Itinerary

1. Day 01: Arrival in Islamabad

   • Arrival at Islamabad International Airport.
   • Meet and greet by our representative, followed by transfer to hotel for check-in.
   • Free time to relax and recover from the international journey.
   • Lunch at hotel.
   • Tour briefing session conducted by your guide, covering itinerary highlights and safety instructions.
   • Visit to Lok Virsa Museum – showcasing Pakistan’s cultural heritage and traditions.
   • Visit to Shah Faisal Mosque, one of Asia’s largest and most iconic mosques.
   • Short stop at a local market for shopping and currency exchange.

   Overnight stay in Islamabad.

2. Day 02: Islamabad to Skardu

   • Breakfast at hotel.
   • Transfer to airport for scenic 1-hour flight to Skardu, with breathtaking aerial views of Nanga Parbat (8,126 m) and surrounding peaks.
   • Arrival at Skardu Airport and transfer to hotel for check-in.
   • Visit Skardu Bazaar for essential shopping.
   • Visit Mathal Rock Buddha, a 7th-century Buddhist carving.
   • Hike (50 minutes) to Nansoq Village, Baltistan’s first organic village.
   • Learn about its sustainable farming methods.
   • Interact with local families and enjoy their warm hospitality.
   • Explore the history of royal and spiritual visitors including King Charles and Prince Aga Khan IV.
   • Hike back to Skardu (50 minutes).
   • Evening free for relaxation.
   • Dinner and overnight stay in Skardu.   
   • Alternate Plan (in case of flight cancellation):
   • Drive from Islamabad to Chilas (10–12 hours) via Karakoram Highway with scenic stops for photography and refreshments.

   Overnight stay in Chilas.

3. Day 03: Skardu to Khaplu

   • Breakfast at hotel.
   • Drive to Khaplu, through scenic villages of Baltistan and the beautiful Ghanche district.
   •  Stop at:
   • Thorgo Pari for photography (10 minutes).
   • Confluence of the Indus and Shyok Rivers (20 minutes).
   • Suspension Bridge at Keris for a short 10 to 20-minute walk.
   • Arrival at Yugo Village, a traditional Balti settlement:
   • Guided village walk (2 hours).
   • Observe organic farming and local lifestyle.
   • Interact with artisans, farmers, and elders.
   • Visit a traditional water flour mill.
   • Enjoy authentic Balti cuisine lunch prepared by local women.
   • Continue drive to Khaplu and check in at hotel.
   • Evening drive to Hanjore Broq for a sunset view (30-minute drive + 30 to 40-minute hike).

   Overnight stay in Khaplu.

4. Day 04: Khaplu to Mingulo Broq

   • Breakfast at hotel.
   • Drive from Khaplu to Kanday Village (2 hours) – the last inhabited settlement before the trek.
   • Begin trek to Mingulo Broq (approx. 4 hours):
   • Cross two suspension bridges over glacial streams.
   • Ascend through narrow valleys with scenic pine trees.
   • Arrival at Mingulo Broq campsite, a lush green pasture beside a water stream.
   • Interact with local shepherds and learn about their seasonal grazing lifestyle.
   • Lunch at campsite.
   • Afternoon free for rest or short exploration walks.
   • Dinner with local Balti dishes: Balay soup, Chap Shuro, and Pakistani cuisine.
   • Evening stargazing under the clear Karakoram night sky.

   Overnight stay in camps at Mingulo Broq.

5. Day 05: Trek to Nangma Valley

   • Breakfast at campsite.
   • Begin a scenic trek to Nangma Valley following glacial streams and green meadows.
   • Cross a wooden bridge and enjoy mountain views throughout the route.
   • Arrival at Nangma Valley campsite, known for its striking granite walls.
   • Hot lunch served at camp.
   • Afternoon free to explore:
   • Enjoy panoramic views of Shingu Charpa’s North Ridge and Amin Brakk Wall.
   • Spot alpine flora and local wildlife.
   • Dinner with local and continental mix (Balti + Pakistani + Chinese dishes).

   Overnight stay in camps at Nangma Valley.

6. Day 06: Amin Brakk Base Camp Hike

   • Early breakfast at campsite.
   • Begin day hike to Amin Brakk Base Camp (3 hours) with gradual elevation gain of 500 m.
   • Enjoy views of glacial streams, wildflowers, and dramatic rock faces.
   • Stop for photography at panoramic viewpoints.
   • Arrival at Amin Brakk Base Camp, enjoy free time for nature exploration.
   • Packed lunch at base camp.
   • Return trek to Nangma Valley (2 hours).
   • Evening cultural performance featuring local Balti music and dance.
   • Optional guest participation in traditional dance.

   Dinner and overnight stay in camps at Nangma Valley.

7. Day 07: Return to Khaplu

   • Breakfast at campsite.
   • Trek back to Kanday Village (approx. 3–4 hours).
   • Lunch with local family at Kanday, featuring organic ingredients and traditional dishes.
   • Drive to Khaplu and check into hotel.
   • Afternoon free for rest.
   • Evening visit to:
   • Khanqah-e-Mualla Bala, a historical spiritual site.
   • Villages of Banpi and Hundli for cultural interaction.
   • Astana Mir Muhammad, a UNESCO-recognized heritage site.

   Dinner and overnight stay in Khaplu.

8. Day 08: Trek to Dubla Khan

   • Breakfast at hotel.
   • Drive to Kharko Village (1 hour) via scenic Saling and Sogha villages.
   • Visit buckwheat fields and interact with locals to learn about agricultural traditions.
   • Proceed to Thalay Broq and begin trek to Dubla Khan through lush meadows.
   • Observe views of Karakoram peaks and meet Balti shepherds along the route.
   • Lunch at campsite.
   • Afternoon optional botanical walk to identify local plants and alpine flowers.

   Dinner and overnight stay in camps at Dubla Khan.

9. Day 09: Trek to High Camp

   • Breakfast at campsite.
   • Trek to High Camp (approx. 4–5 hours), following glacial streams.
   • Short breaks for photography and birdwatching.
   • Afternoon free to relax or explore nearby rocks and meadows.

   Dinner and overnight stay in camps at High Camp.

10. Day 10: Cross Thalay La Pass

    • Early breakfast at camp.
    • Begin ascent to Thalay La Pass (4,800 m) – approximately 2 hours.
    • Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of:
    • Masherbrum Range, Mango Gusor, and multiple high peaks.
    • Short stop for photography at the summit.
    • Descend to Camp 3 (3,750 m) on the Shigar side.
    • Afternoon rest and dinner at camp.

    Overnight stay in tents at Camp 3.

11. Day 11: Trek to Camp 4

    • Breakfast at camp.
    • Descend through flower-filled alpine meadows toward Camp 4.
    • Short trek with scenic views of Karakoram foothills.
    • Lunch at campsite.
    • Afternoon free for leisure or short walks.

    Dinner and overnight stay in camps at Camp 4.

12. Day 12: Shigar Valley

    • Breakfast at camp.
    • Trek down to Shigar Valley, the gateway to the Karakoram.
    • Check into hotel and lunch on arrival.
    • Afternoon visit to:
    • Shigar Fort and Museum, an excellent restoration of Balti royal architecture.
    • Walk around Shigar village for cultural interaction.

    Dinner and overnight stay in Shigar.

13. Day 13: Fly to Islamabad

    • Breakfast at hotel.
    • Drive to Skardu Airport for 1-hour scenic flight to Islamabad.
    • Arrival and transfer to hotel.
    • After lunch, visit:
    • Pakistan Monument – a symbol of national unity.
    • Saidpur Village – restored Mughal-era settlement with cafes and crafts.
    • Dinner at Monal Restaurant, overlooking Islamabad city lights.

    Overnight stay in Islamabad.

14. Day 14: Buffer Day or Taxila Tour

    • Reserved in case of flight cancellations due to weather.
    • If flights operate on time, enjoy a full-day excursion to Taxila, including:
    • Taxila Museum, with artifacts from Gandhara civilization.
    • Dharmarajika Stupa and Sirkap Ruins – ancient Buddhist archaeological sites.

    Dinner and overnight stay in Islamabad.

15. Day 15: Departure

    • Breakfast at hotel.
    • Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for onward international flight.
    • End of services.