Gasherbrum IV

Height: 7,925 m
Country:
Pakistan flagPakistan

Gasherbrum IV, at 7,925 meters (26,001 feet), is one of the most iconic and challenging peaks in the Karakoram Range, known for its technical difficulty and awe-inspiring structure. Often referred to as the "Shining Wall," Gasherbrum IV is distinguished by its sheer faces and sharp ridges, making it a coveted climb for those seeking a true test of skill and endurance. It sits close to its taller neighbors, Gasherbrum I and II, but is often regarded as more difficult due to its complex route and severe weather conditions.

The mountain’s standard route involves steep rock and ice sections, with high exposure to wind and avalanche risk. Climbers often face sections of near-vertical ice, challenging ridges, and technical rock pitches. The climb typically requires establishing multiple high camps, and excellent acclimatization is essential for managing the altitude and demanding conditions. Due to its isolated location and technical difficulty, few climbers attempt Gasherbrum IV, and successful summits are rare.

For those with a high level of experience and preparation, Gasherbrum IV offers an unparalleled adventure in one of the most rugged mountain environments on earth. This is not a mountain for the faint-hearted, but rather for climbers seeking a true alpinist challenge and a place in high-altitude climbing history.

Prepare for an adventure climbing Gasherbrum IV. This overview provides essential details on routes, difficulty, costs, and the best times to go, helping you plan a successful expedition.

Difficulty

  • ED: Extremely hard (alpine grade 6)

When to go

  • June to August

Guide links

These guides offer organised mountaineering expeditions for Gasherbrum IV. From here you can check each guides profile, or browse directly to their website to see the trip. You can separately view the guides directory to browse all guides in one place.
Below is a curated list of independent mountain guides offering expeditions for Gasherbrum IV. Each guide provides their own experience, allowing climbers to select the approach that best suits their style, budget, and experience level. You can explore each guide’s dedicated trip page to review what they offer, from logistics and support to pricing details, with no additional influence from us.
GuideInfoCost
Apricot Toursview guides trip webpage from $4,500
Visit in Pakistan Tours logoVisit in Pakistan Toursview guides trip webpage from $16,900
View the summit location and surrounding terrain to get a sense of the mountain's environment. This map offers a valuable perspective on the peak's position within the region, aiding climbers in visualizing their route and nearby landmarks.
What you can see from the summit of Gasherbrum IV. Click and pan around the map to explore, and zoom in/out to see the names of neighbouring mountains.

These climbs are similar in length, difficulty, and elevation. Offering a similar level of challenge as the Gasherbrum IV climb.

climm K2
K2
 PD
Pakistan
$6,800
 8,611 m
climm Masherbrum
Masherbrum
 TD
Pakistan
$4,000
 7,821 m
climm Rakaposhi
Rakaposhi
 D
Pakistan
$3,000
 7,788 m
climm Broad Peak
Broad Peak
 PD
Pakistan
$5,500
 8,051 m