Spantik Base Camp Trek

Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad ✈️

Upon landing at Islamabad International Airport, you'll be welcomed by our representative and transferred to a comfortable hotel near the Margalla Hills. Settle in with a welcome drink and ease into your journey with time to relax, catch up on sleep, and meet fellow trekkers. The evening briefing will prepare you for the adventure ahead.

Day 2: Islamabad – Chilas / Skardu (via flight or road) 🚗✈️

After an early breakfast, you'll either fly to Skardu or drive to Chilas through the scenic Karakoram Highway. The landscapes unfold with dramatic mountain vistas en route. On arrival, relax at your hotel and enjoy dinner with trekking companions.

Day 3: Chilas – Skardu / Reserve day ⛅

If weather causes a flight delay, this day serves as a buffer. Otherwise, you'll transfer from Chilas to Skardu by road (7–8 hrs), soaking in the changing alpine scenery. Upon arrival in Skardu, settle into the hotel and rest—this is also your time to shop or gear up for the trek.

Day 4: Skardu – Preparation & Sightseeing 🏞

Today is all about preparation. You’ll check and secure any trekking gear, and optionally rent or buy what you need. In the afternoon, embark on a short acclimatization walk to Kharpocho fort and the old castle, offering panoramic views of Skardu, the Indus River, and surrounding peaks.

Day 5: Skardu – Arandu (Jeep drive, ~6–7 hrs) 🚙

Rise early for your thrilling jeep journey through Shigar Valley. As you drive alongside the Basha River, lush greenery gradually gives way to dramatic alpine terrain. You’ll pass Chutron village (where a hot spring invites a refreshing dip), before reaching Arandu, the final human settlement. Here your porters and crew will join, tents will be set up, and you’ll enjoy tea and snacks before settling into camp.

Day 6: Arandu – Chogo Brangsa Camp (3,400 m) – ~6–8 hrs 🌿

Your first day of trekking takes you through verdant pastureland and gentle terrain, following the glacier’s edge to Chogo Brangsa, a seasonal shepherd camp. The trail winds past alpine meadows, and you may encounter local shepherds along the way. Expect about 14 km of walking and a 900 m gain. Settle into your campsite surrounded by pristine Karakoram vistas.

Day 7: Chogo Brangsa – Balocho Camp (3,820 m) – ~5–7 hrs 🏔

Today’s hike crosses part of the glacier ridge and then continues on rocky, rugged terrain. You'll gain approximately 700 m in altitude over 13–14 km. The first glimpse of Spantik Peak’s pyramid form emerges as you approach Balocho Camp, nestled at the glacier’s edge. Enjoy a peaceful evening under the stars.

Day 8: Balocho – Spantik Base Camp SE Face (4,300 m) – ~5–6 hrs ❄️

Trekking entirely on the Chogolungma Glacier, today is a thrilling glacier walk with steady ascent. Over roughly 13–14 km and 500 m of elevation gain, you will reach Spantik Base Camp South-East Face, surrounded by icy ridges and lofty peaks. The camp is established for your stay, offering panoramic views of the “Golden Peak.”

Day 9: Spantik Base Camp – Rest & Exploration Day 📸

Take a well-deserved rest day at base camp. Explore the surroundings on foot, enjoy landscape photography, and soak in the serenity of glaciers and towering mountains. This day helps with acclimatization and absorbing the beauty of the high Karakoram.

Day 10: Spantik Base Camp – Return to Balocho ↩️

After breakfast, retrace your path across the glacier back to Balocho Camp. The descent is easier on the knees but equally scenic—crossing familiar glacier terrain with renewed perspective.

Day 11: Balocho – Arandu 🚶‍♂️

Continue your descent through Balocho, past camps and summer settlements, ending at Arandu Village. Enjoy the transition from high alpine to greener valleys, reflecting on your glacier journey as you settle back into campsite life at the village.

Day 12: Arandu – Skardu (Jeep drive) 🚙

Bid farewell to Arandu as you drive back to Skardu, stopping at Chutron hot springs for a refreshing break. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for rest, dinner, and recounting trek stories with your group.

Day 13: Skardu – Islamabad (flight) ✈️

Fly back to Islamabad in the morning (weather permitting). Once landed, transfer to a hotel or spend your afternoon visiting sights like Taxila or Margalla Hills before dinner.

(Optional) Contingency Day in Skardu or Islamabad

Depending on travel logistics or weather delays, this day provides buffer and flexibility. Use it for extra sightseeing, shopping, or simply unwinding before your departure.

Final Day: Fly Home / Continue Journey 🏠

Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your onward flight. Depart with unforgettable memories and a heart full of Karakoram magic!

Day 1 – Arrival in Islamabad 🇵🇰

Arrive at Islamabad International Airport and transfer to your city‑center hotel. Settle in, enjoy a welcome briefing, and relax after your journey, preparing for the adventure ahead in the stunning Karakoram.

Day 2 – Islamabad → Chilas 🚌

Drive from Islamabad to Chilas along the Karakoram Highway (roughly 10–12 hours). On the way, marvel at the changing landscapes—mountain gorges, rivers, and terraced slopes. Overnight in Chilas to rest and acclimatize.

Day 3 – Chilas → Gilgit → Karimabad 🌄

Continue along the Karakoram Highway to Gilgit, then onward to Karimabad in Hunza Valley. Enjoy alpine vistas, ancient villages, and high mountain views. Overnight in Karimabad—chance to explore Baltit Fort or wander in the valley town.

Day 4 – Karimabad sightseeing & drive to Hopar Valley 🏞️

Morning visit to Baltit and Altit Forts and scenic viewpoints. In the afternoon, drive to Hopar Valley in Nagar district. Hopar acts as the gateway to the Barpu Glacier and Spantik’s north‑west face region. Overnight in Hopar village.

Day 5 – Hopar → Barpu Glacier base ❄️

Begin the trek from Hopar village toward the Barpu Glacier. Trek through alpine meadows and beside moraine trails, crossing pristine rivers. Reach your camp at the edge of Barpu Glacier (roughly 3,800–4,000 m altitude). Overnight in tents with glacier panoramas.

Day 6 – Barpu Glacier approach 🥾

Spend a full trekking day on the Barpu Glacier moraines, gaining altitude gradually. 5–6 hours of walking through undulating glacial terrain, arriving at a higher point (~4,200 m) with stunning views toward Spantik’s north‑west face. Camp overnight.

Day 7 – Glacier trekking to Spantik Base Camp NW Face 🧗

Final approach to Spantik Base Camp North-West Face (around 4,360 m), trekking across Chogolungma glacier / Barpu glacier region. 5–6 hours of glacier travel and careful navigation of crevassed ice. Set up camp at base camp beneath the iconic Golden Peak.

Day 8 – Rest & exploration at Spantik Base Camp 📸

Rest day to acclimatize and enjoy the dramatic scenery. Short excursions around camp, photo ops, glacier walks, and time to soak in the majesty of the North‑West face.

Day 9 – Summit viewpoint hike or high‑camp reconnaissance 🏞️

(optional, if permitted) A short exploratory walk to a nearby high point for better vistas of Spantik Peak and surrounding glaciers. Return to base camp and spend another restful evening.

Day 10 – Base Camp → Barpu Glacier Camp ⛺

Begin descent, retracing steps along glacier toward previous glacier camp (~4,200 m). Cross familiar terrain, enjoy downhill views. Overnight campsite in tents.

Day 11 – Barpu Glacier Camp → Hopar (return to village) 🌿

Descend across Barpu Glacier terrain to Hopar village. Trek through fields and pastures, meet local shepherds, and arrive in Hopar. Overnight in local lodge or camping.

Day 12 – Hopar → Karimabad → Gilgit 🚗

Drive back through Hopar Valley to Karimabad. Optional lunch stop. Continue to Gilgit via the Karakoram Highway in the afternoon. Overnight hotel stay in Gilgit.

Day 13 – Gilgit → Chilas → Islamabad 🛣️

Long drive from Gilgit to Chilas, then via Karakoram Highway down to Islamabad (total ~12 hours). Optionally stop at Taxila museum en route to learn about Gandhara heritage. Overnight in Islamabad hotel.

Day 14 – Departure from Islamabad ✈️

After breakfast, transfer to Islamabad International Airport for departure home or onward travel. Tour concludes with cherished memories of the Golden Peak and Karakoram adventure.