Local Balti and Hunza guidesSmall groupsPrivate departures available

Spantik Base Camp Trek

Arandu and the Chogolungma Glacier to the foot of the Golden Peak

13 days

Duration

4,300 m

Max altitude

$1700

From USD

2 to 12

Group size

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THE JOURNEY

The journey

Spantik Base Camp Trek overview

Spantik, the Golden Peak, is one of the most frequently climbed 7,000 metre mountains in Pakistan. Its base camp, at about 4,300 metres beside the Chogolungma Glacier, is reached by a three day walk from Arandu in the Basha Valley. The approach is gentler and far less travelled than the Baltoro, and it passes through some of the greenest glacier scenery in Baltistan.

The Spantik Base Camp Trek is ideal for trekkers who want a real expedition base camp without extreme altitude, and for climbers who would like to see the mountain before committing to an ascent.

Route and scenery

From Skardu the road runs through Shigar and along the Basha River to Arandu, where houses stand almost at the snout of the glacier. The trail keeps to the northern edge of the Chogolungma, using grassy ablation valleys with shepherds’ huts at Chogo Brangsa and Bolocho. The final stage crosses a side glacier to base camp, set on a green terrace facing the southeast ridge of Spantik.

How difficult is the Spantik Base Camp Trek?

We grade it moderate. The stages are four to six hours and mostly on paths beside the glacier, with some moraine and a short glacier crossing near the end. Base camp is at 4,300 metres, so the itinerary includes a rest day there.

Best time to go

June to September. Climbing teams are usually at base camp in July, which adds interest. August has the most flowers, and September is cooler and very quiet.

Trip highlights

✦Spantik, 7,027 metres, from its base camp

✦The Chogolungma Glacier and its flower filled ablation valleys

✦Arandu, a traditional Balti village at the road end

✦The chance to meet climbing expeditions in July

✦Shigar Fort and the Basha Valley

Trip specifications

Duration

13 days

Max altitude

4,300 m

Difficulty

Moderate

Best season

June to September

Start

Islamabad

Finish

Islamabad

Group size

2 to 12

Difficulty level

EasyModerateChallengingHardExtreme

IN PICTURES

Trip photo gallery

DAY BY DAY

Itinerary

Day 1Arrive in Islamabad

We meet you at Islamabad International Airport and transfer you to your hotel. In the evening your guide runs through the plan, checks your equipment and answers any last questions.

Day 2Fly to Skardu

A one hour flight passes close to Nanga Parbat and lands in Skardu at 2,230 metres. If the flight is cancelled for weather we drive the Karakoram Highway to Chilas and reach Skardu the next day. Afternoon at leisure to adjust to the altitude.

Day 3Skardu: preparation and sightseeing

A relaxed day while permits and supplies are finalised. Visit Kharpocho Fort, the old bazaar and Upper Kachura Lake, then meet the cook and crew who will travel with you.

Day 4Drive to Arandu

Jeeps travel through the Shigar Valley and along the Basha River to Arandu at about 2,770 metres. Six to seven hours. Walk through the village in the evening.

Day 5Trek to Chogo Brangsa

Follow the northern edge of the Chogolungma Glacier through fields and then ablation valley to the pasture of Chogo Brangsa, about 3,300 metres. Five to six hours.

Day 6Trek to Bolocho

Continue beside the glacier through willow and wildflowers to Bolocho at about 3,800 metres. Four to five hours.

Day 7Trek to Spantik Base Camp

Cross a side glacier and climb to base camp at about 4,300 metres. Four to five hours. The southeast ridge, the normal climbing route, is directly ahead.

Day 8Rest day at base camp

Explore the moraine above camp for views up the Chogolungma to Malubiting and Laila Peak, or walk a little way towards Camp 1 with your guide.

Day 9Trek to Bolocho

Begin the return along the glacier to Bolocho.

Day 10Trek to Arandu

A longer day down valley to Arandu, where the jeeps are waiting.

Day 11Drive to Skardu

Drive back through the Basha and Shigar valleys with a stop at Shigar Fort.

Day 12Fly to Islamabad

Morning flight back to Islamabad, weather permitting, with the rest of the day free. If flights are not operating we travel by road instead.

Day 13Departure

Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Extra nights, a Hunza extension or a few days in Lahore can be added on request.

THE DESTINATION

Map & location

Destination overview. The final route is confirmed with your trip itinerary.

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Travel dates

Departures & pricing

Private and small group departures, June to September

Customised trip

Tell us your dates

From $1,700 per person

Plan with us

What's covered

What's included

Included

Airport transfers in Islamabad

Hotels in Islamabad and in the mountains on a twin sharing basis, with breakfast

Private road transport and jeeps for the whole route

Domestic flight where shown in the itinerary, subject to weather

Licensed English speaking mountain guide

Cook, kitchen crew and porters or pack animals

All meals during the trek

Two person tents, mattresses, dining tent and kitchen equipment

Trekking permit, national park and camping fees

Invitation letter and paperwork for your visa

Not included

International flights

Pakistan visa fee

Travel insurance with trekking and rescue cover

Sleeping bag and personal trekking gear

Lunch and dinner in cities

Tips for the guide, cook and porters

Extra nights or transport caused by weather, flight cancellations or road closures

Drinks, laundry and other personal expenses

Prepare for the journey

Packing list

Clothing

Down jacket and waterproof shell

Thermal base layers, fleece and trekking trousers

Warm hat, sun hat and two pairs of gloves

Footwear

Broken in trekking boots and camp shoes

Equipment

Sleeping bag rated to minus 10 degrees Celsius or lower

Trekking poles, head torch and day pack of 30 to 35 litres

Health

Sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm and personal medication

Water bottles and purification tablets

Documents

Passport, visa printout and insurance details

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Where is Spantik Base Camp?

Spantik Base Camp is beside the Chogolungma Glacier in the Shigar district of Baltistan, at about 4,300 metres. The trek starts from Arandu.

How long is the trek to Spantik Base Camp?

It takes three days to walk in from Arandu and two to walk out. The full trip from Islamabad is 13 days.

Is Spantik the same as Golden Peak?

Yes. Spantik is called the Golden Peak because its northwest face glows at sunset when seen from Nagar and Hunza.

Is the Spantik Base Camp Trek suitable for beginners?

Fit beginners can complete it. The route is non technical, though some multi day trekking experience helps at this altitude.

Can I climb Spantik after trekking to base camp?

Climbing Spantik is a separate expedition of about a month that needs a mountaineering permit. This trek is a good way to see the route first.

Planning your trip

Before you book

Share your preferred dates, group size, travel experience and any accessibility or dietary requirements. Ask our team for a written itinerary and a clear breakdown of included services, optional activities and additional costs before confirming.

Arrival and onward travel

Check the start and finish locations shown in the trip specifications. Confirm airport transfers, meeting times and any domestic flights with our team before booking independent travel. Allow flexibility for weather and transport changes.

Accommodation and meals

Ask for the accommodation plan for each night, room or tent arrangements and meal inclusions for your chosen departure. Tell us about food allergies and dietary needs in advance so we can confirm what is possible along the route.

Preparation and equipment

Review the itinerary, difficulty and maximum altitude before choosing this journey. Request the trip-specific packing list and confirm any rental equipment, sizes and availability before arrival. Discuss any health concerns with a qualified clinician before travel.

Travel documents and insurance

Check current entry requirements for your nationality and confirm whether your route needs additional permits. Review insurance coverage for your planned activities, maximum altitude, medical care and evacuation. Ask our team which documents are needed for this itinerary.

Changes and private arrangements

Weather, road conditions and local circumstances can affect the programme. Ask about alternative routes, spare days and how additional costs are handled. Contact us to discuss a private departure or changes to the published itinerary.