General
Gangchan Peak Expedition (2024-25)
Experience the excitement of the Gangchan Peak Expedition, a daring climb to a pristine 6,462-meter peak in the Karakoram Range. This unclimbed summit, located near Spantik Peak in Shigar Valley, presents a unique challenge for ambitious climbers looking for new horizons. Gangchan, with its massive ice deposits and rough terrain, offers an unrivaled challenge for those eager to build new routes in climbing.
Dates & Cost – Gangchan Peak Expedition
Summers are ideal for the Gangchan Peak Expedition. The start and end dates in the table below are your arrival and departure dates from Pakistan. The months mentioned below are the ideal months for trekking in the Karakoram region of Pakistan. We have guaranteed departures every year. Our dates and costs for the thek are given below.
| Start Dates | End Dates | Price (USD) | Availability | Deposit | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20-Jun-2024 | 07-Jul-2024 | US$ 2,400 | Limited Space | US$ 260 | BOOK NOW |
| 20-Jun-2025 | 07-Jul-2025 | US$ 2,400 | 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 – Gangchan Peak Expedition
The itinerary for the Gangchan Peak Expedition is given below.
Day 02: Fly to Skardu, Karakoram
On this Day
Day 03: Spend free day in Skardu
On this Day
Day 04: Drive to Saisko
On this Day
We'll leave early in the morning for Saisko Village. We'll drive to Saisko Village with our crew and supplies. The journey from Skardu to Saisko takes about 5-7 hours via vehicle. After a half-hour journey from Skardu, we will arrive at the Shigar Valley, which is home to the planet's second-highest mountain (K2). We will pass through the beautiful green fields of Shigar Valley along the Shigar River, and the valley will shrink as we approach the mountains. The tiny road will take us to Saisko and along the Basha River.
Chutron Village is a three-hour journey from Skardu and features a hot spring. After having a soak in the hot spring and eating lunch, we will continue our journey, which is around 2-3 hours away from the hot spring. At Saisko Village, our porters, climbing helpers, and food staff will meet us and accompany us to Gangchan Peak Base Camp. Our team sets up tents, and the attendees are provided a nice cup of tea, cookies, and munchies. We'll have supper in our mess tent and stay overnight at a fully furnished campground.
Day 05: Trek to Gangchan Peak Base Camp
On this Day
On this day, we will hike to Gangchan Peak's Base Camp with all of our workers and supplies, which is a 3-4 hour upward tough walk. The porters will say their goodbyes at the base camp, and the rest of the crew, including our cooking and climbing personnel, will stay until the finish of the adventure.
Day 06-14: GangChan Peak Climbing Days
Climbing Day at Gangchan Peak.
Day 15: Return to Saisko and drive to Skardu
On this Day
Return to the settlement and drive to Skardu.
Day 16: Fly to Islamabad
On this Day
Day 18: Fly to home country
On this Day
Why Register Early?
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 less than peak-season.
2. 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.
3. Pay Balance after arrival in Pakistan: In these unusual times, 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.
4. Deposit valid for 3 years: We understand the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic (Covid-19). As part of our relaxed booking conditions following Covid-19, deposits are valid for 2 years.
6. Pay Minimum Deposit: The deposits for the holiday are also early-bird discounts and automatically change accordingly:
- 1st October: USD 190
- 1st November: USD 290
- 1st January: USD 350
- 15th February: USD 400
- 1st March: USD 450
- 1st May: USD 490
Note: The same dates above apply to next season's deposits.
Refund Policy for All
Deposit: Once paid, the deposit is non-refundable (but valid for 2 years) as it will be spent on making in-country arrangements.
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:
| Apricot Tours' Social Responsibility |
| 1 foreign trekker = 5 trees |
| Apricot Tours will plant five trees for every foreign trekker who visits Pakistan for trekking to Nanga Parbat. The trees will be planted in the northern areas of Pakistan starting from 2019 as part of our CSR initiative. We aim to contribute to "Goal 13: Climate Action" of UN's Sustainable Development Goals by taking part in the massive government campaign to plant 10 billion trees during the next five years to tackle climate change. Pakistan's adverse climate impacts are very much visible through changing temperatures, prolonged droughts, increased floods and extreme weather conditions especially in Pakistan's mountain regions. Pakistan stands 7th on the list of countries that are mostly likely to be affected by global warming and has one of the highest deforestation rates in Asia. Decades of tree felling have reduced the country's forests to less than 3 percent of its total land area. How planting trees will make a difference? Planting trees will help save energy and money, cool our cities, reduce carbon emissions, reduce soil erosion, provide habitat for species of many kinds, provide clean water and add to the beauty of Pakistan's mountain region by simply being there. Our participants can also donate separately. Details on this initiative can be requested. |
Overview – Gangchan Peak Expedition
The Gangchan Peak Expedition provides an exciting challenge for experienced climbers looking to explore unexplored territory. Gangchan Mountain, at 6,462 meters, is a daunting and unclimbed mountain in the Shigar Valley of the Karakoram Range, near the well-known Spantik Peak. This distant and largely untouched peak offers a one-of-a-kind chance for mountaineers eager to carve new pathways and test their talents in a pristine environment. The mountain is located in Saisko village in the Shigar district, which is recognized for its rocky terrain and breathtaking natural beauty.
The name “Gangchan” translates to “Huge deposit of ice/glacier” in the local language, where “Gang” means glacier and “Chan” means large deposit. This moniker alluded to the peak’s frigid magnificence and the substantial glacial features that climbers would face. Because there is little prior climbing knowledge of Gangchan, the expedition will necessitate extensive planning. Climbers must cross difficult icefields, crevasses, and steep ascents, and they may need to rely on local knowledge and expertise to overcome the challenges posed by this undiscovered peak.
Given its remoteness and lack of recognized climbing routes, this expedition is suitable for anyone looking for a daring expedition. Mountaineers will enjoy the thrill of discovering new terrain, pushing their limitations, and adding to the climbing history of one of Karakoram’s most mysterious peaks.
Website Last Updated: October 29th, 2024
