Mustagh Ata Expedition
Holiday Itinerary
Day 1: Rendezvous at the group hotel in Bishkek. A group transfer from the airport is provided. This afternoon or evening we will have a briefing from the guides and a look at the equipment we have brought. Overnight at the group hotel.
Day 2: After breakfast we load up the bus and set off on the 286 km journey to reach the town of Naryn where we check into a basic hotel.
Day 3: We continue our journey across the steppes of Central Asia. Today we cross the Torugart Pass and enter the Xinjang Provence of China. We then drive to the famous Uygar market town of Kashgar. A total of around 300km today. In Kasgar we check into a comfortable hotel and shower away the dust of the long journey.
Day 4: We get our first view of Mustagh Ata today as we drive into the Pamir to Karakul Lake (3600m.). Here we stay in traditional yurts but with the modern convenience of attached bathrooms with hot shower.
Day 5: We have a short (30 minute) transfer to meet our waiting camels and drivers. It will take some time to load all the equipment and meanwhile the group will start the walk-in to base camp (4400m.). It will take 4 - 5 hours to reach the camp. Our kichen and dining area will be already established and we can take refreshments here while we wait for the camels to arrive. Overnight in base camp.
Day 6: We now begin the process of acclimatisation. This cannot be hurried but can be helped by making reasonably gentle walks in the area. It is important that we remain well hydrated and our cook team will prepare drinks for us at regular intervals.
Day 7: Another day of acclimatisation. We may trek across to the nearby glacier with our equipment to practice snow skills.
Day 8: We will have the assistance of donkeys to move equipment and supplies up to just below Camp 1. The team will then ferry everything the final 200 metres to the camp which is sited on a large flat shoulder of the mountain at approximately 5400m. On this first foray above 5000m. we will not stay in Camp 1 but return to base camp.
Day 9: Depending on how much equipment has been uplifted, we may have another day of ferrying loads to Camp 1, returning to sleep at base camp.
Day 10: We climb to occupy Camp 1. There are now two possibilities. We may opt to climb the mountain from a high camp at approximately 6500m. or from a camp close to 7000m. In the first option this will require an additional camp whereas the higher option requires a total of 3 high camps on the mountain. The best option to suit the group and the local conditions will be determined by the guides.
Day 11: We carry a small load up to the site of our next camp at around 6500m. The view out over the desert-like landscape from this camp is sensational. We return to Camp 1 to sleep.
Day 12: Becoming more acclimatised we should be able to take a larger load up to Camp 2 today. Return to Camp 1 to sleep.
Day 13: If we have opted to climb the mountain with 3 camps we will need consequently more supplies and we may descend to base camp today either for more supplies or to rest prior to a summit attempt.
Day 14: Rest day at base camp.
Day 15: Return to camp 1 or load carrying. Sleep at Camp 1
Day 16: Occupy camp 2 or load carrying to site of Camp 3.
Day 17: Summit attempt from Camp 2 or occupy Camp 3.
Day 18: Base camp or summit attempt from Camp 3.
Day 19: Return to base camp.
Day 20: We dismantle the base camp and return to the road (3 to 4 hours walk). From there we transfer by bus (4 to 5 hous) to Kashgar. Overnight at hotel.
Day 21: In Kashgar. We enjoy a day of sightseeing or just relaxing in this colourful Uyger market town. This day may also be used as a contingency against delays to the climbing schedule. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 22: We drive over the Torugart pass and back into Kyrgzstan. We stay the night in a hotel in Naryn.
Day 23: After a day of driving we reach Bishkek and check into our hotel.
Day 24: This is another contingency day in case of problems on the road. If all is well this will be a free day to explore Bishkek and for souvenir buying. Overnight at the group hotel.
Day 25: Depending on flight schedules, the morning is free for relaxing or sightseeing. KE Land Only package services end with a group transfer to the airport.
