (7,925 m / 26,001 ft) is one of the most challenging and technically demanding mountains in the world, located in the Gasherbrum Massif of the Karakoram Range near Pakistan's Baltoro Glacier. Ranked as the 17th highest mountain globally and the 7th highest in Pakistan, it is renowned for its steep rock faces, severe weather, and extreme objective dangers.
The mountain takes its name from the Balti words Gasher (beautiful) and Brum (mountain), a fitting description inspired by its magnificent west face, famously known as the "Shining Wall." First successfully climbed in 1958 by Italian mountaineers Walter Bonatti and Carlo Mauri, Gasherbrum IV has since earned a reputation as one of the hardest major peaks to ascend.
Requiring advanced technical skills, exceptional physical endurance, and extensive high-altitude experience, Gasherbrum IV remains a coveted objective for elite climbers. Despite its dangers and high failure rate, its dramatic beauty and legendary status continue to draw some of the world's most accomplished mountaineers.
Itinerary
1
Day 1 Arrival in Islamabad
• On arrival at Islamabad International Airport, you will be received by the team of Hunza Adventure Tours and transferred to a centrally located hotel.
• After check-in and a short rest, proceed for a guided city tour visiting Faisal Mosque, Lok Virsa Museum, Pakistan Monument, Saidpur Village, and Daman-e-Koh.
• Overnight: Hotel in Islamabad.
• Distance: 30 km | Driving Time: 1 hr | Altitude: 540 m | Activity: Sightseeing
2
Day 2 Islamabad to Chilas
• After breakfast, drive to Chilas via Babusar Pass. Lunch stop at Naran, followed by a scenic drive to Chilas.
• Upon arrival, check in at the hotel.
• Overnight: Hotel in Chilas.
• Distance: 268 km | Driving Time: ~10 hrs | Altitude: 1,265 m | Activity: Sightseeing
3
Day 3 Chilas to Skardu
• After breakfast, drive to Skardu via the Indus Highway. Lunch en route.
• Continue to Skardu and check in at the hotel upon arrival.
• Overnight: Hotel in Skardu.
• Driving Time: ~8 hrs | Altitude: 2,500 m | Activity: Sightseeing
4
Day 4 Skardu to Askole
• After breakfast, embark on a spectacular jeep drive to Askole, the last settlement before the Baltoro Glacier.
• Overnight: Camping at Askole.
• Driving Time: ~10 hrs | Altitude: 3,000 m | Activity: Sightseeing
5
Day 5 Askole to Jhola
• Begin trekking along the Braldu River toward Korofong. Lunch stop at Korofong with views of Bakhor Das (5,810 m) and the Biafo Glacier.
• Continue trekking to Jhola.
• Overnight: Camping at Jhola.
• Trek Duration: ~4 hrs | Altitude: 3,200 m | Activity: Trekking
6
Day 6 Jhola to Paiyu
• Trek to Paiyu through undulating terrain, at times difficult, with first dramatic views of surrounding peaks.
• Rest near tamarisk trees beside streams flowing from Paiyu Peak.
• From a vantage point, enjoy distant views of the Baltoro Glacier snout, Cathedral Peaks, Trango Towers, and K2.
• Overnight: Camping at Paiyu.
• Trek Duration: 6–7 hrs | Altitude: 3,450 m | Activity: Trekking
7
Day 7 Paiyu to Khoburche
• A challenging day as we cross the Baltoro Glacier. The terrain consists of unstable moraine, ice crossings, and rugged trails.
• Stunning views include Paiyu Peak (6,610 m), Uli Biaho, Trango, and Cathedral Groups. Wildlife such as ibex, pikas, and hoopoe birds may be spotted.
• Overnight: Camping at Khoburche.
• Trek Duration: 7–8 hrs | Altitude: 3,930 m | Activity: Trekking
8
Day 8 Khoburche to Urdukas
• An easier trek along the Baltoro Glacier, crossing two side glaciers. En route, observe Great Trango (5,844 m), considered one of the world’s greatest vertical faces.
• Urdukas is the last grassy campsite before glacial camps. In clear weather, Broad Peak and Gasherbrum IV are visible.
• Overnight: Camping at Urdukas.
• Trek Duration: 3–4 hrs | Altitude: 4,050 m | Activity: Trekking
9
Day 9 Urdukas to Goro II
• Descend onto the glacier and continue across rolling moraine terrain toward Goro II.
• Views include Masherbrum, Crystal Peak, and Marble Peak, with the vast glacial systems feeding into the Baltoro.
• Overnight: Camping at Goro II.
• Trek Duration: 6–7 hrs | Altitude: 4,380 m | Activity: Trekking
10-11
Days 10–11 Goro II to Concordia
• A highlight of the trek as we enter Concordia, one of the most spectacular campsites in the world.
• Views include K2 (8,611 m), Broad Peak, Gasherbrum Group, Mitre Peak, Baltoro Kangri, and Mustagh Tower.
• Concordia lies at the junction of the Baltoro, Godwin-Austen, Gasherbrum, and Vigne Glaciers.
• Overnight: Camping at Concordia.
• Trek Duration: 4–5 hrs | Altitude: 4,650 m | Activity: Trekking
12
Day 12 Concordia to Gasherbrum Base Camp
• Trek from Concordia to Gasherbrum Base Camp along the Godwin-Austen Glacier.
• Overnight: Camping at Gasherbrum Base Camp.
13-33
Days 13–33 Climbing Period
• A total of 21 climbing days allocated for acclimatization, load ferrying, and summit attempts on Gasherbrum.
• Overnight: Gasherbrum Base Camp and high camps.
34
Day 34 Gasherbrum Base Camp to Concordia
• Trek back to Concordia.
• Overnight: Camping.
35
Day 35 Concordia to Urdukas
• Trek back along the Baltoro Glacier to Urdukas.
• Overnight: Camping.
36
Day 36 Urdukas to Paiyu
• Trek back to Paiyu.
• Overnight: Camping.
37
Day 37 Paiyu to Khoburche
• Continue trekking back toward Khoburche.
• Overnight: Camping.
38
Day 38 Khoburche to Askole
• Final trekking day back to Askole.
• Overnight: Camping.
39
Day 39 Askole to Skardu
• Jeep drive back to Skardu. Check in at the hotel upon arrival.
• Overnight: Hotel in Skardu.
• Driving Time: ~10 hrs | Activity: Sightseeing
40
Day 40 Skardu to Islamabad
• Fly to Islamabad (subject to weather). Transfer to hotel upon arrival.
• Overnight: Hotel in Islamabad.
41
Day 41 Islamabad (Contingency Day)
• Free day for sightseeing and shopping. In case of flight cancellation, travel by road from Skardu.
• Overnight: Hotel in Islamabad.
42
Day 42 Departure
• Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for onward flight home.
Cost Includes
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE :
Airport – Hotel – Airport transfers by private vehicle (Pick up & Drop).
HOTEL ACCOMMODATION IN ISLAMABAD :
2 nights hotel accommodation in Islamabad (3-star category), single room on bed & breakfast basis.
WELCOME DINNER :
One welcome dinner at a tourist standard restaurant in Islamabad with office staff.
PERMITS & FEES :
Trekking permits, camping fees, road & bridge fees paid to the Pakistan Government (for members & staff).
GARBAGE MANAGEMENT :
Stool shipment transfer & garbage deposit fees.
INSURANCE :
Medical & emergency rescue insurance for all involved Nepalese & Pakistani staff.
MAP :
Trekking map provided.
MEMBER TRANSPORTATION :
Domestic flights Islamabad – Skardu – Islamabad & jeep transport Skardu – Askole – Skardu.
TREKKING EQUIPMENT TRANSPORTATION :
Air cargo, truck, jeep, porters & mules transport for all trekking equipment.
MEMBER LUGGAGE :
Up to 15 kg personal baggage per member during the trek.
FOOD AND LODGING :
Three meals per day with tea & coffee, including hotel, lodge, tent & base camp accommodation.
CAMPING :
Complete camping logistic arrangements during the trek.
PORTERS :
1 porter for every 2 members (to & from Base Camp).
BASE CAMP STAFF :
Experienced Base Camp cook & kitchen helpers.
BASE CAMP TENTS & EQUIPMENT :
Tents, mattress, pillow, dining, kitchen, toilet, shower & staff tents with tables & chairs.
POWER & HEATING :
Solar panel, generator & heating system at Base Camp.
SAFETY & COMMUNICATION :
Satellite phone, backup oxygen & medical kit (charges may apply).
WEATHER FORECAST :
Regular weather updates during the trek.
CERTIFICATE :
K2 Base Camp Trek completion certificate issued by the company.
Cost Excludes
AIR FARE :
International flight airfare (from and to Islamabad).
PAKISTAN ENTRY VISA FEE :
Pakistani visa fee for 30 days.
LUNCH & DINNER :
Lunch and dinner during stay in Islamabad & Skardu (also in case of early return).
EXTRA NIGHTS :
Extra nights accommodation in Islamabad & Skardu due to early arrival, late departure, early return, or flight cancellation.
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT TICKETS :
Member’s international flight tickets.
HELICOPTER RESCUE :
Helicopter emergency rescue fees (refundable if not used, currently USD 15,000).
CLIMBING GEAR :
Members’ personal climbing equipment.
PERSONAL INSURANCE :
Member’s personal insurance.
HIGH ALTITUDE SERVICES :
High altitude tent, food, and porter.
PERSONAL EXPENSES :
Sleeping bag, telephone calls, internet, laundry, hot showers, drinks, and alcoholic beverages.
ROOM SERVICE & GRATUITIES :
Room service, tips, and items of a personal nature.
CUSTOM CLEARANCE :
Import and export custom clearance charges for equipment.
OXYGEN & GAS :
EPI gas and oxygen cylinders.
UNFORESEEN EXPENSES :
Roadblocks, extra hotel stays, additional Base Camp days, or other unexpected costs.
GROUP SPLIT COSTS :
Extra charges if trekking and climbing members split during the expedition.
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