MUZTAGH ATA, 7,546 meters

Our WILD YAK Team:

Climbing Muztagh Ata is challenging, physically tiring, and mentally demanding, and choosing the right climbing Team is crucial for a safe and successful climb. Therefore, our co-founder of WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS, Norbu Sherpa, is the leader for our WILD YAK Muztagh Ata Expedition.

Our co-founder, Norbu Sherpa, is a qualified and experienced expedition Sherpa, and competent leader who has climbed Everest nine times and led numerous clients to other summits of other 8000m peaks. When you choose WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS, you can trust that you will be accompanied by an experienced and competent leader who will support you extensively.

Weather Reports

Weather reports are a lifeline for high altitude expeditions. They help members and the WILD YAK Team prepare for any situation, make informed decisions, and take necessary precautions. With valuable insights into weather conditions, these reports can reduce risk and increase the chances of a successful and safe ascent.

At WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS, we emphasize the importance of weather reports and strictly follow our expeditions’ updates. 

Our means of communication

The WILD YAK Team takes every precaution to ensure your safety while climbing Muztagh Ata. Our communication systems enable constant contact between the members, guides, and the Base Camp, with satellite phones, and radios.

In addition, the use of communication devices and climbing updates enhances safety. It provides peace of mind in the event of an emergency, particularly when it comes to weather updates.

Emergency:

WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS has well-defined emergency response protocols, such as:

– medical kits with high-altitude medicine

– oxygen with masks and regulators

– Plan for immediate response to medical emergencies in case of altitude sickness, frostbite, or injury. 

Sustainability:

We demonstrate a solid commitment to responsible tourism by integrating sustainable practices into our WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS operations. 

Since 2014, WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS, in collaboration with our charity organization “The Butterfly Help Project,” has contributed namely to school construction, sponsoring Sherpa children who have lost their fathers in the mountains, collaborating with local organizations to preserve their culture, and financially supporting community development initiatives.

In addition, WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS encourages travelers to actively participate in community-based activities and respect local customs and traditions. We highly encourage reusable water bottles, minimizing single-use plastics. We also provide proper waste disposal facilities during the expedition. 

Furthermore, WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS greatly emphasize the well-being of porters and the WILD YAK guiding Team. We are committed to treating porters fairly and providing them with better working conditions by limiting the weight carried by each of them. Additionally, we apply a strict policy of fair wages and provide them with proper clothing, footwear, and necessary accessories. Finally, we purchase insurance for each porter’s emergency medical and rescue services on each trip.

Base Camp:

Accommodation in double tents. Each tent is equipped with isolated mattresses.

The following facilities are part of the Base Camp: a dining tent, WC, hot shower and a storage tents

Once the Base Camp is settled and before the first rotation to the higher camps, some rest days are programmed, which are an essential part of the acclimatization process, and during which we do a check and test of all our climbing equipment. Some short and easy hikes around the Base Camp, gaining some altitude and descending again, will likely improve your acclimatization. Between the climbs, we return to the Base Camp to allow our bodies to recover and regain strength with the increased oxygen of the lower altitude and the excellent food from our kitchen staff. In the meantime, we are checking the weather forecast for a perfect window for the summit day, for which an early start is programmed.

High Camps:

In the high camps, we encourage team spirit by asking two members to share a tent to support each other and make diligent observations of each other’s form, particularly at night. 

We provide essential equipment such as thermal mattresses and utensils and high altitude food.

If necessary, you can also hire sleeping bags for the high-altitude camps. 

The climbing route of WILD YAK Muztagh Ata expedition

Base Camp to Camp 1 (5400m), 4-5 hours

The route to Camp 1 goes straight up from Base Camp towards the rocky and sandy slope on the glacier’s edge, which stretches down from the mountain. After a 2-hour ascent, the trail gets to a gravel/rocky part, where the skiers usually take the snow slope route on the southeast of the flank. Camp 1 is set up just beneath a snow traverse where the rocky part ends. It is beautiful, with extensive views over pastures, hills, desert, lake Karakul, and Mount Kongur Tagh (7649m). Donkeys might be available to transfer the loads to Camp 1 upon request.

Camp 1 to Camp 2 (6150m), 5 hours

From Camp 1, with a steady ascent, our route traverses to the west slope, which is sometimes icy and likely to have few crevasses, until we get up on the big serac, which is heading far above Camp 1. After passing through a small valley, our climb confronts a steep section (50 degrees) of about 80 meters. It is the most vertical part of the whole route. Within 2 hours from there, we reach Camp 2. During our Expedition, we made two to three rotations to Camp 2.

Camp 2 to Camp 3 (6800m), 4-5 hours

From Camp 2, our route goes through a vast snow plateau, where we set some route marks to avoid getting lost if the weather changes.

Camp 3 to summit, and back to Camp 1 (7546m), 8-10 hours

Muztagh Ata is renowned for its strong winds, and the summit day being the longest (8-10 hours), we start very early. The route to the summit is straightforward, with the slope usually covered with even deeper snow. A gradual ascent brings us to a vast plateau where the slight rise of the summit rock appears.

From the summit, we enjoy the vast emptiness of the Plateau of Central Asia, beyond the considerable chasm of the east side of the mountain, interrupted only by the high white ridges of Mount Kongur Tagh and the snowy cap peaks of the Pamir’s. By clear conditions, we can see the giant peaks of the Karakoram Range to the south.

Note: the climbing route between the high camps is relatively short (4-5 hours), the summit day being the longest (8-10 hours). The final day is long and demanding. Depending on the conditions, the descent from the summit to Base Camp can be made on the same or the following day.

Since climbing at this altitude is highly demanding, you should prepare this Expedition with appropriate previous fitness training.

Payment and Cancellation:

Payment Methods: bank transfers 

Currency: The default transaction currency will be specified on our website or provided when booking. If you pay in a different currency, currency conversion fees may apply, and the payment provider or financial institution will determine the exchange rate. Note: All bank transfer charges are for the remitter’s account.

Payment Schedule:

• The payment schedule will depend on the type of booking and the specific terms and conditions associated with your booking.
• For some bookings, full payment may be required at the time of booking.
• For other bookings, a deposit will be required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due before a specified deadline.
• Failure to make the required payments within the specified timeframe may cancel your booking, subject to our cancellation policy.

Payment Security: We prioritize the security of your payment information and comply with industry standards and best practices.

Payment Disputes and Refunds: In the event of a payment dispute or if you believe an incorrect payment has been made, please get in touch with our WILD YAK service team immediately. Refunds, if applicable, will be processed according to our cancellation and refund policy.

Modifications to the Payment Policy: We reserve the right to modify this payment policy at any time without prior notice. Any changes to the payment policy will not apply retroactively and will only affect future bookings.

Please note that this is a general overview of our payment policy. The specific payment terms and conditions may vary based on your booking and destination. We recommend reviewing the detailed payment policy provided when booking or contacting our WILD YAK service team for further assistance.

Trip Cancellation Policy (cf. Article 5 of WILD YAK Terms and Conditions):

At WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS, we understand that unexpected events can disrupt your travel plans. To ensure a smooth and transparent experience for our valued customers, we have developed the following trip cancellation policy:

Cancellation Requests:

All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email, registered letter or through our designated cancellation form available on our website. The date of receipt by us of your cancellation will be considered for calculating the charged money. If the last day of the time limit is an official holiday or a non-business day, the time limit shall expire at the end of the first subsequent business day. 

Cancellation & Refund Policy:

Cancellation from your side:

The cancellation charges will vary depending on the type of booking, destination, and specific terms and conditions associated with your reservation.

Once you have paid your deposit, your trip is confirmed, subject to payment of the fees owed 60 days before your trip commencement date. An expedition trek member may then cancel their participation on the following basis:

• Cancellations outside of 60 days will result in the loss of the trip deposit
• For cancellations made within 60 days of the trip commencement date, we reserve the right to retain 50% of the total fee.
• For cancellations within 30 days of the departure date, a cancellation fee of 100% of the total fee applies.

Non-refundable components of your booking, such as certain flights, accommodations, or activities, may not be eligible for a refund.

Refunds will be issued using the original payment method used for the booking.

Cancellation by WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS:

If we need to cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances, we will notify you as soon as possible.

If we cancel your trip, you will be eligible for a full refund of the amount paid for the affected booking.

Modifications to the Cancellation Policy:

We reserve the right to modify this cancellation policy without prior notice.

Any changes to the cancellation policy will not apply retroactively and will only affect future bookings.

Please note that this is a general overview of our trip cancellation policy. The specific terms and conditions may vary based on your booking and destination. We recommend reviewing the detailed cancellation policy provided when booking or contacting our WILD YAK service team for further assistance.

Tailor-made preparation workshops in the Alps

With WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS, we ensure you’re well-prepared for your climb. Our pre-expedition briefings and training sessions in the Alps will give you essential mountaineering skills. We’ll organize virtual meetings for those you can’t attend in person. 

Our preparation workshops in the Alps cover everything from physical and mental fitness advice to emergency procedures and the risks associated with high altitude. With our expert advice, you’ll be well-prepared and confident that you’re ready to meet the challenges of your next expedition.

We will provide members with a full list of all the essential clothing and equipment they need to bring individually.

Travel Insurance:

Having the right travel insurance is essential to enjoy your trip with WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS fully. Travel insurance must provide coverage for trip cancellation due to personal emergencies (mountain rescue and helicopter evacuation shall be covered), medical issues, natural disasters, or other covered events.

Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances, including trip cancellations is therefore mandatory for anyone booking a trip with WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS. To this extent, you must submit a copy of your insurance policy to the WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS office with your registration form.

We recommend carefully choosing your insurance policy, as some insurance companies make exceptions for such trips. Before booking your insurance, check that the insurance company knows the itinerary you will be following with WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS and that all activities undertaken during the trip are covered. 

 Finally, check that your insurance policy also covers trip cancellation.

Due to the international origin of our clients, please note that WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS does not sell insurance. For more information on this subject, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Become a Volunteer:

Make a difference through volunteer programs, where you can contribute to community development, education, healthcare, and environmental conservation projects. Experience the satisfaction of leaving a positive impact and gain a profound understanding of Nepal’s social challenges and initiatives.

WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS is dedicated to sustainable tourism and actively contributes to the community. Through their charity organization “The Butterfly Help Project”, the co-founders of WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS have undertaken various initiatives, including constructing four schools in remote areas of Nepal. Additionally, they run a hostel for underprivileged mountain children, providing them with accommodation and education opportunities. They also sponsor numerous children who have lost their fathers in the mountains.

In addition to their educational efforts, the co-founders of WILD YAK EXPEDITIONS have established two apple orchards in the Kanchenjunga region at more than 3000 meters, supporting the local economy.