Spantik Peak Expedition Pakistan
Spantik Peak, the 7,027-meter Golden Peak, commands attention in the Karakoram range of Pakistan. Tucked in the remote Hushe Valley, it beckons global mountaineers to test their mettle and conquer its summit. Located 200 kilometres northeast of Skardu in Gilgit-Baltistan, Spantik Peak promises an exhilarating expedition amid pristine landscapes and rich cultural heritage, creating an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Himalayas.
Expedition Highlights:
- Journey Through the Karakoram Range:
- Trek to Spantik Mountain Base Camp:
- Aerial Views of Majestic Peaks:
- Exploration of Ancient Baltistan Kingdom
- Scenic Wonders of Shigar Valley
- Spectacular Mountain Vistas Throughout
- Climbing and Mountaineering Adventure
- Cultural Immersion in Islamabad
- Flexibility with Contingency Day
- Awe-Inspiring Memories
Weather:
The weather conditions on Spantik Peak are typically harsh and unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from -20 °C to 10°C (- 4°F to 50°F) throughout the year. The climbing season generally runs from June to September, when the weather is relatively stable and the skies are clear. However, sudden storms and snowfall can occur anytime, even during summer.
Routes:
Spantik Peak offers several routes to the summit, each with unique challenges and rewards. Following are the routes of Spantik Peak:
Southeast Ridge:
The Southeast Ridge is the most popular route to Spantik Peak due to its relatively moderate technical difficulty and well-established trail. The route begins at the Spantik Base Camp, approximately 4,500 meters (14,764 feet). From there, climbers follow a glacier and moraine terrain, gradually gaining elevation until they reach Camp I at Five thousand one hundred meters (16,732 feet).
North Ridge:
The North Ridge is a more challenging and technical route than the Southeast Ridge, offering a more direct line to the summit. This route is recommended for experienced mountaineers with strong technical skills and a high fitness level. The North Ridge starts at the Spantik North Col, approximately 5,800 meters (19,029 feet). From there, climbers ascend a steep, exposed ridge with rock, snow, and ice sections. The route becomes increasingly difficult towards the summit, with sections reaching an angle of 50 degrees.
West Ridge:
The West Ridge is the most challenging route to Spantik Peak, reserved for highly experienced mountaineers with exceptional technical skills and a strong sense of adventure. This route is known for its complex terrain and demanding climbing conditions, making it a true test of mountaineering expertise. The West Ridge starts at the Spantik West Glacier, approximately 5,000 meters (16,404 feet). From there, climbers ascend steep ridges and ice walls, navigating through crevasses and exposed terrain. The route culminates in a final summit push involving a technical ice climb.
First Ascent:
Spantik Peak was first ascended in 1955 by a German expedition led by Karl Kramer. Since then, the mountain has been successfully climbed numerous times, attracting mountaineers from various countries seeking to conquer its challenging slopes. The most common route to the summit follows the Southeast Ridge, which offers a mix of technical climbing and high-altitude trekking.
Tour detail:
D-1) ARRIVAL DAY IN ISLAMABAD:
Welcome to Pakistan. Most international flights arrive at Islamabad International Airport in the mornings. Your Guide will meet and greet you at the airport, then you will be transferred to the hotel. The rest of the days are free to recover from your journey. Later in the day, when everyone has arrived, we will have a group briefing about the Spantik Expedition. Depending on the time available to us, there may be an option to do some sightseeing in Islamabad, A purpose-built City in 1961 as the new capital of Pakistan.
- Accommodation
- Hill View Hotel or Similar
- Meals
- Dinner.
D-2) ISLAMABAD TO SKARDU FLIGHT (2,230m) 45 MINUTES:
If the flight is cancelled, we will drive on KKH to Chilas, Isb to Chilas, 461km. 8-9 Hours Drive.
Today you will take a spectacular mountain view flight (weather permitting) across the mountains to Skardu, the Capital of Baltistan. It’s a 45-minute flight which offers Spectacular Mountains views of the Himalayas & Karakoram mountain range, you can also enjoy the breathtaking views of the world’s 9th highest peak, Nanga Parbat (8,126m), if the weather is clear then you might be able to see K2 and Gondogoro Pass as well. You will arrive in Skardu around lunchtime, after lunch, you may want to visit the local Bazars, historical fort, Sadpara Lake or visit the ancient rock inscriptions, 8th-century Manthal Lord Buddha Rock that show traces of Buddhist monks and pilgrims who influenced the area before Islam.
- Accommodation
- Summit Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
D-3) SIGHTSEEING & PREPARATION DAY, SKARDU:
In the morning you will walk up to the remains of Kharpocho Fort (built early 1700), which overlooks the town and has a great view of the Indus River. If you are into photography then this is a perfect location to take photos of Skaradu Town at sunrise or sunset. (we can arrange this for you). We will then walk to a small village, called Organic Village, which grows all its crops organically. Afternoon is free to explore. perhaps you would like to take an optional jeep tour to Satpara Lake or explore the local bazaar.
- Accommodation
- Summit Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
D-4) DRIVE TO ARANDU (2,950m) 7 HOURS DRIVE:
Following day you will be driven in a jeep to Braldu Village. You will pass through Hot Sulpher Spring (Chu Tron), which is famous for hot bath pools. The jeep track goes up the valley to the beautiful village of Doko, from where you will trek to Arandu, the last village at the snout of Chogo Lungma Glacier. Your Adventure Trip will start through walnut groves and then go up and down the hillside with a beautiful view of cultivated fields and villages on the other side of the river. It is an easy walk up to Sesko Village, beyond Sesko it will get harder to walk on the slippery stones due to landslides.
- Accommodation
- Summit Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
D-5) TREK TO BUKHUM, 6 HOURS WALK:
From Arandu to Bukhum is a beautiful walk, Bukhum is a summer settlement. You will follow the Basha River up to the snout of the Chogo Lungma Glacier. After crossing the Glacier you will follow the northern lateral moraine to Bukhum.
- Accommodation
- Summit Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
D-6) TREK TO KHURUMAL, 6 HOURS WALK:
After breakfast, you will continue the trekking session of Spantik Expedition to Khuruma camp. Today you will be able to see the majestic pyramid of Spantik Mountain. You will pass through a summer settlement of Manchikera. You will be camping at Khurmal, a summer settlement for the locals.
- Accommodation
- Summit Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
D-7) TREK TO BOLOCHO (3,900m) 4-HOURS WALK:
Today will be an easy walking day of your Spantik Expedition. Khurumal to BoluchoI is a relatively short stage. Passing through the summer settlement of Gharincho and a small lake and enjoying the excellent views of Spantik and Laila Peak, we reach Bolucho, situated at the base of the Bolucho Glacier. We will camp on the green ground with fresh Glacier water around.
- Accommodation
- Summit Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
D-8) TREK TO SPANTIK BASE CAMP (3,760m) 4-HOURS WALK:
After Breakfast, you will head towards the Base Camp of Spantik Mountain. Today will be a relatively easy and short walk, perfect for acclimatisation.
- Accommodation
- Summit Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day-9-24) CLIMBING & ACCLIMATISING PERIOD:
Non- guided climbing period of Spantik Peak will start from today onwards. During the climbing period, our staff will be at base camp to help and assist you. Our professional chef will make delicious and nutritious food, which we believe plays a great role in climbing mountains.
- Accommodation
- Summit Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
D-25) TREK BACK TO BOLOCHO, 4 HOURS WALK:
After the climbing period of “Spantik Expedition”, you will follow the same travel Itinerary back to Islamabad.
