Laila Peak Expedition (6,096 m)
The Laila Peak Expedition is a 21-day climb of Laila Peak (approx. 6,096 m), the famous spear-shaped summit above the Gondogoro Glacier in the Hushe Valley, a superb first Karakoram peak for climbers with alpine experience.
- Duration21 Days
- DifficultyHard
- Summitapprox. 6,096 m
- Best SeasonJune – August
- Base Campapprox. 4,500 m
A Perfect Spear of Snow and Ice
Laila Peak (approx. 6,096 m) is one of the most striking mountains in the Karakoram, a sharp spear of snow and ice that rises above the Gondogoro Glacier. Its north-west face is a long, steady slope of snow and ice, and it is a classic objective for alpinists and even ski mountaineers.
The Laila Peak Expedition follows the Hushe Valley from Khaplu and walks past Saicho and Dalsampa to base camp below the peak. It is shorter and lower than a 7,000 m expedition, but it is still a serious climb with steep and sustained slopes near the summit.
Trip Highlights
- Climb Laila Peak (approx. 6,096 m), the spear of the Karakoram
- Approach via Khaplu, Hushe and the Gondogoro Glacier
- Steep snow and ice on the north-west face
- Views of Masherbrum, K6 and the Gondogoro peaks
- Peak permit, liaison officer and briefings arranged by TGA
- Experienced climbing guide available on request
Itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Islamabad
Our team meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel. Gear check and welcome dinner.
Overnight: HotelDay 2–3Briefing and fly to Skardu
Expedition briefing in Islamabad, then fly to Skardu (or drive the Karakoram Highway if flights are cancelled).
Overnight: HotelDay 4Drive to Hushe (approx. 3,050 m)
Drive via Khaplu up the Hushe Valley to Hushe village.
Overnight: CampDay 5–7Trek to Laila Peak Base Camp
Walk via Saicho and Dalsampa beside the Gondogoro Glacier to base camp (approx. 4,500 m).
Overnight: CampDay 8–16Acclimatisation and summit push
Acclimatisation hikes and a rotation to Camp 1, then a summit attempt on the north-west face.
Overnight: CampDay 17Reserve day
An extra day for bad weather.
Overnight: CampDay 18Trek out to Hushe
Walk back down the valley to Hushe.
Overnight: CampDay 19Drive to Skardu
Drive via Khaplu to Skardu.
Overnight: HotelDay 20Fly to Islamabad
Flight to Islamabad and debriefing at the Ministry of Tourism. Celebration dinner.
Overnight: HotelDay 21Depart
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your flight home.
Overnight: —Expedition schedules depend on weather, snow conditions and acclimatisation. Summit decisions are always made with 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
- Peak royalty, climbing permit and liaison officer fees
- Base camp services: dining, kitchen, toilet and shower tents, cook and kitchen staff
- All meals on the approach trek and at base camp
- Porters to carry expedition and personal gear to base camp and back
- Experienced expedition manager and English-speaking guide on the approach
- Satellite phone at base camp for emergencies
- Letter of invitation (LOI) for your Pakistan visa
Not Included
- International flights to and from Pakistan
- Pakistan visa fee
- Rescue and high-altitude travel insurance (mandatory)
- Personal climbing gear and clothing
- Personal climbing guide (available on request)
- Summit bonus and tips for staff
- Extra nights or costs caused by flight cancellations, landslides or early return
- Anything not listed under "Included"
Moments from the Trail
Why Choose the Laila Peak Expedition?
The Laila Peak Expedition is a great first Karakoram climb for mountaineers who have done alpine routes or a 5,000–6,000 m peak elsewhere. In three weeks you get a true Karakoram experience, from Balti villages to a sharp 6,000 m summit.
Trekkers in your group can walk to the foot of the mountain on our Laila Peak Base Camp Trek. After Laila Peak, the natural next step is Spantik (7,027 m).
Before you travel, read our Pakistan visa guide and our advice on travel insurance; helicopter rescue cover is mandatory. Browse all our mountain expeditions in Pakistan.
Plan the rest of your trip
Good to Know
Experience
You should have alpine climbing experience and be comfortable on sustained snow and ice slopes of 45 degrees or more with crampons and ice axe.
Acclimatisation
We acclimatise with hikes around base camp and a night at Camp 1 before the summit attempt.
Permits & Royalty
Every expedition needs a climbing permit from the Gilgit-Baltistan government, a peak royalty fee and, for most peaks, a liaison officer. Our team handles the application, briefing and debriefing in Islamabad or Skardu.
When to Go
June to August is the Laila Peak climbing season, with the most stable snow conditions usually in June and July. Read our guide to the best time to visit Pakistan.
Reserve Your Place on the Expedition
Tell us your experience, your plans and your preferred season, and our team will send you a full logistics package and quote for Laila Peak.
