Gasherbrum II
Mountain Prominent Karakoram peak and popular high-altitude objective
Gasherbrum II, another Karakoram eight‑thousander, attracts climbers for demanding high‑altitude ascents, long glacier approaches and remote base camps reached from Pakistani valleys.
Gasherbrum II is an 8,035-metre peak in the Karakoram on the Pakistan-China border and is part of the Gasherbrum massif. It is one of the world’s fourteen 8,000-metre mountains and is a major objective for high-altitude climbers.
The mountain is approached via long glacier marches across the Baltoro and Gasherbrum glaciers and requires high-altitude experience and acclimatisation; standard routes are nevertheless considered among the less technically difficult of the 8,000-metre peaks. Climbs are organized as multi-week expeditions from established base camp areas.
Located adjacent to other major Karakoram summits, Gasherbrum II contributes to one of the most heavily glaciated mountain landscapes on Earth. Access is from Pakistan’s northern valleys leading to the Baltoro Glacier and Concordia region.
- Eight-thousander and climbing note: At 8,035 metres it is one of the 14 eight-thousand-metre peaks and is frequently climbed relative to several other 8000m peaks due to comparatively less technical summit routes.
How to Get to Gasherbrum II #
Gasherbrum II is approached the same way as other high Karakoram peaks: international travel to Islamabad, a domestic flight to Skardu or Gilgit, then a jeep/road journey to Askole and a multi‑day trek up the Baltoro Glacier to reach the mountain’s base camp. Reaching base camp requires glacier trekking from the last motorable village; arrange experienced logistical support and permits.
Tips for Visiting Gasherbrum II #
- Like its neighbour, Gasherbrum II is accessed via Skardu → Askole → Baltoro Glacier and requires months of logistical preparation; book a reputable expedition company familiar with the Karakoram approach and glacier travel.
- Plan your climb for the established summer season (late June-August) and include staged acclimatisation at Concordia and nearby high camps rather than attempting rapid ascents from base camp.
- Ensure all permits and local formalities are in place before departure-Pakistan requires peak permits and liaison arrangements in Gilgit‑Baltistan, and emergency evacuation options are very limited in the Karakoram.
Best Time to Visit Gasherbrum II #
Gasherbrum II is typically climbed during the Karakoram summer season (June-August) when weather windows are most favorable.
Weather & Climate near Gasherbrum II #
Gasherbrum II's climate is classified as Ice Cap - Ice Cap climate with freezing summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -40°C to -5°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -28°C and lows of -39°C. The driest month with just 6 mm, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -27°C and lows of -40°C. Almost no rain, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -23°C and lows of -36°C. Light rainfall, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is freezing with highs of -19°C and lows of -28°C. Light rainfall, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is freezing with highs of -15°C and lows of -23°C. Light rainfall, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is freezing with highs of -10°C and lows of -19°C. Light rainfall, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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July
July is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -15°C. The wettest month with 98 mm of rain, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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August
August is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -15°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is freezing with highs of -9°C and lows of -19°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is freezing with highs of -16°C and lows of -25°C. Light rainfall, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -22°C and lows of -32°C. The driest month with just 6 mm and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -24°C and lows of -37°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
