A native trekking and expedition company from Skardu and Islamabad leading K2, Karakoram and Hunza trips with local guides.
Founded 2015 Licensed: DTS no. 2494 and DTS-GB-055 Member of PATO 4.9/5 from 47 Google reviews
Gasherbrum I Expedition
- Gilgit Baltistan
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from
$10,000
Check dates
- Duration
- 50 Days
- Difficulty
- Expert
- Max Altitude
- 8,080 m / 26,509 ft
- Best Time
- Jun–Aug
- Group Size
- 3–10 people
- Trip Type
- Expedition
Overview
Gasherbrum I Expedition 2027
Gasherbrum I (8,080 m), also called Hidden Peak, is the eleventh-highest mountain on Earth and the harder of the two Gasherbrums. Our Gasherbrum I Expedition climbs the normal route through the Japanese Couloir from Gasherbrum Base Camp (about 5,100 m) and takes 50 days from Islamabad back to Islamabad. The best time to climb is from 20 June to 5 August; private expeditions can be arranged at any time of year. You choose Base Camp Only ($10,000) or Full Board ($25,000) per person; the royalty, permits and liaison officer are included in both.
The expedition in numbers
- Length: 50 days from Islamabad back to Islamabad: 3 days in Islamabad and Skardu, a 9-day approach to Gasherbrum Base Camp, a climbing period from day 16 to day 40, and the walk out.
- Summit: 8,080 m (26,509 ft); some surveys give 8,068 m. Gasherbrum Base Camp is at about 5,100 m (16,732 ft), a long day’s walk (about 6–8 hours) beyond Concordia.
- Route: through the Gasherbrum icefall to Camp 1 at about 6,000 m, Camp 2 at about 6,400–6,500 m, then the Japanese Couloir to Camp 3 at about 7,000–7,200 m.
- Group size: 3 to 10 climbers, on both packages.
- Season: best from 20 June to 5 August; private expeditions at any time of year.
The route, camp by camp
| Section | Height | What it is like |
|---|---|---|
| Base camp → Camp 1, through the Gasherbrum icefall | 5,100 → about 6,000 m | The same icefall as Gasherbrum II, crossed early in the morning. |
| Camp 1 → Camp 2 | → about 6,400–6,500 m | Across the Gasherbrum plateau to a camp below the Gasherbrum La. |
| Camp 2 → Camp 3, the Japanese Couloir | → about 7,000–7,200 m | A steep, exposed couloir with fixed ropes; avoided after fresh snow because of avalanche risk. |
| Summit day | → 8,080 m | Slopes of 50–55° and a narrow, corniced summit ridge. |
Gasherbrum I or Gasherbrum II?
Gasherbrum I is steeper and more exposed than Gasherbrum II: the Japanese Couloir and the 50–55° slopes below the summit ask for more technical skill. If this is your first 8,000 m peak, consider our Gasherbrum II Expedition first, or climb both on our Gasherbrum I and II Expedition.
Who it is for
For a safe climb you should have climbed at least one 7,000 m peak before, and we recommend Gasherbrum II or another 8,000 m peak before Gasherbrum I. This is not a strict rule, so tell us about your experience and we will advise you. You also need to be at home on fixed ropes with a jumar and crampons at high altitude.
Our approach to the summit
We do not sell a summit, and we will not imply one. The weather, the snow conditions and your own condition decide the outcome, and the decision to turn around is made on the mountain, by consensus between the climbers and our team. The number and timing of summit days depend on the ground staff, the conditions on the mountain and the weather.
A short history
The explorer Martin Conway named it Hidden Peak in 1892, because it stays hidden behind other peaks for most of the walk up the Baltoro Glacier. Gasherbrum I was first climbed on 5 July 1958 by the Americans Pete Schoening and Andy Kauffman. The first winter ascent was on 9 March 2012, by a Polish team.
Gasherbrum I Expedition Cost & Packages
We offer two packages; prices are per person for fixed departures. The Gasherbrum I royalty is included in both: it is currently USD 2,500 per person in summer.
Base Camp Only
$10,000 per person
All our services up to and at base camp. Nothing above base camp.
- Hotels in Islamabad and Skardu
- Islamabad–Skardu flights and the jeep to Askoli
- Gasherbrum I royalty, permits and park fees
- Liaison officer and porters to base camp
- All meals on the trek and at base camp
- Base camp lodging, dining tent, toilet and showers
Full Board
$25,000 per person
Everything in Base Camp Only, plus our climbing support above base camp.
- Everything in Base Camp Only
- One Pakistani high-altitude porter for every two climbers
- Local rope-fixing team, ropes and fixing gear
- High-camp tents, gas and stoves
- Oxygen: 3 bottles per climber and 2 for each high-altitude porter
- Meals and high-altitude food above base camp
Compare every service in both packages
Gasherbrum I Expedition Cost: Base Camp Only, Private Group
For a Base Camp Only private expedition, the price per person depends on the size of your group:
| Solo price | 2 to 3 people | 4 to 6 people | 7 to 10 people |
|---|---|---|---|
| $17,000 | $13,000 | $11,000 | $8,000 |
Gasherbrum I Expedition Cost: Full Board, Private Group
For a Full Board private expedition, the price per person depends on the size of your group:
Private Group PricesPrice per person. Your group price is applied automatically when you book.
| Solo price | 2 to 3 people | 4 to 6 people | 7 to 10 people |
|---|---|---|---|
| $25,000 | $23,000 | $21,000 | $19,000 |
Want to go higher? See our Broad Peak Expedition and K2 Climbing Expedition, or read our K2 climbing guide.
Related Tours
(Tours You May Like)
| Tour | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Gasherbrum II Expedition—50 Days | $10,000 |
| Gasherbrum I and II Expedition—60 Days | $12,000 |
| Broad Peak Climbing Expedition—50 Days | $10,000 |
| K2 Climbing Expedition—50 Days | $12,000 |
| Gondogoro Peak Climbing Expedition—23 Days | $4,000 |
| Start | End | Price (USD) | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 June 2027 | 8 August 2027 | $ 10,000 | Confirmed | Join Now |
How to book this trip
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Choose a date
Pick a fixed departure above, or ask us for a private trip.
-
Send your details
Fill in the booking form with your name, email and group size.
-
Pay the 10% advance deposit
The deposit holds your place on the trip.
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We confirm your booking
Once the deposit arrives, we confirm and start booking your hotels and arrangements.
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Pay the balance
By bank transfer two weeks before you arrive, or bring cash to Islamabad.
Highlights
- Climb Gasherbrum I (8,080 m), Hidden Peak, the eleventh-highest mountain on Earth.
- The normal route through the Japanese Couloir, with camps at about 6,000 m, 6,400–6,500 m and 7,000–7,200 m.
- The trek up the Baltoro Glacier to Concordia, facing K2 and Broad Peak.
- Two packages, Base Camp Only or Full Board, with the royalty and liaison officer included in both.
- Full Board: one Pakistani high-altitude porter for every two climbers, a local rope-fixing team and oxygen.
- Small groups of 3 to 10 climbers; private expeditions at any time of year.
- A native team from Skardu, running Karakoram expeditions since 2015.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad
Islamabad · 540 m (1,772 ft)
Our staff meet you at Islamabad International Airport and take you to the hotel. Expedition briefing and document checks, then rest after your flight.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Islamabad (twin sharing, bed and breakfast).
- Meals: Breakfast included.
Day 2: Fly to Skardu
Skardu · 540–2,230 m (1,772–7,316 ft)
Morning flight to Skardu, with views of Nanga Parbat and the Karakoram when the weather is clear. Flights depend on the weather; if the flight is cancelled, we drive on the Karakoram Highway (about 2 days).
- Accommodation: Hotel in Skardu (twin sharing).
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 3: Skardu: Rest and Expedition Preparations
Skardu · 2,230 m (7,316 ft)
Rest and acclimatise in Skardu while our office completes the permits and government formalities. Final shopping for fresh supplies, fuel and porter arrangements.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Skardu (twin sharing).
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 4: Drive to Askoli
Askoli · 3,000 m (9,843 ft)
A 5–7-hour drive by jeep along the Indus, Shigar and Braldu rivers to Askoli, the last village before the glaciers.
- Accommodation: Tents (twin sharing).
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 5: Trek to Jhula
Jhula · 3,200 m (10,499 ft)
The trek begins along the Braldu River, with views of Bakhordas Peak.
- Walking: 6–7 hours
- Accommodation: Tents (twin sharing).
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 6: Trek to Paju
Paju · 3,400 m (11,155 ft)
A gradual climb to Paju, with the granite spires of the Trango Towers and the Cathedrals ahead.
- Walking: 6–7 hours
- Accommodation: Tents (twin sharing).
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 7: Rest and Acclimatisation Day at Paju
Paju · 3,400 m (11,155 ft)
A rest day at Paju to acclimatise before the Baltoro Glacier, with an optional short walk.
- Accommodation: Tents (twin sharing).
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 8: Trek to Khoburse
Khoburse · 3,800 m (12,467 ft)
We step onto the Baltoro Glacier, about 63 km long, and walk up its edge to Khoburse.
- Accommodation: Tents (twin sharing).
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 9: Trek to Urdukas
Urdukas · 4,000 m (13,123 ft)
Urdukas sits on grassy slopes above the glacier, with wide views of the granite peaks around it.
- Accommodation: Tents (twin sharing).
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 10: Trek to Goro II
Goro II · 4,300 m (14,108 ft)
A day on the middle of the Baltoro Glacier, with Masherbrum and Gasherbrum IV in view.
- Accommodation: Tents (twin sharing).
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 11: Trek to Concordia
Concordia · 4,691 m (15,390 ft)
Concordia, where the Baltoro and Godwin-Austen glaciers meet, faces K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums.
- Accommodation: Tents (twin sharing).
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 12: Trek to Gasherbrum Base Camp
Gasherbrum Base Camp · 5,100 m (16,732 ft)
From Concordia along the upper Baltoro Glacier to Gasherbrum Base Camp, about 5,100 m, below Gasherbrum I and II. We set up base camp and sort the equipment.
- Accommodation: Gasherbrum Base Camp.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Days 13–15: Rest and Acclimatisation at Gasherbrum Base Camp
Gasherbrum Base Camp · 5,100 m (16,732 ft)
Rest, medical checks, watching the route through the Gasherbrum icefall, planning the rope fixing with the team, and short acclimatisation walks above base camp.
- Accommodation: Gasherbrum Base Camp.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Days 16–40: Climbing Period on Gasherbrum I
Gasherbrum I · 8,080 m (26,509 ft)
The climbing period on Gasherbrum I, by the normal route through the Japanese Couloir: load carries and acclimatisation rotations between base camp and the high camps, rope fixing, rest days at base camp, and the summit attempt when a weather window opens. The high camps are usually set as follows:
- Camp 1: about 6,000 m, above the Gasherbrum icefall
- Camp 2: about 6,400–6,500 m, below the Gasherbrum La
- Camp 3: about 7,000–7,200 m, above the Japanese Couloir
- Summit: 8,080 m
When to start using oxygen is decided on the mountain by the guides and the climbers. The number and timing of summit days depend on the ground staff, the conditions on the mountain and the weather. The decision to turn around is made on the mountain, by consensus between the climbers and our team.
- Accommodation: Gasherbrum Base Camp; high-camp tents on the mountain (Full Board).
- Meals: At base camp: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Above base camp: included in Full Board only.
Day 41: Spare Day for the Summit or the Descent
Gasherbrum Base Camp · 5,100 m (16,732 ft)
A spare day for a summit attempt delayed by the weather, a second summit window, or extra time for the descent.
- Accommodation: Gasherbrum Base Camp.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 42: Trek to Concordia
Concordia · 4,691 m (15,390 ft)
We leave base camp and walk back down the glacier to Concordia.
- Accommodation: Tents (twin sharing).
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 43: Trek to Goro II
Goro II · 4,300 m (14,108 ft)
Back along the Baltoro Glacier.
- Accommodation: Tents (twin sharing).
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 44: Trek to Urdukas
Urdukas · 4,000 m (13,123 ft)
Back along the Baltoro Glacier to Urdukas.
- Accommodation: Tents (twin sharing).
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 45: Trek to Paju
Paju · 3,400 m (11,155 ft)
Down to the snout of the Baltoro Glacier and on to Paju.
- Accommodation: Tents (twin sharing).
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 46: Trek to Jhula
Jhula · 3,200 m (10,499 ft)
Along the Braldu River to Jhula.
- Accommodation: Tents (twin sharing).
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 47: Trek to Askoli
Askoli · 3,000 m (9,843 ft)
The last walking day of the expedition, to Askoli.
- Accommodation: Camp or guesthouse in Askoli.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 48: Drive Back to Skardu
Skardu · 2,230 m (7,316 ft)
A 5–7-hour jeep drive back to Skardu.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Skardu (twin sharing).
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 49: Fly Back to Islamabad
Islamabad · 540 m (1,772 ft)
Flight to Islamabad (or the road journey if the flight is cancelled), then the expedition debriefing.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Islamabad (twin sharing, bed and breakfast).
- Meals: Breakfast included.
Day 50: Departure
Islamabad · 540 m (1,772 ft)
Our staff take you to Islamabad International Airport for your flight home.
- Meals: Breakfast included.
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
7,000
8,000
8,080 m
- Skardu 2,230 m
- Paju 3,400 m
- Goro II 4,300 m
- Gasherbrum Base Camp 5,100 m
- Gasherbrum I 8,080 m
Islamabad
Islamabad
What's included in the price
Two packages. Here is everything each one covers, and what neither includes.
Facilities
- Food
- Satellite Phone
- Transportation
- Hotel Stays
- Camping
- Guiding
| Service | Base Camp Only$10,000 | Full Board$25,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Getting there and hotels | ||
| Hotels: 1 night in Islamabad on arrival and 2 on return, 2 nights in Skardu on arrival and 1 on return, twin sharing; bed and breakfast in Islamabad, all meals in Skardu | Included | Included |
| Islamabad–Skardu return flights (by road if the flight is cancelled) | Included | Included |
| Jeep to Askoli and back | Included | Included |
| Personal baggage allowance: 65 kg (110 lb) | Included | Included |
| Permits and fees | ||
| Gasherbrum I royalty (currently USD 2,500 per person in summer), climbing permit and national park fee | Included | Included |
| Liaison officer: equipment, fees and allowances | Included | Included |
| Garbage and environment fee | Included | Included |
| Visa sponsor letter for your Pakistan mountaineering visa | Included | Included |
| Briefing and debriefing with the Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Department | Included | Included |
| Food and base camp | ||
| All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) on the trek and at base camp; not in Islamabad | Included | Included |
| An experienced Pakistani cook and a full kitchen team | Included | Included |
| Porters to carry all expedition supplies to base camp | Included | Included |
| A personal tent for each climber at base camp | Included | Included |
| Dining tent, toilet and showers | Included | Included |
| Hot water at base camp | Included | Included |
| Solar power for limited charging, and a backup generator for high-voltage devices | Included | Included |
| Communication and safety | ||
| Walkie-talkie radios | Included | Included |
| Group emergency equipment and a satellite phone (fixed call charges) | Included | Included |
| Medical kit, pulse oximeter and a portable altitude chamber (Gamow bag) at base camp | Included | Included |
| Regular weather reports from European sources | Included | Included |
| Wi-Fi at base camp | Included Satellite Wi-Fi on request | Included Satellite Wi-Fi on request |
| Insurance for the guide, cook, kitchen staff, assistants and porters | Included | Included |
| Above base camp: climbing support | ||
| Pakistani high-altitude porter (HAP) | Not included | Included One for every two climbers |
| Local rope-fixing team | Not included | Included |
| Ropes and gear for fixing, and high-altitude ropes | Not included | Included |
| High-camp tents | Not included | Included |
| EPI gas and stoves | Not included | Included |
| Meals, high-altitude food and snacks above base camp (bring your own special bars and gels, which are not available in Pakistan) | Not included | Included |
| Oxygen | Not included | Included 3 bottles per climber, 2 per porter |
| Oxygen mask and regulator for each climber | Not included | Included |
| Extra Pakistani high-altitude porter (HAP) | On request: USD 4,000 per porter | On request: USD 4,000 per porter |
| Extra oxygen | On request: USD 700 per bottle | On request: USD 700 per bottle |
| Extra Nepali Sherpas or a Nepali high-altitude climbing leader | On request, extra cost | On request, extra cost |
Not included in either package
- Your personal climbing equipment and down suit.
- Mountaineering insurance that covers helicopter rescue and evacuation (mandatory; arranged by you).
- Helicopter rescue costs.
- Oxygen beyond the stated allocation (extra bottles USD 700 each, on request).
- Summit bonus (at least USD 1,000 per climber) and staff tips (at least USD 300 per climber).
- Lunch and dinner in Islamabad.
- International flights and the Pakistan visa fee.
- A summit: we do not sell one. The weather, the snow conditions and your own condition decide the outcome, and the decision to turn around is made on the mountain, by consensus between the climbers and our team.
- Extra costs if you or your group return early from the expedition, for any reason (our services are provided as listed in the trip plan).
Why choose Chogori Adventure
- Customers worldwide
- 3,000+
- Trips completed
- 500+
-
Native Company
Authentic journeys, local expertise.
-
Senior Guides
Expert-led journeys crafted with wisdom and a personal touch.
-
Clear Pricing
What's included is listed on each trip.
Resources
Free guides from our local team, so you arrive ready.
FAQs
How high is Gasherbrum I, and which route do you climb?
Gasherbrum I is 8,080 m (26,509 ft); some surveys give 8,068 m. We climb the normal route from Gasherbrum Base Camp at about 5,100 m: through the icefall to Camp 1 (about 6,000 m), Camp 2 (about 6,400–6,500 m), then the Japanese Couloir to Camp 3 (about 7,000–7,200 m).
Why is it called Hidden Peak?
The explorer Martin Conway named it Hidden Peak in 1892, because it stays hidden behind other peaks for most of the walk up the Baltoro Glacier.
Is Gasherbrum I harder than Gasherbrum II?
Yes. The Japanese Couloir is steep and exposed, and the slopes below the summit reach 50–55°. We recommend Gasherbrum II or another 8,000 m peak first.
How long is summit day on Gasherbrum I?
Summit day from the top camp is long, on slopes of 50–55° and a narrow, corniced summit ridge. How many hours it takes depends on the snow, the weather and your pace, so start early and keep to the turnaround time.
Can I climb both Gasherbrum I and II?
Yes. Our Gasherbrum I and II Expedition climbs both peaks from one base camp in 60 days, Gasherbrum II first. Base Camp Only costs $12,000 and Full Board $26,000 per person, with both royalties included.
When is the best time to climb Gasherbrum I?
From 20 June to 5 August. Our fixed departures start on 20 June. Private expeditions can be arranged at any time of year.
What experience do I need?
For a safe climb you should have climbed at least one 7,000 m peak. It is not a strict rule, so tell us about your experience and we will advise you. You also need to be at home on fixed ropes with a jumar and crampons at high altitude. For Gasherbrum I we recommend Gasherbrum II or another 8,000 m peak first.
What is the difference between Base Camp Only and Full Board?
Base Camp Only covers all our services up to and at base camp, and nothing above it. Full Board adds one Pakistani high-altitude porter for every two climbers, a local rope-fixing team with ropes and fixing gear, high-camp tents, gas and stoves, oxygen (3 bottles per climber and 2 for each porter, with a mask and regulator) and meals and high-altitude food above base camp.
How much does the Gasherbrum I expedition cost?
On a fixed departure, Base Camp Only costs $10,000 per person and Full Board $25,000 per person. The Gasherbrum I royalty (currently USD 2,500 per person in summer), permits and the liaison officer are included in both. Our K2 cost guide explains the extras, which are the same.
Do I need a permit or visa?
Yes, both. We get your climbing permit from the Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Department; it is included in both packages. You apply for the Pakistan mountaineering visa online at visa.nadra.gov.pk, with the sponsor letter we send you. For the permit we need a copy of your passport, a passport photo and your climbing CV; send them as early as you can, because the permit takes several weeks.
Do you provide oxygen?
On Full Board, yes: 3 bottles per climber and 2 bottles for each high-altitude porter, with a mask and regulator for each climber. Extra oxygen costs USD 700 a bottle, on request. On Base Camp Only you can buy bottles at the same price, and a mask and regulator for USD 2,000. When to start using oxygen is decided on the mountain by the guides and the climbers.
How many high-altitude porters or Sherpas are there?
Full Board includes one Pakistani high-altitude porter for every two climbers and a local rope-fixing team. An extra Pakistani high-altitude porter costs USD 4,000, on request. Extra Nepali Sherpas or a Nepali high-altitude climbing leader are also available on request, at extra cost. Base Camp Only has no high-altitude porters.
How big are the groups?
From 3 to 10 climbers, on both packages.
Do you guarantee the summit?
No. We do not sell a summit, and we will not imply one. The weather, the snow conditions and your own condition decide the outcome, and the decision to turn around is made on the mountain, by consensus between the climbers and our team.
What else should I budget for?
A summit bonus of at least USD 1,000 per climber and staff tips of at least USD 300 per climber, your personal climbing equipment and down suit, mountaineering insurance with helicopter evacuation, any extra oxygen (USD 700 a bottle) or extra high-altitude porter (USD 4,000), lunch and dinner in Islamabad, international flights and the Pakistan visa fee.
What insurance do I need?
Mountaineering insurance that covers helicopter rescue and evacuation is mandatory, and you arrange it yourself. Helicopter rescue costs are not included in the price.
What is your cancellation policy?
Our standard terms and conditions apply to the deposit, the balance and cancellations. Please read them before you book.
What happens if I return early from the expedition?
If you, or your whole group, decide to return early from the expedition, for any reason, the extra costs this causes are not included in the price and are not covered by us: for example extra hotel nights, extra jeeps or other transport, changed flights, or a guide or porter to take you back. This applies to groups and to individual travellers. Our services are provided as listed in the trip plan for this expedition.
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