Masherbrum Base Camp Trek
The Masherbrum Base Camp Trek is a 12-day journey from Skardu to Khaplu and Hushe, then up the Masherbrum Glacier to the base camp below Masherbrum (K1, 7,821 m), the first peak ever surveyed in the Karakoram.
- Duration12 Days
- DifficultyModerate to strenuous
- Max Altitudeapprox. 4,300 m
- Best SeasonJune – September
- Trekking Days5 Days
Beneath the First Peak of the Karakoram
The Masherbrum Base Camp Trek takes you into the Hushe Valley, the quiet green valley that runs north from Khaplu towards the giants of the Karakoram. Masherbrum (7,821 m) was the first Karakoram peak surveyed by the British in 1856, which is why it carries the name K1. Its south face rises straight above the head of the Hushe Valley.
We drive from Skardu to Khaplu, home of the restored Khaplu Palace, and on to Hushe, the last village in the valley. From Hushe we walk through summer pastures to Parbisan and up the moraine of the Masherbrum Glacier to Base Camp. The walking days are shorter than on the Baltoro, and you will meet far fewer trekkers.
Trip Highlights
- Base camp below Masherbrum (K1, 7,821 m)
- Walk the Masherbrum Glacier from Hushe, the last village in the valley
- Summer pastures and Balti herders' huts at Parbisan
- Visit Khaplu Palace and the old town of Khaplu
- A quiet route, far from the crowds of the Baltoro
- Guide, cook, porters and all logistics handled by TGA
Itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Islamabad
Our team meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel. Evening welcome briefing.
Overnight: HotelDay 2Fly to Skardu (approx. 2,230 m)
Mountain flight to Skardu. If the flight is cancelled we drive along the Karakoram Highway (two days).
Overnight: HotelDay 3Drive to Khaplu (approx. 2,600 m)
About 3 hours along the Indus and Shyok rivers to Khaplu. Afternoon visit to Khaplu Palace and the Chaqchan Mosque.
Overnight: HotelDay 4Drive to Hushe (approx. 3,050 m)
A 3-hour jeep ride up the Hushe Valley to Hushe village, with the first views of Masherbrum. Short walk around the village.
Overnight: CampDay 5Hushe to Parbisan (approx. 3,600 m)
Trek through fields and willow groves, then up into the Masherbrum valley to the pastures of Parbisan. About 5 hours.
Overnight: CampDay 6Parbisan to Masherbrum Base Camp (approx. 4,200 m)
Follow the moraine of the Masherbrum Glacier to Base Camp, right below the south face of Masherbrum. About 5–6 hours.
Overnight: CampDay 7Explore Base Camp
Optional hike onto the moraine for views of Masherbrum and its icefall (approx. 4,300 m), then a relaxed afternoon in camp.
Overnight: CampDay 8Base Camp to Parbisan
Descend the glacier to the pastures of Parbisan. About 4–5 hours.
Overnight: CampDay 9Parbisan to Hushe, drive to Khaplu
Walk down to Hushe and take the jeep back to Khaplu for a hot shower. About 3 hours walking and 3 hours driving.
Overnight: HotelDay 10Drive to Skardu
Return to Skardu, with a stop at the Manthal Buddha Rock if time allows.
Overnight: HotelDay 11Fly to Islamabad
Flight back to Islamabad, or the road journey if flights are cancelled. Farewell dinner.
Overnight: HotelDay 12Depart
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your flight home.
Overnight: —Mountain itineraries can change with weather, flights and group pace. 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 4x4 jeeps Skardu–Khaplu–Hushe
- Any trekking permit required for the route
- All meals during the trek, cooked by our trekking cook
- Tents, mattresses, dining and kitchen tents on the trek
- Experienced English-speaking guide
- Porters to carry your main luggage and camping gear
- Local fees and registration at checkpoints
- Letter of invitation (LOI) for your Pakistan visa
Not Included
- International flights to and from Pakistan
- Pakistan visa fee
- Travel insurance with high-altitude rescue cover
- Personal trekking gear, clothing and sleeping bag
- Tips for guides, drivers, cooks and porters
- Extra nights or costs caused by flight cancellations, landslides or road closures
- Anything not listed under "Included"
Moments from the Trail
Why Choose the Masherbrum Base Camp Trek?
The Masherbrum Base Camp Trek is a great choice if you want big Karakoram scenery on a shorter trip. In five trekking days you go from the apricot orchards of Hushe to a glacier camp below a 7,800 m peak, without the long days on rough moraine that the Baltoro needs.
It suits fit trekkers who already enjoy long hill days. If you have walked the Nanga Parbat Base Camp Trek or the Rakaposhi Base Camp Trek, this is a good next step, and you can combine it with the Laila Peak Base Camp Trek from the same village.
Add a few days in Skardu to see Shangrila Lake and the Deosai Plains. Before you travel, read our Pakistan visa guide and our advice on travel insurance.
Plan the rest of your trip
Good to Know
Fitness
The Masherbrum Base Camp Trek is moderate to strenuous. Most days are 4–6 hours of walking on trails and moraine. You should be fit and comfortable with several hiking days in a row.
Altitude
Base Camp is at about 4,200 m. We sleep at Hushe and Parbisan on the way up and include a free day at Base Camp to help you adjust.
Permits & Checkpoints
Foreigners register at checkpoints in Baltistan. Rules for some valleys near the Line of Control can change, so our team checks the current requirements and arranges any permit needed.
When to Go
June to September is the season for the Masherbrum Base Camp Trek, with July and August usually the warmest months. See our guide to the best time to visit Pakistan.
Reserve Your Place on the Trek
Message us with your preferred dates and group size, and our team will send you full details and a quote for your Hushe Valley trek.
