General
Lupghar Sar Base Camp Trek (2024-25)
Embark on the amazing Lupghar Sar Base Camp Trek, a tour across Northern Pakistan’s rugged and breathtaking Karakoram Mountains. This journey starts in Dũt village and leads you along the Lupgar Glacier, affording panoramic views of towering peaks, including the spectacular 7200-meter Lupgar Sar. Prepare for a hiking journey that blends difficult terrain with pure alpine scenery, guaranteeing to leave you in awe of nature’s grandeur.
Dates & Cost – Lupghar Sar Base Camp Trek
Summers are ideal for the Lupghar Sar Base Camp Trek. 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 | 29-Jun-2024 | US$ 1,300 | Limited Space | US$ 260 | BOOK NOW |
| 20-Jun-2025 | 29-Jun-2025 | US$ 1,300 | 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 – Lupghar Sar Base Camp Trek
The itinerary for the Lupghar Sar Base Camp Trek is noticeable below.
Day 02: Fly to Gilgit & Drive to Karimabad, Hunza
On this Day
Participants on this morning will take the spectacular flight from Islamabad airport to Gilgit airport. Upon arriving in Gilgit, take a picturesque drive to Karimabad, Hunza. Enjoy the stunning views of the Karakoram Range and the tranquil tranquility of the Hunza Valley. Arrive in Karimabad and check into your lodgings before seeing this charming town noted for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking surroundings.
Day 03: Free day in Karimabad – sightseeing/official paperwork
On this Day
Spend the day at your leisure in Karimabad, seeing the local attractions and completing any essential paperwork. Visit ancient sites such as Baltit Fort and Altit Fort, explore the lovely local markets, and take in the breathtaking views of Rakaposhi and the surrounding peaks. This free day allows you to explore the cultural riches and natural beauty of Karimabad at your leisure.
Day 04: Drive to Passu Village – Hotel
On this Day
After breakfast, take a beautiful journey to Ghulkin Valley past the breathtaking Attabad Lake and Attabad Tunnel, going through the lovely Gulmit Valley. Enjoy the magnificent vistas of the tiny villages along the road. Continue to Hussaini and view its famed suspension bridge, which embodies the region's daring character. As the day ends, take in the breathtaking sunset over the legendary Passu Cones. When you arrive at Passu Valley, check into your hotel and relax for the night surrounded by stunning mountain beauty.
Day 05: Drive to Dut & Trek to Bospuraghil
On this Day
Begin your trekking adventure with a drive to Dut. The first leg of the Lupgar Sar Base Camp walk begins in Dũt and ends in Bospuraghil. This 4-5 hour excursion covers 9 kilometers and includes a hard elevation of 1250 meters. Travel along the Lupgar River's actual right bank, traveling through meadows and across rocky terrain. As you rise, take in views of snowy peaks and the Lupgar Valley before arriving at the open region of Targeen and continuing to Yazmis, where stone-walled shelters give relief. The day's hike ends at Bospuraghil, an altitude of 3856m with stunning views of Lupgar Sar and Qarũn Koh.
Day 06: Bospuraghil to Lupgar Sar Base Camp
On this Day
Continue your hike from Bospuraghil to Lupgar Sar Base Camp, which takes 2 to 3 hours and covers 5.5km with a rise of 1044m. Follow the herders' route to Suraghil, Lupgar's highest village, which sits on a grassy slope above Bospuraghil. Enjoy superb views of Lupgar Sar, Mulungutti Sar, and Destaghil Sar from the ridge crest before arriving at the 4900-meter-high base camp.
Day 07: Trek back to Dũt & Drive to Hunza/Gilgit – Hotel
On this Day
On this day of the hike, retrace your steps from Lupgar Sar Base Camp to Dũt. This 6-7 hour descent traverses 14.5 kilometers and descends 2320 meters. Take in the spectacular view one final time as you say goodbye to the Lupgar Valley's alpine pastures and towering peaks, capping off a memorable tour across Northern Pakistan's raw splendor. Board a vehicle for the return ride to Hunza or Gilgit, where you may relax and reflect on your memorable trekking adventures.
Day 08: Fly to Islamabad – hotel
On this Day
Day 09: Backup-Day in case of any flight cancellations
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 10: Fly to your Home country
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.
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 – Lupghar Sar Base Camp Trek
Overview – Lupghar Sar Base Camp Trek
The Lupghar Sar Base Camp journey takes you through some of the most beautiful and difficult scenery in Northern Pakistan’s Karakoram Mountains. The trek starts at Dũt, a tiny settlement along the Karakoram Highway (KKH), with a hard ascent into the Lupgar Valley. As trekkers ascend along the Lupgar River’s true right bank, they are treated to panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains, as well as the gradual reveal of the Lupgar Glacier winding its way down from the mighty Lupgar Sar, which stands at 7200 meters. The first leg of the trip takes around 4-5 hours. It covers a distance of 9 kilometers with an elevation gain of 1250 meters, culminating in the stunning open region of Targeen and the stone-walled shelters of Yazmis.
Continuing down from Yaz-Mis, the route descends farther into the narrow ablation valley alongside the Lupgar glacier. This portion requires careful navigation over moraine rubble and occasional juniper-dotted slopes. The path leads to panoramic views of Lupgar Sar’s triple summit in the south and Dũt Sar to the east. The journey finally leads to Bospuraghil, at 3856 meters, where hikers may relax and take in the tranquil surroundings, which are accentuated by the sight of golden eagles flying over the craggy hills.
The second leg of the expedition is a shorter 2½ to 3-hour hike from Bospuraghil to Lupgar Sar Base Camp. This section is 5.5 kilometers long and has an elevation gain of 1044 meters. It follows a well-trodden herders’ track that climbs slowly towards Suraghil. This high-altitude village provides amazing views of Lupgar Sar, Mulungutti Sar, and Destaghil Sar as the last approach to the base camp. Lupgar Sar Base Camp, located at an elevation of 4900 meters, provides hikers with magnificent views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers, making it an outstanding location for overnight camping beneath the vast, starry sky.
The return route retraces the steps back to Dũt, descending via the Lupgar Valley, leaving memories of the raw beauty and calm observed along the hike. This last stage, which takes 6-7 hours and covers 14.5 kilometers with a 2320-meter drop, provides an opportunity to reflect on the hardships and achievements of discovering one of Shimshal’s hidden jewels. The Lupgar Sar Base Camp journey not only tests trekkers’ stamina and navigation abilities but also rewards them with a profound connection to the raw, untamed landscape of the Karakoram, leaving an unforgettable impact on those who visit it.
Website Last Updated: October 29th, 2024
