Rising to approximately 6,046 metres, Khosar Gang is a striking mountain in the Shigar Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan. Also known as Koser Gunge or Koshar Gang, the peak offers an excellent introduction to high-altitude mountaineering in the Karakoram.
Its relatively short approach from Skardu and straightforward climbing route make Khosar Gang one of the more accessible 6,000-metre objectives in Pakistan. However, the mountain still involves glacier travel, snow and ice terrain, high-altitude camps and a demanding summit day.
For climbers looking to progress from high-altitude trekking into genuine mountaineering, Khosar Gang provides an excellent opportunity to gain experience with crampons, ice axe techniques, fixed ropes and climbing at altitude.
Expedition Duration: Approximately 12–16 days
Maximum Altitude: 6,046m / 19,835ft
Peak: Khosar Gang / Koser Gunge
Mountain Range: Karakoram
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Technical Experience Required: Yes
Best Climbing Season: June – September
Starting Point: Islamabad, Pakistan
Expedition Region: Shigar Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan
Main Climbing Route: Skardu → Shigar Valley → Sildi → Base Camp
Accommodation: Hotels and expedition camping
Group Size: Limited Expedition Team
Summit Success: Never Guaranteed
Khosar Gang is suitable for fit trekkers and aspiring mountaineers who want to progress into high-altitude climbing.
Although it is considered one of the more accessible 6,000-metre peaks in the Karakoram, participants should understand that this is still a serious mountain expedition. The route involves altitude, snow and ice, glacier travel and sections where rope protection may be required.
Participants should be comfortable with:
Previous high-altitude trekking experience is strongly recommended, while formal technical mountaineering experience is an advantage.
Please review our booking, payment, cancellation and expedition terms before confirming your participation.
Khosar Gang is more accessible than many of Pakistan’s higher peaks, but 6,000 metres should never be underestimated.
Altitude sickness, changing weather, snow and ice conditions, crevasses and steep sections can all affect the expedition.
The climbing schedule and summit attempt may be modified based on weather, route conditions, acclimatisation, and the expedition leader’s judgement.
Safety always takes priority over reaching the summit.
Khosar Gang is also known by names such as Koser Gunge and Koshar Gang. The name is commonly associated with the Balti expression for “Ice Pumpkin”, reflecting the mountain’s local identity and its glacier-covered landscape.
The peak rises above the Shigar Valley and is relatively close to Skardu compared with many of the major climbing objectives deeper in the Karakoram.
Its combination of high altitude, manageable approach and relatively straightforward climbing has made it popular among climbers looking for an introduction to 6,000-metre mountaineering.
| DAY | LOCATION / ACTIVITY | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Islamabad | Arrival in Islamabad, expedition briefing, documentation and equipment preparation. |
| Day 2 | Islamabad → Skardu | Scenic flight to Skardu, weather permitting. If the flight is not possible, travel by road towards Skardu. |
| Day 3 | Skardu | Rest, final preparation and completion of expedition formalities. |
| Day 4 | Skardu → Sildi → Base Camp | Drive through Shigar Valley towards Sildi and trek to Khosar Gang Base Camp at approximately 3,800–4,000m. |
| Day 5 | Base Camp | Rest and acclimatisation. Equipment preparation and short acclimatisation walk. |
| Day 6 | Base Camp → Camp 1 | Climb towards Camp 1 at approximately 4,800m. Establish camp and spend the night at altitude. |
| Day 7 | Camp 1 → Camp 2 | Continue towards Camp 2 at approximately 5,200m. The route includes snow and steeper sections requiring rope support where necessary. |
| Day 8–10 | Summit Attempt | Early-morning summit attempts from Camp 2 towards the 6,046m summit. The final climbing section includes snow/ice terrain and a steeper section where fixed rope may be used. |
| Day 11 | Camp 2 → Base Camp | Descend from Camp 2 to Base Camp and recover after the summit attempt. |
| Day 12 | Base Camp → Sildi → Skardu | Trek back to Sildi and drive towards Skardu. |
| Day 13 | Skardu | Rest and contingency day. |
| Day 14 | Skardu → Islamabad | Fly to Islamabad, weather permitting. |
| Day 15–16 | Islamabad / Contingency | Reserve days for weather, transportation delays or additional summit attempts if required. |
The itinerary above is an indicative expedition framework. Khosar Gang has a relatively short approach and can be climbed in a compact programme, but additional days are important for acclimatisation, weather and summit conditions.
The actual number of nights at Base Camp, Camp 1 and Camp 2 may change according to the team’s acclimatisation and mountain conditions.
The summit attempt generally begins early to take advantage of more favourable snow and weather conditions. Recent expedition descriptions place Camp 1 around 4,800m, Camp 2 around 5,200m and the summit around 6,046m.
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International guests travelling to Pakistan should review the current visa, permit, travel and expedition requirements before making travel arrangements.
Visa requirements, mountaineering permissions, trekking regulations and government policies may change. We strongly recommend checking the latest information directly from the relevant official authorities before travelling to Pakistan or planning a mountaineering expedition.
Khosar Gang expeditions are subject to the applicable Pakistani and Gilgit-Baltistan mountaineering regulations.
Permit requirements, royalty fees, liaison arrangements and other administrative requirements may change. Our team will assist participants with the necessary expedition arrangements according to current regulations.
At approximately 6,046 metres, Khosar Gang reaches an altitude where proper acclimatisation is essential.
The expedition progressively takes participants from Base Camp to approximately 4,800m and then 5,200m before the summit attempt. This gradual progression helps the body adapt to decreasing oxygen levels.
Participants should be physically prepared for long uphill days while carrying a personal climbing pack.
Previous high-altitude trekking experience is recommended. Participants should also be comfortable using basic mountaineering equipment such as crampons, an ice axe, and a climbing harness.
Weather in the Karakoram can change rapidly, particularly at higher elevations.
Snowfall, strong winds, poor visibility, changing snow conditions and glacier hazards may affect the route and summit schedule.
Travel between Islamabad, Skardu and Shigar may also be affected by weather and road conditions.
The expedition schedule may therefore be adjusted whenever necessary to maintain safety.
The Karakoram is one of the world’s most remarkable mountain environments.
We encourage all expedition members to respect the natural environment and minimise their impact throughout the journey.
Participants must bring appropriate personal clothing and equipment suitable for the selected expedition and expected mountain conditions.
Thank you for choosing Karakoram Holidays for your mountain expedition, trek or adventure in Pakistan.
Our expeditions and mountain journeys involve extensive planning, permits, transportation, accommodation, staff, equipment and other logistical arrangements. Please read the following booking and cancellation terms carefully before confirming your trip.
To reserve your place on an expedition, trek or other adventure programme, an advance deposit may be required.
The required deposit amount and payment schedule will be communicated to you during the booking process and may vary depending on the selected expedition, services, permits and logistical requirements.
A booking will be considered confirmed only after the required deposit has been received and accepted by Karakoram Holidays.
The remaining balance must be paid according to the agreed payment schedule before the start of the expedition or trip.
For certain expeditions, particularly high-altitude mountaineering expeditions, advance payments may be required for permits, government fees, accommodation, transportation, logistics and other arrangements.
These costs may be non-refundable once they have been paid or committed to third-party service providers.
Payment instructions and available payment methods will be provided during the booking process.
Participants are responsible for any bank charges, transfer fees or other transaction costs associated with their payment.
Any outstanding balance must be settled according to the agreed payment schedule.
Failure to complete payment within the agreed timeframe may result in the cancellation of the booking.
If you wish to make changes to your booking, please contact us as soon as possible.
We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate requested changes. However, changes may be subject to availability, additional costs, permit requirements and the policies of third-party service providers.
Certain expedition arrangements, permits, transportation services and other bookings may not be changed once they have been confirmed.
Any additional costs resulting from changes requested by the participant may be the participant’s responsibility.
We understand that unexpected circumstances may require you to cancel your expedition or trip.
If you need to cancel your booking, please notify Karakoram Holidays in writing as soon as possible.
The cancellation will take effect from the date on which written notification is received.
Refund eligibility will depend on the timing of the cancellation and the costs that have already been incurred for permits, government fees, accommodation, transportation, logistics and other expedition arrangements.
Certain costs may be non-refundable once they have been paid or committed.
These may include:
• Government permits and fees
• Mountaineering permits
• Trekking permits
• Expedition royalties
• Visa support documentation
• Hotel reservations
• Transportation bookings
• Domestic flights
• Equipment and logistical arrangements
• Payments made to third-party service providers
• Other services specifically arranged for the participant
Any non-refundable costs already incurred may be deducted from any applicable refund.
Refunds, where applicable, will be calculated according to the cancellation terms agreed during the booking process.
The amount of any refund may depend on:
• The date of cancellation
• The type of expedition or trip
• Government and permit costs already incurred
• Payments made to service providers
• Transportation and accommodation arrangements
• Expedition logistics already organised
• Other non-recoverable expenses
We strongly recommend that participants obtain appropriate travel and trip cancellation insurance.
Mountain expeditions and travel in remote regions can be affected by circumstances beyond our control.
We reserve the right to modify, postpone or cancel an expedition or trip when necessary due to factors including:
• Severe weather
• Unsafe mountain conditions
• Natural disasters
• Road closures
• Landslides
• Flight cancellations or delays
• Government restrictions
• Security concerns
• Political situations
• Permit issues
• Natural emergencies
• Other circumstances beyond our reasonable control
In such circumstances, we will make reasonable efforts to provide suitable alternatives where possible.
However, additional costs resulting from circumstances beyond our control may be the responsibility of the participant.
All itineraries should be considered flexible.
Mountain expeditions and trekking programmes operate in environments where weather, road conditions, flights, glacier conditions, snow conditions and other factors can change unexpectedly.
The itinerary may therefore be modified for operational or safety reasons.
The expedition leader or relevant team members may make changes to the itinerary when necessary.
For high-altitude expeditions, climbing rotations and summit attempts depend on:
• Weather conditions
• Mountain conditions
• Route conditions
• Snow and ice conditions
• The health and acclimatisation of participants
• Team readiness
• Safety considerations
Safety will always take priority over the planned itinerary or summit objective.
Participants should understand that unexpected delays may result in additional expenses.
These may include:
• Additional hotel accommodation
• Extra meals
• Extended transportation services
• Additional domestic travel costs
• Extra expedition logistics
• Additional accommodation before or after the expedition
• Changes to international flights
• Other personal expenses
Where additional expenses result from circumstances beyond the reasonable control of Karakoram Holidays, these costs may be the responsibility of the participant.
We strongly recommend maintaining sufficient financial flexibility and allowing additional time when arranging international travel.
For mountaineering expeditions, a successful summit cannot be guaranteed.
Mountain conditions, weather, health, altitude, physical condition and other factors may prevent a participant or the entire team from reaching the planned summit.
Participants must be prepared to turn back at any point if continuing becomes unsafe.
Failure to reach a summit or complete the planned itinerary does not automatically entitle a participant to a refund.
THE SUMMIT IS OPTIONAL. RETURNING SAFELY IS ESSENTIAL.
Participants are strongly advised, and may be required depending on the selected expedition, to obtain appropriate travel and expedition insurance.
Insurance requirements may include coverage for:
• Emergency medical treatment
• Personal accidents
• Search and rescue
• Emergency evacuation
• Helicopter evacuation where available
• High-altitude mountaineering
• Trekking activities
• Trip interruption
• Trip cancellation
• Repatriation
Participants are responsible for ensuring that their insurance provides appropriate coverage for their selected activity and altitude.
Standard travel insurance may not cover high-altitude trekking or mountaineering.
Participants joining high-altitude expeditions should carefully confirm that their policy specifically covers the intended activity and maximum altitude.
Participants are responsible for ensuring that they are physically and mentally prepared for the selected expedition or trip.
Participants must provide accurate information regarding their health, fitness and previous mountaineering experience where required.
For high-altitude expeditions, participants may be asked to provide details regarding:
• Previous climbing experience
• Highest mountains climbed
• Technical climbing experience
• High-altitude experience
• Relevant mountaineering skills
Participants must follow reasonable instructions provided by expedition leaders, guides and authorised team members.
Failure to follow safety instructions may result in a participant being asked to discontinue participation in certain activities.
Karakoram Holidays cannot be held responsible for delays, changes, cancellations or additional expenses resulting from circumstances beyond our reasonable control.
These may include natural disasters, severe weather, earthquakes, landslides, floods, road closures, flight disruptions, government actions, political situations, security concerns, pandemics or other unforeseen events.
In such circumstances, reasonable efforts will be made to modify the itinerary or provide suitable alternatives where possible.
By confirming a booking, participants acknowledge that they have read and understood the applicable booking and cancellation terms.
Participants also acknowledge that mountain travel, trekking and mountaineering involve inherent risks and that itineraries may change due to weather, safety and operational conditions.
We encourage all participants to carefully review these terms and contact Karakoram Holidays if they have any questions before confirming their booking.
The specific terms, prices, inclusions, exclusions, payment schedules, permit requirements and expedition services may vary depending on the selected expedition or programme.
Any specific terms agreed for an individual booking or expedition will be communicated during the booking process.
International participants travelling to Pakistan for an expedition, trek or mountain adventure should carefully review the relevant travel, visa, insurance and expedition requirements before making final travel arrangements.
Mountain travel in Pakistan involves remote regions, changing weather conditions and specialised logistical arrangements. Requirements may vary depending on nationality, destination and the nature of the planned activity.
The following information provides general guidance for international participants.
International visitors travelling to Pakistan should ensure that they have a valid passport and meet the applicable entry requirements for their nationality.
Visa and entry requirements may change from time to time. Participants are responsible for checking the latest official requirements before making travel arrangements.
Karakoram Holidays may provide appropriate supporting documentation where applicable for confirmed participants. However, visa decisions and entry permissions remain the responsibility of the relevant government authorities.
We recommend beginning the visa process well in advance of your planned departure.
Certain trekking and mountaineering activities in Pakistan may require official permissions, permits or other documentation.
Requirements may vary depending on:
• The destination
• The selected mountain or trekking region
• The type of activity
• The nationality of the participant
• Government regulations
• The specific expedition programme
High-altitude mountaineering expeditions may involve additional permits, government fees and administrative requirements.
Karakoram Holidays will provide appropriate guidance regarding expedition-related arrangements. However, participants are responsible for ensuring that they understand and comply with applicable official regulations.
International participants normally begin their journey by travelling to Pakistan’s main international airports.
Depending on the selected expedition or programme, the journey may continue by domestic flight or road transportation towards the mountain region.
Many expeditions in northern Pakistan involve travel through remote areas where weather, road conditions and flight operations can affect the schedule.
Domestic flights, particularly flights to mountain regions, may be affected by weather conditions.
Road travel may also be affected by:
• Weather
• Landslides
• Road closures
• Traffic conditions
• Seasonal conditions
• Other operational factors
Participants should maintain flexibility when arranging their international travel and avoid scheduling tightly connected international flights immediately after the planned expedition.
Additional days may occasionally be required because of travel delays.
Participants are responsible for obtaining appropriate insurance for their selected activity.
Standard travel insurance may not provide sufficient coverage for trekking, mountaineering or high-altitude activities.
Depending on the selected programme, appropriate insurance may include coverage for:
• Emergency medical treatment
• Personal accidents
• Search and rescue
• Emergency evacuation
• High-altitude trekking
• High-altitude mountaineering
• Helicopter evacuation where available
• Trip interruption
• Trip cancellation
• Repatriation
Participants must carefully check the terms and limitations of their insurance policy.
For high-altitude expeditions, the insurance policy should specifically cover the intended mountaineering activity and appropriate altitude.
The specific insurance requirements for each mountain may be provided on the relevant expedition page.
Participants are responsible for arriving with appropriate personal clothing and equipment suitable for their selected expedition or trekking programme.
Mountain conditions can vary significantly depending on:
• Altitude
• Weather
• Temperature
• Season
• Terrain
• Snow and ice conditions
High-altitude expeditions require specialised clothing and mountaineering equipment.
Participants should carefully review the equipment requirements for their selected expedition before travelling.
A detailed equipment list may be provided during the preparation and booking process.
Participants are responsible for ensuring that their personal equipment is appropriate, functional and suitable for the planned activity.
High-altitude mountaineering and trekking require careful physical and mental preparation.
Participants should prepare appropriately before joining an expedition.
Preparation may include:
• Physical fitness training
• Endurance training
• Strength training
• Previous trekking or climbing experience
• Technical mountaineering training
• Acclimatisation planning
• Equipment preparation
The experience and fitness requirements vary depending on the selected mountain.
Participants should carefully review the requirements of their chosen expedition.
For major mountaineering expeditions, previous high-altitude and technical climbing experience may be required.
Participants should plan for personal expenses that may not be included in the selected expedition package.
Depending on the programme, personal expenses may include:
• International flights
• Visa costs
• Travel insurance
• Personal equipment
• Additional hotel nights
• Meals not included in the programme
• Personal purchases
• Tips
• Communication expenses
• Additional transportation
• Costs caused by unexpected delays
• Other personal expenses
Participants should maintain sufficient financial flexibility during their journey.
Unexpected weather or travel delays may occasionally result in additional expenses.
Pakistan uses the Pakistani Rupee (PKR).
Access to banking and payment facilities may be limited in remote mountain regions.
International participants are advised to make appropriate financial arrangements before travelling towards remote areas.
Cash may be required for certain personal expenses.
Participants should discuss any questions regarding expedition payments and included services with Karakoram Holidays before confirming their booking.
Mobile and internet coverage may be limited or unavailable in remote mountain regions.
Communication services may vary by location and selected expedition.
Participants should not expect reliable mobile or internet access during all stages of a mountain expedition.
Communication arrangements at Base Camp and other remote locations may depend on the available facilities and services.
Participants should inform family members that communication may be limited at certain points during the journey.
Participants are responsible for ensuring that they are physically prepared for their selected activity.
Participants should provide accurate information regarding relevant experience, fitness and any information necessary for safe expedition planning.
High-altitude environments can place significant physical demands on the human body.
Participants must follow reasonable safety instructions provided by expedition leaders, guides and authorised team members.
If a participant is considered unable to continue safely, the expedition team may recommend or require changes to their participation.
Safety decisions made during an expedition must be respected.
The Karakoram, the Himalaya, and other mountain regions of Pakistan are environmentally and culturally important.
We encourage participants to respect:
• Local communities
• Local traditions
• Mountain environments
• Glaciers
• Wildlife
• Cultural sites
Participants should minimise unnecessary waste and follow responsible travel practices throughout the journey.
We believe that responsible tourism and mountaineering play an important role in protecting Pakistan’s mountain environments for future generations.
The requirements, regulations and logistical arrangements for each expedition may vary.
Participants should carefully review the specific information provided for their selected mountain or programme.
Government regulations, visa requirements, permits and travel conditions may change.
The information provided by Karakoram Holidays is intended as general guidance. Participants are encouraged to confirm their current requirements with the relevant official authorities before travelling.
