Expedition
Hushe valley, Khaplu
Laila Peak
- Duration
- 22 days
- Highest point
- 6,096 m
- Difficulty
- Very demanding
- Season
- Jun–Aug
Price to be confirmed
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Expedition · Baltoro, Shigar, Skardu
Cathedral Peak (Baltoro)
A granite tower of about 5,800 m in the Trango–Cathedral group above the lower Baltoro Glacier, seen from the Paiju camp.
- Duration
- 22 days
- Highest point
- 5,828 m
- Difficulty
- Very demanding
- Season
- June–August
- Price
- Price to be confirmed
Photo: Kogo · CC BY-SA 2.0
Overview
The Cathedral is one of the granite towers of the lower Baltoro, rising above the glacier near the Trango Towers. Trekkers see it from the Paiju area on the way to Concordia.
Reliable route and ascent information is scarce. This is a technical rock objective for experienced teams, kept here as a research candidate that needs specialist verification.
- Granite towers of the lower Baltoro, beside the Trango group
- The classic Baltoro approach via Askole and Paiju
- Remote alpine rock climbing
Itinerary
Days 1–2
Islamabad: briefing and onward travel to Skardu
Timing varies with flights, road and weather conditions.
Day 3
Skardu: preparation and equipment check
Day 4
Jeep through Shigar to Askole
Days 5–7
Trek via Paiju onto the lower Baltoro
Day 8
Establish base camp
Location to be confirmed.
Days 9–11
Acclimatisation and route reconnaissance
Days 12–17
Climbing window and weather/reserve days
Days 18–21
Trek out to Askole and jeep to Skardu
Day 22
Return to Islamabad
Flight or road, subject to weather.
Practical information
- Objective
- Cathedral Peak (5,828 m)
- Experience required
- Extensive technical rock climbing experience
- Previous expedition experience at altitude
- Suitable for
- Mountaineers
What’s included
Included
- Sample support/logistics concept: ground transport and jeeps, base-camp logistics, cook/kitchen team, porters for the approach, and permit paperwork handled through a registered operator
Not included
- Climbing/trekking permit fees and any royalty (paid to the GB Tourism Department)
- Personal climbing equipment
- Insurance including mountaineering and helicopter rescue cover
- International flights and Pakistan visa
- Technical climbing rack and ropes (team-supplied in this concept)
What to bring
Essential
- Rock shoes plus approach and mountaineering boots
- Harness, helmet, belay/abseil devices and personal anchor system
- Team technical rack and ropes, agreed with the climbing team in advance
- Crampons and ice axe for snow and glacier sections of the approach
- Portaledge or bivouac gear where the planned route requires it
- Sleeping bag rated well below freezing (exact rating to be confirmed)
Optional and useful
- Trekking poles
- Camera with spare batteries (cold drains them quickly)
- Solar charger or power bank
- Personal snacks and electrolyte sachets
Good to know
Important notes and restrictions
- Permits: official climbing and trekking permits are issued through the Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Department (applications normally go via a registered tour operator). TKO does not issue permits. Royalty, permit, fee and insurance rules are regulatory information that changes and must be confirmed before publication.
- Secondary sources (CKNP visitor information, ExplorersWeb, operator pages) indicate peaks below 6,500 m have generally needed a trekking permit/fee rather than a full mountaineering permit with royalty and liaison officer. Sources conflict; confirm the current rule with the GB Tourism Department.
- Insurance: travellers would need cover that explicitly includes mountaineering at this altitude and helicopter rescue in Pakistan; generic travel cover usually does not. Confirm current requirements before publication.
- Central Karakoram National Park: secondary sources describe a core zone (including the Baltoro and the Hushe approaches) needing a park/trekking permit, registered porters and guides, and no solo travel. Confirm current rules.
Route and region
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Start shaping your journeyCathedral Peak (Baltoro)Price to be confirmed
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