The Mointains Call 9D/8N

The Mointains Call 9D/8N

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9 Days From

$4228

The Mointains Call 9D/8N

9 Days Starting and ending in Islamabad, Pakistan

Visiting: Islamabad, Skardu, Khaplu, Shigar, Deosai Plains

Tour operator:

Bamba Travel

Tour code:

10038

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $4228

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through stunning mountain terrains, offering breathtaking vistas and exhilarating outdoor adventures. This tour immerses you in diverse landscapes, from lush valleys to majestic peaks. Experience guided treks, encounters with local wildlife, and cultural exchanges with indigenous communities. Perfect for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts, this adventure promises a harmonious blend of rugged exploration and serene moments. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with nature's grandeur. Book now for an epic mountain escape!

Highlights

  • Aerial Spectacle: Scenic flight from Islamabad to Skardu

  • Cultural Immersion: Village trek and local interactions

  • Majestic Peaks: Views of Masherbrum Peak & Kachura Lake

  • Natural Wonders: Exploration of Deo Sai plains

  • Visit to the historic Shigar Fort and its museum

  • Hike to the old fort for a sunset view over Shigar River

  • Full-day exploration of Skardu, including Shangri-La resort and upper Kachura Lake

  • Excursion to the renowned Deosai Plains, including Sheosar Lake

Itinerary

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Day 1: Islamabad, Pakistan

Location: Islamabad

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Touch down at Islamabad International Airport, where your adventure begins. After a warm welcome, you'll be whisked away to your hotel, where comfort awaits. Take this opportunity to unwind and recharge, soaking in the excitement of the journey ahead. Whether it's indulging in a sumptuous meal or simply lounging in the cozy confines of your accommodation, this day is yours to embrace relaxation and anticipation for the thrilling experiences that lie ahead.


Day 2: Islamabad - Skardu - Khaplu, Pakistan

Location: Skardu

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Embark on a thrilling journey from Islamabad to Skardu via a scenic one-hour flight, immersing yourself in breathtaking aerial views. From Skardu, traverse through the picturesque Ghanche district of Baltistan, passing quaint villages en route to Yugo village. Pause at Thorgo Pari and the meeting points of the Shayok and Indus Rivers for stunning photo opportunities.

Indulge in a traditional lunch at Yugo village before choosing between two optional activities: a challenging trek to Kharfaq Lake or a leisurely cultural walk through Yugo's village streets, offering glimpses into local life and traditions.

As the day progresses, journey to Khaplu, where you'll check into your hotel. Enjoy leisure time to explore the Khaplu fort museum and organic garden, soaking in the rich history and natural beauty of the region. In case of flight cancellation, a scenic drive via the Karakoram Highway awaits, punctuated by short stops at captivating landmarks along the way.


Day 3: Khaplu - Sailing - Macholo - Khaplu, Pakistan

Location: Khaplu

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin your day with an invigorating early morning hike to Toqsikhar, an ancient fort offering panoramic views of the majestic confluence of the Shyok, Hushe, and Saltoro rivers. Delve into the architectural marvels of the renowned Chaqchan mosque before embarking on a scenic drive to Macholo valley, where the iconic Masherbrum Peak, also known as K-1, awaits.

Take time to immerse yourself in the pristine natural beauty of Macholo valley, capturing breathtaking photographs and engaging with local communities. Return to Sailing for a delightful cultural walk through the village streets, interacting with locals and gaining insights into their way of life.

Savor a delectable lunch at the Sailing fish farm before heading back to Khaplu. In the afternoon, explore the historic Khanqah-e-Maula, soaking in the spiritual ambiance of this revered site. Conclude your day with a visit to Hanjor Broq to witness the mesmerizing sunset, painting the sky with vibrant hues against the backdrop of the stunning landscape.


Day 4: Khaplu - Shigar, Pakistan

Location: Shigar

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Embark on a scenic drive from Khaplu to the enchanting Shigar Valley, punctuated by brief stops at captivating points of interest for memorable photography opportunities. Explore the renowned Sarfaranga cold desert, a surreal landscape that beckons adventurers and photographers alike.

Indulge in a delightful lunch at the historic Shigar Fort, an architectural gem dating back to the 17th century, built by the Raja of the Amacha Dynasty. Immerse yourself in the rich history and cultural heritage as you visit the fort museum and garden, unraveling the stories of bygone eras.

Conclude your day with a short hike up to the old fort, where you'll be treated to a breathtaking sunset over the Shigar River, casting a golden glow upon the picturesque valley below.


Day 5: Shigar

Location: Skardu

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Immerse yourself in the splendor of Skardu as we embark on a full-day exploration of its wonders. Begin with a visit to the idyllic Shangri-La resort, where optional boating awaits on the tranquil waters. Journey to upper Kachura, strolling through local houses, fields, and orchards to reach the serene upper Kachura Lake. Enjoy leisure time to explore the area and partake in boating amidst breathtaking natural scenery.

Next, venture to the picturesque Soq Valley, where you'll indulge in fishing and a delightful lunch amidst the pristine surroundings. Drive back to Skardu and embark on a scenic hike to Nansoq village, the first organic village of Baltistan. This historic settlement, graced by the footsteps of King Charles and Prince Aga Khan IV, offers a glimpse into centuries-old traditions and peaceful village life. Spend leisure time with a hospitable host family, immersing yourself in the authentic local culture.

Conclude your day with a scenic hike back to Skardu and a visit to Skardu Bazaar, where you can shop for local handicrafts, jewelry, carpets, and more. Retreat to Shigar for a restful overnight stay, cherishing the memories of a day filled with exploration and cultural immersion.


Day 6: Shigar

Location: Deosai Plains

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Embark on an unforgettable day excursion to the renowned Deosai Plains, nestled amidst the majestic mountains as the second-highest plateaus globally. Traverse through awe-inspiring landscapes, stopping at iconic landmarks such as Manthal Rock Buddha, Sadpara Lake, Ali Malik Top, Bara Pani, and the breathtaking Sheosar Lake, which sits at an elevation of 4,114 meters.

Savor leisurely moments to immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of the plains, renowned for their vibrant floral display during the summer months, boasting an impressive array of 406 species (Nawaz et al., 2006). Capture mesmerizing photographs, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and relish the tranquility of this untouched wilderness.

As the day draws to a close, return to our hotel in Shigar, where you'll unwind and reflect on the day's adventures, surrounded by the echoes of nature's grandeur.


Day 7: Skardu - Islamabad, Pakistan

Location: Islamabad

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Embark on a scenic one-hour flight from Skardu to Islamabad, offering breathtaking aerial views of the rugged landscapes below. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and savor a delicious lunch before embarking on an afternoon of sightseeing.

Alternatively, if weather conditions intervene with the flight, enjoy a picturesque drive via the legendary Karakoram Highway, punctuated by brief stops at captivating landmarks along the route. Regardless of the mode of transportation, your journey promises awe-inspiring vistas and unforgettable experiences as you make your way from the mountains of Skardu to the vibrant capital city of Islamabad.


Day 8: Islamabad, Pakistan

Location: Islamabad

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today serves as a flexible contingency day to accommodate any unforeseen delays due to weather conditions. If flying isn't feasible, we'll embark on a scenic road journey from Skardu to Islamabad, ensuring a safe and comfortable transition.

Should weather conditions permit our flight, we'll seize the opportunity to explore the cultural and historical treasures of Islamabad. Delve into the capital's rich heritage with a visit to the Taxila museum and archaeological sites, immersing ourselves in the fascinating narratives of ancient civilizations.

Your tour leader will provide guidance on available options, ensuring that regardless of the circumstances, today promises enriching experiences and memorable discoveries.


Day 9: Islamabad, Pakistan

Location: Islamabad

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer from the hotel to the airport for international flights.



What's Included

  • Accommodation

    8 nights on twin sharing basis in hotel accommodations.

  • Transport

    Airport transfers on the 1st and last day in Islamabad, all land transport involved in the itinerary, internal flights, and associated airport transfers.

  • Meals

    8 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 8 dinners.

  • Activities

    Activities as per itinerary.

  • Guides

    Licensed professional local guide.

  • Extras

    Implementation of all sustainable tourism protocols, NOC/National Park permit fees, and all entry tickets (forts, parks).

What's Not Included

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included.

  • Pakistan Visa

    Pakistan visa is not included, but supporting documents will be offered.

  • International Airfare

    International airfare is not included.

  • Personal Equipment

    Personal equipment such as clothes and boots are not included.

  • Tips

    Tips for guiding and supporting staff are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses are not included.

Mode of Transport

Experience seamless travel with airport transfers on the first and last day in Islamabad, all land transport as per the itinerary, and internal flights with associated airport transfers.

Accommodation

Enjoy 8 nights of comfortable twin-sharing hotel accommodations, providing a cozy and relaxing retreat after each day's adventures.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides 8 nights of accommodation on a twin-sharing basis in hotel accommodations.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour package includes 8 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 8 dinners.

  • What kind of transportation is included in the tour?

    The tour includes airport transfers on the first and last day in Islamabad, all land transport involved in the itinerary, and internal flights with associated airport transfers.

  • Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

    Yes, on Day 2, you can choose between a challenging trek to Kharfaq Lake or a leisurely cultural walk through Yugo's village streets.

  • What happens if the flight from Skardu to Islamabad is canceled due to weather conditions?

    If the flight is canceled due to weather conditions, a scenic drive via the Karakoram Highway will be arranged, with short stops at captivating landmarks along the way.

  • Is there any cultural immersion included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes several cultural immersion activities such as village treks, local interactions, and visits to historical sites like the Chaqchan mosque and Khanqah-e-Maula.

  • What kind of activities are included in the tour?

    The tour includes activities as per the itinerary, such as hiking, cultural walks, visits to historical sites, and exploration of natural wonders like the Deo Sai plains.

  • Are there any additional costs not covered by the tour package?

    Yes, the tour package does not cover travel insurance, Pakistan visa (supporting documents will be offered), international airfare, personal equipment (clothes, boots, etc.), tips for guiding and supporting staff, and personal expenses.

  • What kind of guide will be provided during the tour?

    A licensed professional local guide will be provided during the tour.

  • What sustainable tourism protocols are implemented during the tour?

    The tour includes the implementation of all sustainable tourism protocols.

  • Is there an age limit?

    No! Most of our bamba travellers fall between the ages of 18 - 35, but everyone is young at heart and welcome to come experience the world with us! If you are between the ages of 18 and 118, we invite you to travel with bamba and have the time of your life! Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Most of our trips cater to the adventurous independent traveller. In fact, many of our travellers arrive on their own and quickly find that they easily meet like-minded people along the way at their hostels, on transportation, or during activities.

  • Do I need travel insurance?

    We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip, especially when travelling in developing countries. Bamba does not include travel insurance of any type.Your current medical insurance may cover part of your trip, so it is important for you to become familiar with your current coverage. We recommend purchasing additional travel insurance that provides coverage for medical emergencies, emergency evacuation and repatriation, lost or stolen items and unforeseen cancellations. If you plan to participate in activities such as white-water rafting, trekking, sand-buggy rides, etc please make sure they are included in your policy.

Reviews of this operator

Jonas Nesset(Norway)  

The company is exceptional. When...

Dec 10 2019

The company is exceptional. When I had questions, I always got prompt and professional answers. The excursions that Bamba organized were fantastic! Thank you once again for everything!

Shane Alce(United Kingdom)  

For true explorers....

Aug 12 2019

For true explorers.

Marian Reder(Germany)  

To this day, this is...

Oct 2 2019

To this day, this is the best tour we've ever done together as a couple! The fun activities, great hotels and nice guides worth the money! We were always taken care of and they made sure that we had a good time. This tour is definitely worth taking.

Tanja Ottosen(Denmark)  

The Bamba Team really made...

Jan 9 2020

The Bamba Team really made my journey one of the most memorable experiences of my life! Still so nice and supportive! They handled everything and responded to each question within a few minutes. I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone. Especially if you want to do a lot of activities and travel to a lot of different places without feeling rushed. They've also helped me with specific issues that weren't covered by the tour, as well as answering general questions. Thank you so much for making my journey so enjoyable!

Braiden Rowe(United States)  

The tour was fantastic; I...

Feb 12 2020

The tour was fantastic; I was able to visit some of Japan's most beautiful locations, and the accommodations were excellent, with convenient access to the city's best attractions. Also, our tour guide was fantastic. I will pick bamba again and recommend the tour to anyone who wants to see Japan while having a good time!!

Aaron Davies(Australia)  

I only have good words...

Oct 23 2019

I only have good words about our trip to Kenya. The entire experience was totally magical and I struggle to say how fantastic it was. We were fortunate enough to have a brilliant vehicle for ourselves, but we had great luck with David for our guide too. He was very knowledgeable, courteous and nice. Thank you for helping to create this fantastic safari experience. I Highly recommend this company.

Matteo Hoffmeister(Germany)  

Bamba Experience has been the...

Jun 5 2019

Bamba Experience has been the best tour guide I've ever had. Every tour has been a thrilling experience. There are so many things to choose from. Bamba has been extremely helpful in providing us with all of the necessary information for our departures and activities! Bamba has made this a simple and enjoyable experience. I'll certainly tell my friends and family about it! Thank you very much, Bamba!!

Melanie Liu Chang(Australia)  

We organized a trip through...

Feb 20 2020

We organized a trip through Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia on the hop-on, hop-off bus. It made the trip so much simpler for us as first-time travelers because we just had to send an email to arrange the bus, which avoided the hassle of looking for the best price and so on! We also had a number of tours included, they were all amazing and saved us the trouble of trying to find the best offers on our own; it also meant we got to see a lot of stuff we wouldn't have seen otherwise. Overall, it was a fantastic experience that I will strongly suggest and use again!

Marius Halvorson(Norway)  

Our Bamba tour of Vietnam...

Jun 25 2019

Our Bamba tour of Vietnam was fantastic. We had a lot of new experiences and all of the help we needed to make this a stress-free vacation. The well-organized accomodation and transportation were excellent. We will certainly use Bamba in the future.

Alexis Helman(Australia)  

I had booked our Uyuni...

Jun 25 2019

I had booked our Uyuni Salt Flats & Desert Adventure 3D/2N (Uyuni to Atacama) tour via an Australian travel agency, but they had made an error and refused to assist us or take responsibility. This was very difficult for us because we wanted to have a stress-free honeymoon. I contacted Bamba and I asked if we could talk on the phone so they made the improvements to our tour reservation that our travel agent declined to make. The quality of service was exceptional and they generously offered to us a complimentary gift because it was our honeymoon. I can't say enough good things about Bamba.

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Bamba Travel allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Bamba Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform bamba travel, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Bamba Travel requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of bamba travel charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.