Submarine Tower (ca 4,700m), first ascent by east face, Via Andre

Pakistan, Karakoram, Baltoro Muztagh
Author: Lindsay Griffin, Mountain INFO. Climb Year: 2013. Publication Year: 2014.

Prior to their ascent of Uli Biaho Tower (see report above), Luca Schiera and Silvan Schüpbach made the first ascent of a smaller rock tower above the lower Trango Glacier, which they dubbed Submarine Peak.

This tower forms the first point on the long ridge immediately left of the couloir used by the Italian-Swiss to access Uli Biaho. On July 17 the pair climbed the east (left) flank. An introductory 5b slab led to a 7a corner. After a 5a traverse left, the two followed a crack/chimney system for two pitches (6b offwidth, 6a) to more steep corners (7a) leading to an alcove. One more pitch (6b then easier) gave way to 350m of 2-4, which the pair simul-climbed to a foresummit. One hundred meters of 2-5 led to the top. Via Andre gave a total of 670m climbing and forms a useful addition to acclimatization routes accessible from Trango base camp. 



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