General

Spantik Base Camp Trek (2024-25)

Take on the Spantik Base Camp Trek, an exciting adventure through Pakistan’s Karakoram Range. With Spantik Peak standing at 7,027 meters (23,055 ft), this walk provides breathtaking vistas and tough terrain as you wind through alpine meadows and rocky trails. Discover the splendor of the Chogo Lungma Glacier and the serenity of Spantik Base Camp at 4,360 meters (14,304 feet), where climbers prepare for summit attempts against a backdrop of towering peaks and pure environment. Whether you’re a climber looking for new heights or a nature lover fascinated by distant vistas, this journey guarantees an amazing adventure across one of the world’s most spectacular mountain ranges.

 

Dates & Cost – Spantik Base Camp Trek

Summers are ideal for the Spantik 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.

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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 – Spantik Base Camp Trek

The itinerary for the Spantik Base Camp Trek is noticeable below.

GPS Data
Altitude: 540 m

On this day the participants of Spantik BC trek will spend a free day in Islamabad for Briefing purpose and logistical arrangements.

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. In case of flight cancellation, overnight stay in Chilas.

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 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 expedition in case of any delays.

GPS Data
Altitude: 2,720 m

The participants will begin the jeep safari towards Hyderabad, the passage will go through the Shigar valley. The journey will be followed on the sides of Braldu river before taking a left trun in to the basha river gorge. Arandu will be the last village on our route; the participants will start walking after leaving jeeps behind. However at times the participants may begin their walk before arrival in Arandu but it depends on the road conditions. Overall it will take you between four hours to six hours in covering the distance.

GPS Data
Altitude: 3,400 m

The participants will begin the jeep safari towards Chogo Brangsa camp, the passage will pass by the snout of Chogolungma glacier . The journey will have slope as well, as the participants will climb to an elevation of about 700 m on the first day of trekking . Overall it will take between five hours to six hours in covering the distance.

GPS Data
Altitude: 3,820 m

The participants will start the trek early as they will have a long trekking day on this day. They will be trekking on the northern edge of the Chogolungma Glacier towards Bolocho Glacier. The participants will climb an elevation of 400 m on this day, however, the route is long so it will take six-hour (s) to seven-hour (s) to reach Bolocho campsite.

GPS Data
Altitude: 4,360 m

The participants will start the trek early as they will have a long trekking day on this day as well. They will be trekking on the Chogolungma glacier leaving the valley behind towards Bolocho glacier. The participants will climb an elevation 550 m on this day and the participants will have to trek on the glacier ice also for the campsite the participants will have to climb a 200 m as well,  it will take six hour (s) to seven hour(s) to reach Spantik BC.

On this day

At Spantik Base Camp, participants will recover and acclimate over the next two days. This quiet area, located at an elevation of 4,360 meters, provides a much-needed rest from hiking activities. These rest days are critical for the body's adaptation to the high altitude, lowering the risk of altitude sickness. Participants can take leisurely walks around the base camp, admire the beautiful mountain views, and engage in light activities to stay mobile. Evenings may be spent resting, telling stories with other hikers, and preparing for the trials ahead. These rest days allow participants to recoup both physically and psychologically, ensuring they are well-prepared for the remainder of the walk.

The team along with the staff of Apricot Tours will leave base camp and trek back down. They will trek back down by Chogolungma glacier. The duration of the trek will be 8-9 hrs as on the next day the participants will be trekking back to Aarandu Valley.

GPS Data
Altitude: 2,720 m

This will be the last trekking day of our expedition as the participants will trek back to Arandu village and will camp in the village. The trekking duration will be 6-7 hours depending upon the pace of the members.

GPS Data
Altitude: 2,250 m

The participants will drive back to the hotel in Skardu along with the team of Apricot Tours.

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 sometime get cancelled due to weather conditions. In case of flight cancellation, you will drive to Raikot or Chilas for overnight. It takes 10 hours by a vehicle.

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.

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 – Spantik Base Camp Trek

 

Overview – Spantik Base Camp Trek

The Spantik Base Camp Trek is an amazing excursion into the heart of Pakistan’s Karakoram Range, concluding beneath the breathtaking Spantik Peak, also known as the Golden Peak. Spantik Peak, located at an elevation of 7,027 meters (23,055 feet), is a conspicuous figure between the Baltistan and Hunza areas, known for its difficult but doable ascension path. The Trek begins in the stunning surroundings of the Karakoram, usually with a hike around the Chogo Lungma Glacier. This initial leg not only introduces hikers to the region’s harsh nature but also affords breathtaking vistas of distant mountain ranges rarely viewed from traditional paths.

As the journey unfolds, trekkers rise over diverse terrain, passing through tranquil alpine meadows and navigating rocky trails that go closer to the base of Spantik Peak. Throughout the walk, panoramic vistas of nearby peaks such as Malubiting, Ultar Sar, and Ladyfinger Peak serve as regular reminders of the Karakoram’s magnificence. Arriving at Spantik Base Camp, located at about 4,360 meters (14,304 feet), is a crucial milestone in the climb. The campground is set in a natural environment, surrounded by towering peaks and panoramic views of glaciers flowing from Spantik’s beautiful slopes.

For mountaineers and adventurers, Spantik Base Camp is a starting point for those attempting to climb the peak. The ascent from the base camp entails crossing difficult slopes and crevassed terrain, necessitating technical expertise and high-altitude acclimation. However, the reward is unparalleled: reaching Spantik’s top provides a sense of achievement rivaled only by the panoramic vistas that spread beyond the Karakoram and beyond. Aside from the physical demands, the Spantik Base Camp Trek offers a trip through history and natural beauty. The peak’s name, “Spantik,” comes from the native Balti language and means “Golden Peak,” which reflects its stunning look at sunrise and dusk. Its exploration history, ranging from early European expeditions to current climbing accomplishments, provides an element of excitement and discovery to each step toward its base camp.

In essence, the Spantik Base Camp Trek offers a memorable trip for those looking to see the Karakoram’s pristine beauty and daunting peaks. It mixes the excitement of high-altitude walking with the appeal of secluded and stunning terrain, making it a must-do for both trekking fans and mountaineers.

 

Website Last Updated: October 29th, 2024
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