Drifika Explained

Drifika
Elevation M:6447
Elevation Ref:[1]
Location:Karakoram
Map:Pakistan#Gilgit Baltistan
Map Size:270
Label Position:right
Coordinates:35.4253°N 76.4572°W
First Ascent:1978 by Japanese team

Drifika (also known as Drefekal) is a mountain peak in the Karakoram range, far west of the Transhimalaya.

Location

The peak is located at above sea level near the Charakusa glacier in Gilgit-Baltistan region. It is considered part of the Masherbrum Mountains.

Both the north route, through the Kharidas valley, and the south route, through the Nangma valley, are viable routes to the summit. The south route is the most popular for climbing due to its easy accessibility from base camp.[2]

Climbing history

In 1978, a group of Japanese climbers led by Akiya Ishimura were the first group of mountaineers to reach the summit.[3]

In May 2023, Italian climber Giovanni Zaccaria made a first ascent of the south face and southwest spur of Drifika, descending on skis.[4] The one day climb and descent was nominated as one of the most notable climbs of 2023 by members of the Piolets d'Or technical committee.[5]

Notes and References

  1. https://www.peakbagger.com/Peak.aspx?pid=-82528 "Drifika, Pakistan
  2. Web site: DRIFIKA (6447M) EXPEDITION, K2 base camp via gondogoro la trek, K2 base camp and concordia trek, Trekking in karakoram . 2022-11-14 . Baltistan Adventure.
  3. Web site: Drifika Peak (6447m), Karakoram, Pakistan : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost . 2022-11-14 . www.summitpost.org.
  4. Web site: AAC Publications - Drifika, South Face and Southeast Spur . 2024-10-17 . publications.americanalpineclub.org.
  5. Web site: Piolets d'Or - 2024 Significant ascents . 2024-10-17 . www.pioletsdor.net.