K6 (mountain)

K6
Balistan Peak
K6
Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan[1]
Elevation 7,282 m (23,891 ft)
Prominence 1,962 m (6,437 ft)
Listing Ultra
Location
Range Masherbrum Mountains, Karakoram
Climbing
First ascent 1970 by von der Hecken, G. Haberl, E. Koblmüller, G. Pressl, D. Entlesberger
Easiest route glacier/snow/ice climb

K6, or Baltistan Peak, is a notable peak of the Masherbrum Mountains, a subrange of the Karakoram mountain range. Despite being much lower than its sister mountains, the Eight-thousanders and high 7000m peaks such as Masherbrum, it has huge, steep faces, and great relief above the nearby valleys, making it an impressive peak.

Location

K6 is the highest peak in the area surrounding the Charakusa Glacier, a region which has seen renewed climbing interest in recent years. This glacier lies at the head of the Hushe Valley, which in turn leads to the Shyok River and thence to the Indus River. The Charakusa gives access to the north side of K6; to the southwest of the peak is the small Nangmah (or "Nangpah") Glacier, and to the east is the larger Kaberi Glacier and the Kaberi River valley.

History

The first ascent of K6 was in 1970, by an Austrian party, via the Southeast Ridge from the Nangmah Glacier.

The Himalayan Index[2] lists 3 additional attempts, but no additional ascents, on K6.

References

  1. ^ The mountain is located on the western side of the Line of Control between India and Pakistan
  2. ^ Himalayan Index