8000m Peaks

Gasherbrum I

A journey of discovery
to the Hidden Peak.

Gasherbrum I
Expedition

Originally named K5 by the Colonial Great Trigonometric Survey of India, Gasherbrum I was dubbed ‘the Hidden Peak’ by Victorian mountaineers because of its extreme remoteness. The name however, still seems appropriate to this day. Gasherbrum I, the highest promontory of the Gasherbrum Massif, is still one of the least-known of the 8,000ers, and is rarely climbed to this day. Even on the established routes, there’s a feeling that you’re breaking new ground here - making a first-class guiding team more essential than ever.

Country

Pakistan

Duration

41 days

grade

Strenuous 4E

Max Altitude

8051 m
26470 ft

Daily activity

Approx
5 - 6hrs

Season

Summer

Dates Available

Enquire for dates

Starting from

USD $30,000

Aimed at experienced climbers who’ve made ascents of at least two 6,000m or 7,000m peaks, and at least one 8,000m mountain. You must have mastered mountaineering skills and have a high level of fitness.

Climb the 11th Highest Peak in style

A jagged, uncompromising pinnacle of rock on the border of Pakistan and China’s Xinjiang province, Gasherbrum I tends to attract serious mountaineers on a serious mission - climbing all 14 of the world’s 8,000m peaks. As one of the lesser-known on that list, Gasherbrum I is not one that many in the climbing community have much prior knowledge of. This is where Elite Exped excel.

Our Gasherbrum I expedition is based off the plan that our leaders Nimsdai and Mingma David Sherpa set out and implemented with stunning success during their record-breaking Project Possible push of 2019. Between them, our highly-trained guiding team have climbed this Hidden Peak multiple times, but it’s not just our knowledge that makes us arguably the best-equipped guiding team in the business, it’s our approach. 

We leave nothing to chance, controlling every aspect of the expedition logistics ourselves, so we’re never reliant on third parties who could potentially let us down. We set out our own routes, fix our own ropes, pitch our own tents, and ensure that every client we take on an 8,000m peak is accompanied by their own, personal guide. Our 1:1 client to guide ratio, with four guides always kept in reserve in case of emergencies, is one of the best in the business.

Nimsdai and Mingma David’s prior record when it comes to climbing 8,000m peaks in Pakistan speaks for itself, but it’s not just our founders who are highly experienced in these ranges. The strength in depth of our guiding squad runs deep, with several members of the team having individual Guinness World Records.

Not only are Elite Exped’s guides incredible mountaineers, they’re also hugely experienced when it comes to high alpine rescue techniques, with an impressive record when it comes to plucking stricken climbers out from perilous situations safely. We have evacuation plans and accessible helicopter rescue in place for emergencies. No-one can cater for every eventuality on this, one of the world’s most remote mountains. But we can guarantee that you will be in the safest possible hands should something unexpected happen. 

From our clients
Jeff Evans
Mera 2017

You can trust them with the safety and satisfaction of clients. Elite was nothing less than a 10/10 in every aspect of how they executed the expedition.

Steve Davis
Manaslu 2019

Manaslu was my first 8,000er and first time with Elite. They exceeded my expectations at every level and stage.  I would have no hesitation in booking with them again! Highly recommended!!!

Amy McCulloch
Aconcagua 2018

I often felt they went above and beyond to ensure we had a successful expedition. Excellent judgments throughout the expedition led us to reach the summit safely in extreme conditions. Highly recommend!

This tried and tested itinerary is informed by decades of mountaineering experience. As with all adventurous activities of this type however, circumstances may arise where Elite Exped is forced to make alterations, possibly at short notice. While making every effort to adhere to this published schedule, we kindly ask for your patience if the weather, or other naturally occurring circumstances, intervene.

Your daily schedule

  • Day 01

    Arrival in Islamabad & transfer to the Hotel

  • Day 02

    Preparation day in Islamabad

  • Day 03

    Fly from Islamabad to Skardu

  • Day 04

    Rest day in Skardu: Expedition briefing and final preparation

  • Day 05

    Drive from Skardu to Jhula

  • Day 06

    Trek from Jhula to Paiyu

  • Day 07

    Rest day in Paiyu

  • Day 08

    Trek from Paiyu to Urdukas

  • Day 09

    Trek from Urdukas to Goro II

  • Day 10

    Trek from Goro II to Concordia

  • Day 11

    Trek to Gasherbum I Base Camp

  • Day 12

    Acclimatize day in Base Camp

  • Day 13-33

    Climbing Period of Gasherbum I

  • Day 34

    Cleaning up Basecamp: Preparation for descending back

  • Day 35

    Trek from basecamp to Goro II

  • Day 36

    Trek from Goro II to Kurburtze

  • Day 37

    Trek from Kurburtze to Mundung

  • Day 38

    Trek from Mundung to Jhula and drive back to Skardu

  • Day 39

    Farewell and debriefing in Skardu

  • Day 40

    Fly from Skardu to Islamabad & transfer to Hotel

  • Day 41

    Transfer to the International Airport for final departures

Training

Build your skills

Our tailored approach to training will help you improve as a climber, developing the mental and physical skills you need to achieve your dreams. Learn more

Environment

Protecting our mountains

We believe the mountains are there for all to enjoy, but must be respected, and protected. We are the voice, carers and keepers of these sacred places for future generations. Our environmental policy ensures we do no harm, and leave no trace. Learn more

Above + Beyond + Adventure

Practical info

Frequently asked questions

The following frequently asked questions may help answer any queries you have about Elite Exped, what this expedition involves, and what is required. If your question isn’t answered here please check our dedicated FAQ support page, otherwise don’t hesitate to get in touch.

What skillset and fitness level are required?

All Elite Exped expeditions are within extreme high altitude environments, with differing requirements for ability. Due to the nature of these operational landscapes it is essential you provide concise, honest descriptions of relevant experience and current fitness levels. Upon receipt we will review your experience and respond accordingly. At this point if we consider there to be any shortfalls, we can collectively discuss the opportunities and/or provide a training support plan to achieve your goals.

What equipment is provided?
Will I get my own guide?
Will the expedition cost include travel?

Why choose
Elite Exped?

Unparalleled
leadership

Nimsdai Purja, Mingma David Sherpa’s and Mingma Tenzi’s mountaineering groundbreaking records speak for themselves, but our leaders are more than just supremely talented climbers.

While some choose to direct operations from back office, our three directors lead from the front. Their experience in every aspect of guiding and climbing — from fixing ropes to organising logistics — is unparalleled. It's no surprise that they have the industry-leading success rate when it comes to summiting 8,000m peaks.

Beyond this, our handpicked team of guides have also chalked up dozens of successful summits between them.

Safety through
self-sufficiency

If it’s controllable we control it: this is key to attaining and maintaining our industry-leading strategy for success and safety.

We maximise our options, agility and responsiveness by running self-sufficient expeditions that don’t rely on any other teams to achieve our objectives.

Our team is capable of setting up our own fixed lines (with a proven track record on all 8,000m peaks) and has backups to cover all scenarios. These include everything from secondary oxygen supplies to the ability and experience to operate our own rescue missions if the situation arises.

A unique
perspective

With his Nepalese roots and UK residency, our co-founder Nimsdai Purja brings a unique perspective and an unparalleled ability to bridge the gap between Western and Himalayan climbing cultures.

We can assemble trusted teams and networks anywhere in the world, but our founders’ roots are a particular advantage when it comes to summiting the world’s very highest peaks.

An intimate knowledge of how things work on the ground ensures that everything runs smoothly when you’re 8,000m above sea-level.

Your adventure
Ready to take on
the challenge?
Enquire Now
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