Full Board
Moderate
June to August
23 Days
Laila Peak (6,096m), located in the Hushe Valley of Baltistan in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, is considered one of the most beautiful and elegant mountains in the Karakoram Range. Famous for its dramatic needle-shaped summit and steep ice and snow faces, Laila Peak offers an exceptional introduction to technical high-altitude climbing and serves as an ideal training peak for mountaineers aspiring to climb higher 7,000m and 8,000m giants. From the summit, climbers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I & II, Masherbrum, and Nanga Parbat.
With over four decades of experience organizing climbing expeditions in Pakistan, this professionally supported Laila Peak Expedition combines adventure, safety, and cultural immersion. The expedition begins in Islamabad and continues via a spectacular mountain flight to Skardu, followed by a scenic journey through Khaplu and the picturesque Hushe Valley. The approach trek passes through Saicho before reaching Laila Peak Base Camp near the Gondogoro Glacier. Climbers will spend the majority of the expedition acclimatizing and climbing from Base Camp, supported by experienced staff, guides, porters, and a dedicated expedition chef. After the climbing period, the team retraces the route back to Islamabad, concluding a rewarding Karakoram mountaineering experience.
The Laila Peak climbing expedition is widely regarded as a “Holy Grail” for alpine climbers. Often called the most beautiful mountain in the world, Laila Peak (6,096m) is famous for its distinctive spear-like shape and a northwest face that maintains a consistent 45-degree slope for over 1,500 vertical meters.
Located in the heart of the Masherbrum Mountains near the Gondogoro Glacier, the Laila Peak climbing expedition is a serious technical undertaking. Unlike many 6,000m peaks, Laila remains rarely summited due to its steep granite walls and icy Northwest ramp. Our 23-day 2026 itinerary is designed for elite teams, providing high-altitude logistics, expert route-fixing, and the necessary permit support for this restricted-zone masterpiece.
How hard is the Laila Peak climbing expedition? Laila Peak is an extreme technical challenge. It is not suitable for beginners and requires advanced ice climbing and rope management skills.
The primary challenge is the Northwest Face, which requires hundreds of meters of front-pointing on ice and firm snow. The upper sections often feature thin ice over granite, demanding precise tool placement. The descent is equally technical and typically requires multiple rappels.
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
|---|---|
| Domestic flights within Pakistan (20 kg check-in + 7 kg hand carry) | International flights, visas & personal insurance |
| All ground transportation & airport transfers | Personal climbing gear & high-altitude clothing |
| Hotel stays in Islamabad & Skardu (twin-sharing) | Summit / porter bonuses & rescue deposits (if applicable) |
| Government climbing permits & liaison officer fees | Emergency helicopter evacuation & medical rescue |
| Expedition camping (Base Camp & high camps) with full logistics | Excess baggage & additional hotel nights |
| All meals during expedition (including high-altitude rations) | Meals not mentioned in itinerary |
| Licensed mountain guide, cook, support staff & high-altitude porters | Tips & gratuities |
| Fixed ropes on normal routes (where applicable) | Personal expenses & gear rental |
| CKNP waste management fee & secure baggage storage | Early departure or expedition withdrawal costs |
| Satellite phone (emergency use) & basic medical kit | Force majeure expenses (weather, route changes, delays) |
The Laila Peak expedition price starts at $2,300 USD for a full-service 23-day package. Due to its location in a restricted zone, this includes the mandatory trekking permit, government royalty fees, and professional licensed guides.
The best time to climb Laila Peak is June and July. This window typically offers the best snow-to-ice ratio on the face. Late-season attempts can encounter bare blue ice, which significantly increases the technical difficulty.
Laila Peak is strictly a technical climbing peak. In Pakistan, “trekking peaks” are generally those under 6,000m with non-technical routes. Because Laila Peak is in a restricted zone (near the Gondogoro Glacier) and requires technical rope work and ice climbing, you must have a formal mountaineering permit and a licensed guide.
The success rate is lower than other 6,000m peaks (approx. 30-40%) primarily due to its technicality and the precision required in weather windows. The summit “spear” is very narrow, and high winds can often turn teams back just 100 meters from the top.
Laila Peak requires a team that understands the nuances of the Hushe Valley. We provide veteran technical guides who have been involved in previous Laila attempts and successful summits, ensuring the highest safety standards.
Hannah Mitchell –
Challenging yet stunning! The climb and the views of the surrounding glaciers were incredible.