Masherbrum

Height: 7,821 m
Country:
Pakistan flagPakistan

Masherbrum, also known as K1, is one of Pakistan's iconic peaks, standing at 7,821 meters (25,659 feet) in the Karakoram Range. Despite being one of the lesser-climbed giants in the region, Masherbrum holds a legendary status among mountaineers due to its challenging terrain and remote location. This is not a peak for the faint-hearted; the mountain demands high levels of skill, endurance, and a readiness for tough alpine conditions.

The standard route up Masherbrum involves mixed rock and ice climbing, with steep sections that require technical precision. The lower slopes are often covered in loose rock and scree, while the upper sections feature sheer ice walls and snow-covered ridges. Climbers must also contend with unpredictable weather patterns that are characteristic of the Karakoram, where sudden storms and extreme winds can make progress difficult and dangerous.

Masherbrum is a peak for those seeking a serious alpine challenge away from the more crowded mountains. Its remote setting, coupled with technical and physical demands, provides a rewarding experience for highly skilled climbers. For those looking to push their abilities on a rarely attempted summit, Masherbrum offers a truly authentic and demanding adventure in one of the wildest corners of the Karakoram.

Prepare for an adventure climbing Masherbrum. This overview provides essential details on routes, difficulty, costs, and the best times to go, helping you plan a successful expedition.

Difficulty

  • TD: Very hard (alpine grade 5)

When to go

  • June to August

Guide links

These guides offer organised mountaineering expeditions for Masherbrum. From here you can check each guides profile, or browse directly to their website to see the trip. You can separately view the guides directory to browse all guides in one place.
Below is a curated list of independent mountain guides offering expeditions for Masherbrum. Each guide provides their own experience, allowing climbers to select the approach that best suits their style, budget, and experience level. You can explore each guide’s dedicated trip page to review what they offer, from logistics and support to pricing details, with no additional influence from us.
View the summit location and surrounding terrain to get a sense of the mountain's environment. This map offers a valuable perspective on the peak's position within the region, aiding climbers in visualizing their route and nearby landmarks.
What you can see from the summit of Masherbrum. Click and pan around the map to explore, and zoom in/out to see the names of neighbouring mountains.

These climbs are similar in length, difficulty, and elevation. Offering a similar level of challenge as the Masherbrum climb.

climm Gasherbrum IV
Gasherbrum IV
 ED
Pakistan
$4,500
 7,925 m
climm Broad Peak
Broad Peak
 PD
Pakistan
$5,500
 8,051 m
climm Rakaposhi
Rakaposhi
 D
Pakistan
$3,000
 7,788 m