Muztagh Ata, known as 'Father of ice mountains' in Uigur, lies just south of Kongur Tagh, the highest peak of the Kunlun Shan. Together they form a somewhat isolated group, separated from the main chain of the Kunlun, and also separate from the Pamir Mountains to the west.

The first ascent of the peak was in 1956 by a large party of Chinese and Russian climbers, via the west ridge, which is now the standard route.

It is the heaven for climbing and skiing fans because of its huge mountains and magnificent scenery. Muztagh has very mature climbing courses and relatively gentle grade. There are almost thousand people from all over the world climbing this Mount in the climbing season every year. It is the best choice for those maiden climbers of 7,000 meters and for experiencing climbing and skiing.

(China.org.cn, edited by Wang Zhiyong May 31, 2008)