Trek to Gasherbrum II (G-2)
G-2 and K2 Base Camps
Join us on a spectacular and exciting 22-day trek through the Karakoram range of the Himalaya as we journey up the Braldu Valley past the majestic and spectacular Trango Towers, Shipton Spires and onto Concordia (K2 Basecamp) at the confluence of the base of the mighty Baltoro and Godwin Austen Glaciers! Beyond Concordia we will travel up to the Basecamp of Gasherbrum II, before heading back down the valley.

We have designed a route and itinerary that will allow you to trek in to Base Camp with our G-2 Expedition Team of climbers and Guides who are heading to climb Gasherbrum II, and you will join them for 3 days in Base Camp as well.

Dates: 2011/2012 dates TBA

Included:
• Accommodation in Islamabad prior to the climb
• All transfers in and out of Islamabad
• All Guiding and organization services
• All food while on the trek
• All accommodation in tents while on the trek
• Base Camp facilities including cook, staff and dining tent while at Base Camp
• All Porter support
• All permit fees, liaison officer and interpreter
• Use of Satellite Phone at all camps (based on cost-per-minute)
  

Not Included:

• Meals during Islamabad stay
• Personal clothing, footwear and equipment - see Gear List for details
• Medical travel and rescue insurance - Required (*)
• International air tickets
• Visa for Pakistan
• Airport departure tax
• Telephone charges
• Alcoholic beverages and items of a purely personal nature
• Any excess baggage fees
• Any fees or charges as a result of delays or changes to the itinerary
• Costs associated with early departure before trekking expedition ends
• Accommodations in Islamabad after the trek is over
• Gratuities for Guides, porters and staff
  
  * Emergency Travel Insurance
  All participants are required to obtain Emergency Travel, Medical and Trip Cancellation insurance. We recommend Ingle International Insurance, for details please visit their site here.
  

Prerequisites
While the trek into G-2 Basecamp is not technical, we still are aascending to close to 5,000 meters (16,500'). The terrain is on rough and rocky trails throughout adn includes glacier travel (non-technical). Participants on this trek should feel comfortable hiking on rough trails that are often loose, and be prepared for 6-8+ hours of travel on some days. People who are physically fit and experienced hikers should have no problem with the physical challenges presented. In terms of altitude though, while our pace and longer itinerary for this route will help everyone to acclimatize and be able to enjoy the full trip, some people may find it more difficult than others to adequately acclimate. This generally is not related to overall fitness or experience though.

Location
This trek will be going into the renowned Braldu Valley region of the Karakoram Range of the Himalayas in Pakistan. G-II is located on the border of Northern Pakistan and China, and is close to the worlds 2nd highest mountain, K2.

The trek will go to Concordia, the basecamp for K2, beofer heading up the glaciers further to the G-II basecamp.

The access is from the city of Skardu at 2,500 meters, in the lower Indus River valley. This expedition is to the Northern Areas of Pakistan, a relativley stable region in terms of political unrest.

Guiding Staff
This trek will join the Climbing Expedition team on their approach to Base camp. Our G2 Climbing Team and Trek will be lead by IFMGA Mountain Guide John Furneaux, along with our highly experienced climbing porters and local English speaking Trekking Guides, who will be leading the Trekking team up to Base Camp and back.

Itinerary
To be added soon

Equipment
Click on this Gear List for a complete listing of all the required equipment.

Logistics
Everyone is responsible for getting to Islamabad on (or before) the start date. The team will meet in Islamabad and begin preparing for the trip. From this point onwards all aspects of the trip regarding travel, food and accommodation are taken care of (except meals in Islamabad).

Participants should contact the local Pakistani embassy to enquire about visa requirements for travel in Pakistan. Visa's can be obtained in advance through any Pakistani Embassy and take approximately 2 weeks to process.