Trek Pakistan’s Karakoram Mountains

First things first, check the weather; if it’s nice, you’ll take a one-hour scenic flight from Islamabad to Skardu. If the weather is bad, you’ll go through the Karakoram Highway and halt along the way at high summits that people have never set foot on. You will have some free time in Skardu, the entrance to the Karakoram mountain range, to explore and pick up any personal favorite snacks or a few trinkets at the Skardu market. Additionally, you can rent any hiking equipment you might have neglected to pack here. Don’t miss Manthal Rock Buddha, Kharpocho Fort, and Nansoq Organic Village while you’re in Skardu.

Alternative schedule due to canceled flights

Because of the quickly changing weather in the Karakoram, it may be necessary to alter our intended routes. Due to inclement weather, flights from Islamabad to Skardu may be postponed or canceled. Following is our backup plan in the event that inclement weather keeps fixed-wing aircraft from taking off:

Day 2: From Islamabad to Naran, we’ll travel by car. The 280km total driving journey will take about 6 hours to complete. Along the trip, there will be several brief stops at places like the River Kunhar viewpoint, the Balakot Riverside Hotel, and the Mansehra viewpoint.

Day 3, we’ll go by car from Naran to Khaplu. The overall driving trip is 460 kilometers, and it could take up to 10 hours if you stop in Skardu to buy or rent the items you’ll need. We’ll also stop at Lulusar Lake, Babusar Pass, Nanga Parbat Viewpoint, and the intersection of the three tallest mountain ranges in the world: the Karakoram, the Himalayas, and the Hindukush.

As you travel to Khaplu by way of the little towns of the Ghanche district, continue into the highlands. Stop along the journey at the confluence of the Shayok and Indus Rivers. Visit the tiny town of Yugo and take part in a cultural village stroll, where you can meet some people and enjoy lunch while getting a sense of country life. Continue your journey to Khaplu, the Ghanche district’s capital, this afternoon. Enjoy some free time for exploration after checking into your accommodation. The organic garden and museum at Khaplu Fort are not to be missed.

Your hiking boots should be laced. Drive from Khaplu to Kanday Village after breakfast to meet your local support team of guides, porters, and camp cooks before beginning your walk into Nangma Valley. Although the initial half of your walk is brief, there are a few steep sections. To get to the Mingulo Broq campsite from Kanday, descend to a wooden bridge over the Hushe River, then climb through a small valley and over two suspension bridges. This green area is also a local meadow, situated next to the water and bordered by willow trees. You might have the opportunity to interact with local herders. You’ll have time to relax at camp or go for a nature walk after lunch at the campsite. Dinner will be local Balti cuisine, including balay (soup), chapshoro, and other Pakistani specialties, prepared by your kitchen staff. Be sure to look up and soak in the breathtaking starry night sky before slipping into your sleeping bag.

After fueling up with a hearty breakfast, travel from Mingulo Broq to the Nangma Valley while passing through verdant green fields next to a glacier stream. The route today is rather level, passing through one creek and across another. By lunchtime, you’ll reach your next destination, the Nangma Valley campsite, where you can have a freshly prepared hot dinner and some free time to soak in the breathtaking views. You can see Shingu Charpa’s North Ridge by looking out over the valley. Enjoy another hot dinner of regional soup and a variety of local and continental Chinese/Pakistani delicacies for dinner.

Decide how you want to spend the day after checking in with your feet this morning. Choose to go on a day trip to Amin Brakk base camp (4500 meters), which is located at the bottom of the towering rock face and is home to one of the world’s most stunning climbs. Start with a rocky ascent, then continue on a plateau that is mostly flat, before making the last ascent. Enjoy some free time to explore on your own at the base camp before enjoying some refreshments and following your own footsteps down to the Nangma campground. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to keep your head down, head to camp and unwind. You won’t want to miss the sunrise from up here, either way. If you decide to spend the day staying close to camp, try out your scrambling prowess on some nearby rocks or embark on a search for native Karakoram bird and flower species. This evening, take in a live Balti dance and music performance. Feel free to participate!

This morning, make the journey back to Kanday, where you can join a local family for a traditional lunch. This afternoon, you and your company will return to Shigar via road, stopping occasionally to take in the scenery and take in the sights. Spend the night tonight at a guesthouse that is run by a family.

Again, today’s plans may be impacted by the weather. In good weather, you can drive from Shigar to the Skardu airport, from which you can take a flight back to Islamabad. In this scenario, you’ll check into your hotel in Islamabad, eat lunch, and then have some free time to explore. Make sure to seek advice from your leader. You’ll have some free time in Naran if the weather isn’t cooperative, and your guide will be happy to propose activities or organize a tour of the area for the group.

If you didn’t travel by air yesterday, you’ll travel by road to Islamabad today. Do some sightseeing in the capital if you’re already there. Don’t miss the Taxila Museum, which is located near several significant archaeological sites and houses a rare collection of Gandharan art from the first century.

After breakfast today, your journey comes to a close. Take advantage of the airport transfer.