Muztagh Ata Expedition (7546m)

The name Muztagh Ata means “Ice Father” in the local Uygyr language. It’s easy to understand why it got such name, as it really dominates all surroundings. Its glaciated summit looms about 4 kilometers over the beautiful Subashi Valley and the deep blue Karakol Lake completes the picture.

Our aim is the Muztagh Ata peak! And our journey will start from the capital of Kyrgyzstan – Bishkek. Our next stop and city closest to the Base Camp of Muztagh-Ata is Kashgar. For many centuries Kashgar as a magnet have been attracting adventure-seekers from all over the world. Thousands of caravans and expeditions were passing through this city; it was an ancient gate to Central Asia and Tibet, China and India. Some of those who were passing through Kashgar remembered it for the lifetime, and others, being charmed by the place, stayed here forever. And you will be one of those lucky few who decided to cross this land to get to the Base Camp under Muztagh Ata peak.

Itinerary

Day 1

Bishkek - Naryn

Pick up at Bishkek airport and drive to Naryn, where we’ll spend the night in our hotel.

Day 2

Transfer from Naryn to Kashgar via Torugat pass

After our breakfast in hotel, we’ll drive through Torugat pass where we’ll meet with our Chinese Driver and Guide at the border. Here, we’ll change our vehicle and drive to Kashgar after Chinese customs and immigration checks gives us an all clear. We’ll arrive in Kashgar in the evening.

Day 3

Transfer from Kashgar - Subashi

We will drive along the Karakorum highway winding for several hours through the narrow gorge of the Gez River then ascend to an altitude of 3900 m by the shores of Karakur lake, 196 km from Kashgar. Horses, yaks and camels graze on the rich pasturage. Accommodation in tents.

Day 4

Trekking to base camp

In the morning we rise for a hike of 13km to base camp. With the camels carrying the team’s equipment, we trek over a level plane and then climb steadily through barren hills to the base camp, which is approximately a 4-hour walk. Drifts of alpine flowers cover the slopes as we approach our destination and the local marmots can often be heard calling out a welcome. Camping overnight.

Day 5 - 20

Climbing and acclimatization in case of bad weather

Period for climbing of Muztag-Ata, which requires building and supplying three high camps. Meals are provided only at the base camp, however if climbers choose to go further they will need to bring their own food. 

Day 21

Base Camp/Subashi/Kashgar

In the morning we will go down to Subashi by trekking, again our gear will be taken by camels. At Subashi our transport to Kashgar will already be waiting and we will arrive there in early evening. Hotel accommodation. 

Day 22

Kashgar

Our last day of the expedition. Our tour includes the tombs of Abakh Hoja Tomb, well-known Kashgar Bazaar, the famous Mosque and the most unique old town with typical Uyghur styled homes. We visit the various shopping alleys full of noodle shops, bakeries, teashops, blacksmiths and carpenters.  

Day 23

Kashgar - Naryn

After breakfast, drive to the Torugat Pass, were we’ll cross the border and meet with our Kyrgyz guide and driver at the pass and continue our drive to the city of Naryn.

Day 24

Naryn - Bishkek

After the breakfast in hotel, we’ll drive to Bishkek and transfer to Asia Mountain hotel. There you will have free time for sight-seeing of Kyrgyzstan capital.

Day 25

Departure

Today we’ll transfer you to Bishkek airport to catch your flight. Here we say our goodbyes and wish you for a safe flight home.

Dates & Prices

July 9th, 2024
Spots available: 6 3280 €, Per Person

The price includes:

  • All necessary permits and government tax
  • All necessary overland transfers/Bishkek-Bishkek
  • Enough camels for the luggage transfer from Subash to BC and BC to Subash
  • Hotel accommodations in Kashgar, Naryn and Bishkek, and one-night camping in subash village (Edara)
  • 10 days full board food at the BC spread over whole expedition time
  • Meals from Bishkek and back to Bishkek after expedition
  • Good kitchen utilities
  • Good sized quality BC tent and mattresses (one tent shared by two people)
  • Mass tent for living
  • Sufficient staff (cook, assistant) at BC according the group size and includes their salary and insurance
  • High altitude food and altitude tent
  • Mountain guide (English speaking) above BC
  • Guide throughout the trip in China and in Kyrgyzstan
  • Liaison officer
  • One day sightseeing in Kashgar, including cultural guide, full board meal, transportation
  • Custom clearance
  • Invitation letter for Chinese visa if necessary

The price doesn’t include:

  • High altitude porters (from 4500m – camp 3)
  • Airport transfers to/from Bishkek
  • Insurance of any kind
  • Any other item on personal interest
  • Excursion not listed
  • Extra meal
  • Cold drink
  • Tip for staff

F.A.Q.

Necessary documents
International passport, valid for more than 6 months at the day of the expedition’s end. Special medical insurance for 6000+ mountaineering.

Visas
Each traveler should get his or her own visa in their homeland country or in a country where they are living.

Level of accommodation:
In Kashgar – 4-star hotel, twin rooms.
In Subashi village – Camping /two person in one tent
In Base camp – twin tents.

Nutrition
All meals are included according to the program.

Service staff

This is our service staff for the duration of our expedition:
– Chinese liaison officer
– Cooks
– Kitchen staff
– Mountain guide

Medicine
Special medical insurance for each participant is a necessary condition of participation. We will have a group first-aid-kit, but you should also have any necessary personal medication. We recommend you to start taking vitamins a month before the expedition.

Weather
Weather of Muztagh Ata area is stable. In upper camps however, strong snowfalls are possible. In July snow falls even in base camp. We will keep you informed about weather during the ascent.

Recommended equipment

High-altitude dishes for cooking in camps higher than the base camp
Crampons (for example Grivel G12)
Back pack (approximately 40-50 liters)
Climbing harness – better Petzl or Black Diamond with wide lower straps
Safety system
Carabiner with clutch – 3-4 pieces
Jumar
Telescopic trekking sticks
Thermos for hot tea
Release device
Ice axe
Head lamp
Storage battery

Clothes & shoes
Trekking shoes
Plastic mountaineering boots
Downy jacket and pants (better snow suit)
Gore-Tex jacket with hood
Gore-Tex pants
Wind block jacket
Wind block pants
Polar-Tex jacket-100 – 2
Thermo underwear – 2 kits
Personal underwear
Polar-Tex gloves – 2 pairs
Mittens – 2 pairs
Warm woolen socks – 4-5 pieces
Warm hat
Face mask (wind block)
UV glasses
Gaiters

Supplementary fees

Different nationality supplementary fee:

290USD/nation is suggested to pay for every different nationality in Same Group, if all the group members are from same country, no need to pay.

 

High Camp Gear Portaging Cost

The following is approximate rates only, to give you an idea of potential costs. You can negotiate with the porter and pay the porter on the mountain.

Portaging Gear Up the Mountain:

BC (4450m) to Camp 1 (5100m) – 8EURO/9USD per kilogram

Camp 1 to Camp 2 (6200m) – 22EURO/25USD per kilogram

Camp 2 to Camp 3 (6800m) – 31EURO/35USD per kilogram

Portaging Gear Back Down the Mountain:

Camp 1 (5100m) to BC (4450m) – 8EURO/9USD per kilogram

Camp2 (6200m) to Camp 1 – 22EURO/25USD per kilogram

Camp3 (6800m) to Camp2 – 31EURO/35USD per kilogram

 

Supplementary

Hotel single supplementary fee – 180USD/person

Single tent renting for base camp – 130 USD /person during the whole tour

Extra meal – 40USD/person each day

Cold Drink available for sale (beer, coke, mineral water) – 2.5USD/bottle

Gas cartridges – 9 USD /per can

 

Extra free offer from our company while in base camp:

Hot water, coffee and tea (7:00 am/8:30 pm)

Solar panel Charger (8:00 am/9:00 pm)

Shower (8:00 am/8:30 pm)