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Field guides / Baltistan Division / Shigar / Gasherbrum II
Field guide · Mountains
Baltistan Division
Shigar District · Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
At 8,035 m the world's 13th-highest mountain, one of the most frequently climbed 8,000 m peaks, sharing base camp with Gasherbrum I near Concordia.
Gasherbrum II stands at 8,035 m, the world's 13th-highest mountain, sharing base camp with Gasherbrum I at the head of the Baltoro Glacier. First climbed in 1956 by the Austrian expedition of Fritz Moravec, it is considered one of the more frequently climbed 8,000 m peaks due to its relatively straightforward technical profile on the south-southeast ridge.
Why go
Gasherbrum II sees more summit traffic than most 8,000 m peaks due to its relatively predictable weather window and established route. For serious mountaineers, a combined permit with Gasherbrum I is a classic double-header challenge.
Base camp at around 5,200 m is reachable by non-climbers on the standard Baltoro trek. The view from Concordia with GII's pyramid rising to the south is one of the iconic mountain panoramas of Pakistan.
Planning tip
Best Time to Visit, June to August for climbing; May to September for base camp trekking.
Getting there, Via Skardu and Askole to Baltoro Glacier, the same approach shared with K2 and Gasherbrum I.
Allow, 8-10 days to base camp from Skardu; full expedition 6-8 weeks.
Straight-line distance from Gasherbrum II, within 30 km.
