Khosar Gang Expedition: Your First 6,000m Summit in the Karakoram

Q: What is the elevation of Khosar Gang Peak?

The official height is just around 6,040m, making it an easily attainable six thousander of sorts. It is a 'beginner's' Karakoram six thousander, and one of the relatively lower ones too.

Q: Where is Khosar Gang located?

Shigar is located in Shigar valley about 45 km from Skardu at left bank of River Braldu River.

Q: How technical is the Khosar Gang climb?

Regarded as one of the easier (PD Grade) technical climbs, it is a mountain made of snow, ice, with small rock sections near the top.

Q: Is this expedition suitable for beginners?

Yes, perfect if trekkers want to start mountaineering or want to ascend their first 6,000m peak.

Q: What is the best time to climb Khosar Gang?

Best time for a trip June to August ( peak season). January and February are excellent months for experienced climbers that need a physical challenge.

Q: How long is the total duration of the expedition?

A typical professional itinerary out of Islamabad usually runs for 12 to 15 days, this inclusive of travel time & accommodation.

Q: Do I need prior climbing experience?

Previous mountaineering experience is not required, but you should have multi-day trekking experience at high altitude (e.g., K2 Base Camp)

Q: What technical gear is required for the summit?

What gear do I need? – A ice axe – A climbing harness – Ahelmet – High altitude double boots – Crampons

Q: How many camps are established above Base Camp?

We usually make two high camps – Camp 1 (around 4,800m) and Camp 2 (at 5,200m) prior to the summit bid.

Q: What is the typical success rate for this peak?

It offers quite high chances of success under favourable weather due to the ease of accessibility and technical ease.

If you’ve dreamed of standing above 6,000 metres without jumping straight into an 8,000er, the Khosar Gang Expedition is one of the best ways to start in Pakistan. Rising above the Shigar Valley near Skardu, this peak gives you real Karakoram glaciers, real high-altitude camps and a summit view that stays with you for life.

At Black Yak Adventure Pakistan, we run this expedition with local guides who know these slopes. We keep groups small, take acclimatization seriously, and put safety ahead of the summit photo.

About Khosar Gang Peak

Khosar Gang stands at 6,046 metres in the Shigar valley of Gilgit-Baltistan, though its official height is often listed as 6,400 metres while some climbers measure it closer to 6,040 metres. In the Balti language, the name means “ice pumpkin.” It is the tallest mountain in the Shigar Valley, and from the top you can see Spantik, Nanga Parbat and many other Karakoram giants.

The peak is also well proven. Dennis Urubko’s team made the first winter ascent in 2022, and eight Pakistani women reached the summit in 2026 on the Alpine Club of Pakistan’s second women’s expedition. Many teams also use it to acclimatize: a South Korean team summited Khosar Gang before moving on to an unclimbed 6,015 m peak in the Thalay Valley.

Expedition Quick Facts

Region	Shigar Valley, Baltistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Peak height	Approx. 6,040 m (some sources list 6,046 m or 6,401 m)
Base	Skardu, then Sildi village, roughly 45 km from the city
Duration	18-20 days
Difficulty	Moderate to challenging, good for fit beginners with some trekking experience
Best season	June to August (summer window)
Group size	1-18 members
Starts and ends	Islamabad

Who Is This Expedition For?

This is a good fit if you are fit, have done multi-day treks and want your first 6,000m peak. We recommend previous time above 4,500 m, basic crampon and ice-axe skills (we refresh these at base camp) and a good fitness routine for 8-12 weeks before departure.

Why Climb Khosar Gang With Black Yak Adventure Pakistan?

Safety first: Gradual acclimatization, daily health checks and clear turnaround times
Small groups: More attention for you, less impact on the mountain
Transparent pricing: No hidden fees, and we explain exactly what each cost covers
Responsible adventure: We hire locally, carry waste out and respect Balti culture

Safety, Weather and Conditions

Mountain conditions in the Karakoram change fast. Avalanche risk matters on this peak: the standard route can be too icy and avalanche-prone in winter, and a spring attempt in 2022 turned back because of high avalanche risk. That’s why we plan summer departures, build in spare days and let our guides make the final call on summit day.

Pricing Details

Solo Person	2-4 Persons	5-10 Persons	11+ Persons
$3,200	$2,720	$2,240	$1,600

Departure Schedule 2027

Starting Date	Ending Date	Price/Group	Availability
05-June	22-June	$1,600	Available

Ready to Stand Above 6,000 Metres?

Spots on our 2026-27 departures are limited. Contact Black Yak Adventure Pakistan to get the full itinerary, dates and a custom quote.

Accomodation
4 Star Hotel
Tour Availability
Availability
Wifi
Not Available
Maximum Altitude
6,040 m
Guide
Guided
Language
English
Payment Method
VISA, Master Card
Transportation
Jeep. Executive Cars
Hotel Transfer
Available
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Departure City
Islamabad
Mineral Water
Available
Group Size
1 - 18
Trip Type
Expeditions
Difficulty
Medium
Altitude
6000+ Metre

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Why Choose Our Khosar Gang Expedition?

Khosar Gang is your entryway into Big Peak climbing. We at Black Yak Adventure have designed this Khosar Gang expedition so you can make a smooth transition from trekking to serious, world-class, high-altitude climbing.

Ideal First Summit: At 6040m Khosar Gang is as high as it gets for a Big Peak experience, but without the intense vertical technicality of K2 or Broad Peak; it is a superb goal for any ambitious trekker.

Quick to reach: Situated just outside the Shigar Valley, this peak has one of the shortest trekking approaches anywhere in Gilgit-Baltistan. This translates to less trekking and more climbing.

Tour Highlights

The 6,000er Challenge: Make the ultimate mountaineering statement – top the world at an elevation of 6,040m on a Himalayan giant.
Best Approach An introduction to climbing which, while technical, will prepare you perfectly for any expedition for 7,000 or 8,000 mtr peaks.
Beautiful Shigar Valley From the "Gateway to the High Peaks," explore the stunning Shigar valley with its verdant orchards and age-old forts.
K2 & Broad Peak Vistas With spectacular, unobstructed, first-hand vistas of the 'Big Four' 8,000 meter summits from the ridge of the peak.
Fast logistics One of the easiest 6000m peaks to access in Gilgit Baltistan. Only a few hours drive from Skardu.
Alpine High Camps - Trek through serene and snow blanketed amphitheater high above the Indus River for some amazing and breath taking high altitude camping.
Snow & Ice Immersion Develop hands-on expertise in using crampons, ice axe and fixed rope techniques under specialist instruction.
Panoramic: Shoot a panoramic of the Karakoram range – looking toward the Trango Towers and their dramatic spires.
Sassi Skardu Road - Travel along ancient ways traditionally followed by generations of Balti hunters and alpinists.
Elite Support Team - Summit with confidence thanks to Black Yak Adventure’s professionally certified high altitude guides and kitchen staff

Day 01 :

Flight to Islamabad

After a morning flight from Islamabad guests are set to witness one of the most stunning aerial approaches in the world. Skardu flight provides incredible vistas of the Himalayas and the Karakorum ranges and has the added advantage of seeing Nanga Parbat (8126m) directly from overhead. At Skardu (the base logistics center for most high altitude adventures), guests will be met by a Black Yak Adventure representative who will arrange for transfer to the selected hotel partner, the rest of the day is for leisure and acclimatization, with an opportunity for a walk to historic Skardu bazaar and its surroundings.

Day 02 :

Flight to Skardu

After an early morning start from Islamabad, guests will take one of the most stunning and dramatic mountain flights in the world. Enjoy this panoramic view over the Himalayan and Karakoram ranges, with the spectacular sight of Nanga Parbat (8,126m) rising above the skyline.

Day 03 :

Rest at Skardu

Our high altitude basecamp will be the beautiful and historically significant mountain town of Skardu, located on the Indus River with the towering Karakoram Mountains at its backdrop. We’ll begin our journey to high altitude with an acclimatization trek to the ancient Kharpocho Fort immediately after breakfast. Sitting some hundred meters above the Skardu Bazaar, the old fortress provides a spectacular and strategic position above the river Indus, valley of Skardu and the wilderness around it.

Day 04 :

Skardu to Khosar Gang Base Camp (3,800m)

We will drive in Skardu and after the last check of our gears, we proceed to a beautiful two hour journey to the very heart of the valley. We drive on paved road turning to very rough jeep tracks until we reach lush alpine pastures of Khosar Gang Base Camp. Our first major high altitude campsite/headquarters is in Khosar Gang Base Camp which is located in the lap of the gigantic granite rock face.

Transport: 4x4 Jeep

Accommodation: Expedition Camping

Day 05 :

Preparation & Technical Briefing at Base Camp

Dedicated rest day & technical check. Your chief guides will run through an introduction on the climbing objective & safety systems. The team will check individual high-altitude gear and also do a fixed rope drill to be ready as a coordinated group before the push up to higher altitude.

Day 06-08 :

Progression to Camp 1 (4,800m)

Throughout the next three days we implement a controlled acclimatization approach. We commence "load-carrying" to Camp 1. This will help our lungs cope as we will attempt to ascend above the 6,000 meter barrier. We will create a base Camp 1, on the shoulder of the mountain while we observe weather forecasts and snow conditions.

Day 09-12 :

Summit Window for Khosar Gang (6,040m)

This flex 4 day block is put aside for the end game, which based on the most favorable weather conditions and snow conditions we begin heading towards the summit from Camp 1. Our goal requires moderate snow slopes and ridge terrain with a fantastic finish to $6,040$ m where the most comprehensive 360deg vista of the “Big Four” $8000m$ peaks (K2, Broad Peak and Gasherbrums) awaits.

Objective: Peak attainment and safe return to high camps.

Day 13 :

Descent to Base Camp

Success!! A climb well done we descend from the summit and systematically begin our controlled trip down the mountain dismantling high camps under a 'leave no trace' ethics and finally arrive back at the relative breathable comfort of Basecamp where we share a celebratory dinner with our lovely Balti porter team.

Day 14 :

Return to Skardu

We bid farewell to Shigar Valley and board back into our 4x4 vehicles to drive back to Skardu, where upon reaching your hotel, a hot shower and a welcome to a 4* hotel awaits the participants who can relive the experiences of the week long journey.

Day 15 :

Flight to Islamabad

Morning transfer to Skardu Airport for an early morning iconic flight to back the capital over the Nanga Parbat massif. Note: This day is converted to drive by Karakoram highway in case of flight cancellation.

Day 16 :

Contingency & Buffer Day

This includes your safety net travel day should the mountain weather cause flight disruptions or cancellations. In case your travel is earlier than scheduled you can spent your day with sightseeing the old markets of Rawalpindi.

Day 17 :

Final Departure

Private transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your onward journey home Our black Yak Adventure expedition ends.

Included/Exclude

Cost Includes

1. Private Tents with all amenities, including carpeted dining halls, social tents, and heating facilities for comfortable living at base camp.
2. High-Quality Pakistani High-Altitude Porters (HAP) are hired at a ratio of 1:2 climbers to carry baggage and set up campsites.
3. All nutritious and energizing meals(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)are prepared at Base camp and on your approach trek to provide energy for the climb.
4. Two Nights’ accommodation at Hotels in Skardu & Four nights in Islamabad Bed and breakfast.
5. A dedicated toilet facility & shower tent with access to solar charging points for personal electronics.
6. All domestic flights, ground transportation and transfers as per the itinerary, regardless of changing the flight schedules.
7. 65kg (110 LBS) of personal gear can be transported via mules and porters to base camp at no extra cost.
8. All government fees and mountain permit costs are borne by us, including liaison officer charges, permits, etc.
9. Group medical Kit with comprehensive first aid supplies, satellite phone facilities(pay as you go), and backup oxygen at the High Camps.
10. Full life and accident insurance is provided for our whole crew including guides, cook and porters.
11. An experienced expedition chef with the professional kitchen crew will take care of all the meal arrangements and the cleanliness of your kitchen facilities.
12. All high-tech electric devices will get unlimited charging due to our huge solar system and back up generator in case of long darkness periods.
13. Instant communication is guaranteed via two way high frequency radios between base camp and high camps.
14. High tech Weather Forecast from premium European forecasting service at least once daily to guide our climbing decisions.
15. Wi-Fi facility at the high camp(local network), and Hot Water Availability for daily ablutions.
16. Our expert Expedition Manager will take care of the logistical planning, staff coordination and all safety procedures, so you can simply focus on the challenge of climbing K2.
17. Our trademark celebration of Traditional food for dinners at Islamabad and Skardu on the beginning and end of the trip respectively.

Cost Excludes

1. Any supplemental oxygen system including altitude oxygen bottles, regulators and masks.
2. Charges for the specific rope-fixing team, along with the communal sharing of rope access fees.
3. Personal 1:1 Sherpa guides, or individual rope-fixing team members from Nepal.
4. All the necessary altitude tents, fuel for cooking, as well as particular mountain stoves.
5. Any freeze-dried special meals, food items or energy bars and gels that are used at altitude.
6. The statutory peak permit fee as of September 2024 revised seasonal fee rate.
7. Any equipment to be used personally including harnesses, crampons, and ice axes.
8. Any personal usage of Thuraya/Inmarsat phones, high-altitude Starlink data.
9. Any required high-altitude emergency evacuation by helicopter with specialized insurance and adequate medical coverage.
10. Customary high-altitude porter fees as a performance payment and similar payments to climbing staff members.
11. Cost of customs clearance for personally delivered baggage shipped by either sea freight or airfreight.

Frequently Asked Questions

General

Expand all

What is the elevation of Khosar Gang Peak?

Where is Khosar Gang located?

How technical is the Khosar Gang climb?

Is this expedition suitable for beginners?

What is the best time to climb Khosar Gang?

How long is the total duration of the expedition?

Do I need prior climbing experience?

What technical gear is required for the summit?

How many camps are established above Base Camp?

What is the typical success rate for this peak?

Is a climbing permit required?

What is the difficulty of the approach trek?

Are porters provided for personal gear?

What kind of food is provided during the expedition?

Is oxygen needed for Khosar Gang?

What happens in case of a medical emergency?

Can I rent climbing gear in Skardu?

How do I get to the starting point?

What is the weather like during the climb?

Why choose Black Yak Adventure for this peak?

Khosar Gang Expedition

Duration

Group Size

Tour Type