Cigarette Peak Expedition
Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan
Cigarette Peak Expedition
Overview & Mountain Character
“Cigarette Peak, at 6,160m in the Karakoram near the Charakusa Glacier, is a moderately technical high-altitude peak offering climbers excellent experience in alpine and glacier climbing.”
The Cigarette Peak Expedition is ideal for mountaineers seeking to gain experience on technical 6000m peaks before attempting higher 7000m expeditions. The climb involves glacier travel and moderate alpine sections, with rewarding panoramic views of the Charakusa and Hushe valleys.
6,160m
Summit Elevation
20-25 Days
Total Duration
4 - 8 People
Climbers Ratio
June - August
Ideal Season
Technical Grade: Moderate
Moderate trekking and scree walking with light technical sections
Route Timeline & Rotation Plan
Welcome to Pakistan. Upon arrival in Islamabad, you will be met by our team and transferred to your hotel for rest and orientation.
Transfer to Skardu via a domestic flight. In the event of a flight cancellation due to weather, the journey will proceed via an 11-12 hour overland drive to Chilas.
A free day to explore the town of Skardu. For those traveling by road, this day involves an 8-9 hour drive from Chilas to Skardu.
A 5-6 hour scenic jeep journey from Skardu to the village of Hushe, the final gateway before the trek begins.
Commencement of the trek with a 3-4 hour walk to Humbroq, establishing the primary Base Camp for Cigarette Peak.
A 15-day dedicated window for acclimatization, technical climbing, and summit attempts on Cigarette Peak.
Following the conclusion of the climbing phase, a 3-4 hour trek back down to Hushe village.
A 6-7 hour return jeep drive from Hushe back to Skardu for a well-deserved rest.
Flight to Islamabad (weather permitting). If the flight is cancelled, the day involves an 8-9 hour drive to Chilas for an overnight stay.
Complete the final 11-12 hour leg of the road journey from Chilas back to Islamabad.
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight to your own destination. End of expedition services.
Highlights & Climber Prerequisites
Expedition Highlights
Moderately technical 6000m peak
Glacier and alpine climbing experience
High-altitude training peak
Panoramic views of Charakusa and Hushe valleys
Mandatory Climber Requirements
Previous 6000m peak experience
Good technical climbing skills
Excellent physical condition
Medical fitness certificate
Mountaineering insurance required
Services Included & Excluded
What's Included in Expedition
- Licensed High-Altitude Mountain Guide & Climbing Sirdar
- Government Peak Royalty, Environmental Fees & Climbing Permits
- Basecamp Infrastructure: Dome Tents, Dining Hall & Solar Power
- Full Chef & Kitchen Staff Service at Basecamp (3 hot meals daily)
- Porter Logistics for Expedition & Personal Gear (Askole/Hushe to BC)
- Emergency Medical Oxygen, First Aid Kits & Gamow Bag on Site
- Satellite Phone & Radio Communication Network
- Domestic Logistics Assistance and Liaison Officer Accommodations
What's Excluded
- International Flights to & from Islamabad International Airport
- Pakistan Visa & Consular Processing Fees
- Personal High-Altitude Down Suits, Boots & Technical Climbing Hardware
- Supplemental Summit Oxygen Cylinders, Regulators & Masks
- Personal Mountaineering & Helicopter Evacuation Insurance (Mandatory)
- Summit Bonuses for High Altitude Porters & Climbing Sherpas
- Personal Alcoholic Beverages, Specialty Snacks & Excess Baggage
- Hotel Accommodation outside the Scheduled Itinerary
Pricing on Request
Every expedition is customized according to your group size, climbing season, and specific route requirements. Contact us directly to receive an itemized proposal.
Get Itemized Expedition Pricing
Reach out directly to our Karakoram expedition coordinators on WhatsApp or Email for complete pricing, dates, and logistics tailored to your team.
High-Altitude Mountain Safety Protocols
High-Altitude Acclimatization Schedules
Carefully calculated elevation increments with acclimatization rotations and designated rest camps to prevent AMS and HAPE.
Dual Satellite & VHF Communications
Continuous satellite phones (Iridium) and high-frequency VHF handheld radios linking high camps, Basecamp, and Islamabad logistics.
UIAA Certified Expedition Hardware
All fixed ropes, snow pickets, high-altitude dome tents, and multi-fuel stoves meet rigorous international UIAA safety ratings.
Licensed Sirdars & High-Altitude Crews
Guided by certified high-altitude mountain leaders and seasoned Balti climbers with multiple Karakoram summit ascents.
This expedition navigates altitudes reaching 6,160m. All international climbers must hold high-altitude emergency search and helicopter evacuation insurance policy coverage prior to departure from Islamabad.
Climber Reviews & Testimonials
Real climber stories, feedback, and high-altitude photos on Cigarette Peak Expedition.
Expedition Reviews6
Verified mountaineers & travelersSarah Mitchell
“An absolutely life-changing experience. The guides were incredibly knowledgeable, safety was never compromised, and the views of K2 were beyond anything I could've imagined. This team truly understands how to craft an unforgettable journey.”
James Carter
“From start to finish, everything was perfectly organized. The local insights and personal attention made this trek feel completely unique. I've traveled extensively, but this was by far one of the best-managed trips I've been on.”
Elena Rodriguez
“The warmth of the local culture combined with breathtaking landscapes made this tour unforgettable. Our guide shared stories and history that brought every village to life. I'd book with them again in a heartbeat.”
Michael Chen
“Professional, passionate, and precise — this team exceeded every expectation. The logistics were flawless even in remote terrain, and the camaraderie among the group made the challenging trek feel effortless.”
Julian Meyer
“Standing face-to-face with K2 at Concordia was an experience words cannot capture. The mountain guides, high-altitude Balti porters, and hot campsite chef service were nothing short of exceptional. Karakoram Mountain Explore handled every permit and internal flight flawlessly.”
Sophie Laurent
“Our Broad Peak climb was a masterclass in safety and high-altitude logistics. The base camp infrastructure with solar arrays and heated dining tents made our acclimatization comfortable. Their liaison support in Islamabad and Skardu was seamless.”
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