Explore Pakistan's peaks & palaces
Journey to the land of impossible peaks: Baltistan is world-renowned for its epic treks, and this curated itinerary offers an accessible gateway to its grandeur. No technical climbing skills required, just a spirit for adventure. Experience a seamless blend of luxury and rugged beauty as you explore the ancient kingdoms of Khaplu and Shigar.
Your expedition begins at the mid-19th-century Khaplu Palace, a masterclass in Balti architecture. From there, trek through traditional villages and vibrant alpine meadows to cross the Thalley La (4,572m). As you descend into the Shigar Valley, your home for the night is the magnificent 17th-century Shigar Fort.
This is more than a trek. It is a walk through living history.
Services
Included:
- 9 nights accommodation, including in tents
- Full service camping includes tents and sleeping mattress
- All meals during camping
- All domestic transport, including flights
- Activities as per the itinerary
- English-speaking guide throughout
- Support for Pakistan visa
- 12.5kgs (27pounds) porterage of personal gear on trek
Excluded:
- International flights
- Any meals & drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Personal expenses
- Tips & gratuities
- Airport departure tax
Optional:
- Additional night in Skardu area
Itinerary at a Glance
Islamabad
Day 1: Welcome to Pakistan!
Skardu - Khaplu
Day 2: Spot the peaks from the sky on the flight to Khaplu
Khaplu
Day 3: Hike to Thoksikar Fort
Thally
Day 4: Serene stroll through Thalley Valley
Dubla Khan
Day 5: Panoramic hiking views to Dubla Khan
Daserpa
Day 6: Zig-zag to the top of Thally Pass
Shigar
Day 7: Peaceful hike to Shigar
Skardu
Day 8: Get lost in fascinating forts
Islamabad
Day 9: Back to Islamabad
Islamabad Airport
Day 10: Goodbye Pakistan!
Detailed Itinerary
Islamabad
Day 1: Day 1: Welcome to Pakistan!
Welcome to Pakistan. Your first morning in Islamabad is free to recover from your journey. In the afternoon we offer an optional walk to the Margalla hills surrounding the capital. Later the trek leaders will give a full trip briefing on the adventure you are about to embark on. We will conclude our evening with a group dinner, this will be an opportunity for everyone to get to know each other.
Skardu - Khaplu
Day 2: Day 2: Spot the peaks from the sky on the flight to Khaplu
Today we get up early so we can get to the place where we start our adventure. We take an early morning flight to Skardu. The flight is about an hour and incredibly scenic, on the way you will see the foothills of the Himalayas, leading to Nanga Parbat and as we get closer to landing, K2 and Baltoro Glacier will be seen in all their glory. We go to the Khaplu Palace hotel where you can relax before lunch. The rest of the day is yours to relax and get acclimated to the altitude.
Khaplu
Day 3: Day 3: Hike to Thoksikar Fort
You have an option to hike to the 500-year-old Thoksikar Fort, with 360 views of Khaplu and Shyok river. The hike takes about forty minutes one-way and is a good way to get acclimated to the altitude. Later in the day we will visit the nearby 14th century Chaqchan Mosque and the majestic Khaplu Khanqah, built in the 18th century and very beautiful places to visit. We highly recommend using this hike to adjust to the climate.
Thally
Day 4: Day 4: Serene stroll through Thalley Valley
Today we start our camping adventure. After a relaxed morning and a delicious breakfast we drive towards the beautiful Thalley Valley. Our destination is Thalley village where we leave our jeeps and walk along gorgeous Thalley river and through cultivated fields, towards the summer settlement of Olmo. There is nothing like sleeping under the stars surrounded by mountains.
Dubla Khan
Day 5: Day 5: Panoramic hiking views to Dubla Khan
Get ready for some amazing panoramic views. Today is a day to absorb the beautiful sites and explore the area with your guide. We walk through rolling pastures filled with hundreds of sheep and meet some of the shepherds who watch over them in the settlement of Dubla Khan. We stop here for lunch, then continue to the last shepherds settlement also known as base-camp.
Daserpa
Day 6: Day 6: Zig-zag to the top of Thally Pass
Today is an exciting hike on a zig-zagging donkey path for about 3-4 hours to the breaktaking top of Thalley pass 4,814m (15,796ft). There are views of Masherbrum range and Mango Gusor peak both above 6,000m (20,000ft). After spending time here we start our descent towards Shigar on a grassy ridge, past side streams and herds of dzos, sheep and goats to the summer settlement of Daserpa. We then come to camp and will have time to relax and eat to recharge our energy.
Shigar
Day 7: Day 7: Peaceful hike to Shigar
Today we'll spend an easy day of hiking before relaxing in luxury accommodation.The path is well maintained and the walk is easy going down hill. It crosses the beautiful river twice and goes through peaceful shepherd settlements, until we finally get to the road and the beautiful town of Shigar. The hike ends at the historic Shigar Fort hotel.
Skardu
Day 8: Day 8: Get lost in fascinating forts
We start our day with visit to the 14th-century Amburiq Mosque in Shigar Village, a UNESCO Heritage Site. Later visit the historic Kharpocho fort in Skardu, built on the foundation of an earlier 15th-century fort. According to some accounts, this location has always had a fort built to protect it no matter which civilization was in power, and during Buddhist times a they turned it into a beautiful monastery. At the top, we have amazing views of the surrounding area. After lunch head over to the beautiful alpine Kachura Lakes to relax by the water with some tea. Take a deep breath and soak it all in. For those interested, it is possible to go boating and fish for Trout or hike to upper Kachura lake. There's nothing like fresh trout from the mountain streams.
Islamabad
Day 9: Day 9: Back to Islamabad
Today we will take the early morning flight to Islamabad, or if unable to fly we will drive the Silk Road back to Islamabad. Our private bus will be waiting at the airport to transfer us to the hotel and once we have settled in it will be time to take lunch. After lunch the rest of the day is free for independent sightseeing, shopping or to relax at the hotel.
Islamabad Airport
Day 10: Day 10: Goodbye Pakistan!
It's the end of the road for your adventure and time to take your international flight home. Take care and see you soon!
