Where Ambition Meets Altitude
Summit the planet's most formidable peaks with seasoned high-altitude guides
Last updated: · Reviewed by Javeed Iqbal, Founder
8000m Peaks
TD 58,611m
K2
TD 58,126m
Nanga Parbat
TD 48,080m
Gasherbrum I
TD 48,051m
Broad Peak
TD 38,035m
Gasherbrum II
7000m Peaks
TD 37,027m
Spantik (Golden Peak)
TD 57,276m
Muztagh Tower
6000m Peaks
TD 46,096m
Laila Peak
TD 36,106m
Passu Cathedral
5000m Peaks
TD 25,650m
Gondogoro Peak
Sub-Ranges
The Karakoram is not one wall but a series of sub-ranges, each called a muztagh, divided by the great glaciers. Knowing which one a peak sits in tells you how you reach it, which glacier you walk, and how long the approach takes. The Nanga Parbat group sits apart, at the western end of the Himalaya across the Indus.
| Sub-range | Where it lies | Notable peaks |
|---|---|---|
| Baltoro Muztagh | Central Karakoram, above the Baltoro Glacier | K2 (8,611 m), Gasherbrum I (8,080 m), Broad Peak (8,051 m), Gasherbrum II (8,035 m), Muztagh Tower |
| Batura Muztagh | Northern Karakoram, above Gojal and upper Hunza | Batura Sar (7,795 m), Shispare, Passu Sar, Passu Cathedral (6,106 m) |
| Hispar Muztagh | Between the Hispar and Biafo glaciers | Distaghil Sar (7,885 m), Kunyang Chhish (7,852 m), Trivor |
| Panmah Muztagh | East of the Biafo Glacier, north of the Baltoro | Baintha Brakk, the Ogre (7,285 m), Latok I (7,145 m) |
| Masherbrum Mountains | South of the Baltoro, above the Hushe valley | Masherbrum, K1 (7,821 m), Chogolisa (7,665 m) |
| Rakaposhi-Haramosh | Western Karakoram, above Hunza-Nagar and Gilgit | Rakaposhi (7,788 m), Malubiting (7,458 m), Haramosh (7,409 m), Diran (7,266 m) |
| Saltoro Mountains | Far eastern Karakoram, on the Siachen side | Saltoro Kangri (7,742 m), K12 (7,428 m). Access is restricted. |
| Nanga Parbat Group | Western anchor of the Himalaya, south of the Indus | Nanga Parbat (8,126 m), with the Rupal, Diamir and Rakhiot faces |
Technical Difficulty
| Grade | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Walk-up: no technical skills needed | High-altitude trekking peaks |
| 2 | Basic rope work, crampon use | Gondogoro Peak |
| 3 | Intermediate: ice climbing, crevasse rescue | Spantik, Gasherbrum II |
| 4 | Advanced: steep ice/mixed climbing | Gasherbrum I, Broad Peak, Laila Peak |
| 5 | Elite: extreme technical difficulty | K2, Nanga Parbat, Muztagh Tower |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you climb 8000m peaks in Pakistan?
Can you climb 8000m peaks in Pakistan?
Yes. Pakistan is home to five of the world's fourteen eight-thousanders: K2 at 8,611m, Nanga Parbat at 8,126m, Gasherbrum I at 8,080m, Broad Peak at 8,051m and Gasherbrum II at 8,035m. All five rise in the Karakoram and Himalaya of Gilgit-Baltistan, and we run full guided expeditions to each. They are serious climbs that require prior high-altitude mountaineering experience.
Do I need a permit and royalty to climb in Pakistan?
Do I need a permit and royalty to climb in Pakistan?
Yes. Climbing peaks above roughly 6,500m requires an official climbing permit and payment of a government royalty, which varies by peak and season and is highest for K2 and the other eight-thousanders. Higher peaks also require a liaison officer for foreign teams. We arrange all permits, royalties and paperwork for you, and the exact fees are quoted per expedition.
What experience is required for a Pakistan expedition?
What experience is required for a Pakistan expedition?
It depends on the objective. Trekking peaks and 6,000m summits suit fit climbers with basic glacier and rope skills, while 7,000m peaks call for solid alpine experience. The 8,000m giants, and K2 and Nanga Parbat in particular, are for experienced climbers who have already performed at extreme altitude. If you are unsure where you fit, our team can advise on a realistic progression.
When is the climbing season in Pakistan?
When is the climbing season in Pakistan?
For the Karakoram peaks the main climbing season runs from June to August, when the weather is most stable and the higher camps are workable. Nanga Parbat in the western Himalaya is also attempted in this summer window. Winter ascents are possible for elite mountaineers but are far more dangerous and are arranged only on request.
Which peaks do you organise expeditions for?
Which peaks do you organise expeditions for?
We organise expeditions across the full range of Pakistani peaks: the 8,000m giants, 7,000m peaks such as Spantik and Rakaposhi, 6,000m summits, and high passes like Gondogoro La. From a first Himalayan summit to a technical eight-thousander, we can tailor the trip to your goals. Costs are quoted per expedition based on the peak, team size and services included.
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