The Ogre (Baintha Brakk) and the Latok group, some of the hardest rock and ice climbing in the Karakoram, reached by a three-day walk up the Biafo Glacier from Askole.
A booking deposit applies. See our booking terms & cancellation policy.
The Ogre (Baintha Brakk, 7,285 m) and the Latok group are a cluster of dramatic rock peaks in the Panmah Muztagh in the central Karakoram. The Latok peaks lie just east of the Ogre; the Baintha Lukpar Glacier, a small tributary of the Biafo, lies to their south and the Choktoi Glacier to the north. All of the summits are notable for their extreme technical difficulty.
The approach is short for a Karakoram objective: three days from Askole via Namla and Mango on the Biafo Glacier to a green base camp at about 4,200 to 4,500 metres. Our standard programme is 27 days, with 16 days at base camp for climbing, and covers the flights, permits, porters, base camp and all logistics from Skardu. The length and the objective can be adapted to your team.
Experienced rock, ice and alpine climbers who want a serious technical objective in a quiet corner of the Karakoram. Climbing is not guided: your team leads the climbing, and our staff run the camp, kitchen and support behind you.
1977 — Ogre first climbed. Doug Scott and Chris Bonington made the first ascent of the Ogre, followed by a descent that became one of mountaineering's famous survival stories after Scott broke both legs.
1977 — Latok II. An Italian group led by Arturo Bergamaschi made the first ascent of Latok II (7,108 m) by the southeast face.
1979 — Latok I and Latok III. Japanese expeditions made the first ascents of Latok I (7,145 m) and Latok III. Latok IV (6,456 m) followed in 1980.
Airport welcome, hotel transfer, rest and a first expedition briefing.
540 mA scenic flight to Skardu, weather permitting, or the road alternative if flights are cancelled.
2,228 mPermit review, final food and fuel, climbing equipment and cargo checks before the road ends.
2,228 mA long 4x4 drive along the Shigar and Braldu valleys to Askole, the last village.
3,000 mThe trek begins on a gentle plain, then becomes harder on the snout of the Biafo Glacier. About 6 to 8 hours, with the first sight of the Paiju spires.
3,650 mMoraine and an ablation valley along the Biafo, a rocky walk of seven hours or more.
3,700 mOnto the white Biafo Glacier, where walking is easier, then diagonally across the glacier to base camp, where we set up the climbing camp.
4,200–4,500 mSixteen days at base camp for acclimatisation, load carries and climbing on the Ogre and Latok peaks, depending on your team's objective, the route and the weather. Our staff look after the camp, kitchen and support throughout.
Base campClear the camp and walk back across the Biafo Glacier.
3,650 mThe last trekking day, then a 4x4 drive to Skardu, subject to road conditions.
2,228 mA flight to Islamabad, weather permitting, or the road alternative.
540 mInternational departure, or a buffer day for weather or transport delays.
DepartureIt is a climbing expedition. The three-day walk to base camp is part of it, and the climbing period at base camp is where the objective is. If you only want to visit base camp, contact us and we will quote that separately.
No. Our service is logistics, permits and base camp support. Your team does the climbing.
The standard plan is 27 days from Islamabad, with 16 days at base camp. We can adapt it to your team and objective.
Summer. The climbing window is usually June to August.
The climbing permit and Central Karakoram National Park fees are arranged for you, together with the official briefing and debriefing.
The fair price depends on group size, dates, porter allowance, oxygen choice and the level of high-altitude support. We prefer to understand your team first and then send a clear written proposal.
Trango Tower Expedition — Granite big-wall climbing beneath the Great Trango Tower.
Masherbrum Expedition — A technical expedition to Masherbrum (K1) via the Hushe valley.
Peaks of Baltistan — Heights, first ascents and stories of the great peaks of the region.
Everything required for a fully compliant, safe trek in Baltistan — some of it handled by us, some to prepare before you fly.
6 months valid Passport, Pakistan E-Visa (you apply online — we provide the invitation letter), CNIC/ID copies.
Great Adventure manages restricted area & climbing permits, plus liaison officer arrangements (requires passport submission 8 weeks prior for expeditions).
Must explicitly cover Emergency Helicopter Evacuation and high-altitude trekking.
Altitude sickness (AMS) preparedness, fitness levels, and personal first-aid kits.