Spantik Expedition
Facts & Figures
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Duration:
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Max. Elevation:
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Range
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Walking Per Day:
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Accommodation::
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7027m
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8047
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Karakoram
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5 - 6 Hours
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Hotel + Lodge + Tent
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Group Size:
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Best Time:
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2-10
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June – August
GUARANTEED QUALITY
Highlights
Trip Highlights
A fantastic 7,000m peak with great views of Karakoram Mountains.
Favourite for climbers to training themselves for higher elevations
Technically simple expedition – ideal for beginners
Karakoram Highway – the “eighth wonder of the world”.
Expedition Overview
Spantik is a superb introduction to the Karakoram. A fantastic 7,000m peak with great views of Karakoram mountains. A classic Himalayan expedition. Climbing the ‘Classic’ SE ridge. Spantik also known as Golden Peak and Ghenish Chhish is rightfully becoming known as one of the classic mountaineering objectives in the stunning Karakoram mountains of Northern Pakistan.
This peak with its famous Golden pillars is a striking objective to behold and despite its fierce aspect it is relatively straight- forward and safe to climb. As the crow flies is barely 30km from the infamous Karakoram highway. Yet it is approached by trekking for four days along the dramatic Chogolungma Glacier passing through sensational mountain country. This mountain is located in a remote corner of the Karakoram and receives many less expeditions than the peaks of the Baltoro region.
Our climbing route: The south-east ridge is a long snow ridge with only a few sections of technical difficulty and little objective danger. This route was first attempted in 1906 by the American couple Fanny and William Bullock Workman who reached a very creditable high point of 6,700m. Karl Kramer’s German expedition made the first successful ascent of the mountain by this route in 1955. The views from the summit are some of the most spectacular in this unique mountain range: The Nagar and Hunza peaks can be seen close by to the west, while Nanga Parbat lays to the south and K2 and the Baltoro peaks can be seen on the eastern horizon. Spantik is a truly Himalayan scale objective.
Itinerary
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Day 01: ARRIVE RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD
On arrival transfer the group to hotel/ Guest House, in Rawalpindi Islamabad (the airport is situated mid-way between Islamabad and Rawalpindi). You will meet your guide in the afternoon at the hotel for a trip briefing and gear check -
Day 02: FLY TO SKARDU (45 min Flight)/ DRIVE TO CHILAS(10-12 Hours Drive)
a) Weather permitting, we take a spectacular flight to the high mountain region of Baltistan in the north east. On a clear day we should be able to see Nanga Parbat (8124m) and K2 (8611m) towering above all other mountains. (It is quite possible adverse weather in Islamabad or Skardu may affect our flight plans and make it necessary to drive by the Karakoram Highway to Skardu, a journey of approx two days).
b) In case of cancellation of flight drive 10-12hrs by air conditioned coach/car to Chilas (480km) on the Karakoram highway. Overnight at Shangrila Indus View Hotel or Panorama hotel. -
Day 03: DRIVE TO SKARDU FROM CHILAS/REST DAY (2340m)
a) Overnight Mashabrum Hotel. Preparations for our trek and depending on our time of arrival into Skardu, there may be time to visit the town and possibly an excursion to Kachura Lake situated at the edge of the valley. Skardu is the regional capital of Baltistan, lying at the edge of a broad floodplain that is the confluence of the Shyok, Indus and Basha Rivers.
b) If we are driving the road journey today will be 7-8 hrs to Skardu (275km). On route are spectacular views of Nanga Parbat (8125m) overnight Hotel. -
Day 04: DRIVE TO ARANDU FROM SKARDU (2770m)
Jeeps take us up the Shigar Valley, following the Askole road before branching westwards to follow the Basha River Gorge to the village of Arandu. Due to the dramatic geology of these mountains landslides sometimes cover the road and we will have to negotiate the debris to get to the trafficable road beyond. This 85 Km journey often requires a full day. We camp at the edge of Arandu village - Day 05: Trek to Chogo Brangsa camp 3,300m(5-6 hours)
- Day 06: Trek to Bolocho camp 3,800m(7-8 hours)
- Day 07: Trek to Spantik base camp 4,300m (5-6 hours)
- Day 08: Rest Day at base camp (4300m)
- Day 9-23: Ascent of Spantik (day 9 to day 23 for climbing) Packing up base camp
- Day 25-26: Return to Arandu (Day 25-26)
- Day 27: Arandu to Skardu (Day 27)
- Day 28: Fly to Islamabad or drive to Chilas from Skardu (Day 28)
- Day 29: drive to Islamabad from Chilas /Rest day in Islamabad (Day 29)
- Day 30: Fly back to home from Islamabad (Day 30)