Muztagh Ata Climbing Expedition 2026

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Arrival in Kashgar⌄

   Your guide will greet you at Kashgar Airport with a sign that says Muztagh 2025 or any sign of your choice, and will take you to your hotel, which is a 20-minute drive away.

   Meals: Dinner: A welcome party will be held at a nearby restaurant, where preparations and important details will be addressed.

   Overnight: At the Hampton by Hilton in Kashgar, featuring a twin-share room in a 4-star hotel.

2. 2Kashgar to Subash⌄

   Travel 204 kilometers from Kashgar to reach Subash (Edara) and either stay in a hostel or camp at Edara, which serves as the starting point for the trek to Muztagh Ata, located 13 kilometers beyond the lake.

   We will make a brief stop at the stunning azure Karakul Lake on our journey to our destination. Situated at an altitude of 3,600 meters, it is the highest lake on the Pamirs Plateau, located near the convergence of the Pamirs, Tianshan, and Kunlun mountain ranges. The lake is nestled between Muztagh Ata (7,546 meters) to the west and Kongur (7,719 meters) to the east. In the local language, Karakul Lake translates to "Black Lake." Spending a few hours here to appreciate the beauty of this lake is definitely worthwhile.

   Meals: Dinner: Dinner will be at Karakol Lake or Subash, depending on arrival time. Rain may cause mudslides and delays. · Lunch: At local restaruant · Breakfast: Western Buffet Breakfast

   Overnight: Stay in tent or local hostel

3. 3Erdara to BC⌄

   Begin your trek from Subash to Base Camp (BC). The journey from Edara to Muztagh Ata BC (4500m) takes approximately 3-4 hours. Upon arrival, the staff of the Xinjiang Mountaineering Association will greet you at their BC kitchen with a warm and tasty meal, while your mountaineering equipment will be transported by Bactrian camels. Your BC cook at Muztagh Ata Base Camp is an experienced and skilled professional who excels in catering to climbers from various nations. With some knowledge in both German and English, he effectively communicates with diverse groups. His extensive experience includes providing cooking services for trekking and climbing groups at K2, Kunlun, and other mountains, ensuring that all climbers receive nutritious and satisfying meals during their adventures.

   Meals: Breakfast: Hostel breakfast is simple and doesn't match the city hotel, only briefly satisfying hunger. Supplies from our cook help · Lunch: Your BC cook will create delicious and high-quality meals and will be ready for your arrival. · Dinner: Your BC cook will create delicious and high-quality meals and will be ready for your arrival.

   Overnight: Accommodation will be in tent. Each climber gets a separate tent and mattress at Base Camp, unless sharing is necessary.

4. 4Acclimitization⌄

   Muztagh Ata Base Camp is situated at an elevation of 4500 meters, which is significantly higher than Kashgar or your home country. It is essential to spend at least one day there to properly acclimatize.

   Meals: Breakfast: Your BC cook will be responsible for preparing breakfast. · Lunch: Lunch will be prepared by your cook and BC staff. Meal times can be adjusted to fit participants' preferences. · Dinner: Lunch will be prepared by your cook and BC staff.

   Overnight: Overnight in tent

5. 5Camp 1⌄

   Make your way from Base Camp to Camp 1, which is situated at an elevation of 5,350 meters.Set up tents. This camp is probably located close to the snow line. Supplies for the expedition can either be carried by local porters or transported by team members themselves. This approach not only helps in organizing the essential supplies but also contributes to acclimatization and physical conditioning for the summit attempt. Camp 1 is situated at around 5,350 meters, necessitating a challenging, rocky ascent from Base Camp and positioned at the boundary of the glaciers that cover the upper 2,000 meters of the mountain.

   Meals: Breakfast: Your breakfast is expertly prepared by your BC cook. · Lunch: You can prepare your own box lunch or request one from your BC cook in advance. Please notify them one day in advance. · Dinner: On your own

   Overnight: Overnight in tent at Camp one

6. 6Return to BC⌄

   Return to base camp to rejuvenate and relax.

   Meals: Breakfast: On your own · Lunch: Please let your cook know if you plan to return to BC during lunchtime and require them to prepare a meal for you. · Dinner: Dinner is prepared by your BC cook.

   Overnight: Overnight in tent at BC

7. 7BC⌄

   Scheduled day of rest

   Meals: Breakfast: Participants at BC will be provided with. · Lunch: Participants at BC will be provided with. · Dinner: Participants at BC will be provided with.

   Overnight: Overnight in tent at BC

8. 8Camp 1⌄

   Ascend to Camp one

   Meals: Breakfast: Your breakfast is prepared by your BC cook. · Lunch: You can prepare your own box lunch or request one from your BC cook in advance. Please notify them one day in advance. · Dinner: Onn your own

   Overnight: Tent at Camp 1

9. 9Camp 2⌄

   The journey to Camp 2, located at an elevation of 6,200 meters, begins with a steady ascent from Camp 1. This route features a snowy and occasionally icy slope, requiring careful navigation through crevasses and a brief traverse across a small 'valley' in the glacier, which is the steepest part of the climb. Beyond this valley, climbers will face a long, continuous ascent leading to Camp 2, which is perched on a small glacier shelf at approximately 6,100 meters. It is anticipated that there will be two or three ascents to Camp 2, during which loads will be transported for both this camp and the one above. This approach not only aids in acclimatization but also offers a rewarding experience for skiers, as there is an 800-meter descent back to Camp 1 from Camp 2.

   Meals: Breakfast: On your own · Lunch: On your own · Dinner: On your own

   Overnight: Overnight in tent at Camp 2

10. 10BC⌄

    Desend directly from camp 2 to BC

    Meals: Breakfast: On your own · Lunch: Inform your cook if you plan to return to BC and want a meal prepared. Request dinner from your BC cook at any time. · Dinner: Your cook will prepare nutritious meals to refresh and nourish you.

    Overnight: At BC

11. 11BC⌄

    This is a designated rest day.

    Meals: Breakfast: A delicious breakfast will be served at Base Camp. · Lunch: A satisfying lunch will be provided at Base Camp. · Dinner: A delightful dinner will be offered at Base Camp.

    Overnight: Overnight in tent at BC

12. 12Camp1⌄

    Asend to Camp 1

    Meals: Breakfast: Breakfast: Your breakfast is timely prepared by your BC cook. · Lunch: You can prepare your own box lunch or request one from your BC cook in advance. Please notify them one day in advance. · Dinner: On your own

    Overnight: Overnight at Camp 1

13. 13Camp 2⌄

    Ascend to Camp 2 again.

    Meals: Breakfast: On your own. · Lunch: On your own. · Dinner: On your own.

    Overnight: Overnight at Camp 2

14. 14Camp 3⌄

    Camp 3 can be established at various locations in the upper section of the mountain, with the final decision made by the leaders based on prevailing conditions and the activities of other groups in the area. In recent years, a camp has been set up at 6,450 meters, commonly known as Camp 2.5, while teams also have the option to choose Camp 3, located at 6,800 meters.

    Meals: Breakfast: On your own · Lunch: On your own · Dinner: On your own

    Overnight: Overnight at Camp 3

15. 15Summit⌄

    Today marks the summit day. We carefully consider various factors, including acclimatization, load carrying, snow conditions, and sleeping arrangements. The comfort of the group and our average pace will play a significant role in determining our approach. The path to the summit is quite manageable; from 6,800 meters to 7,400 meters, there is a long, gradual slope that gradually eases, culminating in a gentle ascent to the summit rocks.

    Meals: Breakfast: On your own · Lunch: On your own · Dinner: On your own

    Overnight: Overnight at Camp 2

16. 16BC⌄

    Descend to BC

    Meals: Breakfast: On your own · Lunch: Let your cook know if you plan to return to BC and want a meal prepared. You can request dinner at your convenience. · Dinner: Your cook will prepare nutritious meals to refresh and nourish you.

    Overnight: Overnight in tent at BC

17. 17Reserve day⌄

    Summit achievers relax at base camp, while those still striving due to weather or unforeseen circumstances push on or await their return.

    Meals: Breakfast: At BC · Lunch: Most of the group will have lunch at BC as scheduled. Those still striving can request a meal anytime. · Dinner: At BC

    Overnight: Overnight in tent at BC

18. 18Reserve day⌄

    Summit achievers relax at base camp, while those still striving due to weather or unforeseen circumstances push on or await their return.

    Overnight: Overnight at BC

19. 19Reserve day⌄

    Today is the last day at the base camp, and participants are busy collecting their personal belongings and completing their tasks in preparation for their journey to Kashgar. In the evening, the Chinese staff at base camp organized a delightful dinner to commemorate the team's successful summit. They enjoyed joyful moments with the climbers, gathered valuable feedback on their services, and forged lasting memories together. The climbing adventure has now concluded on a high note.

    Meals: Breakfast: At BC · Lunch: At BC · Dinner: Farewell Dinner

    Overnight: Overnight at BC

20. 20BC to Kashgar⌄

    Begin your hike from Base Camp to Subashi, and afterward, you will be transported to Kashgar. Enjoy a refreshing hot shower!

    Meals: Breakfast: At BC · Lunch: En route with a packed lunch. · Dinner: The Chinese service provider will organize a dinner in the unique banquet hall of Kashgar.

    Overnight: Accommodation at the Hampton by Hilton in Kashgar, featuring a twin-share room in a 4-star hotel.

21. 21City toutr⌄

    Your day begins with a visit to the Abakh Khoja Tomb, the final resting place of five generations of a distinguished Islamic master, where you can admire Xinjiang's largest dome architecture. Next, explore the Id Kah Mosque, China's largest and most famous mosque, built in the mid-15th century and supported by 140 intricately carved wooden pillars, creating a grand atmosphere. A short stroll leads you to the Old Street of Kashgar, where narrow alleys and traditional earth or brick homes evoke ancient times. After a delightful lunch at a local Chinese restaurant, head to the livestock market in the city's northwest, where you'll find cattle, sheep, goats, donkeys, and horses in separate sections. Sellers showcase their animals as "good eaters," making for a fascinating experience, as most are sold for livestock rather than meat. After dinner, your guide will take you to the night market street for a leisurely stroll and some free time.

    Meals: Breakfast: Western Buffet Breakfast · Lunch: Local restaurant · Dinner: Local restaruant

    Overnight: At the Hampton by Hilton in Kashgar, featuring a twin-share room in a 4-star hotel..

22. 22Departure⌄

    Your climbing expedition of Muztagh Ata concluded. Local guide will ensure a smooth transition to the airport, assisting you with check-in and luggage handling.

    Meals: Breakfast: Western Buffet Breakfast