The Link Sar Expedition (7,041m) is one of Pakistan's most challenging and least-explored mountaineering adventures, located in the remote eastern Karakoram of Gilgit-Baltistan. Rising to an elevation of 7,041 meters (23,100 ft), Link Sar is renowned for its steep faces, heavily crevassed glaciers, and technical climbing, making it an outstanding objective for experienced mountaineers seeking a true alpine expedition.
For many decades, Link Sar remained one of the last unclimbed 7,000-meter peaks in Pakistan. Numerous expeditions attempted the mountain but were forced to retreat because of difficult weather, objective hazards, and the mountain's highly technical terrain. On 26 July 2019, Mark Richey (USA), Steve Swenson (USA), and Graham Zimmerman (USA) successfully made the first ascent of Link Sar, achieving a historic milestone in Karakoram mountaineering after years of unsuccessful attempts by previous teams.
Today, Link Sar is recognized as one of the most serious and demanding 7,000-meter peaks in the Karakoram. The expedition requires excellent physical fitness, technical climbing skills, glacier travel experience, and the ability to adapt to high-altitude conditions in a remote environment.
Summit Five Peaks Expedition is a leading adventure and mountaineering company in Pakistan, specializing in professionally managed expeditions, trekking, and cultural tours throughout the Karakoram, Himalaya, and Hindu Kush. With an experienced local team and a strong commitment to safety, quality service, and responsible tourism, the company provides comprehensive logistical support for climbers and adventurers from around the world.
The expedition includes airport transfers, transportation, hotel accommodation, permits, liaison services, porters, fully serviced expedition camping, meals, Base Camp management, and high-altitude logistical support. A carefully planned acclimatization schedule and experienced expedition staff help maximize both safety and the chances of a successful summit.
For climbers seeking a remote, technical, and world-class mountaineering experience, the Link Sar Expedition offers an unforgettable challenge in one of the most spectacular and untouched regions of the Karakoram.
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Following arrival in Islamabad, the expedition members will be received at the airport and transferred to the designated hotel. The expedition leader will conduct an introductory meeting covering the overall program, safety procedures, equipment requirements and travel arrangements.
The team will have sufficient time to rest after the journey and prepare for the following day's expedition formalities.
Destination: Islamabad
Accommodation: Hotel in Islamabad
Meals: Dinner
After breakfast, the team will complete the final expedition preparations. Equipment will be checked and organized according to individual climbing loads, Base Camp requirements and high-altitude climbing requirements.
The expedition leader will review permits, documentation, communication systems, medical supplies, emergency procedures and transportation arrangements.
Destination: Islamabad
Accommodation: Hotel in Islamabad
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Following an early breakfast, the team will transfer to Islamabad Airport for the scheduled flight to Skardu, weather permitting.
The flight provides spectacular views of the northern mountain ranges before reaching Skardu. Upon arrival, the team will transfer to the hotel and rest.
The remaining part of the day will be used for local logistics and confirmation of road transportation.
Destination: Skardu
Flight Time: Approximately 1 hour
Accommodation: Hotel in Skardu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, the team will spend the day in Skardu completing expedition logistics.
The expedition staff will organize food, fuel, transportation, climbing equipment and local support staff. The team will also conduct a final medical and equipment check before entering the remote mountain region.
Destination: Skardu
Accommodation: Hotel in Skardu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Following an early breakfast, the expedition team will depart Skardu by road toward Karmading, in Ghanche District. The journey follows the scenic road network through the spectacular landscapes of Baltistan, passing along the Shyok River and through traditional mountain settlements.
The drive offers impressive views of rugged Karakoram peaks, narrow valleys, river gorges and traditional Baltistani villages. As the team progresses toward Karmading, the landscape becomes increasingly remote and mountainous, marking the transition from the main logistical hub of Skardu toward the Link Sar expedition area.
Upon arrival in Karmading, the team will check into the local accommodation/camp, meet the local support staff and finalize preparations for the approach toward the Link Sar climbing area.
Destination: Karmading, Ghanche District
Distance: Approximately 150–170 km, route dependent
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Over the next three days, the expedition will begin the approach trek from Karmading to Link Sar Base Camp, gradually ascending through the remote and spectacular valleys of the eastern Karakoram. The route follows glacial rivers, alpine meadows, rugged moraines, and untouched wilderness, offering breathtaking views of towering granite walls, hanging glaciers, and snow-covered peaks.
The journey provides essential time for acclimatization as the team gains altitude at a steady pace while enjoying the pristine beauty of one of Pakistan's least-explored mountain regions. Throughout the trek, the expedition staff will establish comfortable camps at carefully selected locations, ensuring proper rest, hydration, and preparation for the higher stages of the expedition.
Upon arrival at Link Sar Base Camp, the team will settle into camp, organize climbing equipment, review safety procedures, and monitor weather conditions before beginning the technical phase of the expedition. Base Camp will serve as the operational hub for acclimatization rotations and the summit push in the days ahead.
Destination: Link Sar Base Camp
Duration: 3 Days Trek (Day 6 - 9 )
Accommodation: Fully Serviced Expedition Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Over the following twenty-six days, the expedition will focus on the ascent of Link Sar (7,041m). During this period, the team will follow a carefully planned climbing schedule that includes acclimatization rotations, load carries, route preparation, fixed rope installation where required, and summit preparations. The climbing strategy will be adapted according to weather conditions, snow stability, and the overall condition of the team.
The expedition will progressively establish and occupy higher camps while carrying essential climbing equipment, food, and fuel. Rest days at Base Camp and higher camps will be incorporated as required to ensure proper acclimatization and maximize the chances of a safe and successful summit.
Once a favorable weather window is identified, the team will make its summit attempt, ascending through the upper mountain to reach the summit of Link Sar (7,041m) before descending safely back to Base Camp. Throughout the climbing period, safety will remain the highest priority, with continuous monitoring of weather forecasts, route conditions, and team health.
Activity: Acclimatization, Route Preparation & Summit Attempt of Link Sar (7,041m)
Duration: 26 Days (Day 10–35)
Accommodation: Fully Serviced Expedition Camps (Base Camp & High Camps)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Following breakfast at Link Sar Base Camp, the expedition team will begin the return trek to Karmading, retracing the scenic approach route through the remote valleys of the eastern Karakoram. The descent follows glacial moraines, alpine meadows, and mountain trails, offering one final opportunity to enjoy the spectacular scenery of towering granite peaks, glaciers, and pristine wilderness.
As the team gradually loses altitude, the trek becomes more comfortable, allowing members to reflect on their successful expedition while enjoying the hospitality and natural beauty of the region. Upon arrival in Karmading, the team will reunite with local support staff, celebrate the completion of the mountain phase of the expedition, and enjoy a well-deserved rest.
Destination: Karmading, Ghanche District
Duration: 1 Day Trek
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Following an early breakfast, the expedition team will depart Karmading by road and begin the return journey to Skardu. The drive follows the scenic route through the beautiful landscapes of Ghanche District, passing traditional Baltistani villages, fertile valleys, and the winding Shyok River before rejoining the main road toward Skardu.
Along the way, the team will enjoy the final views of the majestic Karakoram Mountains while reflecting on the achievements of the expedition. Upon arrival in Skardu, members will check into the hotel, enjoy a well-earned rest, and celebrate the successful completion of the Link Sar expedition with the support team.
Destination: Skardu
Distance: Approximately 150–170 km, route dependent
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Following breakfast at the hotel, the expedition team will transfer to Skardu Airport for the scheduled flight to Islamabad. Subject to weather conditions, the flight offers spectacular aerial views of the Karakoram, Himalaya, and Hindu Kush mountain ranges, providing a memorable conclusion to the expedition.
Upon arrival in Islamabad, the team will be transferred to the hotel. The remainder of the day will be at leisure to relax, explore the capital city, or celebrate the successful completion of the Link Sar Expedition with fellow team members and guides.
In the event of flight cancellation due to weather, the journey to Islamabad will be completed by road on the Karakoram Highway.
Destination: Islamabad
Transportation: Domestic Flight (Weather Permitting) / Road Transfer if Required
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Following breakfast at the hotel, the expedition team will be transferred to Islamabad International Airport for their onward international flights. As the Link Sar Expedition comes to an end, participants will depart Pakistan with unforgettable memories of one of the Karakoram's most remote and challenging peaks, remarkable mountain landscapes, and the warm hospitality of the local people.
Our team will provide all necessary airport transfer assistance to ensure a smooth and comfortable departure. We wish all participants a safe journey home and look forward to welcoming them back to Pakistan for future mountaineering and adventure expeditions.
Destination: Islamabad International Airport
Activity: Airport Transfer & International Departure
Accommodation: Not Included
Meals: Breakfast
Link Sar Peak is located in the Masherbrum Range of the Karakoram in Ghanche District, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. It lies between the Charakusa Glacier and the Kaberi Glacier, near the famous K6 and K7 peaks.
Link Sar Peak stands at 7,041 meters (23,100 feet) above sea level.
Link Sar was one of the highest unclimbed mountains in the world until its first successful ascent in 2019. It is renowned for its technical difficulty and remote location.
The first ascent was completed on 6 August 2019 by Steve Swenson, Graham Zimmerman, Chris Wright, and Mark Richey.
Link Sar is considered one of the most challenging alpine climbs in the Karakoram, involving steep snow, ice, mixed terrain, objective hazards, and unpredictable weather.
Summit Five Peaks provides professional expedition management, including permits, logistics, experienced guides, transportation, camping, meals, and full expedition support for qualified climbing teams.
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