Your Spantik Base Camp Trek begins as you arrive in Islamabad. Upon landing, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from Skardu Trekkers, who will be easily identifiable at the airport holding a sign with our company’s logo. To ensure a smooth pickup, please provide your flight details 3 to 4 days before arrival. After being greeted, you’ll be transferred to our partner hotel near the scenic Margalla Hills. This first day offers a chance to relax after your journey. If you arrive late, payments and a detailed briefing about the trek will be conducted in Skardu. You’ll be staying in a comfortable hotel room on a twin-sharing basis, where you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast, lunch, and dinner to prepare for the days ahead.

On the second day of the Spantik Base Camp Trek, you will take a morning flight to Skardu, the gateway to the Karakoram range and the central hub for all expeditions and treks in the region. This flight provides an incredible aerial view of the majestic Himalayas and Karakoram mountains, including the towering Nanga Parbat. Upon landing in Skardu, our local team will meet you at the airport and escort you to the hotel. If you arrive early, there will be time to rest and perhaps explore the local bazaar and the surrounding areas of Skardu city. Accommodations will be provided in a twin-sharing hotel room, and all meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—will be served, ensuring you’re well-nourished for the trek ahead.

Skardu is a picturesque town situated along the Indus River, surrounded by stunning mountains. This day is dedicated to preparing for the Spantik Base Camp Trek. After a nourishing breakfast, we will review and finalize all gear and equipment needed for the trek. Any missing items can be purchased or rented locally. Once preparations are complete, we’ll take an acclimatization hike to the historic Kharpocho Fort, perched above the town. The fort offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Indus River, Skardu, and the surrounding mountain ranges. This excursion not only helps with acclimatization but also gives you a taste of the natural beauty you’ll encounter on the trek. After the hike, you’ll return to your hotel, where you’ll rest and enjoy a well-prepared dinner. The night will be spent in a comfortable twin-sharing room.

The fourth day marks the start of your journey to Arando, the last village in the Shigar Valley before reaching Spantik Peak. We will depart early in the morning, embarking on a 5-7 hour jeep drive that takes us deep into the heart of the Karakoram range. The drive begins with a scenic half-hour journey through the lush Shigar Valley, known for its green fields and the Shigar River. This valley is also home to the world’s second-highest peak, K2. As we travel further, the valley narrows, and the landscape becomes more rugged. After about three hours, we will reach Chutron Village, famous for its natural hot spring. Here, we will stop for a relaxing bath and lunch before continuing our journey. The final leg of the drive to Arando takes 2-3 hours, following the course of the Basha River. Upon arrival in Arando, we will meet our porters, climbing assistants, and kitchen crew, who will accompany us for the rest of the trek. Camps will be set up, and you’ll be served tea with cookies and snacks to refresh you after the drive. Dinner will be enjoyed in the mess tent, and you’ll spend the night in a fully serviced campsite, sharing a tent with a fellow trekker.

The fifth day marks the beginning of the trekking portion of the Spantik Base Camp Trek. The trail from Arando village starts by following a green path alongside the glacier. This route leads through lush summer pastures known as ChogoBrangsa, which translates to "Huge Lodge." The trek to Chogobrangsa Camp will take approximately 6-8 hours, covering a distance of about 14 kilometers with an altitude gain of 900 meters. Along the way, you may encounter local shepherds and miners, providing a glimpse into the traditional lifestyles that have persisted in this remote region for centuries. After reaching the camp, you’ll settle into your tent, where you’ll share the space with another trekker. A hot, nutritious meal will be prepared and served to help you recover from the day’s trek. The night will be spent under the stars, surrounded by the serene wilderness.

On the sixth day of the Spantik Base Camp Trek, we will continue our journey towards Balocho Camp. The trail for this segment follows the ridge of the glacier, with only a few sections requiring you to walk directly on the glacier where there is a risk of stonefall. Most of the trek, however, stays on the safer trail alongside the glacier. This day’s trek will take about 5-7 hours, covering a distance of 13-14 kilometers with an altitude gain of 700 meters. As you approach Balocho Camp, you’ll be treated to your first clear view of Spantik Peak, a sight that will motivate and inspire you as you get closer to your goal. Upon arrival at Balocho Camp, tents will be set up for you, and a warm meal will be served. The night will be spent in a tent on a twin-sharing basis, with the sounds of the glacier and the towering peaks as your backdrop.

The seventh day is the final and most exhilarating part of the Spantik Base Camp Trek. The trail today is entirely on the Chogolungma Glacier, leading directly to Spantik Base Camp. The trek will take about 5-6 hours, covering a distance of 13-14 kilometers with a 500-meter altitude gain. As you traverse the glacier, the magnificent Spantik Peak will rise before you, signaling the culmination of your journey. Upon reaching Spantik Base Camp, we will set up our camps, where you will stay for the next two weeks. The evening will be spent settling in and taking in the awe-inspiring surroundings. You’ll enjoy a hot meal and sleep in a tent shared with a fellow trekker, at an altitude of 4,300 meters.

After several days of trekking, Day 8 is designated as a rest day at Spantik Base Camp. This day is an opportunity to acclimate to the high altitude, explore the base camp area, and enjoy photography and sightseeing. The base camp offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers, providing ample opportunities to capture the beauty of the Karakoram range. You’ll also have time to relax and recharge, preparing for the journey back. All meals will be served at the camp, and you’ll spend another night in a tent on a twin-sharing basis.

On the ninth day, we begin the trek back from Spantik Base Camp to Balocho Camp. This return journey retraces the steps taken earlier, allowing you to revisit the breathtaking landscapes from a different perspective. The trek back to Balocho will take about 5-7 hours, and you will cover the same distance of 13-14 kilometers, with a gradual descent. Upon arrival at Balocho Camp, you’ll find your tent already set up, ready to provide a cozy retreat after a day of trekking. A hot meal will be prepared, and you’ll spend the night in the same campsite as before, with the comfort of shared company in your tent.

The tenth day of the Spantik Base Camp Trek involves completing the trek back to Arando village. The journey will take you through familiar terrain, with opportunities to reflect on the adventure and the accomplishments of the past days. After reaching Arando, we will take a brief rest before embarking on the jeep drive back to Skardu. On the way, we will stop once again at Chutron Village for lunch and another relaxing bath in the hot spring. After rejuvenating, we’ll continue our drive to Skardu, where you’ll be welcomed back to the hotel. The evening offers a chance to unwind, enjoy a well-deserved meal, and sleep in a comfortable hotel room, with all meals included to ensure you end the day feeling refreshed.

This day is reserved as a contingency in case of flight delays or cancellations. However, if all goes as planned, you can use this day to explore more of Skardu or simply relax after the trek. There are various attractions around Skardu, including visits to nearby lakes, forts, or a leisurely walk through the bazaars. You’ll be staying in the same hotel, enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as you savor the memories of the Spantik Base Camp Trek.

On the twelfth day of the Spantik Base Camp Trek, you will fly back to Islamabad from Skardu. This return flight will once again offer stunning aerial views of the mountains, bringing your adventure full circle. Upon arrival in Islamabad, you will be transferred back to the hotel for one final night. This evening is an opportunity to reflect on the journey, perhaps sharing stories with fellow trekkers over dinner. Accommodation will be provided in a twin-sharing hotel room, with all meals included to cap off your trekking experience.

As your Spantik Base Camp Trek comes to an end, we will arrange for your transfer to Islamabad International Airport. With the memories of an incredible adventure fresh in your mind, you’ll bid farewell to the Skardu Trekkers team. We hope you leave with a sense of achievement and look forward to welcoming you on another trek in the future. Safe travels!