K7 Charakusa Valley Hushe
Overview
Charakusa Valley – A Climber’s Paradise in the Karakoram
Charakusa Valley is located in the Hushe Valley, the last permanent village at the road’s end in the Karakoram. This region is open for both climbing and trekking, offering incredible opportunities for ice and rock climbing.
Notable Peaks in the Charakusa Valley:
- K6 (7,281m)
- K7 (6,934m) – Home to one of the world's largest granite faces, first climbed in 1984 by a Japanese expedition.
- Niza Peak (6,325m)
- Drifika (6,650m)
- Link Sar (7,041m)
These peaks offer a unique challenge for climbers seeking technical rock and ice ascents, as well as several unclimbed peaks below 6,000m for those looking to pioneer new routes.
A Photographer’s Dream: Charakusa Valley is often called "the heart of the Karakoram", renowned for its breathtaking panoramas and dramatic landscapes, making it a paradise for photographers.
Climbing & Trekking Highlights
- Granite Heaven: The eastern side of Hushe is a rock climber’s dream, with massive granite walls dominated by K7.
- Glacial Giants: The upper Charakusa Glacier hosts Link Sar (7,041m) on one side and K6 (7,281m) on the other.
- Unclimbed Walls: Between Spangser and K7 Base Camp lie numerous 5,000m peaks and vast unclimbed granite walls.
- Remote Access: The trek leads to K7 Base Camp, from where climbers and trekkers retrace their steps back to Hushe.
Charakusa Valley is an unmissable destination for climbers, trekkers, and photographers looking to experience the untamed beauty and towering peaks of the Karakoram.
Important Notes for Expedition Participants
- Weather & Flight Delays:
- Skardu flights are weather-dependent. In case of cancellation, overland travel via the Karakoram Highway (KKH) will be arranged, adding 1–2 days to the itinerary.
- Participants should plan flexible international return dates.
- Physical Fitness & Experience:
- Prior trekking and climbing experience is required.
- Participants must be in excellent physical condition due to challenging terrain and high-altitude exposure.
- High-Altitude Risks & Acclimatization:
- Altitudes exceed 4,500m, requiring proper acclimatization to reduce the risk of AMS.
- All members must have insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and rescue.
- Helicopter Evacuation & Emergency Costs:
- In emergencies, helicopter rescue is available but requires a US$15,000 refundable deposit.
- All medical evacuation costs must be covered by the participant or their insurance.
- Permit & Documentation:
- Government climbing permits and CKNP park fees are mandatory.
- A Liaison Officer (LO) will accompany the group, as per regulations.
- Personal Gear & Climbing Equipment:
- Climbers must bring their own gear, high-altitude tent, and sleeping bag.
- Equipment rental is not included, but assistance is available on request.
- Expedition Logistics & Porters:
- Porter weight limit: 75kg per climber (up), 50kg per climber (down).
- Extra luggage must be arranged in advance at an additional cost.
- Food & Water Considerations:
- All meals are included during the trek and at Base Camp.
- Filtered or boiled water will be provided; personal purification tablets are recommended.
- Communication & Connectivity:
- Satellite phones and VHF radios are available for emergency communication.
- WiFi and cellular coverage are limited beyond Skardu.
- Unforeseen Circumstances & Additional Costs:
- Additional Base Camp days due to delays must be paid by participants based on actual cost.
- Participants leaving early or separating from the group will bear additional expenses.
Note: All climbers and trekkers are required to sign a liability waiver before the expedition begins.
| DAYS | ITINERARY | SEE LEVEL | RESIDENCE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Arrival Islamabad International Airport | 500-M | Hotel |
| 02 | Drive from Islamabad to Chilas | 1200-M | Hotel |
| 03 | Drive from Chilas to Skardu | 2300-M | Hotel |
| 04 | Full day for official formalities and final preparation of expedition at Skardu | 2300-M | Camp |
| 05 | Drive from Skardu to Askoli | 3060-M | Camp |
| 06 | Trek from Askoli to Jhola Camp | 3200-M | Camp |
| 07 | Trek from Jhola to Paiyu Camp | 3600-M | Camp |
| 08 | Acclimatization day in Paiyu Camp | 3600-M | Camp |
| 09 | Trek from Paiyu to Urdukas Camp | 4200-M | Camp |
| 10 | Trek from Urdukas to Goro II Camp | 4500-M | Camp |
| 11 | Trek from Goro II to Gasherbrum IV BC | 4750-M | Camp |
| 12-33 | Climbing Days | – | Camp |
| 34-37 | Trek Back from Chogolisa BC to Askoli | – | Camp |
| 38 | Fly To Islamabad / Drive to Chilas | – | Hotel |
| 39 | Drive from Chilas to Islamabad | – | Hotel |
| 40 | Transfer to Islamabad Airport for International Flight | – | – |
What’s Included
- Airport Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off at Islamabad International Airport.
- Domestic Flights: Round-trip airfare between Islamabad – Skardu – Islamabad (subject to weather conditions).
- Ground Transportation:
- • Transport for briefing, debriefing, and sightseeing in Islamabad and Skardu.
- • Private transportation between Skardu – Hushe – Skardu.
- Accommodation:
- • Three nights in a twin-bed room in Islamabad (bed & breakfast).
- • Three nights in a Skardu hotel (full board, including meals).
- • Two nights in a Chilas hotel (full board, including meals).
- Local Staff Support:
- • Wages, insurance, food, and equipment for support staff and porters.
- • Low-altitude porters to carry expedition and trekking equipment, food, and supplies.
- Porterage Allowance:
- • 75 kg per member on the way up to Base Camp.
- • 50 kg per member on the way down from Base Camp.
- Trekking & Base Camp Services:
- • All meals during the trekking and climbing period.
- • Comfortable camping arrangements, including:
- — Sleeping tents for members.
- — Mess tent, kitchen tent, store tent, office tent, toilet tent.
- — Tables, chairs, and kitchen utensils.
- Flight Ticket Assistance: Help with reconfirming international flight tickets.
- Permit & Documentation:
- • Climbing permit for the expedition.
- • Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP) West Management Fee.
- • Royalty fee and additional member fees.
- Liaison Officer (LO) Arrangements:
- • Kit allowance, food, and domestic flights for the assigned LO.
- Official Fees & Taxes:
- • Camping fees, road taxes, and bridge crossing fees.
- • Equipment for low-altitude porters.
What’s Not Included
- International Flights: Expedition members must arrange their own international flight tickets.
- Helicopter Emergency Rescue:
- • Refundable US$15,000 deposit required (only charged if used).
- Personal Climbing Gear:
- • Climbing boots, harness, ice axe, crampons, helmet, ropes, carabiners, belay devices, and protection gear.
- Insurance:
- • Personal travel and climbing insurance is mandatory.
- • Must cover medical evacuation, rescue, and trip cancellations.
- High-Altitude Services:
- • High-altitude tent (members must bring their own).
- • High-altitude food and cooking equipment.
- • High-altitude porters (HAPs) for summit assistance.
- Personal Expenses:
- • Sleeping bag and mattress (members must bring their own).
- • Any personal communication costs (phone calls, fax, email).
- • Beverages (soft drinks, alcohol, tea/coffee outside the provided meals).
- • Room service, laundry, and personal tips.
- • Items of a purely personal nature.
- Customs & Equipment Handling:
- • Custom clearing charges for import/export of climbing equipment.
- • EPI gas and oxygen cylinders (not included).
- Unexpected Costs:
- • Additional costs due to roadblocks, landslides, or extra hotel stays caused by weather or delays.
- • If a climber/trekker extends their stay at Base Camp, extra charges will apply per additional day.
- • If any member splits from the main group, extra costs will be charged based on individual expenses.
Important Notes for Expedition Participants
- Weather & Flight Delays:
- • Skardu flights are weather-dependent. Overland travel via KKH will be arranged in case of flight cancellations (adds 1–2 days).
- • Participants should plan flexible international return dates to accommodate delays.
- Physical Fitness & Experience:
- • Prior trekking and climbing experience required.
- • Excellent physical condition necessary due to challenging terrain and high altitude.
- High-Altitude Risks & Acclimatization:
- • Altitudes exceed 4,500m with prolonged exposure to thin air.
- • A proper acclimatization schedule will be followed to minimize risks.
- • Travel and rescue insurance covering high-altitude activities is mandatory.
- Helicopter Evacuation & Emergency Costs:
- • Helicopter rescue available; refundable deposit of US$15,000 required.
- • Medical evacuations and emergency expenses are the responsibility of the participant or their insurer.
- Permit & Documentation:
- • Government-issued climbing permits and CKNP park fees are mandatory.
- • Liaison Officer (LO) will accompany the group as required by regulations.
- Personal Gear & Climbing Equipment:
- • Each climber must bring their own personal gear, high-altitude tent, and sleeping bag.
- • Rental is not included but assistance can be provided on request.
Additional Expedition Notes
- Expedition Logistics & Porters:
- • Porter weight limits apply:
- 75kg per climber on the way up.
- 50kg per climber on the way down.
- • Any extra luggage must be arranged in advance and will incur additional costs.
- • Porter weight limits apply:
- Food & Water Considerations:
- • Meals are included during the trek and at Base Camp, but participants should bring personal energy snacks.
- • Filtered or boiled water will be provided; however, it is recommended to bring water purification tablets.
- Communication & Connectivity:
- • Satellite phones and VHF radios are used for emergency communication.
- • WiFi and mobile networks are limited or unavailable beyond Skardu.
- Unforeseen Circumstances & Additional Costs:
- • Any extra days at Base Camp due to weather or delays must be paid by members based on actual costs.
- • If a participant chooses to leave early or separates from the main group, additional costs will apply.
- All climbers and trekkers must sign a liability waiver before the expedition begins.
- By keeping these key points in mind, participants can ensure a smooth and well-prepared expedition experience!
🔹 Climbing Gear Checklist
- Climbing Shoes
- Crash Pad
- Snacks
- Chalk Bag & Chalk
- Harness
- Locking Carabiner
- Rope 10.5mm
- Rope Bag
- Helmet
- Belay Device
🔹 Clothing & Essentials
- Mid Weight Fleece Jacket
- Rain Jacket
- Wind Proof Pants
- Fleece Hat
- Running Shoes (Light Hiking Boot)
- Water Bottle
- Sun Glass
- Sun Block & Lip Balm
- Energy Snacks
Terms & Conditions
How to Book
We recommend booking well in advance by sending a non-refundable deposit of 25% Euro or USD and the tour price with a minimum deposit of 50% Euro or USD per person in advance. Some of the tours and ground arrangements may require a higher deposit of up to 80% with booking conditions. These details will be provided on confirmation of your booking. The deposit is required within 5 days of confirmation to hold your booking. The booking confirmation will include the exact deposit amount required and the due date of final payment. Please read these terms and conditions carefully and raise any questions you may have prior to making your booking. Receipt of deposit will be taken as an understanding by KARAKORUM GUIDES PAKISTAN that the customer has checked their confirmed travel arrangements and has read and agrees to abide by the terms and conditions. Any verbal quote given is an estimate only of the price which will be subject to advice on confirmation of the reservation, after which you will have 5 days to pay your nonrefundable deposit with 50% in advance tour price.
Price
Price we will give you after few discussion by e-mail or phone call. Should these costs change it may be necessary to make a surcharge on the price of your holiday which will be advised to you at the time you book. However no surcharge in respect to cost or currency fluctuations will be made to the arrangements of your holiday once full payment has been received by Karakorum Guides, unless any changes are made to your booking in accordance with these terms and conditions. This price guarantee does not apply to:
- (i) fares, charges or levies imposed by airlines up until ticketing
- (ii) any taxes, charges or levies imposed by any Government or their agencies and the banking transfer charges.
Amendments
One change per booking is permitted free of charge. Each subsequent change will incur a fee of 50 $ per amendment to cover extra administrative and communication costs. In addition, cancellation and/or amendment fees may also be imposed minimum of 500 $ or depending on the nature of the change. To the extent we are able to do so, we will advise you of all applicable cancellation and/or amendment charges at the time of confirmation of your booking. Separate conditions apply to air arrangements and are set out in Section 9 of these terms and conditions.
Late Bookings
A fee of 30 $ per booking will be levied for bookings made within 10 working days of departure from your home land. Any booking request made within 10 working days or within any relevant supplier’s cancellation period cannot be processed until full payment has been received by Karakorum Guides.
Land Only Service Charge
A $200 fee applies to land-only bookings for fewer than 2 nights of accommodation or 2 days of car rental.
Payments
We accept only bank transfers or cash. Card payments are not accepted.
Cancellations and Refunds
For Expeditions
If you decide to cancel your program or you are unable to travel, Karakorum Guides will refund the amount you have paid less (i) our reasonable costs and (ii) any cancellation fees imposed by other suppliers. It is likely that other suppliers’ cancellation fees (which we will pass on to you) will be greater when cancellation takes place closer to the departure date. If you notify us of cancellation more than 30 days before departure, then the cancellation charges are only 25% non-refundable deposit. If you notify us of cancellation less than 30 days before departure, the cancellation charges may be up to 50% of the total booking cost. Regrettably cancellation charges cannot be waived. No refunds are available for unused services after departure from your home land.
For Trekking/Tours
If you decide to cancel your program or you are unable to travel, Karakorum Guides will refund the amount you have paid less (i) our reasonable costs and (ii) any cancellation fees imposed by other suppliers. It is likely that other suppliers’ cancellation fees (which we will pass on to you) will be greater when cancellation takes place closer to the departure date. If you notify us of cancellation more than 15 days before departure, then the cancellation charges are only 25% of your deposit. If you notify us of cancellation less than 15 days before departure, the cancellation charges may be up to 50% of the total booking cost. Regrettably cancellation charges cannot be waived. No refunds are available for unused services after departure from your home land.
For Air Arrangements
Cancellation fees will apply as required by airlines regulations and will vary dependent upon the type of airfare utilized. Airfare prices and conditions are subject to change or withdrawal without notification until ticketed. Full payment is required before tickets can be issued. Karakorum Guides cannot be held liable for any increases in prices or changes in any airline regulations. Foreign currency airfares and airport taxes may fluctuate and are subject to the rate of exchange on date of ticket issue. Increases in airport taxes are not the responsibility of Karakorum Guides and can be imposed up to departure. To the extent we are able to do so we will advise you of any increases of which we are aware at the time of confirmation of your booking.
Consumer Claims
Should you encounter any problems on your holiday it is always better to try and solve it directly with the Tour Staff. If it is not possible to do so and you wish to lodge a complaint, please do so in writing within 30 days of completing your Karakorum Guides arrangements. These Terms and Conditions do not purport to exclude any statutory rights available to you and must in all cases be read subject to those statutory provisions.
Not Included in the Tour Cost
- Visas and travel insurance
- Climbing Royalty Fees and permits
- Liaison officers and helicopter rescue
- High camp food, oxygen, EPI gas
- Climbing gear, excess baggage, customs clearance
- Phone calls, laundry, extra meals or drinks, tips (Bakshish)
Any airfare taxes or surcharges will be listed separately in your booking confirmation if not included in your base price.
VARIATIONS
Considerable care has been taken to compile the information in this site but circumstances not within Karakorum Guides pakistan control may necessitate changes in itineraries, accommodation and costs in which case you will be informed as soon as possible. When it is necessary to change a hotel Karakorum Guides reserves the right to substitute accommodation of at least a similar standard. KGP cannot be held responsible for any changes which may occur and reserves the right to increase the price of any travel arrangement up to the date of payment in full (or the date of ticketing in the case of airfares). This includes adjustment for fuel surcharges, airfare increases as well as international exchange rate fluctuations. To the extent we are able to do so; we will notify you of any applicable change in price prior to you making payment in full. KGP may update these terms and conditions at anytime. Any changes to these terms and conditions made after booking will be advised to you. The current version of terms and conditions will always be found on the website www.karakorumguides.com If as a result of any of these variations either: (i) there is a material increase in the cost of your tour during the period between confirmation of your booking and the date on which you pay for your tour in full; or, (ii) you will suffer a material detriment, then you may cancel your tour, in which case KGP will refund the amount you have paid less any cancellation fees imposed by other suppliers.
HOTEL DESCRIPTIONS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
Karakorum Guides will tell you the name and address of the hotel and their standard but Pictures may not show to the clients.
INSURANCE
Karakorum Guides will provide the insurance only for our staff and local porters and KGP not responsible for the clients insurance. In respect of illness, injury, death, loss of baggage and personal item cancellation and curtailment. You may purchase a suitable external policy with specialist travel insurance provider and give us their contact with your policy numbers in case of emergency.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
You are responsible for all immigration, passport, visa, health, quarantine and customs laws, regulations, orders, demands or other requirements of countries visited or transited. Official travel advice issued by the Pakistan Department of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Interior. We recommend that you review this information both prior to making your booking and prior to departure.
UNLICENSED ENTITY DISCLAIMER
If you request Karakorum Guides to arrange for the provision of products or services by a person or company which is not licensed in accordance with any applicable law, Karakorum Guides accepts no liability (whether in contract for negligence or otherwise) for any loss or damage suffered by you as a result.
RESPONSIBILITY
Karakorum Guides Pakistan accepts bookings subject to the following conditions:
- A booking is accepted only after KGP receives the required deposit and issues the client or their travel agent confirmation invoices. The balance must be paid no later than 30 days before departure; otherwise, KGP will treat the booking as cancelled, regardless of whether a deposit is being held.
- KGP acts solely as a coordinator of tours and an agent for the owners, contractors, and suppliers of transportation, accommodation, and/or related travel services. KGP assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to baggage or property, or for injury, illness, death, or any damages or claims arising directly or indirectly from accidents, delays, transport failures, strikes, wars, uprisings, or acts of God—events beyond our control. All coupon receipts and tickets are issued subject to the terms and conditions specified by third-party suppliers, and all services are governed by the laws of the country where they are provided.
- All matters directly relating to the services provided by Karakorum Guides Pakistan will be handled in accordance with these stated responsibilities.
CANCELLATION BY US
Karakorum Guides reserves the right to cancel any Small Group Journey if minimum passenger numbers are not attained. Operation of these tours is dependent on a minimum number of persons booking on your tour. We will advise you of such cancellations no later than 30 days before departure date. However, KGP reserves the right to cancel a Small Group Journey at any time before departure due to Force Majeure (as defined below) or KGP reasonable consideration of adverse Government travel advice. With any form of cancellation, KGP will offer you alternative arrangements, and if the price of your alternative booking is a lower value than the original booking we will refund the difference to you. If you do not accept alternative arrangements we will refund all payments you have made to KGP, in the case of Force Majeure or government travel advice refunds will be less any of KGP unrecoverable costs. KGP will not be liable for any additional costs incurred by you. KGP will not be liable for any delay in, change to or cancellation of trips due to a circumstance beyond the reasonable control of KG and includes, but is not limited to, acts of God, fire, accident, interruptions to energy supplied, war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, disease, industrial or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions and strikes.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
Karakorum Guides will not accept responsibility or liability for any clients who contravenes any law or regulation of any country visited. At all times the decision of the Local Guide / Tour Leader or representative will be final on all matters likely to affect the safety and well-being of the trip. You must, at all times, strictly comply with the laws, customs, and foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited. Should you fail to comply with the above, or should you interfere in our reasonable opinion with the well-being of the group then the leader or company representative may order you to leave the trip immediately with no right of refund.
PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITIONS AND AGE LIMITS
Before making a booking you must advise us of any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of you requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. You may be required to provide an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner if requested. If you fail to adequately notify us of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, we reserve the right, at our reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.