Charakusa Valley Expidition

Overview

Nestled within the captivating expanse of the Charakusa Valley glacier, this region lies just a few kilometers from Hushe, offering a gateway to an extraordinary mountainous landscape. Here, in the heart of the Karakoram range, a splendid collection of majestic peaks beckons adventurers. Among them; K6 (7281 m), K7 (6934 m), Link Sar (7041m), Drifica (6650m), Kapura Peak (6545 m), Niza Peak, Namika (6325m), and Laila Peak (6400m) present a unique opportunity to conquer rock and ice pinnacles. One distinctive feature of this area is the presence of numerous peaks that stand at less than 6000 meters in height. This means no permit fees and no requirement for a liaison officer, making it an affordable choice for Karakoram expeditions. The journey to these peaks typically commences from the picturesque village of Hushe and traverses some of the most scenic trekking routes in the Karakoram. As you progress, the base camps reveal themselves in breathtaking, verdant locations, surrounded by towering granite spires and majestic snow-clad mountains. This enchanting landscape offers numerous reasons to captivate your imagination and fulfill your adventurous spirit.

Plan Your Journey

Day	Destination	Residence
1	Arrival in Islamabad	Hotel
2	Drive to Skardu (via Karakoram Highway or flight)	Hotel
3	Drive to Askole, trek preparation	Camp
4	Trek to Jhola	Camp
5	Trek to Paiju	Camp
6	Rest and acclimatization at Paiju	Camp
7	Trek to Urdukas	Camp
8	Trek to Charakusa Valley Base Camp	Camp
9	Rest and acclimatization at Base Camp	Camp
10	Exploration and climbing period in Charakusa Valley	Camp
11	Descend back to Base Camp	Camp
12	Return trek to Urdukas	Camp
13	Return trek to Paiju	Camp
14	Return trek to Jhola	Camp
15	Return trek to Paiju	Camp
16	Return trek to Jhola	Camp
17	Return trek to Askole	Camp
18	Drive back to Skardu	Hotel
19	Drive to Islamabad	Hotel
20	Debriefing and onward journey	Fly Out

Transportation	– Airport transfers (Islamabad and Skardu). – Air-conditioned minibuses for Ministry of Tourism briefings and sightseeing. – Domestic flights (Islamabad to Skardu, PK 451). – 4×4 jeeps for members and Toyota Loader for equipment (Skardu to Jhola and Hushe to Skardu).
Accommodation	– 2 nights at Grand Hotel Islamabad (or similar) on bed and breakfast basis. – 2 nights at Shangri-La Midway or Panorama Inn, Skardu (full board). – 3 nights at Blue Sky Hotel, Masherbrum Inn, Dewan-e-Khans, or K-2 Motel, Skardu (full board). – Note: Alternative accommodations will be provided if mentioned hotels are unavailable.
Additional Services	– Low-altitude porters for luggage and equipment transport. – Porter Sirdar for way up and down. – Experienced English-speaking guide, cook, and assistant cook. – Fuel generator, dining tent, sleeping tents, and kitchen equipment. – Trekking and base camp foods (Chinese, Pakistani, Continental, and Italian cuisine). – Fresh fruits, soft drinks, and beverages.
Equipment Provided	– Sleeping tents with foam underlay and mattresses – Dining tent with inner and underlay – Kitchen tent, mess tent, shower tent, and toilet tent – Kitchen crockery, lamps, and cooking stoves – Bamboo sticks for high camps – Wooden boxes and plastic containers for food packing
Taxes and Fees	– Trekking permit fee – CKNP management fee – Camping fees during trek – Guide daily wages, kit, and equipment – Bridge crossing fees – $1000 pollution fee guarantee – Documentation with Gilgit-Baltistan Council – International air ticket reconfirmation – Visa support letters

Exclusions:	– International air tickets and airport taxes – Visa fee for Pakistan and personal insurance – Cargo fee and custom charges for import/export – Extra wages for personnel beyond the service package – Sleeping bags, personal clothing, and climbing gear – Tips for drivers, local staff, and high-altitude porters – Thuraya satellite phone calls – Walkie-talkie for above base camp service – Soft drinks – Laundry service
Travel Insurance	– Trip cancellation – Accidents – Health – Emergency evacuation – Companies like Global Rescue Travel Insurance offer suitable policies
Cancellation Policy:	– 50% advance payment required 50 days prior to arrival. – Full refund if cancelled 15 days prior to departure. – 25% cancellation charge if cancelled less than 15 days prior to arrival. – No refund if cancelled after arrival or during the trip.
Additional Costs:	– Roadblocks or unforeseen events may incur extra costs. – Clients splitting from the group will incur additional charges. – Extra hotel nights will be charged to group members. – Government fees or new conditions may incur additional costs.
Reservations and Payment:	– 50% advance payment required 50 days prior to arrival. – Balance payment due upon arrival in Pakistan.
Refund Policy:	– Full refund if cancelled 15 days prior to departure. – 25% cancellation charge if cancelled less than 15 days prior to arrival. – No refund if cancelled after arrival or during the trip.
Environmental Responsibility:	– Organic waste: dispose on-site. – Non-organic waste: take off-site.
Visa Requirements:	– Valid passport required. – Pakistani visa obtainable with invitation letter from Paradise Karakoram.
Booking Advice:	– Book your trip at least 3-4 months prior to arrival in Pakistan to ensure smooth preparations.
Important Safety Advice:	– For your safety and well-being, Paradise Karakoram Treks & Tours recommends: – Purchasing personal travel and health insurance. – Obtaining membership with a reputable emergency response organization. – They suggest Global Rescue Service, which provides: – Helicopter evacuation. – Medical assistance. – Travel support. – Having this membership will ensure prompt assistance in case of emergencies.

8000M (8611)

7000M Expedition

6000M Expedition

Rock Climbing

Himalayan Range

Hindukush Range

K2 base Camp

Karakoram Range

Autumn Season

Spring Season

Summer Season

Winter Season