About

At a height of 7,546 meters, Muztagata has four major ridges - the South Ridge, the West Ridge, the Northwest Ridge, the Northeast Ridge, rest on the peak, the perfectly round top of which are wrapped in snow all the year round while more than ten glaciers are set in the canyon of it. Looking just like a grey-haired old man, it is consequently called by the local residents "Father of lce Mountains". The west slope being gental, the north and east slopes are on the contrary dangerously precipitous.

Climate

Cut off from the air surrent of the Indian Ocean by lots of mountains, Muztagata has an arid climate while rainfall is brought about by the interaction between the west-wind zone inthe upper air and the cold-wet current in the polar region. The average temperature in the area of around 7,500m can be as low as -20C. The mountaineering activities are advisable in the month from Jone to August.

Route

To go to the mountain , advance southward along the Sino-Pakistan Highway to Subashi, 204 kilometers from Kashger, then trudge to the mountain side and set up a base camp at the foot of the western range of an altitude of 4,300 meters. The western range is a traditional route, with a long distance and deep snow. Three or four higher camps is needed before the summit. Muztagata is also a ideal site for high mountain ski, you may climb up to the summit and then, ski down 2,500 meters!!!

Source: China Mountain Guide

Picture by Song Yujiang