Muztagh Tower

Muztagh Tower (Mustagh Tower)

Muztagh Tower sits on the border of Gilgit–Baltistan, Pakistan and the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. The name Muztagh Tower translates to mean “ice tower.” It is known for its tooth-like, very steep peak.

The closest peaks to Muztagh Tower are Skilbrum and Praqpa Kangri to the east, Urdukas to the south, and Biale Kangri to the west. It is also situated between the basins of the Baltoro and Sarpo Laggo glaciers, southeast of K2 National Park and northeast of Central Karakoram National Park.

Countries: Pakistan, China

State/Province: Gilgit–Baltistan, Xinjiang

Mountain Range: Baltoro Karakoram

Parents: Karakoram

Elevation: 23,871 feet / 7,276 meters

Prominence: 5,610 feet / 1,710 meters

First Ascent: July 6, 1956 by a British expedition

Fun Fact: Muztagh Tower is the 90th highest peak in the world.

Plant Life: Common plants of the Central Karakoram National Park area include valleys dotted with Himalayan white pine, West Himalayan spruce, and Pashtun juniper, and smaller shrubs and plants including wild strawberry (Fragaria nubicola), Kashmir balsam (a species of impatiens), sea wormwood, Astragalus gilgitensis, Geranium nepalensis, Thymus linearis, and white clover.

Animal Life: Animals living in Central Karakoram National Park are the snow leopard, Himalayan lynx, Himalayan brown and black bear, urial, Siberian ibex, markhor, and bharal.

Bird Life: Only a few bird species have been found in the Muztagh Tower region, mainly the common raven, golden eagle, chukar partridge, and Alpine chough.

Sources:

• Wikipedia: Muztagh Tower, Central Karakoram National Park
• Google Maps