Mustagh Ata
- Beijing Airport, China
- Active & Adventure
| from $7,375* per person | 30 Days | June |
| Comfort accommodations | Exertion level: 3 | |
| Operator: Mountain Madness | 4 people max | |
The first attempt of Mustagh Ata was in 1894 by Swedish explorer Sven Hedin. Sven tried riding a yak to the summit while his Kirghiz guides accompanied him on foot. Unfortunately, he and his yak were denied the summit and gave up around 19,500 feet. In 1947, two other explorers, Shipton and Tilman, attempted the climb of Mustagh Ata, but turned around due to deep snow close to her summit around 24,000 feet. It wasn’t until 1956 that the Soviet Union teamed up with a Chinese mountaineering team and was successful in reaching the summit.
The Mountain Madness Expedition will meet in Kashgar and drive to the village of Subashi, enjoying outstanding views of Mustagh Ata, Kongur and Karakul Lake along the way. Camels will carry our loads into base camp. From here we will establish three higher camps. The team will make our summit attempt from our high camp at 6800 meters. The climb is fairly straightforward and is an excellent stepping stone for those who inspire to climb an 8000 meter peak. Skis or snowshoes are needed to make the ascent, so a ski descent is an optional alternative.
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Locations visited/nearby
Mustagh Ata with optional ski descent , China, Asia
0 testimonials about this trip.
3 testimonials about the provider, Mountain Madness:
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Reviewer: Bill Alorets, Glacier Mountaineering Course
“Great trip! Lots of training and summit day was incredible. Lead and assistant guide was always available and incredible patient. I highly recommend Mountain Madness to anyone!”
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Reviewer: Vince Colletti, Basic Rock Course
“I had one of the most amazing weekends of my life and our guide was responsible for that. I can’t say enough words of praise for him, or the staff of Mountain Madness. You definitely have a return customer!”
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Reviewer: Angelina Trujillo, Mt. Baker Slow boat climb
“Thank you! This trip was very successful due to our guides and their support. My limited experience and older age was taken into account on how they managed our group which was the reason for all of our success!”
Itinerary
June 27-28Beijing, China
Fly to Beijing, China. Overnight in Beijing on June 28th. Mountain Madness can arrange airport transfers to hotel and transfer to flight to Kashgar at an additional expense.
June 29
Kashgar, China
Mountain Madness service begins in Kashgar. Fly from the Beijing to Urumqi transfer to Kashgar.
June 30-July 1
Kashgar
Today will have a day to explore the local sites including Id Kah Mosque, Abakh Khoja Tomb or the Bazaar. Kashgar is known for its famous market and it is referred as “the peril on the ancient silk road.” You can find local produce, arts, crafts, garments, coal, timber and animals on sale in the stalls at the bazaar. Kanhar is an ancient city bordering the Taklamakan desert in the east, the Kunlun Range and Ali prefecture of in the south. The population is approximately 200,000 people. The population is made up of ethic groups Han, Hui and Uyghur.
Trip meeting and orientation will occur on July 1 before more tours of the city.
July 2
Karakul Lake
We will load a bus and travel to the village of Subashi. Here we spend a relaxing day acclimating to 3600 meters. Possible additional acclimatization day will be spent here.
July 3
Acclimatization day and skills review
July 4
Mustagh Ata Base Camp
Elevation 14,700 feet / 4481 meters
Today we will load our camels and have a nice lunch. We then begin our five hour trek to base camp. Base camp is at 4500 meters or 14,700 feet. After we arrive at base camp, we will set up camp and have dinner before going to bed.
July 5
Base Camp
Today we will spend the time getting organized and plan our climb on the mountain.
July 6
Acclimatization Day
July 7
Carry to Camp 1
Elevation 17,300 feet / 5273 meters
We will make a carry to camp 1 at 5,300 meters or 17,300 feet. The trail is normally over rocky moraine. Once we arrive at camp we will make our stash and descend down to base camp. This day may also be used as an additional acclimatization day. (8-10 hours)
July 8
Camp 1
We will hike to camp 1 today and establish camp. The trail is normally over rocky moraine. Once we arrive at camp we will make our stash and descend down to base camp. (5-7 hours)
July 9
Carry to Camp 2
Elevation 18,800 feet / 5730 meters
We will rope up and get on the glacier. We will negotiate around a small ice fall and arrive to camp 2 situated on a snow plateau. The camp is located at 6,100 meters or 18,800 feet. After leaving extra food and fuel we will descend back down to base camp. (5-7 hours).
July 10
Rest Day
Resting and packing to go back up the mountain.
July 11
Climb to Camp 1
July 12
Climb to Camp 2
Today we ascend the slopes to camp 2 and establish camp. Our views from camp 2 are outstanding as we begin to get more height on the mountain.
July 13-14
Back to Base Camp
Rest days in base camp!
July 15
Camp 1
July 16
Camp 2
July 17
Camp 3
July 18
Summit Day
A predawn start we climb moderate snow slopes for a while. Eventually the slopes become gentler as we approach the summit. At the top we have a 360 degree view of the Tibetan plateau to the east, the Karakorum Range into Pakistan to the south and the Pamirs to the west. (4 to 8 hours to summit)
July 19-21
Additional days for weather and health.
July 22
Base Camp
Descend back to base camp.
July 23
Drive to Kashgar
Hike out, then drive to Kashgar.
July 24-26
Fly Home
Depart back home from Kashgar. Travel time may vary according to your final destination.
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