Gasherbrum 2, the world's 13th highest peak and one of the fourteen 8000m peaks is situated at the head of Pakistan's Baltoro Glacier with neighbouring giants such as K2, Hidden Peak (Gasherbrum 1) and Broad Peak.
Whether this is your first 8000m peak or your third, the nature of climbing in this region will have its own unique flavour.
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The climbing on Gasherbrum 2 is not especially steep but the remoteness of the setting makes this an especially rewarding experience.
The expedition will attempt the normal route on the peak and establish three camps before mounting the summit attempt.
This is a big mountain expedition, and although it is regarded as slightly harder than Cho Oyu, it is an ideal training peak for Everest.
Adventure Consultants is renowned for the quality of its service and strategy applied to high altitude expedition climbing. Our reputation is attributed to meticulous planning and experienced logistics coordination. We have a philosophy of investing in every expedition to offer our climbers the best possible chance of success.
We employ strong and specialised Expedition leaders and local staff, who are some of the most pre-eminent in the industry. We pride ourselves on operating with small teams, the best back-up and support available. This includes nutritious and ample quantities of food, comfortable base camp facilities, reliable communications systems and the necessary medical back up.
Many of our expedition members come to us because they have seen us in action on a previous trip and decide to opt for our level of service and proven experience. Others return because they know we do our very best to make expeditions safe and successful.
Inclusions
The price of your trip includes the following:
Exclusions
The price of your trip does not include:
Account Information
All payments should be made by bank transfer to the following bank and account:
Bank of New Zealand
Offshore Branch
1 Willis Street
Wellington
New Zealand
for the account of Adventure Consultants Limited
Account # 1000-594771-0000
Account Type: US Dollars
Swift Address: BKNZNZ22
Note: All bank transfer charges are for the remitters account.
We can also accept your deposit by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex), and your balance payment by credit card plus a 3% credit card fee.
Deposit
A non-refundable deposit will be payable to secure a place on this expedition.
Balance
The balance of funds is payable 90 days prior to trip start date.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Once you have paid your deposit your trip is confirmed, subject to payment of the balance of fees owing 90 days prior to your trip commencement date. An expedition member may then cancel his/her participation on the following basis:
Trip Cancellation Insurance
Team members should take out private insurance if they wish to be covered against cancellation due to medical or personal reasons. This is called Trip Cancellation insurance and can be obtained through your normal travel agent.
The Expedition Trip Notes provide detailed information and background for the Adventure Consultants Gasherbrum 2 Expedition.
You can view the trip notes online by clicking the image or download a pdf by clicking the following link:
Gasherbrum 2 Expedition Trip Notes
Team Membership
The team will have a maximum size of 10 members and 2 guides. The Base Camp will be staffed by a Pakistani cook and helper. A team of high altitude porters will carry loads and help support the summit climb.
Our Guides
The expedition leader will be scheduled approximately six months out from the trip start. All of our trip leaders to the 8000m peaks have extensive experience at high altitude and a proven record of safety, success and compatibility.
Head Office Support Team
Running successful journeys and expeditions is more about experience, knowledge and strategic management than any other factors. As an organisation, we place a substantial amount of time and resources into ensuring our trips are well planned and supported. You can be assured that the AC staff will provide you with friendly advice and knowledgeable support throughout the planning stages of your trip and we will be there to provide backup while the trip is running.
Amelia Crofut-Brittingham, Client Liaison
Amelia has been with Adventure Consultants since October 2017 in the role of Client Liaison for European and Himalayan Operations. Having spent many years working in the ski industry, Amelia brings a wealth of experience to her role.
Your Health
Expedition members will be provided with pre-trip medical advice and a medical questionnaire and asked to visit their family physician to receive a full medical examination. This information will be sighted only by the expedition leader and our medical adviser and treated with full confidentiality.
Level of Experience Required
G2 is a relatively straightforward climb in good conditions. Conditions are the crux of climbing in Pakistan, as the weather is less settled than further east in Nepal and storm cycles can persist for extended periods. Consequently we have a 30-day window for ascending the mountain with our summit bid being timed to coincide with the best weather statistically.
Climbers contemplating this climb should have a strong background in mountaineering skills and have experienced altitude above 5,500m prior to this expedition. Commonly climbers will have previously climbed Denali, Aconcagua or the various Mexican volcanoes or even other 8000m peaks as training for this climb.
A fierce determination and burning desire to climb the mountain are essential ingredients for this expedition. The guides and other expedition staff will provide the leadership, tactics and overall decision making during the climb allowing you to concentrate all your energies to completing the climb. See our Fitness Training Programs for information on how we can help you prepare for the expedition.
What You Carry
Climbers will be expected to carry only their own equipment and a small amount of group gear. We will use the services of the strong local high altitude porters (HAP’s) to help with establishing high camps
Food
Food will be of the highest standard possible, given the remoteness of the situation. Please inform us if you have any special dietary requirements.
Clothing & Equipment
Expedition members will be sent a list detailing all necessary clothing and equipment to be individually provided.
| Day | |
| 1 | Arrival in Islamabad |
| 2 | Briefing with Ministry of Tourism |
| 3-4 | Fly Islamabad to Skardu (or drive if the weather is not suitable to fly), hire porters |
| 5 | Day in Skardu, packing and sorting gear |
| 6 | Travel to Askole |
| 7 | Trek to Jula |
| 8 | Trek to Paiju |
| 9 | Rest day |
| 10 | Trek to Urdukas |
| 11 | Trek to Goro |
| 12 | Trek to Concordia |
| 13 | Trek to Shagharing |
| 14 | Trek to Gasherbrum Base Camp |
| 15 | Rest day and camp set up |
| 16 | Rest and gear prep |
| 17-40 | Climb Gasherbrum 2 |
| 41-46 | Depart Base Camp for Skardu |
| 47-48 | Skardu to Islamabad |
| 49 | Contingency Day |
| 50 | Trip Ends |
Adventure Consultants recommends the following travel insurance and rescue insurance options, although this is only just a start! Once you book on a trip with AC, your Client Liaison will help you by sending through advice on your options;
RIPCORD RESCUE TRAVEL INSURANCE
RipCord is the leading medical evacuation program offering elite evacuation and rescue services. With their new partnership with TravelEx, they can also now provide the benefits of a traditional travel insurance product with their just released, RipCord Rescue Travel Insurance™. This is specifically designed for the adventure enthusiast with unique trip cancellation/interruption, medical expense, sporting equipment and other coverage benefits to protect your financial investment.
RipCord is powered by Redpoint Resolutions, an elite team of special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliate physicians, paramedics, nurses, former intelligence officers and other medical/security experts comprising the most experienced team in the industry. They will rescue you from the field wherever your emergency occurs and evacuate you to your home country hospital of choice.
RipCord rescues you from the field if you have an emergent medical condition that will result in significant permanent injury and/or death, but does not require hospitalisation.
RipCord are proud to partner with Adventure Consultants to provide RipCord’s industry leading rescue, evacuation and travel insurance coverage to its clients.
Adventure Consultants can also assist with purchasing polar cover for Antarctic expeditions and if interested in this, please contact RipCord directly for a specialised quote.
GLOBAL RESCUE MEMBERSHIP SERVICES
Adventure Consultants also recommends the rescue evacuation and security membership/services provided by Global Rescue, which provides transport from the point of illness/injury back to your home countries hospital of your choice. TotalCare provides real-time access to medical information and coming soon, this includes urgent card and speciality consultations from some of the world’s health physicians at the Elite Medical Group and John Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore.
Recently Global Rescue has released a new travel insurance product, the Signature Travel Insurance option. This has no height limitation and gives comprehensive cover for trip cancellation/interruption, medical and dental expenses, delays, lost luggage as well as optional add-ons to ‘cancel or interrupt for any reason. This is currently only available to US Residents.
Click here to find out more about this insurance cover which covers climbing and is thus suitable for many of our expeditions.
Please note you will be emailed a set of Team Reference Notes for your chosen expedition, upon registration. This extensive booklet includes detailed information to assist in the planning of your trip; from travel and medical advice to equipment lists and photography tips. The following is to serve as a helpful guideline but please feel free to call or e-mail if you have any further questions. Our team is here to help!
How long have Adventure Consultants been in operation?
Adventure Consultants started in 1990 and we have been guiding internationally ever since.
A few outfitters ‘claim’ to have the same level of experience and prestige with that of Adventure Consultants. In this league, what makes you the first choice for your climbers?
We are renowned for the quality of our service and strategy applied to our expeditions. Our reputation is attributed to our meticulous planning and logistics coordination done by our head office. Nowhere else will you find a team of people more dedicated to your success! From when you contact the AC office, to the time you step on the mountain, our customer service is second to none. The AC team of guides and Sherpas will ensure that this is run to our high standards and hence, this will be an enjoyable expedition with a great group of people.
Will I be sharing? Is there a single option available on this trip?
A single supplement is available - please contact our office for further details.
What showers and laundry facilities will be available on the expedition?
We do offer shower facilities on all our 8,000m expeditions and these will be made available as often as possible. We advise people to bring wet-wipes for impromptu washes in between available showers. It is also possible to hand wash clothes at Base Camp between climbing cycles.
Would you let us know what food will be available?
If you have any special treat that you like, we encourage you to bring some along. You’ll get breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as snacks, and ample hot and cold drinks. Please indicate any specific dietary requirements that you may have on your application form and we are happy to accommodate for those with specific diets. All of our expeditions provide excellent local and western food! On the mountain, we usually have a wide variety of MRE (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) meals, these are significantly tastier than freeze dried, as they are real food vacuum-sealed and ready to heat and eat.
We work really hard to make sure our food is second to none and our food is rated so highly that our guides are frequently seen chasing guides and clients from other expeditions out of our mess tents!
Where do we meet? Will I be picked up?
Please plan to fly into Islamabad. An Adventure Consultants guide or representative will be there to pick you up off your flight on the scheduled arrival date. If you are arriving before the scheduled trip start date, we can often make arrangements for a pickup although taking a taxi is generally the easiest form of transport before your trip starts.
Do I need to arrive the day before the trip starts? And when should I book my flight to leave?
No, our trip programmes all have an arrival day and a departure day built into them. You are welcome, and encouraged, to arrive a bit earlier to explore your arrival and departure city if you have the time. Before your expedition you will receive a “final details” letter. This will let you know the time and place to meet your guides. An AC representative will meet you at the airport; the first of many team briefings will take place on the evening of Day One. Please do not book to depart before the scheduled final trip itinerary day.
What is the best way to get to Pakistan?
For European climbers, there are direct flights to Islamabad originating from the UK, Istanbul, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Milan, Oslo and Paris. From North America, Pakistan International Airlines has a direct flight from Toronto and there are also connections available from UAE, Doha, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, amongst others.
My travel agent says I can just get an ‘e’ ticket (electronic ticket) and will not need to be actually issued a physical ticket.
'E' tickets are the standard practice these days and are now acceptable in most locations. Do ensure that you print your itinerary and have your booking number with you, as this allows our local agents to assist with changing your return flight plans if need be, while you are in the mountains.
When should I book my ticket?
Generally, we ask you to wait until 90 days prior to your trip start date to ensure that your trip has met the minimum numbers and will operate. If you see a good deal and want to book your flights, then ensure that you can make changes to your tickets or you run the risk of losing your ticket if we do have to cancel the trip.
Can I get a cheap ticket online?
The problem with these tickets is that you usually end up having to pay quite a lot more if you have to make any changes to your ticket. Some of the places we go to aren't straightforward and we highly recommend using a travel agent for such travel, as there are many intricacies that they can help you with. In the long run, they save you money! We use professional travel agents for all our staff and guides' travel bookings to our expedition and trek destinations.
Can I arrive early or depart late?
Of course. On a trip as long as this, we request that you arrive in Islamabad by the assigned date, to assure your baggage makes it on time and you have time to recover from jet lag before going to altitude. It is impossible on this expedition to catch the group if you are arriving late and still waiting for lost baggage! We can arrange extra nights in your hotel. Many people depart from our expeditions later to enjoy the local sights and sounds, but do keep in mind that this is a long expedition and we find that people often want to head home as quickly as possible after the climb finishes.
Do I need to get a visa?
Yes. Most travelers wishing to visit Pakistan must obtain a visa from one of the Pakistani diplomatic missions. Some nationalities are eligible for visa on arrival if traveling as part of a group tour, but Pakistan does not offer visa-on-arrival for individuals. Do also make sure that your passport has at least six months validity.
Do you have a recommended list of clothing we should bring?
Once we have received your application we will post out a set of Team Reference Notes which includes an assortment of information including detailed equipment lists. Any questions you have after reading through this will be directed to our Equipment Coordinator. They can assist you in preparing for the trip as well as recommend and source a range of clothing and equipment suitable for the climb via our gear retail service.
Do I really need all the equipment on the equipment list?
Yes, these lists have been carefully prepared so please bring everything on the list! AC has a dedicated equipment coordinator that will assist with your equipment enquiries/purchases during the lead up to the expedition start date.
Can I bring food and other gear not on the list?
Absolutely! Most members of our expeditions end up bringing "the kitchen sink!" We encourage you to bring some of your favourite goodies and tech toys, as Base Camp will become our home away from home. The more comfortable you are, the more energy you have for the climb, so every little thing helps!
How heavy will my pack be?
We will have the luxury of strong local high altitude porters (HAPs) to help with establishing high camps, although climbers will be expected to only carry their own equipment and a small amount of group gear. This is achieved by taking small amounts of your gear to the higher camps each time you go, however there are times when you must carry all your personal gear at one time making for a fairly heavy load. When you put all your gear into a pack it still amounts to between 18-25kg so the load is not insignificant and you must come prepared for the high level of physical output. This reinforces the need to take just the right amount of equipment with you on the mountain and to ensure you are 'pack fit’ before you arrive on the expedition.
Given the large amount of equipment that I need to bring, can I send freight ahead?
Sending your equipment ahead by freight is not as easy as it sounds. The costs can be considerable with expensive clearance and duty fees, and time delays getting your gear out of customs. We advise against it, but if considering it, please contact us to discuss the process and associated costs.
How warm do we need our sleeping bags to be? Will there be extra blankets available if required?
This will be clearly stated in your recommended gear list. In general, you will need a sleeping bag warm enough for you in conditions that can be as cold as freezing. Blankets are generally not available so pay careful attention to what bag we recommend. We suggest buying a sleeping bag big enough to allow you to wear some clothes in if it is especially cold. Sleeping in a warm hat can greatly improve a bag's warmth.
What altitude medication will be available on the expedition? Do we need to take tablets before/ during the trek/expedition?
All our guides carry extensive medical kits including Diamox, Dexamethasone, Nifedipine and Sildenafil for altitude illness, and some of our bigger expeditions even have their own doctor. You need to bring any medications you regularly use (don’t forget to tell us about them) plus extra. Also, bring a small first aid kit including a blister kit and mild headache medication for the normal altitude headaches.
What sort of O2 masks do you use?
We use Summit and Topout masks plus regulators.
What is the oxygen bottle size?
We use 4 litre Poisk bottles, which are the lightest available at 3.5kg each.
What is Max Ox? How does it work?
The Max Ox option is simple and in this era of better O2 systems, we wanted to offer our team members every possible advantage to summit. The Max Ox O2 option allows you to climb on a higher flow rate, thus increasing your chance of success.
Who goes on your trips?
Our climbers come from a wide variety of backgrounds, interests, countries and skill levels. From those seeking skill development to those seeking assistance with the world's highest mountains or purely adventure, we provide courses, expeditions, treks and guided ascents for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.
Can I contact other climbers or guides for this expedition?
Yes, we encourage that. Perhaps there is someone in your area that can become a training partner, perhaps they can help you source some hard to find gear. The bottom line is that it’s a good idea to have some contact with folks that you will share this experience with. We respect the privacy of each team member and check with each person before releasing any contact details.
How many guides/porters will be assigned to our group?
A ratio of climbers to western guides is stated on each trip’s web page in the downloadable ‘trip notes’. High altitude porters are assigned depending on the size of the group.
Should I tip my guide staff?
This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from 20USD to 10,000USD for an 8,000m expedition tip. Tipping is not required, but a small way to show your guides thanks for their help. The level of the tip should reflect the level of personal involvement with your guide. You will have a high degree of contact with some of the staff, while others will be working away in the background providing necessary services to keep the expedition running and therefore we feel it is appropriate to include them in the tipping pool.
Can my friends and family join me on the trek into Base Camp?
Yes, this is possible on some of our expeditions so if interested in exploring this option, please do enquire directly with the Adventure Consultants office.
I would like to arrange a private trip, is this possible?
We are happy to arrange a private group trip and we have run many successful private trips and expeditions including summits of 8,000m peaks such as Gasherbrum 2 and Kanchenjunga, all of the Seven Summits and remote destinations such as Antarctica. Some clients enjoy the added privacy and schedule flexibility that a private expedition allows, so you can hike and climb at your own pace and enjoy the mountains on your own terms. There is no specific group size, but obviously larger groups are more cost effective. Please contact the office for more information.
What kind of physical condition should I be in for a climb at high altitude?
You should be in the best shape of your life! We invite you to check out our Fitness Training Programmes page and recommend checking with your physician before embarking on strenuous physical activity. For our high altitude climbing, you should be comfortable walking for 5-9 hours with a weighted pack, although summit days on some peaks can be over 20 hours long! Pack weight can be 18-25kg on carry days on high altitude expeditions, but only 5-7kg on summit day and on the trek in. Working out every day, then day long hikes with a weighted pack on the weekends is generally a good realistic training programme. Day by day the challenges are different, but the more prepared you are, both mentally and physically, the smoother your trip will go.
How long is a typical day on the mountain?
It depends on the day and your level of acclimatisation. At the beginning of the trip, everything seems slower and longer, but as you get more adjusted to the mountain, the days go quicker. Average days can be 5-10 hours long. Summit day can be up to 20 hours long.
How do you train for a trip like this?
Our standard response to this question is that you become a climber first, and everything else during this portion of your life comes second. This is the level of dedication to your training, both mental and physical, that you need to have. We have specific ideas around training and great book suggestions to help you along. Please look over our Fitness Training Programmes page for details. If you require more information please contact our office and we will be happy to put you in touch with one of our senior guides for a consultation and we can also link you with our training coach to design a training programme for you.
Will there be any power source for charging batteries and electronic equipment throughout the expedition? What voltage requirements?
We take solar panels and battery power packs on our expeditions. Our first priority is to charge our computers, satellite phones and expedition electrical equipment. There is usually enough power to then charge your personal electrical equipment. If your equipment has a cigarette lighter type car charger, bring that and you can plug it in to charge. We do NOT recommend bringing rechargeable digital cameras, they tend to run out when power is not available. Use cameras with replaceable batteries and we recommend lithium batteries. We can cater for special power requirements at an extra cost - please enquire with our office.
Will there be any access to a satellite phone? If yes then what would be the charges for usage?
Yes, most of our expedition guides take satellite phones and you are welcome to use these at US$3 to $4 per minute depending on the region.
I want to contact my friend or relative, who is on one of your trips, how can I reach them?
Most of our expeditions send daily internet dispatches, and we receive updates from our guides while they are in the field. The best place to reach a loved one is through our office.
What weather report service do you use?
We receive comprehensive weather forecasts from our Swiss meteorologists which enable us to plan our ascent around favourable weather. Additional meteorological interpretation provided by veteran high altitude guides through our head office in New Zealand helps manage the decision-making process.
What insurance do we need to get?
On all of our international expeditions, there is a requirement for each expedition member to have insurance to cover any personal or medical mishaps that may occur before or during the expedition. This should cover you for any costs incurred in the event of any illness, medical emergency or evacuation that occurs while on the expedition as well as trip cancellation, baggage loss, damage or theft, or any other such mishap that may occur. In addition to evacuation & medical insurance, we recommend to all our expedition members to buy trip cancellation insurance on sign up for your expedition. It is also highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance policy to provide cover for trip interruption, baggage loss, damage or theft, delayed flights or other such incidents that may occur during your trip. Contact us for expedition insurance advice.
Do I need evacuation insurance?
Yes, it is very important. Many of our expeditions are in remote places with no roads and third world medical services. In the unlikely event that you get sick, you want to get to good medical care ASAP.
Who do you recommend for insurance?
Coverage varies based on your nationality and the trip that you are taking with us. When you have booked on for a trip with us, we will send you comprehensive information on various insurance options which will serve as a good starting point for obtaining the best coverage available for yourself.
What is Trip Cancellation Insurance?
Trip cancellation insurance is an option that may allow you to cancel your trip without losing the total cost of the trip. Adventure Consultants highly recommends cancellation insurance for all of our trips, including our courses. If circumstances cause us to cancel a trip (minimum numbers are not reached or travel to a country becomes too dangerous) then we refund your fees paid but trip cancellation insurance covers your airfare and any other costs you may have incurred.
Can I pay by credit card?
We can accept the expedition deposit/balance payment by credit card and this incurs a 3% card fee. Please contact our office or visit our secure credit card page to send us your credit card details.
What is included in the cost of my trip? Does it include airfare?
Each specific trip page on the website has a section as well as a downloadable pdf document with exactly what is and what is not included on the trip. International airfares are not included in the trip price. We can, however, recommend excellent travel agents whom we have worked with in your country should you require help with arranging your international airfare.
How much should I budget for this expedition? How much cash should I plan to bring?
In addition to staff gratuities, you will also need to take funds for the likes of laundry, bottled water, alcohol, showers and any other sundry purchases that you may make. Approximately US$300-500 will suffice.
Why are you sometimes more expensive than other operators?
Many of our trips are very similar in price to our competitors. Some companies even wait for us to set our prices and use ours as a guideline! Some of our main selling points, which sometimes do cost more are; internationally qualified western guides, proven dependable local operators, small group sizes and safe client to guide ratios, quality equipment and high summit success rates, among other things. You do get what you pay for which is why we stand out from the rest. Many clients come to us after failing on one of our competitors ‘cheaper’ trips.
How do I sign up for a trip?
The best way to reserve your space on a trip is to call our offices or complete our online booking form. Return this with the trip deposit either through a telegraphic transfer (information is in our trip notes downloaded from the specific trip page) or by using our secure credit card page. Phone our New Zealand head office on +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:30pm PST + 19 hours) or Freephone 1-866-757-8722 from North America.
I love the photographs in your brochure and on your website, are they for sale?
Yes, our images are available for licensing or purchase.
What is the best equipment for photography in Alpine environments?
There is an extensive section in our reference notes, which are sent out on receipt of your trip registration form and deposit, explaining about photography in the mountains.
Remember photos are wonderful records of your expedition but keep camera gear simple and light to best enjoy the trip you are on. Disposable and digital cameras are the lightest weight, but all cameras have maintenance issues that need to be carefully considered before bringing them to high elevations.
I want to become a mountain guide, where do I start?
Those with limited experience generally start by taking an alpine climbing course and then go out and climb for a few years. You generally should have at least 5 years of climbing and/or teaching/guiding experience. You need avalanche and medical training and then you can apply to do a NZ Mountain Guides Course or the equivalent in your country, aligned with the IFMGA. Check the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association web pages for a complete description.
