Gasherbrum means “Shining Wall”. Highest (8,068m/26,470ft) among the six peaks of the huge massif, it has been called ‘Hidden Peak’ by nineteenth century British explorer Conway. There are six Gasherbrum Peaks; Hidden peak is the highest one among them. It is world’s eleventh highest peak with challenging technical difficulties at lower level of ascent. Its first part of climb is steep snow and ice with rocks then easy climb on snow and mixed slops. The most common route is North West Face. The first successful ascend was made on July 5, 1958 by an American Expedition led by Mr. Nick Clinch when his two fellow climbers Pete Schoening and Andy Kauffman reached on the summit for the first time. Gasherbrum I is one to the “least popular” of the 8000 meter peaks. It still has less than 200 ascents and is in tenth spot on the ascent-list for the 8000 meter peaks. It is also one of the peaks with least deaths, but this probably has to do with the fact that only really experienced mountaineers try a peak as difficult as Gasherbrum I. |
Day 1 Arrive Islamabad Day 2 Briefing at Ministry of Tourism. Meeting with LO Day 3 Fly to Skardu (1 hr) or drive to Chilas Day 4 Day free at Skardu or drive Chilas-Skardu (8-10 hrs) Day 5 By jeeps to Askole (8-9 hrs) at 3000 meters Day 6 Dumordu River to Jhola (8-9 hrs Day 7 Trek to Paiyu, good views of Baltoro and trango group (7 hrs) Day 8 Day free at Paiyu for acclimatization (3600m Day 10 Urdukas: 4-5 hrs walk mostly along the crest of lateral Day 9 To Khuburtze (5-8 hrs): 4000 m |
moraine Day 11 Goro II: Glacier for 3-4 hrs to the camp site at 4500 meters Day 12 Concordia: 5-6 hours slightly easy walk, with spectacular views Day 13 6 hours trek to Gasherbrum base camp. Day 14 –40 Climb Gasherbrum Day 41-47 Return to Askole and drive to Skardu. Day 48-Fly to Islamabad or drive to Chilas. Day 49 Day free at Islamabad or drive to Islamabad Day 50-Am de-briefing, pm fly home. |
