Shipton Spire (about 5,850 m) is a granite spire above the Trango Glacier area near the Baltoro, named after the explorer Eric Shipton. Its walls are among the tallest rock walls in the world. It was first climbed in 1997 by American teams, including Jared Ogden and Mark Synnott on the route Ship of Fools. Base Camp is reached in four days from Askole.
| 1 | Departure/Return Location | International Airport, Islamabad |
|---|
| 2 | Mountain Range: Karakoram | Region: Baltoro, Gilgit Baltistan |
|---|
| 3 | Elevation: about 5,850 m | Best Time: June to August |
|---|
| 4 | Duration: 36 Days | Zone: Restricted |
|---|
Day 1Arrive in Islamabad (540 m)Our team meets you at Islamabad airport and takes you to your hotel. Overnight in hotel.
Day 2Expedition briefing in IslamabadOfficial briefing, final paperwork, gear check and last shopping. Overnight in hotel.
Day 3Fly to Skardu (2,230 m)Morning flight past Nanga Parbat to Skardu, about one hour. If the flight is cancelled, we drive the Karakoram Highway instead. Overnight in hotel.
Day 4Skardu: final preparationsRepack loads for the porters and buy fresh supplies. Spare day for flight delays. Overnight in hotel.
Day 5Jeep from Skardu to Askole (3,000 m)About 7 hours by jeep through the Shigar valley and along the Braldu river to Askole. Meet the porters. Overnight in tent.
Day 6Askole to Jhola (3,200 m)About 6 hours along the Braldu river, crossing the snout of the Biafo Glacier. Overnight in tent.
Day 7Jhola to Paiju (3,450 m)About 6 to 7 hours with the first views of the Paiju peaks and the Trango group. Overnight in tent.
Day 8Paiju to Shipton Spire Base Camp (about 4,200 m)Walk up the Baltoro and the Trango Glacier side valleys to Base Camp below Shipton Spire. Overnight in tent.
Day 9 to 30Climbing period on Shipton SpireBig wall climbing on the granite of Shipton Spire, with fixed ropes and portaledge camps and a final push in good weather.
Day 31Trek from Base Camp to PaijuClean up Base Camp and walk down. Overnight in tent.
Day 32Paiju to AskoleLong day back to Askole. Overnight in tent.
Day 33Jeep from Askole to SkarduDrive back to Skardu. Overnight in hotel.
Day 34Spare day in SkarduKept free for flight delays. Overnight in hotel.
Day 35Fly to IslamabadFlight to Islamabad. Overnight in hotel.
Day 36Fly homeTransfer to Islamabad airport for your flight home.
Services Include:| Climbing permit, registration and all government fees |
| Airport pick up and drop off in Islamabad |
| Hotel in Islamabad on bed and breakfast as per itinerary |
| Hotel in Skardu on full board as per itinerary |
| Domestic flights Islamabad to Skardu and back (road travel by private vehicle if flights are cancelled) |
| All jeep transport to and from the trek start |
| Porters to carry expedition loads to Base Camp and back |
| Experienced guide on the approach trek |
| Base Camp cook and kitchen team |
| All meals during the trek and at Base Camp |
| Base Camp tents: sleeping, dining, kitchen, toilet and shower tents with tables, chairs and mattresses |
| Gas and fuel for cooking at Base Camp |
| Wages, food, equipment and insurance for all staff and porters |
| First aid kit at Base Camp |
| Garbage management and transport of waste back to Skardu |
| Experienced local guide and Base Camp staff |
| International flights to and from Islamabad |
| Pakistan visa fee |
| Travel, medical and helicopter rescue insurance (mandatory) |
| Lunch and dinner in Islamabad |
| Personal climbing gear and clothing |
| Personal climbing equipment, ropes and big wall gear |
| Extra hotel nights or meals caused by early return, flight delays or road closures |
| Excess baggage on domestic flights |
| Drinks, laundry, phone calls and other personal expenses |
| Summit bonus for climbing staff |
| Tips for guides, cooks and porters |
| Helicopter rescue costs |
| Anything not listed under included services |
Shipton Spire (about 5,850 m) Big Wall Expedition on Google Maps:
