Join skilled mountain guides on an accessible trek to a breathtaking campsite in the Nangma Valley. Explore charming seasonal settlements highlighting the captivating Balti culture and cross the snowy Thallay La pass, linking Khaplu and Shigar. An optional day hike to the renowned Amin Brakk, also known as the Great Tower, adds to the adventure.
Group
15 Days
Jul, Aug
High
Intermediate
If you are looking for an unforgettable trekking adventure in a truly stunning location, then the Nangma Valley and Thallay La trek is the perfect choice for you.
Embark on a trek to reach one of the most stunning campsites in the world, Nangma Valley, described by Eduard Koblmiller, during his K6 expedition in 1970, as a place of "unusual and primordial beauty." The valley has an impressionist painting-like quality, with its extreme color contrasts and abstract lines that point sharply skyward.
From the tiny seasonal settlements in the upper valleys showcasing the fascinating Balti culture to crossing the snow-capped Thallay La, this trek connects the two kingdoms on the world's roof, Khaplu with Shigar. The natural landscape varies remarkably from the sands of the Indus valley through the "Alpine"-style lower valley all the way to the high snows of the spectacular peaks surrounding the Thallay La.
For those seeking an extra adventure, there is an optional day hike to Amin Brakk, famously known as the Great Tower; be prepared to explore this impressive natural formation.
This trekking holiday combines the two gorgeous treks of Nangma Valley and Thallay La into an unforgettable adventure, offering plenty of opportunities for wilderness experiences, activities, cultural exchanges, and authentic experiences.
Are you ready to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure? Reserve your spot and get ready to for this thrilling trekking expedition!
Upon arrival at Islamabad International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. This day is designated for relaxation and recuperation after the journey. In the afternoon, you can opt for a city tour, exploring notable attractions such as the magnificent Faisal Mosque, the iconic Pakistan Monument, and the cultural delights of the Lok Virsa museum.
Fly from Islamabad airport to Skardu (1-hour flight). Free day for sightseeing and necessary purchasing from Skardu Bazar. We will visit Manthal Rock Budha, Kharpocho fort, Organic village and Skardu Bazar. Or In case of flight cancellation due to weather, we will drive from Islamabad via Karakoram Highway with short stops at various touristic spots.
On this day we'll drive to Khaplu, passing through charming small villages in the Ghanche district. Along the way, we'll make short stops at the meeting point of the Shayok & Indus Rivers, as well as Thorgo Pari. Our journey will also take us to the village of Yugo, where we'll enjoy a traditional lunch and take a cultural walk through its streets.
In the late afternoon, we'll continue our drive to Khaplu and check into the hotel. In the evening, we'll have some leisure time to explore the Khaplu Fort Museum and the organic garden.
After enjoying breakfast, we'll drive from Khaplu to Kanday village, which will take approximately 2 hours. From there, we'll begin hiking towards Mingulo Broq, situated at an elevation of 3500 meters.
Upon reaching Mingulo Broq, we'll have some free time to explore the natural beauty of the area. The afternoon will be free for further exploration, allowing us to discover more of nature's wonders at our own pace.
On Day 5, we'll embark on a beautiful hike from Mingulo Broq to Nangma Valley. The trail will lead us through lush green fields, following alongside a glacial stream.
After reaching our destination, we'll enjoy lunch at the campsite. The remainder of the day, you will have the opportunity to explore the surroundings.
Today will be a free day in Nangma Valley, offering you the flexibility to choose how to spend the day. An optional hike to the Amin Brakk base camp, located at an altitude of 4500 meters, is available for those seeking adventure and stunning views.
Wake up early to witness the mesmerizing sunrise, creating a captivating atmosphere in the valley, and take a moment to visit the nearby glacial stream. For those seeking a bit of adventure, you will be able to test your scrambling skills on the nearby rocks. Nature enthusiasts will have the opportunity to spot numerous species of Karakoram birds and admire the vibrant array of flowers that grace the valley.
Today, we will trek back from the captivating Nangma Valley to Kanday village. From there, we will drive back to Khaplu and check into our hotel. Free rest of day to explore the village.
Following breakfast, we will travel from Khaplu to Thalay Valley, a journey of approximately 2 hours. Then, we will visit the Daltir village, take a leisurely walk through its streets and interact with the friendly locals.
We will then continue our drive to the Thalay Broq campsite, where we will set up camp. Then, in the afternoon, we will go for a short hike.
Start the day with breakfast at Thalay Broq. Then, we'll begin our trek through lush green meadows, surrounded by the majestic Karakoram peaks where we will have the pleasure of meeting Balti Shepherds. Once we're at our destination, we will set up camps.
In the afternoon, you will have the chance to take part in a botanic walk.
Today, we will trek from Dubla Khan to High Camp. Once there we will have some free time to explore the area. This includes the opportunity to visit the nearby glacial stream, challenge themselves with scrambling on nearby rocks, or embark on a quest to spot the diverse bird species and vibrant flowers that thrive in the Karakoram region.
Our trek today will lead us to the summit of Thalay La. Standing at an impressive altitude of 4800 meters, this vantage point offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys, including the Masherbrum range, Mango Gusor, and numerous towering peaks.
After admiring the panorama, we will begin our descent towards Camp 3, located at an elevation of 3750 meters on the Shigar side.
Descend through pastures to reach the Shigar Valley. Check into the hotel in Shigar and enjoy free time in the afternoon. Visit the historic Shigar Fort and explore its fascinating museum.
Drive from Shigar to Skardu airport, which takes approximately one hour. Once you arrive at the airport, you will board a short one-hour flight to Islamabad. Upon, landing, you will be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy lunch and explore the captivating sights of Islamabad.
We have included a contingency day in case of any unforeseen delays. In the event that the flight is canceled, we will make arrangements for road travel to Islamabad. If we arrive on time, we have a few sightseeing options in Islamabad for you to enjoy. You may choose to visit the Taxila museum, archaeological sites, or take a stroll in Raja Bazar.
After breakfast at the hotel, we will arrange for your transfer to the airport for your international flights.
Make sure to pack all of these items to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience: * One backpack (capacity of 501+ cubic inches) * Durable hiking boots * Waterproof trousers * Fleece jacket or cozy jumper * Waterproof jacket * Insulated jacket (such as a down jacket) * Scarf or neck gaiter * Sunhat * Warm hat * Sunglasses * Gloves or mittens * Headlamp with spare batteries * Sunscreen (including a lip balm with sun protection) * Reusable water bottle (we promote refilling to reduce single-use plastic) * Sleeping bag (comfortable up to -5°C) * Thermarest or similar sleeping pad * Waterproof cover for your backpack * Sunscreen and lip balm * Toothbrush and toothpaste * Biodegradable antibacterial wipes
What should I bring with me?
To assist you in packing for your trip, we have provided the following checklist. While you do not need to bring everything listed, we do require that you bring all items on the mandatory list. When selecting clothing for your Hunza and Skardu holiday, please be mindful of cultural sensitivities and avoid tight-fitting or revealing attire.
Mandatory items:
Warm clothing
Warm jackets
Sunhat
Sunglasses
Sun protection
Warm hat
Water bottle (we encourage refilling bottles to avoid single-use plastic)
Additional packing suggestions:
Socks
Underwear
Shirts or T-shirts
Small towel
Antibacterial hand wash
What is included on this trip?
The Nangma and Thallay La Trek tour package includes:
Airport transfers (on the first and last day in Islamabad)
Overland transportation as per the itinerary
Internal flights and relevant airport transfers
Twin sharing hotel accommodations
All meals during the holiday
Licensed professional local guide
Sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary
Implementation of sustainable tourism protocols
NOC/National Park permit fees
Entry tickets for forts and parks
Up to 15 kgs of porter services per person
What is NOT included in the trip?
The following items are not included in the package for the Hunza and Skardu cultural tour:
Travel insurance
Pakistan visa (although supporting documents will be provided)
International airfare
Personal equipment such as clothing and boots
Miscellaneous expenses like drinks, tips, and souvenirs
How difficult is this trip?
The Nangma and Thallay La Trek holidays are suitable for individuals in good health. The level of physical activity is moderate, with limited day hiking that typically lasts a few hours at most. There are no glacier traverses or technical climbing involved. However, the trek offers ample opportunities for immersing yourself in the landscape and culture, including optional base camp hikes, interactions with locals, nature/wilderness experiences, village tours, and more. Prior to engaging in any physical activity, particularly if you have pre-existing medical conditions, we advise consulting with your doctor.
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
Guide Agency
Beyond the Valley provides premier active and cultural experiences to Karakoram in safe and sustainable manner. Our professional guides are well trained, and experienced for over 22 years. We are the only GSTC and Adventure Travel Trade Association(ATTA) members in Pakistan.
We aim to introduce Karakoram as one of the best adventure travel destinations in the world. Our tours are all-inclusive, small group tours however we offer FIT trips and customized tours too. We strive to guarantee unparallel experiences to our clients and are constantly lookout for new adventures. We feel we have done a good job when we see a good cheesy smile on our clients face.
Languages
English | Hindi |
Certificates
Mountain Leader DTS
Man
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Maxine
Luis Silva was a great climbing guide and belayer! He taught me how to do moves that were difficult and encouraged me to try routes that were challenging for me! Because of his encouragement, I managed to complete these routes! I really enjoyed the climbs and completed 8 routes in the Sesimbra/Azoia area. The weather was perfect, no direct sun and cool enough to enjoy the climbs. Explore-Share made booking an outdoor climbing experience in Lisbon extremely easy. Luis, our guide, was fantastic, and the platform’s organization was flawless.
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