Broad Peak



Overview
Broad Peak (8,051m), the 12th highest mountain in the world, is part of the Karakoram Range in Pakistan. It is located near K2 on the Pakistan-China border. The mountain gets its name from its long ridge, which spans over 1.5 kilometers. Broad Peak is considered a challenging 8,000-meter peak, with relatively lower technical difficulty compared to K2 but still demanding due to its extreme altitude, unpredictable weather, and crevasse-filled glaciers.
Routes & Climbing Strategy
- Standard Route: The most commonly used route is the West Ridge, following the Godwin-Austen Glacier and crossing the Broad Peak Glacier to Camp 1.
- Camp Setup: Typically, four camps are established on the ascent:
- Base Camp (4,900m): Located on the glacier near Concordia.
- Camp 1 (5,700m - 6,000m): A long approach through steep and exposed terrain.
- Camp 2 (6,400m - 6,500m): Situated on a rocky ridge with limited space.
- Camp 3 (7,200m - 7,300m): High camp for the push.
- Day (8,051m): A long ascent via steep snow slopes, the final section often requiring fixed ropes.
Difficulty & Challenges
- Altitude: Broad Peak is an 8,000-meter peak, so climbers must be well-acclimatized to prevent altitude sickness.
- Weather: The Karakoram is known for sudden weather changes, strong winds, and extreme cold.
- Technical Sections: While not as technical as K2, the climb involves glacier travel, exposed ridges, and snow slopes. The final ridge is long and demanding.
- Logistics & Duration: A full expedition typically takes 40-50 days, including acclimatization, setting up camps, and waiting for a window.
Best Season for Climbing
- Summer (June - August): The most popular climbing window, with relatively stable weather conditions.
- Winter Ascents: Extremely challenging due to extreme cold and strong winds. Only a few climbers have succeeded in winter.
Expedition Dates & Cost
Summer Departures
Start Date | End Date | Basecamp Services | Minimum Participants | Registration |
---|---|---|---|---|
19-Jun-2025 | 17-Aug-2025 | US$12,490 | 7 participants | [BOOK NOW] |
19-Jun-2026 | 17-Aug-2026 | US$12,490 | 7 participants | [BOOK NOW] |
Winter Departures
Start Date | End Date | Basecamp Services | Minimum Participants | Registration |
---|---|---|---|---|
29-Dec-2025 | 18-Feb-2026 | US$18,900 | 5 participants | [BOOK NOW] |
29-Dec-2026 | 18-Feb-2027 | US$18,900 | 5 participants | [BOOK NOW] |
Notable Expeditions & Records
- First Ascent: Achieved in 1957 by an Austrian team led by Fritz Wintersteller, Marcus Schmuck, Hermann Buhl, and Kurt Diemberger.
- First Winter Ascent: Accomplished in 2021 by a Pakistani team (Muhammad Ali Sadpara, Sajid Ali Sadpara, and others), marking a historic achievement.
Permit & Logistics
- Permit Required: Issued by the Gilgit-Baltistan government in Pakistan.
- Trekking to Base Camp: The trek follows the Baltoro Glacier, passing through Askole, Concordia, and the famous Karakoram peaks like Gasherbrum, Trango Towers, and K2 Base Camp.
- Support & Guides: Expeditions usually involve porters, high-altitude Sherpas, and base camp support teams for food, logistics, and rescue operations.
Cost & Operators
- Guiding Companies: Several international and Pakistani operators provide guided expeditions, including logistics, base camp support, and high-altitude Sherpas.
Would you like recommendations for operators or additional details on permits and logistics?
DAYS | ITINERARY | SEE LEVEL | RESIDENCE |
---|---|---|---|
01 | Meet the expedition team and attend a briefing at the Alpine Club of Pakistan. Gear check and last-minute purchases. Hotel accommodation in Islamabad. | – | HOTEL |
02 | Flight to Skardu (2,230m) or Drive via Karakoram Highway. Option 1: A 1-hour scenic flight (weather permitting) to Skardu. Option 2: If flight is canceled, a 2-day drive via the Karakoram Highway. Overnight in Skardu. | 2,230m | HOTEL |
03 | Rest and Preparation in Skardu. Obtain climbing permits from the Gilgit-Baltistan government. Final shopping for fresh food and supplies. Optional acclimatization hike to Shangrila Lake or Kharpocho Fort. | – | HOTEL |
04 | Drive to Askole (3,000m) – 7-8 hours. Drive on a rough 4x4 jeep track along the Braldu River. Last inhabited village before entering the Karakoram wilderness. Overnight in tents or a simple guesthouse. | 3,000m | TENT |
05 | Trek to Jhula (3,200m) – 6-7 hours. Start the trek along the Braldu River. Pass through Korofon and cross suspension bridges. Camp at Jhula. | 3,200m | TENT |
06 | Trek to Paiju (3,450m) – 6-7 hours. Enter the Baltoro Glacier region. Clear views of Cathedral Peak and Trango Towers. Rest and acclimatization. | 3,450m | TENT |
07 | Rest & Acclimatization at Paiju (Optional). Hydration, short hikes, and recovery. Porters prepare food for the upcoming glacier trek. | – | TENT |
08 | Trek to Urdukas (4,130m) – 6-7 hours. First day of glacier travel on the Baltoro. Spectacular views of Masherbrum (7,821m) and other Karakoram peaks. Camp on rocky terraces for safety. | 4,130m | TENT |
09 | Trek to Goro II (4,300m) – 6-7 hours. Full day on the glacier, walking on ice and moraine. Stunning views of Gasherbrum IV (7,925m). Cold and windy campsite. | 4,300m | TENT |
10 | Trek to Concordia (4,600m) – 6-7 hours. The heart of the Karakoram, with panoramic views of K2, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrum I & II. Possibly the most scenic campsite of the trek. | 4,600m | TENT |
11 | Trek to Broad Peak Base Camp (4,900m) – 3-4 hours. Final walk across the Broad Peak Glacier to the base camp. Set up permanent camp with tents, dining areas, and communication facilities. Rest and acclimatization. | 4,900m | TENT |
12-15 | Rest, Training & Puja Ceremony at Base Camp. Technical training on fixed ropes, ice climbing, and crevasse rescue. Puja Ceremony (blessing for safe passage) with local porters and guides. First load carries to higher camps. | – | TENT |
16-22 | First Rotation – Acclimatization to Camp 2. Multiple rotations to Camp 1 (5,700m - 6,000m) and Camp 2 (6,400m - 6,500m), with gear deposits and returns to Base Camp for rest. | – | TENT |
23-28 | Second Rotation – Acclimatization to Camp 3. Multiple rotations to Camp 1, Camp 2, and Camp 3 (7,200m - 7,300m) with descents for full recovery at Base Camp. | – | TENT |
29-35 | Push (Weather Dependent). Multiple ascents of Camps 1, 2, and 3, culminating in the push to Broad Peak (8,051m). Descent for recovery and buffer day for bad weather or additional attempt. | 8,051m | TENT |
36-37 | Rest & Packing at Base Camp. Clean-up operation and celebration at Base Camp. Distribution of bonuses to porters and farewell. |
What’s Included in Base Camp Service
The Base Camp Service provides essential support for climbers who prefer to manage their ascent independently while benefiting from a well-equipped base camp.
- Government Royalty Fee (as per seasonal rates)
- All meals during the trek to base camp and at base camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Accommodation:
- • 4 nights in Islamabad (on arrival) + 2 nights on return (bed & breakfast)
- • Base camp lodging (single supplement available)
- Full-service base camp setup:
- • Dining tent, bathroom, showers, and solar charging facilities
- Transport & Logistics:
- • All internal/domestic transport and flights
- • 65 kg (110 lbs) personal baggage allowance
- Support Staff & Equipment:
- • Liaison officer (including equipment fee and allowance)
- • Emergency equipment & satellite phone service (fixed calling charge)
- • Staff insurance (for guides, cooks, kitchen staff, assistants & porters)
- • Experienced Pakistani cook and full kitchen staff
- • Porters for all expedition supplies
- Base Camp Facilities:
- • Solar power and backup electricity generator
- • Communication radio (walkie-talkie)
- • Weather updates from European sources
- • Hot water available
- • Free Wi-Fi at base camp (subject to local network reception)
What’s Not Included in Base Camp Service
- High Altitude Climbing Leader/Sherpa (available upon request)
- Rope-fixing Sherpa team (available upon request)
- Lodging above base camp
- Group climbing equipment (tents, ropes, ice screws, snow bars, etc.)
- Meals above base camp (high-altitude food/snacks)
What’s Not Included in Both Base Camp Service & Full-Guided Service
- Personal Climbing Sherpa – USD 12,944 (Includes wages, kit allowance, royalty fee, return flights from Nepal, meals in Pakistan, oxygen cylinders & mask/regulator, accommodation, etc.)
- Supplemental Oxygen for Climbers – (Recommended: 4 cylinders)
- Oxygen Cylinders/Bottles
- Brand New (USD)
- 1 Large (4L) Russian $990, Used/Old (USD) $650
- 2 Large (4L) Russian $1,980, Used/Old (USD) $1,300
- 3 Large (4L) Russian $2,790, Used/Old (USD) $1,950
- 4 Large (4L) Russian $3,960, Used/Old (USD) $2,600
- 5 Large (4L) Russian $4,950, Used/Old (USD) $3,250
- 6 Large (4L) Russian $5,940, Used/Old (USD) $3,900
- Oxygen Set for Climbers – USD 980 (Includes regulator, mask, hoses, and carriage to high camps)
- Bonus for Personal Sherpa – USD 1,500
- International Airfare
- Pakistan Visa Fee
- Mandatory Mountain Climbing Rescue & Evacuation Insurance
- Trip Cancellation Insurance
- Personal Climbing Equipment (for any 8,000m peak), including clothing & sleeping gear
- Personal Equipment Cargo (to/from Islamabad)
- Meals in Islamabad
- Extra Hotel Nights (beyond the planned itinerary)
- All Expenses Due to Early or Expedition Wind-up (Extra hotel nights, meals, evacuation)
- Costs Due to Unforeseen Delays (Force majeure, weather, political conditions, etc.)
- Personal Communication Costs (Phone, fax, email between Pakistan and home country)
- Tips for Staff, Cook, and Assistants – USD 490 (total)
🔹 Equipment List for Mountaineering & Trekking
Karakorum Guides Pakistan teams have compiled a detailed equipment list for mountaineering and trekking. If something is missing, please let us know, and we’ll add it. Your welfare is our primary concern, so the right equipment is essential for your safety and comfort. This list serves as a guideline; some items can be hired in Skardu, where most gear is locally available (predominantly Chinese-manufactured).
🔹 For Hands
- Thin Fleece Gloves (2 Pairs)
- Wind Stopper Fleece Gloves
- Heavy Gloves (Mitten)
- Gloves
🔹 Headwear & Protection
- Helmets & Goggles
- Climbing Helmet (For Rockfall & Impact Protection)
- Snow Goggles (For UV & Snow Glare Protection)
- Cold Weather Headwear
- Balaclava (For Full Face Coverage in Extreme Cold)
- Beanie / Fleece Hat (For Warmth)
- Neck Gaiter / Buff (For Wind & Cold Protection)
🔹 Sun Protection
- Sun Hat / Wide Brim Hat (For UV Protection)
- UV-Protective Sunglasses (Category 3 or 4 Lenses)
🔹 Lower Body Clothing & Gear
- Footwear
- Mountaineering Boots (Compatible with Crampons)
- Gaiters (For Snow and Debris Protection)
- Legwear
- Base Layer (Thermal Leggings)
- Softshell Pants (For General Trekking)
- Hardshell Pants (Waterproof & Windproof)
- Insulated Pants (For Extreme Cold)
🔹 Accessories
- Socks (Wool or Synthetic, Multiple Pairs)
- Knee Braces (If Needed for Support)
🔹 For Sun & Walking Stuff
- Sun Block Cream -50 (SPF)
- Lip Guard -20 / -50 (SPF)
- Sun Glasses (UV Protection)
- Glaciers Glasses (UV Protection)
- Walking Stick
- Pocket Knife
- Umbrella / Rain Coat
🔹 For Upper Body
- Light Weight Top / Thermal Coat (2-3 Layers)
- Mid Weight Top (2-3 Layers)
- Heavy Weight Top (2 Layers)
- Fleece Jacket (1)
- Rain Jacket (1)
- Down Jacket (1)
- Wind Proof Jacket
- Cotton T-Shirt for Base Camp (2-3)
🔹 Sleeping Materials
- Sleeping Bag - 20 Degree (For Base Camp)
- Down Sleeping Bag - 20 To -40 for high camps (Extreme Comfort)
- Mattress (2 pcs)
- Light Pillow
🔹 For Head
- Sun Cap
- Desert Cap
- Balaclava
- Fleece Hat
- Neck Gaiter (2-3)
🔹 Toiletries
- Hand Disinfectant
- Wet Tissue, Toilet Roll
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Soap, Shampoo
- Garbage Bag
🔹 Medicine
- Brufen / Ibuprofens
- Antibiotic
- Diamox
- Paracetamol
- Handy Plaster
- Crack Bandage
- Tincture Iodine
🔹 Climbing Equipment
- Protective Gear
- Climbing Helmet
- Snow Goggles
- Technical Gear
- Ice Axe, Harness, Jumars / Ascender
- Crampons (Fit with Boots)
- Fix Rope, Snow Bars, Ice Screw
- ATC Guide (Belay Device)
- Carabiners & Slings
- Lock Carabiners (3)
- Unlock Carabiners (3)
- Tape Slings (2)
- Prusik Loops (1)
🔹 Food & Hydration
- Water Bottle (2)
🔹 Clothing & Accessories
- Cold Weather Gear
- Down Suit
- Hand Warmer
- Oxygen with Mask & Regulator
🔹 Communication & Navigation
- Walkie-Talkie with Batteries
- Satellite Phone Set
🔹 Lighting & Batteries
- Headlamp with 6 Pairs of Rechargeable Batteries
🔹 Trekking Gear Checklist
- Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer
- Down vest and/or jacket (optional)
- Fleece or wool trousers/pants
- Trekking/Hiking boots with spare laces
- Thick, warm wool hiking socks (4)
- Footwear for around camp, eg running shoes and/or sandals
🔹 First Aid Medicine Checklist
- Bandage for sprains
- Plasters/Band-aids
- Iodine or water filter (optional)
- Moleskin/Second skin - for blisters
- Diamox (altitude sickness)
- Antiseptic ointment for cuts
- Anti-bacterial throat lozenges (with antiseptic)
- Aspirin/paracetamol - general painkiller
- Oral rehydration salts
- Sterile Syringe set (anti-AIDS precaution)
Terms & Conditions
How to Book
We recommend booking well in advance by sending a non-refundable deposit of 25% Euro or USD and the tour price with a minimum deposit of 50% Euro or USD per person in advance. Some of the tours and ground arrangements may require a higher deposit of up to 80% with booking conditions. These details will be provided on confirmation of your booking. The deposit is required within 5 days of confirmation to hold your booking. The booking confirmation will include the exact deposit amount required and the due date of final payment. Please read these terms and conditions carefully and raise any questions you may have prior to making your booking. Receipt of deposit will be taken as an understanding by KARAKORUM GUIDES PAKISTAN that the customer has checked their confirmed travel arrangements and has read and agrees to abide by the terms and conditions. Any verbal quote given is an estimate only of the price which will be subject to advice on confirmation of the reservation, after which you will have 5 days to pay your nonrefundable deposit with 50% in advance tour price.
Price
Price we will give you after few discussion by e-mail or phone call. Should these costs change it may be necessary to make a surcharge on the price of your holiday which will be advised to you at the time you book. However no surcharge in respect to cost or currency fluctuations will be made to the arrangements of your holiday once full payment has been received by Karakorum Guides, unless any changes are made to your booking in accordance with these terms and conditions. This price guarantee does not apply to:
- (i) fares, charges or levies imposed by airlines up until ticketing
- (ii) any taxes, charges or levies imposed by any Government or their agencies and the banking transfer charges.
Amendments
One change per booking is permitted free of charge. Each subsequent change will incur a fee of 50 $ per amendment to cover extra administrative and communication costs. In addition, cancellation and/or amendment fees may also be imposed minimum of 500 $ or depending on the nature of the change. To the extent we are able to do so, we will advise you of all applicable cancellation and/or amendment charges at the time of confirmation of your booking. Separate conditions apply to air arrangements and are set out in Section 9 of these terms and conditions.
Late Bookings
A fee of 30 $ per booking will be levied for bookings made within 10 working days of departure from your home land. Any booking request made within 10 working days or within any relevant supplier’s cancellation period cannot be processed until full payment has been received by Karakorum Guides.
Land Only Service Charge
A $200 fee applies to land-only bookings for fewer than 2 nights of accommodation or 2 days of car rental.
Payments
We accept only bank transfers or cash. Card payments are not accepted.
Cancellations and Refunds
For Expeditions
If you decide to cancel your program or you are unable to travel, Karakorum Guides will refund the amount you have paid less (i) our reasonable costs and (ii) any cancellation fees imposed by other suppliers. It is likely that other suppliers’ cancellation fees (which we will pass on to you) will be greater when cancellation takes place closer to the departure date. If you notify us of cancellation more than 30 days before departure, then the cancellation charges are only 25% non-refundable deposit. If you notify us of cancellation less than 30 days before departure, the cancellation charges may be up to 50% of the total booking cost. Regrettably cancellation charges cannot be waived. No refunds are available for unused services after departure from your home land.
For Trekking/Tours
If you decide to cancel your program or you are unable to travel, Karakorum Guides will refund the amount you have paid less (i) our reasonable costs and (ii) any cancellation fees imposed by other suppliers. It is likely that other suppliers’ cancellation fees (which we will pass on to you) will be greater when cancellation takes place closer to the departure date. If you notify us of cancellation more than 15 days before departure, then the cancellation charges are only 25% of your deposit. If you notify us of cancellation less than 15 days before departure, the cancellation charges may be up to 50% of the total booking cost. Regrettably cancellation charges cannot be waived. No refunds are available for unused services after departure from your home land.
For Air Arrangements
Cancellation fees will apply as required by airlines regulations and will vary dependent upon the type of airfare utilized. Airfare prices and conditions are subject to change or withdrawal without notification until ticketed. Full payment is required before tickets can be issued. Karakorum Guides cannot be held liable for any increases in prices or changes in any airline regulations. Foreign currency airfares and airport taxes may fluctuate and are subject to the rate of exchange on date of ticket issue. Increases in airport taxes are not the responsibility of Karakorum Guides and can be imposed up to departure. To the extent we are able to do so we will advise you of any increases of which we are aware at the time of confirmation of your booking.
Consumer Claims
Should you encounter any problems on your holiday it is always better to try and solve it directly with the Tour Staff. If it is not possible to do so and you wish to lodge a complaint, please do so in writing within 30 days of completing your Karakorum Guides arrangements. These Terms and Conditions do not purport to exclude any statutory rights available to you and must in all cases be read subject to those statutory provisions.
Not Included in the Tour Cost
- Visas and travel insurance
- Climbing Royalty Fees and permits
- Liaison officers and helicopter rescue
- High camp food, oxygen, EPI gas
- Climbing gear, excess baggage, customs clearance
- Phone calls, laundry, extra meals or drinks, tips (Bakshish)
Any airfare taxes or surcharges will be listed separately in your booking confirmation if not included in your base price.
VARIATIONS
Considerable care has been taken to compile the information in this site but circumstances not within Karakorum Guides pakistan control may necessitate changes in itineraries, accommodation and costs in which case you will be informed as soon as possible. When it is necessary to change a hotel Karakorum Guides reserves the right to substitute accommodation of at least a similar standard. KGP cannot be held responsible for any changes which may occur and reserves the right to increase the price of any travel arrangement up to the date of payment in full (or the date of ticketing in the case of airfares). This includes adjustment for fuel surcharges, airfare increases as well as international exchange rate fluctuations. To the extent we are able to do so; we will notify you of any applicable change in price prior to you making payment in full. KGP may update these terms and conditions at anytime. Any changes to these terms and conditions made after booking will be advised to you. The current version of terms and conditions will always be found on the website www.karakorumguides.com If as a result of any of these variations either: (i) there is a material increase in the cost of your tour during the period between confirmation of your booking and the date on which you pay for your tour in full; or, (ii) you will suffer a material detriment, then you may cancel your tour, in which case KGP will refund the amount you have paid less any cancellation fees imposed by other suppliers.
HOTEL DESCRIPTIONS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
Karakorum Guides will tell you the name and address of the hotel and their standard but Pictures may not show to the clients.
INSURANCE
Karakorum Guides will provide the insurance only for our staff and local porters and KGP not responsible for the clients insurance. In respect of illness, injury, death, loss of baggage and personal item cancellation and curtailment. You may purchase a suitable external policy with specialist travel insurance provider and give us their contact with your policy numbers in case of emergency.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
You are responsible for all immigration, passport, visa, health, quarantine and customs laws, regulations, orders, demands or other requirements of countries visited or transited. Official travel advice issued by the Pakistan Department of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Interior. We recommend that you review this information both prior to making your booking and prior to departure.
UNLICENSED ENTITY DISCLAIMER
If you request Karakorum Guides to arrange for the provision of products or services by a person or company which is not licensed in accordance with any applicable law, Karakorum Guides accepts no liability (whether in contract for negligence or otherwise) for any loss or damage suffered by you as a result.
RESPONSIBILITY
Karakorum Guides Pakistan accepts bookings subject to the following conditions:
- A booking is accepted only after KGP receives the required deposit and issues the client or their travel agent confirmation invoices. The balance must be paid no later than 30 days before departure; otherwise, KGP will treat the booking as cancelled, regardless of whether a deposit is being held.
- KGP acts solely as a coordinator of tours and an agent for the owners, contractors, and suppliers of transportation, accommodation, and/or related travel services. KGP assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to baggage or property, or for injury, illness, death, or any damages or claims arising directly or indirectly from accidents, delays, transport failures, strikes, wars, uprisings, or acts of God—events beyond our control. All coupon receipts and tickets are issued subject to the terms and conditions specified by third-party suppliers, and all services are governed by the laws of the country where they are provided.
- All matters directly relating to the services provided by Karakorum Guides Pakistan will be handled in accordance with these stated responsibilities.
CANCELLATION BY US
Karakorum Guides reserves the right to cancel any Small Group Journey if minimum passenger numbers are not attained. Operation of these tours is dependent on a minimum number of persons booking on your tour. We will advise you of such cancellations no later than 30 days before departure date. However, KGP reserves the right to cancel a Small Group Journey at any time before departure due to Force Majeure (as defined below) or KGP reasonable consideration of adverse Government travel advice. With any form of cancellation, KGP will offer you alternative arrangements, and if the price of your alternative booking is a lower value than the original booking we will refund the difference to you. If you do not accept alternative arrangements we will refund all payments you have made to KGP, in the case of Force Majeure or government travel advice refunds will be less any of KGP unrecoverable costs. KGP will not be liable for any additional costs incurred by you. KGP will not be liable for any delay in, change to or cancellation of trips due to a circumstance beyond the reasonable control of KG and includes, but is not limited to, acts of God, fire, accident, interruptions to energy supplied, war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, disease, industrial or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions and strikes.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
Karakorum Guides will not accept responsibility or liability for any clients who contravenes any law or regulation of any country visited. At all times the decision of the Local Guide / Tour Leader or representative will be final on all matters likely to affect the safety and well-being of the trip. You must, at all times, strictly comply with the laws, customs, and foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited. Should you fail to comply with the above, or should you interfere in our reasonable opinion with the well-being of the group then the leader or company representative may order you to leave the trip immediately with no right of refund.
PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITIONS AND AGE LIMITS
Before making a booking you must advise us of any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of you requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. You may be required to provide an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner if requested. If you fail to adequately notify us of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, we reserve the right, at our reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.