In the heart of Baltistan’s rugged mountains lies the ancient Thallay La Trail, a hidden path once connecting the old kingdoms of Khaplu and Shigar. Though modern roads have since replaced its purpose, the trail remains a stunning secret shared by shepherds, grazing animals, and a few daring trekkers each summer. On this 11-day adventure, immerse yourself in mountain village life much as it’s been for centuries. Stroll past glaciers and crystalline streams, meeting locals tending their flocks as traders would have done long ago. Start your mornings with yak and goat herds around your campsite, and wind down with tea as the sun dips behind towering peaks. Each day reveals a new side of this incredible valley, explored alongside your welcoming local porters. Round out this epic adventure with a cultural dive into Lahore, Pakistan’s culinary and cultural capital.
Travel Style
Active
Service Level
Standard
Physical Grading
4 - Demanding
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Yugo Local Baskets, Baltistān
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Foodie Moment: Melody Street Foodie Tour, Islamabad
Your Foodie Moment: Food Street Lahore, Lahore. Arrival Transfer. Trekking Porters. Melody Food Street. Faisal Mosque. Keris Suspension Bridge. Yugo Village Visit. Thoqsi Khar Upper Fort. Khaplu Palace Visit. Khanqah-e-Mualla. Thallay La Trail 5 Day Trek. Thallay La Peak Summit. Shigar Fort. Taxila Truck Art. Melody Street Foodie Tour. Badshahi Mosque & Tomb of Allama Iqbal Visit. Food Street Lahore. Walled City of Lahore. Wagah Border Ceremony. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
5 Day trek through the Karakoram Mountains, Foodie Tour at Melody Food Street, Community visits at ancient settlements, Explore the Thosqi Khar Upper Fort, Khaplu Palace Visit, Explore the Shigar Fort, Visit Badshahi Mosque, Dig into delicious bites at Lahore Food Street.
How large will the group be?
Max 12, avg 8.
What meals are included in this trip?
10 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Plane, private vehicle, trekking.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (6 nts), High Camp (4 nts).
Itinerary
Islamabad: Welcome to Pakistan
Welcome to Pakistan, known as the Land of the Pure, in Urdu. A country full of natural wonders seemingly undiscovered by tourists. Your adventure starts in Islamabad where you will meet your CEO and fellow travelers at the Welcome Meeting this afternoon. Then head to the Shah Faisal Mosque for sunset. Listen as the maghrib prayer echoes over this unique mosque, welcoming you to Pakistan.
Islamabad to Khaplu: Pakistan's Cultural Heritage
Start today with a scenic flight from Islamabad north to Skardu, followed by a drive to Khaplu town. Make some epic pitstops along the way in different Baltistan villages. Walk across a suspension bridge with a stunning backdrop and spend time with locals with generational ties to these mountainous villages. After arriving to Khaplu, hike the easy yet stunning route up to Thoqsi Khar Fort, an almost 700 year old mosque that lives on a mountain peak. This evening, join your CEO and group to prepare for your five day trek that starts tomorrow. Review the trekking route and difficulty levels throughout. Discuss best practice for managing high-altitude sickness and guidelines for responsible trekking.
Khaplu to Dunsa Campsite: The Start of the Epic Trek
Start the day with a moment of peaceful exploration with a guided tour of the Khaplu Palace. Locally known as Yabgo Khar, this historic fort and palace was built as the royal residence of the Raja of Khaplu. Continue the explorations at Khanqah-e-Mualla, one of the oldest mosques in Baltisan. Begin the afternoon by driving to the beginning of your trek. Join up with your team of local porters and support staff, and embark on a one hour trek to your first campsite, located at 3,530 meters. Upon arrival at camp, some warm refreshment will be served as you get settled in. Dinner will be served in the mess tent, and will feature a mix of local Pakistani specialties as well as continental and regional dishes. Tea, coffee and green tea will be available at any time throughout your stay.
Dunsa to May Sikhpa: Karakoram Peaks & Star Gazing
Wake up as the sun peers over the rugged mountain peaks and join your local guides for your first campsite breakfast. With the special opportunity to hike alongside the local villagers of the Thallay Valley, G travelers have a unique insight into local life and history only a few hundred people per year ever get to experience. Alongside your local guide, trek from Dunsa to May Sikhpa campsite through the breathtaking landscapes of lush green meadows and alpine flowers beside winding streams. Set up camp and enjoy some down time after arriving to May Sikhpa. Boiled water for drinking will be available for refilling your water bottle throughout the journey.
May Sikhpa to La Brangsa: Pakistan Alpine
Listen as the mountain birds sing you awake and breathe in the crisp mountain air as you emerge from your tent. After a hearty breakfast, trek for around 5 km to La Brangsa High Camp. As we hike, listen for the grunts of yaks or the bleating of goats being led by local shepherds. Today's relatively moderate trek is mostly through green meadows, with a small stream crossing to keep you on your toes, literally! There will be moments to rest on the trek and to interact with the shepherds up in the summer pasture. We'll arrive in the afternoon to La Brangsa, and after setting up camp, enjoy some free time. Learn to play cricket with the locals or chat to your local porters who would be thrilled to share a good conversation with you as you relax after the hike.
Thallay La Crossing: Touch the Sky
Enjoy an early breakfast, as we head out straight after sunrise to prepare to summit Thallay La Mountain. Gain about 620 meters in altitude today as you climb a steep trail to reach the top. Summiting a mountaintop after a challenging hike is one of life's unique thrills as a human being. Conquering a physical challenge with like-minded peers to gain your reward-an expansive birds-eye-view of our planet earth as very few get to see her. This summit is perhaps made all the more special by how relatively untouched it is by mass tourism. After some well-deserved celebrating, rest and of course some photos, we'll descend towards our next campsite for the night. Arrive and set up camp at Bukhma campsite and dig into a hearty, celebratory, Pakistani meal. Tonight is your last night camping so enjoy a peaceful last evening under the stars.
Bukhma to Shigar: The Grand Finale
Today is our last day of trekking through the Thallay La trail. From Bukhma campsite, we'll hike down the remaining 14 km to reach Shigar. Enjoy the last kilometers with mountain flowers, snow capped jagged mountains and flowing glacial streams in view. After arriving to Shigar, say goodbye to the incredible local guides and staff that helped us through the passage. Then relax at Shigar Fort, a converted historic building, and enjoy some refreshments. Tonight, we spend a much earned night in a hotel in Shigar and a enjoy warm dinner as a group.
Shigar to Islamabad: Pakistan's Capital
A morning flight brings us back to Islamabad. Drive from the airport to Taxila and learn about the unique world of Pakistani truck art. What looks like a fun decorated truck actually signifies so much more. From representing different ethnic groups, advocating for change or expressing historical experiences, Pakistani truck art has become a must-see when visiting Islamabad. Don't miss the chance to drink a cup of local tea in a truck-art inspired setting. After some time in the shops and meeting some local artists, head to Melody Food Street for one last meal together, right where it all began! In the case that the flight from Skardu to Islamabad is cancelled, we will take the scenic route and drive to Islamabad. We'll pass through the breathtaking Babusar Pass and picturesque lakeside towns like Naran.
Islamabad to Lahore: The Heart of Pakistan
Drive from Islamabad to the city of Lahore this morning, on a highway that connects Pakistan to Afghanistan, China and other Central Asian countries. After arriving to the hotel, we'll head out to visit the Badshahi Mosque, one of Pakistan's most beautiful and iconic landmarks. Dinner will be at Lahore Food Street, filled with historic buildings, stoning views and most importantly, delicious meals.
Lahore
Explore the best of Lahore today on a tour of the city, visiting some of the most historic places in all of Pakistan, including the ancient Walled City of Lahore. Known as the cultural and historical heart of Lahore, the Walled City dates back to the Mughal era, in the year 1000. Spend time exploring the narrow streets and bustling bazaars. In the afternoon, visit Wagah Border between Pakistan and India. With a complicated history, witness as these two countries come together every evening for a flag-lowering ceremony, highlighting a dual showcase of patriotism that exists almost nowhere else on earth. In the evening, celebrate your incredible adventure with your CEO and fellow travelers by choosing to dine together a final time.
Lahore
Depart at anytime.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
