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Nangma and Thallay La Trekking Tour

High Camp Thallay La
Machlu
Nangma Valley
Skardy Desert

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


Highlights

* Cross the snow-capped Thallay La

* Visiting Balti villages and learn about their culture

* Hiking through diverse terrain, from sand dunes to alpine meadows

Description

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!

Price includes

- Accommodation included

- Guiding fee

- Lunch

- Dinner

- Transport during the trip

- Permit and entrance fees

- Personal porters

- Local flights

- Snacks

Price details

The Nangma and Thallay La Trek package does not include:

Travel Insurance

Pakistan Visa (supporting documents will be provided)

International airfare

Personal equipment (clothing, boots, etc.)

Miscellaneous expenses (beverages, tips, souvenirs, etc.)

The price indicated corresponds to a twin shared room (additional 460 USD for a single supplement).


Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad

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.

Day 2: Travel to Skardu

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.

Day 3: Skardu to Khaplu

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.

Day 4: Tour in Kanday

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.

Day 5: Nangma Valley Hike

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.

Day 6: Free Day at Nangma Valley

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.

Day 7: Trek back to Kanday, Khaplu

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.

Day 8: Hiking in Thalay Valley

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.

Day 9: Explore Dubla Khan

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.

Day 10: Arrival at High Camp

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.

Day 11: Summit Thalay La

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.

Day 12: Discover Shigar Valley

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.

Day 13: Flight from Shigar to Skardu

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.

Day 14: Contingency Day

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.

Day 15: Departure Day

After breakfast at the hotel, we will arrange for your transfer to the airport for your international flights.

 

Equipment you will need to bring

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


FAQs

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?

We understand that finding the perfect place to stay is an essential part of your adventure experience. To help you with this, we’ve curated a list of three highly recommended hotels that offer comfort, convenience, and a touch of local charm. These accommodations are well-suited for adventurers looking to relax and rejuvenate after an exciting day of exploration
Marriott Hotel Islamabad Islamabad Pakistan
See rooms
Hotel One Abbottabad Abbottabad Pakistan
See rooms
Serena Hotel Islamabad Islamabad Pakistan
See rooms

About the guide

Guide profile image

BTV

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


What people are saying about Explore-Share

Kumari

5

I’m extremely happy with the ease with which I could book via your site reliable and experienced guide. Thank you so very much, and I’ve started to recommend your site to my friends. Dimitris is not only an awesome guide, but a wonderful person who was always looking out to give me the best experience I can have when he found out how much I love climbing! He is the Best!

Niklas

5

I am very pleased with Explore-Share! This was my first international climb, and the communication and response time were great. Herbie is a very skilled guide and very efficient. The entire booking process & payment was smooth. I will definitely use Explore-Share again. Thank you.

Greg

5

I was looking for a local guide for a hike I was planning and came across Explore-Share. They seemed to have good reviews and so decided to give them a try. The experience was very positive and completely happy with their service. I will be using them again for next trip.

Colin

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Easy to set up and find the perfect trip. Informative site that is easy to use. Guides are all great to work with and communicate all arrangements needed. As simple as can be!

Lesley

4

Thank you explore-share for a wonderful via feratta experience. We have been wanting to learn for a long time but don't have the facilities in Scotland. The guide Mitja was extremely helpful and knowledgeable, answering all my many questions and providing advice. On the day head to take another group but he quickly arranged another guide Borut, who was brilliant. We had a fantastic morning learning via ferrata at Hvadnik in the gorge. It gave us the confidence to later hire our own equipment and go out in Mojstrana. Altogether a five star + experience. Thank you.

 

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