Featured Expedition
Shipton Spire Expedition - Elite Big Wall Climbing
Conquer the 4,400-foot Granite Giant of the Karakoram
Featured Expedition
Shipton Spire Expedition - Elite Big Wall Climbing
Conquer the 4,400-foot Granite Giant of the Karakoram
Conquer the 4,400-foot Granite Giant of the Karakoram
A premier 44-day technical big wall expedition to Shipton Spire, featuring world-class granite and elite-level climbing.
Trip Stats
OthersGilgit Baltistan
Difficulty
Technical
EasyModerateHardExtreme
Max Altitude
5,910 meters
Wind Speed
30-50 km/h
Temperature
-15°C to 10°C
Peak
Shipton Spire (Hainablak Central Tower)
Elevation
5,910 meters / 19,390 feet
Location
Upper Trango Glacier, Baltoro Region
First Ascent
1997 by Björnstadt and Albert
Duration
44 days
Best Season
June to September
Overview
Shipton Spire rises to 5,910 meters as one of the most dramatic granite towers in the Karakoram Range, standing near the legendary Trango Towers on the Upper Trango Glacier. Named after British explorer Eric Shipton, this spire offers some of the finest high-altitude big wall rock climbing on Earth. The main route presents a massive 29-pitch, 4,400-foot wall with technical difficulties up to 7b+, nearly twice the vertical relief of the Nameless Tower. The rock quality is superb, rewarding elite climbers with sustained technical challenges. Alpine Karakoram Adventure provides comprehensive logistics from Islamabad through the classic Baltoro approach, offering full Base Camp support for the extended climbing period. From the 4,700m Base Camp, climbers are surrounded by icons like K2, Broad Peak, and the Gasherbrums, making it one of the most spectacular climbing objectives in the world.
Trip Highlights
What makes this expedition special
Climb 4,400 feet of world-class granite on a 5,910m spire
1
Tackle 29 pitches with technical grades up to 7b+
2
Located in the heart of the Karakoram's Trango Group architecture
3
Base Camp situated on a beautiful meadow at 4,700 meters
4
Breathtaking views of K2, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrum massifs
5
Trek the legendary Baltoro Glacier approach route
6
Explore unclimbed formations in the surrounding Hainablak group
7
Professional Base Camp support for extended big wall campaigns
8
Day by Day Itinerary
Transfer to hotel and official expedition briefing regarding logistics and requirements.
540 meters
Welcome Dinner
Hotel
Flight to Skardu (weather permitting) or drive via the Karakoram Highway.
2,228 meters
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel
Free day in Skardu or complete the drive from Chilas with views of Nanga Parbat.
2,228 meters
Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel
Documentation at Ministry of Tourism and final gear organization with the expedition staff.
2,228 meters
Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel
8-9 hour jeep drive to the last village and the start of the wilderness trek.
3,050 meters
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Campsite
Begin trekking along the Biafo Glacier, crossing the Dumardo River to reach Jhola.
3,200 meters
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Campsite
Walk along sandy river beaches with first views of the Cathedral Towers and K2.
3,480 meters
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Campsite
Acclimatization day and final equipment preparation before entering the glacier.
3,480 meters
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Campsite
First day of travel on the moraine-covered ice of the Baltoro Glacier.
3,800 meters
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Campsite
Trek beneath Trango Towers to the last grassy campsite above the glacier.
4,130 meters
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Campsite
Glacier travel on the main Baltoro with views of Masherbrum and Gasherbrum IV.
4,300 meters
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Campsite
Cross onto the Upper Trango Glacier to establish camp on a scenic meadow.
4,700 meters
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Base Camp
Puja ceremony and technical training for big wall systems and portaledge setup.
4,700 meters
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Base Camp
25 days for acclimatization and technical climbing. Teams use capsule style with portaledges.
5,910 meters
Expedition Meals
Base Camp/Portaledges
Clean Base Camp and begin descent across glaciers back to the Paiju oasis.
3,480 meters
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Campsite
Jeep drive from Askole back to Skardu for a well-earned rest and hot showers.
2,228 meters
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel
Free day for sightseeing or contingency buffer; farewell dinner in the evening.
540 meters
Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Hotel
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your flight home.
540 meters
Breakfast
None
Note: The technical big wall nature of Shipton Spire demands maximum flexibility. Weather and the extreme difficulty of routes mean actual climbing duration varies significantly. All peaks in the Hainablak group require appropriate permits.
What's Included
Included
9 items included
- Professional airport pickup and drop-off in Islamabad
- All hotel accommodation in Islamabad and Skardu
- Full service camping including member tents and mess facilities
- All meals during the expedition
- Domestic flights Islamabad-Skardu-Islamabad (subject to weather)
- Full processing of Pakistan expedition permits and government documentation
- Porterage of 75kg per member to Base Camp
- Experienced Pakistani cook and kitchen staff
- Staff insurance and group emergency equipment
Not Included
8 items not included
- International airfare and Pakistan visa fees
- Mandatory high-altitude rescue insurance
- Personal climbing equipment and technical hardware
- Group climbing gear (ropes, ice screws, gas)
- Portaledges and big wall hauling equipment
- High-altitude porters (HAPs) above Base Camp
- Tips for staff and personal expenses
- Rescue costs or charges due to force majeure
We offer flexible service levels including Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers. These range from standard Base Camp support to premium setups with personal HAPs and enhanced facilities.
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