Walking in Pakistan: Journey to the Roof Of The World
Walking in Pakistan: Journey to the Roof Of The World
14 Days
Visiting: Pakistan
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TRG
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Home to some of the highest mountains on Earth, Northwest Pakistan provides the setting for this epic journey into the hall of the gods. Beyond its impressive collection of summits, many of which top out at over 7,000m, the region boasts a patchwork of colourful ethnic clans, remote mountain villages and some of the most visually spectacular trekking country on the planet making for an adventure to rival the spectacle of the gods themselves.
We soon leave the chaos and clamour of the capital behind and head towards the silent and serene landscapes of the Karakoram Mountains. Heading first through the Khaplu Valley, our gateway into the Hushe ranges and beyond, we then begin a journey that takes us into the land of ice giants, where the likes of Masherbrum (7,821), Gasherbrum I (8,080m) and K-2 (8,611m) provide a majestic backdrop to our first trekking base. We'll then head for the beautiful Thalle Valley for a stunning non-glacial 4-day trek over the Thalle La (4,572m) to Baltistan's historic Shigar Fort enjoying breathtaking alpine scenery with majestic views of the Shigar Mountains to the west and the Siachen Range to the east. This is one of our finest trekking tours and a must for those seeking a more active way to experience the grandeur of Pakistan's mountains without undertaking a significantly longer or technically challenging expedition.
This is a tour for the adventurous in spirit who are ready to take
on the challenges of terrain and weather that the Himalayas are known for.
A very good level of fitness is required to fully enjoy and experience trekking
and wild camping in these mountains.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tour Starts In Islamabad
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Today the tour starts in Islamabad, 'City of Islam', Pakistan's capital city. It replaced Karachi back in the 1967 and is now the political and commercial heart of the country. Situated against the lush backdrop of the Margalla Hills it is a city where old and new collide. Leafy green boulevards are home to modern buildings, and shopping malls, but also dotted with traditional homes and mosques. Today we have the chance to visit some of the famous sights of Islamabad including the Faisal Mosque, the largest in South Asia, and one of the largest mosques in the world, accommodating up to 100,000 worshippers at any one time. We will also take time to visit the Lok Virsa Museum, the first state museum of ethnology in Pakistan, representing the history and astounding diversity of country’s living traditions. We will also visit the Pakistan Monument and take in the views of the city from Daman-koh, a hilltop garden on the northern side of the city.
Day 2: Islamabad - Skardu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our journey starts today with a spectacular flight over the high mountains of the Karakoram to the town of Skardu. Weather-permitting, during the flight there may be opportunities to catch some impressively dramatic views of Nanga Parbat (8,126m). Skardu itself has acted as the starting point for many an expedition into the high mountains of the Karakoram since the airport was improved by the military, and has a unique identity. This afternoon we should be able to visit the K2 Museum, home to the famous photographs of Vittorio Sella taken in 1909, after which we can enjoy a walk around town.
Max altitude: 2,200m
Day 3: Skardu - Khaplu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our gateway into the spectacular mountains of the Hushe ranges is the Khaplu Valley, a breathtaking drive that takes us along the meandering course of the River Shyok. Lying some 103 kilometres to the east of Skardu, Khaplu once guarded the ancient trade route into neighbouring Ladakh. It is home to the Chaqchan Mosque, one of the largest and oldest mosques in the region, believed to have been built some 700 years ago by the first Islamic preacher to arrive in, what was then, a predominantly Buddhist stronghold.
Max altitude: 2,600m
Day 4: Khaplu - Baleygon - Hushe Valley
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Turning north this morning, we wind our way through the beautiful Hushe Valley, into the midst of the quintessential mountains of the Karakoram ranges. Stretching from the Shyok River opposite Khaplu, and up towards Masherbrum (7,821m), this is home to some of the highest and most dramatic peaks in the region including the stunning Haldi Cones formation and the classic granite towers of the Nangma Valley. Our journey takes us via the village of Baleygon, where we’ll have an opportunity to visit its school, part of a major undertaking initiated [exclude_white_label]by Wild Frontiers [/exclude_white_label] in 2010 and still our most ambitious project to date.
Max altitude: 3,045m
Day 5: Hushe Trek
Accommodation: Wild Camp
Accommodation Name: Wild Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In order to help with acclimatisation our first trek of the tour is a comparatively easy one involving moderate elevations. Setting out from Hushe, we'll walk through fields at the base of mighty Masherbrum (7,821m) across alpine meadows with juniper trees to cross the Hushe river and arrive at Siacho Camp, a place of welcome refuge for those who have spent often more than a week in harsher environments on expeditions into the higher reaches of the Karakoram range. If time permits we will hike further towards Gondogoro Camp, otherwise after lunch we shall return to Hushe retracing our route.
Max altitude: 3,350mTrek Duration: approx. 5-6hrs
Ascent: 305m
Descent: 305m
Day 6: Hushe Trek
Accommodation: Wild Camp
Accommodation Name: Wild Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Beginning along the trail that leads towards the summer pasturelands of Dumsum, we branch off into the Humbrok Valley this morning. A round trip that may take us some 7-8 hours (depending on how far up the valley we go), our trek takes us through a panorama of towering vistas, with the Humbrok Peak (6459m) and, if the weather gods are favourable, the even higher mountains of Gasherbrum I (8,080m), Gasherbrum II (8,035m) and possibly K-2 (8,611m) laid out before us. Return to camp for overnight.
Max altitude: 4,100mTrek Duration: approx. 7-8hrs
Ascent: 1,055m
Descent: 1,055m
Day 7: Hushe Trek - Thalle Valley - Dabla Khan
Accommodation: Wild Camp
Accommodation Name: Wild Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Driving back towards Skardu after breakfast this morning, we cross the Shyok River at Daghoni and then follow the Thalle Valley through a landscape of remote villages and cultivated fields of barley, corn and potatoes to the village of Olmo - the highest summer settlement on the Thalle side - and finally to the end of the road at Thalley Bloq. From here we'll start trekking via a moderate ascent to our camp at Dabla Khan.
Max altitude: 3,820m
Trek Duration: approx. 4-5hrs
Ascent: 560m
Descent: 0m
Day 8: Thalle La Trek
Accommodation: Wild Camp
Accommodation Name: Wild Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A serene backdrop of beautiful alpine meadows and snow-capped mountains sets the scene for today’s trek, as we head towards Azalan and tonight’s camp at the foot of Thalle La. Coming across the occasional herds of yaks and cows grazing in the lush meadows, we’ll stop at remote shepherds' huts and enjoy a hot midday lunch along the route.
Max altitude: 4,180mTrek Duration: approx. 6-7hrs
Ascent: 360m
Descent: 0m
Day 9: Thalle La Trek
Accommodation: Wild Camp
Accommodation Name: Wild Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Making an early start this morning we’ll head over the Thalle La Pass (4572m), where we will hopefully enjoy some spectacular views of the Haramosh ranges to the west and the Siachen Mountains to the east. Then begins the long downhill trek, through a landscape of beautiful alpine scenery. The descent takes us through a section of thick juniper forest before we emerge onto the captivating meadows around Resarppi, where we spend the night in a camp.
Max altitude: 4,572mTrek Duration: approx. 8-9hrs
Ascent: 392m
Descent: 1362m
Day 10: Thalle La Trek - Shigar
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continuing our descent through the verdant alpine pastures, we cross the Bangma River this morning and then follow a gentler shepherd’s trail towards our lunch stop. Enjoying a well-earned break near the river, we then complete the journey on to our overnight stop at our charming and historic heritage boutique hotel that promises hot showers and some welcome luxury.
Max altitude: 2,370mTrek Duration: approx. 5-6hrs
Ascent: 0m
Descent: 840m
Day 11: Shigar
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A day spent in and around Shigar offers a chance to relax and explore the surroundings of our 17th century Raja fort-palace. Set amidst the beauty of Baltistan Province, the Shigar Valley is home to the Katpana Desert (the highest in the world) and the Chutron Hot Springs. Other options for today’s adventures include a historic village walk, timeless mosques, a hike up to the ruins of the ancient fort of Kari Dong and a chance to visit some 7th century Buddhist rock carvings.
Max altitude: 2,230m
Day 12: Shigar - Islamabad
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we will fly south back to Islamabad.* After checking in, we can enjoy some lunch at a local restaurant before setting off for the neighbouring 'twin city' of Rawalpindi. Here we will visit the colourful Raja Bazaar before finally visiting the Margalla Hills to enjoy magnificent views over the twin cities.
* Sometimes the flight does not depart due to the weather, if this is the case we will drive down the Karakoram Highway (KKH)
Day 13: Islamabad - Taxila - Islamabad
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will have a relaxed start and take a short drive to Taxila to explore this fascinating Buddhist university town, dating back to the Gandaharan era of Alexander the Great. We’ll then return to Islamabad for our final evening.
* If we are driving then today we will conclude our journey down the KKH.
Day 14: Tour Ends In Islamabad
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today the tour ends after breakfast in Islamabad.
What's Included
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MEALS
13 x Breakfasts13 x Lunches13 x Dinners
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TRANSPORT
Minibuses, domestic flights, and on foot.
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GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
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CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to climate and community projects for all bookings
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EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
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ACCOMMODATION
All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary
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ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
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FITNESS RATING
High
What's Not Included
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Visas
VISAS
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here - https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa
For this tour UK passport holders currently require a visa for Pakistan.
Passports should ideally be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the end of your tour.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
VACCINATIONS & ADDITIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is a mandatory requirement for travellers to Pakistan coming from countries at high risk of the disease. Also, if your travels are for 4 weeks or more, you will be required to show proof of a Polio vaccination on exiting the country.
For all destinations, please make sure you are up-to-date with any standard vaccinations (e.g. MMR, Hepatitis A, Tetanus) as recommended by your local health care provider.
Malaria is present in some parts of Pakistan and precautions are essential.
For the most up-to-date information on all vaccination requirements and the most suitable anti-malarial tablets, we strongly suggest that you seek advice from your local travel centre or consult an official travel health website such as www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
Covid Testing: No mandatory testing is currently required for vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers.
If necessary further details will be sent out to you upon booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas & vaccinations are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Key Aspects to Consider
You will need to be in a very good state of health and have a good level of fitness to be suitable to join this tour involving consecutive days of walking and very basic wild camping.
This fully supported trek (with porters to carry all camp equipment and your main luggage) is graded as high with an average daily walking time of around 7hrs, and in many places the paths are rocky and uneven.
Walking times and distances have been given in the itinerary, please note that times are averages and dependent on other factors, such as the pace of the group and weather. They also do not include breaks for picnics, photos and the like.
Travelling Solo and single supplements
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip. On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour, including all camping nights, when you would get your own tent.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Insurance
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
Travelling Solo
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip. On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour, including all camping nights, when you would get your own tent.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Check out our Q&As
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
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Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.