Charakusa Valley Trek - 16 Days
About this tour
The Charakusa Valley Trek is a breathtaking adventure located in the Karakoram Range of Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. This 7-10 day, 70-80 km journey takes trekkers up to 4,300 meters elevation, offering moderate to challenging difficulty levels suitable for experienced hikers. Best explored between June and September, highlights include stunning valley landscapes, glacier and rivers , vibrant wildflower meadows, enriching local village cultural experiences, and panoramic views of majestic Karakoram peaks.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Islamabad, Pakistan
Our guide will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the hotel where you get fresh and rest. later you will be briefed by our experienced guide in the hotel. If you arrive in the early morning then we will provide you with a small tour of Islamabad city. Otherwise, it can be done after your return from the trek.
Day 2: Islamabad, Pakistan to Skardu
In the next early morning, your PIA flight will carry you to Skardu and will reach there within an hour. If the weather allows. If the weather condition is not feasible for flight, then you will be transferred via our luxury facility by road to Chilas. You will rest in Chilas halfway on day then will travel to Skardu on the next day.
Day 3: Chilās to Skardu
We will transfer you to a luxury hotel in Skardu where you will stay and refresh. In the morning we will take you to the 600 years old Kharphocho fort, from where you will enjoy the whole Skardu city. After you will enjoy the Skardu Shangri-La Resort, Sarfaranga Cold Desert and then in the evening you will enjoy the Sadpara lake.
Day 4: Skardu
On day 4 there will be a briefing given by the tourism ministry of Pakistan to the foreigners and locals guides as well. That is the formality to enter the restricted zones of Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP). And final preparations will be made to leave for the trek.
Day 5: Hushe
We drive in jeeps along the Indus and Shyok valley before turning northwards up the Hushe valley to reach the road head at the little village of Hushe.
Day 6: Hushe to Saicho Campsite, Hushe
After breakfast Trek to Shaicho. Today we will leave the last inhabited village of Hushe. For the remaining portion of our journey, we will rely on our local team who will carry our food and equipment and sustain our Trek. A short trek of about 2-3 hours takes us to the idyllic campsite at Shaicho.
Day 7: Saicho Campsite, Hushe
After breakfast Trek to Spansgser. Today we will traverse through Wali Changkhalil and cross the Charakusa glacier there are excellent views.
Day 8: Saich, Pakistan to Saicho Campsite, Hushe
After breakfast Trek to Charakusa Base camp. Down onto the glacier. Our path follows the center of the ice river, sometimes walking on moraine and sometimes on snow and ice. We get our first views of the K-6/K-7 the stunning spire of Naiza peak.
Day 9: Saicho Campsite, Hushe to Charakusa, Khaplu
Camp, rest, and explore base camps. You can sit and watch K6,7 and many other peaks. Or explore the whole valley of K6&7.
Day 10: Charakusa, Khaplu to Skardu
After breakfast trek back to Shaicho. Trek about 3 to 4 hrs takes us to the campsite .
Day 11: Saicho Campsite, Hushe to Skardu
When we left Saicho, the views of Hushe valley on both sides are stunning as we are entering into human civilizations again and reached Hushe valley(3000m) where we will stay for our lunch. After lunch, a drive of 1-2 hours down brings us to Machulo valley. Machulo village is home for K2 view point trek. This trek is the most economical, most easiest and most shortest trek ever to see all five 8000m peaks of Pakistan. This is a magical view point which located at distance of 2-3 days trek in total. This village has an Old Mosque in between the houses. The view in background is spectacular with Haldi cones and lush green fields. The channel walk in Machulo village is a plus point for tourists to explore and meet the local people.
Day 12: Machlu to Skardu
Today we drive for a few hours to enter Skardu city. Here you will explore the whole Skardu city
Day 13: Skardu to Chilās
You will be in Islamabad within one hour of the flight if the weather allows. If not then we will follow River Indus to meet KKH near Gilgit and our night stay will be at Chilas. The next morning, we leave for Islamabad via Babusar Pass. In the evening we will be in Islamabad.
Day 14: Islamabad, Pakistan
Today our trip will be complete in Islamabad. You can have a small city tour of Islamabad and the surroundings today.
Day 15: Islamabad, Pakistan
After breakfast, we will transfer you to the Islamabad international airport from where we will see you off from Pakistan
Day 16: Islamabad, Pakistan
will be used as a ‘cushion’ day in case of delays in travel due to weather, route change, health, acclimatization issues during the trek, etc.
What's included
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Islamabad, Pakistan