Laila Peak Expedition

Laila Peak (also spelt Leyla or Lila Peak) is one of the most beautiful mountains in Pakistan – if not the world with its summit
forming a perfect needle shape. The peak is synonymous with its west face which drops down the mountains at almost
uniform gradient forming a giant ramp Its northern and eastern sides consist of contrasting steep granite. The mountain is
located east Of the Gondogoro valley and west Of the Chogolisa valley in the Masherbrum Mountains Of Baltistan. Most people
have set eyes on the peak after crossing the Gondogoro La from Concordia and K2 base camp.

Like many peaks Of this height in the Karakoram climbed in the 80s and 90s, the first ascents were done illegally without the
relevant permits. Climbs therefore received limited initial acknowledgement. The first ascent was by a four man British team
including Simon Yates. Sean Smith and Mark Miller who climbed the peak in 1987 via the west face from the Gondogoro Glacier.
This was Simon Yates’ first big climb since the epic on Siula Grande in 1985. While technically being an ‘unofficial’ climb it
became as official as any •official’ climb when Simon Yates dedicated a chapter of his biographical book “The Flame of
Adventure” on the climb. This included a number Of excellent photos Of the climb.