K2 & Baltoro
Broad Peak Central (8,011 m): The Eight-Thousander That Does Not Count (2027)
Broad Peak Central stands at about 8,011 m on the Baltoro Muztagh, barely 35 m below Broad Peak Main, yet it is not one of the fourteen eight-thousanders. Here is where it sits, the grim 1975 first ascent, the route from Askole, and what we can honestly organise.
Shipton Spire (about 5,885 m): The Hidden Big Wall Above the Trango Glacier
Shipton Spire is a granite tower of just under 6,000 m hidden in a side valley off the Trango Glacier above the Baltoro. Here is where it is, the three-day approach from Askole, every established route and its history, the June to September season, and an honest read on how hard it is - from a Balti team in Skardu.
Mustagh Pass (5,422 m): The Old Caravan Route Over the Baltoro Muztagh
The Old Mustagh Pass (about 5,422 m) crosses the Baltoro Muztagh north-east of the Trango Towers. Once the shortest caravan road from Yarkand to Skardu, closed by moving ice, crossed by Younghusband in 1887 and barely since. What the history is, and what you can honestly do on the Baltoro side today.
Winter Climbing in the Karakoram: K2's Winter Ascent and Winter in Skardu (2027)
K2 was first climbed in winter on 16 January 2021 at around -40 C. What a winter 8,000 m attempt in the Karakoram really involves, what winter closes, and what Skardu, Shigar and Khaplu are like in the coldest season.
Praqpa Ri (7,134 m): The Unclimbed 7,000er Next Door to K2 — Route, History and Access 2027
Praqpa Ri (7,134 m) stands beside K2 and has never been climbed. The Savoia and Khal Khal approaches, the 2016, 2017 and 2021 attempts, the season and the honest difficulty — from a Balti team on the Baltoro.
Lobsang Spire (5,707 m): The Baltoro Big Wall You Walk Right Past
Lobsang Spire, about 5,707 m, stands over the Baltoro Glacier between Urdukas and Goro. First climbed in June 1983 by Child, Scott and Thexton with portaledges and big-wall aid. Route, history, season and how to see it on the K2 Base Camp trek.
Crystal Peak (6,252 m): The 1892 Summit Above the Baltoro
Crystal Peak, 6,252 m, stands five kilometres north-west of Concordia and was first climbed in 1892 by Conway. Route, season, difficulty and permits, from a Skardu-based Balti team.