Only five peaks on Gilgit-Baltistan’s official permit list cross the 8,000-metre line, and Gasherbrum-II is one of them. The Pakistan Online Visa System (NADRA) List of Peaks, in the snapshot dated 2026-08-26, records it at 8,035 metres. It is the lowest of the five, but only by a narrow margin, and that single number puts it in a category that changes how almost everything about an expedition is planned.
This page does something slightly different from a standard peak profile. Instead of repeating general travel advice, it walks through what the official record actually says about Gasherbrum-II, what it leaves out, and how a careful climber should fill those gaps without relying on rumour. Everything stated as fact here comes from the NADRA table or the existing live page. We do not publish routes, grades, coordinates, prices or ascent history for this peak. It’s a good place to start if you’ve ever wondered what the 8,000-metre line really changes.
Quick reference
- Official entry name: Gasherbrum-II
- Listed height: 8,035 m
- Height class: eight-thousand-metre
- Listed peaks higher: 4
- Listed peaks lower: 99 (of 104 entries that state a height)
- District: none assigned in the NADRA table
- Routes, grades, coordinates: not stated in the record
The five official eight-thousanders
Here is every entry on the NADRA list with a height of 8,000 m or more, highest first:
| Rank | Entry | Listed height | Difference from Gasherbrum-II |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | K-2 | 8,611 m | 576 m higher |
| 2 | Nanga Parbat | 8,125 m | 90 m higher |
| 3 | Gasherbrum I | 8,068 m | 33 m higher |
| 4 | Broad Peak | 8,047 m | 12 m higher |
| 5 | Gasherbrum-II | 8,035 m | — |
Look at the spacing. Below K-2 the next four entries sit within 90 metres of each other. Broad Peak is just 12 metres above Gasherbrum-II. On paper, the gap between fifth and third place is less than the height of a modest office block. Height alone, then, is a poor way to choose between these mountains. Teams normally decide on experience, the advice of their operator, and the logistics each approach involves, none of which the official table describes.
Gasherbrum-II within the Gasherbrum entries
The list names six numbered Gasherbrum entries. Gasherbrum-II is the second highest of them:
- Gasherbrum I: 8,068 m
- Gasherbrum-II: 8,035 m
- Gasherbrum-III: 7,952 m
- Gasherbrum-IV: 7,925 m
- Gasherbrum-V: 7,133 m
- Gasherbrum-VI: 7,004 m
Note the formatting. The official table writes “Gasherbrum I” with a space but “Gasherbrum-II” with a hyphen. That inconsistency is harmless on a website but can cause trouble on forms. Whatever spelling your operator uses, make sure the numeral is unmistakable, because II and III differ by 83 metres and by a full height class.
What the record tells you
The NADRA entry for Gasherbrum-II is short. It confirms three things:
- The peak is officially recognised. It appears on the government list used for Gilgit-Baltistan mountaineering permits, so the formal permit process applies.
- Its listed height is 8,035 m. That figure is the one to quote in applications and correspondence.
- Its position relative to other listed peaks. Four entries are higher and ninety-nine are lower.
That’s all. It sounds thin, but it is enough to anchor your paperwork, and it is the one set of facts nobody can dispute.
What the record does not tell you
Equally important is what the table omits. It gives no:
- administrative district or coordinates
- route names, technical grades or base camp locations
- climbing season
- royalty or fee figures
- hazard notes or ascent history
Each of those gaps has to be filled from a responsible source. The sections below suggest where.
Filling the gaps responsibly
| Missing item | Who should supply it | What to ask for |
|---|---|---|
| Approach and base camp | Your registered operator | A written approach plan, day by day |
| Route and grade | Operator and lead guide | Their recommended line and why |
| Season | Operator and official weather advisories | A start window and a latest safe finish |
| Fees and royalties | Tourism Department / DTS and NADRA | The current schedule, in writing |
| Hazards | Operator, guides and recent expedition reports they can verify | Specific known risks and how they are managed |
The principle is simple: if a fact matters for safety or money, get it from someone accountable for it, and keep a written copy.
How eight-thousand-metre planning differs
Above 8,000 m, the margins shrink. Several general differences are worth discussing with your operator early on:
- Acclimatisation takes longer. Expect a longer overall timeline than a 7,000 m objective, with more rotations and rest.
- Supplementary oxygen becomes a real question. Whether to use it, and how much, is a decision for your team and operator based on experience and safety policy.
- Weather windows matter more. A summit attempt may depend on a short stable spell, so spare days are not optional.
- Recovery is slower. Fatigue builds over weeks, and the body does not fully recover at high camps.
None of this is specific to Gasherbrum-II. It applies to every entry in the table above.
Choosing among near-equal giants
Since four of the five eight-thousanders sit within 90 metres of each other, it’s worth asking why a team would pick Gasherbrum-II rather than its neighbours. The honest answer is that the official table can’t tell you. Reasons that genuinely matter include the experience of your operator’s guides on a particular mountain, how the approach fits your available time, the size and make-up of your team, and how comfortable everyone feels with the plan. Sit down with your operator, ask them to explain in plain terms why they would or would not recommend Gasherbrum-II for your group, and compare that explanation with what they say about the alternatives. A clear, specific answer is a good sign; a vague one deserves more questions.
A checklist before you commit
Work through these questions honestly before choosing Gasherbrum-II as an objective:
- Has every team member been to high altitude before, and how did their bodies respond?
- Do you have enough holiday time for a long expedition with spare weather days?
- Has a registered operator reviewed your experience and agreed the objective suits you?
- Have you agreed a position on supplementary oxygen?
- Does your insurance cover high-altitude climbing and rescue?
- Is someone at home holding your emergency plan?
If any answer is uncertain, solve that first.
Permits and the official process
Because Gasherbrum-II is on the government list, a formal process applies:
- Choose an operator registered with the Tourism Department or DTS. Official FAQ material says registered operators appear on NADRA/DTS listings.
- Follow our guide to applying for trekking and mountaineering permits.
- Read the trekking and mountaineering regulations. Licensed guides and porters are mandatory in restricted areas.
- Check that your guide holds a valid licence; our page on registering as a tour guide explains the system.
- Confirm royalties and fees with the official authorities. This site does not quote them.
Reaching Gilgit-Baltistan
The NADRA table does not place Gasherbrum-II in a district, so ask your operator to confirm the approach and the administrative area. Arrival in the region is usually by air into Gilgit Airport or Skardu International Airport, or by road along the Karakoram Highway, with Babusar Pass and Shandur Pass as alternatives. Our guide to getting to Gilgit-Baltistan has more detail.
Timing
No climbing season is stated in the record. Read our overview of the best time to visit Gilgit-Baltistan for regional patterns, then agree a window with your operator using official advisories.
Equipment
Official FAQ guidance recommends warm clothes, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, a first-aid kit, a water bottle and energy bars. That is the regional starting point; an eight-thousand-metre expedition needs far more, and your operator’s technical list should take priority. Our packing guide covers the basics.
Safety and conduct
High mountains carry altitude illness, avalanche, crevasse, rockfall and severe weather risks. Save the Tourist Police numbers: 1422 within Gilgit-Baltistan and 05811-930055 from outside. Camp only where permitted, following the camping regulations, and observe photography restrictions in sensitive zones. Carry out all rubbish.
Keeping your own record
Because the official entry is brief, it helps to build your own file for the expedition: the NADRA entry as quoted, your permit documents, the operator’s written plans, and notes on every decision you make. Afterwards, that file becomes a useful reference for your next climb and for anyone who asks you for advice.
Frequently asked questions
How high is Gasherbrum-II?
The NADRA List of Peaks records 8,035 metres in its 2026-08-26 snapshot.
Is Gasherbrum-II an eight-thousander?
Yes. It is one of five entries on the official list at or above 8,000 m.
Where does it rank on the list?
Four listed peaks are higher and 99 are lower, out of 104 entries with a stated height.
Which listed peak is closest in height?
Broad Peak, at 8,047 m, is 12 metres higher.
How does it compare with Gasherbrum I?
Gasherbrum I is listed at 8,068 m, 33 metres higher.
Is it the same as Gasherbrum-III?
No. Gasherbrum-III is a separate entry at 7,952 m, 83 metres lower.
Which district is Gasherbrum-II in?
The NADRA table does not assign one. Ask your operator and the permit authorities.
Does the record list routes or a season?
No. Routes, grades and seasons are not given.
Do I need a permit?
Yes. As an official listed peak, NADRA and Tourism Department/DTS procedures apply.
Who do I call in an emergency?
The Tourist Police: 1422 within Gilgit-Baltistan, or 05811-930055 from outside.
Source
List of Peaks (Gilgit-Baltistan) · Pakistan Online Visa System (NADRA) · Accessed 2026-08-26