Trek Pakistan's Karakoram Mountains
Trek Pakistan's Karakoram Mountains
10 Days Starting and ending in Islamabad
Visiting: Islamabad, Skardu, Khaplu, Trek the Nangma Valley, Nangma Valley, Nangma Valley trekking & Shigar/Skardu
Tour operator:
Tour code:
HQXP
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
18-99 years
Trip Styles:
Tour Overview
Trek among the towering rock walls and lush valley floors of Northern Pakistan’s Karakoram Range and Nangma Valley. The Baltistan region, sometimes known as Little Tibet, is a mountaineer’s paradise. Spend four days trekking along well-marked and relatively easy trails that cross glacial streams running through vibrant pastures and camp under the stars. You’ll be fully supported by a professional and welcoming crew of porters, guides and camp cooks who will prepare fresh and filling hot meals featuring local Pakistani dishes. Along your roundtrip journey from Islamabad, you’ll also get the chance to meet Balti locals and learn about the history and culture of this region, through dancing, shared meals and expert local knowledge.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Islamabad
Location: Islamabad
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: lunch, dinner
Khush Aamadid! Welcome to Islamabad. When you arrive at the Islamabad International Airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and taken to your hotel. If you arrive early, you can join your leader and group for lunch and a city tour this afternoon. Back at the hotel, you’ll meet up with everyone again for a welcome meeting at 6 pm to get all the details on your upcoming trek. After, relax, explore or find a good spot for dinner.
Optional Activities:
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Day 2: Skardu
Location: Skardu
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
First things first, you’ll check the weather – if it’s good, you’ll fly from Islamabad to Skardu (a short, scenic flight). If the weather isn’t cooperating, you’ll instead make the trip via the Karakoram Highway, making stops along the way among mountain peaks that humans are yet to have stepped a foot on. In Skardu – the gateway to the Karakoram Mountain Range – you’ll have some free time to explore and pick up any snacks or souvenirs that might be calling your name from the Skardu Bazaar. You’ll also have the chance to rent any hiking gear here that you may have forgotten to pack. While in Skardu, don’t miss Manthal Rock Buddha, Kharpocho Fort and Nansoq Organic Village.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Khaplu
Location: Khaplu
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Carry on into the mountains as you drive to Khaplu, passing through the small villages of the Ghanche district. Along the way, stop where the Shayok and Indus Rivers meet. Visit the small village of Yugo and enjoy lunch and a cultural village walk where you’ll get a feel for village life and meet some locals. This afternoon, travel on to Khaplu – the Ghanche district’s capital city. After checking into your hotel, enjoy some free time to explore. Maybe see the Khaplu Fort Museum and the organic garden.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Hike Kanday To Mingulo Broq
Location: Hike Kanday to Mingulo Broq
Accommodation: Full Service Camping
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
After breakfast, drive from Khaplu to Kanday Village – the trailhead for your trek into Nangma Valley – and meet your local support crew of guides, porters and camp cooks. The first leg is short but with a few steep parts. From Kanday, descend to cross a wooden bridge over the Hushe River, then ascend through the narrow valley across two suspension bridges to the Mingulo Broq campsite. This lush site near the water is surrounded by willow trees and is also a local pasture, so you’ll likely get the chance to meet a few local shepherds. After lunch at the campsite, you’ll have time to explore nature or relax at camp. For dinner, your kitchen team will prepare local Balti cuisine, like balay (soup), chapshoro (cooked minced meat stuffed and sealed between two whole wheat flatbreads, cooked over a skillet) and other Pakistani dishes. Before sliding into your sleeping bag, be sure to turn your gaze upwards and take in the star-filled night sky.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Trek The Nangma Valley
Location: Trek the Nangma Valley
Accommodation: Full Service Camping
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Fuel up on a hot breakfast, then carry on from Mingulo Broq to Nangma Valley, passing through lush green fields alongside a glacial stream. Today’s trek is relatively flat, crossing over one stream and through another. You’ll arrive at the Nangma Valley campsite by lunch, where you can tuck into a fresh, hot meal. Enjoy some free time to take in the incredible views – looking out over the valley, you’ll see the North Ridge of Shingu Charpa. For dinner, tuck into another hot meal of local soup and a mix of regional and continental Chinese and Pakistani dishes.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Nangma Valley
Location: Nangma Valley
Accommodation: Full Service Camping
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Check in with your feet this morning and decide how you’d like to spend the day. Opt to take a day hike to Amin Brakk base camp (4500 metres), at the base of the towering rock face that’s known as one of the most spectacular climbs in the world. Start with a steep climb and continue on a relatively flat plateau, before the final, steep push through a rocky trail. While at the base camp, enjoy some free time for your own exploration before tucking in to refreshments and tracking your own steps back to Nangma campsite. Or if you’d rather lay low, choose to kick back and relax at camp. Either way, you won’t want to miss the sunrise from up here. If you choose to stick close to camp for the day, test your scrambling skills on nearby rocks or go on a scavenger hunt for local Karakoram bird and flower species. This evening, enjoy a live music and dance show by local Balti performers. Feel free to join in!
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Nangma Valley Trekking & Shigar/Skardu
Location: Nangma Valley trekking & Shigar/Skardu
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Make the trek back down to Kanday this morning and enjoy a traditional lunch with a local family in the village. You and your group will travel by road back to Skardu this afternoon, following the southern bank of the mighty Indus River. The views are stunning as you travel down a valley surrounded by towering peaks before arriving at the surreal landscape of the Safranga 'Cold Desert'. At 2300 m above sea level, it's one of the highest deserts in the world. After the obligatory photo stop (or two) continue on to the small town of Shigar, then on to Skardu.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Islamabad
Location: Islamabad
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Once again, the weather may play a role in today’s plans. If the weather is nice, you’ll drive from Shigar to the Skardu Airport, where you’ll fly back to Islamabad. In this case, you’ll check into your Islamabad hotel, enjoy lunch and enjoy some free time for sightseeing. Be sure to ask your leader for recommendations. If the weather isn’t agreeable, you’ll spend some free time in Naran, where your leader will be pleased to offer suggestions or plan an excursion around town for the group.
Day 9: Islamabad
Location: Islamabad
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
If you didn’t fly yesterday, today you’ll make the journey by road to Islamabad. If you’re already there, do some sightseeing in the capital. Don’t miss the Taxila Museum, which sits in the middle of several important archaeological sites, hosting a rich collection of Gandharan art dating back to the 1st century.
Day 10: Islamabad
Location: Islamabad
Meals Included: breaksfast
With no further activities or hikes planned, your amazing journey comes to an end today after breakfast. If you are leaving today, you’ll have an included transfer to the airport. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (6 nights), Full Service Camping (3 nights) -
Skardu Bazaar walk
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Manthal Rock Buddha
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Kharpocho Fort
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Khaplu Fort Museum
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Yugo Village cultural walk
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Mingulo Broq guided hike
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Expert Licensed professional local guide
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15 kgs of porter services per person
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Mingulo Broq to Nangma valley guided hike
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Amin Brakk base camp guided hike
Transport
- TRANSPORT IN PAKISTAN:
- Main roads in Pakistan are usually very busy with an assortment of vehicles from the biggest trucks (who always have right of way) down to bikes (and animals!). Overtaking on blind corners at speed is common as is the total use of the horn as a form of communication. Our leaders have complete authority to remove groups from local transport if the driver is not driving safely. Drivers of our private vehicles are experienced and well trained. if you are uncomfortable with your driver, please always let your tour leader know immediately. Please ensure you wear your seat belt at all times.
- TRAVEL TIMES:
- Distances in Pakistan do not reflect the driving time and to cover 100km may take much longer than you would expect at home, even if much of the route is on a highway.
- AUTO RICKSHAWS:
- On this trip we travel on local style of transport called an auto rickshaw. These small, motorised three wheeled vehicles are a common form of transport in Pakistan and do not have seatbelts.
- FLIGHTS:
- International airports in Pakistan are becoming more modern (especially in the major and tourist cities). To enter the airport, you must have a copy of your flight ticket and passport. Schedule changes and delays do occur, especially when weather conditions make visibility poor.
- INTERNAL FLIGHTS:
- Flights between Islamabad and Gilgit are often delayed or canceled due to poor weather. Your local leader will give you the most up to date information regarding delays to flights. If your flight is cancelled we will endeavour to get your group on the next available flight. Failing that, we will follow our contingency plan by road using a private vehicle.
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
- ACCOMMODATION:
- Some of the accommodation along the way is basic or simple, staying in local guesthouses and homestays. Some may have shared bathroom facilities with cold water only. We use a mixture of air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned rooms. Some areas of Pakistan experience daily load shedding. This is where the power may be turned off at certain times of the day and usually occurs for a few hours in early afternoon. Most hotel properties have a restaurant or cafe serving local meals.
- SHOWERS:
- Showers at some hotels only have hot water at peak times (usually morning and evening). Outside of these times you may need to speak to reception to obtain hot water.
- ROOM ISSUES:
- If you have any issues with your room, please speak to the hotel and your tour leader right away rather than your travel agent so that the problem can be addressed without delay.
- The group will spend three nights in Islamabad at high standard hotel. In Skardu and Khaplu, we will stay in Original standard hotel. Accommodation at each of these hotels is based on twin-sharing. All rooms have en-suite facilities.
- Whilst on the trek, three nights will be spent camping in spacious two-person alpine tents. It is possible to hire a single tent for an additional cost. Group ‘mess’ tent will be set up in each camp as well.
Important Information
- 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 2. Arrival and Departure transfers are included in this trip, please provide us with your exact flights details no later than 14 days prior to your departure.
- 3. Due to the demands of travelling at high altitudes a Passenger Self Assessment Form is required for this trip. You will be trekking on hilly terrain, generally on well-defined paths, walking anywhere between 2–7 hours per day. Altitude may exceed 4500 metres.
- 4. On this tour we travel from Islamabad to Skardu by plane. In case of unfavourable weather, we may need to swap the flight and drive instead. Please see Special Information box on day 2 for exact contingency plan.
- 5. Passport scans are required at the time of booking to book domestic flights.
- 6. All trekking permits and National Parks entrance fees are included in the price of the trip.
- 7. We use Pakistan Airlines for the included internal flights.
Mode of Transport
- TRANSPORT IN PAKISTAN:
- Main roads in Pakistan are usually very busy with an assortment of vehicles from the biggest trucks (who always have right of way) down to bikes (and animals!). Overtaking on blind corners at speed is common as is the total use of the horn as a form of communication. Our leaders have complete authority to remove groups from local transport if the driver is not driving safely. Drivers of our private vehicles are experienced and well trained. if you are uncomfortable with your driver, please always let your tour leader know immediately. Please ensure you wear your seat belt at all times.
- TRAVEL TIMES:
- Distances in Pakistan do not reflect the driving time and to cover 100km may take much longer than you would expect at home, even if much of the route is on a highway.
- AUTO RICKSHAWS:
- On this trip we travel on local style of transport called an auto rickshaw. These small, motorised three wheeled vehicles are a common form of transport in Pakistan and do not have seatbelts.
- FLIGHTS:
- International airports in Pakistan are becoming more modern (especially in the major and tourist cities). To enter the airport, you must have a copy of your flight ticket and passport. Schedule changes and delays do occur, especially when weather conditions make visibility poor.
- INTERNAL FLIGHTS:
- Flights between Islamabad and Gilgit are often delayed or canceled due to poor weather. Your local leader will give you the most up to date information regarding delays to flights. If your flight is cancelled we will endeavour to get your group on the next available flight. Failing that, we will follow our contingency plan by road using a private vehicle.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
This trip visits places as high as 4500 m above sea level, which can cause altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the ‘Medical and health’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details on travelling at altitude and ensure you are familiar with signs of Acute Mountain Sickness.
This trip involves a full camping experience, giving you access to more remote destinations at close proximity, and the joy of experiencing the elements. Expect two-person tents (single supplement available) and sleeping bags, as well as a separate mess tent to enjoy fresh meals prepared by your support crew.
Please read the packing list for required equipment carefully and remember that you don’t necessarily have to bring it all with you – you can hire or buy some of it in Skardu. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions