General

Gasherbrum I Expedition 2024-25 (Karakoram)

Gasherbrum I Expedition registration is now open. We are offering Gasherbrum I Expedition departures (guided and non-guided) for mountaineers and alpinists from around the world.

Including our Gasherbrum I Expedition, we offer 7,000 to 8,000m expeditions and the following 8,000m plus expeditions for given in the table below.

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Gasherbrum I Expedition – Dates and Cost – 2024-25

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Gasherbrum I Expedition – Holiday Information

What's Included in Full-board Service?

*inclusions are given below

  1. High Altitude Climbing Leader/Sherpa hired from Nepal (request for details)
  2. Rope fixing team of Sherpas hired from Nepal (request for details) according to the composition below. 
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  3. Lodging above base camp
  4. Group climbing gear/equipment (tent, rope, ice crew, snow-bar, EPI gas, cooking pots, stoves, gas, etc)
  5. Meals above base camp during climb ((high altitude food/snacks)
  6. All meals during trek to base camp and at base-camp (B,L,D)
  7. Four (4) nights stay in Islamabad hotel on arrival and two on return (bed & breakfast only)
  8. Lodging at base camp (single supplement)
  9. Full base camp with dinning tent, bathroom, showers & solar charge
  10. All internal/domestic transport
  11. All domestic flights
  12. 65kgs (110 lbs) personal baggage
  13. Permit & royalty fee
  14. Liason officer(s) - equipment fee and allowance
  15. Group emergency equipment/satellite phone service with fixed calling charge
  16. Staff insurance (guide, cook, kitchen staff, assistant(s) & porters etc)
  17. Experienced cook from Pakistan
  18. Kitchen staff
  19. Porters for all expedition supplies
  20. Solar power at base camp
  21. Electricity generator (backup for high voltage devices)
  22. Communication radio (walkie talkie)
  23. Weather reports from European sources

What's Included in Base Camp Service?

*crossed out items below are not included in Base Camp service.

  1. High Altitude Climbing Leader/Sherpa hired from Nepal (request for details)
  2. Rope fixing team of three Sherpas hired from Nepal (request for details)
  3. Lodging above base camp 
  4. Group climbing gear/equipment (tent, rope, ice crew, snow-bar, EPI gas, cooking pots, stoves, gas, etc)
  5. Meals above base camp during climb ((high altitude food/snacks)
  6. All meals during trek to base camp and at base-camp (B,L,D)
  7. Four (4) nights stay in Islamabad hotel on arrival and two on return (bed & breakfast only)
  8. Lodging at base camp (single supplement)
  9. Full base camp with dinning tent, bathroom, showers & solar charge
  10. All internal/domestic transport
  11. All domestic flights
  12. 65kgs (110 lbs) personal baggage
  13. Permit & royalty fee
  14. Liason officer(s) - equipment fee and allowance
  15. Group emergency equipment/satellite phone service with fixed calling charge
  16. Staff insurance (guide, cook, kitchen staff, assistant(s) & porters etc)
  17. Experienced cook from Pakistan
  18. Kitchen staff
  19. Porters for all expedition supplies
  20. Solar power at base camp
  21. Electricity generator (backup for high voltage devices)
  22. Communication radio (walkie talkie)
  23. Weather reports from European sources

What's not Included in both Base Camp Service & Full-Board Service?

  1. Personal climbing Sherpa - USD 12, 113 (includes wages, kit allowance, royalty fee, return flight fares from Nepal, meals in Pakistan, oxygen cyclinders & mask/regulator for climb, accommodation, etc)
  2. Supplemental Oxygen for climbers (3 cylinders recommended) - Prices given below. 
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  3. Oxygen set for climber - includes regulator, mask, hoses, carriage to high camps - USD 980
  4. Summit bonus for personal Sherpa of US$ 1500
  5. International airfare
  6. Personal climbing equipment for any 8,000m peak, clothing & sleeping equipment
  7. Mountain climbing rescue and evacuation insurance policy - mandatory
  8. Personal equipment cargo to/from Islamabad
  9. Pakistan visa fee
  10. Tips/gratuities to staff, cook, assistant(s) of US$ 490 in total
  11. Meals in Islamabad
  12. Extra hotel nights after the climb
  13. Trip cancellation insurance
  14. All expenses incurred in the event of early wind-up/summit (extra hotel nights, meals at hotels, evacuation)
  15. Charges incurred due to delays beyond the control of Apricot Tours (Force majeure)
  16. Personal communication (phone, fax, e-mail) between Pakistan and home country.

 

Highlights – Gasherbrum I Expedition

  • Very competitive prices for an eight thousander peak
  • Field office and permanent staff for logistical arrangements to and from the mountain
  • Itinerary based on our mountain guide's indigenous knowledge and vast experience
  • Spectacular mountain vistas during the expedition
  • Apricot Tours is a fully licensed native adventure company
  • Fixed departures are normally guided by our Pakistani High Altitude Climber(s) (HAC)
  • Private groups are always one of our top priorities
  • We cater to both guided expeditions and non-guided (alpine style) climbing
  • We cater to both "base camp services" and "full board services"
  • Nepalese Sherpas available upon timely request (at least 6 months prior to arrival in Pakistan)
  • The following High Altitude Support available at extra cost
    a. Pakistani High Altitude Porter (HAP) - Will carry 20 kg of personal equipment between camps
    b. Nepalese Private Sherpa (personal guide/porter) – Carries up to 20 kg (44lbs) of your personal equipment, climbs with you, melts water, cooks, and will be with you every step of the way.
    c. Personal equipment carriage service – Sherpa carries up to 10kg (22lbs) of personal equipment up and down the mountain between camps

 

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive at Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 540 m

Our guide(s) will receive you from the airport. Soon you will be transferred to hotels. On this day, our participants can relax and recover from their long journey.

Pickup information
It is very easy to spot our guide, holding orange placards with our company’s logo and your name on it. You must arrive at Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad. International flights normally arrive at midnight or in the afternoon. You must give us the details of your flights, both inbound and outbound at least five days prior to your arrival in Pakistan. Our staff/guide will receive you at the gates of international arrivals unless you are taking a connecting flight from another city of Pakistan. The guide/staff will transfer you to our partner hotel. In case you do not require airport transfer, please inform us in advance.

After lunch and some rest at the hotel (ideally if you are arriving in the morning between 9am to 12pm), our guide/representative will pickup all our guests around 6pm for briefing and remaining payments at our office followed by a dinner. If you are coming late, we will manage remaining payments and briefing in Skardu.

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Day 02: Free day in Islamabad

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 540 m

On this day we will have have briefing from the Department of Tourism regarding the Gasherbrum I Expedition in Islamabad before travelling to Skardu.

After briefing we will spend time exploring Islamabad and we will have a taste of tradition Pakistani Food.

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Day 03: Fly to Skardu, Karakoram

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 2,498 m

Participants on this morning will take the spectacular flight from Islamabad airport to Skardu airport. You will be able to see Nanga Parbat if clouds allow. After arrival in Skardu, the day is free. It will be a treat before going to Gasherbrum I Expedition.

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Day 04: Spend free day in Skardu

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 2,498 m

After breakfast, the participants will walk to Kharpocho fort in Skardu, which is located up on a mountain. The Kharpocho fort gives a splendid view of the Indus and Skardu town. The participants will also have an option to take a tour to Sadpara Lake followed by free shopping time in Skardu Bazaar.

During sightseeing, our staff will take care of further government documentation required in Skardu. This can sometimes take two days. We have contingency days towards the end of the trek incase of any delays.

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Day 05: Drive to Askole village

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 3,015 m

On this day of the Gasherbrum I Expedition participants will begin the jeep safari towards Daso, the passage will go through the Shigar valley. The journey will be followed on the sides of Braldu river which extends to Askole. Askole will be the last village on our route; the participants will start walking after leaving jeeps behind. However at times the participants may begin their walk before arrival in Askole but it depends on the road conditions. Overall it will take you between six hours to eight hours in covering the distance.

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Day 06: Trek from Askole to Jhola via the snout of Biafo Glacier

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 3,103 m
Distance: 20 km
Time: 5-8 hours

After completion of necessary supplies list and equipment the porters will load up for the trek ahead to Jhola. The valley is gateway to Biafo glacier that flow over fifty kms from Hispar La to Braldu. The participants will experience the moraine walking as the snout of the glacier is crossed and they will descend to lunch spot beside the Korofon river.

The route will take us the confluence of rivers of Braldu and Domordo. The former trail is not taken for the trek and instead a newer trail will lead us to go upstream where the participants will cross the river by bridge. On the other side of the bridge the participants will descend to the edge of Braldu river and will follow the river bank to reach the camp at Jhola.

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Day 07: Trek from Jhola to Paiju following the Braldu river

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 3,418 m
Distance: 19.8 km
Time: 6-7 hours

On this day of our Gasherbrum I Expedition, the participants will follow the Braldu gorge, along the bank of Braldu river. The participants will be able to view astonishing rocks of Trango Tower and Cathedral Peak. The participants should prevent themselves from possible sun burns and during this day as the walking conditions can be very dry and hot.

Several streams from glacier flow down into the valley and on the way the participants will have to use river crossing shoes depending on the water levels. The participants will be able to spot the snout of Baltoro Glacier on a clear day. On this day the participants will end their day by climbing away from the river to camp at Paiju, the last camp where you will see trees until for a while.

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Day 08: Acclimatize and rest in Paiju

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 3,418 m

The participants will spend the day at Paiju Camp for acclimatization and rest. However the porters will take their time to bake themselves bread for next week on the glacier. Acclimatization walk can also be taken towards Paiju Peak base camp on this day. This will be very helpful for the participants before the Gasherbrum I Expedition as their bodies will acclimatize with the region.

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Day 09: Trek from Paiju to Khoburtse

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 3,788 m
Distance: 14.7 km
Time: 5-7 hours

On this day of the Gasherbrum I Expedition walking will get tough however the scenery will become amazing with each step taken onto the snout of Baltoro Glacier. The trail has continuous up and down climbs on the glacial moraine, although the trail is quite safe but it is highly recommended to be careful at all times. The participants will experience the stunning views as they move ahead; the views of Trango Tower and Uli Biaho. The participants are required to go across the glacier to Liligo. From this point the participants will follow a rocky trail which is along the edge of the Baltoro or sometimes to Khoburtse, the side of the glacier where camp will be made.

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Day 10: Cross small glaciers and walk to Urdukus

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 3,905 m
Distance: 6.4 km
Time: 4-6 hours

On this day of the Gashebrum I Expedition, Trango Towers can be eventually seen after coming across two small glaciers. For the following night the participants will make their stop at Urdukas near the army camp. The camp is 100m above the glacier.

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Day 11: Trek to Goro II, the junction of the Baltoro glaciers and Young husband

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 4,285 m
Distance: 11.9 km
Time: 6-8 hours

On this day of our Gasherbrum I, the participants will be walking in the middle of the glacier. The medial moraine will be followed, to the south we will get the views of Masherbrum (7821m). The participants will be climbing up and down on the rocky moraine and as the participants move ahead they will walk pass massive ice seracs.

This will be the first night stay camp on Baltoro Glacier at Goro II, it is the confluence of Baltoro Glacier and Younghusband. The temperature may drop dramatically. Masherbrum and Muztagh Tower will be uncovered for the sight.

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Day 12: Trek to Concordia through a rocky moraine

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 4,512 m
Distance: 11.7 km
Time: 5-7 hours

On this day of the Gasherbrum I, the participants will reach Concordia after continuously walking up the moraine, on the way more and more high snow capped peaks will appear, the culmination for the sighting of K2 will be experienced on this day. Other peaks that can be seen include Broad Peak, Mitre Peak, Gasherbrum, Sia Kangri and many more.

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Day 12: Trek to Shahring

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 4,850 m
Distance: 11.7 km
Time: 3-5 hours

It will require two hours hike on glacier moraine from Concordia to the campsite. To reach Shahring the participants will walk on the upper Baltoro glacier. From this point the participants can see Chogolisa, Snow Dome Peaks, Baltoro Kangri and lots of other high altitude peaks.

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Day 13 - 38: Ascent of Gasherbrum I

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 5,150 m
Distance: 8.08 km
Time: 4 weeks

We will start our ascend to the mountain on this day and continue our climb during the four weeks duration. We will have contingency days for better weather windows. Apricot Tours Team will set up the base camp for the expedition and will continue to assist the expedition during the time frame.

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Day 39: Trek back to Concordia and rest

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 4,512 m
Distance: 11.7 km
Time: 5-7 hours

On this day, we retrace our steps back to Concordia after successfully completing the Gasherbrum I Expedition.

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Day 40: Trek to Ali Camp

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 4,500 m
Distance: 14.7 km
Time: 5-6 hours

The participants will set out on slightly different and less explored route. Short detours will be made to avoid crevasses and the participants should walk on rugged ice rather than slippery ice. In case of snow, the participants and the porters will walk together wearing crampons for safety hooked with rope to each other.

The base will be set in Ali camp, where the participants will reach after hiking for 5-6 hours. “Ali Camp” is name after a local porter, who was the first person to cross Gondogoro La Pass.

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Day 41: Trek to Khuispang over Gondogoro La

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 5,585 m
Distance: 19.8 km
Time: 5-7 hours

On this day the participants will wake up as early as 2 am. After gearing up and having breakfast the participants roped as one uni will depart for the Gondogoro La base. Depending upon the situation our support crew will be there to fix ropes or helping the members out with the gears. It takes about 3 hours to get to the top of Gondogoro La Pass. You get to see and experience a breathtaking of all four 8000ers in the baltoro region. (K2, G1, Broad Peak, G2).

While, descending to the other side, fixed ropes will be utilized to the full extent, and use of crampons is vital for the safety of the members. The members will get the views of the beautiful and sword head shaped Laila Peak (6,096m) and one can also has the views of other trinity peaks.

The members will have to be extra careful while descending and watch out for every step they take to avoid jolting stones on their teams members. Upon descending for the slope, the trails becomes easy and the participants will move on the moraine. The camp will be set up in the junction point of Gondogoro and Trinity Glacier called Khuispang (4,600m)

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Day 42: Trek to Saicho

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 3,350 m
Distance: 20 km trek
Time: 5-7 hours trek

The participants will continue hiking down, Since the hike downwards would be a comparatively easy hike so the climbing equipment i.e. ropes, crampons will be packed while descending. The mountainous and rocky terrain will be taken over the lush green landscapes of Hushe Valley.

After lunch, the participants will continue hiking to the edge of the Gondogoro Glacier, upon reaching the edge they will find a trail which will lead them to the beautiful valley of rhubarb and grass.

At the end of the valley there are 02 different routes to the destination. Our guide with the consent of local porters will decide the trails they are being frequently used.

The trek gets easy when the two trails meet. The members will see the huts made of stones by herders and local settlers. On this day the participants will experience the sign of the settlements in the area and will be able to breathe easily due to big trees and lower altitude. Camp will be setup at Saicho (3,350m), a part of sand with little grass along the flowing glacier water steams.

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Day 43: Trek to Hushe and drive to Skardu Town

On this Day

GPS Data

Altitude: 2,498 m
Distance: 20 km trek + 127 km drive
Time: 5-7 hours trek + 6 hours drive

On this day the participants have to trek down for only 3-4 hours, the river stream of glacier melted water of Charakusa, Ailling, Masherbrum and Gondogoro Glaciers. The participants will start see the signs of residences, shelter, fiels and signs of people living.

The participants will experience the 02 storey shelters of the Hushe village, where the ground floor is for cattles and the first floor is for the family to live. After setting up the camp the participants can explore the beautiful hushe valley and interact with the locals. This would be the last camping day of the Gondogoro La Trek.

Upon reaching Hushe, the participants will depart for Skardu town from Hushe and the journey offers a lot of beautiful scenes of the different small village of the Hushe Valley. The participants will cross a suspension bridge above Shyok River (which flows from Ladakh, India) to get to the other side.

In the past traditional rafts which were made of goat skin fill with air were use to cross the river. The suspension bridge which is use now to cross was built in 1990’s. Upon crossing the bridge, the participants will the reach Khaplu.

The drive from Khaplu to Skardu becomes smooth and the route to be followe is the paved road along the shayok river which leads to the confluence with Indus River. Upon driving along Indus River the Participants will reach Skardu in 4 hours. The participants can have the facilities which they did not have for 02 weeks. The first on that list would be taking a hot shower and secondly having a good meal.

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Day 44: Fly to Islamabad

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 538 m

On this day the participants will take a flight from the airport in Skardu to Islamabad aiport. You will have a good time to relax at the hotel in Islamabad.

The domestic flights sometime get cancelled due to weather conditions. Incase of flight cancellation, you will drive to Chilas for overnight. It takes eight to ten hours by a vehicle.

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Day 45: Contingency day for flight cancellation

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 538 m

This day is allocated for any potential delays in case the domestic flight does not operate the previous day. Our guests will depart early morning from Chilas to Islamabad which can take up to ten hours. However it will be a free day in case the participants make it to Islamabad on the domestic flight. This time can be utilized for sightseeing in Islamabad.

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Day 46: Fly to home country

On this Day

Meals included: Breakfast

Our staff will transfer all our guests to the airport on their respective departure timings. The checkout time of all our partner hotels is 12pm.

 

Why should you register very early?

1. Team building: It takes time to formulate a good team. We go through all incoming applications and formulate the best team of mountaineers (on the basis of experience). Although our vet process is not very strict, our top priority is always the safety of fellow climbers. We will not accept all applications only to maximize the number of the mountaineers.

2. Logistics: Our climbing adventures involve a lot of logistics. This includes reserving/assigning high altitude porters, guides and other staff in advance. It also involves a lot of procurement (equipment, food etc). This is not possible during the last hours. During winters expeditions, most of the supplies are transported to base camps two to three months prior to the expedition because winters in the mountains of Pakistan are very harsh and it becomes almost impossible to for porters to walk through the trail with heavy supplies.

3. Permit: Pakistani government tourism laws require tour operators to submit applications for climbing (along with all documents e.g. passport copies, photos, CVs etc) at least 70 days prior to arrival in Pakistan. 

4.Domestic Flights: We might not be able to get you on the domestic flight to Skardu if you do not pay your deposit on time. Domestic flight seats are sold very fast way ahead of time because there are only two flights to Skardu during peak season. This is a very serious concern. 

5. Price changes: The given prices are early bird discount offers and are subject to change. There can be increases in price after January. Service providers including (but not limited) to hotels increase prices in peak-season. Early reservations cost less than peak-season (May to September). Our prices will not change once you have paid the deposit so the price when you book is the price you will pay. Register yourselves early to avoid increase in holiday prices.

6. Pay less deposit: Given below is our deposit schedule for 2020 departures.

  • 8 months before departure (deposit: 35%)
  • 6 months before departure (deposit: 40%
  • 5 months before departure (deposit: 50%)
  • 4 months before departure (full payment)

Note: The same deposit time frames above apply to 2021-22 departures.

Refund policy

Deposit: Once paid, the deposit is non-refundable as it will be spent on making in-country arrangements, organizing logistics, procurement of equipment (e.g. oxygen sets) and supplies (including food), hiring of staff/sherpa etc. 

Balance: All balances are due 120 days prior to arrival in Pakistan unless otherwise specified. Participants whose balances are not received by the 120-day deadline as stated above, risk forfeiture of their funds and their place on the expedition. For this expedition, there are no refunds for the deposit or balance payments. This includes but is not limited to, expeditions that conclude without a summit or progress towards a summit for participants due to route conditions, weather, insufficient manpower, or any other factor outside the control of Apricot Tours. Expedition leader has the final say on the expedition conclusion and will make all the best efforts for a happy return home.

Currency

All international climbers are charged in US Dollars (USD).

Other Notes

  • Deposit should only be paid after filling out the registration form and confirmation/approval from Apricot Tours.
  • Due to the nature and heavy costs of government and operator permits, Apricot Tours must follow a precise refund policy.
  • Participants that choose to leave an active expedition for any reason are not entitled to any refunds
  • Apricot Tours highly recommends trip cancellation insurance for all expeditions

 

REGISTER NOW & PAY LATER

 

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Gasherbrum I Expedition – Royalty Fee

The royalty fee/rates assigned by Pakistan’s Tourism Ministry for climbing Gasherbrum I in spring, summer and fall start from USD 7,200 after a discount of 40%. The details of royalty fees for three seasons are given below.

Gasherbrum I Royalty Fee/Rates – Spring, Summer & Fall

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The royalty fee/rates assigned by the government for climbing Gasherbrum I in winters start from USD 600 after a discount of 95% in winters. The details of royalty fees for winters are given below.

Gasherbrum I Royalty Fee/Rates – Winter

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The discounts above are being offered since over a decade as part of the government policy to promote adventure tourism.

Overview – Gasherbrum I Expedition

Gasherbrum I is one the highest peaks of the world. It is among the 14 above 8000m peaks. Gasherbrum I is the world’s 11th highest peak and Pakistan’s 3 highest peak and 2nd highest peak in the Karakoram Range. Gasherbrum I is located on the frontier of Pakistan and China. Gasherbrum I Expedition is been added on the wish list by many of the climbers recently.

Gasherbrum I is also know as “K5” or the “Hidden Peak”. It earned the name Hidden Peak because of its remote location and visibility. It is the part of Gasherbrum Massif along Gasherbrum II, Gasherbrum III, Broad Peak and others. Gasherbrum means the beautiful mountain in the local Balti Language.

The first ever attempt to Gasherbrum I was made by a French Expedition in 1936. H. De Segogne was the leading the expedition. They were not very lucky with the ascend as they could not climb ahead of the Camp 5 at an elevation of 6797m. The first successful campaign of the Gasherbrum I was on 5th July, 1958 by an American Expedition consisting of 8 climbers and this campaign was led by Nich Clinch however Andy Kaufman and Pete Schoening were the first climbers to reach the summit point.

Although Gasherbrum I Expedition is not as popular as other 8000m peaks and also the overall count of climbing this magnificent peak is less than 200. Additionally the overall death toll rate on Gasherbrum I Expedition is minimal compared to other 8000m peaks but the most important fact on the Gasherbrum I Expedition is that only experienced and technically sound climbers aim to conquer a strenuous peak like Gasherbrum I.

The most frequent route to on the Gasherbrum I Expedition is to attack on the western edge as it leads all routes on “The Japanese Couloir”. The Japanese Couloir is situated on the pinnacle of the north-west face although during the first ascend was made via the Spur Peak and then following the long south ridge leading to the summit.


Apart from Gasherbrum I expedition, we also offer K2 trekking holidays that are given in the table below.

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Summary
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Rating
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User Rating
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Company
Apricot Tours Pakistan
Adventure
Gasherbrum I Expedition
Price
USD 17936
Product Availability
Available in Stock
Gasherbrum I route map climbing Gasherbrum I route map for Climbing[/caption]

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