The Grand Traverse Of Baltistan - 15 Days
About this tour
This adventure combines the two beautiful treks of Nangma Valley & Thallay La into an unforgettable trekking holiday with plenty of opportunities for wilderness experiences, activities, cultural exchanges & authentic experiences.
When Eduard Koblmiller set foot in the valley during his successful K6 expedition in 1970, he described it as a place of “unusual and primordial beauty”. The Nangma Valley looks like an impressionist painting with extreme color contrasts and abstract lines that point the sky with astonishing verticality. The beauty of the valley is almost touching and, unlike other and much more famous places, the base camps are only an intense day’s walk from the road.
From tiny seasonal settlements of the upper valleys displaying the fascinating Balti culture to the crossing of the snow-capped Thallay La. This easy & adventurous trek connects the two Kingdoms on the world's roof, i.e., Khaplu with Shigar. The trip is remarkably varied in terms of the natural landscape, ranging from the sands of the Indus valley, by way of the "Alpine " lower valley, to the high snows of the spectacular peaks surrounding the Thallay La.
• An easy trek to one of the most beautiful campsites in the world (Nangma Valley, 3950m)
• An asylum of wild excellence with various rock towers.
• Optional day hike to Amin Brakk (5800m), also known as the Great Tower
• An easy and beautiful trek connecting the Thallay Valley to Shigar via the spectacular Thalay La at 4800 meters above sea level.
• Walk through the green pastures of Thalay Valley, along with spectacular mountain scenery.
• A beautiful trail along the glacial streams, shepherd huts & flower-filled pastures.
• Rich flora including many regional species
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 enjoy leisure time to relax and recover from the journey on this day. In the afternoon you can enjoy a city tour (visit Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, Lok Virsa museum etc.)
Day 2: Islamabad, Pakistan to Skardu
Fly from Islamabad airport to Skardu (1-hour scenic flight). Free day for sightseeing and necessary purchasing from Skardu Bazar. We will visit Manthal Rock Budha, Kharpocho fort, Organic village and Skardu Bazar. Or In case of flight cancellation due to weather, drive from Islamabad via Karakoram Highway with short stops at various touristic spots.
Day 3: Skardu to Khaplu
Drive to Khaplu, passing through small villages of Ghanche district to reach; en route, we will have short stops at the meeting point of Shayok & Indus Rivers, Thorgo Pari and visit Yugo. Enjoy traditional lunch at Yugo and a cultural walk in the 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.
Day 4: Khaplu to High School Kanday, Kanday
After breakfast, drive from Khaplu to Kanday village (2 hours), then hike to Mingulo Broq (3500 m). Leisure time to explore the natural beauty of the area. This trail goes through beautiful lush green meadows and the magnificent scenery of rocky walls—free time in the afternoon for natural exploration.
Day 5: Mingulo Broq to Nangma Valley
A beautiful hike from Mingulo Broq to Nangma valley (3950 m), passing through lush green fields and parallel to the glacial stream. After lunch at the campsite, leisure time to explore the area.
Day 6: Free Day
Free day at Nangma valley with an optional day hike to Amin Brakk base camp (4500 m). Wake up early to enjoy mesmerizing sunrise, visit the nearby glacial stream, test your scrambling skills on nearby rocks, or venture out to spot some of the numerous Karakoram birds and flower species.
Day 7: Nangma vALLEY to Khaplu
Trek back to Kanday from Nangma valley. Drive back to Khaplu and check into the hotel. Leisure time in the evening.
Day 8: Khaplu to Thalay Valley
After breakfast, drive from Khaplu to Thalay valley (2 hours). Visit Daltir village, walk through the street, meet the locals and have leisure time to explore the area. Then drive to the Thallay broq campsite and have free time in the afternoon for a short hike. s
Day 9: Thalay Broq to Dubla Khan
After breakfast at Thalay broq, start the trek through beautiful lush green meadows, witness the magnificent scenery of Karakoram peaks and meet cheerful Balti Shepherds. Fix camps and have plenty of leisure time. Optional botanic walk in the afternoon.
Day 10: Dubla Khan to High Camp
Trek from Dubla Khan to High camp (4180m). Free time to visit the nearby glacial stream, test your scrambling skills on nearby rocks or venture out to spot some of the numerous Karakoram birds and flower species.
Day 11: High Camp to Thalay La Camp 3
After two hours of trekking, we will reach the top of the Thalay La (4800 m). Magnificent views to both sides down to valleys with spectacular views of the Masherbrum range, Mango Gusor & many high peaks. After a short stay, we will trek down towards camp 3 (3750m) on the Shigar side.
Day 12: Thalay La Camp 3 to Shigar
Trek down to Shigar valley, passing through the beautiful pastures. Check into the hotel in Shigar and have free time in the afternoon. A visit to Shigar fort and fort museum in the late afternoon.
Day 13: Shigar to Islamabad, Pakistan
Drive from Shigar to Skardu airport (1 hour) and fly to Islamabad (1 hour). Transfer to hotel and sightseeing after lunch.
Day 14: 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, there are plenty of sightseeing & cultural attractions in the capital region. The leader will advise on the options available, e.g. day excursion to the Taxila museum and archaeological sites or a visit to the famous Raja Bazar.
Day 15: 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