Mustagh Pass Trek

Mustagh Pass Trek Overview

Mustagh Pass Trek


The Mustagh Pass Trek (also spelled Mushtaq Pass) is one of the most challenging expeditions in the Karakoram Range of Pakistan, reaching an elevation of 5,422 m. This trek offers a raw, high-altitude adventure across glaciers, steep ice walls, and rarely visited mountain corridors.


Located in the Baltoro Muztagh subrange, the Mustagh Pass trek is a thrilling route for seasoned trekkers and climbers. Unlike more popular routes, this expedition takes you across one of the least-traveled high passes, making it an unforgettable journey for those seeking true wilderness.



Quick Facts about Mustagh Pass Trek


  • Region: Karakoram, Baltoro Muztagh, Gilgit-Baltistan
  • Pass Elevation: 5,422 m
  • Duration: 23-26 days (Islamabad to Islamabad)
  • Difficulty: Strenuous, technical (requires ice axe, crampons, rope skills)
  • Best Season: June to August


Why Choose the Mustagh Pass Trek?


  • Remote and rarely attempted expedition.
  • Stunning panoramas of some of the highest mountains in the world.
  • Technical adventure for experienced climbers.
  • Cultural immersion in Skardu, Askoli, and Baltoro Valley.


Best Time for Mustagh Pass Trek


  • June to August: Most stable weather for high pass crossing.
  • September: Less crowded but colder conditions.


Safety and Tips


  • Mustagh Pass is a technical trek, requiring glacier travel and rope work.
  • Always travel with experienced guides.
  • Acclimatize gradually and use Paiju and Urdukas as rest points.
  • Prepare for unpredictable Karakoram weather.


FAQs about Mustagh Pass Trek


1. How difficult is the Mustagh Pass Trek?

It is one of the most difficult treks in Karakoram, requiring technical mountaineering skills.


2. Can beginners attempt Mustagh Pass?

No, it is suitable only for experienced high-altitude trekkers and climbers.


3. What mountains can I see on this trek?

K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrums, Masherbrum, Trango Towers, and the iconic Mustagh Tower.


4. How long is the trek?

Around 23-26 days, depending on weather and acclimatization.


Duration

23-26 days

Difficulty

Strenuous

Price

$2600.00



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Trip Dates

Destination Trip Date Extra Information
No trip dates available.

Trip Details

Duration: 23-26 days

$ Price (per person) :
$2600.00

Difficulty: Strenuous

Includes: Guides, Porters, Permits, Camping



Itinerary

Location
Activity
Altitude
Islamabad to Skardu
Flight (1 hr) or Karakoram Highway drive (20-22 hrs over 2 days). Views of Indus River and Nanga Parbat (8,126 m).
540 m to 2,230 m
Islamabad to Skardu
Continue drive to Skardu. Overnight in Skardu.
2,230 m
Skardu to Askoli
6-7 hrs jeep drive to Askoli, trailhead of Baltoro treks. Visit Shigar Valley.
3,050 m
Askoli to Jhola
6-7 hrs trek along Braldu River. Views of Bakhordas Peak and Paiju Peak (6,610 m).
3,200 m
Jhola to Paiju
6 hrs trek through desert-like terrain. Trango Towers (6,286 m) first appear. Overnight under shade of Paiju Peak.
3,450 m
Paiju
Rest day for acclimatization and preparation for glacier travel.
3,450 m
Paiju to Khoburtse
Trek begins on Baltoro Glacier. Views of Uli Biaho, Trango Towers, and Cathedral Towers.
3,800 m
Khoburtse to Urdukas
5 hrs trek. Views of Gasherbrum IV (7,925 m) and Biale Peak. Camp at Urdukas grassy ledge, one of Baltoro's best views.
4,050 m
Urdukas to Goro II
6 hrs trek on Baltoro ice. Views of Masherbrum (7,821 m) and Mustagh Tower (7,273 m).
4,380 m
Goro II to Concordia
Reach the heart of the Karakoram. Panoramic views of K2 (8,611 m), Broad Peak (8,051 m), Gasherbrum I (8,080 m), Gasherbrum II (8,035 m), and Mustagh Tower (7,273 m).
4,600 m
Concordia to Mustagh Pass Base Camp
Trek northwards along Baltoro and Sarpo Laggo region. Overnight at base of pass.
4,800 m
Concordia to Mustagh Pass Base Camp
Continue trek to Mustagh Pass Base Camp, a remote and glaciated route.
4,800 m
Cross Mustagh Pass
Technical crossing of Mustagh Pass (ropes, ice axes, crampons).
5,422 m
Cross Mustagh Pass
Continue crossing Mustagh Pass, descend towards Chinese side glaciers.
5,422 m
Mustagh Pass Base Camp (China side) to Concordia
Retrace route back to Concordia.
4,600 m
Mustagh Pass Base Camp (China side) to Concordia
Continue retracing route to Concordia.
4,600 m
Concordia to Goro II
Trek back via Goro II.
4,380 m
Goro II to Urdukas
Trek back via Urdukas.
4,050 m
Urdukas to Paiju
Trek back via Paiju.
3,450 m
Paiju to Jhola
Trek back via Jhola.
3,200 m
Jhola to Askoli
Trek back to Askoli and jeep to Skardu.
3,050 m
Skardu to Islamabad
Flight (1 hr) or road (20-22 hrs over 2 days).
2,230 m to 540 m
Skardu to Islamabad
Continue return to Islamabad. End of expedition.
540 m

Photo Gallery

Trip Highlights

K2 (8,611 m)

Seen from Concordia and during approach, the second highest mountain in the world.

Broad Peak and Gasherbrums

Iconic Karakoram giants including Broad Peak (8,051 m), Gasherbrum I (8,080 m), and Gasherbrum II (8,035 m).

Trango Towers and Cathedral Spires

World-famous granite peaks visible during the trek.

Mustagh Tower (7,273 m)

One of the most photographed peaks of the Karakoram.

Concordia (4,600 m)

Known as the "Throne Room of the Mountain Gods."

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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