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Masherbrum

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Mountain
—°2
Masherbrum (Pakistan)

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Masherbrum, historically known as K1, stands at 7,821 meters and is one of the most prominent mountains in the Karakoram range of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Geographically, it is situated south of the Baltoro Glacier and dominates the Hushe Valley with its massive North Face. The mountain was surveyed in 1856 by Thomas Montgomery as the first peak of the Karakoram, hence the designation K1. The first successful ascent was achieved on July 6, 1960, by an American-Pakistani expedition led by George Bell, with Willi Unsoeld and George Bell reaching the summit. Masherbrum is notorious for its extreme technical difficulty and high avalanche risk, making it a formidable goal for world-class mountaineers. Its distinctive twin peaks are visible from many vantage points in the region and serve as a landmark for trekkers heading toward Concordia. The mountain's geology primarily consists of limestone and marble, which gives it a characteristic glow during sunset.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-18-16-12-6-22661-5-11-16
Rain mm283130322626283019102014

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Reaching the base of this massive peak typically requires a strenuous, multi-day trekking expedition starting from the remote village of Hushe in the Karakoram.
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Best season
The only sensible window for trekking approaches or summit attempts is generally the brief summer period from late June to August, when high-altitude weather stabilizes.
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Terrain & paths
The environment is extremely demanding, characterized by perilous glacial crevasses, sheer rocky faces, and high-alpine ice suitable only for seasoned professionals.
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What to bring
Comprehensive expedition-grade equipment for extreme altitudes is mandatory, including crampons, ice axes, technical ropes, and specialized sub-zero clothing systems.
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Parking
Vehicles are typically secured at the roadheads in Skardu or Hushe before teams begin the long, arduous approach on foot with the assistance of local porters.
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Safety
Extreme altitudes pose massive risks related to altitude sickness, sudden violent storms, and avalanches. Extremely slow and careful acclimatization is absolutely vital.
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Time needed
Expeditions reaching the base camp and returning typically span several weeks, whereas actual summit bids frequently require well over a month of dedicated effort.

Geography

Coordinates
35.60000, 76.30000

Facts

  • Masherbrum is the 22nd highest mountain in the world at 7,821 meters.
  • The designation K1 indicates it was the first peak surveyed in the Karakoram.
  • The first successful ascent took place on July 6, 1960.
  • The name 'Masherbrum' likely means 'Queen of Mountains.'
  • The mountain is located at the head of the Hushe Valley.
  • The technical difficulty of the North Face is considered one of the highest in the Karakoram.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Nangma ValleyNangma Valley9 km · SExplore →
KhapluKhaplu13 km · NWExplore →
Khaplu ValleyKhaplu Valley13 km · WExplore →
Karakoram RangeKarakoram Range23 km · NExplore →
K2K224 km · NExplore →
Gasherbrum IIGasherbrum II34 km · NExplore →
Gasherbrum IGasherbrum I45 km · NExplore →
Shigar ValleyShigar Valley67 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Masherbrum (2)

Mandu Kangri🌿 nature

An imposing 7,127-meter peak located in the Masherbrum Mountains of the Karakoram range.

Masherbrum🌿 nature

This distinctive 7,821-meter giant, also known as K1, is one of the world's most technically challenging peaks.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is Masherbrum suitable for hikers?
Masherbrum itself requires pro skills, but the valleys are great for trekking.
What is the difficulty of the summit climb?
Extremely hard and technically very demanding, only for world-class mountaineers.
Do I need a visa for the region?
Yes, for Pakistan, a valid visa is mandatory for tourists.
Best season for Masherbrum Valley?
Between July and August, when snowmelt has concluded.
Is there mobile signal there?
Very rare, plan with satellite communication for emergencies.
Masherbrum: where is it located?
Masherbrum is located in Pakistan.
Masherbrum: what is there to see?
Highlights include Mandu Kangri, Masherbrum.
Masherbrum: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Masherbrum: why is it worth visiting?
Masherbrum, historically known as K1, stands at 7,821 meters and is one of the most prominent mountains in the Karakoram range of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nature

Satpara Lake — Masherbrum (Pakistan)
Satpara Lake
A picturesque lake near Skardu, which is an important source of water for the city.
Sheosar Lake — Masherbrum (Pakistan)
Sheosar Lake
A scenic lake located in Deosai National Park, known for its deep blue water and surrounding meadows.
Attabad Lake — Masherbrum (Pakistan)
Attabad Lake
A lake in the Hunza Valley that was formed in 2010 after a massive landslide dammed the Hunza River.

More places

🗺️
Nangma Valley
A remote and pristine valley near Skardu, famous for its dramatic rock walls and climbing opportunities.
Khaplu Valley — Masherbrum (Pakistan)
Khaplu Valley
The broad Khaplu Valley, also known as Ghangche, is picturesquely situated on the Shyok River in the Gilgit-Baltistan region.
Broad Peak — Masherbrum (Pakistan)
Broad Peak
Broad Peak in the Karakoram range is the twelfth highest mountain in the world (8,051 m).
Gasherbrum II — Masherbrum (Pakistan)
Gasherbrum II
Gasherbrum II is the third highest peak of the Gasherbrum massif and the 13th highest in the world.
Gasherbrum I — Masherbrum (Pakistan)
Gasherbrum I
Gasherbrum I, also known as Hidden Peak, is the eleventh highest mountain in the world at 8,080 meters.
Shigar Valley — Masherbrum (Pakistan)
Shigar Valley
The Shigar Valley is the gateway to the gigantic peaks of the Karakoram in Baltistan.
Deosai National Park — Masherbrum (Pakistan)
Deosai National Park
A high-altitude plateau known as the 'Land of Giants', serving as a habitat for the Himalayan brown bear.
Khunjerab National Park — Masherbrum (Pakistan)
Khunjerab National Park
One of the highest altitude national parks in the world, located on the border with China and a habitat for the Marco Polo sheep.