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Skardu
Skardu
1:26 am, Nov 14, 2024
temperature icon 8°C
mist
Humidity 92 %
Pressure 1032 mb
Wind 6 mph
Wind Gust Wind Gust: 0 mph
Clouds Clouds: 100%
Visibility Visibility: 4.4 km
Sunrise Sunrise: 7:17 am
Sunset Sunset: 4:12 pm

Nangma & Thallay La Trek – The Grand Traverse of Baltistan

(2 Reviews)
  • Group : 2-12 pepole
  • Max Elevation 4180 m / 13710 ft (more)
  • Trip Style: Trekking / Soft / Basecamp
  • Walking Distance: 57.5 Km / 35.6 miles
  • Difficulty Level 6 - Beyond The Valley Adventures
    Difficulty Level: 6/10 (more)
  • Join in Islamabad
  • Hotel (Nights)07
  • Hiking Mileage
    Camps (Night) 07
  • MealsFull Board
  • Trip Length: 15 days

Trip Highlights

  • Experience the rich cultural heritage of secluded valleys.
  • Witness the spectacular high mountain peaks such as Haldi Cones, Masherbrum, Amin Brak, Chogho Brak, Grey Tower, etc.
  • Treks to the most beautiful valleys in the world (Nangma Valley, 3950m) and Thalay La (4800 m)
  • An asylum of wild excellence with various rock towers
  • Walk through the green pastures of Nangma Valley and Thalay Valley, along with incredible mountain scenery
  • Rich Flora, including many regional species and alpine flowers
  • Drive along the mighty Indus and Shayok Rivers.
  • Experience the joy of camping in nature
  • Enjoy the traditional food
  • Visit the Sarfaranga cold desert

Description

Baltistan, nestled in the Karakoram range, is a popular destination for adventure and cultural exploration. Boasting breathtaking landscapes, a rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, it’s a paradise for all. Renowned among trekkers and adventure enthusiasts, the region hosts four of the world’s 14 peaks over 8000m and many above 7000m, along with popular trekking routes. Nangma Valley, described by Eduard Koblmiller as a place of “unusual and primordial beauty,” offers stunning visuals with vibrant contrasts and abstract lines. The valley’s charm is accessible with a short hike from the Kanday village. The Nangma Valley trek, starting from Kanday town, reveals mesmerizing mountain views and green meadows. Traverse through seasonal villages, experience Balti culture, and cross Thallay La for a diverse journey from the Indus Valley sands to snowy peaks. Thalay Valley, rich in biodiversity, features alpine flowers, trees like Fir and Cedar, and various bushes and shrubs, providing a unique trekking experience.

Photos - Nangma & Thallay La Trek

Trip Itinerary

Day 1Islamabad Arrival

Upon arrival at Islamabad International Airport, our guide will greet you and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. Participants can use free time to relax and recover from the journey. Following lunch at the hotel, a tour briefing will be conducted. Later in the day, there will be a visit to the market for essential shopping and currency exchange. The itinerary also includes visits to the Lok Virsa Museum and the Shah Faisal Mosque.

 

Margalla Islamabad - Nangma & Thallay La Trek
Islamabad Airport - Nangma & Thallay La Trek

Islamabad City - Nangma & Thallay La Trek

 

Accommodation:
Hotel

Altitude:
540 m/1770ft

Meals Included
Lunch & Dinner

Driving Duration:
40 Minutes

Day 2Islamabad – Skardu

Today, our journey begins with an exciting 01 scenic flight, where you can enjoy amazing views of the mighty Nanga Parbat and other mountain peaks. Once we land, we’ll be transferred into a local vehicle, travel to Skardu, and check into the hotel. Our exploration continues with a visit to Skardu bazaar for essential shopping and a trip to Mathal Rock Budha. A 50-minute walk leads us to Nansoq village, Baltistan’s first organic village, steeped in history with visits from King Charles and Prince Aga Khan IV. This tranquil settlement, boasting 11 homes and 92 inhabitants, creates a serene atmosphere. Explore the area, enjoy time with a host family, and hike back to Skardu (50 minutes). The evening unfolds with leisure time and an overnight stay.

 

OR

 

In case of flight cancellation due to weather, drive from Islamabad to Chilas (10 – 12 hours) via Karakoram Highway with short stops.

 

Skardu Flight - Nangma & Thallay La Trek
Mamtu - Nangma & Thallay La Trek

Skardu Airport - Nangma & Thallay La Trek

 

Accommodation:
Hotel

Altitude:
2250m / 7380ft

Driving Duration
02 hours

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3Skardu - Khaplu

Drive to Khaplu (3 hours) through charming Baltistan villages. Get ready to be amazed by the beautiful mountains and rivers like Indus and Shyok on our way to the captivating Ghanche district. Our route boasts captivating highlights, including brief stops at Thorgo Pari (10 minutes), the attractive Shayok River and Indus River meeting point (20 minutes), and a delightful 10-20 minute walk across a suspension bridge at Keris.

 

Once we reach Yugo village, our local guide will lead us through the agricultural sites and the residential area, offering a unique opportunity to engage with their way of life. This village visit will take approximately 2 hours. It will encompass activities like picking fresh fruits, observing the local organic farming methods, and conversing with local people, artisans, and elders to gain insights into their daily routines. We’ll then explore the settlement area and visit a traditional water flour mill. We’ll enjoy some healthy Balti cuisine prepared by local women for our lunch. As the day unfolds, our journey continues to Khaplu, where we check into our hotel. Later, we drive to Hanjore Broq to witness a mesmerizing sunset, a 30-minute drive followed by a 30-40 minute hike.

 

 

Khaplu Fort - Nangma & Thallay La Trek
Local Berries - Nangma & Thallay La Trek

Khaplu Road - Nangma & Thallay La Trek

 

Accommodation:
Hotel

Altitude:
2500 m / 8200 ft

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Driving Duration
3-4 hours

Day 4Khaplu – Kanday – Mingulo Broq

After breakfast, drive from Khaplu to Kanday village (2 hours), then hike to Mingulo Broq (3500 m). Today, we will leave the last inhabited village of Kanday. For the remaining portion of our journey, we will rely on our local team, who are professional and experienced. Our kitchen team will serve fresh trekking meals, including local dishes, Pakistani food, and many other dishes according to your taste.

 

We will start our trek from Kanday village. Today’s trek is short but a mix of steep and plain parts. We trek down from Kanday to cross Hushe and drive through a beautiful wooden bridge, then the uphill trek starts, passing through the narrow valley. After trekking 4 hours and crossing two suspension bridges (to cross small streams), we will reach Mingulo Broq.

 

This is a beautiful green campsite near the water and pine trees. This is also a local pasture; you can meet local shepherds to witness their lifestyle. After lunch at the campsite, we will have time to explore the natural beauty or relax at the campsite.

 

Our professional kitchen team will cook local Balti cuisine, Balay (soup), Chap shuro, etc., along with some Pakistani dishes for dinner. These local dishes are full of calories and protein. Enjoy stargazing in the night time (if there is no bright Moon in the sky)

 

Soup Bread - Nangma & Thallay La Trek
Kanday - Nangma & Thallay La Trek

Mingulo - Nangma & Thallay La Trek

 

Accommodation:
Full-service camping

Altitude:
3500 m / 11480 ft

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activity Duration:
04 hours

Hiking Mileage:
6 km / 3.7 miles

Driving Duration:
02 hours

Hiking Elevation Gain:
600 m / 1968 ft

Day 5Mingulo Broq - Nangma valley

After breakfast at the campsite, a beautiful hike from Mingulo Broq to Nangma valley (3950 m), passing through lush green fields and parallel to the glacial stream. Today, the trekking route is slightly plain, and we will have to cross a wooden bridge over a stream and a small stream of water. Fresh and hot lunch will be served at Nangma valley campsite.

 

After lunch at the campsite, leisure time to explore the area. This is an ideal location with great views across the valley to the North Ridge of Shingu Charpa on one side, and up to the immense wall of Amin Brakk on the other. This valley is also famous for its beautiful flora and you will have enough time to spot the alpine flora.

 

Fresh and hot dinner with local soup and mix of local and continental/chines/Pakistani dishes will be served. Overnight in camps.

 

Nangma Valley - Nangma & Thallay La Trek
Nangma - Nangma & Thallay La Trek

Glacial Stream - Nangma & Thallay La Trek

 

Accommodation:
Full-service camping

Altitude:
3950m / 12960ft

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking Elevation Gain:
450 m / 1475 ft

Activity Duration:
03 hours

Hiking Mileage:
3.5 km / 2.2 miles

Day 6Free day

Day hike to Amin Brakk base camp (4500 m) with the choice of relaxing at the campsite. Wake up early to enjoy a mesmerizing sunrise, 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.

 

Trek starts with a steep grassy part, then a slightly flat part with another steep part at the end. It takes around 3 hours to reach Amin Brakk base camp, and we will gain 500 meters elevation. Most of the trek is rocky, and some parts are flat and grassy with a glacier and a stream water crossing. Enjoy a panoramic view from the base camp and leisure time for natural exploration and refreshment. Trek down to Nangma (it takes 2 hours) and free time.

 

Baltistan has a unique cultural heritage, and their cultural dance with traditional music is an entertaining factor during most of the treks in the region. In the evening, we will enjoy our local performers’ live music and cultural dances. You may also learn local dance and practice with local performers.

 

Amin Brakk the Great Tower - Nangma & Thallay La Trek
Nangma Valley - Nangma & Thallay La Trek

Amin Brakk - Nangma & Thallay La Trek

 

Accommodation:
Full Camping Service

Altitude:
3950m / 12960ft

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7Nangma Valley - Kanday - khaplu

Head back to Kanday from Nangma Valley, have a delicious lunch with a local family, and then drive to Khaplu. Check into the hotel, and after some free time, we’ll visit Khanqa Mulla Bala and stroll through the village streets of Banpi and Hundli to see how the locals live. Plus, we’ll visit the UNESCO-awarded Astana Mir Muhammad, spending around an hour checking out this cool place.

 

Trout - Nangma & Thallay La Trek
Skardu Desert - Nangma & Thallay La Trek

Machlu - Nangma & Thallay La Trek

 

Accommodation:
Hotel

Altitude:
2500 m / 8200 ft

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Elevation Loss
1050 m/3444 ft

Hiking Mileage:
9.5 km / 5.9 miles

Driving Duration
02 Hours

Activity Duration:
05 hours

Day 8Khaplu – Kharko - Thalay broq – Dubla Khan

Following breakfast, we’ll drive to Kharko village, renowned for its agricultural activities. This picturesque destination is approximately an hour’s drive away, taking us through the scenic landscapes of Saling and Sogha villages. We’ll engage with a welcoming host family upon arrival and immerse ourselves in the village’s daily life. Our next adventure involves walking through the buckwheat field, as Kharko is mainly known for its buckwheat cultivation. During our walk through the crop fields, we’ll have the chance to interact with the amiable locals.

 

Next, our journey will progress towards Thalay Broq, with a scenic drive through charming villages. From there, our trek to Dubla Khan commences. Today’s trek unfolds on a gentle, level terrain surrounded by lush green meadows. Enjoy the spectacular views of the Karakoram peaks and encounter the cheerful Balti Shepherds. Set up camps and leisure time. You may also opt for an optional botanical walk in the afternoon to enhance your experience.

 

Thallay - Nangma & Thallay La Trek
Thallay 2 - Nangma & Thallay La Trek

Thallay Fields - Nangma & Thallay La Trek

Accommodation:
Full-service camping

Altitude:
3700m / 12136 ft

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Driving Duration
03 Hours

Hiking Mileage:
4 km / 2.48 miles

Activity Duration
2 hours

Hiking Elevation Gain
500 m / 1640 ft

Day 9Dubla Khan - High camp

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.

 

Towards Camp - Nangma & Thallay La Trek
Thallay Broq - Nangma & Thallay La Trek

Thallay Stream - Nangma & Thallay La Trek

Accommodation:
Full-service camping

Altitude:
4180 m / 13710 ft

Hiking Mileage:
5 km / 3.1 miles

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking Elevation Gain:
480 m / 1575 ft

Activity Duration:
04 hours

Day 10High camp –Thalay La – Camp 3

We begin our trek early today to cross the Thalay La. Two hours into the trek, we’ll reach the summit of Thalay La (4800 m). The panoramic views on both sides reveal valleys and breathtaking sights of the Masherbrum range, Mango Gusor, and numerous high peaks. Following a brief pause to soak in the scenery, we’ll descend towards camp 3 (3750m) on the Shigar side.

 

Local Transport - Nangma & Thallay La Trek
High Camp to thallay La - Nangma & Thallay La Trek

High Camp - Nangma & Thallay La Trek

Accommodation:
Full-service camping

Altitude:
3750 m / 12300 ft

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking Elevation Gain:
620 m / 2033 ft

Hiking Mileage:
10 km / 6.2 miles

Activity Duration:
6-8 hours

Hiking Elevation Loss:
1020 m / 3345 ft

Day 11Camp-3 – Camp 4

Today’s journey is relatively relaxed as we descend from camp 3, meandering through enchanting green meadows adorned with blooming flowers. Take advantage of leisure time at the campsite, and stay overnight.

 

Lake in Glacier - Nangma & Thallay La Trek
Thallay La 2 - Nangma & Thallay La Trek

Thallay La - Nangma & Thallay La Trek

Accommodation:
Hotel

Altitude:
3200 m/10496 ft

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking Elevation Loss:
750 m / 2460 ft

Activity Duration:
04-05 hours

Hiking Mileage:
7.5 km / 4.65 miles

Day 12Camp-4 – Shigar Valley

Trek down to Shigar Valley. 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.

 

Shigar Fort - Nangma & Thallay La Trek
Chapsoro - Nangma & Thallay La Trek

Shigar Fort Room - Nangma & Thallay La Trek

Accommodation:
Hotel

Altitude:
2300 m / 7544 ft

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking Elevation Loss:
950 m / 3116 ft

Activity Duration:
05-06 hours

Hiking Mileage:
12 km / 7.44 miles

Day 13Shigar - Skardu – Islamabad

Drive from Shigar to Skardu airport in the morning and take a scenic 1-hour flight to Islamabad. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and enjoy some leisure time. Explore notable attractions such as the Pakistan Monument and Saipur village after lunch. Conclude the day with a delightful dinner at Monal. Drive back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

 

Nanga Parbat - Nangma & Thallay La Trek
Skardu Departure - Nangma & Thallay La Trek

Skardu Airport - Nangma & Thallay La Trek

Accommodation:
Hotel

Altitude:
540 m/1770 ft

Driving Duration
2-3 Hour

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 14Contingency day in case of delays

In the event that flying is not possible due to weather conditions, we will opt for a road journey from Gilgit to Islamabad. However, if we proceed with the flight, we plan to visit Taxila. We will explore the renowned Taxila Museum and various archaeological sites there, including Dharmarajika and Sirkab. With its rich historical significance, Taxila provides a captivating experience as we delve into these archaeological sites, making the most of our time there.

 

Pakistan monument - Nangma & Thallay La Trek
Islamabad Bazar - Nangma & Thallay La Trek

Islamabad Mall - Nangma & Thallay La Trek

 

Accommodation:
Hotel

Altitude:
540m/1770ft

Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner

Driving Duration
2-3 Hour

Day 15Departure Day

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

 

Islamabad Road - Nangma & Thallay La Trek
Airport Departure - Nangma & Thallay La Trek

Airport Longue - Nangma & Thallay La Trek

Altitude:
540 m / 1770 ft

Meals Included
Breakfast

Driving Duration
40 Minutes

Map - Nangma & Thallay La Trek

Holiday Information

What's Included

  • Airport transfers (on the first day and last day in Islamabad)
  • All land transport involved in the itinerary
  • Internal flights and associated airport transfers
  • All hotel accommodations (twin/double sharing)
  • All meals throughout the holidays (14 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 14 dinners)
  • Licensed professional local guide
  • Sightseeing and all activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • NOC/Trekking Permits/National Park permit fees
  • All entry tickets (forts, parks)
  • Up to 15 kgs of porter services per person
  • Access to the group satellite communication

 

What's not Included

  • Travel Insurance
  • Pakistan Visa (supporting documents will be offered)
  • International airfare
  • Personal equipment (clothes, boots, etc.)
  • Tips for guiding and supporting staff
  • Activities other than those mentioned in the trip itinerary
  • Miscellaneous expenses – drinks, refreshments/food other than meals, souvenirs, etc.

Joining Arrangements & Transfers

All clients arriving on day one will be met at Islamabad airport by the trip leader, who will arrange the transfer to the group hotel. Similarly, transfers will be provided back to Islamabad Airport on the final day of the holidays

Meal Plan

All meals are included in the holiday price from arrival on day 1 to departure on the last day.

Food & Water

Food is a mixture of local/traditional and Pakistani dishes available in the area. We will provide clean drinking water. We do not encourage the purchasing of single-use plastic bottles. On the trek, the food is a mixture of local and international dishes made from ingredients mostly locally purchased and cooked by our highly trained local trek cooks. Breakfasts include cereal, muesli or porridge, eggs, bread or chapatti, tea, and coffee. Lunches will be fresh and may include hot soup/noodles, rice, a curry, and chapati, or sometimes a picnic from a choice of meats, cheese, pickles, crackers, or chapattis, and finished with tea or coffee. Dinner is a three-course meal in a group ‘mess’ tent. We do routinely cater to vegetarians, but you must inform us if you wish your diet to be exclusively vegetarian. The trek kitchen provides drinking water during breakfast, at the lunch stop, and while in camp. While trekking, trail mixes and snacks will also be provided.

Special Diets

We regularly accommodate vegetarian, vegan, non-gluten, and other specialty diets. We customize our menus depending on the group’s preferences. We never use pre-packaged meals – you can expect hearty, delicious meals that will optimally fuel and inspire you during your trip! If you have specific dietary requirements, please speak to our sales team

Accommodation

During the holiday, the group will spend three nights in Islamabad at the Ramada Hotel or similar. The group will also spend one night in Skardu (Concordia Motel or similar), two nights in Khaplu (Karakoram Lodge or similar), and one night in Shigar (Ammacha Family Guesthouse or similar). Accommodation at each of these hotels is twin-sharing with en-suite facilities. While on the trek, seven nights will be spent camping in a comfy two-person alpine tent. If you travel alone, you will be paired with another client of the same sex. Hiring a single tent while on a trek is possible for an additional cost. Additional hotel nights in Islamabad are also available at an additional cost. 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 shared, and a single room will be available at a supplementary cost.

Internal flights

Skardu Airport is weather-dependent. Since high mountains surround the valley, the planes only land here in good visibility. The planes do fly more than not, but cancellations can occur, and in these circumstances, we will travel by road.

Group Leader & Support Staff

The group leader will be a certified professional local guide. During the trek, the group will be accompanied by an entire support crew, including a cook and kitchen crew, and porters to carry all equipment and personal trek bags. This crew is drawn from local villagers who depend on working for trekking groups to supplement their subsistence income. Traveling with these friendly and hardy people is a significant part of the experience of Karakoram trekking.

Altitude

This holiday involves going to high altitudes. During your trip, you will spend at least one night above 4000 meters. You should not worry about this; the human body can adapt to various altitudes, but we follow some simple rules to acclimatize successfully.

Spending Money

Approximately USD200 (or equivalent in Euros, etc.) changed into local currency should be enough for miscellaneous expenses. It is not necessary to purchase local currency (Pakistan rupees) before your trip. Money can be changed reasonably at the airport or with authorized money changers. Since you will be changing most of your spending money into local currency soon after your arrival, we recommend you take it in cash. US dollars, Sterling, and Euros can readily be exchanged at the airport. US dollars will give you more flexibility to exchange in smaller towns or emergencies. Credit cards can be used to purchase many goods in Islamabad or Skardu and are particularly useful for more expensive items such as carpets. It is possible to withdraw cash (rupees only) from cash machines in Islamabad/Skardu using credit and debit cards

Guidance on Tipping

It is usual to tip the supporting staff (guide/drivers/support staff) if you are happy with the services provided. We estimate that USD 80 –100 (in local currency equivalent) will cover this tipping aspect. Toward the end of the trek, the trip leader will help the group determine an appropriate tipping level for each crew member. Usually, this is done as a group’ thank-you’ ceremony on the final day of trekking.

Baggage Allowance

For this holiday, you should take one piece of luggage: a soft, sturdy duffel bag and a daypack. Porters will carry your bag on the trek. The packed weight of your bag while trekking, including your sleeping bag and camping mattress, should be no more than 15kg (32 pounds). It is possible to leave items not required on the trek at the group hotel in Islamabad and also in Skardu

Equipment List

The following checklist should help you with your packing. You do not have to bring everything on the list and should use your experience and judgment, but we ask you to ensure you have the items on the mandatory list. When selecting clothing for this holiday, please be culturally sensitive. Tight-fitting or revealing clothing is not appropriate. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. The packed weight of your bag while trekking, including your sleeping bag and mattress, should be no more than 15 kg. The porters’ limit is strictly enforced, and bags will be weighed before setting off on the trek. Anything not required on the trek can be left at the group hotel in Islamabad and Skardu.

 

You must bring the following items;

 

  1. 1 x backpack (50l+)
  2. Sturdy Hiking boots
  3. Waterproof over trousers
  4. Fleece jacket or warm jumper
  5. Waterproof jacket
  6. Warm jacket (e.g. down)
  7. Scarf or buff
  8. Sunhat
  9. Warm hat
  10. Sunglasses
  11. Gloves or mittens
  12. Headtorch and spare batteries
  13. Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose, etc.)
  14. Water bottle (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single-use plastic)
  15. Sleeping bag (comfort rated -5°C)
  16. Thermarest or similar sleeping mat
  17. Waterproof backpack cover
  18. Sun protection & lip balm
  19. Toothbrush and toothpaste
  20. Antibacterial wipes (biodegradable)

 

Packing Check List:

 

  1. Socks
  2. Trainers for camp use
  3. Trekking trousers
  4. Underwear
  5. Base layer shirts
  6. Shirts or T-shirts
  7. Thermal underwear
  8. long-sleeve mid-layers
  9. light down jacket
  10. Waterproof jacket/shell
  11. One pair of gloves
  12. Small towel
  13. Trekking poles (recommended)
  14. Insect repellant
  15. Wash bags and toiletries
  16. Travel clothes
  17. Repair kit – (e.g. needle, thread, or duct tape)
  18. Camera    
  19. Travel documents:
    1. Passport with a valid visa
    2. Travel insurance (if available)

Travel Insurance

It is recommended that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment during your trip. When taking out insurance, please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

Health & Vaccinations

Severe Allergies

 

Please inform our office before you travel if you have a severe allergy. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy-free environment on the trip. You will need to carry your treatment for the allergy with you, as ‘adrenaline auto-injectors’ are not carried as standard by leaders and staff. You should inform your leader on arrival of your allergy and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

 

Vaccinations

 

You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require vaccinations or other medical preparation before your holiday. It would help if you were up to date with routine courses and boosters as recommended, e.g., diphtheria-tetanus-polio and measles-mumps-rubella, along with hepatitis A and typhoid. Malarial prophylaxis is discretionary for this trip. Malaria exists in the area around Islamabad. However, incidences of urban transmission of malaria are extremely low. In Hunza or Skardu and the mountains, there is no malaria risk.

Passports and Visas

  • It is important to remember that you will need a passport for any BTV Adventure holiday (generally with six months remaining validity after the trip). If you don’t have a passport, apply for one soon. If you do have a passport, check the expiry date.
  • You have to apply online for your Pakistani visa; this can be done via the official NADRA website. We provide visa guidelines, visa invitation letters & required supporting documents to all clients who book a tour with us.
  • NADRA website: https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/

Difficulty

  • This is a hiking trip; a good fitness level is essential. There is no glacier traversing or technical climbing; how ever, you must be able to hike for 6-7 hours daily. Hotel nights exceed camp nights, and trekking is usually limited to a few hours on most days.
  • For those familiar with regular exercise, consider increasing your routine by adding extra laps or taking longer walks, preferably with a day pack. If you’re not exercising regularly (2-3 times a week), starting in the weeks leading up to your departure, ideally 4-6 weeks prior is advisable. Begin with regular walks 2-3 times a week, incorporating at least one extended walk of up to 15 km. If hilly terrain is inaccessible, walking on uneven surfaces and up and down stairs is essential. Enhance your routine with general fitness exercises and other cardio-related classes, and you’ll notice significant progress in your fitness levels.

Electricity Supply & Plug

We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at:

 

https://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plug-voltage-by-country/

Recommended Reads

  • Where the Indus is Young by Dervla Murphy
  • Beyond The Mountain by Steve House
  • Three Cup of Teas by Greg Mortenson
2 Reviews
Sort By:RatingDate

Francesco and Janaki (Italy)

Couple Traveller

“Traveling with Beyond The Valley was a wonderful experience. We felt safe all the time while still being on a wild adventure. We found the north of Pakistan a land of natural amusements, rich culture, and welcoming people. We would definitely recommend Pakistan as a travel destination and Beyond The Valley as a trusted and conscious tour operator’’.

January 10, 2024

Ayako Saito (USA)

Solo Traveller

Forget about Europe or Japan. I will assure you that Pakistan offers you different experiences. All the staff from Beyond the Valley are super helpful and care that your journey goes as smoothly as possible. (My tour trip was the Nangma and Thallay La treks.) I’d like to go back there to see the blossoms in the spring, go on a yoga-hiking trip, or trek up to K2 base camp and beyond. Many thanks to the founders, Naseem, Munir, and many others.

March 9, 2023
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Max elevation

HYDRATION

There is a correlation between daily fluid intake and successful acclimatization and you must pay particular attention to hydration during trekking at high altitudes. On treks to 3000 meters and above most people will need to drink between 4 and 6 liters each day to achieve suitable hydration levels and you must adopt a responsible approach to achieving this target.

ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS

Before embarking on a trek to high altitude it is important that you familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and that you report any illness to your tip leader straight away. See the links at the bottom of this page for further reading on AMS.

DIAMOX

There are a number of untested herbal remedies which claim to prevent mountain sickness. However, only one drug is currently known to have a useful role in preventing AMS and to be safe for this purpose: acetazolamide (Diamox). We recommend that you carry Diamox in your first aid kit for treks where you spend an extended period above 4000m. Diamox can only be obtained from a medical professional on prescription and it is important that you first consult your own doctor so that you know there are no contra indications with other medicines you may be taking and that you do not have an allergy to acetazolamide. Diamox commonly causes some minor side effects, such as tingling fingers and toes, or a metallic taste in the mouth, but more severe reactions are rare. On trek, the decision whether or not and when, you should take Diamox as with any drug, will rest solely with you. If you intend to take Diamox, you must familiarize yourself with the appropriate dosage and regime prior to coming on the trip. The links at the bottom of this page will provide further information on the use of Diamox as an aid to acclimatization.

Travelling to high altitudes is not something you need to be scared of. Every year thousands of people enjoy the most amazing experiences in the world's greatest mountain ranges. Altitude sickness is entirely preventable if you follow very simple rules and procedures. Please make sure you are aware of these before you travel.

SUMMARY OF DIFFICULTY
The hike up to our campsite is a moderate 6 miles and 1400ft of elevation gain. The scramble up to Pyramid Ridge can be steep and difficult, but very adventurous and with just light day packs.Hiking

Distances
6-10 miBackpack Weight
25-35 lbsTerrain
Moderately RuggedMax Daily Elev. Gain
1950 ftHeights Exposure
Moderate

Please Note: Terrain, Elevation Gain and Heights Exposure ratings reflect the section or day of the trip with the maximum difficulty of each. Much of the trip is at easier levels. See the trip itinerary for more detailed information. Backpack Weight ratings are estimates that account for Wildland-provided gear, guest clothing, personal items and a share of group food. By packing light it’s often possible to stay on the lower end of the weight range. Pack weights also decrease during the trip.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Hiking uphill or downhill with a 25-35 lb backpack for 5-7 hours
  • Hiking uphill off trail with a 8-12 lb backpack for 6-8 hours
  • Maintaining balance and footing on moderately rugged terrain
  • Hiking with moderate heights exposure

To show the relative difficulty of our adventure holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most challenging. Our simple, colour-coded grade symbol provides an indication of the difficulty of each trip.

Clearly, there are many different factors that contribute to the difficulty of a particular holiday, including, length of day, terrain, type of accommodation, altitude and weather conditions. Since some of these factors are necessarily changeable, any system of grades can only provide a general indication. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the detailed Trip Notes and if you are still unsure, please do not hesitate to contact us

GREEN 1 - 4 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

YELLOW 5 - 7 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

RED 08 - 10 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involve many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness experience is essential.

SUMMARY OF DIFFICULTY
The hike up to our campsite is a moderate 6 miles and 1400ft of elevation gain. The scramble up to Pyramid Ridge can be steep and difficult, but very adventurous and with just light day packs.Hiking

Distances
6-10 miBackpack Weight
25-35 lbsTerrain
Moderately RuggedMax Daily Elev. Gain
1950 ftHeights Exposure
Moderate

Please Note: Terrain, Elevation Gain and Heights Exposure ratings reflect the section or day of the trip with the maximum difficulty of each. Much of the trip is at easier levels. See the trip itinerary for more detailed information. Backpack Weight ratings are estimates that account for Wildland-provided gear, guest clothing, personal items and a share of group food. By packing light it’s often possible to stay on the lower end of the weight range. Pack weights also decrease during the trip.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Hiking uphill or downhill with a 25-35 lb backpack for 5-7 hours
  • Hiking uphill off trail with a 8-12 lb backpack for 6-8 hours
  • Maintaining balance and footing on moderately rugged terrain
  • Hiking with moderate heights exposure
DIFFICULTY LEVEL

To show the relative difficulty of our adventure holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most challenging. Our simple, colour-coded grade symbol provides an indication of the difficulty of each trip.

Clearly, there are many different factors that contribute to the difficulty of a particular holiday, including, length of day, terrain, type of accommodation, altitude and weather conditions. Since some of these factors are necessarily changeable, any system of grades can only provide a general indication. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the detailed Trip Notes and if you are still unsure, please do not hesitate to contact us

GREEN 1 - 4 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

YELLOW 5 - 7 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

RED 08 - 10 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involve many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness experience is essential.