The Chogo Lungma Glacier trek starts at Arandu, the last village of the Basha valley, and follows the northern edge of the glacier for about five days. It is a demanding but non-technical walk with no permit needed, best done from mid-June to September. It is also the approach for two longer trips: the Spantik base camp trek and the crossing of Haramosh La.
Sources give the glacier's length as anywhere from about 38 to 44 kilometres, so treat any single figure with care. What is consistent is the character of the walk: Balti villages, meadows on the glacier's edge, and big Karakoram peaks ahead. This guide covers the route, the difficulty, the season and the logistics from Skardu.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Start | Doko or Arandu, Basha valley, Shigar district |
| Duration | About 5 days for the standard glacier trek |
| Distance | About 72 km round trip from Doko (one trekking source) |
| Grade | Demanding, non-technical |
| Season | Mid-June to September |
| Altitudes | Arandu 2,770 m; Chogo Brangsa about 3,320 m; Gareencho about 3,780 m; Bolocho about 3,800 m |
| Permit | Open zone; no trekking permit needed (one source; confirm with your operator) |
Where is Chogo Lungma and how do you get there?
The glacier lies in Shigar district of Gilgit-Baltistan, feeding the Basha river. A jeep track runs up the Basha valley to Arandu at the snout. One trekking guide places the start at Doko, at 2,530 metres, roughly 35 km from Haiderabad; commercial itineraries drive to Arandu itself, describing a long day on a rough jeep track from Skardu.
Shared jeeps run to the valley, but service is irregular. Most trekkers hire a private jeep. Our guide to Arandu village covers the road and what the village has.
The standard route, day by day
The pattern below follows published trek stages; exact camps vary by guide.
- Doko or Arandu to Arandu village (2,770 m). A short walk or the end of the jeep ride; camp at the village.
- Arandu to Chogo Brangsa (about 3,320 m). Five to six hours along the north side of the glacier to a summer settlement.
- Chogo Brangsa to Gareencho (about 3,780 m). Higher meadows, more glacier moraine underfoot.
- Gareencho to Bolocho (about 3,800 m). The turning point for the standard glacier trek, with views towards Spantik and Malubiting.
- Return towards Arandu, either in one long day or two shorter ones.
Times are indicative. The ablation valley beside the ice can be rocky and slow, and streams rise in the afternoon melt.
How hard is the Chogo Lungma trek?
It is a demanding standard trek. The highest camps are under 4,000 metres, so altitude is a smaller problem than on the Baltoro, but the days are long and the walking is on moraine, scree and side streams. You need to be able to walk five or six hours daily for several days, and to be comfortable being far from a road. There is no technical climbing on the standard route. Even so, read our note on altitude sickness in Gilgit-Baltistan, because the road journey itself gains height quickly.
When to go
Mid-June to September is the trekking window. Earlier in the year snow can linger on the higher ground. In September nights are cold and days shorter. Melt raises streams on warm afternoons in midsummer. Ask your guide about river levels when you book.
Porters, guides and cost
Porters come from the lower Basha valley villages, and Arandu villagers are often recommended as the most experienced. Rates are usually agreed per stage and include their food. Fees vary between operators and years, so ask for a written quote. Remember that camping fees and park charges apply in some areas; a listing of Central Karakoram National Park treks quotes a campsite and water management fee of $40 for the Arandu routes.
Longer trips from Chogo Lungma
- Spantik base camp. The glacier leads to Laila base camp and on to Spantik base camp, around 4,300 to 4,340 metres. Operators quote about six days for the round trip from Arandu, or 15 days with flights included. See our Spantik base camp trek guide.
- Haramosh La. The route continues from Arandu up the glacier over Haramosh La to Kutwal lake and Haramosh, about 10 days. It is remote, and only a handful of trekkers cross it each year. See our Haramosh valley guide.
Is it right for you?
It suits fit walkers who want a quiet Karakoram glacier trek without a permit or a crowd, and who have at least a week spare including the jeep road. It does not suit first-time trekkers, anyone short of time, or people wanting cafes and lodges: the walking is in tents. If you have less time, our Skardu page lists shorter walks and day trips from town.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Chogo Lungma glacier trek?
About five days for the standard route, roughly 72 km round trip from Doko. Spantik base camp adds about a day or more each way, and Haramosh La takes about 10 days.
When is the best time for the Chogo Lungma trek?
Mid-June to September, with July and August the most settled.
Do I need a permit for Chogo Lungma?
One trekking source lists it as an open zone with no permit. Rules change, so confirm with a licensed operator before you go.
How long is the glacier?
Sources vary between about 38 and 44 km, so treat any single figure as approximate.
Is the Chogo Lungma trek difficult?
Demanding but not technical. Camps stay below about 4,000 m, but days are long over moraine.
