Charakusa Valley Alpine Rock Expedition
The Charakusa Valley Alpine Rock Expedition is a 30-day trip above Hushe village to one of the finest granite climbing areas in the Karakoram, surrounded by spires such as K7, Nafees Cap and Naisa Brakk.
- Duration30 Days
- DifficultyAdvanced to expert
- ObjectivesK7 area, Nafees Cap, Naisa Brakk
- Best SeasonJune – August
- Base Campapprox. 4,300 m
A Granite Playground Above Hushe
The Charakusa Valley, above the village of Hushe, is lined with granite spires and walls, from shorter alpine rock routes to serious big walls on the K7 group. Its grassy base camp and relatively short approach make it one of the most popular rock climbing areas in Pakistan.
We arrange permits, transport to Hushe, porters and a comfortable base camp in the valley, so your team can climb on objectives such as Nafees Cap, Naisa Brakk and the walls around K7.
Trip Highlights
- Alpine rock climbing in the Charakusa Valley
- Granite spires around K7, Nafees Cap and Naisa Brakk
- Short approach from Hushe village
- Grassy base camp at about 4,300 m
- Permits, porters and base camp handled by TGA
- A wide range of objectives for different teams
Itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Islamabad
Our team meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel. Gear check.
Overnight: HotelDay 2–3Briefing and fly to Skardu
Briefing in Islamabad, then fly to Skardu (or drive the Karakoram Highway if flights are cancelled).
Overnight: HotelDay 4Drive to Hushe
Drive via Khaplu to Hushe village.
Overnight: CampDay 5–6Trek to Charakusa Base Camp
Walk via Saicho into the Charakusa Valley to base camp.
Overnight: CampDay 7–26Climbing period
Acclimatisation and climbing on your chosen objectives, with base camp support throughout.
Overnight: CampDay 27Trek out to Hushe
Clear base camp and walk back to Hushe.
Overnight: CampDay 28Drive to Skardu
Drive via Khaplu to Skardu.
Overnight: HotelDay 29Fly to Islamabad
Flight to Islamabad and debriefing.
Overnight: HotelDay 30Depart
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your flight home.
Overnight: —Climbing plans depend on weather, rock conditions and the strength of the team. Objectives are always chosen with safety first. Your guide will always put safety first.
What's Included
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Islamabad
- Hotels in Islamabad, Skardu and Khaplu
- Domestic flights Islamabad–Skardu–Islamabad, or road transport if flights are cancelled
- Private vehicle and jeeps Skardu–Hushe and back
- Any climbing or restricted-zone permit required, liaison officer where needed
- Porters to and from base camp
- Base camp services: dining, kitchen and toilet tents, cook and kitchen staff
- All meals on the approach and at base camp
- Experienced expedition manager on the approach
- Letter of invitation (LOI) for your Pakistan visa
Not Included
- International flights to and from Pakistan
- Pakistan visa fee
- Rescue and climbing insurance (mandatory)
- Personal climbing gear: ropes, rack, portaledges and haul bags
- Tips for staff and porters
- Anything not listed under "Included"
Moments from the Trail
Why Choose the Charakusa Valley Expedition?
The Charakusa Valley is ideal for alpine rock climbers who want quality granite with a short approach and a comfortable base camp. There are objectives for strong teams of different levels.
Trekking members of your group can explore the same valley system on our Laila Peak Base Camp Trek or the Masherbrum Base Camp Trek.
Before you travel, read our Pakistan visa guide and our advice on travel insurance, or browse all our rock climbing tours in Pakistan.
Plan the rest of your trip
Good to Know
Experience
You should be an experienced alpine rock climber, comfortable on long granite routes at altitude.
Logistics
We handle permits, transport, porters and base camp. Your team brings its own climbing equipment.
Permits
Some climbing areas lie in restricted zones or include peaks that need a permit. Our team checks the current rules for your objectives and arranges every permit and briefing.
When to Go
June to August is the best season, with the most stable weather usually in July. Read our guide to the best time to visit Pakistan.
Reserve Your Place on the Tour
Tell us about your team, objectives and season, and our team will send you a full logistics package and quote.
