Muztagh Ata Climbing Expedition 2026

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Kashgar
1 stop
1
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.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Kashgar to Subash
2 stops
2
Kashgar
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.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
3
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Erdara to BC
1 stop
4
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.
4 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 4
Acclimitization
1 stop
5
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.
8 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 5
Camp 1
1 stop
6
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.
10 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Return to BC
1 stop
7
Return to base camp to rejuvenate and relax.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 7
BC
1 stop
8
Scheduled day of rest
1 day • Admission ticket free
Day 8
Camp 1
1 stop
9
Ascend to Camp one
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 9
Camp 2
1 stop
10
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.
10 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 10
BC
1 stop
11
Desend directly from camp 2 to BC
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 11
BC
1 stop
12
This is a designated rest day.
1 day • Admission ticket free
Day 12
Camp1
1 stop
13
Asend to Camp 1
5 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 13
Camp 2
1 stop
14
Ascend to Camp 2 again.
7 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 14
Camp 3
1 stop
15
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.
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 15
Summit
1 stop
16
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.
7 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 16
BC
1 stop
17
Descend to BC
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 17
Reserve day
1 stop
18
Summit achievers relax at base camp, while those still striving due to weather or unforeseen circumstances push on or await their return.
1 day • Admission ticket free
Day 18
Reserve day
1 stop
19
Summit achievers relax at base camp, while those still striving due to weather or unforeseen circumstances push on or await their return.
1 day • Admission ticket free
Day 19
Reserve day
1 stop
20
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.
1 day • Admission ticket free
Day 20
BC to Kashgar
1 stop
21
Kashgar
Begin your hike from Base Camp to Subashi, and afterward, you will be transported to Kashgar. Enjoy a refreshing hot shower!
7 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 21
City toutr
1 stop
22
Kashgar
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.
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 22
Departure
1 stop
23
Kashgar
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.
2 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

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