Drifika (6,447 m) stands in the Masherbrum mountains near the Charakusa Glacier in the Hushe valley. It was first climbed in 1978 by a Japanese expedition led by Akiya Ishimura. It is known as a demanding climb on steep snow, ice and rock, with few ascents. Base Camp at Spangser in the Charakusa valley is two days from Hushe, the home of our team.
| 1 | Departure/Return Location | International Airport, Islamabad |
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| 2 | Mountain Range: Karakoram | Region: Charakusa, Hushe valley, Gilgit Baltistan |
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| 3 | Elevation: 6,447 m | Best Time: June to August |
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| 4 | Duration: 31 Days | Zone: Open |
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Day 1Arrive in Islamabad (540 m)Our team meets you at Islamabad airport and takes you to your hotel. Rest after your flight. Overnight in hotel.
Day 2Expedition briefing in IslamabadOfficial expedition briefing at the Ministry of Tourism with the Alpine Club of Pakistan, final paperwork, gear check and last shopping. Overnight in hotel.
Day 3Fly to Skardu (2,230 m)Morning flight past Nanga Parbat to Skardu, about one hour. If the flight is cancelled because of weather, we drive the Karakoram Highway instead (one or two days). Overnight in hotel.
Day 4Skardu: final preparationsRepack loads for the porters, buy fresh supplies and visit Skardu bazaar. This day is also a spare day for flight delays. Overnight in hotel.
Day 5Jeep from Skardu to Hushe (3,050 m)About 6 hours by jeep along the Shyok river and through Khaplu into the Hushe valley, the home village of our guides and porters. Overnight in camp.
Day 6Trek from Hushe to Saicho (3,350 m)About 4 to 5 hours up the Hushe valley to the green campsite at Saicho. Overnight in tent.
Day 7Trek to Charakusa Base Camp (Spangser, about 4,300 m)About 5 hours along the Charakusa Glacier to the meadow camp at Spangser, the base for K6, K7 and Link Sar. Overnight in tent.
Day 8 to 25Climbing period on Drifika (6,447 m)A steep technical climb on snow, ice and rock. The team fixes ropes, sets one or two high camps and waits for a weather window.
Day 26Trek from Base Camp to SaichoClean up Base Camp and walk down the Charakusa valley. Overnight in tent.
Day 27Saicho to HusheClean up Base Camp, pack all garbage for Skardu and walk down to Hushe. Overnight in camp.
Day 28Jeep from Hushe to SkarduAbout 6 hours by jeep back to Skardu. Hot shower and a celebration dinner. Overnight in hotel.
Day 29Spare day in SkarduKept free for flight delays or bad weather on the road. Overnight in hotel.
Day 30Fly to Islamabad and debriefingFlight to Islamabad (or the Karakoram Highway if cancelled) and the official debriefing. Overnight in hotel.
Day 31Fly homeTransfer to Islamabad airport for your flight home.
Services Include:| Climbing permit, registration and all government fees |
| Airport pick up and drop off in Islamabad |
| Hotel in Islamabad on bed and breakfast as per itinerary |
| Hotel in Skardu on full board as per itinerary |
| Domestic flights Islamabad to Skardu and back (road travel by private vehicle if flights are cancelled) |
| All jeep transport to and from the trek start |
| Porters to carry expedition loads to Base Camp and back |
| Experienced guide on the approach trek |
| Base Camp cook and kitchen team |
| All meals during the trek and at Base Camp |
| Base Camp tents: sleeping, dining, kitchen, toilet and shower tents with tables, chairs and mattresses |
| Gas and fuel for cooking at Base Camp |
| Wages, food, equipment and insurance for all staff and porters |
| First aid kit at Base Camp |
| Garbage management and transport of waste back to Skardu |
| Experienced climbing guide for the summit climb |
| High camp tents and group climbing equipment (fixed ropes, snow bars, ice screws) |
| International flights to and from Islamabad |
| Pakistan visa fee |
| Travel, medical and helicopter rescue insurance (mandatory) |
| Lunch and dinner in Islamabad |
| Personal climbing gear and clothing |
| Personal high altitude porter (available on request) |
| Extra hotel nights or meals caused by early return, flight delays or road closures |
| Excess baggage on domestic flights |
| Drinks, laundry, phone calls and other personal expenses |
| Summit bonus for climbing staff |
| Tips for guides, cooks and porters |
| Helicopter rescue costs |
| Anything not listed under included services |
Drifika (6,447 m) Expedition on Google Maps:
