Spantik, a mountain affectionately dubbed “Golden Peak”, stands tall in the Karakoram Range in Gilgit-Baltistan at an impressive 7,027 meters. Situated between the Shigar and Nagar valleys, it is renowned for its golden hues as it greets both the rising and setting sun.

Among the "easier" of the Pakistan 7,000m climbs, Spantik ranks Alpine PD (Peu Difficile) - or "relatively easy". For that reason, it makes a great warm-up before tackling giants like K2 or Everest.

The best climbing season for the Southeast Ridge is between late June and late August. Within this time window the weather is the most stable in the Karakoram and the snow conditions on the Southeast Ridge are the most appropriate for an attempt at the summit.

Yes, although the technical section is not very long you should have prior knowledge of using crampons, ice axes, fixed lines and have the ability to work on fixed lines. You should have a 5000m and preferably a 6000m mountain to ensure that you can deal with the rigours of altitude.

Standard expeditions take about 28-30 days to complete. This includes travelling from Islamabad to Skardu and the trek to Base Camp. There is a 15-18 day window to spend in acclimatisation and attempting to ascend to the peak.

The most frequently utilized and safest route is theSoutheast Ridgevia theChogolungma Glacier. It affords a somewhat less taxing expedition with predominantly 30 degrees-45 degree pitches and few serious objective risks such as regular avalanches.

We usually set up three camps above Base Camp.

Camp 1 at 5,100m

Camp 2 at 5,600m

Camp 3 at 6,250m - this will be the final take off point.

HAPs - A key role. They do most of the lifting for group gear, like the tents, fuel, and food. They help set the safety ropes on the more steep, technical parts from Camp 2 to Camp 3.

Since Spantik is a little over 7,000m most climbers attempt Spantik without the assistance of supplemental oxygen. Nevertheless, if you desire supplemental oxygen, we can facilitate it with sufficient prior notice for personal use or emergency situations.

Diet: A High-Energy and Nutritious diet is provided. Base Camp Food: We use experienced chefs for our delicious fresh, local, and continental meals. Upper Camp Food: Lightweight, high-calorie dehydrated food, and energy snacks are served to keep you active and well-nourished at higher camps.

Our itineraries are "symmetrical" which includes built-in rest days in our climbing schedule allowing for acclimatization as your body naturally adapts to altitude. Our guides are equipped with pulse oximeters for your daily readings, as well as an emergency medical kit to proactively deal with any issues.

For climbing Spantik, a mountaineering permit has to be procured from the Gilgit-Baltistan Council. Being the licensed operator, Black Yak Adventure takes care of all the governmental procedures for the climbing permit including obtaining the LOI (Letter of Invitation) for your visa.

Spantik's success rate is also reasonably good for 7,000 meter peaks (about 85-95%). Weather and climber's fitness level are important to success rate.

In case of a serious emergency we coordinate with Askari Aviation to use their helicopter service for evacuations. It is obligatory for every climber to possess insurance that will cover their high altitude rescue at a high altitude to 7,000m.

Our service offers a solution for your emergency communications needs as well as routine day to day communication with those on the ground. Signal strength may vary in the valley areas on the local mobile phone networks; for the mountain we will use satellite.

We believe in eco balance, that is why all the trash of the expedition is gathered, brought down to Skardu, where we have a proper disposal. In fact, the government charges a "Waste Management Fee" from us for cleaning the park.

We merge the finest local expertise with international standards for safety. Our guides live and know these mountains intimately. In other words, we understand weather and conditions much better than any foreign agency.