# Alpinists Climb New 1,800-metre M7 WI5 in Karakoram > Canadian climbers summit Sosbun Brakk, a 6,413-metre peak in Pakistan’s Karakoram, after a technical ascent on its north face. - Title: Alpinists Climb New 1,800-metre M7 WI5 in Karakoram | Shortify - Summary: Canadian climbers summit Sosbun Brakk, a 6,413-metre peak in Pakistan’s Karakoram, after a technical ascent on its north face. Canadian climbers Grant… - Keywords: sosbun brakk, grant stewart, dane steadman, cody winckler, karakoram, pakistan, alpine climbing, north face, summit, Gripped Magazine - Source: Gripped Magazine — https://gripped.com/news/alpinists-climb-new-1800-metre-m7-wi5-in-karakoram - Author: Dave Barnes - Published: 2026-11-04T19:08:29+00:00 - Read time: 2 min - Topics: sosbun brakk, grant stewart, dane steadman, cody winckler, karakoram, pakistan, alpine climbing, north face, summit ## Canadian climbers prepare for Sosbun Brakk Grant Stewart, Dane Steadman, and Cody Winckler planned a climb on Sosbun Brakk, a 6,413-metre peak in Pakistan’s Karakoram. > I think I’d seen a picture of the top of the face from trekkers on the Biafo Glacier. ## Sosbun Brakk: Hidden north face Sosbun Brakk’s north face, up the Sokha Glacier, remains mostly hidden despite being visible from Snow Lake. > It is funny because you can see it from Snow Lake, but the big face on it, the north face, is mostly hidden. You can’t really see the full thing. ## Military clearance setback The team lost Pakistani military clearance for their planned route near the Line of Control with India. > After the team finally obtained permission, the Pakistani military withdrew that clearance at the last minute, forcing them to reconsider their plans. ## Expedition organizer Ali Saltoro Ali Saltoro, an expedition organizer with experience in the region, helped the team navigate logistics and local knowledge. > Stewart describes Saltoro as a great person and exceptionally organised. ## Luggage loss and altitude sickness Winckler’s luggage disappeared during flight to Pakistan, and both climbers suffered from altitude sickness. > Winckler’s luggage had disappeared during the flight into Pakistan, taking specialised equipment with it, including modified stoves and Ice hammocks designed to as support a tent on tiny ledges. ## First attempt on north face The team climbed approximately 300 metres of the 1,800-metre north face before descending due to approaching storm. > After many hours of postholing across deep glacier snow, they reached the route and climbed approximately 300 metres of the 1,800-metre face. ## Challenging route selection The climbers sought a balance between difficulty and hazard to find a safe route on Sosbun Brakk’s north face. > We’re trying to find things that are difficult but not overly objectively hazardous. That’s the hard part. ## Snow mushrooms and danger The team faced falling snow mushrooms that knocked Stewart to the ground and damaged their tent. > Mushrooms are big, Dr. Seuss kind of features that usually form on steep terrain in places like the Karakoram. ## Summit push and weather challenges The team reached the summit at 4 p.m., two hours later than planned, after a technical ascent on Sosbun Brakk’s north face. > They reached the summit at approximately 4 p.m., two hours later than their initial planned turnaround time. ## Descent through storm The team descended the northwest ridge through a storm, avoiding seracs and avalanches. > It was completely nuts. ## Glacier crossing and crevasse Stewart avoided a crevasse by jumping forward after feeling the ground shake. > I just jumped in time, and it kind of opened up behind my feet like in a film. ## Return to Base Camp The team returned to Base Camp after a stormy descent, where they were greeted by cooks and celebration. > They were very excited, dancing, and even baked us a cake. ## Balti porters and local knowledge Balti porters provided critical support for the expedition, including carrying equipment and food. > They did an amazing job. I actually can’t believe they can get yaks that far into the mountains. ## Slow and heavy approach The climbers used a slow and heavy approach to manage risks and recover from weather challenges. > It’s just taking a bit of extra food/gas and having the capacity to spend time on a mountain and experience it. ## Future exploration in Pakistan Stewart plans to explore more technical alpine routes in Pakistan’s less-travelled peaks. > From Sosbun Brakk’s summit, the team could look towards the Ogre, Latoks and Masherbrum. ## Canadian climbing community Stewart believes Canadian climbers have the skills to pursue ambitious objectives abroad. > Canada punches above its weight, for sure. There’s a crew of really talented and motivated people here that are out climbing things every year, both at home, but also in the greater ranges. ## Key takeaway Canadian climbers Grant Stewart, Dane Steadman, and Cody Winckler reached the summit of Sosbun Brakk, a 6,413-metre peak in Pakistan’s Karakoram, after a challenging ascent on its north face.