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Muztagh Ata Expedition |
25Days / 24Nights from $ 1,755 USD |
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2005 Departure Dates
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On Request
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Full Itinerary |
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Day01. Drive to Kashgar
The bus sets off early in the morning for the 100km climb to Chinese frontier. The road crosses two mountain passes giving views over the Fergana Range before reaching the top of the 3,752m Torghat Pass. This journey has been called 'the most exiting route into Central Asia'. At the top of the pass we say goodbye to our Kyrgyz guide and transfer to a Chinese bus for the descent into the Chinese province of Xinjiang. The landscape changes from dry dusty hillsides to irrigated, tree lined farmland on the 160km drive to Kashgar.
Day02. Rest day in Kashgar
After two days on the road we have a full day to rest and look around this fascinating oasis city located on the historic silk route. Modern Kashgar is actually two cities which coexist in a sometimes surreal juxtaposition of the ancient and modern. The population is split into two very different communities: Uygur Muslims and Han Chinese. During a full day of sightseeing we will visit the Id kah Mosque, the Apakh Hoja tomb, the old town and bazaar, the famous 'Sunday' market, and the sights of modern Chinese Kashgar including the huge statue of Mao towering above People's Park.
Day03. Drive to Lake Karakol
Leaving Kashgar, the road continues over a large fertile plane before climbing a steep and narrow river gorge into more mountainous terrain. The road passes Mt Kongur and we get our first sight of the great bulk of Muztag Ata. Ahead lie the massive ice-capped ridges of the peak, suspended above deep glacier-filled gorges that are typical of this side of the mountain. We should also be able to pick out our route to the summit. We spend the night in either "yurts" or tents on the shore of the turquoise waters of Lake Karakol (3,600m). This is a magic spot - Muztag Ata to the right, the great wall of Kongur ahead, across the lake, and passing horsemen and wandering camels close at hand.
Day04. Trek to base camp
A short drive takes us to Subashi (3,850m) where we meet our camels and start the walk to base camp. With the camels carrying the team's equipment, we trek over a level plane and then climb steadily through barren hills to base camp, a 3-4 hour walk. Drifts of alpine flowers clothe the slopes as base camp is approached and screeching marmots call a welcome!
Day05. Preparations at base camp
Base camp is at an altitude of approximately 4,350m (14,500ft), so time is needed for adaptation to the altitude. This grassy site is tucked in between a moraine and the foot of the steeper slopes of the mountain - a great place to relax now, and recover later! This is the time to enjoy some excellent fresh food from the flaming woks of the base camp staff! All equipment and food receives final checks and each group prepares loads for carrying up the mountain.
Day06. – Day22. Ascent of Muztag Ata
We use three camps above base camp. The first camp is likely to be close to the snow line. In this case we will use pack animals to transport all expedition supplies to camp 1. Above this point all team members will need to participate in load carrying between camps. In addition to putting the necessary supplies in place, this also provides essential acclimatization and fitness for the summit attempt.
Camp 1 is at about 5,350m. It is a steep, stony ascent from BC right on the edge of the glaciers that blanket the upper 2,000m of the mountain. This is a wonderful eyrie of a place with extensive views over pastures, hills, desert, and the 'jewel' of Lake Karakol and the white ramparts of Kongur.
From camp 1, the route is a steady ascent up a snowy and sometimes icy slope, through an area of crevasses and then a small 'valley' in the glacier; this is the steepest part of the whole route. The ice scenery is awesome and a striking contrasts with the brown land beyond. Above the 'valley', a long and unrelenting ascent leads up to the site of camp 2, a small shelf in the glacier at about 6,100m. There will probably be 2 or 3 ascents to camp 2, carrying loads for this camp and the one above, a process which also aids acclimatization.
It is possible to fix a camp virtually anywhere on the upper part of the mountain. The choice of where to site camps will be made by the expedition leader taking into account prevailing conditions and the activities of other parties on the mountain. In recent years, the next camp has been placed at 6,450m, Camp 2 and a half! Alternatively, teams may use a camp 3 at 6,800m. Issues such as; acclimatization, load carrying, snow conditions, sleeping comfort and average group speed will be taken into consideration when deciding what approach to use.
The route to the summit is straightforward; from 6,800m-7,400m a long, gradual slope slowly eases becoming gentler and gentler. Finally, with the ground appearing almost level, the small rise to the summit rocks appears. Beyond is the huge abyss of the east side of the mountain and all around is the vast emptiness of Central Asia, interrupted only by the high, white ridges of Kongur and the snowy peaks of the Pamirs. In clear conditions, the high peaks of the Karakoram Range can be seen to the south.
We would expect to descend to camp 2 after reaching the summit and then to base camp the following day.
Day23. Base camp to Kashgar
It is time to pack up and leave the mountain. After a short walk down to the road we say goodbye to our camels and load all our equipment onto a bus for the journey back to Kashgar. After pausing for a final look at the mountain, and a few last photographs, we set off on the drive back to Kashgar and a welcome hot shower in our hotel.
Day24. Kashgar / Urumchi
We arrive in the modern Chinese city of Urumchi, the administrative capital of Xinjiang province by morning flight. Transfer to hotel. Afternoon is free for your own explore.
Day25. Urumchi Exit
End of this Mountain Expedition
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| 2005 Prices |
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Group Size
Minimum Size: 04 persons
Double: $ 1,755 USD
Single: $ 1,880 USD
Minimum Size: 06 persons
Double: $ 1,480 USD
Single: $ 1,610 USD
Minimum Size: 10 persons
Double: $ 1,290 USD
Single: $ 1,420 USD
TOUR COST INCLUDES
All accommodations in the cities as itinerary
Full board meals including during the trek and BC
All means of land transfer
Camels for portage
BC facilities as separate kitchen tent, mess tent, kitchen facilities plus professional cook
English speaking guide
Environmental protection fee
Climbing permit
Custom Clearance fee
Airfare and airport tax of Kashgar / UrumchiTOUR COST EXCLUDES
All transfers fees entering Kashgar and exiting Urumchi
Medical Aid
High altitude porter
High altitude food
Climbing tools and equipments
Skiing equipments
Private expanses as drinks, phone calls, tips |
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