In 1984 Reinhold Messner and Hans Kammerlander succeeded in the incomprehensible: the exceedance of Gasherbrum I and II within a few days. To this day, this exceedance is regarded as the most outstanding achievement in high-altitude mountaineering. With Furtenbach Adventures you have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of mountaineering legends on the double ascent of Gasherbrum I and II. This is a mountaineering experience at the highest level for all connoisseurs and experts. Gasherbrum I: The Gasherbrum I is with 8.068m the second highest mountain in the Karakorum and the eleventh highest mountain in the world. It is called “Hidden Peak” because it cannot be seen from the Baltoro glacier, although it is the highest mountain in the Gasherbrum Group. The first ascent was achieved during an expedition under Nicolas Clich by Pete Schoening and Andrew Kauffmann in July 1958. Gasherbrum II: With ist impressive height of 8.035m, Gasherbrum II is the thritheenth highest mountain on earth. In contrast to Gasherbrum I, its Little brother is described as a comparatively “simple” eightthausander. Always with the knowledge in the back of your mind that an 8,000 can basically not be described as easy. On our double expedition the Gasherbrum II will be tackled first, in order to be able to dedicate oneself perfectly acclimatised to the technically greater challenge of the Gasherbrum I. An absolute dream team!
Highlights:
- challenging eight-thousanders
- very high safety standards
- 1 Sherpa per 2 participants
- IFMGA mountain guide
- high camp equipment
- Long trek to basecamp is perfect for good acclimatization
Itinerary
1. - 12. Tag: Arrival in Islamabad and Trekking to Basecamp
Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad and meeting point at Hotel Envoy Continental. Participants have a day at leisure while the Expedition leader handles last administrative things with the authorities.
Day 2-3: Either two days bus trip to Skardu with overnight stay in Chilas or a flight to Skardu, if the conditions allow it. The bus ride has it’s charm too, leading through the varied landscapes of Pakistan to the Indus Valley, where we take the legendary Karakorum Highway. On the second day shortly after Chilas views to Nanga Parbat with the Rhakiot flank mastered by Hermann Buhl. Overnight stay in a hotel in Skardu.
Day 4: We spend the day in the small but lively town of Skardu at 2300m. The porters are organised, the luggage is loaded and you can do your last errands or go for a hike.
Day 5: Drive with Jeeps through a wild, impressive landscape and wild gorges to Askile at 3050m. For those of you who have never been here before, this will probably be the most exciting trip of your life! Overnight stay in tents in the small Village of Askole.
Day 6-12: An impressive hike through what we believe to be the most spectacular mountain valley in the world. Overnight stay in a tent. On the first day we follow a relatively flat path through a very dry and barren landscape up to Jhula at 3.100m. On the second day we reach the last small green oasis settlement Paiju at about 3.500m altitude. There we will possibly have a rest day, which the porters need to prepare for the further way on the Baltoro. On the fourth day we are already moving on the legendary Baltoro-Glacier. We reach our camp Urdukas on about 4.150m next to the glacier. And right across from the Trango Towers! An incredibly impressive view! The fifth day leads us past the beautiful Muztagh Tower to our next camp, Goro II at 4.200m. Because of the spectacular views, the hikes here are very entertaining and you’ll have to force yourself to look at the path. On the sixth day we reach famous Concordia at about 4.600m, where so many researchers, explorers and mountaineering legends have already set up camps in the past. From here we see two of the shapeliest mountains of this planet, Masherbrum and Gasherbrum IV. And also Broad Peak, K2 and Chogolisa lie prominently in this stunning 360 degree panorama. 4-6 more hours of trekking on our last day and we finally reach Gasherbrum basecamp on Day 12.
Day 13-45: Summit Ascent
Now we have plenty of time to get used to the new surroundings and acclimatize, while the team sets up the route and high camps and everybody is waiting for good weather and suitable snow conditions for a safe ascent to the summit. We will take at least four weeks for the ascent of Gasherbrum II and I, whereby the schedule we will also depend on the weather, snow conditions and the participants. We want to remain flexible and will adapt to the situation as it comes.
Day 46-50: Return Journey to Islamabad
Day 46-48: Return journey to Skardu Dismantling of the base camp and return to Skardu via the Gondogoro La Pass. Overnight stay in tents and finally back in a hotel in Skardu.
Day 48-49: Skardu – Islamabad Return to Islamabad. If possible with flight otherwise again the two-day bus ride. Overnight stay in a hotel in Islamabad.
Day 50: Individual journey back home. Time to say goodbye! Transfer to the airport and individual flight home.
