Personal Guide for Muztagh Ata

We are happy to arrange a personal mountain guide for you (or your team) for an individually guided ascent of Muztagh Ata.

Similar to the “personal Sherpas” in Nepal, we can also arrange a personal porter and/or mountain guide at Muztagh Ata. However, there are no competent local mountaineers on site who could take on this role. Therefore, the following options are available:

1. Local Mountain Guide

These are usually guides from the former Soviet Union. In the mountains of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, there is a strong mountaineering tradition. Our guides at Muztagh Ata are generally of Russian origin and speak Russian as their native language. They are the backbone of our expeditions in Central Asia. Technically, they are world-class climbers, but they see themselves primarily as classic mountain guides rather than porters—although they will lend a hand when needed. Your guide will patiently support you with all technical aspects and accompany you (or your group) with skis or snowshoes all the way to the summit of Muztagh Ata.

2. Sherpa from Nepal

Since it is off-season in the Himalayas, we can easily arrange for very experienced and strong Sherpas to join. They carry heavy loads and are extremely supportive on the mountain. Unlike the mountain guides, they see themselves more as porters and companions rather than technical leaders—yet they are exceptionally strong in terms of stamina. Very few are skiers. They will gladly climb the mountain with you (and, if necessary, even pull you along), making them highly reliable partners at Muztagh Ata.

Your Advantages:

• Independence in setting your pace
• Flexible planning on the mountain, with greater safety
• Personal guidance and support
• Very high chances of summit success on Muztagh Ata

Services Included:

• Guidance to and from Base Camp by your personal mountain guide or Sherpa
• Organization of the guide/Sherpa including salary and insurance
• Expenses of the guide including travel from Kyrgyzstan/Nepal and climbing permit
• Assistance with transport of personal equipment (up to 10 kg to Camp 1, up to 5 kg to Camp 3)

Tipping: We recommend between USD 200 and USD 500 in case of full satisfaction.*

What matters most: 1. Safety, 2. Good care, 3. A successful ascent of Muztagh Ata.

Price: US$ 8,500 (per guide / Sherpa)

Important Notes:

• A personal Swiss mountain guide (IVBV certified) is available on request. Our Sherpas and local guides at Muztagh Ata are trained, highly experienced mountaineers working as professional guides. However, only a few hold official IVBV certification.
• A “classic guiding ratio” (as in the Alps / Tetons, etc.) is only possible on Muztagh Ata in a maximum of 1:2 (guide to guests), and only if both guests know each other well and agree on important decisions such as turning back together.