General
Drifika Peak Climbing Expedition (2024-25)
The Drifika Peak Expedition in the Charakusa Glacier, Karakoram, offers the ultimate climbing challenge. This strenuous ascent, known for its technical complexity, necessitates exceptional physical fitness and mountaineering skills. Starting in the lovely town of Hushe, climbers will face rough terrain and terrible weather conditions to conquer one of the most daunting summits under 6500 meters. Prepare for an exciting trip and a satisfying summit experience.
Dates & Cost – Drifika Peak Climbing Expedition
Summers are ideal for the Drifika Peak Climbing Expedition. 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.
| Start Dates | End Dates | Price (USD) | Availability | Deposit | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20-Jun-2024 | 19-Jul-2024 | US$ 3,900 | Limited Space | US$ 260 | BOOK NOW |
| 20-Jun-2025 | 19-Jul-2025 | US$ 3,900 | Available | US$ 260 | BOOK NOW |
| Start Dates | End Dates | Price (USD) | Availability | Deposit | Registration |
Holiday Information
Inclusions for both International & local trekkers
- 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 in Pakistan, except those specifically mentioned under "What's Not Included" section.
- Snacks, including dry fruits and tea/coffee, during the trek
- Free refills of boiled drinking water on the trek
- Licensed professional guide (government requirement)
- Waste Management Fee (USD 150) for Central Karakoram National Park (mandatory)
- Islamabad and Skardu city tours including all entry fees
- Support staff (cook, assistant(s) etc)
- Porterage -personal luggage (14kgs)
- Storage service for baggage in Skardu (for leaving a bag behind before going on the trek)
- First aid medicine kit (basic)
- Satellite phone for emergencies only
- Trekking map and trip achievement certificate
Exclusions for both International & local trekkers
- International Airfare & Visa to Pakistan (supporting documents will be provided)
- Personal travel insurance (Recommendation/Rescue Partners: Global Rescue)
- All Hotel/Restaurant Meals (5 Lunches & 6 Dinners) (Price range per meal US $4 to $9)
- Government Permit Fee of USD 300 for Gilgit Baltistan Council's GB Adventure (increased in 2024) - View Document
- Bottled water & beverages (e.g., 1.5L bottled water costs approximately USD 0.30)
- Personal equipment (e.g. trekking shoes, down jacket, walking sticks etc)
- Extra nights in Islamabad (hotel check in/out is 12pm) - additionalUSD 67 per night
- Excess or additional weight/baggage during the trek:USD 11 per kg
- Storage service for baggage in Islamabad:USD 18 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 – Drifika Peak Climbing Expedition
The itinerary for the Drifika Peak Climbing Expedition is noticeable below.
Day 02: Fly to Skardu, Karakoram
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.
Day 03: Spend free day in Skardu
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.
Day 04: Expedition preparations
On this Day
This day is dedicated to getting ready for the forthcoming climb. This day is critical for ensuring that all participants are prepared and equipped for the difficulties ahead.
Day 05: Drive from Skardu to Kanday (2900m)
On this Day
Driving from Skardu to Kanday village (2900m), we continue our adventure by comfy Jeeps and Toyotas to the beautiful Indus and Shyok rivers. During our jeep journey, we passed through several villages, each with its own culture but speaking the same languages. En route, we pass through a variety of Nallahs supplied by meltwater, including spring water at certain points.
Day 06: Trek to Mingulo Broq (3450m)
On this Day
Three to four hours of trekking through summer meadows and shepherd huts, as well as along the Nangma melt river, brings us to the magnificent Mingulo broq, our camping spot on the corner of spring water, together with our porter, which makes our journey more reality.
Day 07: Trek to the Drifika Peak Base Camp
On this Day
We continue our journey towards Drifika Peak Base Camp, passing through breathtaking scenery and tough terrain. The walk provides amazing views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, making the excursion enjoyable and energizing. After a day of tough walking, we arrive at Drifika Peak Base Camp, where we pitch our tents and prepare for the next ascent. The base camp is an ideal place for acclimatization and final preparations, surrounded by the magnificent scenery of the Karakoram Range.
Day 08-25: Climbing Days
18 Days for Drifika Peak Climbing (Hushe)
Day 26: Trek back to Kanday Village
On this Day
We return to Kanday Village, retracing our journey across the stunning scenery. The descent will take us through a variety of terrains, providing different vistas and photo possibilities. When we arrive at Kanday Village, we'll have time to unwind and reflect on our adventure. We will spend the night in the village, getting some well-deserved rest.
Day 27: Drive from Kanday to Skardu
On this Day
We will travel from Kanday to Skardu for four to five hours, passing through stunning landscapes and rural places. When we arrive in Skardu City, we will have a goodbye supper to commemorate the end of our excursion. Participants will also utilize this opportunity to repack and prepare for their return travel the following day.
Day 28: Fly to Islamabad
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 sometimes get canceled due to weather conditions. In case of flight cancellation, you will drive to Chilas overnight. It takes eight to ten hours by vehicle.
Day 29: Contingency day for flight cancellation
On this Day
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.
Day 30: Fly to home country
On This Day
Meals included: Breakfast
Our personnel will transport all of our visitors to the airport at their respective departure times. All of our partner hotels' checkout times are 12 pm.
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 – Drifika Peak Climbing Expedition
Overview – Drifika Peak Climbing Expedition
The Drifika Peak Expedition in the Hushe area is a spectacular and challenging trip for experienced climbers. Drifika Peak located in the Charakusa Glacier of the Karakoram Range, is one of the most difficult climbs under 6500 meters. It was first climbed in 1978 by a Japanese expedition team led by Akiya Ishimura, establishing it as an important historical and technical landmark.
Drifika Peak has two main faces: the south face (accessible via Nangma Valley) and the north face (accessible via Kharidas Valley). Climbers favor the south side since it is more accessible and closer to the base camp. Despite its lesser altitude compared to other peaks in the Karakoram, Drifika Peak needs climbers to have a high degree of physical fitness, technical climbing abilities, and the capacity to deal with harsh weather conditions.
The trip begins in the lovely town of Hushe, from where climbers travel through breathtaking surroundings to the base camp. The base camp is strategically positioned near numerous lesser peaks that are perfect for acclimatization, allowing climbers to gradually adjust to altitude before attempting the summit. The climb itself, while short and relatively easy in terms of distance, is technically challenging, necessitating rope workability and a broad range of mountain abilities.
Successful climbers have flexibility, endurance, and a deep awareness of high-altitude climbing tactics. The Drifika Peak tests physical strength, mental fortitude, and flexibility. The breathtaking views from the summit, the friendships formed throughout the climb, and the sense of accomplishment at the top make this excursion a truly rewarding experience for those who are up for the task.
Website Last Updated: October 29th, 2024
