Pakistan: Hike the Karakoram Mountains

Welcome to Pakistan, known as the Land of the Pure, in Urdu. A country full of natural wonders seemingly undiscovered by tourists. Your adventure starts in Islamabad where you will meet your CEO and fellow travelers at the Welcome Meeting this afternoon. Then head to the Shah Faisal Mosque for sunset. Listen as the maghrib prayer echoes over this unique mosque, welcoming you to Pakistan.

Additional Information: Arrive no later than 3:00 pm the first day of your trip to ensure you don't miss any activities.

ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a visit to Faisal Mosque, Pakistan's national mosque, one of the largest in the country and in the world. Listen and experience the spiritual ambiance during prayer time.

Start today with a scenic flight from Islamabad north to Skardu, followed by a drive to Khaplu town. Make some epic pitstops along the way in different Baltistan villages. Walk across a suspension bridge with a stunning backdrop and spend time with locals with generational ties to these mountainous villages. After arriving to Khaplu, hike the easy yet stunning route up to Thoqsi Khar Fort, an almost 700 year old mosque that lives on a mountain peak.

This evening, join your CEO and group to prepare for your five day trek that starts tomorrow. Review the trekking route and difficulty levels throughout. Discuss best practice for managing high-altitude sickness and guidelines for responsible trekking.

TRANSPORT: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Admire the incredible view as you walk across the Keris Suspenion Bridge over the confluence of Indus and Shyok River. Beautiful blue river water and stark, tall mountains are your backdrop across this rustic bridge.

ACTIVITY: Visit Yugo village, a small community nestled between rocky mountains and the Shyok River. Stroll through the narrow streets of the village and observe their farming practices while meeting local elders and artisans making traditional baskets. Walk through the water channel and agriculture area and visit a traditional water flour mill.

ACTIVITY: At 9000 ft above sea level, a mosque rests atop a Baltistan Mountain. Climb to the top of the mountain to see this ancient mosque, over seven centuries old, and enjoy an absolutely breathtaking sunset.

Start the day with a moment of peaceful exploration with a guided tour of the Khaplu Palace. Locally known as Yabgo Khar, this historic fort and palace was built as the royal residence of the Raja of Khaplu. Continue the explorations at Khanqah-e-Mualla, one of the oldest mosques in Baltisan. Begin the afternoon by driving to the beginning of your trek. Join up with your team of local porters and support staff, and embark on a one hour trek to your first campsite, located at 3,530 meters.

Upon arrival at camp, some warm refreshment will be served as you get settled in. Dinner will be served in the mess tent, and will feature a mix of local Pakistani specialties as well as continental and regional dishes. Tea, coffee and green tea will be available at any time throughout your stay.

ACTIVITY: Khaplu Palace, locally known as Yabgo Khar, is a historic fort and palace, built in 1840 as the royal residence of the Raja of Khaplu, it reflects Tibetan, Kashmiri, and Balti architectural influences. On a guided tour, explore the palace museum and its beautiful gardens. Enjoy some leisure time to discover this historic gem.

ACTIVITY: Visit Khanqah-e-Mualla, one of the oldest mosques in Baltistan, to experience the region's religious practices and rich history. This historic Khanqah, a place for members of the Sufi faith to practice their religion, was built in the 14th century and made of mud and wood. It is the largest in Gilgit-Baltistan and a renowned landmark in Khaplu.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: The trek officially begins after a scenic drive to Thalley Broq, where verdant valleys and towering peaks welcome you. A one-hour trek leads to Dunsa campsite (3,530m), where your first night under the star-studded Karakoram sky awaits. The sunset here paints the mountains in hues of gold and purple, creating a natural light show that rivals any artificial display.

Wake up as the sun peers over the rugged mountain peaks and join your local guides for your first campsite breakfast. With the special opportunity to hike alongside the local villagers of the Thallay Valley, G travelers have a unique insight into local life and history only a few hundred people per year ever get to experience. Alongside your local guide, trek from Dunsa to May Sikhpa campsite through the breathtaking landscapes of lush green meadows and alpine flowers beside winding streams. Set up camp and enjoy some down time after arriving to May Sikhpa.

Boiled water for drinking will be available for refilling your water bottle throughout the journey.

ACTIVITY: Dawn breaks with a symphony of birdsong as you prepare for a 5-kilometer trek to May Sikhpa (3,750m). This moderate 3-4 hour trek traverses through nature's garden, meadows carpeted with alpine flowers in every imaginable color. Crystal-clear streams create natural music as they tumble over rocks, while seasonal butterflies add bursts of color to the already vibrant landscape. The afternoon at May Sikhpa offers free time to explore hidden valleys or photograph the endless varieties of wildflowers.

Listen as the mountain birds sing you awake and breathe in the crisp mountain air as you emerge from your tent. After a hearty breakfast, trek for around 5 km to La Brangsa High Camp. As we hike, listen for the grunts of yaks or the bleating of goats being led by local shepherds. Today's relatively moderate trek is mostly through green meadows, with a small stream crossing to keep you on your toes, literally! There will be moments to rest on the trek and to interact with the shepherds up in the summer pasture. We'll arrive in the afternoon to La Brangsa, and after setting up camp, enjoy some free time. Learn to play cricket with the locals or chat to your local porters who would be thrilled to share a good conversation with you as you relax after the hike.

ACTIVITY: The trek to La Brangsa (4,180m) reveals nature's grand scale. The 5-kilometer trail winds through emerald meadows and crosses pristine mountain streams. During this 4–5-hour trek, you'll witness the dramatic transformation of flora as you gain altitude. The air becomes crisper, the flowers more delicate, and the views increasingly spectacular. At camp, short hikes to nearby viewpoints offer perfect opportunities to spot native birds, explore glacial streams, and observe the changing light on the Karakoram peaks.

Enjoy an early breakfast, as we head out straight after sunrise to prepare to summit Thallay La Mountain. Gain about 620 meters in altitude today as you climb a steep trail to reach the top. Summiting a mountaintop after a challenging hike is one of life's unique thrills as a human being. Conquering a physical challenge with like-minded peers to gain your reward-an expansive birds-eye-view of our planet earth as very few get to see her. This summit is perhaps made all the more special by how relatively untouched it is by mass tourism. After some well-deserved celebrating, rest and of course some photos, we'll descend towards our next campsite for the night. Arrive and set up camp at Bukhma campsite and dig into a hearty, celebratory, Pakistani meal. Tonight is your last night camping so enjoy a peaceful last evening under the stars.

ACTIVITY: This challenging day begins before dawn, as you make your way to Thallay La Pass (4,800m). The steep ascent gains 620 meters in altitude, but nature rewards your efforts abundantly. From the pass, witness a 360-degree panorama of the Masherbrum range and Mango Gusor - a view that makes you feel like you're standing on top of the world. Enjoy and celebrate your successful ascent!

ACTIVITY: Descend toward our next campsite, Bukhma, situated at 3,800 meters. The 10 km descent from Thallay La to Bukhma has a 1,000-meter loss in elevation. The 13.6-kilometer journey in total to Bukhma campsite (3,800m), showcases nature's diversity as you descend through different ecological zones with views of Masherbrum range and Mango Gusor Peak. Upon arrival, enjoy a much deserved rest and hearty dinner.

Today is our last day of trekking through the Thallay La trail. From Bukhma campsite, we'll hike down the remaining 14 km to reach Shigar. Enjoy the last kilometers with mountain flowers, snow capped jagged mountains and flowing glacial streams in view. After arriving to Shigar, say goodbye to the incredible local guides and staff that helped us through the passage. Then relax at Shigar Fort, a converted historic building, and enjoy some refreshments. Tonight, we spend a much earned night in a hotel in Shigar and a enjoy warm dinner as a group.

ACTIVITY: The final 14-kilometer descent to Shigar from Bukhma is a celebration of natural beauty. Dropping 1,500 meters in elevation, you'll pass through multiple climate zones, each with its distinct flora and fauna. The trail ends at the historic Shigar Fort, where centuries of human history blend with natural splendor.

ACTIVITY: Your trek ends at the historic Shigar Fort. This restored fort from the 17th century is now a museum and luxury hotel. Enjoy some rest, snacks and a chance to view the museum.

A morning flight brings us back to Islamabad. Drive from the airport to Taxila and learn about the unique world of Pakistani truck art. What looks like a fun decorated truck actually signifies so much more. From representing different ethnic groups, advocating for change or expressing historical experiences, Pakistani truck art has become a must-see when visiting Islamabad. Don't miss the chance to drink a cup of local tea in a truck-art inspired setting. After some time in the shops and meeting some local artists, head to Melody Food Street for one last meal together, right where it all began!

In the case that the flight from Skardu to Islamabad is cancelled, we will take the scenic route and drive to Islamabad. We'll pass through the breathtaking Babusar Pass and picturesque lakeside towns like Naran.

TRANSPORT: MORNING Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

TRANSPORT: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

ACTIVITY: Visit the renowned Truck Art workshops and engage with the local artists. Watch the artists at work, creating vibrant and intricate designs. Meet the shopkeepers as they craft beautiful truck art stickers and explore their souvenir shops. Then sit down for a cup of tea served in a traditional truck art-themed setting.

ACTIVITY: Fill up on incredible Pakistani food on a tour through the famous Melody Food Street.

Depart at anytime.

ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.