Rakaposhi Expedition
Altitude
7,788m
Duration
20-25 Days
Best Season
N/A
Overview
The Rakaposhi Expedition provides climbers with an accessible yet serious 7000m climb in the Karakoram. While technically moderate, it requires prior high-altitude experience. The peak offers breathtaking views of the Hunza Valley and surrounding mountains, making it both rewarding and scenic.
Highlights
Arrival in Islamabad
Arrival at Islamabad International Airport followed by a meet and greet. The day includes transfer to the hotel, an expedition briefing, paperwork, equipment checks, and last-minute shopping. Altitude: 540m. Accommodation: Hotel.
Travel to Skardu
Transfer to Skardu via a one-hour domestic flight (weather permitting) or a 2-day drive via the Karakoram Highway. The afternoon offers time to explore Skardu's local markets and ancient forts. Altitude: 2,228m. Accommodation: Hotel.
Expedition Preparations in Skardu
A day dedicated to obtaining climbing permits and finalizing logistics. Optional sightseeing includes Kachura Lake or Shigar Fort. Altitude: 2,228m. Accommodation: Hotel.
Drive to Arandu Village
A scenic 6-7 hour jeep journey through the Braldu River Valley to Arandu, the final village before the trek. Here, the team meets the porters and prepares for the march. Altitude: 2,800m. Accommodation: Camping.
Trek to Chogo Brangsa
The trek commences with a 6-7 hour journey through green pastures and rocky terrain along the Bolocho Glacier. Altitude: 3,500m. Accommodation: Camping.
Trek to Spantik Base Camp
A 6-7 hour trek across moraines and glacier trails to reach Base Camp. The site offers stunning views of the Golden Pillar and surrounding peaks. Altitude: 4,200m. Accommodation: Camping.
Acclimatization and Training
Rest days at Base Camp for altitude adjustment and technical training, including glacier travel, rope techniques, and ice climbing. Load ferrying to higher camps begins. Altitude: 4,200m. Accommodation: Camping.
Climb to Camp 1
A steady 5-6 hour climb over crevasses and mixed terrain to establish and rest at Camp 1. Altitude: 5,100m. Accommodation: Camping.
Load Carry to Camp 2
Supplies are carried to Camp 2 (5,900m) as part of the acclimatization process before returning to Camp 1 for the night. Altitude: 5,900m. Accommodation: Camping.
Move to Camp 2
A 5-6 hour ascent through steep snow and ice sections to establish Camp 2 in preparation for the summit push. Altitude: 5,900m. Accommodation: Camping.
Climb to Camp 3
A 4-5 hour gradual ascent to the high camp. The day is spent resting and preparing for the final summit attempt. Altitude: 6,400m. Accommodation: Camping.
Summit Push and Return
An early morning summit attempt involving a 12-14 hour round trip. The climb follows the final ridge to the Golden Peak summit, offering views of Rakaposhi, Diran, K2, and Broad Peak, followed by a descent to Camp 2. Altitude: 7,027m. Accommodation: Camping.
Descent to Base Camp
Return to Base Camp for rest and celebration of the expedition's progress. Altitude: 4,200m. Accommodation: Camping.
Return Trek to Chogo Brangsa
Descending from Base Camp back toward Arandu Village. Altitude: 3,500m. Accommodation: Camping.
Trek to Arandu and Return to Skardu
Final trek to Arandu followed by a jeep drive to Skardu for hot showers and celebrations. Altitude: 2,800m. Accommodation: Hotel.
Contingency Day
An extra day reserved to account for potential bad weather or travel delays.
Travel to Islamabad
Return to Islamabad via flight or a 2-day drive along the Karakoram Highway. Accommodation: Hotel.
Departure from Islamabad
Free time for shopping and sightseeing at locations such as Faisal Mosque and Lok Virsa Museum, followed by transfer to the airport for your flight home. Transport: Fly out.
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