Golden Peak — a classic Karakoram 7,000er
From Skardu to Arandu and the Chogolungma Glacier, establish base camp beneath Spantik for rotations, acclimatization, and summit in a full climbing window.
- 0 days Duration
- 0–0 Group size
- 0 m Summit
- Questions or dates? Contact us
Overview
Spantik, also known as Golden Peak, is a 7,027 m (23,054 ft) mountain in the Karakoram of Pakistan. It sits in the Spantik–Sosbun subrange within Shigar District, Gilgit-Baltistan. Renowned for its golden hue at sunrise and sunset, it is a sought-after objective for mountaineers building toward higher 8,000 m goals.
The expedition begins in Islamabad with team introductions and a welcome dinner. We fly to Skardu, finalize permits and gear checks with your guide and kitchen team, then drive to Arandu via the Shigar Valley — the gateway to the Chogolungma Glacier approach.
After trekking via Chogo Brangsa and Bolocho camps, we establish Spantik Base Camp at 4,360 m. A rest day allows gear and food preparation before acclimatization rotations. Camp I, II, and III lie at approximately 5,100 m, 5,500 m, and 6,250 m; slopes are mostly moderate (about 10°–30°) with occasional steeper sections up to roughly 40°.
A 16-day climbing window is reserved for acclimatization, weather, and summit attempts. After the climb we retrace to Skardu, fly to Islamabad, and close with a celebratory dinner — with a built-in contingency day for domestic flight flexibility.
Highlights
Spantik expedition gallery
Scroll the reel for glacier approaches, high camps, and Golden Peak light — all from our Spantik route photography.
What to expect
Trace the ridgeline below—each cairn opens a short field note so you can read one slice of the journey at a time.
1. Expedition pacing and patience
- A multi-week schedule with a long climbing window; summit depends on weather, snow, and team acclimatization.
- Flexibility is built in for flight delays between Islamabad and Skardu.
2. Altitude and climbing grades
- Summit elevation 7,027 m; high camps near 5,100 m, 5,500 m, and 6,250 m per route briefing.
- Expect mostly moderate snow slopes with short steeper sections; suitable for teams with prior high-altitude experience and solid fitness.
3. Base camp vs. upper mountain
- Comfortable base camp infrastructure (tents, kitchen, solar) supports recovery between rotations.
- Food and tents above base camp are typically climber-managed unless otherwise arranged — confirm details on your planning call.
4. Travel and road days
- Rough 4×4 travel to Arandu; trekking days of roughly 5–8 hours on the approach.
- Domestic flights are weather dependent; road alternatives may extend travel time.
Why choose this trek
1. Iconic “Golden Peak” aesthetics
- Spantik is famous for warm golden light on its faces — memorable photography and motivation during hard days.
2. Logical progression peak
- At 7,027 m, Spantik is a respected step for climbers preparing for bigger Himalayan and Karakoram objectives.
3. Experienced Karakoram operations
- Karakoram Ascents coordinates Skardu-based logistics, permits, kitchen, and staff so you can focus on acclimatization and climbing.
4. Transparent inclusions
- Clear lists of what is included (permits, domestic flights, BC services, HAPs for group gear, etc.) and what is not (international flights, personal insurance, personal climbing gear, food and tents above BC, tips).
Plan your Spantik ascent
Talk with our Spantik expedition team
Share a few details and we will help you choose dates, acclimatization strategy, and the right support level for your experience on Golden Peak.
- Response from our Skardu operations team within 24 hours.
- Climbing window, weather, and fitness advice tailored to your profile.
- No commitment required before your planning call.
Day by day itinerary
Spantik expedition itinerary — day-by-day overview
Day 1: Arrive Islamabad International Airport
Upon arrival at Islamabad Airport, you will be welcomed by a member of our team.
You will then be transferred to your hotel to rest and refresh after your journey. We highly recommend arriving in Islamabad at least one day prior to the start of the trip, allowing enough time to relax, adjust, and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Fly to Skardu
We take an early morning flight to Skardu (around 50 minutes from Islamabad), the main town of Baltistan. On a clear day, the flight gives incredible views of Nanga Parbat and some of the highest peaks in the region.
After reaching Skardu, there is time to rest, walk around the town, or visit the local bazaar. During the day we sort out trekking permits at the government office and later meet for dinner together as a group.
Day 3: Free day in Skardu
Today is about getting ready for the trek ahead. Our staff will be busy buying food and packing group equipment, while you can enjoy free time around Skardu in the morning and early afternoon.
Later in the day we head to Kharpocho Fort for a short group visit. In the evening we have dinner together before leaving for the mountains the next morning.
If the group travels by road from Islamabad, the schedule moves back by one day to give everyone time to rest in Skardu after the long journey — this is why we keep buffer days in the itinerary.
Day 4: Drive to Arandu Village
- Drive time: 7–8 hours
- Terrain: 4×4 jeep via Shigar Valley
We leave Skardu and drive by 4×4 jeeps to Arandu Village, the last village before the trek to Spantik Base Camp begins. The journey takes around 7–8 hours with lunch on the way.
We reach Arandu by late afternoon and camp near the village for the night.
If trekking permits are delayed, we may need to spend an extra day in Skardu before departure.
Day 5: Trek to Chogo Brangsa camp
- Camp elevation: ~3,300 m
- Walking time: 5–6 hours
We start trekking, following the north side of the Chogolungma Glacier to Chogo Brangsa camp at 3,300 m.
Day 6: Trek to Bolocho camp
- Walking time: 7–8 hours
A long but scenic walk along the northern side of the Chogolungma Glacier. The route combines trail sections with walking directly on the glacier, passing through patches of alpine wildflowers.
We set up camp near a grassy knoll also used by local shepherds for grazing sheep.
Day 7: Trek to Spantik Base Camp (4,360 m)
Today we reach Spantik Base Camp (4,360 m), our home for the climbing period.
After arriving, the team settles in and sets up camp. Once local porters unload the equipment, they return to Arandu Village, leaving the team ready to focus on the climb.
Days 8–24: Acclimatization and climbing period
- Camp I: ~5,100 m
- Camp II: ~5,500 m
- Camp III: ~6,250 m
- Slope: mostly 10°–30°, occasional steeper sections up to ~40°
- Climbing window: 16 days allocated for weather, rotations, and summit
This period is the main climbing window on Spantik Peak.
The team completes at least one acclimatization rotation up the mountain — typically to Camp II or Camp III — before returning to Base Camp. Once properly acclimatized and conditions are favorable, we begin the summit push.
The exact schedule depends on weather and mountain conditions. As with all high-altitude expeditions, patience and flexibility are essential.
Day 25: Depart Base Camp
- Walking time: 7–8 hours
We leave base camp and retrace the route back down the Chogolungma Glacier.
Day 26: Trek to Arandu Village
After an early start, we aim to reach Arandu Village and connect with vehicles toward Skardu.
Day 27: Drive to Skardu
Drive to Skardu or a rest day in Skardu, depending on road timing and group condition.
Day 28: Fly to Islamabad
Early morning flight to Islamabad from Skardu (weather permitting).
We enjoy a relaxed day in Islamabad and a celebratory group dinner — or, if flights are delayed, we may travel the Karakoram Highway toward Islamabad.
Day 29: Contingency day (Islamabad)
An extra day in Islamabad for flexibility if travel from Skardu is delayed.
After the climb, we avoid unnecessary pressure from tight schedules. Today is relaxed with free time in the city; group breakfast is included.
In the evening we share one final meal together before farewells.
Day 30: Depart for home
Transfer to the airport for international flights home.
Trip inclusions
- Mountain guide and high-altitude porters from Pakistan.
- Permit and Central Karakoram National Park fee.
- Deposit for helicopter insurance.
- All internal / domestic transport.
- All domestic flights.
- 50 kg (110 lb) personal baggage allowance.
- Group emergency equipment / satellite phone service with fixed calling charge.
- Staff insurance (guide, cook, kitchen staff, assistant(s), and porters).
- Experienced cook from Pakistan.
- Kitchen staff.
- Porters for all expedition supplies.
- Solar power at base camp.
- Epi gas bottles.
- Electricity generator (backup for high-voltage devices).
- Full base camp with dining tent, mess tent, and bathroom.
- High-altitude porters for group equipment.
- All meals during the trek to base camp and at base camp (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
- International flights.
- Personal insurance.
- Personal climbing gear.
- Food above base camp.
- Tents above base camp.
- Tips (guide, kitchen staff, high- and low-altitude porters).
What people have to say
Recent reviews from Google · Spantik (Golden Peak) Expedition
Google
Reviews
Review us on Google
We had an unforgettable adventure in Pakistan thanks to our amazing guide, Muiz. From Hunza to Fairy Meadows, Nanga Parbat Basecamp, Rush Peak, Attabad Lake, Islamabad, and Rakaposhi Basecamp, every step of the journey was incredible — and Muiz made it all feel seamless, safe, and genuinely fun.
Whether we were hiking through breathtaking landscapes, climbing in both the Hunza region and Islamabad, or simply taking in the stunning views along the way, Muiz’s expertise, calm presence, and deep knowledge of the area elevated the entire experience. He handled logistics effortlessly, always looked out for our safety, and brought a sense of enthusiasm and authenticity that made each moment special.
If you’re exploring Pakistan and want a guide who is professional, reliable, and truly passionate about the mountains, we can’t recommend Muiz enough. Our trip wouldn’t have been the same without him!
nico hanslmaier ✓
3 reviews · 10 photos
5 months ago
Was this helpful?
Thank you Muezz for an unforgettable stay in Pakistan, especially in Hunza Valley with highlights at Rush Peak, Nanga Parbat Base Camp, Rakaposhi Base Camp and a lot more… Muezz was super flexible and searched for best activities we were able to do to see the amazing landscape and learn about the culture of Pakistan!
Paula Spannring ✓
2 reviews
5 months ago
Was this helpful?
Reviews shown as shared by travelers on Google. Spantik (Golden Peak) Expedition listing — layout styled for readability on this site.
On the route to Spantik
Glacier approaches, high camps, and Golden Peak light — photography from our Spantik expedition.