Muztagh Ata climbing info. Mt. Muztagh Ata (7546 m) is growing into a more and more popular destination for local as well as international climbers. This popularity is explained by lower cost of expeditions, unique location of the region, and easy access to it. A lot of newbie climbers opt for this mountain to become their first 7000 m peak for them to summit.<\/p>\n
Mt. Muztagh Ata is located in Kunlun Range on China\u2019s territory, near the city of Kashgar. The mountain\u2019s moderately pitched slopes (25\u201330 degree), covered with ice and snow, are great also for ski mountaineering.<\/p>\n
Located in Muztagh Ata and Kongur Ranges are three highest peaks of the Pamirs \u2013 Kongur Tagh (Kongur 1) 7719 m high, Kongur Tube Tagh (Kongur 2) 7595 m high, and \u00a0Muztagh Ata 7546 m high.<\/p>\n
Mt. Muztagh Ata (which means \u201cFather of Ice Mountains\u201d) is located in the north-western part of China. The mountain\u2019s pretty moderate western slope gradually turns into the flat plain of Subashi valley, crossing which from the north to south is the well-known Karakoram Highway. This 1300 km long highway is the world\u2019s highest international road that crosses Karakoram via\u00a0Khunjerab Pass at the altitude of 4693 m. Its construction lasted from 1966 to 1986, repeating the route of the Great Silk Road. The distance from the highway to\u00a0Mt. Muztagh Ata is no more than 10 km.<\/p>\n
The first ascent to Mt. Muztagh Ata was made in 1956 via the southernmost of western ridges. In that period 31 climbers summated the mountain \u2013 19 Russian and 12 Chinese, from the Soviet-Chinese collaborative expedition led by A.E. Beletski and K.K. Kuzmin.<\/p>\n
In the center of the summit\u2019s western slope there is a huge crevasse. Falling into it, the ice forms the Kartamak glacier in the crevasse. On the left and right from this crevasse there are two normal routes leading to the summit \u2013 the northern and southern ones. The route itself technically is not challenging, but the success of your climbing expedition may be largely determined by such treacherous factors as unpredictable weather and pressures of high altitude. For successful summiting you need just good physical fitness and relevant equipment, and, of course, adequate acclimatization.<\/p>\n
At present, the region of Mt. Muztagh Ata is visited by over 600 climbers a year, many of which use this peak for ski mountaineering.<\/p>\n
You can start your climbing expedition from Bishkek as well as from Urumchi. The city closest to Muztagh Ata\u2019s Base Camp is that of Kashgar that can be reached from both of the mentioned cities (from Bishkek by ground transport, and from Urumchi \u2013 by air).<\/p>\n
Kashgar is a unique city. Throughout its history, for several centuries it was attracting adventure seekers from all over the world. Passing through this city were thousands of caravans and expeditions \u2013 since ancient times Kashgar was the gate leading to Tibet and Central Asia, to China and India. Many of those passing through the city would remember Kashgar forever, and some of them would stay there forever, giving in to the place\u2019s spell.<\/p>\n
Day 1.<\/strong>\u00a0Arrive at Bishkek.
\nDay 2.<\/strong>\u00a0Transfer to Tashrabat (at an elevation of 3000m) and overnight stay in a yurt.
\nDay 3. <\/strong>Transfer to Kashgar, with overnight stay at a three-star hotel.
\nDay 4. <\/strong>A 4\u20135 hours’\/200 km ride in a minibus from Kashgar to Subashi by\u00a0Karakoram Highway. Overnight stay in tents or yurts.
\nDay 5. <\/strong>A 10 km ride from Subashi, meeting a camel caravan on our way, loading the animals and hiking to the Base Camp.
\nDay 6. <\/strong>Easy trekking
\nDay 7. <\/strong>Climb to Camp 1 (at 5350 m)
\nDay 8. <\/strong>Climb back to Base camp
\nDay 9. <\/strong>Rest
\nDay 10. <\/strong>Climb to Camp 1 (at 5350m)
\nDay 11. <\/strong>Climb to Camp 2 (at 6200m)
\nDay 12. <\/strong>Descent
\nDay 13. <\/strong>Rest
\nDay 14. <\/strong>Climb to Camp 1 (at 5350m)
\nDay 15. <\/strong>Climb to Camp 2 (at 6200m)
\nDay 16. <\/strong>Summiting Mt.\u00a0Muztagh Ata
\nDay 17. <\/strong>Descent to Base Camp
\nDay 18. <\/strong>Reserved
\nDay 19. <\/strong>Reserved
\nDay 20. <\/strong>Reserved
\nDay 21. <\/strong>Reserved
\nDay 22. <\/strong>Hike from Base Camp to Subashi, followed by a ride to Kashgar. Accommodation in a three-star hotel.
\nDay 23. <\/strong>Sightseeing tour in Kashgar, visiting Kashgar Bazar and historical sites. Accommodation in a three-star hotel.
\nDay 24. <\/strong>Transfer from Kashgar to Torugart, setting out after breakfast for Torugart Pass on China-Kyrgyzstan border. After resolving formalities, taking a ride to Tashrabat. Overnight stay in a yurt camp.
\nDay 25. <\/strong>Transfer from Tashrabat to Bishkek, with lodging in a Guest house.
\nDay 26. <\/strong>Flight back home.<\/p>\nIncluded in the cost:<\/h2>\n