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  • Itinerary
  • Map
  • Cost Includes
  • Cost Excludes
  • Fixed Dates
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Country Pakistan
Duration 30 Days
Route Via Skardu
Range Karakoram

Overview

Amin Brakk, standing at 5,850 meters (19,193 feet), is one of the most formidable and awe-inspiring big wall climbing challenges in the Karakoram Range of Pakistan. Located in the Nagma Valley, Kande, within the Shigar district of Gilgit-Baltistan, this sheer granite monolith is renowned worldwide for its extreme vertical ascents and technical difficulty. It is often compared to some of the toughest big walls in the world, such as El Capitan in Yosemite and Trango Towers.

First ascended in 1999 by a Spanish climbing team, Amin Brakk has since gained legendary status among elite climbers and adventurers seeking an ultimate test of endurance, skill, and perseverance. The peak’s near-vertical rock face, unpredictable weather conditions, and remote location make it an extraordinarily difficult climb, attracting only the most experienced climbers.

Why Climb Amin Brakk?

One of the Toughest Big Wall Climbs in the World – Amin Brakk is a holy grail for professional climbers due to its extreme technical difficulty and exposure.

Remote and Untouched Wilderness – Unlike other commercialized climbing destinations, Amin Brakk remains wild and untouched, providing a true expedition experience.

A Challenge for Elite Climbers – With its sheer vertical face, unpredictable weather, and extreme altitude, Amin Brakk is not for beginners—it is a test of pure skill, endurance, and determination.

Breathtaking Karakoram Views – The journey to Amin Brakk offers some of the most stunning landscapes in Pakistan, with a mix of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and pristine valleys.

The Discovery & First Ascent of Amin Brakk – A Story of Friendship & Adventure

In 1992, high in the remote Karakoram mountains, a breathtaking granite tower stood undiscovered. Akhon Ibrahim, the owner of Machulo Treks and Tour, was exploring the mountains when he first saw this majestic peak from Machulo La Pass. He knew it was special, and he shared its beauty with his Spanish friend, Jon Lazkano, who was searching for an unclimbed peak to conquer.

Fascinated by this new challenge, Jon Lazkano returned the next year with three other climbers from Spain. They stood at the base of the towering wall, looking up at the 1,500-meter near-vertical rock face, and decided to name the peak Amin Brakk—after Akhon Ibrahim’s newborn son, Amin, who was born in 1992.

The First Ascent – A Historic Climb

In 1999, a team of Spanish climbers—Adolfo Madinabeitia, Jose Carlos Tamayo, and Jon Lazkano—set out on an expedition to make history. They faced extreme challenges:

Steep granite walls that required advanced aid climbing techniques Harsh weather conditions in the Karakoram Unpredictable terrain with difficult pitches and overhangs

With skill, determination, and teamwork, they successfully climbed to the summit of Amin Brakk, making it one of the most legendary big-wall ascents in Pakistan. Their success was documented in a thrilling film called "Pikanio Amin" (Small Amin) by filmmaker Sebastián Álvaro. This documentary captures the adventure, the struggle, and the triumph of the first ascent.

Amin Brakk Today – A Dream for Climbers

Today, Amin Brakk stands as one of the most challenging big-wall climbs in the world. Only a few elite climbers have dared to attempt it. If you are looking for a true adventure and a chance to be part of mountaineering history, Machulo Treks and Tour will take you on an expedition to this iconic peak.

Want to see the original ascent? Watch the documentary "Pikanio Amin" on the internet and witness how this great adventure unfolded!

Itinerary
1
Day 1 Arrival in Islamabad (540m / 1,772 ft)
• Meet the expedition team and attend a briefing session.
• Briefing session and preparation for the expedition.
• Overnight stay in a hotel.
2
Day 2 Islamabad – Alpine Club Briefing
• Attend a mandatory briefing session at the Alpine Club of Pakistan.
• Final gear check and obtaining necessary permits.
• Overnight stay in Islamabad.
3
Day 3 Islamabad – Chilas (1,265m / 4,150 ft) – 10-12 Hours Drive
• Drive via Babusar Pass (if open) or the Karakoram Highway.
• Stop for lunch in Naran.
• Arrive in Chilas and check-in at your hotel.
• Overnight stay in Chilas.
4
Day 4 Chilas – Skardu (2,228m / 7,310 ft) – 8-9 Hours Drive
• Scenic drive along the Indus River and through picturesque valleys.
• Lunch en route.
• Arrive in Skardu and check-in at your hotel.
• Overnight stay in Skardu.
5
Day 5 Skardu – Kande (3,040m / 9,974 ft) – 6-7 Hours Jeep Drive
• Off-road jeep journey along the Shigar Valley.
• Cross wooden suspension bridges and pass through high-altitude villages.
• Arrive in Askole, the last village before the trek begins.
• Overnight camping in Askole.
6
Day 6 Kande – Nagma Valley (3,200m / 10,499 ft) – 6-7 Hours Trek
• Begin trekking alongside the Biafo Glacier’s snout.
• Trek through the stunning Nagma Valley.
• Overnight camping in Nagma Valley.
7
Day 7 Nagma Valley – Amin Brakk Base Camp (4,500m / 14,764 ft) – 6-7 Hours Trek
• Cross glaciers, rocky terrains, and moraines.
• Reach Amin Brakk Base Camp, nestled beneath the mighty Amin Brakk Peak.
• Overnight camping at Base Camp.
8-12
Day 8-12 Acclimatization at Amin Brakk Base Camp
• These days will be spent acclimatizing to the altitude and exploring the base camp’s surroundings.
• Spend time resting, preparing for higher altitudes, and enjoying the stunning views of the peaks.
• Overnight camping at Base Camp.
13-15
Day 13-15 High Camp Setup and Technical Climbing Days
• Establish high-altitude camps on the slopes of Amin Brakk.
• Acclimatization climbs and technical climbing progress.
• These days are essential for preparation before attempting any higher altitudes.
• Overnight camping at various high-altitude camps.
16-20
Day 16-20 Summit Attempt of Amin Brakk
• These days are dedicated to attempting the summit of Amin Brakk.
• The expedition team will take on technical routes and tackle challenging terrains.
• Acclimatization, preparation, and climbing efforts will be intensified.
• Overnight camping at higher camps during summit attempts.
21-22
Day 21-22 Return to Amin Brakk Base Camp
• After summit attempts, descend back to Amin Brakk Base Camp.
• Take rest days and celebrate the completion of the summit attempt.
• Overnight camping at Base Camp.
23
Day 23 Amin Brakk Base Camp – Kande
• Retrace your steps back through Nagma Valley to Askole.
• Reflect on the expedition’s challenges and accomplishments.
• Celebrate with your fellow climbers.
• Overnight camping in Askole.
24
Day 24 Askole – Skardu (6-7 Hours Jeep Drive)
• Drive back to Skardu through remote valleys.
• Arrive and check-in at your hotel in Skardu.
• Overnight stay in Skardu.
25-26
Day 25-26 Skardu – Islamabad (Weather Buffer & Return Journey)
• Option 1: Flight from Skardu to Islamabad (weather-dependent).
• Option 2: 2-day drive via the Karakoram Highway.
• These buffer days will allow for any weather-related delays.
• Overnight stays in Skardu and Islamabad.
27
Day 27 Islamabad – Debriefing & International Departure
• Attend a final debriefing session at the Alpine Club.
• Relax and explore the city of Islamabad.
• Transfer to the airport for your return flight.
• End of the expedition.
Cost Includes
  • ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE : Airport – Hotel – Airport transfers by private vehicle (Pick up & Drop).
  • HOTEL ACCOMMODATION IN ISLAMABAD : 2 nights hotel accommodation in Islamabad (3-star category), single room on bed & breakfast basis.
  • WELCOME DINNER : One welcome dinner at a tourist standard restaurant in Islamabad with office staff.
  • PERMITS & FEES : Trekking permits, camping fees, road & bridge fees paid to the Pakistan Government (for members & staff).
  • GARBAGE MANAGEMENT : Stool shipment transfer & garbage deposit fees.
  • INSURANCE : Medical & emergency rescue insurance for all involved Nepalese & Pakistani staff.
  • MAP : Trekking map provided.
  • MEMBER TRANSPORTATION : Domestic flights Islamabad – Skardu – Islamabad & jeep transport Skardu – Askole – Skardu.
  • TREKKING EQUIPMENT TRANSPORTATION : Air cargo, truck, jeep, porters & mules transport for all trekking equipment.
  • MEMBER LUGGAGE : Up to 15 kg personal baggage per member during the trek.
  • FOOD AND LODGING : Three meals per day with tea & coffee, including hotel, lodge, tent & base camp accommodation.
  • CAMPING : Complete camping logistic arrangements during the trek.
  • PORTERS : 1 porter for every 2 members (to & from Base Camp).
  • BASE CAMP STAFF : Experienced Base Camp cook & kitchen helpers.
  • BASE CAMP TENTS & EQUIPMENT : Tents, mattress, pillow, dining, kitchen, toilet, shower & staff tents with tables & chairs.
  • POWER & HEATING : Solar panel, generator & heating system at Base Camp.
  • SAFETY & COMMUNICATION : Satellite phone, backup oxygen & medical kit (charges may apply).
  • WEATHER FORECAST : Regular weather updates during the trek.
  • CERTIFICATE : K2 Base Camp Trek completion certificate issued by the company.
Cost Excludes
  • AIR FARE : International flight airfare (from and to Islamabad).
  • PAKISTAN ENTRY VISA FEE : Pakistani visa fee for 30 days.
  • LUNCH & DINNER : Lunch and dinner during stay in Islamabad & Skardu (also in case of early return).
  • EXTRA NIGHTS : Extra nights accommodation in Islamabad & Skardu due to early arrival, late departure, early return, or flight cancellation.
  • INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT TICKETS : Member’s international flight tickets.
  • HELICOPTER RESCUE : Helicopter emergency rescue fees (refundable if not used, currently USD 15,000).
  • CLIMBING GEAR : Members’ personal climbing equipment.
  • PERSONAL INSURANCE : Member’s personal insurance.
  • HIGH ALTITUDE SERVICES : High altitude tent, food, and porter.
  • PERSONAL EXPENSES : Sleeping bag, telephone calls, internet, laundry, hot showers, drinks, and alcoholic beverages.
  • ROOM SERVICE & GRATUITIES : Room service, tips, and items of a personal nature.
  • CUSTOM CLEARANCE : Import and export custom clearance charges for equipment.
  • OXYGEN & GAS : EPI gas and oxygen cylinders.
  • UNFORESEEN EXPENSES : Roadblocks, extra hotel stays, additional Base Camp days, or other unexpected costs.
  • GROUP SPLIT COSTS : Extra charges if trekking and climbing members split during the expedition.
  • INSURANCE POLICY : Mandatory insurance covering medical treatment, high-altitude evacuation, trip cancellation & repatriation.
  • PERSONAL CLIMBING EQUIPMENT : Clothing, packing items, bags, personal medical kit, and trekking gear.
  • TOILETRIES : Soaps, shampoos, tissue papers, toothpaste, and personal hygiene items.
  • FILMING & DRONE PERMITS : Special filming, camera, and drone permit fees.
  • INTERNET SERVICE : Internet service not included during trek & expedition.
  • TIPS : Tips for porters, Base Camp & High Camp staff (minimum USD 250).
  • EXTRA SERVICES : Any services or activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
Fixed Dates
Date Status Group Size Action
22 Days
Start - 2025-06-20
End - 2025-07-09
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