The Shipton Spire Expedition (5,885 m) is one of the world's most legendary big wall climbs, located deep in Pakistan's Karakoram Range above the Baltoro Glacier. Rising nearly 2,000 meters from its base, Shipton Spire is often compared to El Capitan in Yosemite, but with higher altitude, harsher weather, and unmatched mountain scenery.
This climb is not just a test of physical strength, but also of technical skill and mental endurance. With routes that demand aid climbing, free climbing, and advanced wall techniques, Shipton Spire attracts elite climbers from across the globe. In return, you'll experience breathtaking views of the Trango Towers, Latok Peaks, Ogre (Baintha Brakk), Gasherbrums, Broad Peak, and K2.
1. Who can attempt Shipton Spire?
Shipton is for professional or elite climbers with extensive big wall and high-altitude climbing experience. It is not suitable for beginners.
2. How does Shipton Spire compare to the Trango Towers?
Both are world-class big walls. Trango is taller overall, but Shipton is often considered more technical due to its steep vertical granite faces.
3. What permits are required?
A mountaineering permit is required and must be arranged through a licensed tour operator in Pakistan.
30-40 days
Extremely Technical
Base Camp Service: $3000
Two acclimatization rotations and a 4-5 stage big wall summit push.
Skardu Valley, Shigar Valley, Braldu River, and Baltoro Glacier trek.
Views of Shipton Spire (5,885 m), Trango Towers (6,286 m), Latok I (7,145 m), Ogre (7,285 m), Masherbrum (7,821 m), Gasherbrum I (8,080 m), Gasherbrum II (8,035 m), Broad Peak (8,051 m), and K2 (8,611 m).
1,400-2,000 m of vertical granite, comparable to Yosemite's El Capitan.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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