Spantik Expedition (7,027 m) Mountaineering - Ski

The Spantik expedition begins in Islamabad, the gateway to the Karakoram. After arrival at the international airport, the team meets, checks the equipment, and holds an initial briefing on safety, logistics, and expedition objectives.

From Islamabad, the group flies to Skardu if the weather permits; alternatively, the route by road via Chilas is considered. Skardu is the main logistical center of Baltistan: there purchases are made, equipment is adjusted, and the final administrative details are handled before entering the Arandu valley.

Access to Spantik is by road to Arandu, through the Shigar valley. The first camp is set up in Arandu and loads are organized for trekking days with porters. From there, the route follows the glacier edge, with a night in Bolocho and progressive advance to the base camp, already with views of the snowy peaks of the Karakoram.

The Spantik base camp, around 4,200–4,360 m, is equipped with all possible comforts for an expedition: dining tent, kitchen, communications area, and individual tents for members. It is the nerve center of the expedition, where the physical condition of the group is monitored, rotations are planned, and weather reports are followed.

During acclimatization and ascent phases, several rotations take place: first installing Camp 1, transporting materials and progressive ascent to Camp 2, advance to Camp 3, and preparation of the southeast ridge. Between rotations, the team returns to base camp to rest, hydrate, and recover strength for the final summit push.

Summit day starts from the highest camp on the route, ascending on snow and ice to the top of Spantik at 7,027 m. After the summit attempt, descent is done in stages, passing again through the upper camps until returning to base camp, where the most demanding part of the expedition is celebrated.

The return follows the same route to Arandu, with overnight stays in intermediate camps and increasingly mild weather. From Arandu, the group returns by road to Skardu, with a night in a hotel, then flies or travels by road to Islamabad before the international departure flight.

This program is designed for mountaineers seeking a first 7,000 m in the Karakoram with a classic expedition scheme: glacier trekking, high camps, and a solid base camp as logistical and safety support throughout the route.