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- Gasherbrum II
26,362 ft · Karakoram, Pakistan Border
Gasherbrum II
Gasherbrum II is a 26,362 ft peak in the Karakoram, Pakistan Border. The standard route is the Southwest Ridge: 14 mi, 10,000 ft of gain, Class 5.
Gasherbrum II at a glance
- Elevation26,362 ft8,035 m
- RouteSouthwest RidgeClass 5
- Distance14 mi10,000 ft gain
- Time6 – 7 wksExtreme effort
- SeasonJul – Aug
- RangeKarakoramPakistan Border
Climbing the Southwest Ridge
Fly to Skardu, Pakistan, then trek via the Baltoro Glacier to the Gasherbrum basecamp (7-10 day approach). Often called the easiest 8000-meter peak, but this is relative and it still demands full expedition logistics with multiple high camps. The southwest ridge is the standard route. Crevasse hazards exist throughout the glacier approaches. Weather windows are brief in the July-August climbing season. Acclimatization typically takes 5-6 weeks for the full expedition. Pakistani permits and liaison officer mandatory. Many teams combine this with Gasherbrum I due to the shared approach.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (65–85 L)
Mountaineering Boots
Base Layer
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Hardshell Pants
Warm Hat
Buff
Expedition Mittens
Trekking Poles
Gaiters
Crampons
Ice Axe
Helmet
Rope
Harness
Carabiners
Belay Device
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
Sleeping Bag (-40°F to -20°F)
Sleeping Pad
Oxygen System
Water- Firs-Aid Kit
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Two-Way Radio
Emergency Bivy
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Glacier Glasses
Goggles
Down Suit
What to watch for
- Crevasses
- Avalanches
- Extreme cold
- High altitude
- Storms
- Remote location
- Icefall
- Glacier travel
- Altitude sickness
- Steep exposure
- Technical climbing
- High winds
- Serac fall
Quests with Gasherbrum II
Eight ThousandersPeaks near Gasherbrum II
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Gasherbrum II?
Gasherbrum II is 26,362 feet (8,035 m) tall. It is in the Karakoram, Pakistan Border.
How does Gasherbrum II rank among the Eight Thousanders?
At 26,362 feet, Gasherbrum II is the 13th highest of the 14 Eight Thousanders. The highest is Mount Everest.
How hard is it to climb Gasherbrum II?
The Southwest Ridge is Class 5, which means technical climbing with a rope and protection. Yak rates the overall effort extreme: 14 miles with 10,000 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Gasherbrum II?
Gasherbrum II is an expedition: most climbers plan 6 – 7 weeks for the Southwest Ridge, much of it spent acclimatizing between camps.
Is Gasherbrum II dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: avalanche and icefall danger, crevasses on the glacier and exposed sections where a fall would be serious. Teams rope up for glacier travel, and many first-timers climb with a guide.
Do you need oxygen to climb Gasherbrum II?
Most climbers use it. Supplemental oxygen is on the gear list for the Southwest Ridge, and only a small number of very experienced climbers summit without it.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Gasherbrum II?
Yes. At 26,362 feet, Gasherbrum II is high enough for serious altitude illness. Climbers acclimatize over days or weeks, climbing high and sleeping low, and descend at the first signs of trouble.
When is the best time to climb Gasherbrum II?
The usual climbing window is July to August. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Where can I check avalanche conditions for Gasherbrum II?
Check the avalanche forecast at weather.gov.pk before any trip with snow on the route.
Can you hire a guide to climb Gasherbrum II?
Yes. Guide services that lead climbs of Gasherbrum II include Seven Summit Treks and Satori Adventures.
Climb Gasherbrum II with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list