04 Day Skardu, Shigar & Khaplu (Baltistan Valley) From Skardu Pakistan Asia
Follow the Karakoram Highway reputed as the eighth wonder of the world along the Indus River and arrive at the place where the three highest mountain ranges of the world meet - Karakoram, Himalayas & Hindukush. Indus and Gilgit River also meet here at this unique place.
We turn east from here for Skardu. This exciting mountain road that cuts through the deep & narrow gorge of Indus River, offers many challenging views. Just before Skardu, the valley suddenly opens up and becomes wide. The roaring & charging river becomes peaceful and calm. Formerly Buddhist, Skardu, was called’ Tibet Khurd (little Tibet) and was an important stop on the old route to Tibet and the district of Ladakh. Stroll down the narrow bazaar, climb up the cliff to visit the historic "Kharpocho" fort.
Visit Satpara Lake, a deep blue shimmer just fifteen minutes drive from Skardu. Khaplu, the largest kingdom in old Baltistan, stretches in a wide fan from the base of a semicircular wall of mountain, dropping some 300 meters to the river level. Paths and irrigation channels connect the scattered houses set amid terraced fields and the friendly villager's welcome visitors.
We shall visit the historic Khaplu Fort & wood-carved mosque, dominating the valley from the top end of the alluvial fan.
- Experience the Culture at the Roof of the World Detour to Stunning Skardu, Shiger, Khaplu, sadpara, Deosi Plan Valley.
- Local Organic farm house , Sadpara Lake, Deosai Plain
- Katpan cold desert, shangrila Resort shigar & Khaplu Valley, mantuka water fall,
- Scheduling: Shared Tour
- Languages offered on the Activity / Tour: English, German, French, Chinese
- Duration: 4 days
- Mobile Voucher Accepted
- Printed Voucher Accepted
- A minimum of 02 adults is required to book this tour
- Pick-up servicePick and Drop from Skardu airport.
- Easy CancellationThere is no cancellation fee once Customers Cancel at least 7 day(s) prior to the date of the activity or tour.
There is 50% cancellation fee for Customers to Cancel 3 and 6 day(s) prior to the date of the activity or tour.
There is 100% cancellation fee for Customers to Cancel 2 day(s) prior to the date of the activity or tour.
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
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Cut-off TimeAvailable to be booked until 7 before the tour starts. We reserve the option to confirm the tour or not due to availability.
- Accommodation: Standard Rooms at Shigar fort ,Khaplu Place Shangri-La Resort on twin sharing basis
- Meals:Full Board (Breakfast Lunch and dinner include soft Drinks & mineral water.
- Transport: Air-conditioned transport Local Prado’s Land Cruiser available for all locations of the itinerary.
- Entry fee: To be charged on actual rates wherever applicable
- RVT Team: Comprised of experienced professional Guide.
- The mentioned services are not included in our price, but some of them and also few others like, Rescue Team etc. can be arranged on your request.
- Personal trekking equipment/clothing.
- Extras at hotels meals during travel on KKH from Skardu to ISB.
- Room Service and additional ancillary services acquired from the hotel.
- Personal insurances of clients. Any personal medication
- Airport fees ,Visa fess, visa formalities .
- Entrée fees Forts, Museum, National Parks.
- Evacuation and rescue charges if any.
- Domestic Air tickets are not included.
- Any expense due to forced measures, natural calamities, acts of God, forced majeure: beyond the control of RVT, their staff and suppliers.
- Travelling insurance
(Daily Schedule Flight to Skardu Fly is Subject to Weather) Arrive ISB airport for fly to Skardu Arrive at Skardu airport meet guide drive to Shangri-La Resort for tea fresh up. Walk to Upper Lower Kachura Lakes Drive to Skardu Main Bazar to Visit Kharpocho fort Lunch at Skardu city, after Lunch drive to Khaplu valley on the visit cold desert üKhaplu, the largest kingdom in old Baltistan, stretches in a wide fan from the base of a semicircular wall of mountain, dropping some 300 meters to the river level. The scattered houses set amid terraced fields are connected by paths and irrigation channels and the friendly villagers welcome visitors. Check inn welcome drinks free time over night stay at Place. (Drive time 3/4 hrs)
Breakfast at Place Board soft-top 4x4 jeeps for exciting ride to the trek head for K2 base camp. En route short stay in Machlu village for view of Mashabrum Peak (7821 meters). Arrive Hushe, a small green village with many beautiful sites. It is the starting and ending point of many trekking and mountaineering parties coming or going to Concordia. After 5/6 hrs trek we will back to Road had drive to Shiger Village arrive check in free time. Overnight Resort.(Trek 5/6hrs & drive 1/2hrs)
Breakfast at Resort in the morning visit The gentle, irrigated slopes with terraces of wheat, maize and barley, and the orchards of apricot, mulberry, peach, plum, pear, apples and nuts – all add to the charm of Shigar valley surrounded by snow-topped mountains The town displays impressive carved wooden houses and mosquesl After lunch we have two options to visit Mantokha Water Fall water fall Or drive to Sadpara Lake enjoy a deep blue shimmer lake. Drive to Skardu city visit local bazaar, arrive at Shangri-La resort, check in free time enjoy Over night stay at Shangri-La resort.(drive 4/5hrs)
Daily Schedule Flight to Skardu Fly is Subject to Weather) Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Airport for Fly to Islamabad. We book the flight to Islamabad; with good luck the flight might operate, enabling us to arrive Pindi in just one hour (miracle of science!). In case of cancellation of flight, we shall drive by road to Islamabad - spending overnight at Chilas or Narran
- While on an organized trek, it is best to pack all items for your trip in one large piece and one carry on. The large piece must be a duffel bag (weighing not more than 12.5 Kg.) because duffels are easier for porters to carry. A small daypack is suggested as a carry-on to keep items that you will use during while on the trek, bus or jeep.
- Luggage -Large duffel bag with a lock. It is not recommended to put your stuff in a backpack as the straps might get damaged while being transferred from bus to jeeps, jeeps to campsites and during loading and unloading by porters each day. A small padlock that fits through the zipper of your duffel bag is recommended.
- Day Pack - Large enough for camera gear, cap, sunglasses, water bottle, jacket and other items you may like to use while on the trek. Extra carry-on - For storing city clothes in Skardu. Money Belt - A small fanny pack, money belt or around the neck passport bag is suggested for keeping safe your passport, travel documents and money. Packing list for your Duffel.
- Sleeping Bag - As we shall be sleeping for four nights at Concordia at 4,700meters or at Snow Lake and Hispar Pass at 5151meters above sea level, so the bag should be rated for 0 degree F or -18 degree C. Ratings are all relative since the amount of insulation needed for a particular person to stay comfortable depends on their rate metabolism. A down bag will be warmer for its weight and pack smaller but does not retain its insulative properties when wet. A waterproof breathable shell or a bivy-bag will keep the bag dry. A synthetic bag keeps you warm even when wet and is a less expensive alternative, but will weigh more for a given amount of warmth.
- Trekking Boots - The single most important item on this list! Never take brand new boots on a trek, make sure they are well broken-in before departure. Good trekking boots are hard to get in Pakistan. If you are buying a new pair from abroad, look for medium-weight boots of fabric or a fabric/leather combination. They should provide adequate ankle support. A vibrum or other deep-lug will protect you from rocks and add support. Always use thick socks when trying shoes so that you get the correct size. Short shoes can jam your toes painfully during steep descents. You could also try to get new “Grouted” shoes that provide protection against water and are good while walking in rain or through the snow. Make sure you can fit crampons on your shoes, as it is vital for crossing different passes.
- Camp Shoes - Jogging shoes or sneakers to slip in at the end of the day. Tiva sandals are ideal for this trek, as you can use them while crossing streams and also at the campsite for strolls.
- Crampons - You may need crampons on certain treks, sometimes only for one day. It helps in having a better grip on hard snow to have crampons fitted to your boots. Look for easy to fix ones. (Check with us for your specific trek if you need the crampons or not). From our regular trek list, you would need to bring crampons for: Gondogoro La, Biafo Hispar and Wartum Peak Thermal socks - The socks you wear are a critical element. A cotton/wool combination is useful while on the glacier, and for warmer conditions, cotton socks are best. For those who are sensitive to wool synthetic/cotton socks are recommended. Liner Socks - A thin, wickable material. Polypropylene, Capilene, Thermax and Drylete all work very well. Silk does not work nearly as effectively as any one of the above.
- Polyester Fleece/Pile Jacket or Pullover - Stays warm even when wet. Polyester Fleece Pants - Good for afternoon strolls, same as above. Rain gear - A rain suit available from the local market is best for rain, doubles as a windbreaker, and fits over pile jacket and pants. Wicking Long Underwear (tops & bottoms). Wick moisture to keep you warm and comfortable and dry quickly. Two suits are a good idea. Ski Hat - Covers your ears properly, use one with a cotton liner. Woollen cap is also good.
- Mittens or Gloves - Woolen gloves are useful when at higher elevations and during windy conditions when the temperature drops quickly. Brimmed Sun Hat - Very important for this trek, as when we start the trek and till we arrive at Concordia, we are generally walking towards east. This can be annoying in the morning as the sun is low and hits your eyes. Bathing Suit - Men can take bath by the rivers or occasional lakes in ablation valleys. Toiletries - Keep everything you normally use. Just remember to bring effective sunscreen, chapstick/lip balm, skin lotion and laundry soap.
- With your knowledge of Pakistani culture, you are well aware of precautions to be taken while travelling through remote areas. Cloths for the trek should be durable, comfortable and easy to wash and dry. In good weather, you will spend much of your time in a T-shirt or medium shirt and outdoor trousers. You will need warmer clothes for the evening in the camps. Temperature falls rapidly as soon the sun goes down. Men could wear shorts once we are through populated areas, that means from the third day of the trek. Women are advised to use cotton shalwar kameez (loose long shirts and baggy trousers) the traditional Pakistani dress, as these are comfortable during warm conditions, and also appreciated & respected by the locals.
- Check List: Headgear, Parka, Wool shirt & trousers, Sweater, Cotton shirt & pants, Gloves & Mittens, Rain/wind suit, Cotton & Wool undergarments, Socks (Cotton & Wool/synthetic), Boots (Trek & Camp), Belt, Down Jacket, Shalwar Kameez (Cotton), Spare laces for boots, Sunglasses Towel, Washcloth, Bandanna/Scarf, for covering your mouth while riding in a jeep, Water bottle, with a durable screw top, Sunscreen, Headlamp with flashlight + extra batteries and bulb, Insect repellent Swiss Army knife or a similar, Nylon cord for a clothesline, Personal Medical Kit, Pocket size sewing kit, Lighter or matches for general use, Wrist Watch, We provide close-cell mattresses but you may want to supplement for additional comfort, Stuff sacks of various sizes for storing your used clothes, Toilet paper or travel pack of tissues, An interesting book, Notebook and pen for a journal, Snacks: personal choice of dried fruit, candy, energy bars, Binoculars, Camera, film, extra batteries, cleaning supplies and extra lenses, Sports gear (playing cards/Frisbee), Water purification tablets.