Pakistan: Hike the Karakoram Mountains
- Trip code: 462X001
- Dauer: 9
- Stil: Active
For centuries, deep within the Baltistan mountains, the Thallay La Trail served as the only link between the ancient kingdoms of Khaplu and Shigar. Now, with modern roads bypassing it, the trail is a peaceful escape, mostly visited by shepherds and adventurous trekkers seeking hidden beauty. On this nine-day active adventure, step back in time as you explore remote mountain villages, meeting locals who have lived this life for generations. Trek past shimmering glaciers and crystal-clear streams, and experience mornings surrounded by grazing yak and goat herds at your campsite. As evening falls, sip tea with your crew, watching the sun dip behind towering peaks. Every day on this journey reveals a new wonder of this extraordinary valley, shared with the company of friendly local porters.
Übersicht
Accommodation
Hotels (4 nts), Tent Camping (4 nts)
Checklist
Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket
Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)
Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
High Altitude Trekking:
• Down jacket (Recommended for winter season)
• Hiking boots (Worn frequently prior to departure)
• Pack liners to waterproof bags
• Reusable water bottler - minimum 1 litre (Aluminium or Nalgene polypropylene are best)
• Sandals (For wearing around camp in the evenings)
• Sleeping bag and liner, 4 season
• Spare boot laces
• Thermal base layer
• Waterproof gloves
• Whistle
• Windproof rain gear
• Wool socks
Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, trekking support staff, porters and local guides
Group Size Notes
Max 12, avg 8
Highlights
5 Day trek through the Karakoram Mountains, Foodie Tour at Melody Food Street, Community visits at ancient settlements, Explore the Thosqi Khar Upper Fort, Khaplu Palace Visit, Explore the Shigar Fort
Introduction
For centuries, deep within the Baltistan mountains, the Thallay La Trail served as the only link between the ancient kingdoms of Khaplu and Shigar. Now, with modern roads bypassing it, the trail is a peaceful escape, mostly visited by shepherds and adventurous trekkers seeking hidden beauty. On this nine-day active adventure, step back in time as you explore remote mountain villages, meeting locals who have lived this life for generations. Trek past shimmering glaciers and crystal-clear streams, and experience mornings surrounded by grazing yak and goat herds at your campsite. As evening falls, sip tea with your crew, watching the sun dip behind towering peaks. Every day on this journey reveals a new wonder of this extraordinary valley, shared with the company of friendly local porters
Meals Included
8 Frühstück, 7 Mittagessen, 6 Abendessen
Meal Budget
Plane USD90-120 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein
Optional Activities
Keine optionale Aktivitäten
Start / Finish
von Islamabad
Transport
Plane, private vehicle, trekking
What's Included
Dein Welcome-Moment: Anreise und Begrüßungstreffen
Dein Foodie-Moment: Melody Street Foodie Tour, Islamabad. Arrival Transfer. Trekking Porters. Faisal Mosque. Keris Suspension Bridge. Yugo Village Visit. Thosqi Khar Upper Fort. Khaplu Palace Visit. Khanqah-e-Mualla. Thallay La Trail 5 Day Trek. Thallay La Peak Summit. Shigar Fort. Taxila Truck Art. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Internationale Flüge
Check-in-Zeiten und Freigepäck/Einschränkungen können je nach Fluggesellschaft variieren und sich jederzeit ändern. Für die aktuellsten Informationen zu deinem Flug wende dich bitte an deine Fluggesellschaft. Wir empfehlen Online-Check-in, um mögliche Verzögerungen am Flughafen zu vermeiden
Minimum Age
Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre
Itinerary
Day 1 Islamabad: Welcome to Pakistan
Welcome to Pakistan, known as the Land of the Pure, in Urdu. A country full of natural wonders seemingly undiscovered by tourists. Your adventure starts in Islamabad where you will meet your CEO and fellow travelers at the Welcome Meeting this afternoon. Then head to the Shah Faisal Mosque for sunset. Listen as the maghrib prayer echoes over this unique mosque, welcoming you to Pakistan
Day 2 Islamabad to Khaplu: Pakistan's Cultural Heritage
Start today with a scenic flight from Islamabad north to Skardu, followed by a drive to Khaplu town. Make some epic pitstops along the way in different Baltistan villages. Walk across a suspension bridge with a stunning backdrop and spend time with locals with generational ties to these mountainous villages. After arriving to Khaplu, hike the easy yet stunning route up to Thoqsi Khar Fort, an almost 700 year old mosque that lives on a mountain peak
Day 3 Khaplu to Dunsa Campsite: The Start of the Epic Trek
Start the day with a moment of peaceful exploration with a guided tour of the Khaplu Palace. Locally known as Yabgo Khar, this historic fort and palace was built as the royal residence of the Raja of Khaplu. Continue the explorations at Khanqah-e-Mualla, one of the oldest mosques in Baltisan. Begin the afternoon by driving to the beginning of your trek. Join up with your team of local porters and support staff, and embark on a one hour trek to your first campsite, located at 3,530 meters
Day 4 Dunsa to May Sikhpa: Karakoram Peaks & Star Gazing
Wake up as the sun peers over the rugged mountain peaks and join your local guides for your first campsite breakfast. With the special opportunity to hike alongside the local villagers of the Thallay Valley, G travelers have a unique insight into local life and history only a few hundred people per year ever get to experience. Alongside your local guide, trek from Dunsa to May Sikhpa campsite through the breathtaking landscapes of lush green meadows and alpine flowers beside winding streams. Set up camp and enjoy some down time after arriving to May Sikhpa
Day 5 May Sikhpa to La Brangsa: Pakistan Alpine
Listen as the mountain birds sing you awake and breathe in the crisp mountain air as you emerge from your tent. After a hearty breakfast, trek for around 5 km to La Brangsa High Camp. As we hike, listen for the grunts of yaks or the bleating of goats being led by local shepherds. Today's relatively moderate trek is mostly through green meadows, with a small stream crossing to keep you on your toes, literally! There will be moments to rest on the trek and to interact with the shepherds up in the summer pasture. We'll arrive in the afternoon to La Brangsa, and after setting up camp, enjoy some free time. Learn to play cricket with the locals or chat to your local porters who would be thrilled to share a good conversation with you as you relax after the hike
Day 6 Thallay La Crossing: Touch the Sky
Enjoy an early breakfast, as we head out straight after sunrise to prepare to summit Thallay La Mountain. Gain about 620 meters in altitude today as you climb a steep trail to reach the top. Summiting a mountaintop after a challenging hike is one of life's unique thrills as a human being. Conquering a physical challenge with like-minded peers to gain your reward-an expansive birds-eye-view of our planet earth as very few get to see her. This summit is perhaps made all the more special by how relatively untouched it is by mass tourism. After some well-deserved celebrating, rest and of course some photos, we'll descend towards our next campsite for the night. Arrive and set up camp at Bukhma campsite and dig into a hearty, celebratory, Pakistani meal. Tonight is your last night camping so enjoy a peaceful last evening under the stars
Day 7 Bukhma to Shigar: The Grand Finale
Today is our last day of trekking through the Thallay La trail. From Bukhma campsite, we'll hike down the remaining 14 km to reach Shigar. Enjoy the last kilometers with mountain flowers, snow capped jagged mountains and flowing glacial streams in view. After arriving to Shigar, say goodbye to the incredible local guides and staff that helped us through the passage. Then relax at Shigar Fort, a converted historic building, and enjoy some refreshments. Tonight, we spend a much earned night in a hotel in Shigar and a enjoy warm dinner as a group
Day 8 Shigar to Islamabad: Pakistan's Capital
A morning flight brings us back to Islamabad. Drive from the airport to Taxila and learn about the unique world of Pakistani truck art. What looks like a fun decorated truck actually signifies so much more. From representing different ethnic groups, advocating for change or expressing historical experiences, Pakistani truck art has become a must-see when visiting Islamabad. Don't miss the chance to drink a cup of local tea in a truck-art inspired setting. After some time in the shops and meeting some local artists, head to Melody Food Street for one last meal together, right where it all began!
Day 9 Islamabad
Depart at anytime
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Islamabad: Welcome to Pakistan
Arrive no later than 3:00 pm the first day of your trip to ensure you don't miss any activities
Day 2 Islamabad to Khaplu: Pakistan's Cultural Heritage
This evening, join your CEO and group to prepare for your five day trek that starts tomorrow. Review the trekking route and difficulty levels throughout. Discuss best practice for managing high-altitude sickness and guidelines for responsible trekking.
Day 3 Khaplu to Dunsa Campsite: The Start of the Epic Trek
Upon arrival at camp, some warm refreshment will be served as you get settled in. Dinner will be served in the mess tent, and will feature a mix of local Pakistani specialties as well as continental and regional dishes. Tea, coffee and green tea will be available at any time throughout your stay.
Day 4 Dunsa to May Sikhpa: Karakoram Peaks & Star Gazing
Boiled water for drinking will be available for refilling your water bottle throughout the journey.
Day 5 May Sikhpa to La Brangsa: Pakistan Alpine
Day 6 Thallay La Crossing: Touch the Sky
Day 7 Bukhma to Shigar: The Grand Finale
Day 8 Shigar to Islamabad: Pakistan's Capital
In the case that the flight from Skardu to Islamabad is cancelled, we will take the scenic route and drive to Islamabad. We'll pass through the breathtaking Babusar Pass and picturesque lakeside towns like Naran.
Day 9 Islamabad
