Field guides / Gilgit-Baltistan / Masherbrum (K1)
Field guide · Mountains
Masherbrum (K1)
Masherbrum, originally the K1 of the Karakoram survey before K2 was measured, rises to 7,821 m above the Hushe Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan. Its triple summit pyramid was first climbed in 1960 by George Bell and Willi Unsoeld via the American Alpine Club expedition.
Masherbrum, originally the K1 of the Karakoram survey before K2 was measured, rises to 7,821 m above the Hushe Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan. Its triple summit pyramid was first climbed in 1960 by George Bell and Willi Unsoeld via the American Alpine Club expedition. The approach from Hushe village involves the Masherbrum Glacier and is a serious mountaineering undertaking.
Why go
- ✦7,821 m, the original K1
- ✦First climbed 1960 American expedition
- ✦Hushe Valley approach
- ✦Combined itinerary with Charakusa and Laila Peak
The Hushe Hub
Hushe village is the adventure base for the entire southeastern Karakoram. From here, three great peaks, Masherbrum, Laila Peak, and the Charakusa peaks, are all accessible on separate glaciers. GreenPak can route a multi-week Hushe area expedition linking all three.
Laila Base Camp Trek
Even without Masherbrum summit ambitions, the Hushe area offers one of Pakistan's finest trekking objectives in the approach to Laila Base Camp, a 4-day round trip from the village with magnificent views of the Charakusa Wall.
Planning tip
When to go, June to August for the main expedition season; Hushe Valley trekking is possible May to October.
Getting there, Drive from Skardu to Khaplu, then south to Hushe village, the trailhead for the Masherbrum Glacier. Hushe is also the starting point for Charakusa Valley and Laila Peak.
Allow, 3-4 days to base camp; full expedition 8-10 weeks.
