Charakusa Valley Trek
Overview:
The Charakusa Valley Trek is one of the most scenic and rewarding adventures in the Karakoram region of Pakistan, located in the Hushe Valley of Baltistan. Surrounded by granite towers and ice-capped peaks like K6 (Baltar Peak), K7, Link Sar, and Namak Parbat, this hidden valley offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers, trekkers, and climbers alike.
What sets Charakusa apart is its jaw-dropping granite walls, lush green pastures, crystal-clear streams, and proximity to both Laila Peak Base Camp and Masherbrum Glacier. With its relatively short access from Hushe village and low foot traffic, it’s ideal for those looking to escape into nature and witness the untouched beauty of the Karakoram
🏔️ Highlights of Charakusa Valley Trek:
→ Panoramic views of K6 (7281m), K7 (6934m), Link Sar, Drifika, and Namak Parbat
→ Base camp of several world-class granite walls and peaks
→ Alpine meadows with wildflowers and grazing yaks
→ Experience the hospitality of Balti culture in Hushe village
→ Remote and off-the-beaten-path destination for true trekkers
📍 Location:
Hushe Valley, District Ghanche, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
📅 Best Season to Trek:
June to September – Ideal weather, snow-free trails, and stable conditions.
💪 Trek Difficulty:
Moderate to Strenuous – Requires good physical fitness and some previous trekking experience.
🧭 Important Information:
→ Permit Required: Yes (foreign trekkers must obtain a trekking permit)
→ Local Support: Experienced guides and porters from Hushe are available
→ Accommodation: Camping throughout the trek, guesthouses in Hushe and Skardu
→ Mobile Signals: Limited to Hushe and Skardu only
🌟 Why Choose Charakusa Valley Trek?
If you’re searching for a quieter yet spectacular Karakoram experience, Charakusa Valley is the perfect escape. This trek blends dramatic alpine beauty with raw wilderness, offering trekkers a spiritual and visual journey unlike any other. Whether you’re a climber heading to K6/K7 or a traveler wanting to explore remote landscapes, this trek will stay in your memory forever.
🗺️ Suggested Itinerary for Charakusa Valley Trek
Day 1: Arrival in Skardu
Pick-up at Skardu airport
Rest and local sightseeing (Kharpocho Fort, Satpara Lake)
Day 2: Drive to Hushe (approx. 7–8 hours)
Scenic drive along the Shyok River
Overnight in Hushe village (3050m)
Day 3: Trek to Saicho Camp (3350m)
Easy hike through green pastures and pine forests
3–4 hours trek
Camp near Saicho
Day 4: Trek to Charakusa Base Camp (4200m)
Stunning views of granite towers begin to appear
Cross moraine and glacial streams
Overnight at base camp
Day 5: Explore Base Camp – Optional Hike to K7 Viewpoint
Optional day hike to K7 Base or glacier walks
Perfect day for photography and acclimatization
Day 6: Return to Saicho
Trek back along the same trail
Leisurely descent
Day 7: Trek back to Hushe
Spend evening with local Balti families
Enjoy local cuisine and culture
Day 8: Drive back to Skardu
End of trek
Optional flight or drive back to Islamabad
Included
S# | DETAILS |
01 | Airport pick and drop |
02 | Accommodation bed & B.fast, twin bedroom in Islamabad and other cities standard air-condition rooms. |
03 | Flight Ticket or transportation from Islamabad/ Skardu/ Gilgit/chitral or from these cities to Islamabad |
04 | Skardu/Gilgit/Hunza Hotel (bed & breakfast) |
05 | Two nights in Chilas/ Besham hotel (bed & breakfast) incase of flight cancellation. |
06 | Jeeps Skardu/Askoli/ Hushe/ Skardu/shimshal/Chitral/Kalash or vice virsa. |
07 | Wages, insurance, food equipment of cook |
08 | Wages, insurance, food equipment of Assistant cook, |
09 | Wages, insurance, food of Porter Sirdar |
10 | Porter Payment, Low altitude porters. |
11 | Baggage,75 kg (going time) and 50 kgs (on return) for expedition 45 days or more and 25 kg for trekking group & trekking peak |
12 | Full board camp food during trek & at base camp. |
13 | Mess tent, Kitchen tent, store tent, table , chairs and kitchen equipment |
14 | Reconfirmation of international flight tickets. |
15 | Camping fees, road taxes & bridge crossing of expedition members & Porters. |
16 | Porters Equipments. |
17 | Assistance in obtaining climbing permit and other documentations |
18 | Briefing and debriefing in the Ministry of tourism |
19 | CKNP fee: US $ 150/per member |
20 | 1000 US$ guarantee pollution fee. |
21 | 200 US$ environmental protection fund. |
22 | Fuel, Tarpaulin, and Stove for porters. |
23 | Kerosene Oil for porter and Members |
24 | Toilet tent and shower tent |
25 | Members will have individual D-4 in Base camp tents, and mattress for expeditions more than one month |
26 | LO insurance or guide transport and hotel/ equipment and TA/DA. |
27 | Royalty fee and additional member fee |
Not Included
S.# | DETAILS |
01 | Sleeping bags, rucksacks and personal clothing. |
02 | Medication, ground evacuation and helicopter rescue (US$15,000) of any kind. |
03 | Room services, laundry charges, beverages and items of personal nature. Phone /communication |
04 | Climbing food beyond base camp, equipment, high altitude Porters wages bills. |
05 | Insurance or liability of any members. |
06 | Tip to staff |
07 | Custom clearing and forwarding agent’s charge. |
08 | Food & drinks during stay in hotel (City) |
09 | Transport to other cities or places out of itinerary |
10 | Custom clearing and forwarding agent’s charge. |
11 | Extra baggage charges during international or domestic flight |
12 | Insurance or liability of any members. |