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Tour Overview & Experience
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Custom pacing, private certified native guides & tailored group itineraries.
Every trip helps support Conservation
Fair-wage porter insurance, Leave-No-Trace practices & local community aid.
Seamless travel, every detail perfected
All permits, deluxe accommodations, private transport & 24/7 expert logistics.
Spantik Peak (7,027m) , also known as Golden Peak, is widely regarded as one of the most attainable 7,000-meter summits in the Pakistani Karakoram. Located at the head of the Chogolungma Glacier in the Arandu Valley (Skardu–Baltistan), the mountain offers an ideal progression for climbers aiming to step into the 7,000m category.
The ascent follows the South East Ridge (Normal Route) , a long and aesthetically striking snow and ice ridge that provides a technically moderate yet physically demanding climb. The mountain earns its golden name from the spectacular amber glow it displays at sunrise and sunset.
Compared to other 7,000-meter peaks in Pakistan, Spantik presents:
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Lower objective hazard – Reduced risk from avalanches and rockfall
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Straightforward glacier approach – Accessible via the Chogolungma Glacier
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Moderate technical difficulty – Ideal for climbers stepping up to 7,000m
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Excellent acclimatization profile – Gradual altitude gain with rotations
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Strong summit success rate – In stable weather conditions
This expedition is designed for climbers with prior high-altitude experience (6,000m peaks recommended) who are seeking a structured and professionally supported ascent to 7,000m. If you have done some 5,000 and 6,000-meter trekking and climbing before, then Spantik Peak is a great place to take it a level up.
Locally known as both "Golden Peak" and "Spantik Peak," this beautiful mountain deep in the Karakoram Range is an accessible challenge for climbers looking to bag a 7,000-meter peak.
The Hunza Adventure Tours team has the skills and local knowledge to help you achieve your Spantik Peak climbing objectives. Our team of skilled guides, high-altitude porters, and cooks ensures professional support throughout the expedition, while also giving you the freedom to truly get to know the Karakoram Mountains without the big crowds or busyness of ultra-popular trekking routes.
Become part of a team with a shared objective, experience legendary Pakistani hospitality, sharpen your climbing skills on one of the most beautiful 7,000-meter peaks in the world, and gain experience from industry professionals in a challenging but jaw-dropping setting.
“Along the ancient Silk Road, every fortress, stone bazaar, and welcoming mountain hearth tells centuries of timeless history and vibrant living heritage.”
Tour Highlights
- Spantik Summit (7,027m) – Stand on the Golden Peak, one of the most accessible 7,000m peaks in the Karakoram
- Arandu Village – Experience the hospitality of the last settlement before the wilderness
- Chogolungma Glacier – Trek alongside one of the Karakoram's massive glacier systems
- Spantik Base Camp – Camp beneath the Golden Peak's dramatic Northwest Ridge
- Acclimatization Rotations – Build endurance with rotations to Camp I, II, and III
- Panoramic Views – Witness Rakaposhi, Diran, Haramosh, and Malubiting
- Ideal stepping stone toward 8,000m expeditions
- Skardu Hot Springs – Optional stop on the return journey
- Scenic glacier trek through Baltistan
- Professionally organized logistics
Day-by-Day Itinerary (29 Days)
Arrival Islamabad
Arrive at Islamabad International Airport. Meet and greet by Hunza Adventure Tours representative, then transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free to relax and recover from your journey. In the evening, enjoy a group briefing about the Spantik Expedition. Overnight at hotel. Altitude: 540m
Note: Pre-tour accommodation is not included. We recommend arriving in Islamabad at least one day early.
Islamabad – Government Formalities
The day is dedicated to completing all necessary official procedures, including permit processing, documentation, and final equipment checks. Our team will handle all paperwork while you prepare your gear. Overnight at hotel. Altitude: 540m | Meals: Breakfast
Islamabad – Skardu (By Air) or Chilas (By Road)
Take a spectacular 45-minute mountain-view flight to Skardu (2,230m), offering views of Nanga Parbat and the Karakoram range. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. If the flight is cancelled due to weather, drive to Chilas (8-9 hours) along the Karakoram Highway. Overnight at hotel. Altitude: 2,230m (Skardu) / 1,265m (Chilas) | Meals: Breakfast
Skardu – Preparation Day
A full day in Skardu for equipment organization and expedition cargo preparation. Skardu is the gateway to K2, Deosai, Masherbrum, and Gasherbrum. Trekkers and climbers usually finish their final purchasing here. Explore Skardu Bazaar or relax at the hotel. Overnight at hotel. Altitude: 2,230m | Meals: Breakfast
Note: If the group arrives overland from Islamabad, the entire schedule is bumped back a day to allow for rest in Skardu.
Skardu – Arandu Village (By Jeep)
After breakfast, load up the 4x4 jeeps and begin the drive to Arandu Village — the last town before the trek to Spantik Base Camp. The journey takes 7-8 hours depending on road conditions, following the Shigar and Basha Valleys. Arrive at Arandu in the late afternoon and camp near the village. Overnight camping. Altitude: 2,720m | Drive: 7-8 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Note: It is possible that an extra day in Skardu may be needed to finalize permits — buffer days are scheduled for this reason.
Trek to Choco Brangsa Camp
Begin the trek, following the north side of the Chogolungma Glacier to Choco Brangsa Camp (3,300m). The trail passes through alpine meadows and offers the first views of the surrounding peaks. Overnight camping. Altitude: 3,300m | Trek: 5-6 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Choco Brangsa – Chogolungma Glacier Camp
A long walk along the north side of the Chogolungma Glacier. Pass through patches of alpine wildflowers on a mix of trail and glacier walking. Make camp near a grassy knoll, which serves as local sheep grazing lands. Overnight camping. Altitude: 3,600m | Trek: 7-8 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Spantik Base Camp
Arrive at Spantik Base Camp — your home for the next few weeks. The team settles in and builds the camp, which can take the majority of the afternoon. After the local porters drop the gear, they return to Arandu Village, leaving the team to prepare for the climb. Overnight camping. Altitude: 4,300m | Trek: 5-6 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Acclimatization & Climbing Period
16 days dedicated to the ascent of Spantik (7,027m).
The climbing period involves:
Acclimatization rotations between Base Camp, Camp I (5,200m), Camp II (5,800m), and Camp III (6,300m)
Route fixing on the Northwest Ridge and Golden Pillar
Summit push from High Camp, usually a 10-14 hour round trip
Rest and recovery days between rotations
Weather window monitoring with satellite updates
The exact climbing schedule depends mostly on the weather — patience is key in high-altitude climbing. Our mountain guide, chef, and support staff will stay at Base Camp during the entire climbing period. Overnight camping throughout.
Camp Details:
Camp I (5,200m): On the glacier, first acclimatization stop
Camp II (5,800m): On the ridge, with views of Rakaposhi and Diran
Camp III (6,300m): High camp for the summit push
Note: The summit attempt is weather-dependent and requires careful judgment. Safety is always the priority.
Depart Base Camp
Leave Base Camp and follow the same route back down the Chogolungma Glacier. The descent offers a different perspective of the landscape, with more oxygen and warmer temperatures. Overnight camping. Altitude: 3,600m | Trek: 7-8 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arrive Arandu Village – Drive to Skardu
After an early start, the goal is to arrive at Arandu Village for lunch. After lunch, depart for Skardu, with an optional stop at a local hot springs along the way. Arrive in Skardu and check into hotel. Overnight at hotel. Altitude: 2,230m | Trek: 4-5 hours + Drive: 7-8 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Skardu – Islamabad (By Air)
Early morning flight to Islamabad from Skardu (weather pending). Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. Enjoy a chill day in Islamabad and an epic feast together. If the flight is delayed, drive the Karakoram Highway to Islamabad instead. Overnight at hotel. Altitude: 540m | Meals: Breakfast
Contingency Day in Islamabad
An extra day in Islamabad in case of travel complications getting back from Skardu. Since you have just completed the most epic climb of your life, we do not want to add stress by making the departure window tight. Today is a free day in the city with group breakfast included. Enjoy a final meal together. Overnight at hotel. Altitude: 540m | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Departure Day
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your flight back home. Check-out of the hotel is around 11 AM. You can choose to stay on at the same hotel if you are not flying home right away (additional nights not covered). Meals: Breakfast
Note: Since the mountains do not work on our schedule, it is possible to finish the trip earlier than planned if we have the right weather window. We recommend booking a flexible flight ticket.
What's Included & Excluded
Package Inclusions
- Letter of Invitation to Pakistan
- Royalty/Climbing Permit Fee: USD 500 per person
- CKNP/Waste Management Fee: USD 140 per person
- Arrangement of Official Briefing/Debriefing
- Assist import/export permit from Ministry of Tourism
- All domestic flights and road transfers
- Cargo handling and storage in Skardu office
- All hotel accommodation (twin-sharing room)
- All trekking accommodation during trek and at base camp
- D3V sleeping tent, Toilet Tent, Shower Tent, and Store Tent
- Group generator for charging electronics
- All camping site and bridge fees
- Kitchen equipment, crockery, cutlery, fuel, and related community gear
- All meals during trek and at base camp
- Boiled drinking water refills during trek
- Licensed professional guide (government requirement)
- Support staff (cook, assistant(s), etc.)
- First aid medicine kit (basic)
- Satellite phone for emergencies
Package Exclusions
- Travel & Visas: International airfare, airport departure taxes, and Pakistan visa fees.
- Insurance: Comprehensive personal travel, medical, and emergency evacuation insurance.
- Accommodations & Upgrades: Single room supplement (available upon request).
- Separate Transfers: Airport transfers for participants arriving or departing outside the group schedule.
- Personal Gear & Expenses: Sleeping bags, room service, laundry, phone/internet charges, beverages (soft drinks, mineral water, and alcoholic drinks), and items of a purely personal nature.
- Custom Activities: Optional excursions, extra sightseeing, or custom deviations from the fixed itinerary.
- Gratuities: Tips for mountain guides, camp staff, porters, and drivers.
- Unlisted Services: Any expense or service not explicitly specified in the "Included" section.
- Personal climbing equipment
- Airport and departure taxes
Trek & Route Map
Interactive geographical route & terrain map for Spantik / Golden Peak (7,027m) Expedition 2027/2028
Terms & Conditions
Hunza Adventure Tours promulgates its terms and conditions for all tours, treks, expeditions, and safaris operated by the company in Pakistan.
Reservation & Advance Payment Requirements
- 50% advance deposit is required upon confirmation to secure permits, hotel rooms, transport, and certified mountain guides.
- The full balance settlement must be cleared upon arrival in Pakistan before departure.
- Advance deposits can be directly wired to our official corporate bank account at Bank Alfalah.
Official Corporate Bank Account Details
Direct all international wire transfers to our official account at Alfalah Bank Pakistan:
A 50% advance deposit is required upon confirmation. Deposits are non-refundable in case of client cancellation, but 100% refundable if the company encounters unforeseen logistical impediments.
All tour packages provide hotel rooms on a twin-sharing basis. A single room supplement charge applies for single occupancy requests.
No refunds will be made to participants who voluntarily leave the tour before completion for any unused nights, transport, or meals.
Our certified tour directors hold complete operational authority. Disruptive or unlawful behavior may result in immediate dismissal from the tour group.
All participants are advised to secure comprehensive international travel insurance covering emergency medical expenses and trip cancellation prior to arrival.
Passports must be valid for at least 6 months. We issue official DTS-licensed LOI documentation for the Pakistan online eVisa portal within 24 hours of booking.
Packing & Travel Essentials
- Sturdy trekking boots / trail walking shoes
- Comfortable slip-on shoes for camps & lodges
- 3-4 pairs of wool/synthetic socks
- Thermal base layers & warm fleece jacket
- Waterproof & windproof outer shell
- Sun hat, warm beanie, and lightweight gloves
- High SPF 50+ sunscreen & polarized sunglasses
- Camera / action cam with extra batteries
- Portable power bank & universal adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
How fit do I need to be for this Spantik Peak Expedition?
Trip participants need to be in great physical shape and capable of trekking and climbing over mixed terrain for long periods of time. Participants should feel comfortable carrying their own personal gear to high camps on the mountain.
The biggest day will be summit day, when the climb will take between 12-16 hours depending on conditions and your fitness level — from Camp III to summit and back to Camp III. You will need to save some energy for this day for sure!
Do I need to have mountaineering experience?
Yes. You should have some basic experience using:
Jumar (ascender)
Rappelling
Crampons
Snow travel
Climbing at or above 5,500 meters
What is the max altitude?
The highest point on the trip is the summit of Spantik at 7,029 meters / 23,058 feet.
What kind of visa is needed for Pakistan?
You will need a Pakistani tourist visa to enter Pakistan to join this trip. Hunza Adventure Tours provides you with all the paperwork you need to apply for the visa — which is usually done 3 months in advance of the start of the trip.
What type of accommodation is provided?
Islamabad: 4-star accommodation in a central part of Islamabad
Skardu: 3-star accommodation located near the main market street of the city
Trip prices are based on the sharing of rooms/tents, and single (same-sex) members of the group will typically be put together.
In Skardu, we use nice guesthouses/hotels that offer very comfortable but simple facilities without air-conditioning (although the rooms in Islamabad will definitely have AC). In Skardu, the rooms have fans but no AC.
If you wish to bring your own tent for base camp, make sure it is sturdy enough for rocky glacier terrain, potentially high winds, and snowfall.
Note: Any item(s) that you do not want to bring on the trek can be safely stored with our team in Skardu before leaving for the trek.
What is the single room supplement cost?
If a client would like to reserve a single hotel room for the trip, the cost is $600 USD.
When should I arrive in Islamabad?
You will need to book your round-trip flights into/out of Islamabad International Airport. We advise that you arrive in Pakistan one day before the expedition starts. This is so that clients can shake off any jet lag they may be experiencing, and also to give all clients more of a time window in case of schedule changes or flight delays.
We will organize our driver to pick you up at the airport and shuttle you to the hotel if you are arriving within 24 hours of the start of the tour. If you are arriving earlier, we can still arrange the airport pickup for you at cost (around $20 USD).
What will the food be like in Pakistan?
Breakfast: Typically includes an omelet/fried eggs, fried Pakistani bread (paratha), pancakes, jam, Nutella, honey, etc., plus green tea or French press coffee.
Lunch: Every day, each member is issued a packed lunch. This keeps it easy while hiking as you can stop whenever you want to eat. A typical packed lunch includes a boiled egg and potato, a few chapatis (local flatbread), cheese, dried nuts/chocolate, and a few sweets.
Dinner: The main event! We pride ourselves on hiring the same cooks every year because they know how to deliver our custom, top-notch food menu! After our nightly soup course, dinner will be a mix of curry vegetables, rice, noodle dishes (like chow mein or pasta with red sauce), daal (lentils), meat (mutton or chicken), French fries, and salad.
Dessert: Something different every night, but for the first week of the trek, expect fresh mangoes and melon!
Note: Vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free, and lactose-free can be accommodated as well!
On the mountain: We will be eating a mix of instant noodle soups, dehydrated meals, tea, and energy-filled snacks.
What is the luggage allowance on the Spantik Expedition?
Each team member has a 25-kilo (55 pounds) porter allowance to get to base camp. Members are only required to carry their daypack while trekking to base camp — which just has what you need for the day in it (water, snacks, layers, sunscreen, etc.).
If your duffle bag weighs more than 25 kilos, you will need to pay for the additional weight. The cost for additional weight will be determined on the ground as prices for porters vary by the season.
Is there electricity and wifi at Spantik Base Camp?
There is no WiFi available once we leave Skardu. We carry a petrol generator and/or solar panels so that the team can charge batteries, power banks, phones, etc., while at base camp. Each night, we run the generator for 3-4 hours.
