Gasherbrum I

Overview

Other Name: Hidden Peak
Elevation: 8,080 meters (26,509 feet)
Location: Karakoram Range, Pakistan-China border
Coordinates: 35°43′27″N 76°41′47″E
First Ascent: July 5, 1958, by an American team (Pete Schoening and Andy Kauffman)
Mountain Range: Gasherbrum Massif, Baltoro Glacier region
Parent Peak: K2 (8,611m)


Climbing & Difficulty

  • Standard Route: Japanese Couloir (Northwest Ridge)
  • Technical Difficulty: Considered a challenging 8,000m peak with steep ice walls, crevasses, and exposed ridges.
  • Success Rate: Lower than Gasherbrum II, due to longer ascent and more technical sections.
  • Acclimatization & Climbing Time: 45-50 days
  • Key Camps:
    • Base Camp: ~5,100m
    • Camp 1: ~5,900m
    • Camp 2: ~6,400m
    • Camp 3: ~7,000m
    • Camp 4: ~7,500m (High Camp, weather-dependent)

Trekking & Base Camp Access

  • Starting Point: Skardu, Pakistan
  • Trek to Base Camp: ~7-8 days from Askole via Baltoro Glacier
  • Major Landmarks on Trek: Concordia, Gasherbrum Base Camp

Weather & Climbing Season

  • Best Climbing Season: June - August (summer season)
  • Winter Climbing: Extremely difficult; first winter ascent on March 9, 2012, by Adam Bielecki and Janusz Gołąb (Poland).

Permits & Logistics

  • Permit Required: Issued by the Government of Pakistan
  • Expedition Cost: $12,000 - $30,000 per person (varies based on services and logistics)
  • Support Needed: High-altitude porters, base camp logistics, and weather monitoring

Interesting Facts

  • Gasherbrum means "Shining Wall" in Balti, named after the stunning ice and rock face of Gasherbrum IV.
  • It is the 11th highest peak in the world.
  • Gasherbrum I was the first 8,000m peak climbed by an American expedition.
  • It is often climbed together with Gasherbrum II (8,035m).
  • One of the least climbed 8,000m peaks due to difficult access and technical challenges.
DAYS ITINERARY SEE LEVEL RESIDENCE
01 Arrival in Islamabad (540m) HOTEL
02 Flight to Skardu (2,230m) or Drive via Karakoram Highway HOTEL
03 Rest and Preparation in Skardu HOTEL
04 Drive to Askole (3,000m) – 7-8 hours CAMPING
05 Trek to Jhula (3,200m) – 6-7 hours CAMPING
06 Trek to Paiju (3,450m) – 6-7 hours CAMPING
07 Rest & Acclimatization at Paiju (Optional) CAMPING
08 Trek to Urdukas (4,130m) – 6-7 hours CAMPING
09 Trek to Goro II (4,300m) – 6-7 hours CAMPING
10 Trek to Concordia (4,600m) – 6-7 hours CAMPING
11 Trek to Gasherbrum Base Camp (5,100m) – 4-5 hours CAMPING
12-15 Rest, Training & Puja Ceremony at Base Camp CAMPING
16-22 First Rotation – Acclimatization to Camp 2 CAMPING
23-28 Second Rotation – Acclimatization to Camp 3 CAMPING
29-35 Push (Weather Dependent) CAMPING
36-37 Rest & Packing at Base Camp CAMPING
38-42 Trek Back to Skardu CAMPING
43 Rest in Skardu HOTEL
44 Flight to Islamabad (or Drive via KKH) HOTEL
45-46 Extra Days for Delays HOTEL
47 Islamabad – Sightseeing & Celebration HOTEL
48 Official Debriefing & Expedition Wrap-Up HOTEL
49 Departure from Islamabad FLY OUT

What’s Included

  • 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

  • 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)
    • 1 Large (4L) Russian – $990 (Brand New) / $650 (Used)
    • 2 Large (4L) Russian – $1,980 (Brand New) / $1,300 (Used)
    • 3 Large (4L) Russian – $2,790 (Brand New) / $1,950 (Used)
    • 4 Large (4L) Russian – $3,960 (Brand New) / $2,600 (Used)
    • 5 Large (4L) Russian – $4,950 (Brand New) / $3,250 (Used)
    • 6 Large (4L) Russian – $5,940 (Brand New) / $3,900 (Used)
  • 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

Karakorum Guides Pakistan teams tried to show you the equipment for mountaineering and trekking and if something is missing in our given list then please let us know, we will add those missing things. "Thanks in advance" What clothing and equipment to take is normally caused for more consideration than any other aspect of preparing for an adventure travel trip. We regularly receive reams of advice and suggestions, good and bad, as to what equipment is needed for our trips. However, since being suitably equipped is the single most important consideration contributing to your welfare, we have provided the following information which we ask you to examine in a flexible manner, adapting it where you feel necessary to your own outdoor experience or preference. There is a fine balance between taking too much and too little, especially considering that you need to equip yourself for all extremes of climate. Over the years we have seen all extremes, from trekkers who have brought everything but the kitchen sink, to others with the bare minimum. The following equipment list is suggested and necessary for both climbing & trekking in the Karakorum. Use this list as a guideline; some of the equipment can be hired in Skardu as well. Bear in mind trekking gear can be bought in the many mountaineering shops in Skardu, the majority of gear is 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.

Important: By paying your deposit, you agree to all the terms listed here. Please contact us with any questions before confirming your booking.