Tour Photo Gallery
Step into the awe-inspiring Northern Pakistan wilderness with genuine captures from our journeys.
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.
Rising to 7,027 meters, Spantik — famously known as the "Golden Peak" — is one of the most striking mountains in Pakistan's Karakoram Range. The Spantik Base Camp Trek offers trekkers a remarkable opportunity to journey through pristine glacial landscapes, remote Balti villages, and alpine pastures to reach the base of this magnificent pyramid-shaped giant .
The mountain earns its golden name from the spectacular amber glow it displays at sunrise and sunset, particularly when viewed from the Nagar and Shigar valleys . Unlike many Karakoram expeditions that demand extreme technical skills, the Spantik Base Camp Trek is relatively moderate, making it an ideal choice for experienced trekkers seeking a high-altitude adventure without overwhelming technical challenges .
The journey typically begins in Skardu, the gateway to the Karakoram, from where a rugged jeep drive leads to Arandu Village (2,720m) — the last inhabited settlement on the route . From here, the trail winds through the fertile Basha Valley, crossing summer pastures and following the massive Chogo Lungma Glacier toward the base camp .
Trekkers are rewarded with panoramic views of towering peaks including Rakaposhi (7,788m), Diran (7,327m), Haramosh, and Malubiting, alongside the ever-present Golden Peak itself . The route passes through traditional shepherd settlements and offers genuine cultural immersion with the warm Balti people of Gilgit-Baltistan
“Along the ancient Silk Road, every fortress, stone bazaar, and welcoming mountain hearth tells centuries of timeless history and vibrant living heritage.”
Tour Highlights
- Golden Peak Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of Spantik (7,027 m), also known as the "Golden Peak" because it glows gold at sunrise and sunset.
- Chogolungma Glacier: Trek along and across the moraines and icy terrain of the magnificent Chogolungma Glacier.
- Remote Summer Settlements: Pass through scenic alpine meadows and traditional high-altitude shepherd settlements like Mantikura and Khurumal.
- High-altitude camping under the stars – Camp at Spantik Base Camp (approximately 4,300m) in pristine wilderness.
- Comfortable Base Camp: Arrive at a uniquely positioned base camp set on flat platforms off the glacier, complete with dining tents and stunning surrounding peaks.
- The Spantik Peak base camp trek is a scenic high-altitude journey through the Karakoram Range in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, leading to a comfortable base camp at around 4,300 meters
- Explore remote Balti villages – Begin your trek from Arandu, the last village in the Basha Valley.
- Cultural immersion – Meet local shepherds and experience traditional Balti hospitality.
- Walk alongside the Chogo Lungma Glacier – Experience one of the Karakoram's massive glacier systems up closeWalk alongside the Chogo Lungma Glacier – Experience one of the Karakoram's massive glacier systems up close.
Day-by-Day Itinerary (16 Days)
Arrival in Islamabad
Arrive at Islamabad International Airport. Transfer to the hotel followed by an official expedition briefing covering route specifics, equipment inspection, mountain safety guidelines, and high-altitude health protocols.
Islamabad to Gilgit
Board an early morning mountain flight providing aerial views of Nanga Parbat and the Karakoram range. If weather grounds the aircraft, travel begins overland along the Indus River via the Karakoram Highway (KKH). Check-in and gear prep in Gilgit.
Gilgit to Arandu Village
Depart Gilgit by 4WD jeep, heading toward the rugged mountain valleys leading to Arandu—the final permanent settlement before the wild Chogolungma Glacier. Set up camp or stay in a rustic village guesthouse to finalize porter loads.
Arandu Village to Chogolungma Base Camp (Khurchumpun)
The foot journey begins. Cross glacial runoffs and follow lateral meadows and ablation valleys along the terminal tongue of Chogolungma Glacier. A steady, gradual climb helps begin the acclimatization process. Overnight at tented camp.
Chogolungma Camp to Bolocho Camp
Trek deeper into the Karakoram wilderness across lateral moraines, debris-covered ice, and rock-strewn trails. The route delivers views of hanging séracs and surrounding unnamed 6,000 m granite peaks.
Bolocho Camp to Spantik Base Camp
Traverse the upper shelves of the glacier onto the grassy ablation terrace that hosts Spantik Base Camp. Pitch camp directly beneath the massive Southeast Ridge and Golden Wall of Spantik (7,027 m).
Exploration & Active Acclimatization at Base Camp
An easy day focused on respiratory adaptation and rest. Walk along the ridge for views of Spantik's snow ramparts, monitor hydration, and capture the morning and sunset light hitting the summit wall.
Glacier Exploration & High Viewpoint Hike
Take an active day-hike toward the upper glacier and lower approaches to Camp 1. Trek across lateral ridges for expansive panoramas of the Karakoram giants, practicing the "climb high, sleep low" rule before descending back to camp.
Rest & Mountain Recovery
A full recovery day designed to replenish energy before the multi-day descent. Trekkers relax, read, interact with guides and porters, and prepare personal gear for the return trek.
Spantik Base Camp to Bolocho Camp
Pack down base camp and retrace the route down the Chogolungma valley. Descending to lower altitudes brings easier breathing, warmer temperatures, and faster trail speeds over the rocky moraine paths.
Bolocho Camp to Chogolungma Camp
Continue downward along glacial streams and boulder fields. Camp once more on the grassy margins of the glacier tongue.
Chogolungma Camp to Arandu Village
Final trekking stage heading back into Arandu. Re-enter terraced farmland and village life. Celebrate the completion of the trek with the local expedition crew and porters.
Arandu Village to Gulmit Upper Hunza
Board jeeps from Arandu and connect back to the Karakoram Highway, driving north into Central Hunza. Enjoy unobstructed views of Rakaposhi (7,788 m), Diran, and Ladyfinger Peak. Check into a hotel in Gulmit.
Cultural Sightseeing in Gulmit Upper Hunza
Explore the stunning landmarks of Upper Hunza (Gojal), starting with the historical charm of Gulmit, traditional old house, Hussaini Suspension Bridge, Borith Lake and boat ride Attabad Lake.
Gulmit - Gilgit to Islamabad
Drive back to Gilgit Airport for the flight back to Islamabad. Check into the hotel and gather for an evening farewell dinner. (Note: If flights are delayed, this day accommodates the road return).
Final Departure from Islamabad
Transfer from the hotel to Islamabad International Airport for onward international flights home.
What's Included & Excluded
Package Inclusions
- Transport & Transfers: All domestic flights and ground transportation included.
- Accommodations: Twin-sharing hotel stays and high-grade trekking camps (including D3V sleeping tents, toilet tents, and shower tents).
- Meals & Catering: Full board (daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner) prepared by our dedicated camp cook and kitchen staff.
- Permits & Official Fees: Complete government trekking permits, official paperwork, bridge tolls, campsite fees, and mandatory waste management dues.
- Logistics & Camp Gear: Comprehensive trekking logistics, communal gear, and non-personal equipment.
- Dedicated Crew: Licensed professional mountain guide, kitchen assistants, and porters (up to 15 kg personal luggage allowance per guest).
- Safety & Emergency Support: Comprehensive first-aid medical kit and satellite phone connectivity for emergency communication.
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.
Trek & Route Map
Interactive geographical route & terrain map for Spantik Peak Base Camp Trek
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 trek?
Participants should be in good physical shape and capable of trekking over mixed terrain for several hours a day. You'll be walking on rocky trails and glacier moraine, so a solid base of fitness and some prior hiking experience will make the trek far more enjoyable.
You should feel comfortable carrying your own daypack throughout the trek. Porter support is provided for your main duffle bag (see luggage allowance below), so you only need to carry what you need for the day.
The longest and most demanding day on the trek is the approach to base camp, when you'll be on your feet for a full day of walking. Save some energy for it!
What is the maximum altitude on the trek?
The trek takes you to Spantik Base Camp, situated on the glacier below the peak. This is a high-altitude environment, so you'll be ascending gradually to allow proper acclimatization. (The summit itself, at 7,029 m / 23,058 ft, is only reached by those continuing on the climbing expedition.)
What kind of visa do I need for Pakistan?
You will need a Pakistani tourist visa to enter the country and join this trek. Epic provides all the paperwork required for your visa application, which is usually submitted about 3 months before the trip starts.
Do I need mountaineering experience?
No mountaineering experience is required for the trek itself. You should, however, be comfortable walking on uneven, rocky, and glacial terrain, and be prepared for variable mountain weather. Basic fitness and a spirit of adventure are the key requirements.
Hotels and Accommodation (Pre/Post Trek)
Islamabad: 4-star accommodation in a central area.
Skardu: 3-star accommodation near the main market street.
Trip prices are based on shared rooms/tents; single members of the same sex are typically paired together.
In Skardu, we use comfortable but simple guesthouses/hotels without air-conditioning (rooms have fans). Islamabad rooms do have AC.
If you wish to bring your own tent for the trek, make sure it is sturdy enough for rocky glacier terrain, high winds, and snowfall.
Note: Any items you don't want to bring on the trek can be safely stored with our team in Skardu before departure.
Single Room Supplement: $600 to reserve a single hotel room for the trip.
Arrival and Departure in Islamabad
You will need to book round-trip flights into and out of Islamabad International Airport.
We recommend arriving one day before the trek starts, to shake off jet lag and allow a buffer for schedule changes or flight delays.
We will arrange an airport pickup and shuttle to the hotel if you arrive within 24 hours of the tour start. If you arrive earlier, we can still arrange the pickup at cost (around $20 USD).
What will the food be like in Pakistan?
Breakfast: Omelet/fried eggs, fried Pakistani bread (paratha), pancakes, jam, Nutella, honey, plus green tea or French press coffee.
Lunch: A packed lunch is issued daily—ideal for trekking, since you can stop and eat whenever you like. A typical lunch includes a boiled egg and potato, chapatis (local flat bread), cheese, dried nuts/chocolate, and sweets.
Dinner: The main event! We hire the same cooks every year because they deliver our custom, top-notch menu. After the nightly soup course, dinner is a mix of curry vegetables, rice, noodle dishes (such as chow mein or pasta with red sauce), daal (lentils), meat (mutton or chicken), French fries, and salad.
Dessert: Something different every night—expect fresh mangoes and melon during the first week of the trek.
Note: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free diets can be accommodated.
On the trek, lunches and snacks are supplemented with tea and energy-packed treats along the way.
Luggage Allowance on the Trek
Each team member has a 25 kg (55 lb) porter allowance to base camp. Members only need to carry a daypack while trekking—containing just daily essentials such as water, snacks, layers, and sunscreen.
If your duffle bag exceeds 25 kg, you will need to pay for the additional weight. The cost is determined on the ground, as porter prices vary by season.
Is there electricity and Wi-Fi during the trek?
There is no Wi-Fi once we leave Skardu. At base camp, we bring a petrol generator and/or solar panels so the team can charge batteries, power banks, and phones. The generator runs for 3–4 hours each night.
