General
Baintha Brakk Expedition 2024-25
Baintha Brakk Peak registration is open for all seasons. We are offering 7Baintha Brakk Peak for mountaineers, climbers and alpinists from around the world.
Including Baintha Brakk Peak, we also offer other 7,000 to 7,500m peaks and few of them are given in the table below.
| Mountain/Peak | Price (USD) |
| Malubiting Peak (7,458m) | 4200 |
| K12 Peak (7,428m) | 4500 |
| Spantik Peak (7,027m) | 4300 |
| Link Sar (7,041m) | 4500 |
| View all 7,000 - 7,500m peaks | - |
| View all peaks in Pakistan | - |
Baintha Brakk Expedition – Cost – USD 3,700
Our estimated costs are given below. The minimum cost of Baintha Brakk Peak expedition starts from USD 3,690 per person.
| Solo Climber | 2 Persons | 3 Persons | 4 Persons | 5 Persons | 6-8 Persons | 9-10 Persons |
| 5990 | 4990 | 4590 | 4290 | 3990 | 3790 | 3690 |
Highlights – Baintha Brakk Expedition
- Competitive prices for a seven thousander peak in the wild mountains of Pakistan
- Field office and permanent staff for logistical arrangements to and from the mountain
- Itinerary based on our mountain guide's indigenous knowledge and vast experience
- Spectacular mountain vistas during the expedition
- Apricot Tours is a fully licensed native adventure company
- Fixed departures are normally guided by our Pakistani High Altitude Climber(s) (HAC)
- Private groups are always one of our top priorities
- We cater to both guided expeditions and non-guided (alpine style) climbing
- We cater to both "base camp services" and "full board services"
- Nepalese Sherpas available upon timely request (at least 6 months prior to arrival in Pakistan)
- The following High Altitude Support available at extra cost
a. Pakistani High Altitude Porter (HAP) - Will carry 20 kg of personal equipment between camps
b. Nepalese Private Sherpa (personal guide/porter) - Carries up to 20 kg (44lbs) of your personal equipment, climbs with you, melts water, cooks, and will be with you every step of the way.
c. Personal equipment carriage service - Sherpa carries up to 10kg (22lbs) of personal equipment up and down the mountain between camps
Itinerary
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 540 m
Our guide(s) will receive you from the airport. Soon the participants of Baintha Brakk expedition will be transferred to hotels. On this day, our participants can relax and recover from their long journey.
Pickup information
It is very easy to spot our guide, holding orange placards with our company’s logo and your name on it. You must arrive at Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad. International flights normally arrive at midnight or in the afternoon. You must give us the details of your flights, both inbound and outbound at least five days prior to your arrival in Pakistan. Our staff/guide will receive you at the gates of international arrivals unless you are taking a connecting flight from another city of Pakistan. The guide/staff will transfer you to our partner hotel. In case you do not require airport transfer, please inform us in advance.
After lunch and some rest at the hotel (ideally if you are arriving in the morning between 9am to 12pm), our guide/representative will pickup all our guests around 6pm for briefing and remaining payments at our office followed by a dinner. If you are coming late, we will manage remaining payments and briefing in Skardu.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale (see pictures), Prestige Residence (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Islamabad. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale (see pictures), Prestige Residence (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Islamabad. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 540 m
On this day the participants of Baintha Brakk Expedition will spend a free day in Islamabad for Briefing purpose and logistical arrangements.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale (see pictures), Prestige Residence (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Islamabad. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 2,250 m
Participants on this morning will take the spectacular flight from Islamabad airport to Skardu airport. You will be able to see Nanga Parbat if clouds allow. After arrival in Skardu, the day is free. In case of flight cancellation, overnight stay in Chilas.
Skardu
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Concordia Motel (see pictures), Mountain Lodge (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Skardu. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
Chilas
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Shangrila Raikot (see pictures), Shangrila Chilas (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Chilas. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 2,250 m
After breakfast, the participants will walk to Kharpocho fort in Skardu, which is located up on a mountain. The Kharpocho fort gives a splendid view of the Indus and Skardu town. The participants will also have an option to take a tour to Sadpara Lake followed by free shopping time in Skardu Bazaar.
During sightseeing, our staff will take care of further government documentation required in Skardu. This can sometimes take two days. We have contingency days towards the end of the expedition in case of any delays.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Concordia Motel (see pictures), Mountain Lodge (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Skardu. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,015 m
The participants of Baintha Brakk expedition will begin the jeep safari towards Daso, the passage will go through the Shigar valley. The journey will be followed on the sides of Braldu river which extends to Askole. Askole will be the last village on our route; the members of the expedition will start walking after leaving jeeps behind. However at times the participants may begin their walk before arrival in Askole but it depends on the road conditions. Overall it will take you between six hours to eight hours in covering the distance.
| Accommodation | Camping in twin-sharing dome tent (see pictures) |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner |
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,300 m
After completion of necessary supplies list and equipment the porters will load up for the trek ahead to Jhola. The valley is gateway to Biafo glacier that flow over fifty kms from Hispar La to Braldu. The participants will experience the moraine walking as the snout of the glacier is crossed and they will descend to lunch spot beside the Korofon river.
The route will take us the confluence of rivers of Braldu and Domordo. The trail will lead us to go upstream where the participants of Baintha Brakk expedition will cross the river by bridge. On the other side of the bridge the participants will ascend towards domordo river until we reach Namla Camp, on the descend to the edge of Braldu river, Jhola cam lies.
| Accommodation | Camping in twin-sharing dome tent (see pictures) |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner |
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,500 m
The participants of Baintha Brakk expedition will start the trek towards mango campsite. They will be trekking along dumurdo river in opposite direction of the flow. The participants will have the lunch midway and will camp at Mango.
| Accommodation | Camping in twin-sharing dome tent (see pictures) |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner |
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,800 m
The participants of bainth brakk expedition will arrive to the base camp on this and will set up base camp that is suitable for the group along with the consent of our guide. Once, the participants reaches the camp, dinner will be served and night stay in tents. The base camp of Latok Peaks and Biantha Brakk are not far from each other.
| Accommodation | Camping in twin-sharing dome tent (see pictures) |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner |
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,800 m
On this day the participants will acclimatize while sorting out their equipment's. While, the team of Apricot Tours will set up the base camp and the porter's will trek back as well.
| Accommodation | Camping in twin-sharing dome tent (see pictures) |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner |
The participants will have 16 days to climb the peak.
| Accommodation | Camping in twin-sharing dome tent (see pictures) |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner |
On this Day
The team along with the staff of Apricot Tours will leave base camp of Baintha Brakk and trek back down. They will trek back down by dumurdo rive to namla. The duration of the trek will be 8-9 hrs as on the next day the participants will be trekking back to Askoli valley Valley.
| Accommodation | Camping in twin-sharing dome tent (see pictures) |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner |
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,000 m
On this day the participants of the Baintha Brakk expedition will be back to Askole village after walking up the side of the river to the bridge.The participants will give get to meet climbers and trekkers at Askoli campsite as well.
| Accommodation | Camping in twin-sharing dome tent (see pictures) |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner |
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 2,250 m
The participants will drive back to the hotel in Skardu along with the team of Apricot Tours. Making tea stop at Dasso, and lunch stop in Shigar Baazar.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Concordia Motel (see pictures), Mountain Lodge (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Skardu. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 538 m
On this day the participants will take a flight from the airport in Skardu to Islamabad airport. You will have a good time to relax at the hotel in Islamabad.
The domestic flights sometime get cancelled due to weather conditions. In case of flight cancellation, you will drive to Raikot or Chilas for overnight. It takes 10 hours by a vehicle.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale (see pictures), Prestige Residence (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Islamabad. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 538 m
This day is allocated for any potential delays in case the domestic flight does not operate the previous day. Our guests will depart early morning from Chilas to Islamabad which can take up to ten hours. However it will be a free day in case the participants make it to Islamabad on the domestic flight. This time can be utilized for sightseeing in Islamabad.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale (see pictures), Prestige Residence (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Islamabad. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
On this Day
Meals included: Breakfast
Our staff will transfer all the members of Baintha Brakk Expedition to the airport on their respective departure timings. The checkout time of all our partner hotels is 12 pm.
Baintha Brakk Expedition – Holiday Information
- Lodging at base camp (single supplement)
- Full base camp with dinning tent, bathroom, showers & solar charge
- All internal/domestic transport
- All domestic flights
- 50kgs (110 lbs) personal baggage
- All meals during trek and at base camp (B,L,D)
- Group emergency equipment/satellite phone service with fixed calling charge
- Two nights stay in Islamabad hotel on arrival and two on return (bed & breakfast only)
- Staff insurance (guide, cook, kitchen staff, assistant(s) & porters etc)
- Experienced cook from Pakistan
- Kitchen staff
- Porters for all expedition supplies
- Solar power at base camp
- Electricity generator (backup for high voltage devices)
- International airfare
- Government Royalty Fee (revised in Sep 2024) based on the seasonal rates outlined below.
Climbing Season Royalty Fee (USD) per person Government Notification Spring/Summer (April - September) USD 2,000 View Document Autumn (October - November) USD 800 Winter (December - March) USD 400 - Personal climbing equipment, clothing & sleeping equipment
- Group climbing gear (rope, ice crew, snow bar, EPI gas, cooking pots and others)
- Mountain climbing rescue and evacuation insurance policy - mandatory
- Lodging and meals above base camp
- Any service above base camp
- Communication radio (walkie talkie)
- Weather reports
- Personal equipment cargo to/from Islamabad
- Pakistan visa fee
- Tips/gratuities to staff, cook, assistant(s) of US$ 250 per person in total
- Meals in Islamabad
- Extra hotel nights after the climb
- Trip cancellation insurance
- All expenses incurred in the event of early wind-up/summit (extra hotel nights, meals at hotels, evacuation)
- Charges incurred due to delays beyond the control of Apricot Tours (Force majeure)
- Personal communication (phone, fax, e-mail) between Pakistan and home country.
Why should you register very early?
1. Team building: It takes time to formulate a good team. We go through all incoming applications and formulate the best team of mountaineers (on the basis of experience). Although our vet process is not very strict, our top priority is always the safety of fellow climbers. We will not accept all applications only to maximize the number of the mountaineers.
2. Logistics: Our climbing adventures involve a lot of logistics. This includes reserving/assigning high altitude porters, guides and other staff in advance. It also involves a lot of procurement (equipment, food etc). This is not possible during the last hours. During winters expeditions, most of the supplies are transported to base camps two to three months prior to the expedition because winters in the mountains of Pakistan are very harsh and it becomes almost impossible to for porters to walk through the trail with heavy supplies.
3. Permit: Pakistani government tourism laws require tour operators to submit applications for climbing (along with all documents e.g. passport copies, photos, CVs etc) at least 70 days prior to arrival in Pakistan.
4.Domestic Flights: We might not be able to get you on the domestic flight to Skardu if you do not pay your deposit on time. Domestic flight seats are sold very fast way ahead of time because there are only two flights to Skardu during peak season. This is a very serious concern.
5. Price changes: The given prices are early bird discount offers and are subject to change. There can be increases in price after January. Service providers including (but not limited) to hotels increase prices in peak-season. Early reservations cost less than peak-season (May to September). Our prices will not change once you have paid the deposit so the price when you book is the price you will pay. Register yourselves early to avoid increase in holiday prices.
6. Pay less deposit: Given below is our deposit schedule for 2020 departures.
- 8 months before departure (deposit: 35%)
- 6 months before departure (deposit: 40%)
- 5 months before departure (deposit: 50%)
- 4 months before departure (full payment)
Note: The same deposit time frames above apply to 2021-22 departures.
Refund policy
Deposit: Once paid, the deposit is non-refundable as it will be spent on making in-country arrangements, organizing logistics, procurement of equipment (e.g. oxygen sets) and supplies (including food), hiring of staff/sherpa etc.
Balance: All balances are due 120 days prior to arrival in Pakistan unless otherwise specified. Participants whose balances are not received by the 120-day deadline as stated above, risk forfeiture of their funds and their place on the expedition. For this expedition, there are no refunds for the deposit or balance payments. This includes but is not limited to, expeditions that conclude without a summit or progress towards a summit for participants due to route conditions, weather, insufficient manpower, or any other factor outside the control of Apricot Tours. Expedition leader has the final say on the expedition conclusion and will make all the best efforts for a happy return home.
Currency
All international climbers are charged in US Dollars (USD).
Other Notes
- Deposit should only be paid after filling out the registration form and confirmation/approval from Apricot Tours.
- Due to the nature and heavy costs of government and operator permits, Apricot Tours must follow a precise refund policy.
- Participants that choose to leave an active expedition for any reason are not entitled to any refunds
- Apricot Tours highly recommends trip cancellation insurance for all expeditions
As Featured In:
Baintha Brakk Expedition – Royalty Fee
The royalty fee/rates assigned by Pakistan’s Tourism Ministry for climbing Baintha Brakk Peak in spring, summer and fall start from USD 1,500 after a discount of 40%. The details of royalty fees for three seasons are given below.
Baintha Brakk Royalty Fee/Rates – Spring, Summer & Fall
| Mountain | Full team | Royalty fee for full team | Additional member fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7,501m to 8,000m | 7 members | US$ 4,000 (revised in 2023) | US$ 1000 (revised in 2023) |
The royalty fee/rates assigned by the government for climbing Baintha Brakk Peak in winters start from USD 125 after a discount of 95% in winters. The details of royalty fees for winters are given below.
Baintha Brakk Royalty Fee/Rates – Winter
| Mountain | Full team | Royalty fee for full team | Additional member fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7,501m to 8,000m | 7 members | US$ 200 | US$ 50 |
The discounts above are being offered since over a decade as part of the government policy to promote adventure tourism.
- List of 3000 - 4000m Peaks (Download PDF)
- List of 4000 - 5000m Peaks (Download PDF)
- List of 5000 - 6000m Peaks (Download PDF)
- List of 6000 - 7000m Peaks (Download PDF)
- List of 7000 - 8000m Peaks (Download PDF)
- List of 8000m Plus Peaks (Download PDF)
Overview – Baintha Brakk Expedition
Baintha Brakk is a peak in the Panmah Muztagh (sub-range of Karakoram Mountains) in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. It is at an elevation of 7,285 metres (23,901 ft) and rises above the Biafo Glacier (one of the biggest glaciers in the region).
The first ascent to baintha brakk peak was carried out in 1977, whereas the 2nd one took twenty-four years. It has been known to be one of the most difficult mountains to climb and is also referred to as ‘The Ogre’ due to its extremely rocky structure and steepness. It is because of this complex terrain which is why it is hard to climb.
Baintha Brakk lies in the Panmah Muztagh which is a subrange of the Karakoram near the Shigar village, Gilgit-Baltistan. This is the heart of the Karakoram mountains. The Karakoram Mountain Range is a massive chain of mountains across Pakistan and China that hosts one of the greatest mountains of the world including K2. It is 500km long and 200km wide and connects with Hindukush and Himalaya Mountains at few points. This sub-range also includes mountains such as Latok I, II and III which also share the same rock structure and steep nature.
Baintha Brakk Expedition is a journey through the Karakoram Mountains of Pakistan with mesmerizing views of the mighty mountains and glaciers which are also one of the largest and highest in the world. The trek starts from Askole via Skardu district which is the nearest town to the mountains. It is to be noted that the Panmah Muztagh peaks are the hardest in the region and only recommended for highly experienced climbers.
The services of such a trip includes hotel booking; government permits because it is a peak higher than 7000m, domestic flights, chefs, tour guides, visa assistance, porters, camping equipment, daily food, kitchen equipment & tools etc.
Other Holidays
Apart from mountaineering and climbing adventures, we also offer trekking holidays. Our most popular trekking holidays are given in the table below.
| K2 Treks (without Gondogoro La) | Cost (USD) | Cost (EUR) |
| K2 Base Camp Trek (21 days) - ALL INCLUSIVE | 2090 | €2,090 |
| K2 Base Camp Trek (15 days) - TREK ONLY | 1690 | €1,690 |
| K2 Circuit Treks (with Gondogoro La) | Cost (USD) | Cost (EUR) |
| K2 Gondogoro La Circuit (21 days) - ALL INCLUSIVE | 2290 | €2,290 |
| K2 Gondogoro La Circuit (15 days) - TREK ONLY | 1790 | €1,790 |
| K2 Gondogoro La & TREKKING PEAKS (24 days) - ALL INCLUSIVE | US$3,190 | €3,190 |
| K2 Gondogoro La EXTRA DAYS (24/26 days) - ALL INCLUSIVE | 2590 | €2,590 |
| K2 Base Camp & Lahore Tour (25 days) - ALL INCLUSIVE | 2990 | €2,990 |
| K2 Base Camp & Hunza Valley Tour (25 days) - ALL INCLUSIVE | 2990 | €2,990 |
| K2 Base Camp & Snow Lake Trek (36 days) - ALL INCLUSIVE | US$4,690 | €4,690 |
| K2 Base Camp via Highway (22 days) - ALL INCLUSIVE | 2890 | €2,890 |
| Four 8,000m Base Camps (24 days) - ALL INCLUSIVE | 2690 | €2,690 |
| Four 8,000m Base Camps (17 days) - TREK ONLY | 2390 | €2,390 |
| Five 8,000m Base Camps Trek - (29 days) - ALL INCLUSIVE | 3190 | €3,190 |
| Five 8,000m Base Camps Trek - (24 days) - TREK ONLY | 2690 | €2,690 |
| K2 & Nanga Parbat Base Camp Trek (26 days) - ALL INCLUSIVE | 2990 | €2,990 |
| K2 & Nanga Parbat Base Camp Trek (21 days) - TREKS ONLY | 2590 | €2,590 |
| K2 View Point Treks (Short Duration Treks) | Cost (USD) | Cost (EUR) |
| K2 Machulo La Trek - (12 Days) - ALL INCLUSIVE | 1600 | €1,600 |
| Other K2 View Point Treks - (11/12/14 Days) - ALL INCLUSIVE | 1400 | €1,400 |
