Muztagh Ata Expedition
7546 m
Overview
Muztagh Ata, towering at 7545 meters, is situated just south of Kongur Tagh, the highest peak of the kunlun shan range. They from some what isolated group, distinct from the main kunlun chain and the Pamir Mountains of the west. Both peaks are sometimes reffered to as part of the (Chinese Pamir) and share closer connections with the main Pamir group than wit the main Kunlun group. Not far to the north and east of this group lie lowlands.
The first recorded attempt to climb Muztagh Atta 7545m made by Swedish explorer Sven Hedin in 1894. Subsequent attempts followed in 1900, 1904 and 1947, with the closest being made by Eric Shipton and Bill Tilman in 1947. The peak was successfully ascended for the first time in 1956 via the west ridge, which is now the standard route. Since then, numerous ascents have been made. Notably, in 1980, a party lead by Ned Gillette achieved the first Ski ascent/descent of the standard route.
Expedition Facts
Expedition Name: Muztagh Ata 7545m
Expedition Code: ATP-XP-11
Expedition Zone: Restricted Zone
Approach route: Islamabad-Hunza -Khunjerab pass-Muztagh Ata Base Camp
Best time: June to September
Expedition Grade: Moderate
Duration: 30 days
Average Daily walk: 4-5 hours
Trekking days (in & out): 12
Hotel Nights: 12
Best Time: June to September
Visa Category: Mountaineering & Trekking
Visa Sub Category: Mountaineering
Permit Requirement: A mountaineering permit is required as the expedition falls in the restricted zone.
Gallery
Itinerary
Arrive at Islamabad International Airport.
Transfer to your hotel and rest after your journey.
If time allows, you can explore some of Islamabad's landmarks like the Faisal Mosque or the Pakistan Monument.
Embark on a scenic drive along the Karakoram Highway (KKH) towards Chilas.
The journey offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges.
Overnight stay in Chilas.
Continue your journey on the KKH, passing through stunning landscapes.
Stop at the viewpoint where the three great mountain ranges (Himalaya, Karakoram, and Hindukush) meet.
Arrive in Karimabad, the main town in the beautiful Hunza Valley.
Explore the local bazaar and enjoy the views of Rakaposhi and other peaks.
Overnight stay in Karimabad.
Visit the ancient Baltit Fort and Altit Fort in Karimabad.
Drive to Attabad Lake, a natural wonder formed by a landslide in 2010.
Continue to Sost, the last town in Pakistan before the Chinese border.
Overnight stay in Sost.
Complete immigration and customs procedures at the Pakistan-China border.
Drive across the Khunjerab Pass, the highest paved international border crossing in the world.
Arrive in Tashkurgan, a town in Xinjiang, China.
Overnight stay in Tashkurgan.
Drive to Karakul Lake, a stunning high-altitude lake with views of Muztagh Ata.
Begin your trek to Muztagh Ata Base Camp, which is usually a 4-5 hour hike.
Set up camp and acclimatize to the altitude.
These days are dedicated to acclimatization and climbing.
You'll establish higher camps on the mountain and make your summit attempt when conditions are favorable.
The climb involves glacier travel, snow slopes, and potentially some crevasses.
After your summit attempt, descend back to Base Camp.
Rest and celebrate your achievement!
Trek back to Karakul Lake and enjoy the scenery once more.
Overnight stay in a yurt (traditional nomadic dwelling) near the lake.
Drive to Kashgar, a historic city on the Silk Road.
Explore the vibrant Sunday Bazaar (if it's Sunday) or other attractions.
Overnight stay in Kashgar.
Drive back to Tashkurgan from Kashgar.
Overnight stay in Tashkurgan.
Cross the border back into Pakistan and drive to Sost.
Overnight stay in Sost.
Drive to Gilgit, the capital of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Explore the local market and enjoy the views of the Gilgit River.
Overnight stay in Gilgit.
Fly from Gilgit to Islamabad (weather permitting).
If flights are canceled due to weather, drive back to Islamabad via the KKH.
Overnight stay in Islamabad.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some sightseeing or shopping in Islamabad.
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your departure.
Important Notes:
This itinerary assumes a successful summit attempt. The actual number of days spent climbing might vary.
Acclimatization is crucial for high-altitude climbs. The itinerary includes rest days and gradual ascent to help with this.
You'll need to be in good physical condition and have prior mountaineering experience to climb Muztagh Ata.
Make sure you have the necessary permits and visas for both Pakistan and China.
Pack appropriate clothing and gear for cold and high-altitude conditions.