Your arrival at Islamabad International Airport (ISB) marks the start of your journey. Our representative greets you and transfers you to your hotel so you can recover from jet lag. When the full group has arrived, we provide a comprehensive briefing on the Thalle La Trek, focusing on safety, weather, and gear checks. If time allows, you’ll enjoy a short tour of Islamabad, the purpose-built capital framed by the Margalla Hills.

We head to the airport for one of the most spectacular flights in the world. The 45-minute journey to Skardu offers window-seat views of the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges, including Nanga Parbat (8,126m) and, on clear days, K2. Upon landing in Skardu, the capital of Baltistan, we will check in and explore the city. Highlights include the local bazaars and the 8th-century Manthal Buddha Rock, a historic carving proving the region’s Buddhist past before the arrival of Islam. (Note: Skardu flights are weather-dependent. If cancelled, we begin the road journey via the Karakoram Highway.

Today is dedicated to acclimatisation. We start with a hike to the ruins of Kharpocho Fort (built in the early 1700s), offering a commanding view of Skardu town and the winding Indus River—a perfect spot for sunrise photography. Later, we walk through the Organic Village, a small settlement that grows crops using traditional, chemical-free methods. The afternoon is free for optional visits to the turquoise waters of Satpara Lake or shopping for local gemstones in the market.

We leave Skardu and drive east along the Indus and Shyok Rivers to Khaplu. The drive is dramatic, contrasting the arid grey mountains with the vibrant pink and white blossoms of the valley orchards. After checking in, we visit the iconic Chaqchan Mosque. Built in the 14th century, this architectural marvel is one of the oldest mosques in Baltistan and showcases a unique blend of Tibetan, Mughal, and Persian styles.

Our trek begins! We take 4×4 jeeps across the wooden suspension bridge at Daghoni, entering the lush Thalle Valley. We drive through fields of barley and potatoes to reach Olmo Village, the highest summer settlement. Here, our porter team will greet you with hot tea. We will set up camp and take a short acclimatisation hike. Prepare for a comfortable night in tents; while days are warm (28°C+), nights can drop below freezing (-3°C), so a good sleeping bag is essential.

Waking up under the open sky, we begin our first full day of hiking. The trail meanders through green pastures dotted with grazing yaks and cows. We will stop at traditional shepherd huts, offering a glimpse into the simple, rugged lives of the locals who may offer fresh milk or yoghurt. After a hot lunch midway, we push on to Azalan, a stunning campsite nestled at the foot of the Thalle La pass.

Summit day begins early with an ascent of Thalle La, decorated by alpine wildflowers. At the top, majestic 360-degree views span the Haramosh range (west) and the Siachen mountains (east). After celebrating, we descend through juniper forests to Raseppi’s meadows, our serene campsite.

Descending through green pastures and across the Bangma River, the trek ends at Shigar Fort Residence. This 17th-century fort, now a luxury heritage hotel, lets you experience the lifestyle of the Raja of Shigar. A hot shower awaits after a memorable mountain journey.

We drive to Skardu Airport for the return flight to Islamabad, passing Nanga Parbat once more. Arriving back in the city can be a shock to the system after the quiet of the mountains! A private vehicle will transfer us to the hotel. The afternoon is free for shopping—Pakistani hand-woven rugs are a popular souvenir. In the evening, we gather for a celebratory group dinner. (Contingency: If the flight is cancelled, we begin the drive down the Karakoram Highway to Chilas.)

This day provides flexibility for unforeseen travel delays or additional exploration, ensuring a smooth conclusion to the trek.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Islamabad International Airport for your departure. This marks the conclusion of the Thalle La Trek, with the Karakoram’s memory enduring.