A walk up the Hushe valley in Baltistan to the foot of one of the Karakoram's most photographed peaks — the scythe-shaped Laila Peak (~6,096m), with a base camp set among glaciers at roughly 4,200m.
Laila Peak rises above the Hushe valley in Baltistan to roughly 6,096m — though its exact height is disputed, with sources giving figures across about 6,069–6,200m (confirm before relying on any single number) — and few mountains anywhere are as instantly recognisable. Its near-vertical, scythe-shaped face curves to a needle point that seems almost too perfect to be real — which is exactly why it has become one of the most photographed and sought-after peaks in the whole Karakoram. You do not need to be a climber to stand beneath it; the base camp trek brings ordinary fit walkers to its foot.
The trek begins in Hushe, the last village up the valley, and climbs through glacial terrain toward a base camp at around 4,000–4,200m. It shares the same gateway as the wider Gondogoro and Hushe trekking region, so the views open onto a wall of giants as you gain height. This is a trek about the destination as much as the journey — the moment the spire reveals itself is what people come for.
Hushe village (trailhead): The walk starts from Hushe, reached by jeep up the valley from Khaplu. The village is the staging point where guides, porters and supplies are organised before heading into the mountains.
Glacier approach: The trail works up the valley and onto the glaciated terrain of the Gondogoro area. Progress over moraine and ice is slow and uneven, and the safe line shifts year to year, so a guide who knows current conditions is genuinely worth having here.
High meadows & camps: Between stretches of glacier the route passes grazing meadows and seasonal herder camps that double as overnight stops. Spending a night gaining height gradually here helps with acclimatisation before the final push.
Laila Peak Base Camp (~4,200m): A steady climb reaches the base camp set beneath the spire, with the full sweep of the peak and surrounding Karakoram in view. Most parties take roughly 5 to 7 days for the round trip, returning the same way to Hushe.
This is a moderate trek rather than a technical climb, but the altitude is real. By base camp you are around 4,200m, where the air is thin and altitude sickness is a genuine risk. Acclimatise properly, climb slowly, build in nights at progressively higher camps, and be honest with yourself about how you feel — the view is not worth pushing through serious symptoms for.
The glacier travel adds hazard that should not be underestimated. Moving ice, crevasses and loose moraine all demand care, and conditions change through the season. Go with an experienced local guide and porters, not alone, and treat weather seriously — the Karakoram turns quickly and cloud can erase the route up high.
| Best months | Roughly June to September, when the glacier and meadows are most settled |
| Main hazards | High altitude (~4,200m) and glacier travel — acclimatise properly and use a guide |
| Max altitude | Roughly 4,000–4,200m at base camp, beneath the ~6,096m peak |
| Access | Skardu → Khaplu → Hushe village by road/jeep, then on foot |
| Costs & permits | Confirm current costs and any local permit requirements with a local operator before you travel |
Read more about the spire itself on the Laila Peak mountain page, explore the wider Hushe valley treks, browse other treks across Gilgit-Baltistan, find a vetted local agency, or plan a full Baltistan itinerary around it.
Most parties take roughly 5 to 7 days for the round trip from Hushe, including nights to acclimatise. The exact length depends on your pace and how much time you build in for altitude.
Laila Peak's height is disputed, usually quoted at roughly 6,096m but cited anywhere across about 6,069–6,200m depending on the source. The base camp trek reaches around 4,000–4,200m at the foot of the peak — high enough that the air is noticeably thin, so proper acclimatisation matters.
No — reaching base camp is a trek, not a technical climb. You do need reasonable fitness, tolerance for altitude up to about 4,200m, and a willingness to cross glacier terrain with a guide. Summiting the peak itself is a serious technical objective and a different undertaking entirely.
Roughly June to September, when the glacier and high meadows are most settled and the weather is most reliable. Outside this window snow and unstable conditions make the route harder and riskier.
The trek starts from Hushe village, reached by road from Skardu to Khaplu and then by jeep up the valley to Hushe. Guides, porters and camping support are usually arranged in Hushe or through operators in Khaplu and Skardu.