The Latok peaks are a group of four jagged granite summits in the Karakoram of Baltistan, and the highest, Latok I, stands at 7,145 metres. It is famous among climbers for a north ridge that was attempted for decades. Non-climbers can see the group only on a long trek: the usual way is the Biafo glacier walk out of Askole, several days from Skardu.
This page covers the height of each summit, the climbing history, and the realistic options for seeing Latok yourself.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Highest summit | Latok I, 7,145 m (some sources give 7,151 m) |
| Other summits | Latok II 7,108 m, Latok III 6,949 m, Latok IV 6,456 m |
| Range | Panmah Muztagh, Karakoram, Gilgit-Baltistan |
| First ascent of Latok I | 1979, Japanese team |
| Nearest road end | Askole, about 120 to 130 km from Skardu by jeep track |
| Best way to see it | Biafo glacier trek, from the Baintha camp area |
How high is Latok?
Latok is a group, not a single peak. Latok I is 7,145 metres, Latok II 7,108 metres, Latok III 6,949 metres and Latok IV 6,456 metres. Heights for Karakoram peaks vary slightly between surveys, which is why you will see Latok I quoted at 7,151 metres in some trekking pages.
The group sits north of the Biafo glacier, above the Baintha Lukpar glacier. The nearby Ogre, also called Baintha Brakk, is 7,285 metres and stands close by on the same side of the glacier. Our page on the Biafo glacier covers the wider route.
Climbing history
Latok II was climbed first, in 1977 by an Italian team. Latok I followed in 1979, when six Japanese climbers reached the summit by the east ridge after starting from the Baintha Lukpar glacier. Latok III and Latok IV were climbed by Japanese teams in 1979 and 1980.
The mountain's real reputation comes from the north ridge of Latok I, a wall of roughly 2,400 metres. In 1978 Jim Donini, Michael Kennedy, George Lowe and Jeff Lowe got to within a few pitches of the top before Jeff Lowe became seriously ill and the party made more than 100 abseils to get down. Dozens of attempts followed over four decades.
In 2018 Ales Cesen, Luka Strazar and Tom Livingstone climbed most of the north ridge and then traversed to a col that put them on the south side, from where they reached the summit. The mountaineering press was careful to say that the complete north ridge remains unclimbed. The peak has also been the scene of several deaths on other attempts.
Where can you see Latok?
There is no road viewpoint for Latok. It is deep in the Panmah Muztagh, and the realistic viewing points are on foot.
- The Biafo glacier route. Trekking agencies describe the Latok peaks coming into view on the walk up the Biafo, with an optional short climb to a ridge behind the Baintha campsite giving a wider view of Latok I, II and III. The Biafo is roughly 65 km long, and the trek to the Baintha area takes several days from Askole.
- The Snow Lake and Hispar La crossing. This longer trek continues up the Biafo and passes the same peaks. See our Snow Lake trek guide.
- From Skardu itself. No. Latok cannot be seen from Skardu or from the road to Askole.
Askole is reached from Skardu by a rough jeep road; see Skardu to Askole for how the drive works. The trek is a proper expedition, with porters, camping and glacier travel.
Do you need a permit?
Rules differ for Pakistanis and foreign visitors, and they change. Trekking operators and guides note that foreign trekkers in the restricted Karakoram areas generally need permits arranged through a licensed Pakistani company, with a guide, and that the process can take weeks. Pakistani visitors should ask a local operator or the Gilgit-Baltistan tourism office about registration before setting out. Do not rely on any single web page, including this one, for current rules.
Is it worth it for a non-climber?
Only if you want the Biafo trek anyway. Latok is one of several dramatic sights on that route, and the trek itself is a serious undertaking at altitude, without roads or easy evacuation. Most visitors to Skardu will do better spending the same days at Shigar, Khaplu and Deosai. Our Skardu guide covers those, and the Skardu and Deosai itinerary is a gentler alternative. For a trek that stays closer to a road, see treks near Skardu.
Frequently asked questions
How high is Latok I?
7,145 metres, though some sources give 7,151 metres. It is the highest of the four Latok peaks.
Who first climbed Latok?
A Japanese team reached the summit of Latok I in 1979 by the east ridge. Latok II had been climbed two years earlier, in 1977, by an Italian team.
Has the north ridge of Latok I been climbed?
Not in full. A 2018 team climbed most of it and finished on the south side, and climbers still describe the complete north ridge as unclimbed.
Can you see Latok from Skardu?
No. You have to trek up the Biafo glacier from Askole, and the peaks appear several days in.
How far is Askole from Skardu?
About 120 to 130 km by jeep track, and most of a day of driving depending on the road.
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