Pakistan · Trekking

10-Day Machulu La Trek in Skardu and Baltistan with K2 Views

10 Days Round trip from Islamabad Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek to Machulu La Pass for stunning views of K2 and the Karakoram range
02 Explore Machulu village in the Hushe Valley of Baltistan
03 Travel through remote valleys, rugged terrain, and traditional Balti settlements
04 Journey along the Karakoram Highway between Islamabad, Chilas, and Skardu
05 Visit the Taxila Museum on the return drive to Islamabad

This 10-day trek and safari-style journey through the Skardu and Baltistan region combines mountain travel, village exploration, and camping in one of Pakistan's most dramatic landscapes. Travel from Islamabad to Skardu or Chilas, explore Machulu village in the Hushe Valley, and trek toward the famous Machulu La Pass for stunning views of the Karakoram and Himalayas, including K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I, and Nanga Parbat. The route passes through remote valleys, rugged terrain, and traditional Balti settlements, offering both adventure and a glimpse into local culture. The trip also includes overland travel on the Karakoram Highway, time in Khapulu, and a visit to the Taxila Museum on the return to Islamabad.

Travel from Islamabad to Skardu or Chilas, explore Machulu village in the Hushe Valley, and trek toward the famous Machulu La Pass for stunning views of the Karakoram and Himalayas, including K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I, and Nanga Parbat.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 10 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Islamabad, Taxila, Skardu, Chilas

Languages English, French, Urdu

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Islamabad

Arrival at the airport, followed by a transfer to your hotel in Islamabad.

Day 02

Fly to Skardu or Drive to Chilas

Leave for Islamabad airport to catch your onward flight to Skardu. Please note that flights to Skardu are often subject to weather changes. If the weather is clear, we will be able to fly to Skardu on this day. Otherwise, we will drive to Chilas via the Karakoram Highway and stay overnight in either Chilas or Skardu, depending on conditions.

Day 03

Chilas to Skardu

From Chilas, we will drive to Skardu, where we will rest and stay overnight.

Day 04

Skardu to Machulu Village

Explore Machulu village from morning until evening. This village is situated in the Hushe Valley, Baltistan.
From here, the trek to Machulu La Pass begins. The altitude can reach up to 5,200 m at the viewpoint, and the trek upward will not be easy.

Overnight stay will be at a camp.

Day 05

Trek from Machulu to Gari Khil

Continue trekking from Machulu village and stop at Gari Khil, where we will set up camp for the night.

Day 06

Trek to Machulu La Pass

Trek up to the famous Machulu La Pass. This trek will offer spectacular views of the mighty K2 mountain range (8,611 m), the second-highest mountain in the world. As you make your way upward, you will find less shade along the route. You will also see steep barren slopes all around you, continuing all the way until you reach the top.

Day 07

Descend to Machulu Village and Drive to Khapulu

After enjoying a fantastic view from the top of the pass, today we will descend to Machulu village.
Upon arrival, we will continue by jeep on the onward journey to Khapulu for an overnight stay and rest at a hotel.

Day 08

Khapulu to Chilas

From Khapulu, the journey will continue by road toward Chilas.

Overnight stay will be at Chilas.

Day 09

Chilas to Islamabad via Taxila

From Chilas, we will drive to Islamabad.
On the way, we will visit the Taxila Museum.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Islamabad.

Day 10

Islamabad Sightseeing and Departure

In the morning, if you are interested, we can explore city attractions or do some local sightseeing.
In the evening or at night, we will drop you at the airport for your return flight.

Where this trip takes you

Machulu village, Hushe Valley, Machulu La Pass, K2

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Islamabad 4 cities · 10 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Accommodation on a twin-sharing basis at standard category hotels in towns.
Meals: half board at hotels and full board during the trek.
Transport: air-conditioned transport in Islamabad and soft-top 4x4 jeeps from Skardu to the trek head and back.
Camping facilities: 2-pax dome tents with mattresses, a dining tent with folding table and chairs, a kitchen tent with complete kitchenette and staff, and a toilet tent.
Portage of 15 kg of personal luggage during the trek.
Trek permit processing and payment from the Ministry of Tourism.
English-speaking qualified Pakistani mountain guide.
Help with the visa process by providing an invitation letter for the visa application.

What's Not Included

Any domestic or international airfare.
Personal trekking equipment, medicines, and any expenses of a personal nature.
Any expense due to force majeure, cancellation of flights, landslides, evacuation or accident, or delays beyond the control of the land operator.
Personal travel insurance.
PCR test fees.
Any additional services required separately during the tour.

What to bring

Personal clothes.
Personal medicine.
Valid passport with visa.
PCR test report.

Know before you go

10 Days Skardu Khaplu Do Machulu La Trek Valley Baltistan Pakistan Asia (The Mighty mountain ranges)

Gear and Clothing List:

While on an organized trek, it is best to pack all items for your trip in one large piece and one carry-on. The large piece must be a duffel bag (weighing not more than 12.5 kg) because duffels are easier for porters to carry. A small day pack is suggested as carry-on to keep items that you will use during the trek, bus, or jeep journey.

Luggage

Large duffel bag with a lock. It is not recommended to put your stuff in a backpack, as the straps might get damaged while being transferred from bus to jeeps, jeeps to campsites, and during loading and unloading by porters each day. A small padlock that fits through the zipper of your duffel bag is recommended.
Day pack. Large enough for camera gear, cap, sunglasses, water bottle, jacket, and other items you may like to use while on the trek.
Extra carry-on. For storing city clothes in Skardu.
Money belt. A small fanny pack, money belt, or around-the-neck passport bag is suggested for safely keeping your passport, travel documents, and money.

Packing list for your duffel:

Sleeping bag. As we shall be sleeping for four nights at Concordia at 4,700 meters, or at Snow Lake and Hispar Pass at 5,151 meters above sea level, the bag should be rated for 0 degrees F or -18 degrees C. Ratings are relative, since the amount of insulation needed for a particular person to stay comfortable depends on their metabolism. A down bag will be warmer for its weight and pack smaller, but it does not retain its insulative properties when wet. A waterproof breathable shell or a bivy bag will help keep the bag dry. A synthetic bag keeps you warm even when wet and is a less expensive alternative, but it will weigh more for a given amount of warmth.
Trekking boots. The single most important item on this list. Never take brand-new boots on a trek; make sure they are well broken in before departure. Good trekking boots are hard to get in Pakistan. If you are buying a new pair from abroad, look for medium-weight boots of fabric or a fabric/leather combination. They should provide adequate ankle support. A Vibram or other deep-lug sole will protect you from rocks and add support. Always use thick socks when trying shoes so that you get the correct size. Short shoes can jam your toes painfully during steep descents. You could also try to get new

Logistics