Thallay La (Khaplu to Shigar) Trek
Explore the beautiful Thallay Valley on a moderate hiking adventure in Pakistan
Guided
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.
For travellers comparing Pakistan trekking routes by altitude, difficulty, and region, our trekking in Pakistan guide explains where Thallay La fits among the country’s best hikes.
Trip highlights
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.
Day By Day Itinerary
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
After breakfast, transfer from the hotel to the airport for international flights.
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 10 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 10 dinners are included.
- 10 nights in hotels and campgrounds are included.
- 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.
- 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
Reviews
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
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FAQ
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.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
10 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 10 dinners are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your travel insurance.
Fly into Islamabad Airport, from where you will be picked up by your guide.
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
The tour ends where it starts, in Islamabad Airport.
Check with your family doctor.
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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