General
Mashabrum Base Camp Trek (All Inclusive) (2024-25)
The Mashabrum Base Camp Trek will take you across the breathtaking Karakoram Range. Beginning in the welcome town of Hushe in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, this walk takes you through various landscapes and old pathways. Experience beautiful green valleys, flowing waterfalls, and the dramatic ascent to Mashabrum Base Camp, which sits at the foot of the towering Mashabrum Peak. Prepare to be mesmerized by spectacular views of snow-capped peaks and pristine glaciers on this amazing trek.
Dates & Cost – Mashabrum Base Camp Trek
Summers are ideal for the Mashabrum 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 | 05-Jul-2024 | US$ 2,100 | Limited Space | US$ 260 | BOOK NOW |
| 20-Jun-2025 | 05-Jul-2025 | US$ 2,100 | 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 – Mashabrum Base Camp Trek
The itinerary for the Mashabrum Base Camp Trek is noticeable below.
Day 02: Fly to Skardu, Karakoram (2,498m)
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.
| 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 |
Day 03 Spend Free day in Skardu (2,598m)
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 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 trek incase 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 |
Day 04: Drive to Hushe Valley (3,050m)
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.
| 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 |
Day 05: Trek from Hushe to Dumsum
On this day
After a substantial breakfast, we will begin our day with a journey to Dumsum. Along the trip, we'll make brief pauses at several attractive locations to soak in the breathtaking view. Our adventure will begin in the Hushe Valley, where we'll cross a wooden bridge and travel past crop fields, witnessing local farmers in action. We'll then follow an easy trail to our allotted campground.
Our campground at Dumsum is magnificent, with thick foliage and juniper trees; we'll pitch our tents. A natural spring is easily located nearby and provides a pleasant water supply. After a tasty meal, we may either climb to the Aling glacier or relax in the natural surroundings. Our night will be spent in the peaceful surroundings of the campground.
Day 06: Trek to Brumbramah
On this day
Following a hearty breakfast at the campground, we will begin our trek to Brumbramah. We'll start our journey at Dumsum, going through thick juniper trees and a tamarisk rainforest, and making several pauses. After approximately an hour and a half of walking, we'll reach more difficult terrain: the glacier moraine near the Masherbrum glacier's snout. We'll next ride through a difficult area, meeting a combination of flat and steep slopes before arriving at our campground.
Brumbramah is a lovely campground surrounded by tall mountain ranges. To the south, we'll have panoramic views of the Masherbrum Glacier's granite spires and cliffs. To the north, the spectacular Masherbrum Peak will dominate the scene and draw your attention.
Throughout the walk, we'll be able to interact with the friendly Balti porters and shepherds, immersing ourselves in their unique culture. Porters will perform traditional Balti music and dance to lend a festive touch to our tour while giving insights into Balti culture. The day will culminate with a delicious meal, and we'll spend the night at the campers.
Day 07: Trek to Mashabrum Base Camp
On this Day
Today's journey is noticeably easier and shorter than yesterday. However, we will still rise 300 meters and pass a little glacier, reaching a height of more than 4,000 meters when we set up camp at 4,200 meters. Reaching this point will provide a sense of success and contentment. You may spend some spare time exploring the surroundings and going on neighboring treks. This area is known for its gorgeous alpine flora, making it an ideal destination for flower lovers. As the day ends, take in the splendor of the sunset before retiring to your cozy campground for the night.
Day 08-10: Rest Day at Base Camp
On this Days
Participants will relax for three days in Mashabrum Base Camp. They may explore the surroundings in their free time, including the base camp lake and neighboring vistas. This relaxed pace provides for rest and recuperation while taking in the peaceful beauty of the surroundings. Participants can enjoy leisurely hikes, and photography sessions, or simply sit about and take in the breathtaking mountain views. These rest days allow trekkers to rejuvenate both physically and psychologically, ensuring they are prepared for the demands of their trekking expedition.
Day 11: Trek back to Saicho
On this Day
The participants will continue hiking down, Since the hike downwards would be a comparatively easy hike so the climbing equipment i.e. ropes, 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 which 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. Camp will be setup at Saicho (3,350m), a part of sand with little grass along the flowing glacier water steams.
| 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 |
Day 12: Trek back to Hushe and drive to Skardu town
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.
| 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 |
Day 13: Contingency day/rest in Skardu
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.
Day 14: Fly to Islamabad (590m)
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.
| 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 |
Day 15: Contingency day for flight cancellations
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. In Islamabad you will visit the margalla hills, monal, faisal mosque, etc.
| 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 |
Day 16: Fly to 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.
Extra nights/time in Islamabad (hotel check in/out is 12pm) - additional charges 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 – Mashabrum Base Camp Trek
Overview – Mashabrum Base Camp Trek
The Mashabrum Base Camp Trek is a captivating journey into the heart of the Karakoram Range in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Starting from the serene village of Hushe, famed for its warm hospitality and traditional charm, the trek winds through a variety of landscapes, offering trekkers a blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion.
The adventure begins amidst lush green valleys adorned with wildflowers and ancient juniper trees. As trekkers ascend, they traverse through rugged terrain, crossing crystal-clear streams fed by melting glaciers. The path meanders past cascading waterfalls that punctuate the landscape with their thunderous beauty. Continuing onward, the scenery shifts dramatically as the trek gains altitude. Rolling meadows give way to rocky slopes adorned with hardy alpine vegetation, eventually revealing panoramic views of snow-capped peaks that pierce the sky. The air becomes crisp and invigorating, carrying the scent of wild herbs and the occasional call of high-altitude birds.
The highlight of the trek is undoubtedly the approach to Mashabrum Base Camp, situated at the foot of the awe-inspiring Masherbrum Peak, the 22nd highest mountain in the world at 7,821 meters (25,659 feet). The base camp itself is a tranquil sanctuary amidst towering glaciers and jagged ridges, offering a mesmerizing vista of Masherbrum’s massive south face and its surrounding peaks.
Camp life at Mashabrum Base Camp is a blend of tranquility and exhilaration. Nights are spent under a canopy of stars, with the distant sound of avalanches echoing across the valley. Trekkers wake to the sight of alpenglow on Masherbrum’s icy flanks, casting hues of pink and orange that dance across the snowfields. Beyond the natural wonders, the trek also provides an opportunity to connect with the local culture. Encounters with Balti shepherds and visits to remote mountain villages offer insight into traditional ways of life that have endured for centuries in this rugged terrain.
In conclusion, the Mashabrum Base Camp Trek is not merely a physical journey through stunning landscapes and high-altitude wilderness. It is a spiritual odyssey that invites trekkers to immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the Karakoram, where every step reveals a new facet of nature’s grandeur and the enduring spirit of the mountain people.
Website Last Updated: October 29th, 2024
