The peak of Nanga Parbat, also known as the Killer Mountain, is the most challenging climbing peak in the whole of northern Pakistan. There are very few people who have successfully climbed Nanga Parbat and even fewer who have returned to report their experience. It is not uncommon for climbers attempting to summit Nanga Parbat to lose more than half of their team on the way up. For this reason, climbing Mt. Nanga Parbat is an extremely rare and sought-after opportunity for exceptional mountaineers. Nanga Parbat weather always remains cold because of its hight.
The mountain lies at the border between Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral districts in northern Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The road leading up the mountain passes through the two districts with a brief stop at Hunza valley near Gilgit before reaching a small settlement called Ghulkinsar within Chitral district where climbers frequently stay before beginning their final ascent to reach base camp at around 2800 meters (9200 ft).
What Makes Climbing Nanga Parbat So Difficult?
Nanga Parbat’s extreme altitude, weather conditions, and length of the climb all make it one of the most difficult climbing peaks in the world. The altitude difference between base camp and the summit is nearly 3000 meters. From the lowest camp on the way up (2800 meters) to the highest camp on the way down (4200 meters), there is an altitude difference of 1300 meters.
Because the route has to be climbed in a single continuous push from base camp to the summit, climbers generally carry a heavy load consisting of food, water, and fuel for their camping stoves on their backs. The high altitudes, arid conditions, and high winds make equipment maintenance difficult. It’s a huge killer mountain and has very rough and tough Nanga parbat weather.
Why Attempt To Climb Nanga Parbat?
Nanga Parbat is a challenge that can only be experienced by the most experienced climbers. The challenging aspect of the climb, high altitude, and the length of the climb—6 to 8 days—means that climbers are often exhausted and nursing injuries when they reach the summit. However, the satisfaction of reaching the top of Nanga Parbat is immense and the climb is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Nanga Parbat weather usually falls in negative.
Equipment Required For Climbing Nanga Parbat
Climbing Nanga Parbat requires climbers to carry a heavy load on their backs. – Climbing shoes – Climbing shoes are essential for climbing because they provide the foot protection needed for the uneven and slippery rocks on the way up. shoes are designed to have large, soft rubber soles that provide a firm grip.
Climbing shoes generally have a rubber heel cup to add a protective barrier. Between the heel and the rock while the shoe is being pulled on. Climbing shoes are generally well-suited to climbing because they are lightweight, comfortable, and durable. – Crampons – Crampons are generally only required when climbing Nanga Parbat in winter.
They provide the same protection as climbing shoes. With the added advantage of being able to walk on ice and soft snow. In summer, climbers can use lightweight trekking poles or hiking poles as an alternative to using crampons. Crampons are generally heavy and cumbersome in summer and so climbers usually bring just one pair of each season.
They are usually strapped to the outside of a climbing pack. Camping stove – A camping stove is required for cooking meals and boiling drinking water. If a stove is used for heating tents, it is best to bring a contained heating pad for tents to prevent melting the ground beneath the tent. – Crampon repair kit – A small kit of specialized tools for crampon repair is necessary for climbing Nanga Parbat. It is important to keep a spare pair of crampons handy in case they break while climbing, as this is a common occurrence.
How To Get To Base Camp On Nanga Parbat
Climbers leave their home base in Hunza valley. Make the long journey up the Karakoram Highway (KKH) to Ghulkinsar settlement in Chitral district. The KKH is the only all-weather road that leads to the Hunza valley. There are several checkpoints along the way, making it a risky and expensive journey.
After arriving at Ghulkinsar, climbers travel by van to a nearby mountain village. Machi Kotal where they access the trail to the Simtok Lake. The trail is a rough and uneven footpath that is often covered in snow. The first part of the trail leads to Simtok Lake at 4200 meters. From Simtok Lake, climbers make their way to their next base camp at 6300 meters.
Different Camps On The Way Up To The summit
After reaching Simtok Lake at 6300 meters, climbers make their way to a campsite called Kutubgah which is at 7700 meters. From Kutubgah, climbers make their way to a campsite called Ghizr, located at 8100 meters. Ghizr, they make their way to the campsite called Godwin at 8400 meters. From Godwin, they make their way to a campsite called Hardy at 8550 meters. From Hardy, they make their way to the campsite called Rupal at 8700 meters. Rupal they make their way to the base camp called Advance at 8850 meters.
How To Descend From The Summit Of Nanga Parbat
Climbers leave Advance base camp and make their way down the mountain to Hunza valley where they board a Pakistani Army helicopter for transport back to Hunza. There are currently no organized climbing expeditions to Nanga Parbat. However, there are many adventurous climbers who travel to the mountain via Hunza valley via the KKH.
Conclusion
Climbing Nanga Parbat is an incredible feat and a challenge that is only made more difficult by the often dangerous and challenging conditions on the mountain. However, the experience of reaching the summit is worth the effort. Climbing Nanga Parbat is a challenge that can only be experienced by the most experienced climbers. Nanga Parbat weather is real cold.
If you are ready for the challenge and willing to risk your life for a moment of exhilaration. Then climbing Nanga Parbat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will never forget.
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