Masherbrum Summit Expedition

Masherbrum Summit Expedition Overview

Masherbrum Summit Expedition


Masherbrum (7,821 m), famously called the "Queen of Mountains", is one of the most difficult and beautiful peaks in Karakoram. Rising dramatically above the Hushe Valley and Baltoro region, it is the 22nd highest mountain in the world. With steep ridges, technical ice walls, and unpredictable weather, Masherbrum is considered harder than many 8,000ers, making it a rare and prestigious climb.



Quick Overview


  • Region: Baltoro Glacier, Karakoram, Gilgit-Baltistan
  • Duration: 35-50 days
  • Highest Point: Masherbrum (7,821 m - 22nd highest in the world)
  • Normal Route: Southeast Ridge (steep and technical)
  • Difficulty: Extreme technical rock, ice, and mixed climbing
  • Best Season: June to August


Difficulty and Preparation


  • Difficulty: Extreme, only advanced climbers with big-mountain experience should attempt.
  • Technical Terrain: Ice walls, steep snow ridges, rock-ice mixed climbing.
  • Avalanche Risk: High, especially after heavy snow.
  • Skills Needed: Advanced ice climbing, crevasse rescue, fixed rope techniques, high-altitude endurance.


Best Season for Masherbrum


  • June to July: Most stable weather window.
  • August: Still climbable but riskier with avalanches.


FAQs about Masherbrum Expedition


1. Why is Masherbrum called the "Queen of Mountains"?

Because of its graceful pyramid shape and commanding presence in the Karakoram.


2. Is Masherbrum harder than an 8,000 m peak?

Yes, climbers often rank it more difficult than Broad Peak or Gasherbrum II, despite being under 8,000 m.


3. How many people have climbed Masherbrum?

Very few, it remains one of the least climbed Karakoram giants.


4. Can beginners attempt Masherbrum?

No, it is for advanced, experienced climbers only.


Duration

35-50 days

Difficulty

Extreme

Price

Base Camp Service: $2800



 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: 35-50 days

$ Price (per person) :
Base Camp Service: $2800

Difficulty: Extreme

Includes: Guides, Porters, Permits, Camping



Itinerary

Location
Activity
Altitude
Islamabad to Skardu
Flight (1 hr) or 2-day drive via Karakoram Highway. Views of Indus River Gorge and Nanga Parbat (8,126 m) en route.
540 m to 2,228 m
Skardu
Rest, paperwork, and acclimatization. Visit Upper Kachura Lake, Shigar Fort. Team briefing, gear check.
2,228 m
Skardu to Hushe Village
Jeep drive through lush Hushe Valley, the last permanent settlement. Views of Masherbrum's south face.
3,050 m
Skardu to Hushe Village
Continue jeep drive to Hushe Village.
3,050 m
Hushe to Shaisho
Trek to Shaisho.
3,330 m
Shaisho to Daltsampa
Trek to Daltsampa.
3,750 m
Daltsampa to Masherbrum Base Camp
Trek to Masherbrum Base Camp, set below Masherbrum Glacier, surrounded by jagged spires.
4,200 m
Acclimatization Rotation 1
Base Camp to Camp I (5,600 m) and descend.
5,600 m
Acclimatization Rotation 2
Base Camp to Camp I to Camp II (6,200 m), overnight, and descend.
6,200 m
Acclimatization Rotation 3
Base Camp to Camp II, touch Camp III (6,800 m), and descend.
6,800 m
Summit Push: Base Camp to Camp I
Climb to Camp I.
5,600 m
Summit Push: Camp I to Camp II
Climb to Camp II.
6,200 m
Summit Push: Camp II to Camp III
Climb to Camp III.
6,800 m
Summit Push: Camp III to Summit
Summit day: 12-16 hrs of steep mixed climbing to Masherbrum (7,821 m), descend to Camp II. Challenges: avalanche-prone slopes, seracs, steep ice walls, technical rock/ice mix.
7,821 m
Descent to Base Camp
Descend from higher camps to Base Camp.
4,200 m
Descent to Base Camp
Continue descent to Base Camp.
4,200 m
Base Camp to Daltsampa
Trek from Base Camp to Daltsampa.
3,750 m
Daltsampa to Shaisho
Trek to Shaisho.
3,330 m
Shaisho to Hushe Village
Trek to Hushe Village.
3,050 m
Hushe Village to Skardu
Jeep drive from Hushe to Skardu.
2,228 m
Skardu to Islamabad
Flight or drive from Skardu to Islamabad.
540 m

Photo Gallery

Trip Highlights

Masherbrum (7,821 m)

The "Queen of Mountains," renowned for beauty and difficulty.

Masherbrum Glacier

Stunning icy landscapes at base camp.

Hushe Valley

Last village and gateway to Baltoro.

Nearby Giants

Views of K2 (8,611 m), Broad Peak (8,051 m), Gasherbrum I (8,080 m), Gasherbrum II (8,035 m), Trango Towers (6,286 m), and Mitre Peak (6,010 m).

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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