Baltistan - Skardu Mountain Call
About this tour
Baltistan is a beautiful valley in the Karakoram range and a famous destination for adventure and cultural travels. This region is known as the mountaineers' paradise. Four of the 14 peaks above 8000m high are situated in the Baltistan region, and hundreds of 7000 m high mountains, along with world-famous trekking routes, are also located in Baltistan. It is also home to several diversified cultures, ethnic groups and languages. Baltistan has colourful flowers, gushing streams, emerald lakes, lush green pastures, apricot orchids and the always smiling & welcoming Balti people.
• Experience the rich cultural heritage of secluded valleys.
• Witness the spectacular high mountain peaks such as Masherbrum, Nanga Parbat, Haldi Cones etc.
• Visit the beautiful lakes, including Sadpara, upper Kachura, and Sheosar.
• Visit the Safranga cold desert and world-famous Deosai plains*
• Plenty of opportunities for short/day hikes.
• Drive along the mighty Indus and Shayok Rivers.
• Visit famous forts, including the Kharpocho fort, Shigar fort and Khaplu fort.
• Enjoy the traditional food throughout the holiday.
• Experience village life in pristine areas.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: lslamabad International Airport, Islamabad, Pakistan to Islamabad Serena Hotel, Islamabad, Pakistan
Arrival at Islamabad International airport and transfer to the hotel. Participants will have free time to relax and recover from the journey on this day.
Day 2: Skardu to Khaplu
Fly from Islamabad airport to Skardu (1-hour scenic flight) and then drive to the stunning Ghanche district of Baltistan. We will be passing through small villages to reach Yugo village. En route, we will have short stops at Thorgo Pari, the Shayok & Indus Rivers' meeting points and multiple photography spots. Enjoy traditional lunch at Yugo and. After lunch, two optional activities: trek to Kharfaq Lake (5 hours trek both ways) or a cultural walk in the village streets of Yugo to witness village life and meet locals. Later in the late afternoon, we drive to Khaplu and check into the hotel with leisure time to visit the Khaplu fort museum and organic garden. OR
Day 3: Khaplu to Sailing
Early morning hike up to Toqsikhar (old fort), a viewpoint of the confluence of rivers Shyok, Hushe & Saltoro. Visit & witness the architectural heritage of the famous Chaqchan mosque and then drive to Macholo valley (1 hour). Spend some free time enjoying the splendid view of Masherbrum Peak, also known as K-1, leisure time for photography, meeting local people and enjoying the pristine natural beauty. Drive back to Sailing and enjoy a cultural walk through the village streets and interact with local people—lunch at the Sailing fish farm and drive back to Khaplu. In the afternoon, visit Khanqah-e-Maula and then move to Hanjor Broq to witness the sunset.
Day 4: Khaplu to Shigar
Drive from Khaplu to Shigar valley with short stops at multiple points of interest for photography. Visit the famous Sarfaranga cold desert and Shigar fort for lunch. Visit the fort museum and garden, and spend time exploring the area. (The Shigar Fort- Fong Khar, which means The Fort on Rock, is an old fort built in the 17th century by the Raja of the Amacha Dynasty of Shigar). End the evening with a short hike up to the old fort to witness the sun setting over the Shigar river.
Day 5: Shigar to Skardu
We will spend a whole day in Skardu. Visiting Shangri-La resort (optional boating), drive to upper Kachura, and walk through the local houses, fields & trees. After 20 minutes beautiful walk, we will reach upper Kachura Lake, having free time to explore the area and enjoy boating. Then drive to Soq valley (a beautiful valley near upper Kachura), and enjoy fishing and lunch. Drive back to Skardu and hike to Nansoq village (50 minutes), a beautiful hike to the first organic village of Baltistan. 11 homes and 92 Inhabitants, visited by King Charles and Prince Aga Khan IV! This centuries-old tiny settlement is one of the most peaceful places in the region. Explore the area and enjoy leisure time with a host family. Hike back to Skardu (50 minutes) and visit Skardu Bazar for shopping (local handicrafts, jewellery, carpet etc.). Drive back to Shigar for an overnight stay.
Day 6: Shigar to Deosai National Park
Day excursion to the famous Deo Sai plains, the second-highest plateaus in the world. We will visit Manthal rock Budha, Sadpara Lake, Ali Malik top, Bara Pani and Sheosar Lake (4114 m). Enjoy leisure time to explore the area. The plains are a floral extravaganza of the summer months with a recorded number of 406 species (Nawaz et al., 2006). Drive back to our hotel for a second night stay in Shigar.
Day 7: Skardu to Islamabad, Pakistan
Fly from Skardu to Islamabad (1-hour scenic flight). Transfer to hotel and after lunch sightseeing. OR Drive from Skardu via Karakoram highway with short stops (in case of flight cancellation
Day 8: Skardu to Islamabad, Pakistan
If we cannot fly due to the weather, we will travel down to Islamabad by road. If we fly from Skardu to Islamabad, we will enjoy sightseeing in the capital, or your leader will advise you on the options available for today. (Day excursion to the Taxila museum and archaeological sites will be one of the options)
Day 9: Islamabad Serena Hotel, Islamabad, Pakistan to lslamabad International Airport, Islamabad, Pakistan
After breakfast, transfer from the hotel to the airport for international flights.
What's included
• Airport transfers (on the first and last day in Islamabad) • All land transport involved in the itinerary • Internal flights and associated airport transfers • All hotel accommodations (twin sharing) • All meals throughout the holidays • Licensed professional local guide • Sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary • Implementation of all sustainable tourism protocols • All entry tickets (forts, parks) • Host family's participation to involve group members in their daily routine activities • Cultural lunches • Cultural evening with traditional music and dance
• Travel Insurance • Pakistan Visa (supporting documents will be offered) • International airfare • Personal equipment (clothes, boots etc.) • Tips for guiding and supporting staff • Miscellaneous expenses – drinks and souvenirs etc
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
lslamabad International Airport, Islamabad, Pakistan to Islamabad Serena Hotel, Islamabad, Pakistan