Climb the Karakoram

Nanga Parbat, 8,126 m, the Killer Mountain and the western anchor of the Himalaya, climbed by the Kinshofer route on the Diamir Face. A serious objective for climbers with previous 8,000 m experience, supported by a strong high-altitude team.

Laila Peak, 6,096 m, is the spear-shaped summit above the Gondogoro Glacier in the Hushe valley, one of the most beautiful mountains in the Karakoram. A steep but non-technical snow climb with a straightforward approach from Hushe village.

Gasherbrum II, 8,035 m, at the head of the Baltoro beyond Concordia, is one of the safer 8,000 m peaks, climbed by its south-west ridge after crossing the Gasherbrum icefall. Shared base camp logistics with Gasherbrum I make it a popular pairing.

Broad Peak, 8,051 m, stands opposite K2 at Concordia and is the most often recommended first 8,000 m peak in the Karakoram: a direct snow and ice route up the west face with a long summit ridge. A full-service expedition with an experienced Sherpa or Pakistani high-altitude guide.

Spantik, 7,027 m, the Golden Peak above Nagar, is one of the most accessible 7,000 m mountains in the world: a long snow ridge with no technical rock, climbed from the Chogolungma Glacier. A natural step from a first 6,000 m peak toward the 8,000ers.

Khosar Gang stands at 6,046 m above the Shigar Valley, on the left bank of the Braldu about 45 km from Skardu. Its base camp is one of the very few in the Karakoram that can be reached from town in a single day, and the route above it is snow and ice with almost no rock - which is why it is climbed both as a first 6,000 m peak and as an acclimatisation objective before the Baltoro expeditions. Fourteen days built around carrying high and sleeping low, with a snow and ice school at base camp, two spare days held back for weather, and a certified Pakistani guide at one to three climbers on summit day. Permit, Gilgit-Baltistan fees, porters and jeeps are arranged from Skardu and included.