SPANTIK BASE CAMP TREK

 Day 1. Arrive in Islamabad

Our guide will transfer to the hotel, where you will be briefed later. If you arrive early, then we will provide you with a small tour of Islamabad city. Otherwise, it can be done after your return.

Day 2. Islamabad-Skardu

Fly to Skardu if the weather allows; otherwise, you will travel via our luxury facility by road to Skardu for 2-3 days. You will rest in Chilas halfway on day 2, then travel to Skardu.

Day 3. One day Rest in Skardu

We will take you to the 600-year-old Kharfocho fort, from where you will enjoy the whole of Skardu city. After you will enjoy the Shangri-La Resort, Sarfaranga Cold Desert, and then in the evening you will enjoy the Sadpara Lake.

Day 4.  Briefing and gearing up
There will be a briefing given to the foreigners and your guide, as a formality to enter the Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP). And final preparations will be made to leave for the Spantik base camp.

Day 05: Skardu-Arandu

Travel by 4×4 jeeps for a day ride on a winding jeep trail. The last inhabitant on our way to the Chogo Lungma Glacier. 

Day 06: Arandu-Bukum

Trek to Chogo Brangsa and leave the last inhabited village of Arandu. For the remaining portion of our journey, we will rely on our porters. Today is quite short, following the grassy valley on the northern side of the Chogo lungma Glacier. 

Day 07: Bukum-Khurmal

4-6 hrs of trek leads to the mouth of Chogo Lungma’s Glacier. Once reached Mani Kuru, you will see shepherds with their livestock, as this place is used as a summer settlement and the first view of Spantik Peak. 

Day 08 Khurumal-Balocho Camp

Trek towards Spantik base camp. Today, we will cross Chogo Lungma Glacier. We gently gain height as we approach base camp at the foot of Spantik’s South East Ridge. Camping at Balocho Campsite. 

Day 09 Balcoho-Base Camp

6-7 hours trek to the base camp of Spantik Peak.

Day 10: Rest day at base camp.

Rest day at base camp, explore nearby, and do some photography

Day 11: Return-Bukum

Trek back via the same route to Bukum. 

Day 12: Bukum-Arandu 

Trek back via the same route to Arandu. 

Day 13 Arundu-Skardu.

After breakfast, jeep drive to Skardu. Overnight stay in a hotel in Skardu.

Day 14 Free day in Skardu

Shangri-La Resort, Sarfaranga Desert, Kharfocho Fort, Sadpara Lake, and many other attractive sights are waiting for your arrival. Try to cover a maximum number of these places on the last day of our trek.

Day 15. Fly Back to Islamabad. 1 Hour.

You will be in Islamabad within one hour of the flight if the weather allows.

Day 16. Rest day in Islamabad

Today you have options of tours of the Taxila Museum and Murree, and many spots within Islamabad.

Day 17. Departure for home

Our staff will take you to the airport for your departure. It’s time to say goodbye to you all.

Note: Day 18

will be used as a ‘cushion’ day in case of delays in travel due to weather, route change, health, acclimatization issues during the trek, etc

What is the Spantik Base Camp Trek?
The Spantik Base Camp Trek is a multi‑day high‑altitude trekking adventure that leads you to the base camp of Spantik Peak (7,027 m), also known as Golden Peak due to the golden glow on its face in sunrise/sunset light. It lies in the Central Karakoram National Park region, and the trail follows the Chogolungma Glacier through remote alpine scenery.

Where is Spantik Base Camp located?
The journey begins near Arandu village in Baltistan, approached via Skardu. The trek follows a scenic route through valleys and glacier edges toward the base camp at approximately 4,300–4,360 m.

How long does the Spantik Base Camp Trek take?
Typical tour packages include around 13–17 days from Islamabad round‑trip, allowing for travel to Skardu, acclimatisation, trekking to base camp, a rest day there, and return.

What is the difficulty level of this trek?
The trek is generally described as moderate to challenging. It involves glacier walking, rocky paths, and sustained ascents, but does not require technical climbing skills to reach the base camp itself. Good fitness and some prior multi‑day hiking experience help ensure a comfortable trek.

When is the best season to do the Spantik Base Camp Trek?
The trekking season is June to September, when snow has melted on the trails, pastures are accessible, and weather is more stable. Outside this window, snow and cold conditions can make parts of the route difficult or unsafe.

Do I need a guide or permits?
Yes. This trek is in a restricted zone of Gilgit‑Baltistan. Foreign trekkers require official permits and must be accompanied by a licensed guide who manages navigation, camping logistics, and interactions with authorities. Visit in Pakistan handles permits and guide arrangements as part of their package.

What kind of terrain and scenery will I see?
The route includes lush alpine meadows and shepherd settlements near Arandu, moraine paths along the Chogolungma Glacier, glacier edges with seracs and melt streams, and dramatic Karakoram peaks. Alpine flowers, wildlife (such as ibex and birds), and serene campsites under towering snowy walls are common highlights.

What is the highest altitude reached on the trek?
The base camp sits around 4,300–4,360 m. Although this is high altitude, it is below the technical summit routes of Spantik. Guides plan acclimatisation and pace to reduce risk of altitude sickness.

How many hours do we hike each day?
Daily trekking distances generally range from 5 to 7 hours per day, with moderate distances that allow time for rest and absorbing scenery. Near the base camp, shorter days give opportunities to explore and acclimatise.

What type of accommodation is provided?
During trekking days you camp in tents. Before and after the trek, accommodation in Islamabad, Skardu, and possibly Arandu is typically in hotels or guesthouses as per the tour package.

Are meals included?
Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are usually included while trekking and on travel days, with local and trekking meals provided by the operator. Confirm exact inclusions when booking.

Is altitude sickness a concern?
Yes — altitude sickness can affect anyone above approximately 3,000 m, so the itinerary includes acclimatisation days and gradual ascent. Listen to your body, hydrate well, and communicate symptoms with guides immediately.

Can beginners attempt this trek?
While this trek does not require technical mountaineering skills, it is best suited for fit trekkers with some previous multi‑day hiking experience and comfort at altitude. First‑time hikers with strong fitness and good preparation can also join with proper guidance.

Is separate travel insurance needed?
Yes — travel and trekking‑specific insurance with coverage for high‑altitude trekking, medical evacuation, and rescue is strongly recommended. This is important for remote regions like the Karakoram.

What weather should I expect?
Weather can be unpredictable. Typically mornings are clear and ideal for trekking, while afternoons can bring clouds and occasional rain or hail. Nights at base camp and higher altitudes are cold even in summer. Prepare layered clothing.

Is there mobile phone signal along the route?
Mobile communication is limited or nonexistent in many high‑mountain areas. Guides carry satellite phones or use radios for emergency communication.

What cultural experiences are included?
You’ll pass through traditional Balti villages such as Arandu, see seasonal shepherd settlements, and have opportunities to interact with locals and observe rural high‑mountain culture along the trail.

Can this trek be customised?
Yes — many operators tailor itineraries to include extra acclimatisation days, side hikes for viewpoints, or extended cultural stays in valleys depending on fitness, time, and weather conditions.

Are direct flights required or can I drive?
Many itineraries include a domestic flight from Islamabad to Skardu, which is weather dependent. If flights are canceled due to weather, the group will continue by road via the Karakoram Highway with overnight stops as required.

Is the trek physically demanding?
It is moderately demanding — long walks on uneven rocky paths, glacier edges, and steady altitude gain demand stamina and fitness. Training with uphill hikes and carrying a day pack beforehand helps.

What views can I expect from Spantik Base Camp?
From base camp, you will see the dramatic pyramid shape of Spantik Peak, glaciers like Chogolungma, ridgelines, and panoramic Karakoram panoramas perfect for sunrise and sunset photography.

Services Included

• Liaison with the Ministry of Tourism in Islamabad for the climbing permit process, providing the appointed Liaison officer’s measurements for his prescribed kit.
• Process during import/export permit from the Ministry of Tourism.
• Clearance of cargo before the arrival of the team and its storage.
• Assistance upon arrival/departure.
• Official Briefing/Debriefing.
• Hotel accommodation in Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Chilas.
• All meals during the trek and at B.C. as per the itinerary.
• Porterage of 75 kg per person of expedition equipment and high altitude food, etc., to the B.C., and 50 kg per person on return from B.C.
• Road transfers between the airport/hotel and within the city as per the itinerary.
• Sleeping tents, mattresses, mess, kitchen, and toilet tent with tables/field stools and camping ground fees.
• Kitchen equipment, crockery, cutlery, fuel, and related community gear.
• Wages and basic kit of guide, sirdar, cook, and assistant(s).
• Insurance for our field staff and low-altitude porters (except for helicopter rescue).
• Porterage at airports, hotels, toll taxes, and parking fees, etc.
• Mail handling/forwarding to B.C./overseas except for postage charges.
• Reconfirmation of air tickets.
• Hiring of HAPs, mail runner(s), and any other crew as per requirement. (Wages and kit to be arranged by the team).

Services not Included

• International & domestic airfare, airport tax, and excess baggage charges.
• High altitude porters/any crew above B.C.
• Helicopter emergency rescue fees (refundable if not used)
• High altitude tents, sleeping bags, personal and climbing equipment of any kind beyond base camp, including high altitude food and oxygen.
• Medications, ground evacuations, and helicopter rescue charges of any kind.
• Room services, laundry, beverages, phone/communication bills, and items of a personal nature.
• Insurance liability of member (s) and other under force majeure conditions.
• Climbing Permit, Pollution and Environmental fee, or any other payment required to be paid to Pakistan’s Government.
• Clearing agent charges.
• Members climb gears
• Member’s personal insurance
• High altitude food
• High altitude porter
• Any other service not mentioned in the above list

Budget-Friendly Tour and Trekking

All our tours and treks are budget-friendly, without compromising comfort or service quality. At Visit in Pakistan, we take pride in delivering reliable service, which is why many clients choose to travel with us again. Moreover, our premium services are equally appreciated by corporate groups, business travelers, and high-profile clients. From affordable adventures to luxury experiences, our Five 8,000 m Base Camp Trek is a perfect example of the quality we offer.

Experienced Local Team for Your Journey

Our certified mountain guides and porters are born and raised in Baltistan. Therefore, they know every rock, glacier, and trail. With decades of experience, they make your journey safe, seamless, and unforgettable.

Tailor-Made Itineraries

We customize each itinerary to match your schedule, budget, and interests. From flight bookings to basecamp logistics, our team manages everything. As a result, you can focus entirely on enjoying the TREK and tour experience.

Safety and 24/7 Backup Support

Your safety and comfort come first. In addition, we provide full backup support, including rescue coordination, reliable transportation, and on-ground communication. This ensures peace of mind throughout your adventure.