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Spantik Base Camp Trek in the Karakoram mountains of Pakistan
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2026 Karakoram trek

Spantik Base Camp Trek

Trek from Arandu to the 4,300–4,360m Spantik Base Camp beneath Golden Peak through a remote corner of Pakistan’s Karakoram.

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Highest point

4,300–4,360 m

Trip length

18 days

Difficulty

Moderate to challenging

Best season

June – September

Group size

4–12 people

Region

Arandu & Spantik Glacier

About the trek

Spantik Base Camp Trek 2026

Spantik Base Camp Trek begins near Arandu in the Shigar region and follows a remote glacier approach through Bukum and Khurmal. The destination lies beneath 7,027-metre Spantik, widely known as Golden Peak.

Reaching base camp involves moraine, glacier walking and sustained ascents but no summit climbing. Gradual pacing and a base-camp rest day support acclimatization while allowing time to enjoy the surrounding ice and rock scenery.

Spantik or Golden Peak base camp

Arandu village and glacier approach

Remote Bukum and Khurmal camps

Non-technical Karakoram base-camp objective

Day-by-day route

Detailed trek itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Arrive Islamabad

    Reception and briefing.

  2. Day 2

    Fly to Skardu

    Mountain flight or road contingency.

  3. Day 3

    Skardu preparation

    Organize permits and loads.

  4. Day 4

    Shigar Valley

    Drive deeper into Shigar.

  5. Day 5

    Skardu to Arandu

    Reach the final village and trailhead.

  6. Day 6

    Arandu to Bukum

    Begin the glacier-side approach.

  7. Day 7

    Bukum to Khurmal

    Continue through moraine and alpine terrain.

  8. Day 8

    Spantik approach camp

    Gain altitude toward the Golden Peak basin.

  9. Day 9

    Spantik Base Camp

    Reach base camp around 4,300–4,360 m.

  10. Day 10

    Base camp rest day

    Explore, photograph and acclimatize.

  11. Day 11

    Return to Bukum

    Descend from base camp.

  12. Day 12

    Bukum to Arandu

    Complete the return trek.

  13. Day 13

    Drive to Skardu

    Return from Arandu.

  14. Day 14

    Skardu rest day

    Weather and recovery buffer.

  15. Day 15

    Fly to Islamabad

    Return flight when operating.

  16. Day 16

    Contingency day

    Allow for flight or road delays.

  17. Day 17

    Islamabad

    Debriefing and city time.

  18. Day 18

    Departure

    Airport transfer.

Trek experience

Fully supported Karakoram camping

The local team manages permits, transport, porter logistics, camps and meals so trekkers can focus on safe pacing and the landscape. Exact camps remain flexible for trail, glacier and weather conditions.

What is covered

Included & not included

Included

  • Airport assistance and scheduled in-country transfers
  • Hotels in Islamabad and Skardu
  • Domestic transport in the planned itinerary
  • Trekking permits and local coordination
  • All meals during camping days
  • Experienced guide, cook and porter team
  • Group camping, kitchen and dining equipment
  • Staff wages, meals and insurance

Not included

  • International flights and Pakistan visa
  • Personal clothing, boots and sleeping bag
  • Travel and helicopter evacuation insurance
  • Tips, personal expenses and unlisted meals
  • Costs caused by weather delays or early return

Preparation

Fitness & essential skills

Prepare with sustained hill walking, a loaded daypack and consecutive long days. Bring broken-in boots, layered clothing and insurance covering trekking and evacuation to 4,300–4,360 m.

Common questions

Spantik Base Camp Trek FAQ

Is the itinerary fixed?

No. Flights, roads, glacier conditions, acclimatization and weather can change the schedule.

Is technical experience required?

Technical climbing is not normally required, but glacier awareness, excellent fitness and confidence on rough terrain are important.

What should I send with my enquiry?

Share your trekking history, highest altitude, preferred dates and group size so we can prepare the right plan.

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