The Grand Traverse of Baltistan
Overview
When Eduard Koblmiller set foot in the valley during his successful K6 expedition in 1970, he described it as a place of “unusual and primordial beauty”. The Nangma Valley looks like an impressionist painting, made of extreme color contrasts and abstract lines that point to the sky with astonishing verticality. The beauty of the valley is almost touching, and unlike others and much more famous places, the base camps are only an intense day’s walk from the road.
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, i.e., 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.
This adventure combines the two beautiful treks of Nangma Valley & Thallay La into an unforgettable trekking holiday with plenty of opportunities for wilderness experiences, activities, cultural exchanges & authentic experiences.
The Grand Traverse of Baltistan Overview
When Eduard Koblmiller set foot in the valley during his successful K6 expedition in 1970, he described it as a place of “unusual and primordial beauty”. The Nangma Valley looks like an impressionist painting, made of extreme color contrasts and abstract lines that point to the sky with astonishing verticality. The beauty of the valley is almost touching, and unlike others and much more famous places, the base camps are only an intense day’s walk from the road.
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, i.e., 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.
This adventure combines the two beautiful treks of Nangma Valley & Thallay La into an unforgettable trekking holiday with plenty of opportunities for wilderness experiences, activities, cultural exchanges & authentic experiences.
Explore a remote part of Pakistan’s Karakoram mountains
An easy trek to one of the most beautiful campsites in the world
Observe the rich flora including many regional species along your route
Walk through the green pastures of Thallay Valley, along with spectacular mountain scenery
Trip map for The Grand Traverse of Baltistan
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Itinerary for The Grand Traverse of Baltistan
Arrive in Islamabad
Arrive at Islamabad International Airport and transfer to the hotel. Participants will enjoy leisure time to relax and recover from the journey on this day. In the afternoon you can enjoy a city tour (visit Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, Lok Virsa museum etc.)
Scenic Flight to Skardu
Fly from Islamabad airport to Skardu on a one-hour scenic flight. Then have a free day for sightseeing and exploring Skardu Bazar. You will have a tour and visit Manthal Rock Budha, Kharpocho fort, Organic Village and Skardu Bazar. In case of flight cancellation due to weather, drive from Islamabad via Karakoram Highway with short stops at various touristic spots.
Explore the Karakoram as you Drive to Khaplu
Today you drive to Khaplu, passing through small villages of Ghanche district. Along the way you will have short stops at the meeting point of Shayok & Indus Rivers, Thorgo Pari and visit Yugo. Enjoy a traditional lunch at Yugo and a cultural walk in the streets of Yugo to witness village life and meet locals. Later in the late afternoon, drive to Khaplu and check into the hotel with leisure time to visit the Khaplu fort museum and organic garden.
Start your Trek to Mingulo Broq
After breakfast, drive from Khaplu to Kanday village (2 hours), then hike to Mingulo Broq. Leisure time to explore the natural beauty of the area. This trail goes through beautiful, lush green meadows and the magnificent scenery of rocky walls—free time in the afternoon for natural exploration.
Trek into Nangma Valley
A beautiful hike from Mingulo Broq to Nangma Valley, passing through lush green fields & parallel to the glacial stream. After lunch at the campsite, leisure time to explore the area.
Free day to Explore
Free day at Nangma valley with an optional day hike to Amin Brakk base camp. Wake up early to enjoy a mesmerizing sunrise, 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.
Trek to Kanday
Trek back to Kanday & have a traditional lunch with a local host family. Then drive to Shigar with short stops at various touristic spots. Check into the hotel & have free time in the evening
Khaplu drive to Thallay Broq
After breakfast, drive from Khaplu to Thallay 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.
Trek to Dubla Khan
After breakfast at Thallay Broq, start the trek through beautiful, lush green meadows, witness the magnificent scenery of Karakoram peaks and meet cheerful Balti Shepherds. Fix camps and have plenty of leisure time. Optional botanic walk in the afternoon.
Trek to High camp
Trek from Dubla Khan to High camp (4180m). 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.
Trek to Camp 3
After two hours of trekking, you will reach the top of the Thallay La (4800 m). Magnificent views to both sides down to valleys 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.
Trek 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.
Flight back to Islamabad
Drive from Shigar to Skardu airport (1 hour) and fly to Islamabad (1 hour). Transfer to hotel and sightseeing after lunch.
Contingency day in case of delays
If you cannot fly due to the weather you will travel down to Islamabad by road. If you fly from Skardu to Islamabad, there are plenty of sightseeing & cultural attractions in the capital region. The 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.
Departure Day
After breakfast, transfer from the hotel to the airport for international flights.
Reviews
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Dates and prices for The Grand Traverse of Baltistan
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.
| Start | Finish | Duration | Places Left | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2025-08-29 Islamabad 15 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2025-09-12 Islamabad | 15 | 5+ | $2,599USD | ||
2026-07-05 Islamabad 15 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2026-07-19 Islamabad | 15 | 5+ | $2,599USD | ||
2026-08-23 Islamabad 15 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2026-09-06 Islamabad | 15 | 5+ | $2,599USD |
What’s included for The Grand Traverse of Baltistan
Meals
14 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 14 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodation for 14 nights is included. Additional nights before and after the tour in Islamabad can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage is included throughout the tour.
Also Included
- Airport transfers (on the first and last day in Islamabad)
- All land transport involved in the itinerary
- Internal flights and associated airport transfers
- All hotel accommodations (twin sharing)
- All meals throughout the holidays
- Licensed professional local guide
- Sightseeing 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
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
Accommodation for The Grand Traverse of Baltistan
This tour is based in hotels while in towns and villages, and camping while trekking. Hotels on this trip are tourist class hotels, and accommodation will be based on twin-sharing with en-suite facilities.
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 supplemental fee to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Frequently asked questions for The Grand Traverse of Baltistan
How hard is the Grand Traverse of Baltistan Tour?
We rate this tour as a 4 / 5. While the trekking isn’t long, you will be at high altitude, which will make this a more challenging tour than one done at sea level or mountain ranges in North America and Europe.
Do I need a visa to travel to Pakistan?
Yes you likely will. Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Grand Traverse of Baltistan Tour?
All meals from Day 1 lunch to Day 10 Breakfast are included. This is 9 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 9 dinners.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover trekking. Get your travel insurance.
How do I get to Islamabad to start this tour?
Fly into Islamabad International Airport (ISB).
Is the Grand Traverse of Baltistan Tour in English?
Yes, the travel documents and resources for this trip are in English.
Where does the Grand Traverse of Baltistan Tour end?
The Grand Traverse of Baltistan Tour starts and ends in Islamabad.
Can I rent gear?
A tent will be provided while trekking. If you would like to rent other gear please enquire during the booking process.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Pakistan?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Pakistan?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
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