Explore the beautiful Thallay Valley on a moderate hiking adventure in Pakistan
Looking for an easier trek while in Pakistan? The Thallay La Trek is a great one to consider. From tiny seasonal settlements of the upper valleys displaying the fascinating Balti culture to the crossing of the snow-capped Thallay La.
This easy & adventurous trek connects the two Kingdoms on the world’s roof, Khaplu with Shigar. The trip is remarkably varied in terms of the natural landscape, ranging from the sands of the Indus valley, by way of the “Alpine ” lower valley, to the high snows of the spectacular peaks surrounding the Thallay La.
Highlights of the Thallay La (Khaplu to Shigar) Trek
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Thallay La (Khaplu to Shigar) Trek Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive to Islamabad
Arrival at Islamabad International Airport and transfer to the hotel. Participants will enjoy leisure time to relax and recover from the journey on this day.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Islamabad
Distance: 40 minutes of driving
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Day 2 To Skardu
Fly from Islamabad airport to Skardu on a 1-hour scenic flight. Then enjoy a free day for sightseeing exploring the Skardu Bazar. You will visit Manthal Rock Budha, Kharpocho fort, Organic village and Skardu Bazar.
Or In case of flight cancellation due to weather, drive from Islamabad via Karakoram Highway with short stops at various touristic spots.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Skardu (2250m / 7,382’)
Distance: 2 hours of driving
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Drive to Khaplu
Drive to Khaplu, passing through small villages of Ghanche district. You will have short stops at the meeting point of Shayok & Indus Rivers, Thorgo Pari and visit Yugo. Enjoy traditional lunch at Yugo and a cultural walk in the streets of Yugo to witness village life and meet locals.
Later in the afternoon you will arrive in Khaplu and check into the hotel with leisure time to visit the Khaplu fort museum and organic garden.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Khaplu (2500m / 8,202’)
Distance: 3 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Khaplu to Thalay Broq
After breakfast, drive from Khaplu to Thalay valley (2 hours). Visit Daltir village, walk through the street, meet the locals and have leisure time to explore the area. Then drive to the Thallay broq campsite and have free time in the afternoon for a short hike.
Overnight Location: Full-service campground in Thalay Valley (3200m 10,496’)
Distance: 2 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 Trek to Dubla Khan
After breakfast at Thalay broq, start the trek through beautiful, lush green meadows. Marvel at the magnificent scenery of Karakoram peaks and meet cheerful Balti shepherds. You arrive early and have plenty of leisure time. Optional botanic walk in the afternoon.
Overnight Location: Full-service campground in Dubla Khan (3700m / 12,139’)
Distance: 3 hours, 5km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 Hike to High Camp
Trek from Dubla Khan to the High Camp at 4180m. Then enjoy free time to visit the nearby glacial stream, test your scrambling skills on nearby rocks or venture out to spot some of the numerous Karakoram birds and flower species.
Overnight Location: High Camp (4180m / 13,714’)
Distance: 2 hours, 4km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7 Trek to Camp 3
After two hours of trekking you will reach the top of the Thalay La (4800 m). Enjoy magnificent views to both sides and down to valleys, along with spectacular views of the Masherbrum range, Mango Gusor & many high peaks. After a short stay you will trek down towards Camp 3 (3750m) on the Shigar side.
Overnight Location: Camp 3 (3750m / 12,303’)
Distance: 6-8 hours, 13km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8 Hike to Shigar Valley
Trek down to Shigar Valley, passing through the beautiful pastures. Check into the hotel in Shigar and have free time in the afternoon. A visit to Shigar fort and fort museum in the late afternoon.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Shigar Valley (2300m / 7,546’)
Distance: 5-6 hours, 16.5km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9 Drive back to Islamabad via Skardu
Drive from Shigar to Skardu airport (1 hour) and fly to Islamabad (1 hour). Transfer to hotel and sightseeing after lunch.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Skardu (2250m / 7,382’)
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10 Contingency day in case of delays
If you cannot fly due to the weather, you will travel down to Islamabad by road on the spectacular Karakoram Highway. If you fly from Skardu to Islamabad, there are plenty of sightseeing & cultural attractions in the capital region. The tour leader will advise on the options available, e.g. day excursion to the Taxila museum and archaeological sites or a visit to the famous Raja Bazar.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Islamabad
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 11 Departure day
After breakfast, transfer from the hotel to the airport for international flights.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Thallay La (Khaplu to Shigar) Trek Price and Dates
This guided tour is run as a scheduled group tour and you will be trekking with other travellers from around the world. In addition, you can book a private tour for your group only, where the pricing depends on your travelling dates, as well as the number of members in your group.
Prices below are per person.
Accommodation on Thallay La (Khaplu to Shigar) Trek
This tour is based in hotels and campgrounds. Hotels on this trip are 2 and 3-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel in Islamabad
Spend a night in a comfortable and an excellent-standard hotel in Islamabad. Enjoy the proximity to local amenities.
Hotel in Skardu
Stay in a tourist-class in Skardu to enjoy the beautiful mountain views and local hospitality.
Hotel in Khaplu
Spend a night surrounded by the beautiful Kashmir mountains, as you stay in a cozy local hotel.
Full-serviced campgrounds along the Thallay La Trek
During the trek, four nights will be spent camping in a comfy two-person alpine tent.
Hotel in Shigar
Spend a night surrounded by the beautiful Himalayan mountains, as you stay in a cozy local hotel.
Hotel in Islamabad
Spend a night in a comfortable and an excellent-standard hotel in Islamabad. Enjoy the proximity to local amenities.
What’s Included in the Thallay La (Khaplu to Shigar) Trek?
Meals
10 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 10 dinners are included.
Accommodations
10 nights in hotels and campgrounds are included.
Transportation during the Tour
This tour itinerary includes all the ground transportation, starting from airport pickup and ending with airport drop-off. Local flights between Islamabad and Skardu is also included.
Also Included
- Licensed professional local guide
- All the activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Implementation of all sustainable tourism protocols
- NOC/Trekking Permits/National Park permit fees
- All entry tickets (forts, parks)
- Up to 15 kgs of porter services per person
- Access to the group satellite communication
Not included
- Travel Insurance
- Pakistan Visa (supporting documents will be offered)
- International airfare
- Personal equipment (clothes, boots etc.)
- Tips for guiding and supporting staff
- Miscellaneous expenses – drinks and souvenirs etc
Optional Extras
- Extra nights in Islamabad before or after the tour
- Single room/tent supplement
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