China · Mountain Exploration

22-Day Muztagh Ata Climbing Expedition with Kashgar Cultural Tour

22 Days Round trip from 中国克孜勒苏柯尔克孜自治州阿克陶县慕士塔格峰邮政编码: 845253 Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Climb Muztagh Ata (7,546 m / 24,757 ft), the "Father of Ice Mountains," with full base camp and high-altitude support
02 Explore Kashgar's historic sites, including Id Kah Mosque, Abakh Khoja Tomb, Old Street, and Sunday Bazaar
03 Trek across glaciers, gentle slopes, and high-altitude camps with professional logistical and mountaineering assistance
04 Experience local culture through visits to Kyrgyz nomadic settlements, Uighur villages, and traditional markets along the route

Embark on a 22-day climbing expedition to Muztagh Ata, the "Father of Ice Mountains," in China's Pamir range, combining high-altitude adventure with cultural discovery in Kashgar. This well-organized program includes base camp support, three high camps, and guided trekking across glaciers and gradual summit slopes for climbers with prior technical experience. Along the way, experience Kyrgyz nomadic landscapes around Subashi and explore Kashgar's historic landmarks, traditional streets, and lively Sunday Bazaar. With professional logistical support throughout, this expedition offers a challenging, memorable, and rewarding ascent.

Embark on a 22-day climbing expedition to Muztagh Ata, the "Father of Ice Mountains," in China's Pamir range, combining high-altitude adventure with cultural discovery in Kashgar.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 22 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Premium

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Kashghar, Karakul Lake

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Kashgar and Welcome Dinner

Arrive at Kashgar Laining International Airport.
Meet your local guide outside the arrivals hall.
Transfer to Qinibagh Hotel (5-star) for check-in and rest to recover from jet lag.
Enjoy a welcome dinner with the other participants.

Accommodation: Qinibagh Hotel 5-star
Meals: Dinner (A la Carte outside hotel)

Day 02

Kashgar to Subashi via Karakol Lake

Drive 10 km to the immigration office to complete the Alien Travel Permit for Muztagh Ata and Karakol Lake.
Continue 60 km to Opal Town for lunch at a local Uighur restaurant, featuring hand-pulled noodles, shish kebab, and seasonal fruits.
Travel along the Karakoram Highway to Karakol Lake (3,600 m, 200 km, 4-5 hours).
Overnight in tents at Subashi, a Kyrgyz nomadic area, with views of the Muztagh Ata and Kongur Massifs.

Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast (Continental, hotel), Lunch (Uighur restaurant at Opal Village), Dinner (A la Carte outside hotel)

Day 03

Trek from Edara to Base Camp

Trek from Edara to Base Camp (4,500 m) in approximately 3-5 hours.
Receive a warm meal at base camp, while mountaineering equipment is transported by camels or pick-up trucks.

Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast (Local), Lunch & Dinner (prepared at BC)

Day 04

Climbing Phase on Muztagh Ata

Base Camp: 4,400 m - accessible by scooters from Subashi.
Camp 1: 5,200-5,400 m - near the snow-rock line, reached by a steep rocky ascent at the edge of the glaciers.
Camp 2: 6,100 m - set on a glacier shelf, approached via a steep snowy or icy slope, with 2-3 acclimatization ascents.
Camp 3: 6,450-6,800 m - located on the upper mountain in a relatively flat area for the final summit approach.
The summit approach continues from 6,800 m to 7,400 m on a gradual slope.
Ten days of meals are prepared at base camp, with supplies transported by donkeys, porters, or carried by the climbers themselves.

Accommodation: Tents
Meals: Full board at BC

Day 05

Return from Base Camp to Kashgar

Trek from base camp to Edara and board the bus back to Kashgar (4-5 hours).
Enjoy a hot-water shower upon arrival.

Accommodation: Qinibagh Hotel 4-star
Meals: Breakfast (BC), Lunch (Lunch box), Dinner (Hotel or off-site)

Day 06

Kashgar Heritage and Bazaar Tour

Visit Id Kah Mosque - the largest mosque in China, with a prayer hall for 4,000 worshippers.
Explore the Old Street of Kashgar, known for its traditional alleys and homes.
Visit Abakh Khoja Tomb, home to the largest dome in Xinjiang.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Explore the Sunday Bazaar and livestock market, where cattle, sheep, goats, donkeys, and horses are traded.

Accommodation: Qinibagh Hotel 4-star
Meals: Breakfast (Continental), Lunch & Dinner (Local restaurant)

Day 07

Departure from Kashgar

Your local guide assists with airport procedures.
Lunch on the flight is provided by the airline.

Meals: Breakfast (Continental)

Where this trip takes you

Muztagh Ata glaciers, Subashi nomadic plains, Karakol Lake

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from 中国克孜勒苏柯尔克孜自治州阿克陶县慕士塔格峰邮政编码: 845253 2 cities · 22 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

The trip price includes the services listed below in accordance with the itinerary, unless otherwise expressly specified in the trip itinerary or booking confirmation.
All required permits and government taxes
Eco protection fee
Liaison Officer fee
Private vehicle transportation (shared with other participants)
Camels or pick-up truck for hauling expedition gear between Subashi and BC
Three nights of 4-star hotel accommodation in Kashgar, based on twin-sharing with breakfast included
One night of camping at Subashi
Ten days of base camp meals throughout the expedition
Full-board meals during travel and in Kashgar
BC camping tents and mattresses provided on a twin-share basis
Roof tents and all necessary kitchen equipment
All expenses for local guides, cooks, and helpers at BC
One-day city tour including entrance fees, meals, transportation, and a professional English-speaking guide
Visa support
Complimentary services: hot water, instant coffee, and tea bags are available around the clock.
Free battery charging for electronic devices

What's Not Included

International and domestic airfare
Insurance
Costs for trip extensions
Porterage of equipment to and from higher camps
Cooking services beyond BC
Bar bills and laundry services
Gratuities for local staff
Additional meals
Bottled or canned beverages
Visa fees

What to bring

Sun hat with skirt to protect the neck
Woollen or fleece ski hat
Face mask or heavy woollen or pile balaclava
Heavy woollen or fleece gloves
Heavy woollen or synthetic mittens
Gore-Tex or nylon overmitts
Lightweight synthetic or woollen long underwear tops and bottoms
Heavyweight synthetic or woollen long underwear tops and bottoms
Heavy synthetic (Polartec, Windbloc, Windstopper) jacket and pants
Gore-Tex wind parka and pants
Heavy down-filled parka
Heavy woollen or fleece socks
Supergaiters or overboots
Plastic double boots
Personal equipment
Rucksack and transport bags
Foam or Term-a-Rest pads
Heavy down-filled sleeping bag
Crampons
Ice axe
Ski poles
Seat harness
Ascender (like Jumar) or prusiks with foot slings
Descender (like figure 8)
Carabiners
Skis with alpine-touring bindings or snowshoes
Climbing skins for skis
Waxes for skis
Sunglasses or ski goggles
Headlamp
Heat-insulated water bottle or thermos
Strong sunscreen
Lip sunblock
Other gear (shared)
Altitude tents
Climbing ropes (8-9 mm diameter, 40-50 m long)
Ice screws
Snow anchors
Carabiners
Snow shovels
Marker wands
Minigas stoves with gas cartridges or petrol stoves
Cooking sets
Climbing food
Medical kit

Know before you go

Designed for individual climbers, small groups, and amateur mountaineers.
Participants must have the technical climbing skills and expedition experience to ascend Muztagh Ata independently.
Climbers accept sole responsibility for all potential risks and consequences, including personal injury, disability, or fatality.
The expedition is undertaken without a dedicated high-altitude guide from the team.
This shared-cost program is crafted to minimise expedition expenses while maintaining access to exceptional services.
Fixed-departure trips have been scheduled for 2026 to accommodate this initiative.
Guaranteed Departure Dates:
June 17, 2026-July 8, 2026 - 22 days
July 9, 2026-July 30, 2026 - 22 days
July 16, 2026-August 6, 2026 - 22 days
August 3, 2026-August 3, 2026 - 22 days