K7 Base Camp Trek

K7 Base Camp Trek Overview

Introduction

The K7 Base Camp Trek in Hushe Valley, Baltistan, is one of Pakistan’s most spectacular yet lesser-known adventures. The trail passes through alpine meadows, glaciers, and the Charakusa Valley, leading to the foot of K7 (6,934 m), a stunning granite pyramid peak. This guide covers the itinerary, highlights, costs, difficulty, and tips.

Quick Overview

  • Region: Hushe Valley, Ghangche District, Baltistan
  • Duration: 13–15 Days
  • Maximum Altitude: ≈4,600 m (K7 Base Camp)
  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (rocky moraines, glaciers)
  • Best Season: June–September

Difficulty & Preparation

  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, includes moraines, glaciers, and longer trekking days.
  • Trek Length: ≈100 km round trip.
  • Preparation: Good trekking experience, camping gear, warm clothes, crampons may be required early/late season.
  • Guides: Local Hushe guides are highly recommended.

Best Time for K7 Base Camp Trek

  • June–July: Lush green valleys, stable weather.
  • August–September: Clear skies, slightly colder nights.

FAQs

1. How high is K7 Base Camp?

≈4,600 m above sea level.

2. How difficult is the K7 trek?

Moderate–challenging. Requires good stamina due to rocky moraines and glacier crossings.

3. Do I need a permit?

Yes, trekking permits are required via local operators.

4. Can beginners attempt this trek?

Not ideal for complete beginners, but better for trekkers with prior multi-day experience.

Duration

13�15 Days

Difficulty

Moderate to Challenging

Price

$0.00



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Trip Dates

Destination Trip Date Extra Information
No trip dates available.

Trip Details

Duration: 13�15 Days

$ Price (per person) :
$0.00

Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Includes: Guides, Porters, Permits, Camping



Itinerary

Location
Activity
Altitude
Islamabad
Arrival & trekking briefing. Explore city highlights: Faisal Mosque, Lok Virsa Museum, Pakistan Monument.
540 m
Islamabad to Skardu
By air (1 hr, with views of Nanga Parbat) OR 20–22 hrs by Karakoram Highway.
540 m to 2,230 m
Skardu to Hushe
Jeep drive 7–8 hrs via Khaplu & Machollo. Famous stops: Shyok River, Khaplu Palace, Hushe Village (last permanent settlement). Mountains visible: Masherbrum (7,821 m), Saltoro Kangri (7,742 m).
3,050 m
Hushe to Shaisho
Trek 4–5 hrs along Charakusa River. Campsite with alpine meadows. Distant views of K6 (7,282 m).
3,330 m
Shaisho to Spangser
Trek 5–6 hrs across boulder fields & streams. First glimpse of K7 (6,934 m). Other peaks: Link Sar (7,041 m), Drifika (6,447 m). Famous for wildflowers in Spangser meadows.
4,100 m
Spangser to K7 Base Camp
Trek 5 hrs over rocky moraines & grassy slopes. Arrive at K7 Base Camp beneath towering granite walls. Peaks all around: K7 (6,934 m), K6 (7,282 m), Link Sar (7,041 m), Drifika (6,447 m), Kapura Peak (6,544 m), Dozens of unclimbed Charakusa Spires.
4,600 m
K7 Base Camp
Exploration at K7 Base Camp. Hikes around Charakusa Glacier. Views comparable to Trango Towers.
4,600 m
K7 Base Camp to Spangser
Return trek to Spangser.
4,100 m
Spangser to Shaisho
Return trek to Shaisho.
3,330 m
Shaisho to Hushe
Return trek to Hushe.
3,050 m
Hushe to Skardu
Jeep drive back (7–8 hrs).
2,230 m
Skardu to Islamabad
By air (1 hr) OR road (20 hrs).
540 m
Skardu to Islamabad
Continue flight or drive to Islamabad (if needed).
540 m

Photo Gallery

Trip Highlights

Trek Highlights

K7 (6,934 m): Striking granite pyramid peak. K6 (7,282 m): Neighboring unclimbed giant (climbed first in 2013). Link Sar (7,041 m): First climbed in 2019. Masherbrum (7,821 m): Visible from Hushe. Charakusa Spires: Dozens of unclimbed granite towers.

Hedda Asmussen

What a lovely day out! We did two hours of paddling and Phil was an amazing guide. I hadn't done much paddle boarding before but it was easy to pick up with his instructions and we had a nice relaxing journey down the river. Would definitely recommend even for those that haven't tried it before! The location is also amazing, super quiet and beautiful scenery!

Hedda Asmussen

Ansa

Great adventure on River Arun with my paddle bestie and Phil. Phil's trips are very well planned and organised! He asks your interests. With us it was wildlife and paddling techniques. Phil was very knowledgeable about the local area and wildlife and I can't wait to continue practicing paddle strokes he showed us. Thoroughly enjoyed this experience and felt safe and confident on the water with Phil around. Especially as this was my longest paddle. The area is beautiful and it feels like you are on holiday and not just outside London. Looking forward to joining in on another Cave Active Adventure trip soon!

Ansa

JAMES Howe

I have been on two trips with Phil now. One to Scotland and one to the river Thames. Both were spectacularly special for me. Phil is a caring and considerate guide and will really look after you, he takes his job seriously and goes that extra mile to make the experience memorable.

JAMES Howe

Andy

My wife and I booked a 3 day Thames Tour with Cave Active. We arrived at The Barefoot Campsite, which would be the base for the 2 nights camping. Phil arrived, and we set up camp in a great little area with a fire pit. The first paddle was upstream a 4 mile round trip to The Maybush for dinner, I think this was a chance for Phil to assess the standard of paddling and for the guests to get to know each other. After a great dinner, we paddled back down and settled in for our first night under canvas, whilst Phil got the Kelly Kettle fired up for a brew. Day 2 started with bacon and egg baps and hot tea. We then made our way to the Trout at Buckland Marsh for our launch site. A pleasant 8.5 mile paddle through beautiful tranquil countryside. A great lunch stop at Shifford lock with sandwiches from The Trout. We then continued on back to the campsite via the Rose Revived. That night dinner was cooked by Phil with burgers provided by Linthwaite Farms, which were well worth the wait. The last day started with porridge, and we broke camp. The last paddle was a 9.6 mile paddle finishing in Woolvercote, taking in 4 locks and a great alfresco lunch once at Pinkhill Lock, again prepared by Phil. The whole trip was relaxed and enjoyable but also very informative. I think my paddle stroke definitely improved. Phil also has a lot of knowledge about the areas you paddle through. You can tell Phil doesn't do this for a job. He does it for the passion he has for paddling. He has taken on some big paddles, both solo and in groups, and all the knowledge he has, he is happy to pass on. Everything is planned meticulously, and from the start, client safety is the top priority. I would definitely recommend Cave Active and am seriously considering booking on with Phil for his longer 5 day Loch Shiel Trip. He is definitely a man who knows what he is talking about and someone who gets a genuine pleasure from passing on what he has learned.

Andy

Josie Cohen

Phil gave me and my partner an amazing lesson in wind supping at Pagham beach. He was a great teacher - super lovely and patient and clear with his instructions. He brought all the kit (including helmets and walkie talkies) which was all top notch. Plus he happily went over our allocated time without an issue. Overall, we had a great lesson and it has left us very excited to buy a wing and get wind supping ourselves. Would highly recommend Cave Active Adventures to anyone and everyone!

Josie Cohen

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