Shipton Spire Expedition – 5,852m

Shipton Spire is a striking granite tower in the Karakoram, attracting experienced climbers seeking challenging technical routes and remote mountain adventures. This expedition combines a journey through Baltistan, a trek into the Trango region and an extended period of technical climbing.
• Destination: Shipton Spire, Karakoram
• Duration: 32 days
• Climbing period: 18 days allocated for climbing and summit attempts
• Approach: Skardu, Jhola, Paiju and Shipton Spire Base Camp
• Difficulty: Extremely technical; suitable for experienced big-wall climbers
• Accommodation: Hotels during road travel and camps during trekking and climbing

Activities

Spectacular granite tower: Experience the dramatic rock walls of Shipton Spire.
Technical big-wall climbing: Take on a demanding objective requiring advanced climbing skills.
Remote Karakoram wilderness: Explore rugged mountains, glaciers and remote valleys.
Extended climbing window: Eighteen days are allocated to technical climbing and summit attempts.
Baltistan landscapes: Travel through the scenic Shigar and Braldu valleys.
Balti culture: Experience traditional mountain villages and local hospitality.
High-altitude expedition experience: Enjoy the challenge of operating in a remote climbing environment.

Itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Islamabad: Welcome to Pakistan! Upon your arrival at Islamabad International Airport, our team will warmly greet you. Transfer to your comfortable hotel to rest after your journey, followed by an exciting initial expedition briefing.

Day 02

Islamabad to Skardu or Chilas: Catch a breathtaking scenic mountain flight to Skardu (weather permitting). If the mountain weather has other plans, we will kick off an epic road trip along the legendary Karakoram Highway toward Chilas. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 03

Chilas to Skardu: If we are traveling by road, enjoy a spectacular drive winding along the mighty Indus River, taking in the dramatic valleys and peaks all the way to Skardu. Check into your hotel and enjoy a well-deserved rest.

Day 04

Rest and Preparation in Skardu: A vital day in the mountaineering hub. We will meticulously check our technical climbing equipment, securely organize food and supplies, and finalize all permits and porter arrangements for the wild journey ahead.

Day 05

Skardu to Jhola: Hop into our rugged 4×4 jeeps for a thrilling drive through the majestic Shigar and Braldu valleys toward Jhola. Enjoy the dramatic, ever-changing mountain scenery as we prepare to hit the trails. Overnight in camp under the stars.

Day 06

Trek to Paiju: Lace up your trekking boots! We begin our thrilling trek along the rushing Braldu River, navigating rocky trails and broad valleys until we reach the green oasis of Paiju, resting right beneath Paiju Peak.

Day 07

Trek to Shipton Spire Base Camp: Push deeper into the wild! We continue our trek through rugged mountain terrain and glacial moraine until we establish our expedition Base Camp, right beneath the awe-inspiring, sheer granite walls of Shipton Spire.

Days 08–25

Technical Climbing and Summit Attempts: The ultimate big wall challenge! Spend these weeks engaging in highly technical rock climbing. You will acclimatize, inspect the route, fix ropes, haul heavy gear, and establish dizzying bivouacs on sheer vertical faces. When the perfect weather window aligns, launch your thrilling summit attempt on one of the world’s most spectacular granite towers!

Day 26

Trek Back to Paiju: Pack up Base Camp and bid a triumphant farewell to the towering granite spires. We begin our beautiful descent, trekking back down the rugged trails to our welcoming camp at Paiju.

Day 27

Trek to Jhola: Continue your scenic return trek, descending alongside the Braldu River. Watch the dramatic mountain scenery transition beautifully as we leave the upper glacier region behind and arrive at Jhola.

Day 28

Trek to Askole: Complete the final leg of our trekking journey! We hike back to Askole, the legendary gateway to the Baltoro region, reconnecting with civilization where our waiting transport team is ready for us.

Day 29

Drive to Skardu: Jump into our jeeps for a scenic and rugged drive back to Skardu. Check into your hotel and enjoy the absolute, unmatched luxury of a hot shower and a soft bed!

Day 30

Skardu to Islamabad: Take a spectacular mountain flight back to the bustling capital of Islamabad (weather permitting). If flights are paused, we will enjoy a scenic road journey down the Karakoram Highway to celebrate our return.

Day 31

Free Day in Islamabad: Enjoy a well-deserved free day in the capital! Relax, do some souvenir shopping, or enjoy some sightseeing. This also serves as a handy buffer day for any unexpected travel delays.

Day 32

Departure from Islamabad: Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your journey home, carrying unforgettable memories and the ultimate bragging rights from the vertical walls of Shipton Spire!

Inclusions

What’s Included

Seamless airport transfers in Islamabad, comprehensive ground transportation connecting Islamabad, Skardu, and the trekking trailhead (including 4×4 jeeps where specified), alongside comfortable hotel accommodations in Islamabad, Chilas, and Skardu.
Fully supported camping accommodations during the trek and expedition, featuring complete base camp facilities equipped with sleeping, kitchen, and dining tents.
All agreed meals during the trekking and base camp stages, freshly prepared by a professional cook and managed by an experienced local guide and dedicated support staff.
Reliable porter services for transporting baggage, food, and expedition equipment (within the agreed weight allowance).
Expert expedition logistics, local coordination, and complete assistance with applicable climbing permits and official government formalities (where included in your contract).

Services Not Included

International airfare, Pakistan visa processing fees, and all personal technical climbing gear or specialized big-wall hardware (unless explicitly specified in your package).
Personal travel insurance covering technical climbing, as well as any emergency helicopter rescue or evacuation expenses.
Personal expenses including laundry, beverages, tips, and gratuities.
Additional hotel nights, meals, or transportation costs incurred due to unforeseen weather or operational delays.
Any other services, activities, or expenses not specifically mentioned in your confirmed expedition package.

Important Expedition Notes

Technical Level: This expedition is highly technical and suitable only for climbers with substantial multi-pitch, aid-climbing, and big-wall experience.
Dynamic Scheduling & Weather: Climbing and summit attempts are strictly dependent on suitable weather and route conditions. Please be aware that flight cancellations, road closures, and adverse weather may affect the overall schedule.
Equipment Requirements: Participants must confirm specific requirements for ropes, hauling systems, bivouac equipment, and other essential technical gear prior to departure.
Booking Confirmation: Before accepting bookings, please verify the exact climbing objective, intended route, permits, porter allowances, and transportation inclusions with the operator.

Booking Form

Full Name

Email Address

Phone Number

Country of Residence

Number of Travelers

Preferred Departure Date

Any Special Requests or Medical Conditions?