General

Charakusa Valley Trek (K6/K7 Peaks) (2024-25)

Join the Charakusa Valley Trek (K6/K7 Peaks), an exciting excursion deep into the Karakoram Range, where you’ll see the beautiful K6 and K7 peaks. Beginning at Hushe village, this trip immerses you in the rich cultural tapestry of the Balti people as you pass through rural villages, calm hamlets, and primitive shepherd huts. The walk ends in the Charakusa Glacier, surrounded by high mountains like as K6 (7281 m), K7 (6934 m), and others, which provide spectacular vistas and hard terrain for both trekkers and climbers. Join us on a trek that combines natural beauty, cultural discovery, and exhilarating exploration through one of Pakistan’s most stunning mountain settings.

 

Dates & Cost – Charakusa Valley Trek (K6/K7 Peaks)

Summers are ideal for the Charakusa Valley Trek (K6/K7 Peaks). The start and end dates in the table below are your arrival and departure dates from Pakistan. The months mentioned below are ideal for trekking in the Karakoram region of Pakistan. We have guaranteed departures every year that operate until October. Our dates and costs are noticeable below.

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Holiday Information

Inclusions for both International & local trekkers 

  • Implementation of government SOPs/Guidelines in case of new pandemic variants.
  • All domestic flights (Checked Baggage Allowance: 20kg, Hand Carry: 7kg)
  • All road transfers including airport transfers
  • All hotel accommodation in Pakistan (twin sharing room)
  • All trekking accommodation in Pakistan (twin sharing dome tent)
  • All camping site fees and bridge fees
  • All trekking logistics (all tents, non-personal equipment and tools etc)
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) and beverages/water during meals
  • Snacks including dry fruits and tea/coffee during the trek
  • Free refills of boiled drinking water on the trek
  • Licensed professional guide (government requirement)
  • Government trekking permit fees and paperwork
  • Waste management fees (government requirement)
  • Islamabad and Skardu city tours including all entry fees
  • Support staff (cook, assistant(s) etc)
  • Porters - personal luggage (14kgs)
  • Storage service for baggage in Skardu (for leaving a bag behind in Skardu before going on the trek)
  • First aid medicine kit (basic)
  • Satellite phone for emergencies
  • Trekking map and trip achievement certificate

Exclusions for both International & local trekkers 

  • Personal travel insurance (Recommendation/Rescue Partners: Global Rescue)
  • Visa to Pakistan (five supporting documents will be offered) 
  • International airfare
  • Personal equipment (e.g. trekking shoes, down jacket, walking sticks etc)
  • Personal mountain equipment (crampon, mountaineering boot, ice axe, harness, two carabiners, helmet etc)
  • Extra nights in Islamabad (hotel check in/out is 12pm) - additional USD 67 per night
  • Additional trek weight/baggage: USD 11 per kg
  • Storage service for baggage in Islamabad: USD 28 per bag/piece 
  • Tips/gratuities for guides, porters, staff etc
  • Miscellaneous (minibar, bottled water, phone calls, laundry, souvenir etc)
  • Early Windup/Return Costs (e.g. early return from trek due to any reason)
  • Costs due to Force Majure (e.g. earthquake, landslide, floods, etc)

 

 

Itinerary – Charakusa Valley Trek (K6/K7 Peaks)

The itinerary for the Charakusa Valley Trek (K6/K7 Peaks) is noticeable below.

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 2,498 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.

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 2,498 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 towns. The participants will also have an option to take a tour of 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 trek in case of any delays.

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 3,050 m
Distance: 127 km drive
Time: 6 hours drive

We make a reasonably early start from Skardu, crossing the Shyok River to begin an exciting 6-hour jeep ride up to Hushe, through a number of small and picturesque villages in the lower Hushe Valley. En route we must cross a number of 'nullahs' or small tributary valleys. These nullahs are fed by meltwaters from the glaciers high above the valley and can become impassable by the afternoon as the hot sun goes to work. Our early start from Khaplu means that we should not have any problems in this respect. Hushe is the highest village in the area at 3050 metres and we set up our camp in a field just below the village with the huge bulk of Masherbrum (7821m) dominating the valley to the north.

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 3,348 m
Distance: 10 km
Time: 2.5 hours

Today, we begin our approach to Gondogoro Peak, trekking up above the village on a rocky path through very impressive scenery. Immediately above the village is a farmed area with some bare grazing, fields of corn and turnips, flowering shrubs such as oleander, and a few sparse trees. Towering rocky peaks line both sides of the valley. The valley opens out and splits, as we turn towards the north-east alongside the river that has its source in the Gondogoro Glacier. We cross the tributary Charakusa River on a wooden cantilever bridge to reach the idyllic campsite at Saitcho. This camp lies at the junction of the Charakusa and Gondokoro valleys and is situated on a sandy, tree-shaded area beside a swift-flowing river. There are excellent views of Namika (6325m), the rock spire of K7, and from the trail leading to the camp, there is a sighting of the impressive Charakusa Spire. This is a short and easy day of trekking, good for acclimatization.

On this Day

GPS Data
Time: 5-6 hours

After the break, quickly hike east from Saicho into the ablation valley north of the Sarak Tsa Glacier. The high spires of K7 and Link Sar are seen ahead. Tikchumik (little spring), located in the ablation valley at the base of the ridge west of the Chogolisa Glacier, contains excellent water. Continue along the ridge's base until you reach the Chogolisa glacier's west border. Cross this glacier to reach the verdant and flowery Spangser, located above the junction of the Chogolisa and Tsarak Tsa glaciers. Granite slabs rise above Spangser, while Namika (6325m) looms across the Tsarak Tsa Glacier. Spangser (4000 metres) is the highest pasture and is utilized from mid-July until mid-August.

On this day

Trek to the K6 and K7 Base Camps, which are located at 4600 meters. Beginning early, we go across the difficult ablation valley north of the Tsarak Tsa glacier, contending with uneven terrain and slippery rocks. We keep a steady pace, with occasional pauses for fluids and food. The ascent provides beautiful views of the glacier and adjacent peaks, ideal for photography. The final stretch is difficult because of the high altitude, but we take our time and breathe deeply. When we get to base camp, we relax, pitch up our tents, and acclimatize. The evening is spent hydrating, enjoying a warm dinner, and talking about the day's adventures while planning for the next day. We continue to be cautious of altitude issues, staying hydrated, layering clothes, shielding ourselves from the sun, and eating high-energy meals.

On this days

We will explore the breathtaking surroundings of the K6-K7 Base Camp at 4600 meters, with free time for sightseeing, acclimatization, and relaxation. These days allow for leisurely excursions to local vantage points, where you may get panoramic views of the majestic peaks K6 and K7 while also viewing the distinctive alpine flora and animals. To limit the danger of altitude sickness, we focus on acclimatizing to the high altitude, keeping a calm pace, and providing adequate water and nourishment. Evenings are spent exchanging tales, analyzing photographs, and planning our future moves, which enriches our trekking experience and allows us to fully immerse ourselves in the peaceful beauty of this high-altitude setting.

On this Day

The participants will continue hiking down, Since the hike downwards would be comparatively easy the climbing equipment i.e. ropes, and crampons will be packed while descending. The mountainous and rocky terrain will be taken over the lush green landscapes of Hushe Valley.

After lunch, the participants will continue hiking to the edge of the Gondogoro Glacier, upon reaching the edge they will find a trail that will lead them to the beautiful valley of rhubarb and grass.

At the end of the valley, there are 02 different routes to the destination. Our guide with the consent of local porters will decide the trails they are being frequently used.

The trek gets easy when the two trails meet. The members will see the huts made of stones by herders and local settlers. On this day the participants will experience the sign of the settlements in the area and will be able to breathe easily due to big trees and lower altitude. The camp will be set up at Saicho (3,350m), a part of sand with little grass along the flowing glacier water streams.

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 2,498 m
Distance: 20 km trek + 127 km drive
Time: 5-7 hours trek + 6 hours drive

On this day the participants have to trek down for only 3-4 hours, the river stream of glacier melted water of Charakusa, Ailling, Masherbrum and Gondogoro Glaciers. The participants will start see the signs of residences, shelter, fiels and signs of people living.

The participants will experience the 02 storey shelters of the Hushe village, where the ground floor is for cattles and the first floor is for the family to live. After setting up the camp the participants can explore the beautiful hushe valley and interact with the locals. This would be the last camping day of the Gondogoro La Trek.

Upon reaching Hushe, the participants will depart for Skardu town from Hushe and the journey offers a lot of beautiful scenes of the different small village of the Hushe Valley. The participants will cross a suspension bridge above Shyok River (which flows from Ladakh, India) to get to the other side.

In the past traditional rafts which were made of goat skin fill with air were use to cross the river. The suspension bridge which is use now to cross was built in 1990’s. Upon crossing the bridge, the participants will the reach Khaplu.

The drive from Khaplu to Skardu becomes smooth and the route to be followe is the paved road along the shayok river which leads to the confluence with Indus River. Upon driving along Indus River the Participants will reach Skardu in 4 hours. The participants can have the facilities which they did not have for 02 weeks. The first on that list would be taking a hot shower and secondly having a good meal.

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 2,400 m

This day is allocated for any potential delays during trekking/climbing. We do not want our guests to miss their return flights/other arrangements due to delays that can be caused by multiple factors including (but not limited to) road blocks.

Note: All expenses in Skardu (e.g. hotel, meals, transportation after hotel drop) on this day will be incurred directly by our climbers/guests and is not part of the adventure package. Your adventure with Apricot Tours ends upon returning in Skardu.

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 590 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. Incase of flight cancellation, you will drive to Chilas for overnight. It takes eight to ten hours by a vehicle.

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.

On this Day

Meals included: Breakfast

Our staff will transfer all our guests to the airport on their respective departure timings. The checkout time of all our partner hotels is 12pm.

Extra nights/time in Islamabad (hotel check-in/out is 12pm) - additional USD 59 per night

 

Why Register Now?

1. Early Bird Discount: The given prices for the holiday are limited-time discount offers and are subject to change. Service providers including (but not limited) to airlines and hotels increase prices in peak-season. Early reservations cost us less than peak-season. 

2: Limited Space in Peak Months: The peak months in the peak season attract the highest number of international guests and are therefore sold out earlier. We have restricted one group size to a maximum of 12 travelers. We are taking registrations on a "first-come, first-served" basis.

3. Limited Flight Seats: Domestic flight seats to the Karakorams and Himalayas are sold out way ahead of time because there are only two daily flights during peak season. Among other things, the deposit is used to book domestic flights for you in advance.

4. Pay Balance after arrival in Pakistan: We appreciate that paying the final balance for your trip may cause concern. Our policy is to only receive your final balance once you arrive in Pakistan. The only payment before arrival is the deposit.

5. Pay Minimum Deposit: The deposits for the holiday are also early-bird discounts and automatically change according to the late deposit schedule above. The same dates above apply to next season's deposits.

Deposit (Advance) for Pakistani nationals

The deposit for Pakistani nationals is PKR 100,000 or 30% of the total price, whichever is greater. The deposit is non-refundable.

Refund Policy for All

Deposit: Once paid, the deposit is non-refundable as it will be spent on making in-country arrangements. For Pakistan nationals, the deposit is non-refundable in all cases too.

Balance: Pay the balance only after arrival in Pakistan on the first day. Payment guidelines will be shared timely.

Currency

All international travelers can pay in US Dollars (USD) or equivalent in Euros (EUR) or Pound Sterling (GBP). Pakistani travelers are charged the equivalent in Pakistani Rupees (PKR).

Single Supplement

Separate hotel rooms (single supplement) will cost an additional USD 290. This includes all hotel nights. This payment should be made with the balance upon arrival.
Separate tents (single tent) will cost an additional USD 180. This includes the cost of additional porterage. This payment should also be made with the balance in Pakistan.

 

 

As Featured In:

 

Photo Gallery – Charakusa Valley Trek (K6/K7 Peaks)

 

Overview – Charakusa Valley Trek (K6/K7 Peaks)

The Charakusa Valley Trek is a mesmerizing expedition that ventures into the heart of the Karakoram Range, showcasing the formidable K6 and K7 peaks. This journey promises an unforgettable fusion of natural splendor and cultural richness, starting from the quaint village of Hushe. As you traverse through remote villages, tranquil hamlets, and rustic shepherd huts, you’ll immerse yourself in the time-honored traditions of the Balti people.

The highlight of the trek is the Charakusa Glacier, a stunning backdrop featuring the towering majesty of K6 (7281 m), K7 (6934 m), Link Sar (7041 m), Drifica (6650 m), Kapura Peak (6545 m), Niza Peak, and Namika (6325 m). These monumental peaks provide an exhilarating opportunity for climbers to conquer challenging rock and ice formations amidst the rugged Karakoram terrain.

The trekking routes from Hushe wind through verdant valleys and rugged landscapes, leading to base camps nestled amidst striking granite spires and sweeping snow-covered vistas. Each step offers a glimpse into the untamed beauty of nature, complemented by the resilience and hospitality of the Balti communities.

Join us on the Charakusa Valley Trek to experience the raw magnificence of the Karakoram, delve into local culture, and create enduring memories in one of Pakistan’s most spectacular mountain regions. This journey is designed for adventurers seeking both physical challenge and spiritual rejuvenation amidst unparalleled natural beauty.

 

Website Last Updated: February 15th, 2024
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