Shipton Spire Climbing
Altitude
6,090m
Duration
25-30 Days
Best Season
N/A
Overview
The Shipton Spire Climbing expedition is a premier objective for experienced rock climbers, featuring a 29-pitch, 4,400 ft route with pitches rated 6c, 7b, and 7b+. Located just above the confluence of the North and South Hainabroq Glaciers, the climb combines extreme technical difficulty with the stunning alpine scenery of the Karakoram. Ideal for seasoned climbers seeking one of the most challenging granite towers in the region.
Highlights
Arrival in Islamabad
Welcome to Pakistan. Upon arrival at Islamabad International Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to the group hotel. The day is available for rest and recovery as we prepare for the expedition ahead. Altitude: 500m. Accommodation: Hotel.
Fly to Skardu or Drive to Chilas
We transfer for the scenic flight to Skardu. Should weather conditions prevent flying, we will begin the drive to Chilas via the Karakoram Highway, a journey of approximately 12-13 hours. Altitude: 1,200m. Accommodation: Hotel.
Drive from Chilas to Skardu
For those traveling by road, we continue the 8-9 hour journey from Chilas to Skardu, following the dramatic course of the Indus River into the heart of Baltistan. Altitude: 2,450m. Accommodation: Hotel.
Preparation and Sightseeing in Skardu
A dedicated day for final gear checks, administrative formalities, and expedition preparation. You may also enjoy local sightseeing around the Skardu bazaar and historical sites. Accommodation: Hotel.
Drive to Askole by Jeep
We embark on a 6-7 hour rugged jeep drive to Askole, the last inhabited village before entering the high wilderness of the Karakoram. Altitude: 3,000m. Accommodation: Camp.
Trek to Jhola
The trekking portion of the expedition begins. We walk for 5-6 hours toward Jhola camp, crossing the snout of the Biafo Glacier and following the Braldu River. Altitude: 3,250m. Accommodation: Camp.
Trek to Paiju Camp
A 6-7 hour trek takes us to the green oasis of Paiju. From here, we enjoy the first grand views of the Baltoro Glacier and the distant granite towers. Altitude: 3,460m. Accommodation: Camp.
Trek to Shipton Spire Base Camp
We ascend toward the magnificent Shipton Spire. This 5-6 hour trek leads us to our primary base camp, situated directly below the sheer vertical walls of the spire. Altitude: 4,700m. Accommodation: Camp.
Acclimatization and Climbing Days
This extended period is dedicated to the technical climb of Shipton Spire. Climbers will manage route fixing, haulage, and summit attempts with the support of our base camp staff. Accommodation: Camp.
Return Trek to Korofong
Following the climbing period, we begin our descent from the high camp, trekking for 5-6 hours back toward the lush grounds of Korofong. Altitude: 3,150m. Accommodation: Camp.
Trek to Askole and Drive to Skardu
We complete the final leg of the trek back to Askole and immediately board jeeps for the return drive to Skardu, arriving late in the evening. Altitude: 2,450m. Accommodation: Hotel.
Return Flight to Islamabad or Drive to Chilas
We board the return flight to Islamabad. In case of flight cancellation, we commence the two-day return drive, stopping in Chilas after 8-9 hours on the road. Altitude: 1,200m. Accommodation: Hotel.
Return to Islamabad via Chilas
The final 12-13 hour drive from Chilas brings us back to Islamabad, where we enjoy a farewell dinner and the comforts of the capital. Altitude: 500m. Accommodation: Hotel.
International Departure
You will be transferred to Islamabad International Airport for your onward flight home, marking the end of the Shipton Spire expedition. Meals: Breakfast.
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