SKARDU, July 23: Several members of expedition teams from Spain and Italy have succeeded in scaling the 8,035-metre-high Gashabrum-II peak in the Karakoram range.

Sources from Hushey Trek told Dawn here on Sunday that seven teams were attempting to climb the G-II. At least 18 climbers belonging to five of the teams succeeded in reaching the peak early on Sunday.

Among those who conquered the peak were four expedition teams comprising 14 Spanish mountaineers and an Italian expedition team consisting of four climbers, it added.

The sources said that all the summiteers have successfully climbed down to the base camp, adding that one of them was sick and had been rushed to Skardu by helicopter rescue.

So far 23 mountaineers have conquered the G-II this season.

The year 2006 is being celebrated as the golden jubilee of the first ascent of Gashabrum-II.