Latok I Summit Expedition

Latok I Summit Expedition Overview

Latok I Summit Expedition


The Latok I Summit Expedition is one of the most formidable challenges in the Karakoram Range of Pakistan. Standing at 7,145 m (23,442 ft), Latok I is the highest peak of the Latok Group and is famous worldwide for its unclimbed North Ridge, one of the most sought-after and difficult alpine objectives on Earth.


Located in the Panmah Muztagh subrange, the Latok peaks rise dramatically above the Panmah and Choktoi Glaciers. Since the late 1970s, Latok I has attracted elite climbers from across the globe, with only a handful of successful ascents via alternative routes.



Quick Facts about Latok I Expedition


  • Region: Karakoram, Panmah Muztagh, Gilgit-Baltistan
  • Height: 7,145 m (23,442 ft)
  • Duration: 45-55 days (Islamabad to Islamabad)
  • Difficulty: Extremely Strenuous (technical alpine climb)
  • Best Season: June to August


Why Choose the Latok I Expedition?


  • A true test for elite climbers, with global mountaineering significance.
  • Remote Karakoram setting with dramatic alpine landscapes.
  • Chance to attempt one of the greatest unclimbed lines in mountaineering.
  • Combines glacier trekking with steep, technical alpine climbing.


Best Time for Latok I Climb


June to August: Prime climbing season with longer weather windows. Unpredictable storms are common; flexible plans are necessary.



Safety & Tips


  • One of the most difficult alpine objectives in the world, only for expert climbers.
  • Requires advanced technical skills: ice, rock, and mixed climbing.
  • Satellite communications and rescue plans essential.
  • Proper acclimatization and rotation strategy critical.


FAQs about Latok I Summit Expedition


1. How difficult is Latok I?

It is considered one of the hardest unclimbed ridges in the world, suitable only for elite alpinists.


2. Has the North Ridge been climbed?

No, despite dozens of attempts, the full North Ridge remains unclimbed.


3. How long does the expedition take?

45-55 days, including approach, acclimatization, and summit attempts.


4. What equipment is required?

Full alpine gear including fixed ropes, ice protection, and big-wall equipment.


Duration

45-55 days

Difficulty

Extremely Strenuous

Price

Base Camp Service: $4500



 Book your spot today

The trip initial deposit is mandatory to book your place earlier, Cancellation policy can be reviewed and term approval is required.

Trip Dates

Destination Trip Date Extra Information
No trip dates available.

Trip Details

Duration: 45-55 days

$ Price (per person) :
Base Camp Service: $4500

Difficulty: Extremely Strenuous

Includes: Guides, Porters, Permits, Camping



Itinerary

Location
Activity
Altitude
Islamabad to Skardu
Flight (1 hr) or 2 days drive via Karakoram Highway. Visit Indus Gorge and Skardu Valley. View Nanga Parbat (8,126 m).
540 m to 2,228 m
Skardu
Rest, paperwork, and supplies. Visit Upper Kachura Lake, Shigar Fort.
2,228 m
Skardu to Askole
Jeep travel through Shigar Valley and Braldu River.
3,050 m
Skardu to Askole
Continue jeep travel to Askole.
3,050 m
Askole to Jhola
Trek to Jhola.
3,150 m
Jhola to Paiju
Trek to Paiju, view Paiju Peak (6,610 m).
3,400 m
Paiju to Panmah Glacier
Trek to Panmah Glacier camp.
3,800 m
Panmah to Baintha
Trek to Baintha, meadow campsite under Latok peaks.
4,000 m
Baintha to Latok Base Camp
Trek to Latok Base Camp below the Latok group's vertical granite spires.
4,500 m
Acclimatization Rotation 1
Base Camp to Camp I (5,500 m) and descend.
5,500 m
Acclimatization Rotation 2
Base Camp to Camp I to Camp II (6,100 m), overnight, and descend.
6,100 m
Acclimatization Rotation 3
Reach Camp III (6,600 m) and descend.
6,600 m
Summit Push: Base Camp to Camp I
Climb to Camp I.
5,500 m
Summit Push: Camp I to Camp II
Climb to Camp II.
6,100 m
Summit Push: Camp II to Camp III
Climb to Camp III.
6,600 m
Summit Push: Camp III to Summit
Summit day: 14-18 hrs of intense technical climbing to Latok I (7,145 m), descend to Camp II or Base Camp.
7,145 m
Descent to Base Camp
Descend from higher camps to Base Camp.
4,500 m
Base Camp to Askole
Trek from Base Camp to Askole over 5-6 days.
3,050 m
Askole to Skardu
Jeep from Askole to Skardu over 1-2 days.
2,228 m
Skardu to Islamabad
Flight or drive from Skardu to Islamabad.
540 m

Photo Gallery

Trip Highlights

Latok I (7,145 m)

Known for its unclimbed North Ridge, a legendary alpine challenge.

Latok Group

Includes Latok II, III and IV spectacular granite spires.

Panmah and Choktoi Glaciers

Stunning Karakoram ice landscapes.

Historic Attempts

Climbers from around the world have tried and failed on the North Ridge, adding to its myth.

Nearby Peaks

Views of Baintha Brakk (The Ogre), Uzun Brakk, and other Panmah Muztagh giants.

Hedda Asmussen

What a lovely day out! We did two hours of paddling and Phil was an amazing guide. I hadn't done much paddle boarding before but it was easy to pick up with his instructions and we had a nice relaxing journey down the river. Would definitely recommend even for those that haven't tried it before! The location is also amazing, super quiet and beautiful scenery!

Hedda Asmussen

Ansa

Great adventure on River Arun with my paddle bestie and Phil. Phil's trips are very well planned and organised! He asks your interests. With us it was wildlife and paddling techniques. Phil was very knowledgeable about the local area and wildlife and I can't wait to continue practicing paddle strokes he showed us. Thoroughly enjoyed this experience and felt safe and confident on the water with Phil around. Especially as this was my longest paddle. The area is beautiful and it feels like you are on holiday and not just outside London. Looking forward to joining in on another Cave Active Adventure trip soon!

Ansa

JAMES Howe

I have been on two trips with Phil now. One to Scotland and one to the river Thames. Both were spectacularly special for me. Phil is a caring and considerate guide and will really look after you, he takes his job seriously and goes that extra mile to make the experience memorable.

JAMES Howe

Andy

My wife and I booked a 3 day Thames Tour with Cave Active. We arrived at The Barefoot Campsite, which would be the base for the 2 nights camping. Phil arrived, and we set up camp in a great little area with a fire pit. The first paddle was upstream a 4 mile round trip to The Maybush for dinner, I think this was a chance for Phil to assess the standard of paddling and for the guests to get to know each other. After a great dinner, we paddled back down and settled in for our first night under canvas, whilst Phil got the Kelly Kettle fired up for a brew. Day 2 started with bacon and egg baps and hot tea. We then made our way to the Trout at Buckland Marsh for our launch site. A pleasant 8.5 mile paddle through beautiful tranquil countryside. A great lunch stop at Shifford lock with sandwiches from The Trout. We then continued on back to the campsite via the Rose Revived. That night dinner was cooked by Phil with burgers provided by Linthwaite Farms, which were well worth the wait. The last day started with porridge, and we broke camp. The last paddle was a 9.6 mile paddle finishing in Woolvercote, taking in 4 locks and a great alfresco lunch once at Pinkhill Lock, again prepared by Phil. The whole trip was relaxed and enjoyable but also very informative. I think my paddle stroke definitely improved. Phil also has a lot of knowledge about the areas you paddle through. You can tell Phil doesn't do this for a job. He does it for the passion he has for paddling. He has taken on some big paddles, both solo and in groups, and all the knowledge he has, he is happy to pass on. Everything is planned meticulously, and from the start, client safety is the top priority. I would definitely recommend Cave Active and am seriously considering booking on with Phil for his longer 5 day Loch Shiel Trip. He is definitely a man who knows what he is talking about and someone who gets a genuine pleasure from passing on what he has learned.

Andy

Josie Cohen

Phil gave me and my partner an amazing lesson in wind supping at Pagham beach. He was a great teacher - super lovely and patient and clear with his instructions. He brought all the kit (including helmets and walkie talkies) which was all top notch. Plus he happily went over our allocated time without an issue. Overall, we had a great lesson and it has left us very excited to buy a wing and get wind supping ourselves. Would highly recommend Cave Active Adventures to anyone and everyone!

Josie Cohen

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