Spantik Base Camp Trek

Q: How difficult is the Spantik Base Camp trek?

Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous For the first couple of days traversing across the Shigar pastures, it’s quite easy. You won’t require any climbing skills, but the final approach requires walking across uneven glacial moraine up towards the Chogo Lungma Glacier.

Q: What is the best time to go?

Your window for the ideal climbing season falls from late June through mid-August. The weather is much more settled at this time of year, and there is not a lot of fresh snow accumulation on the glacier, ensuring better and more clearly marked trails all the way to Base Camp.

Q: Why is it called the "Golden Peak"?

From Nagar side it’s called Ghinesh and its impressive Southeast pillar type ridge gets direct hit from the setting sun; thus making it entire golden glow in evening.

Q: What is the maximum altitude on this trek?

The trip concludes at Spantik Base Camp (4360m / 14304ft). Climbing expeditions can reach the peak at 7027m / 23055ft.

Q: Is altitude sickness (AMS) a concern?

Risk of Acute Mountain Sickness AMS can occur above 3,000m, though this height is less concerning. We organize our itineraries to be in increasing heights starting with our 10 days package where we ascend slowly from Arando 2,950m making acclimatization of body smooth. Our trekking guide keep track of your well being on a daily basis.

Q: How do we get to the starting point?

Our trip starts with a thrilling 4x4 Jeep safari from Skardu to Arando village, an off the beaten path destination located in the valley of Shigar. The safari route follows the course of Basha River, quite an adventure!

Q: What kind of gear do I need?

You will need standard high altitude trekking equipment - walking boots which should be waterproof and support the ankle well, a 15C sleeping bag, down jacket and polarized sunglasses. These will prevent 'glacier blindness' by reflection off the snow.

Q: Will there be electricity or phone signals?

Once you are out of Arando village, there are no mobile networks and no electricity. Please bring along your portable solar charger or power banks. Black Yak Adventure has emergency satellite communications on board.

Q: Is the glacier crossing dangerous?

Chogo Lungma Glacier It’s a big glacier but is very doable. Our very knowledgeable local Shigar guides know which lines we will use to navigate the crevasses and our team sticks together as one group to make progress on the glacier.

Q: What kind of food is served?

You'll be cooked three fresh meals a day by our mountain chefs. Our meals will include plenty of fuel to keep your energy levels up – such as pasta, rice, lentil stew (dal), eggs, and the delicious local Shigar bread. Vegetarian/gluten-free diets are catered for with advance notice.

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Spantik Base Camp Trek with Black Yak Adventure

Discover One of the Karakoram’s Best Kept Secrets! We at Black Yak Adventure are taking you to Spantik Base Camp – a romantic wilderness without the K2 crowds! Spantik (the 7,027m Golden Peak) was once a little known giant of the Karakoram but has rapidly become the prime choice for true adventure seekers because of its less-technical approach and truly spectacular terrain.

The Black Yak Experience: A journey from Shigar to the Golden Throne We trek to Spantik via its southeastern flank in the remote and scenic Shigar Valley.

This is a unique side of the Karakoram where alpine pastures flow directly into vast glacial landscapes. If you are looking for a Karakoram experience that no other trekking route can provide, this is it! The Adventure Begins We begin in Skardu, the administrative center of Baltistan. Our rugged 4×4 Jeeps transport you across lush, green landscapes to the charming, peaceful village of Shigar.

Continue driving along the mighty Basha River to Arando, the last settlement in the valley, and the entry to the high country.

The Path to the Peak Trek through gentle rolling pastures, interspersed with rough, rugged mountain trails, while surrounded by many unseen and unnamed 5000m and 6000m peaks. In the last two days of the trek, the terrain dramatically changes as we begin to traverse the vast ice and rock landscapes of the Chogo Lungma Glacier, leading us up to the Base Camp of Spantik. The “High Altitude Pasture” While local people in Nagar Valley call it Ghinesh (the Queen or the Golden Mountain), the Shigar name Span-Tik means “High Altitude Pasture”.

We choose the Shigar approach for its greater accessibility and relatively gentle landscape.

Why Trek Spantik with Black Yak Adventure?

A Romantic Wilderness: In contrast to the busy K2 trails, the solitude here allows for the purest connection with the silent and stunning peaks of the Karakoram. – Moderate and Rewarding: The trekking terrain is varied with a mixture of flowering meadows and challenging glacial sections, gradually becoming steeper and more rewarding as we ascend toward Base Camp. – A Natural Playground: The Spantik Base Camp, a favored launch pad for many climbers, is essentially an entire “playground” of ice and rock that is spectacular even from Base Camp.

Trip Quick Facts:

Duration: 10 days (Skardu to Skardu)
Max Altitude: 4,360m (Base Camp)
Terrain: Green pastures, Basha River Valley, Chogo Lungma Glacier
Best for: Trekkers seeking an authentic and uncrowded Karakoram experience at higher elevations.

Pricing Details

Solo Person	2-4 Persons	5-10 Persons	11+ Persons
$1,700	$1,599	$1,399	$1,199

Fixed Departures And Costs

Starting Date	Ending Date	Price/Group	Availability
1 July	13 July	$1,199	Available
15 July 2026	28 July 2026	$1,199	Available
1 August	13 August 2026	$1,199	Available
15 August	28 August	$1,199	Available
1 September	13 September	$1,199	Available

Accomodation
4 Star Hotel
Tour Availability
Availability
Wifi
Not Available
Maximum Altitude
4,360m 14,304 Ft
Guide
Guided Tour
Language
English
Payment Method
VISA, Master Card
Transportation
Jeep, Executive Cars
Mineral Water
Available
Hotel Transfer
Available
Best Season
Summer
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking Hours
4-8
Group Size
1 - 18
Trip Type
Paraglidings, Tours, Trekkings
Difficulty
Easy
Altitude
7000+ Metre

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Why Go to Spantik with Black Yak Adventure?

Your Karakoram “Real Deal” It’s not the destination, it’s the trek to Spantik Base Camp (4,360m). With Black Yak Adventure, we’ve refined this off-the-beaten-path itinerary from the Shigar side. Here’s how it stands apart:

The “Romantic Wilderness” of Remote Karakoram While the routes to K2 and Everest get more congested by the season, the approach to Spantik from the Shigar valley remains wild, undeveloped, and gloriously remote.
The Spantik “Golden Hour” Known as the “Golden Peak,” Spantik (7,027m) presents a breathtaking, gargantuan Southeast face. Our guides, trained photographers, will position you for the ultimate “Golden Hour” shot of a lifetime.
Our Shigar Base, For Shigar You’re not going to find us parachuting staff in from a city center; we draw our teams directly from the local communities.

The porters carrying your gear and the guides leading you through the landscape are locals – of the valleys of Arando, right here in Shigar. That means: Real Stories of “Span-Tik”-or “The High Pasture.” You’ll get a deeper insight than you could from a book.

Tour Highlights

The Golden Peak Catch the immense SE face of Spantik (7027m) painted gold by the sun’s setting rays.
“The High Pasture” – To discover the real meaning of Span-Tik while you hike through the special high meadows of Baltistan.
Chogo Lungma Glacier Hike along the most dramatic, dynamic glacial systems in the Karakoram.
Romantic Wilderness Experience a crowd-free trek far from the crowded trails of the K2 Base camp.
Jeep Safari in Shigar Valley Take an adventure packed 4x4 ride to ride through the rich green orchards and rough canyons of the Basha River.
Arando Village: In the last human village of the valley, know the real life and culture of the Balti people.
Your Gateway 7,000er – Close Up One of the most "approachable" and technically least demanding 7,000 meter giants.
Giants' "Playground": Visit a natural arena encircled by many unmarked peaks exceeding 5,000 meters or even 6,000 meters.
Beautiful contrast from the green orchards of Arando to the frozen world of the high glaciers.
Balocho Camp Views Camp at the glacier junction with stunning views over the Spantik massif.
Perfect Acclimatization: Enjoy an expert planned 10 day Itinerary ensuring a gradual and safe ascent to 4360m.
For Photographers: Enjoy clear, crisp views of the jagged ridges and sharp crevasses of the Karakoram in contrast to the more hazy northern regions.
Enjoy our Shigar Locals' Hospitality: Experience treks with our experienced guides and porters, native of Shigar Highlands.
Stargazing Retreat Experience some of the most amazing starry skies with the reflection of the Milky Way seen in snow-capped ‘Golden Peak.’
The definitive "next step" to conquer after Nanga Parbat. Glacial trek with a serious summit challenge.

Day 01 :

Arrival in Islamabad (540m)

Arrive at Islamabad International Airport and be met by our representative from Black Yak Adventure who will then transfer you to the hotel. After a refreshing rest, the day will be spent on the briefing of the tour with a welcome dinner on the outskirt of the margalla hills.

Day 02 :

Flight to Skardu (2,230m)

Fly over the Himalayas and Karakoram This flight will show you an unparalleled birds-eye view of some of the world’s highest peaks including K2 and Nanga Parbat. Landing in Skardu you can take rest at your hotel, if flight cancelled the same route is taken through the Karakoram Highway KKH.

Day 03 :

Preparation & Acclimatization in Skardu

This is a day for essential final equipment checks and last minute permit approvals. Your team will be taking care of all arrangements while you make the most of your day with some leisurely walks by the Upper Kachura Lake or venture into the historical Kharpocho Fort as a way of acclimating to the altitude.

Day 04 :

4x4 Drive to Arando (2,720m)

Adventure actually starts with a strenuous 7-hour Jeep ride to Arando via Shigar valley the last village in the wilderness before you set your first camp amongst the orchards.

Day 05 :

Trek to Chogo Brangsa Camp (3,400m)

Trek begins Our first trekking day – leave the village, and ascend to high altitude pastures. Trail alternates between green meadows and rocky paths as we start our approach towards the Chogo Lungma Glacier.

Day 06 :

Trek to Balocho (3,820m)

On we climb ever further into the Karakoram. This morning, we start hiking by the giants of Chogo Lungma. From our campsite at Balocho you have a view over a number of 5000 and 6000 metre high peaks.

Day 07 :

Reach Spantik Base Camp (4,360m)

The last leg to reach the base camp at "Golden Peak". From now on the ground is mostly glaciated and a little bit inclined. Reached to the mountainer's staging point under the breathtaking SE face of Spantik.

Day 08 :

Rest & Exploration at Spantik Base Camp

Spend the day enjoying the view of the Golden Peak, go hiking to higher views and capture the most incredible pictures or just rest and admire the mountain climbers getting ready for their summit. The complete "Romantic Wilderness" experience.

Day 09 :

Trek Back to Balocho (3,820m)

We start our descent back the way we came from, on the glacier, the peaks of the Shigar valley a new prospect on the way back to our camp in Balocho.

Day 10 :

Trek to Arando & Drive to Skardu

Our last day, after a satisfying long day we return back to Arando Village (3 to 4 hours) to meet our 4x4 Jeep to drive us back to the warmth and luxury of our hotel in Skardu. Traditional Balti dinner to celebrate our trek!

Day 11 :

Contingency Day in Skardu

This is designated as the weather or road block day. If everything is on schedule, this day is for free shopping for souvenirs from Skardu Bazaar or enjoying Sarfaranga cold desert.

Day 12 :

Flight to Islamabad

Morning return flight to Islamabad . On your arrival at Islamabad airport you will be transferred to your hotel . The rest of the day is free to visit Faisal Mosque or have your farewell dinner at Monal the top with panoramic view of city .

Day 13 :

Departure to Home Country

Upon departure to International AirportIslamabad to take your homebound flight our staff will ensure a final drop and this is end of our tour- Black Yak Adventure.