Gasherbrum 2 Expedition
The Gasherbrum 2 Expedition is now open for registration for the 2023–24 season. Standing proudly at 8,035 meters (26,362 ft), Gasherbrum 2 — often called G2 — is the 13th highest mountain in the world. Despite its immense height, it’s considered one of the more approachable 8,000-meter peaks, drawing climbers from all around the globe who wish to test their endurance in the raw wilderness of the Karakoram.
About the Expedition
The expedition is led by Dan Mazur, a highly experienced climber who has successfully guided teams on Mount Everest, Broad Peak, K2, and several other Himalayan summits. This adventure offers a complete mountaineering experience — transportation across the Karakoram, accommodation, meals, professional staff, climbing Sherpas, and shared expedition equipment.
Climbers joining this expedition will experience life at high altitudes, away from crowds, surrounded by towering snow-covered peaks and untouched natural landscapes. For some, this climb even provides the opportunity to attempt two 8,000-meter summits in one expedition.
The first successful ascent of Gasherbrum 2 was made on July 7, 1956, by an Austrian team led by Fritz Moravec, Josef Larch, and Hans Willenpart.
Location and Geography
Gasherbrum 2 rises in the heart of the Karakoram range, near the upper Baltoro Glacier, close to the border of Pakistan and China. It is the third-highest among the Gasherbrum peaks, following Gasherbrum I and Broad Peak.
Although it shares its fame with K2, only a fraction of the number of climbers who have summited Everest or K2 have stood atop Gasherbrum 2. Its topographical prominence is 461 meters (1,512 ft), and some geographers consider Gasherbrum III a sub-peak of G2 because of their close elevation.
The Name and Its History
The name Gasherbrum originates from the Balti language, where rgasha means “beautiful” and brum means “mountain.” Many mistakenly believe it translates to “Shining Wall,” but that description actually belongs to nearby Gasherbrum IV.
The mountain was first discovered and mapped in 1856 by Thomas George Montgomerie, a British Royal Engineer and a member of the Great Trigonometric Survey, who labeled it K4 — the fourth peak of the Karakoram.
In 2011, Leila Esfandyari, an Iranian climber, reached the summit but tragically lost her life on the descent. That same year, Cory Richards, Denis Urubko, and Simone Moro made the first winter ascent of Gasherbrum 2 on February 2, 2011, without porters or supplemental oxygen — a historic feat that Richards documented, making him the first American to climb an 8,000-meter peak in winter. Later, in July 2018, Felix Berg and Adam Bielecki successfully made what is believed to be the first ascent of the true West Face.
Highlights of the Gasherbrum 2 Expedition
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Journey deep into the heart of the Karakoram.
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Experience the traditions and warm hospitality of the Balti people.
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Trek across the Baltoro and Godwin-Austen Glaciers.
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Witness the sunrise from Concordia, facing the towering K2 and Broad Peak.
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Climb one of the most accessible 8000-meter peaks in the world.
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Explore the untouched, wild beauty of the Baltoro region.
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Enjoy the stunning views of Nanga Parbat and K2 en route to Skardu.
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Discover the ancient mountain kingdom of Baltistan, known for its culture and resilience.
Climbing Experience
Climbers describe Gasherbrum 2 as challenging yet achievable — similar in difficulty to Cho Oyu. The route to the base camp (B.C.) follows the Baltoro Glacier, which is often hailed as one of the most scenic treks in the world.
Once on the climb, mountaineers face stretches of icy ridges, snow walls, and crevassed glaciers. The ascent involves trekking across the Gasherbrum Glacier, setting up multiple camps along steep ridges — with Camp 2 typically established around 6,400 meters. The climb can be physically demanding, but it rewards climbers with unmatched views of the Karakoram skyline.
In 2004, during a short weather window at the end of the climbing season, 38 climbers from various nations successfully reached the summit of Gasherbrum 2.
What It Takes to Climb Gasherbrum 2
Climbing Gasherbrum 2 demands exceptional endurance, determination, and the ability to withstand extreme isolation and cold. Mountaineers must be prepared for long waiting periods during bad weather, sleepless nights on glaciers, and the mental challenges of expedition life.
Despite these hardships, those who conquer the peak describe it as a life-changing experience — a true test of physical and emotional strength.
Best Route and Access
Most expeditions to Gasherbrum 2 span around 55 days, starting from Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital. From there, climbers either fly or drive to Skardu, the gateway to the Karakoram.
From Skardu, the journey to the Gasherbrum base camp begins with a ten-hour jeep ride through one of Baltistan’s most scenic yet rugged valleys. The drive itself is a thrilling adventure, winding through steep cliffs and narrow roads carved into the mountainsides.
During this stretch, weather conditions can greatly affect travel — heavy rainfall or strong winds can trigger rockfalls, making the route dangerous at times. Patience, skill, and a reliable vehicle are essential for navigating the terrain safely.
The Gasherbrum 2 Expedition is not just a climb — it’s a complete journey through the dramatic landscapes of northern Pakistan. From the warmth of Baltistan’s mountain villages to the icy grandeur of the Karakoram peaks, every moment challenges and inspires.
For seasoned climbers and passionate adventurers, Gasherbrum 2 offers a rare combination of technical challenge, cultural immersion, and raw natural beauty. It remains one of the most captivating experiences for anyone drawn to the world’s great mountains.