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.
Thalay valley is also famous for its unique flora. The main alpine flowers of the region are, Aster, Potentillas, Delphinium, Daffodil, Daisy, Parsley/Rosemary, Mustard, Honeysuckle, Carnation, Gentian, Geranium, Mint, Peas, Lilly, Evening Primrose, Poppy, Plantain, Sea Lavender, Buttercups, Rose. The trees are Fir, Birch, Cedar, Juniper, Spruce, Chilgoza, Chir, Blue, Pine, Deodar, Willow, Oak, and Sycamore. Common bushes and shrubs include Phaedra, Rose, Tamarisk, Viburnum, and Artemisia.
Arrive at Islamabad International Airport and transfer to the hotel. Participants will enjoy leisure time to relax and recover from the journey on this day.
Accommodation: Hotel
Altitude: 540m
Meals included: Lunch and Dinner
Driving duration: 40mins
Start point
Islamabad International Airport, Airport Avenue, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan
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.
Accommodation: Hotel
Altitude: 2250m / 7380 ft
Driving Duration: 02 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive to Khaplu, passing through small villages of Ghanche district; 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.
Accommodation: Hotel
Driving Duration: 03 hours
Altitude: 2500m / 8200 ft.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Full-service camping
Altitude: 3200 m / 10496 ft.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Full-service camping
Altitude: 3700 m / 12300 ft.
Hiking Mileage: 5 km / 3.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 500 m / 1640 ft.
Activity Duration: 03 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Full service camping
Altitude: 4180 m / 13710 ft
Hiking Mileage: 4 km / 2.48 miles
Elevation Gain: 480 m / 1575 ft
Activity Duration: 02 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Full-service camping
Altitude: 3750 m / 12300 ft
Hiking Mileage: 13km/ 8.05miles
Hiking Elevation Gains: 700m/2300 ft.
Hiking Elevation Loss: 1130m/3706 ft.
Duration: 6 -8 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Hotel
Altitude: 2300 m / 7544 ft
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hiking Mileage: 16.5km/10.23 miles
Elevation loss: 1459m/4750 feet
Activity Duration: 5 - 6 hours
Drive from Shigar to Skardu airport (1 hour) and fly to Islamabad (1 hour). Transfer to hotel and sightseeing after lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel
Altitude: 540 m / 1770 ft
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Driving Duration: 1 hour
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.
Accommodation: Hotel
Altitude: 540m
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, transfer from the hotel to the airport for international flights.
Altitude: 540m
Meals Included: Breakfast
Driving Duration: 40mins.
End point
Islamabad International Airport, Airport Avenue, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan
Cancellation and Refund Policy:
Beyond the Valley reserves the right to cancel any trip because of any reasons including but not limited to inadequate signups, loss of staff due to illness or injury, significant loss/damage to the inventory. If BTV cancels a trip, a refund of total amount will be paid including the deposit.
If a trip is cancelled due to reasons beyond control of BTV including but not limited to natural disasters, civil unrest, land closure, health emergencies, a full refund including the deposit will be paid.
Transfer Policy:
Cancellation Policy:
If you cancel or leave trip for any reason:
Payment Schedule:
A 25% deposit per person is required at the time of booking.
Remaining payment is to be made 60 days prior of the trip start date.
Ful payment is to be made if booking is made 60 days prior of the trip.
The group will spend three nights in Islamabad during the holidays at an excellent standard hotel. The group will also spend two nights in a tourist-class hotel in Skardu and one night in Khaplu. Accommodation at each of these hotels is twin-sharing with en-suite facilities. Whilst on the trek, four nights will be spent camping in a comfy two-person alpine tent. If you are traveling by yourself, you will be paired with another single client of the same sex. It is possible to hire a single tent while on a trek for an additional cost. Additional hotel nights in Islamabad are also available. In case of flight cancellation, the group will be accommodated in a tourist-class hotel (the best available option) on the way. Rooms will be twin sharing basis, and the single room will be available at a supplementary cost.
Airport transfers (on the first and last day in Islamabad)
All land transport involved in the itinerary
Internal flights and associated airport transfers.
Skardu airport is weather-depended. Since high mountains surround the valley, the plans only land here in good visibility. The plans do fly more than not, but cancellations can occur, and in these circumstances, we will travel by road.
All meals throughout the holidays
Licensed professional local guide
Pakistan
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