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Latok III Expedition — 6,949 m

Overview

Karakoram | Pakistan

Latok III, also known as Latok III (East), rises to 6,949 m in the Panmah Muztagh subrange of the Karakoram. It is part of the legendary Latok Group, alongside Latok I (7,145 m), Latok II (7,108 m), and Latok IV (6,456 m).

Famous for its dramatic granite and ice walls, Latok III has been a landmark of high-standard alpinism since its first ascent in 1979 by a Japanese team via the Southwest Ridge. Later, its 2,000 m West Face was climbed by Russian climbers, adding to its mythic status in modern climbing.

This expedition offers not just a challenging alpine objective, but also an incredible trek through the Brashal, Panmah, and Choktoi glaciers, with breathtaking views of Latok I–IV, Ogre (Baintha Brakk), and other Karakoram giants.


Highlights

  • Peak Elevation: 6,949 m (22,796 ft)
  • Range: Panmah Muztagh, Karakoram
  • First Ascent: 1979 (Japanese team, SW Ridge)
  • Access Route: Skardu → Askole → Panmah/Choktoi Glacier
  • Climbing Style: Alpine / Light Expedition style
  • Scenic Trek: Askole to Baintha Lukpar Base Camp (~3 days)
  • Technical Routes: SW Ridge (classic) & West Face (big wall, ~2,000 m)
  • Adventure Rating: ★★★★★ (Very High)

Expedition Itinerary (21 Days)

Day 1–2: Arrival in Islamabad, briefing, flight/drive to Skardu
Day 3–4: Gear check, permits, drive to Askole
Day 5–7: Trek from Askole → Panmah/Choktoi → Base Camp
Day 8–10: Load carry, acclimatization climbs, establish ABC
Day 11–13: Rest and weather watch at Base Camp
Day 14–17: Summit push (SW Ridge / West Face depending on route)
Day 18–19: Contingency days for weather/summit attempt
Day 20–21: Return trek to Askole, drive to Skardu, debrief

(Flexible schedule depending on weather and acclimatization)


Expedition Price (per person)

💲 USD 6,500 – 8,000 (depending on group size & services)


Services Included

✔️ All airport transfers (Islamabad)
✔️ Domestic flights Islamabad ↔ Skardu (or road transfer if weathered out)
✔️ Trekking logistics from Skardu → Askole → Base Camp
✔️ Liaison officer arrangements & climbing permits
✔️ Local high-altitude porters for load carry
✔️ Base Camp facilities: tents, mess tent, dining setup, cook, food & fuel
✔️ Guide & support staff (cook, kitchen helpers, BC manager)
✔️ Satellite communication at BC (limited use)
✔️ Hotel accommodation in Islamabad & Skardu (twin-sharing basis)


Services Not Included

❌ International airfare to/from Pakistan
❌ Personal climbing gear (ropes, helmet, harness, hardware, etc.)
❌ High-altitude tents & personal food above Base Camp
❌ Insurance (rescue, medical, trip cancellation)
❌ Visa fees
❌ Tips for staff & porters


Suggested Personal Gear List

  • Double plastic boots & crampons
  • Ice axes (technical & piolet)
  • Helmet, harness, ascenders, descenders
  • Carabiners (screw & wire gate), slings, ropes (60m x 2 suggested)
  • Down suit or down jacket + high-altitude pants

Sleeping bag (-30°C) & high-altitude tent

Base layers, gloves, mittens, goggles & sunglasses

Personal first-aid kit & high-altitude medicine

Stove + fuel (above BC, if alpine style)


Porter Ratio & Load Sharing

  • Each climber: ~50–55 kg porter support up to Base Camp
  • Above Base Camp: Climbers carry personal + shared climbing gear (alpine style)
  • Additional high-altitude porters available on request (extra cost)

Highlights

  • Peak Elevation: 6,949 m (22,796 ft)
  • Range: Panmah Muztagh, Karakoram
  • First Ascent: 1979 (Japanese team, SW Ridge)
  • Access Route: Skardu → Askole → Panmah/Choktoi Glacier
  • Climbing Style: Alpine / Light Expedition style
  • Scenic Trek: Askole to Baintha Lukpar Base Camp (~3 days)
  • Technical Routes: SW Ridge (classic) & West Face (big wall, ~2,000 m)
  • Adventure Rating: ★★★★★ (Very High)

Expedition Itinerary 

Day 1–2: Arrival in Islamabad, briefing, flight/drive to Skardu
Day 3–4: Gear check, permits, drive to Askole
Day 5–7: Trek from Askole → Panmah/Choktoi → Base Camp
Day 8–10: Load carry, acclimatization climbs, establish ABC
Day 11–13: Rest and weather watch at Base Camp
Day 14–17: Summit push (SW Ridge / West Face depending on route)
Day 18–19: Contingency days for weather/summit attempt
Day 20–21: Return trek to Askole, drive to Skardu, debrief

(Flexible schedule depending on weather and acclimatization)