Gasherbrum III Expedition
Altitude
7,952m
Duration
40-45 Days
Best Season
June - August
Overview
Situated between Gasherbrum II and IV in the Karakoram, Gasherbrum III was the highest unclimbed peak until 1974. It was first ascended on 11th August 1975 by a Polish women's expedition led by Wanda Rutkiewicz, with Alison Chadwick, Janusz Onyszkiewicz, and K. Zdzitowiecki also summiting. This expedition marked a historic achievement in mountaineering. Today, Gasherbrum III offers climbers an intermediate high-altitude challenge between 6000m training peaks and 8000m summits, with spectacular alpine scenery and established climbing routes.
Highlights
Arrival in Islamabad
Welcome to Pakistan. Upon your arrival at Islamabad International Airport, you will be met and transferred to the group hotel for your first night in the capital city. Accommodation: Hotel.
Islamabad Welcome Reception
Today is dedicated to administrative formalities and a welcome reception. You will meet your expedition team and fellow climbers for a formal briefing regarding the journey ahead. Accommodation: Hotel.
Flight to Skardu or Drive to Chilas
We transfer for the spectacular flight to Skardu, the gateway to the high Karakoram. Should weather conditions cause a flight cancellation, we will begin the 480 km drive to Chilas via the Karakoram Highway. Accommodation: Hotel.
Skardu Exploration or Arrival from Chilas
If we arrived by air, today is a free day in Skardu. For those traveling by road, we complete the 7-8 hour journey (275 km) from Chilas to Skardu, enjoying views of Nanga Parbat (8,125m) along the way. Accommodation: Hotel.
Jeep Drive to Askole (3,000m)
We depart Skardu for a rugged 6-7 hour jeep drive to Askole, the final village and the starting point for our trekking expedition into the wilderness. Accommodation: Camp.
Trek to Gasherbrum III Base Camp
A week-long trek takes us through the heart of the Karakoram. We follow the Braldu River and ascend the mighty Baltoro Glacier, passing iconic granite spires to reach the Gasherbrum III Base Camp. Accommodation: Camp.
Acclimatization and Climbing Period
Forty-five days are allocated for the technical ascent of Gasherbrum III. This period includes establishing high camps, acclimatization rotations, and wait times for optimal weather windows for the summit push. Accommodation: Camp.
Trek to Hushe via Gondogoro La
We begin our return journey by trekking across the high Gondogoro La pass. We descend into the lush Hushe Valley and finally board jeeps for the drive back to Skardu. Accommodation: Camp/Hotel.
Return Flight to Islamabad or Drive to Chilas
We transfer for our flight back to Islamabad. In the event of a flight cancellation, we will begin the return journey by road to Chilas. Accommodation: Hotel.
Leisure Day in Islamabad
A day for rest and leisure in Islamabad. For those traveling by road, this day is used to complete the final leg of the journey from Chilas to the capital. Accommodation: Hotel.
Farewell Meeting
A final day in the capital for debriefing and a farewell meeting to celebrate the conclusion of the Gasherbrum III expedition. Accommodation: Hotel.
Final Departure
You will be transferred to Islamabad International Airport for your return flight home. End of services.
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