Great Tower Climbing
Altitude
5,800m
Duration
25-30 Days
Best Season
N/A
Overview
Located in the renowned Nangma Valley of Baltistan, Great Tower rises to approximately 5,800 meters and is considered one of the premier big-wall climbing objectives in the region. Known for its high-quality granite, steep faces, and sustained technical routes, the tower demands advanced rock climbing skills combined with alpine experience. Far less frequented than the Trango Towers, Great Tower offers climbers a remote and pure climbing experience in a spectacular Karakoram setting, making it an ideal objective for elite climbers seeking challenging lines away from crowded routes.
Highlights
Arrival in Islamabad
Welcome to Pakistan. Upon arrival at Islamabad International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel. The afternoon includes a formal expedition briefing and final gear checks. Altitude: 540m. Accommodation: Hotel.
Flight to Skardu or Drive to Chilas
We transfer for the scenic flight to Skardu, the gateway to the Karakoram. If weather conditions prevent flying, we will begin the drive along the Karakoram Highway to Chilas. Altitude: 2,228m / 1,265m. Accommodation: Hotel.
Preparation in Skardu or Arrival from Chilas
A day for final administrative formalities and preparation in Skardu. For those traveling by road, this day marks the completion of the journey from Chilas to Skardu. Altitude: 2,228m. Accommodation: Hotel.
Drive from Skardu to Askole
We depart Skardu by jeep for Askole, the last inhabited village before entering the high wilderness of the Baltoro region. Altitude: 3,050m. Accommodation: Camping.
Trek from Askole to Jhula
The trekking phase begins as we follow the Braldu River toward Jhola. This initial walk serves as a vital transition into the rugged terrain of the approach. Altitude: 3,200m. Accommodation: Camping.
Trek from Jhula to Paiju
We continue our trek to the green oasis of Paiju. The trail offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and the snout of the Baltoro Glacier. Altitude: 3,400m. Accommodation: Camping.
Trek from Paiju to Urdukas
We ascend onto the massive Baltoro Glacier. Today’s trek leads to the historic campsite at Urdukas, providing a dramatic vantage point over the granite spires. Altitude: 4,000m. Accommodation: Camping.
Trek from Urdukas to Goro II
We navigate the rocky moraine of the central Baltoro toward Goro II. The campsite offers a panoramic view of the heart of the Karakoram, including Gasherbrum IV. Altitude: 4,300m. Accommodation: Camping.
Trek to Great Trango Base Camp
A final approach trek brings us to the Great Trango Base Camp. We establish our staging area directly beneath the immense granite walls of the Great Tower. Altitude: 4,500m. Accommodation: Camping.
Great Trango Tower Climbing Period
A dedicated sixteen-day window for the technical ascent of Great Trango Tower. This period includes route fixing, establishing bivouacs, and the final summit push. Altitude: 6,286m. Accommodation: Camping.
Descent to Goro II
Following the conclusion of the climbing period, we dismantle our high camps and descend back onto the central Baltoro Glacier to Goro II. Altitude: 4,300m. Accommodation: Camping.
Trek from Goro II to Urdukas
We continue our return journey, trekking through the glacier's moraine back to the more comfortable grounds of Urdukas. Altitude: 4,000m. Accommodation: Camping.
Trek from Urdukas to Paiju
We descend from the glacier and return to the Paiju campsite, enjoying the increased oxygen and warmth of the lower altitude. Altitude: 3,400m. Accommodation: Camping.
Trek to Askole and Drive to Skardu
We complete the final leg of the trek to Askole and immediately board jeeps for the drive back to Skardu for a celebratory evening. Altitude: 3,050m / 2,228m. Accommodation: Hotel.
Return Flight to Islamabad and Departure
We transfer for the flight to Islamabad. In the event of a cancellation, we begin the return drive. This marks the conclusion of the expedition and your final departure. Altitude: 540m. Accommodation: Hotel / Fly Out.
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