Pakistan's 8,000-Metre Peaks: K2, Nanga Parbat, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums

Pakistan has five of the fourteen mountains in the world that rise above 8,000 metres, all of them in Gilgit-Baltistan. Four stand together around the Baltoro Glacier in the Karakoram: K2, Gasherbrum I, Broad Peak and Gasherbrum II. The fifth, Nanga Parbat, is the western anchor of the Himalaya.

Quick answer: Pakistan's 8,000-metre peaks are K2 (8,611 m), Nanga Parbat (8,126 m), Gasherbrum I (8,080 m), Broad Peak (8,051 m) and Gasherbrum II (8,035 m). The climbing season is June to August, and every expedition needs a climbing permit arranged through a licensed Pakistani operator.

The five peaks at a glance

• K2, 8,611 m: the second-highest mountain on Earth, on the border with China. First climbed in 1954 by an Italian expedition. Base camp on the Godwin-Austen Glacier above Concordia.
• Nanga Parbat, 8,126 m: the ninth-highest, standing alone above the Indus. First climbed in 1953 by Hermann Buhl, alone on the final day. Climbed from the Diamir face in the west or the Rupal face in the south.
• Gasherbrum I, 8,080 m: also called Hidden Peak. First climbed in 1958 by an American expedition. Shares a base camp with Gasherbrum II.
• Broad Peak, 8,051 m: a long summit ridge next to K2. First climbed in 1957 by an Austrian team that included Hermann Buhl.
• Gasherbrum II, 8,035 m: first climbed in 1956 by an Austrian expedition; often chosen as a first 8,000-metre peak.

Climbing season

Expeditions run from about June to August, when the jet stream moves north and summit windows open, usually in July. Winter ascents are rare and extreme: K2 was first climbed in winter only in January 2021, by a Nepali team.

How an expedition works

• Permit: every expedition needs a climbing permit, applied for through a licensed Pakistani operator, with a royalty fee that depends on the peak.
• Logistics: the operator arranges flights or the road to Skardu, jeeps to Askole, porters, base camp staff, cooks and supplies.
• Approach: Baltoro peaks are reached by a 7 to 8 day trek from Askole; Nanga Parbat's Diamir base camp is a two-day walk from the Karakoram Highway.
• Time: plan 45 to 60 days for an 8,000-metre peak, including acclimatisation rotations.
• Support: high-altitude porters, fixed ropes and oxygen are arranged per team.

Not a climber? Trek to the base camps

You do not need to climb to see these mountains. The K2 Base Camp trek passes Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums at Concordia, and Fairy Meadows puts you in front of Nanga Parbat after a short hike.

Frequently asked questions

How many 8,000-metre peaks are in Pakistan?

Five: K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum I, Broad Peak and Gasherbrum II, all in Gilgit-Baltistan.

What is the highest mountain in Pakistan?

K2, at 8,611 metres, the second-highest mountain in the world after Everest.

Which is the easiest 8,000-metre peak in Pakistan?

Gasherbrum II is generally considered the most accessible of Pakistan's 8,000-metre peaks, but no 8,000-metre climb is easy; all demand high-altitude experience.

Where do expeditions to K2 start?

From Skardu, by jeep to Askole and then on foot along the Baltoro Glacier to K2 Base Camp, a walk of about 7 to 8 days.

Climb with us

We arrange permits, porters and base camp services for supported climbs. See our expeditions or ask us to plan yours.