Gasherbrum IIGasherbrum II at a Glance
About Gasherbrum II
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.
Nearby Attractions to Gasherbrum II
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -39° - -28° | -48° | 6 mm | overcast | 81% | 6.2 m/s | 0.5 low | 9.9h |
| February | Poor | -40° - -27° | -49° | 7 mm | overcast | 84% | 7.1 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 10.8h |
| March | Poor | -36° - -23° | -45° | 12 mm | overcast | 80% | 8.6 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.8h |
| April | Poor | -28° - -19° | -36° | 14 mm | overcast | 69% | 6.4 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.0h |
| May | Poor | -23° - -15° | -30° | 20 mm | overcast | 59% | 7.5 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 13.9h |
| June | Poor | -19° - -10° | -26° | 18 mm | overcast | 58% | 8.9 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 14.4h |
| July | Poor | -15° - -5° | -19° | 98 mm | overcast | 58% | 7.1 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 14.1h |
| August | Poor | -15° - -5° | -18° | 85 mm | overcast | 62% | 5.2 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 13.3h |
| September | Poor | -19° - -9° | -25° | 43 mm | overcast | 58% | 7.3 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.3h |
| October | Poor | -25° - -16° | -33° | 16 mm | overcast | 56% | 7.8 m/s | 1.2 high | 11.2h |
| November | Poor | -32° - -22° | -39° | 6 mm | overcast | 69% | 5.8 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.2h |
| December | Poor | -37° - -25° | -44° | 14 mm | overcast | 77% | 5.7 m/s | 0.4 low | 9.7h |
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.