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- Broad Peak
26,414 ft · Karakoram, Pakistan Border
Broad Peak
Broad Peak is a 26,414 ft peak in the Karakoram, Pakistan Border. The standard route is the West Ridge Route: 14 mi, 10,500 ft of gain, Class 5.
Broad Peak at a glance
- Elevation26,414 ft8,050 m
- RouteWest Ridge RouteClass 5
- Distance14 mi10,500 ft gain
- Time6 – 8 wksExtreme effort
- SeasonJul – Aug
- RangeKarakoramPakistan Border
Climbing the West Ridge Route
Fly to Skardu, Pakistan, then travel overland through the Karakoram to Concordia basecamp via the Baltoro Glacier (7-10 day trek). The standard west face route requires full expedition logistics with multiple high camps, fixed ropes, and supplemental oxygen for most climbers. Extremely serious terrain with crevasse hazards, avalanche risk, and unpredictable weather. Weather windows are brief and often only a few days in July and August. Only suitable for elite, well-supported teams with extensive high-altitude experience. Pakistani permits and liaison officer required. One of the more straightforward 8000ers but still highly dangerous.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (65–90 L)
Mountaineering Boots
Base Layer
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Hardshell Pants
Warm Hat
Buff
Expedition Mittens
Trekking Poles
Gaiters
Crampons
Ice Axe
Helmet
Rope
Harness
Carabiners
Belay Device
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
Sleeping Bag (-40°F to -20°F)
Sleeping Pad
Oxygen System
Water
First Aid Kit
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Two-Way Radio
Emergency Bivy
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Glacier Glasses
Goggles
Down Suit
What to watch for
- Crevasses
- Steep exposure
- High winds
- Extreme cold
- Storms
- High altitude
- Remote location
- Glacier travel
- Altitude sickness
- Technical climbing
- Avalanches
Quests with Broad Peak
Eight ThousandersPeaks near Broad Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Broad Peak?
Broad Peak is 26,414 feet (8,050 m) tall. It is in the Karakoram, Pakistan Border.
How does Broad Peak rank among the Eight Thousanders?
At 26,414 feet, Broad Peak is the 12th highest of the 14 Eight Thousanders. The highest is Mount Everest.
How hard is it to climb Broad Peak?
The West Ridge Route is Class 5, which means technical climbing with a rope and protection. Yak rates the overall effort extreme: 14 miles with 10,500 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Broad Peak?
Broad Peak is an expedition: most climbers plan 6 – 8 weeks for the West Ridge Route, much of it spent acclimatizing between camps.
Is Broad Peak dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: avalanche and icefall danger, crevasses on the glacier and exposed sections where a fall would be serious. Teams rope up for glacier travel, and many first-timers climb with a guide.
Do you need oxygen to climb Broad Peak?
Most climbers use it. Supplemental oxygen is on the gear list for the West Ridge Route, and only a small number of very experienced climbers summit without it.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Broad Peak?
Yes. At 26,414 feet, Broad Peak is high enough for serious altitude illness. Climbers acclimatize over days or weeks, climbing high and sleeping low, and descend at the first signs of trouble.
When is the best time to climb Broad Peak?
The usual climbing window is July to August. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Where can I check avalanche conditions for Broad Peak?
Check the avalanche forecast at weather.gov.pk before any trip with snow on the route.
Can you hire a guide to climb Broad Peak?
Yes. Guide services that lead climbs of Broad Peak include Protrek Adventures and 8K Expeditions.
Climb Broad Peak with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list