Spantik Expedition
Northern Areas Pakistan
5.0/5
100% of guests recommend
Duration
28 Days
Tour Type
7000m peaks in pakistan
Group Size
12 persons
Location
Gilgit Baltistan
Overview
Spantik Peak Expedition (7,027m)
The Spantik Peak Expedition offers a rare chance to climb above 7,000 meters in the spectacular Karakoram under relatively safe, manageable conditions. Our classic line follows the southeast ridge from Shigar Valley—well away from the busier trekking and expedition corridors—delivering big-mountain experience without excessive objective hazard.
At 7,027 m, Spantik (Golden Peak) is widely considered an ideal stepping stone for 8,000m objectives. With its straightforward snow-and-ice terrain and efficient logistics, it’s the perfect next move if you’ve already summited a 6,000m peak or completed demanding Karakoram/Himalayan treks.
Why Choose Spantik?
- 8000m Preparation: Often called a “training station” for higher Himalayan goals.
- Intermediate Grade: Snow/ice climb (approx. Grade II) with fixed ropes on key sections.
- High Value: Lower overall cost compared to many Karakoram expeditions.
- Grand Vistas: Panoramas of Rakaposhi, Diran, Ultar, Haramosh, and—on clear days—K2 and Nanga Parbat.
- Cultural Depth: Immersion in Balti hospitality and dramatic Shigar valley landscapes.
Climbing Route & Camp Plan
From Skardu, a 6–7 hour jeep ride reaches Arando (Shigar Valley). Trekking proceeds over glacial and moraine terrain to base camp on the Chogolungma Glacier.
- Base Camp: 4,360 m
- Camp I: 5,100 m
- Camp II: 5,500 m
- Camp III: 6,250 m
The southeast ridge provides a direct, comparatively safe line; technical passages are protected with fixed ropes.
Climbing History
The southeast ridge was first attempted in 1906 by Fanny and William Bullock-Workman (to ~6,700 m). The first ascent via this line came in 1955 by a German team, after which the route has seen strong, consistent success in suitable conditions.
Who Can Join?
Ideal for men and women worldwide who:
- Are in solid physical condition with prior altitude experience.
- Have climbed a 5,000–6,000 m peak (e.g., Island Peak, Aconcagua, Denali, Ama Dablam, Mustagata, Alpamayo) or completed demanding treks such as K2 Base Camp or Everest Base Camp.
Expedition Costs
Fixed Departure (Full Board, 28 Days): USD $6,050
| Solo Price | 2 to 4 Person | 5 to 8 Person |
|---|---|---|
| $9,000 | $7,000 | $5,800 |
- Optional High-Altitude Porter / Personal Climbing Guide: $1,500 additional
We also provide Base Camp services only for independent alpinists. Private and customized departures for companies, clubs, families, and charities are available with volume discounts.
Why Travel With Us
As Karakoram natives, we pair deep local knowledge with professional logistics, seasoned guides, and robust safety standards. We operate responsibly, packing out all waste from base camp to help preserve these mountains for future climbers.
Ready to step up to a 7,000m summit and build toward an 8,000m goal? Contact us to discuss dates, private options, or to join a fixed departure.
We employ local staff and strictly follow Leave No Trace—bringing all waste back from Base Camp.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad
Location: Islamabad | Altitude: 540 m
Welcome to Pakistan! Our staff will greet you at Islamabad International Airport (look for our company placard) and transfer you to our partner hotel near the Margalla Hills. Please share your flight details 3–4 days prior to arrival. After check-in and rest, remaining expedition dues—if any—can be settled. If you arrive late, formal briefings will be completed in Skardu.
- Accommodation: Hotel (twin share)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Fly to Skardu
Location: Skardu | Altitude: 540 m → 2,228 m
Morning flight to Skardu—the logistics hub for Karakoram expeditions. On clear days, the flight offers views of the Himalaya and Karakoram, including Nanga Parbat. Our local team will meet you at the airport and escort you to the hotel. With early arrival, we’ll have time to rest and stroll the local bazaar or Skardu’s scenic outskirts.
- Accommodation: Hotel (twin share)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Rest & Gear Check in Skardu
Location: Skardu | Altitude: 2,230 m
After breakfast, we complete a thorough equipment check and rent/purchase any missing items. If time allows, we take an acclimatization hike to the historic Kharpocho Fort for sweeping views over the Indus River and Skardu town.
- Accommodation: Hotel (twin share)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Drive to Arando
Location: Arando | Altitude: 2,720 m
We depart early by jeep for Arando—the last village of Shigar Valley on the approach to Spantik. The 5–7 hour drive follows the Shigar River through fertile fields before narrowing into dramatic mountain gorges along the Basha River. En route, we stop at Chutron to enjoy a hot spring and lunch, then continue to Arando. Here our porter team, climbing assistants, and kitchen crew join. Camp is established and tea with snacks is served, followed by dinner in the mess tent.
- Accommodation: Tent (twin share)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Trek to Chogo Brangsa
Location: Chogo Brangsa | Altitude: 3,400 m
Our first trekking day follows a pastoral trail from Arando to the summer pastures of Chogo Brangsa (“large lodge”). Expect 6–8 hours on mixed terrain with gentle elevation gain. You’ll likely meet shepherds and small mining groups along the way.
Distance/Elevation: ~14 km, +900 m
- Accommodation: Tent (twin share)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Trek to Balocho
Location: Balocho | Altitude: 3,800 m
An early start along the glacier’s lateral moraine and intermittent ice sections leads us to Balocho. Short patches may involve loose rock or minor stonefall hazard; guides will set a safe pace.
Distance/Elevation: ~13–14 km, +700 m. First clear views of Spantik often appear from this camp.
- Accommodation: Tent (twin share)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Trek to Spantik Base Camp
Location: Spantik Base Camp | Altitude: 4,340 m
A full day on the Chogolungma Glacier brings us to Spantik Base Camp—our home for the climbing phase.
Distance/Elevation: ~13–14 km, +500 m (5–6 hours)
- Accommodation: Tent (twin share)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 8–23: Acclimatization & Climbing
Location: Spantik Peak | Altitude: 4,340 m – 7,027 m
Rotations between Base Camp and higher camps (C1 ~5,100 m, C2 ~5,500 m, C3 ~6,250 m) for acclimatization, load carries, and summit preparation on the southeast ridge. Our kitchen and support crew remain at Base Camp throughout; the porter team returns to Arando until the return trek.
- Accommodation: Tents (twin share)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 24: Trek Back to Chogo Brangsa
Location: Chogo Brangsa | Altitude: 3,800 m
With the climbing phase complete, we descend from Base Camp, retracing the glacier to Balocho and onward toward Chogo Brangsa with our porter team and staff.
- Accommodation: Tent (twin share)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 25: Trek to Arando & Drive to Skardu
Location: Arando → Skardu | Altitude: 2,230 m
We complete the return trek to Arando, then drive back to Skardu. A relaxing stop at the Chutron hot springs with lunch is planned en route. Overnight at our partner hotel in Skardu.
- Accommodation: Hotel (twin share)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 26: Contingency Day in Skardu
Location: Skardu | Altitude: 2,230 m
Buffer day to accommodate possible flight delays/cancellations or weather-related adjustments.
- Accommodation: Hotel (twin share)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 27: Fly to Islamabad
Location: Islamabad | Altitude: 540 m
Morning flight back to Islamabad and transfer to the hotel. Time permitting, enjoy a short city visit or rest.
- Accommodation: Hotel (twin share)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 28: Fly to Home Country
Location: Islamabad | Altitude: 540 m
After breakfast, transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your onward flight. Thank you for joining our Spantik Peak Expedition—safe travels and see you on your next Karakoram adventure!
Highlights
- A must-do 7,000m mountain expedition in the Karakoram
- Spectacular approach along the Chogolungma Glacier to Spantik Base Camp
- Traverse the dramatic Basha Valley of Shigar and the remote village of Arando
- Affordable price to climb one of the Karakoram’s most ideal 7,000m training peaks
- Optional sightseeing in Skardu Valley and historic Shigar
- Led by a native Karakoram adventure company with deep local expertise
- Pakistani high-altitude specialists (Sherpa/HAP) with 20+ successful Spantik ascents
- Summit panoramas with views toward multiple 8,000m peaks, weather permitting
- Choose fully guided or alpine-style expedition formats
- Flexible options: Full board / all-inclusive or Base Camp services only
- Additional Sherpa/HAP support available on request
- Fixed departures—great value for climbers on a budget
- Available as private expeditions or fixed-date group trips
Included / Excluded
Deep, indigenous knowledge of the Karakoram mountains
Pakistani High-Altitude Porters (HAP) with 20+ Spantik summits
All domestic flights and overland transfers as per itinerary
Hotel accommodation (twin-sharing basis)
Trekking accommodation (tents / lodgings as available)
All camping site and bridge fees
Full trekking logistics (all non-personal tents, communal gear, tools, etc.)
All meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the trip
Licensed professional guide (as required by government regulations)
Government climbing permits and related paperwork
Waste management fees (government requirement)
Support crew (cook and assistant(s))
Personal porter allowance up to 35 kg per participant during the approach/return trek
Basic first-aid medical kit at camp
Satellite phone available for emergencies (usage policy applies)
D3V sleeping tents, toilet tent, and shower tent at Base Camp
Up to 3 oxygen bottles per person (if required; usage per guide’s protocol)
High-altitude porters on a 1:2 member ratio (load carries / support as planned)
High-altitude tents for upper camps (C1/C2/C3 as applicable)
Technical gear for communal use: ropes, snow bars, ice screws (route equipment)
High-altitude food for climbing rotations and summit push
EPI gas / stove fuel for camps and high camps
BBQ at Spantik Base Camp (weather and conditions permitting)
Emergency rescues/evacuations and associated costs
Summit bonuses, high-altitude cook bonuses, and staff tips/gratuities
Personal gear, clothing, and individual technical equipment
Any service not expressly listed under “Included”
Things to Know
Spantik Peak Difficulty
Spantik Peak Difficulty
Spantik (7,027 m) is widely regarded as one of the more approachable 7,000 m objectives thanks to its largely non-technical, snow-and-ice terrain. That said, it is not a trekking peak. Situated on the border of the Shigar and Nagar valleys, Spantik remains a serious high-altitude undertaking requiring solid fitness, glacier travel skills, and sound judgment. The climb is typically assessed as an intermediate Grade II ascent with manageable objective hazards.
Camp-by-Camp Overview
Camp 1 (~5,100 m)
From Base Camp, the route begins on grassy slopes before gaining a solid rocky ridge to C1. Expect a steady, sometimes steep hike of up to ~3 hours. Sturdy hiking boots usually suffice here in normal conditions.
Camp 2 (~5,650 m)
Above C1, climbers transition to snow travel with crampons and mountaineering boots. The terrain is mostly moderate snow slopes with occasional crevasse crossings. Teams typically travel roped for safety. Depending on conditions, the move from C1 to C2 can take 4–8 hours.
Camp 3 (~6,295 m)
C3 sits on a broad plateau with sweeping views of the Karakoram and Hindu Kush. The climb from C2 includes the steepest snow sections of the route; fixed lines are placed on key pitches for protection during ascent and descent. Expect to use a jumar on ~45° slopes and navigate narrow ridge sections. This is often the most demanding day of the expedition.
Summit Day
From C3, summit pushes typically take 8–12 hours return, carried out in rope teams (alpine style). The route remains on snow with sustained, steady gradients to the summit. Descent to C3 usually takes ~3 hours, weather and conditions permitting, and teams aim to descend as low as possible afterward for recovery.
Spantik Expedition Kit List
Spantik Expedition Kit List
Bags
- Duffle/Kit Bags: One or two heavy-duty 120L duffels (no hard suitcases/wheeled bags). Dry sacks recommended.
- Mountaineering Rucksack (70–80L): For carries between Base Camp and high camps; include a rain cover.
- Daypack (30–40L): For flights, transfers, and trekking days.
- Padlocks ×2: For duffels during transit and hotel storage.
Sleeping Gear
- Sleeping Bags ×2: One high-altitude bag (≈ −25 °C) and one Base Camp bag (≈ −15 °C); quality down, lightweight preferred.
- Mats: Full-length self-inflating mat (BC mat provided). Silk liner recommended.
- Headwear: Warm hats ×2.
- Buff/Scarf: For sun, wind, and dust protection.
- Sunglasses ×2: High UV protection.
- Ski/Snow Goggles: Polarized goggles for stormy/high-glare conditions.
- Sunblock & Lip Balm: Highest SPF for UV exposure at altitude.
Upper Body
- Base Layers ×3: Thermals recommended for higher camps.
- Mid Layers ×2: Lightweight micro-fleece/active insulation pieces.
- Sun/Travel Shirts: Long-sleeve, collared preferred for sun protection.
- Softshell & Hardshell: Wind-resistant softshell plus waterproof-breathable hardshell.
- Light Down/Synthetic Jacket: For Base Camp and layering.
- Waterproof Top: Robust Gore-Tex-type with sealed seams; sized to fit over layers.
- Expedition Down Jacket/Suit: Essential warmth for high camps and summit (~−25 °C with layers).
- Gloves: Multiple pairs for lower camps.
- High-Altitude Mitts: Down/Primaloft mitts with liners for summit days.
- Waterproof Over-Mitts: Critical for cold/wet protection and frostbite prevention.
Lower Body
- Trekking Trousers: Durable, comfortable.
- Shorts: 2–3 pairs (for warm trekking days).
- Waterproof Overtrousers: Gore-Tex-type hardshell.
- Thermal Leggings: Essential insulation layer.
- Underwear: Personal preference/quantity.
Footwear
- High-Altitude Boots: Double/triple boots suitable for 7,000 m (e.g., La Sportiva Spantik or equivalent). Ensure roomy fit with two socks; break in beforehand.
- Trekking Boots/Shoes: With ankle support for approach.
- Trekking Socks ×4: Lightweight wool or equivalent.
- High-Altitude Socks ×3 (min): Warm expedition socks, plus liner socks.
- Gaiters/Shoe Covers: For snow ingress and added insulation.
Technical Equipment
- Climbing Helmet: Durable plastic shell preferred; proper fit.
- Crampons: 12-point mountaineering crampons with anti-balling plates (fit to your boots).
- Ice Axe: Lightweight general mountaineering axe.
- Ascender & Descender: Hand ascender (L/R as preferred) and figure-8 or device; carry a spare where possible.
- Harness: Lightweight mountaineering harness.
Medications
- Personal First-Aid Kit: Pain relief (e.g., ibuprofen/acetaminophen if appropriate), blister care, plasters, antiseptic, oral rehydration salts, muscle rubs, and any personal prescriptions. Keep essentials accessible in your daypack.
Miscellaneous
- Headtorch (plus spare)
- Extra batteries
- Multi-tool/knife
- Camera
- Trekking poles
- Water filter/purifier
- Power bank
Spantik Peak Weather
The prime climbing season is June–September, with July–August offering the most stable conditions. Daytime temperatures at lower elevations can range from ~15–30 °C, while nights at higher camps can be very cold and windy, occasionally dropping below −20 °C. Always prepare for rapid weather changes.
Travel Insurance
Please carry a copy of your travel insurance and emergency contacts. Your policy must explicitly cover high-altitude mountaineering, medical evacuation, and the maximum expedition altitude. Contact us if you need guidance on suitable coverage or documentation.
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