Thallay La (Khaplu to Shigar) Trek
Overview
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.
Thallay La (Khaplu to Shigar) Trek Overview
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.
Enjoy an easy and beautiful trek connecting the Thallay Valley to Shigar
Marvel at the spectacular Thallay La at 4790 meters above sea level.
Walk through the green pastures of Thallay Valley, along with spectacular mountain scenery.
Observe the surroundings of glacial streams, shepherd huts & flower-filled pastures.
Trip map for Thallay La (Khaplu to Shigar) Trek
Barbara C.
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Just an amazing experience. Absolutely lifechanging!
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It was a fantastic trip and Nadine was extremely responsive to all of our questions.
Itinerary for Thallay La (Khaplu to Shigar) Trek
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Departure day
After breakfast, transfer from the hotel to the airport for international flights.
Reviews
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Dates and prices for Thallay La (Khaplu to Shigar) Trek
This guided tour is run as a scheduled group tour and you will be trekking with other travellers from around the world.
Prices below are per person.
| Start | Finish | Duration | Places Left | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2025-09-02 Islamabad 11 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2025-09-12 Islamabad | 11 | 5+ | $1,960USD |
What’s included for 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
Accommodation for 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.
Frequently asked questions for Thallay La (Khaplu to Shigar) Trek
How hard is the Thallay La (Khaplu to Shigar) Trek?
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. This trip is suitable for most people in good health, however it does go to high altitude so guests should be comfortable with high altitude trekking. No glacier traverse or technical climbing; however, plenty of opportunities for landscape and cultural immersions, such as optional base camp hikes, meetings with locals, nature experiences, village tours, and more. However, high altitudes might make this trip more challenging for some.
Do I need a visa to travel to Pakistan?
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 Thallay La (Khaplu to Shigar) Trek?
10 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 10 dinners are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your travel insurance.
How do I get to Islamabad to start this tour?
Fly into Islamabad Airport, from where you will be picked up by your guide.
Is the Thallay La (Khaplu to Shigar) Trek in English?
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
Where does the Thallay La (Khaplu to Shigar) Trek end?
The tour ends where it starts, in Islamabad Airport.
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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