Muztagh Tower

Description

Muztagh Tower, as the name implies, is an enormous rock tower, its four sides stretching steeply into the sky. This is perhaps the most difficult technical climb in the Karakoram. It is located between the basins of the Baltoro and Sarpo Laggo glaciers, and for many years was considered inaccessible. Its faces are covered in ice and hanging glaciers, and there is considerable overhang. The British party who made the first successful ascent barely preceded a French party who was simultaneously attempting the peak from the opposite side. Neither party knew of the other's presence until the French team, en route to what they believed would be a first ascent, spotted someone else standing on the summit.