Gasherbrum I Expedition

Gasherbrum I — the hidden giant of the Karakoram, challenging and majestic.

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Expedition Overview

What is the Gasherbrum I Expedition?

Not all great mountains announce themselves. Gasherbrum I — 8,080m / 26,509ft — stays hidden behind its neighbours on the Baltoro Glacier until the climber has walked deep enough into the Central Karakoram to be rewarded with its reveal. That is the first clue to the kind of mountain it is. The eleventh highest peak on Earth and the highest of the six Gasherbrum peaks, it takes its name from the Balti words rgasha brum — Beautiful Mountain — designated K5 in the original Karakoram survey. Fewer than 200 people have ever stood on its summit — a figure that a single busy Everest season can exceed — making it one of the most exclusive 8,000m summits in the world. Anyone who reaches the top joins an extraordinary company.

Gasherbrum I sits at the northeast end of the Baltoro Glacier on the Pakistan–China border in Gilgit-Baltistan, and is the second highest peak in the Karakoram after K2. The first ascent was made on 5 July 1958 by Nick Clinch, Pete Schoening, and Andy Kauffman of a US expedition via the southeast Roch arête. In 1975, Reinhold Messner and Peter Habeler chose the Northwest Face via the Japanese Couloir for the first pure alpine-style ascent of any 8,000m peak in the world — a line still used today as the standard commercial route, and the most technically demanding standard route on any of the Baltoro 8,000m peaks. What draws the serious climber here is precisely what keeps the crowds away: the Northwest Face is dedicated, demanding, and relentless at elevation.

The AltiPro Adventures Gasherbrum I Expedition 2027 is a 55-day full-board summer expedition departing Islamabad in June. The nine-day Baltoro Glacier trek from Askole through Concordia delivers natural progressive acclimatization from 3,050m to 5,000m before a climber sets foot on the mountain. Three structured acclimatization rotations progress through three high camps to the Japanese Couloir and the upper Northwest Face ridge to the summit at 8,080m / 26,509ft. A maximum of ten climbers, a guaranteed 1:1 Climbing Sherpa ratio, five summit oxygen cylinders per climber, and a resident Expedition Doctor at Base Camp throughout the season. For those already pursuing the fourteen 8,000m summits, the G1+G2 combination is available as an optional upgrade — both peaks share the same Base Camp.

8,080m / 26,509ft Northwest Face — Japanese Couloir Pakistan / China Border 55 Days Summer Season Grade: D — Difficult / Technical Max 10 Climbers <200 Historical Summits

Why this mountain

Why Climb Gasherbrum I?

Fewer Than 200 Summits in History

Gasherbrum I is one of the least climbed 8,000m peaks on Earth. The number of people who have reached its summit in the entire history of the sport is smaller than the capacity of a single Everest Base Camp season. Anyone who stands on top joins a company of extraordinary rarity.

The Japanese Couloir — Messner's Alpine Route

The Northwest Face via the Japanese Couloir is the route that Reinhold Messner and Peter Habeler used for the first alpine-style ascent of any 8,000m peak in 1975. Technical, demanding, and historically significant — it is a line that rewards genuine mixed climbing competence and cannot be completed by momentum alone.

The Most Exclusive Summit on the Baltoro

Among all the 8,000m peaks on the Baltoro Glacier, Gasherbrum I is the least climbed and the most technically demanding on its standard route. It is the natural objective for climbers who have completed Gasherbrum II or Broad Peak and are ready to step into genuinely committing high-altitude terrain.

The G1+G2 Combination — One Base Camp

Gasherbrum I and Gasherbrum II share the same Base Camp on the upper Baltoro Glacier. The G1+G2 combination is the most logistically efficient double-header in 8,000m mountaineering — typically approached by climbing G2 first for acclimatization before tackling the more technical Japanese Couloir of G1.

The Nine-Day Baltoro Glacier Approach

The approach trek from Askole via Concordia — passing the Trango Towers, Broad Peak, and K2 — is nine days on one of the greatest mountain walks in the world, providing natural progressive acclimatization from 3,050m to 5,000m. Many climbers describe the Baltoro journey as the expedition's most unforgettable component.

A Stepping Stone to K2

Gasherbrum I shares the Karakoram high-altitude arena with K2 and is widely regarded as its natural final preparation — a technical 8,000m ascent in the same environment, with the same logistical demands, but without K2's ultimate lethality. From the summit the entire Karakoram range is visible, including K2 and Broad Peak.

Route & Approach

Northwest Face — Japanese Couloir Route

The Japanese Couloir is the standard commercial route on Gasherbrum I, ascending the Northwest Face via the South Gasherbrum Glacier to Camp I, through sustained snow and ice terrain to Camp II, and then up the steep technical couloir to Camp III at 7,200m / 23,622ft. From Camp III the pre-midnight summit push follows the upper Northwest Face ridge on fixed ropes to the summit at 8,080m / 26,509ft. AltiPro's advance Sherpa team pre-establishes all three high camps and sets ropes on the technical couloir sections before the first rotation begins.

Islamabad (507m / 1,663ft) — Expedition Start

The expedition begins in Islamabad with Ministry of Tourism Pakistan and ACP permit collection, Liaison Officer assignment, and gear check. Three nights in a 4-star hotel — two on arrival, one on return.

Fly Islamabad to Skardu (2,438m / 7,999ft)

55-minute domestic flight to Skardu. Two nights in Skardu for acclimatization, gear organization, final food procurement, and porter coordination before the Askole drive.

Drive Skardu to Askole (3,050m / 10,007ft)

5–6 hour jeep drive via the Braldu Valley road to Askole — the last village before the Karakoram wilderness and the start of the Baltoro Glacier approach.

Baltoro Glacier Trek — Askole to Concordia (9 days)

A nine-day approach via Jhola, Chobraqk, Paiju, Khoburtse, Urdukas, and Gore Camp to Concordia at 4,600m / 15,092ft — the Throne Room of the Mountain Gods, where K2, Broad Peak, G1, G2, and G4 are simultaneously visible. Natural progressive acclimatization from 3,050m to 4,600m across the 62 km glacier trek.

Gasherbrum I Base Camp — South Gasherbrum Glacier (5,000m / 16,404ft)

The AltiPro Base Camp on the South Gasherbrum Glacier moraine. Self-contained with heated dining, private tents, satellite internet, and the resident Expedition Doctor. Puja ceremony held here before the first rotation. 6-hourly summit weather forecasting commences from Base Camp.

Camp I — Lower Northwest Face (6,000m / 19,685ft)

Reached via the South Gasherbrum Glacier. The main technical challenge on the approach is crevasse navigation and snow and ice conditions on the lower Northwest Face. AltiPro Sherpas fix ropes across all high-risk glacier sections, with movement timed for early morning to maximise stability. Camp I provides the first close-up view of the steep terrain leading into the Japanese Couloir.

Camp II — Northwest Face Hub (6,400m / 20,997ft)

The tactical center for the upper mountain, stocked with high-altitude food and cooking supplies immediately below the Japanese Couloir. Final route evaluation and weather assessment are performed here before committing to the upper couloir.

Camp III — Japanese Couloir Exit (7,200m / 23,622ft)

An exposed flat-bottomed camp at the top of the steep couloir, demanding strong crampon and jumar technique at altitude. Supplemental oxygen is activated from Camp III. Emergency oxygen is pre-positioned here and additional supplies are cached for the overnight and summit push. Pre-midnight departure for the summit.

Summit — Gasherbrum I (8,080m / 26,509ft)

Departing Camp III before midnight on fixed ropes, the route follows the upper Northwest Face ridge to the summit of Gasherbrum I at 8,080m. The entire Karakoram range is visible from the top, including K2 and Broad Peak. The descent to the lower safety camps takes 10–14 hours with oxygen maintained throughout.

Acclimatization

Acclimatization Rotations — Northwest Face

Gasherbrum I's acclimatization program follows three structured rotations on the Northwest Face, built on the physiological foundation established by the nine-day Baltoro Glacier approach trek. No rotation is skipped regardless of conditions. The Expedition Doctor reviews SpO₂ readings after each rotation before authorizing further movement. Individual summit medical clearance is issued only following assessment after the third rotation.

1st Rotation — up to 6,000m

Base Camp → Camp I → Base Camp

5,000m → 6,000m / 16,404ft → 19,685ft

Initial glacier navigation on the South Gasherbrum Glacier and first assessment of technical conditions on the lower Northwest Face. The overnight at Camp I provides the expedition's first serious high-altitude exposure. Expedition Doctor SpO₂ review on return to Base Camp.

2nd Rotation — up to 6,400m

Camp I → Camp II → Base Camp

6,000m → 6,400m / 19,685ft → 20,997ft

Sustained snow and ice climbing to Camp II below the Japanese Couloir. The first overnight above 6,000m deepens the acclimatization response and confirms the team's physical readiness for the couloir ascent in the third rotation.

3rd Rotation — up to 7,200m

Camp II → Camp III → Base Camp

6,400m → 7,200m / 20,997ft → 23,622ft

Technical ascent of the Japanese Couloir to Camp III — the first Death Zone overnight of the expedition. This rotation is the most demanding acclimatization challenge on the mountain. On return to Base Camp the Expedition Doctor conducts final SpO₂ assessments and issues individual summit clearance.

Difficulty

How Difficult is the Gasherbrum I Expedition?

Gasherbrum I is graded D — Difficult / Technical and is significantly more demanding than Gasherbrum II or Broad Peak. The Japanese Couloir requires steep mixed climbing — cramponing, jumar management, and independent movement on near-vertical fixed-rope sections in the Death Zone. The mountain's "hidden" character means it is more isolated than other Baltoro peaks, demanding precise logistics and the resilience to sustain effort across multiple technical days. AltiPro requires documented success on at least one other 8,000m peak before accepting any application.

Overall difficulty

8.8 / 10

Technical climbing

8.8 / 10

Physical demand

8.8 / 10

Altitude challenge

8.5 / 10

Remoteness

9 / 10

Essential skills: steep mixed climbing (rock and ice), expert crampon and ice axe technique, jumar fixed-rope management on near-vertical terrain, glacier crevasse navigation, independent movement at Death Zone altitude, and documented success on at least one prior 8,000m summit. The Japanese Couloir is unforgiving — it demands the full toolkit of a technical high-altitude mountaineer.

Best season

Best Season for the Gasherbrum I Expedition

The Summer season (June–August) is the only viable climbing window on Gasherbrum I. All Baltoro Glacier access, Northwest Face conditions, and Pakistani permit windows are synchronized exclusively to this period. AltiPro targets the summit push for late June or July, when atmospheric stability in the Karakoram is at its seasonal peak. A confirmed 48-hour stable weather window is required before any team is committed to the summit bid from Camp III.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Ideal season Possible Not recommended

July (Ideal Season): The primary summit push window. Karakoram weather patterns reach their most statistically stable state and the jet stream is most favourable for the upper Northwest Face and Japanese Couloir. AltiPro targets summit attempts in July — apply early as places are limited to a maximum of 10 climbers.

June & August (Possible): June covers Base Camp establishment and early rotations. August retains summit viability but increasing weather variability makes it a secondary window. All other months fall outside the operational season for the Baltoro Glacier.

Cost & packages

Gasherbrum I Expedition 2027 Cost

Fully guided 55-day expedition — full board service from Islamabad.

The AltiPro Gasherbrum I Expedition 2027 package covers all Pakistan permits, Central Karakoram National Park entry, ACP documentation, domestic Islamabad–Skardu flights, Skardu hotel, jeep transport to Askole, Baltoro porter support, full board at Base Camp, all high camp equipment, a guaranteed 1:1 Climbing Sherpa ratio, five summit oxygen cylinders per climber, a resident Expedition Doctor, and 6-hourly summit weather forecasting throughout the season. The G1+G2 combination is available as an optional upgrade. Request a full quote from our expedition team.

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Detailed Itinerary

Click on each day to view details

Day	Program	Meals	Accom.
1	Arrival in Islamabad	Dinner	Hotel
Arrive at Islamabad International Airport. Transfer to 4-star hotel, welcome dinner, and Gasherbrum I Expedition 2027 briefing.
2	Islamabad — Permit & Briefing Day	Breakfast	Hotel
Ministry of Tourism Pakistan briefing, ACP permit collection, Liaison Officer assigned, and gear check.
3	Islamabad — Final Preparation & Rest	Breakfast	Hotel
Final shopping, equipment recheck, rest, and preparation before departure north.
4	Fly Islamabad → Skardu (2,438m)	Breakfast / Dinner	Hotel
55-minute domestic flight to Skardu. Transfer to hotel. Acclimatization day in Skardu.
5	Skardu — Gear Organization & Porter Coordination	Breakfast / Dinner	Hotel
Gear organization, final food procurement, and porter coordination. Brief Skardu cultural visit.
6	Drive Skardu → Askole (3,050m)	Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner	Lodge
Approx. 5–6 hour jeep drive via the Braldu Valley road to Askole — the last village before the Karakoram wilderness.
7	Trek Askole → Jhola (3,230m)	Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner	Tent
Enter the Baltoro Glacier corridor. Braldu River crossings and boulder terrain. Approx. 5–6 hrs.
8	Trek Jhola → Chobraqk (3,050m)	Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner	Tent
Lateral moraine walking alongside the glacier margin. Approx. 5–6 hrs.
9	Trek Chobraqk → Paiju (3,390m)	Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner	Tent
The last trees in the Karakoram wilderness. Trango Towers come into view. Approx. 5–6 hrs.
10	Rest Day at Paiju (3,390m)	Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner	Tent
Acclimatization and load checking. Porters rested before the full glacier section begins.
11	Trek Paiju → Khoburtse (3,840m)	Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner	Tent
Onto the Baltoro Glacier. Gasherbrum, Masherbrum, and Cathedral Spires visible. Approx. 5–6 hrs.
12	Trek Khoburtse → Urdukas (4,080m)	Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner	Tent
Stunning moraine camp with panoramic views across the Baltoro Glacier. Approx. 5–6 hrs.
13	Trek Urdukas → Gore Camp (4,400m)	Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner	Tent
K2's south face begins to dominate the horizon to the north. Approx. 6–7 hrs.
14	Trek Gore Camp → Concordia (4,600m)	Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner	Tent
The Throne Room of the Mountain Gods — K2, Broad Peak, G1, G2, and G4 all visible simultaneously.
15	Trek Concordia → Gasherbrum I Base Camp (5,000m)	Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner	Tent
Arrive on the South Gasherbrum Glacier moraine at the fully established AltiPro Base Camp.
16	Puja Ceremony & Base Camp Briefing	Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner	Tent
Puja ceremony at Gasherbrum I Base Camp. Route briefing, gear and oxygen checks, medical SpO₂ baseline. 6-hourly forecasts begin.
17 – 18	Acclimatization at Base Camp (5,000m)	Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner	Tent
Route reconnaissance toward the South Gasherbrum Glacier approach to Camp I. Expedition Doctor begins daily SpO₂ monitoring.
19 – 21	1st Rotation — BC → Camp I (6,000m) → BC	Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner	Tent
Initial glacier navigation and technical assessment of the lower Northwest Face. First serious glacier and crevasse terrain. Overnight at Camp I. Expedition Doctor SpO₂ review on return.
22 – 23	Rest at Base Camp — Load Ferrying	Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner	Tent
Rest and Doctor SpO₂ review. Sherpa teams ferry loads to Camp I and Camp II.
24 – 26	2nd Rotation — Camp I → Camp II (6,400m) → BC	Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner	Tent
Steep snow and ice approach to Camp II below the Japanese Couloir. First overnight above 6,000m. Return to Base Camp.
27 – 28	Full Rest at Base Camp — Weather Monitoring	Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner	Tent
Full rest and medical checks. Upper route conditions assessed. Weather monitoring continues.
29 – 31	3rd Rotation — Camp II → Camp III (7,200m) → BC	Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner	Tent
Technical ascent of the Japanese Couloir to Camp III — first Death Zone overnight. Individual summit clearance issued by Expedition Doctor on return.
32 – 34	Full Rest at Base Camp — Summit Window Tracking	Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner	Tent
Full rest. Oxygen cache confirmed at all camps. 48-hour summit weather window closely tracked.
35	Summit Bid — BC → Camp I (6,000m)	Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner	Tent
Summit push begins. Move from Base Camp to Camp I via the South Gasherbrum Glacier.
36	Summit Bid — Camp I → Camp II (6,400m)	Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner	Tent
Ascend to Camp II below the Japanese Couloir. Rest and early sleep.
37	Summit Bid — Camp II → Camp III (7,200m)	Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner	Tent
Japanese Couloir approach sections to Camp III. Supplemental oxygen activated. Pre-summit briefing.
38	Summit Day — Gasherbrum I (8,080m)	Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner	Tent
Pre-midnight departure from Camp III. Japanese Couloir and upper Northwest Face ridge on fixed ropes to the summit at 8,080m. Descend to Camp II or Base Camp.
39	Full Descent to Base Camp	Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner	Tent
Descend fully to Gasherbrum I Base Camp. Post-summit celebration at the AltiPro Café.
40 – 41	Rest, Recovery & Base Camp Cleanup	Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner	Tent
Rest and recovery at Base Camp. Equipment packed for porter carry to Askole.
42	Trek BC → Concordia (4,600m)	Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner	Tent
Begin the iconic Baltoro return journey from Base Camp to Concordia.
43	Trek Concordia → Gore Camp (4,400m)	Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner	Tent
Baltoro Glacier traverse. Farewell views of Broad Peak and K2 on the horizon.
44	Trek Gore Camp → Urdukas (4,080m)	Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner	Tent
Return to the last green camp on the Baltoro moraine.
45	Trek Urdukas → Khoburtse (3,840m)	Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner	Tent
Continue the return descent along the Baltoro Glacier moraine.
46	Trek Khoburtse → Paiju (3,390m)	Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner	Tent
Last Baltoro camp. Return to the trees and the green oasis of Paiju.
47	Trek Paiju → Chobraqk → Jhola (3,230m)	Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner	Tent
Valley descent retracing the approach through Chobraqk to Jhola.
48	Trek Jhola → Askole (3,050m)	Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner	Lodge
Final trekking day. Jeep transport arranged at Askole.
49	Drive Askole → Skardu	Breakfast	Hotel
Approx. 5–6 hour drive back to Skardu. Hotel, hot shower, and first civilisation in weeks.
50	Fly Skardu → Islamabad	Breakfast	Hotel
Fly from Skardu to Islamabad. Transfer to hotel.
51	Summit Certificate Presentation & Farewell Dinner	Breakfast / Dinner	Hotel
Summit certificate presentation at the Alpine Club of Pakistan. Farewell dinner and expedition debrief in Islamabad.
52 – 55	Buffer Days — Weather or Logistics Reserve	Breakfast	Hotel
Reserved buffer for weather delays, a second summit window, or Skardu and Islamabad flight disruptions.
56	Final Departure from Islamabad	Breakfast	Hotel
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for international departure.

Services

Includes

✅ Gasherbrum I Climbing Permit — issued by Ministry of Tourism Pakistan / Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP)
✅ Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP) entry permit — required for all Baltoro Glacier expeditions
✅ Ministry of Tourism Pakistan expedition registration and full documentation
✅ Mandatory government-appointed Liaison Officer — wages, accommodation, and insurance fully covered
✅ Garbage management and environmental deposit fee
✅ Pakistan government taxes and AltiPro company service charges
✅ AltiPro Sherpa Japanese Couloir route-fixing contribution — no extra member charge

✅ Airport pick-up and drop at Islamabad International Airport for all international flights
✅ 3 nights 4-star hotel in Islamabad (BB) — 2 nights on arrival, 1 night on return
✅ 1 night hotel in Skardu (approach direction)
✅ Welcome dinner in Islamabad and farewell summit dinner on return
✅ Ministry of Tourism Pakistan and ACP briefing coordination

✅ Domestic flights: Islamabad ↔ Skardu (round trip) for all team members and expedition staff
✅ Jeep transport: Skardu ↔ Askole (round trip) via Braldu Valley road
✅ All expedition staff transport: Islamabad – Gasherbrum I Base Camp – Islamabad
✅ Porters and mules: Askole to Gasherbrum I Base Camp and back — all expedition equipment (60 kg per member)
✅ Full board accommodation at all campsites along the Baltoro Glacier approach and return trek

✅ Full expedition planning, coordination, and on-ground management in Pakistan
✅ Experienced Base Camp Manager and Head Sirdar on-site for the full season
✅ Pre-expedition briefing pack in Islamabad
✅ One walkie-talkie per Climbing Sherpa and Expedition Leader during all climbing phases
✅ Daily professional weather forecast — 6-hourly Gasherbrum I summit-specific updates throughout
✅ Satellite phone at Base Camp for emergency use (minimal per-call charge applies)
✅ Three freshly cooked meals per day (BLD) at Gasherbrum I Base Camp — Pakistani, continental, and international menu
✅ Fresh vegetables, meat, fruits, and juice restocked throughout the season
✅ Heated dining tent with tables and chairs at Base Camp
✅ AltiPro Café at Base Camp — coffee and bakery items served daily
✅ Private sleeping tent with mattress and pillow for every climber and staff member
✅ Generator for charging electronic devices at Base Camp
✅ Internet service at Base Camp (minimal charge)
✅ Expedition Doctor stationed at Gasherbrum I Base Camp for the full climbing season
✅ Gamow Bag (portable hyperbaric chamber) on standby at Base Camp

✅ Sleeping tents at all high camps — Camps I, II, III (2 members per tent)
✅ High-altitude food at all camps: muesli, porridge, noodles, rice, soups, dry fruits, chocolate, and snacks
✅ MSR stoves, cooking sets, EPI gas, shovels, and extra ropes at all high camps
✅ Common climbing equipment: fixed ropes, ice screws, snow pickets, and anchoring hardware

✅ One dedicated Climbing Sherpa per climber — 1:1 ratio, guaranteed from Base Camp to summit and back
✅ All Climbing Sherpa, cook, kitchen helper, and Liaison Officer wages and allowances
✅ Insurance for all Climbing Sherpas, cooks, Liaison Officer, and Baltoro Glacier porters
✅ Backup Sherpas on standby for substitution if required (extra charge if deployed)

✅ 5 oxygen cylinders (4-litre) per climber with personally fitted summit mask and regulator set
✅ 2 oxygen cylinders (4-litre) per Climbing Sherpa
✅ Emergency backup oxygen pre-positioned at Camp II and Camp III before the summit push

✅ Helicopter and rescue team on standby — pre-arranged with Pakistan operators before departure from Islamabad
✅ Puja ceremony at Gasherbrum I Base Camp before climbing begins
✅ AltiPro expedition T-shirt and Gasherbrum I summit certificate issued by Alpine Club of Pakistan

Excludes

❌ International flight tickets to and from your home country
❌ Pakistan visa fee — required for all nationalities; apply in advance at Pakistani embassy or consulate
❌ Personal climbing gear, clothing, boots, and high-altitude equipment
❌ Personal satellite messenger device (Garmin inReach or similar)
❌ Meals in Islamabad and Skardu beyond the included welcome and farewell dinners
❌ Personal expenses: drinks, laundry, telephone, and Wi-Fi

❌ Travel, medical, and high-altitude helicopter rescue insurance (minimum USD 100,000) — mandatory for all participants. Must cover evacuation from 8,000m altitude in Pakistan.

❌ Summit bonus: USD 1,500 per Climbing Sherpa and USD 300 for kitchen helpers — payable in cash at Base Camp after a successful Gasherbrum I summit
❌ Tips for Baltoro Glacier porters and Skardu jeep drivers

❌ Extra costs due to personal baggage exceeding 60 kg
❌ Drone and special filming permit fees (Pakistan applies strict drone regulations)
❌ Gasherbrum II (G2) add-on — available at additional cost; please enquire via the contact form
❌ Costs incurred due to Skardu flight cancellations (weather-dependent), KKH road closures, or political disruptions