Duration: 22 Days

Average group size: 6 – 12

TOUR DETAILS

HIGHLIGHTS

• The Skardu Valley
• Drive in FWDs on narrow roads from Skardu to Askoli and Hispar to Karimabad
• Views along the Karakoram Highway
• The most amazing views in the world; glaciers and majestic mountains
• Hispar La Pass (5,149m). 
• Snow Lake - high altitude glacial basin – 16 kms wide (also known as Lukpe Lawo
• Trek along Biafo Glacier (3rd longest outside polar region) and Hispar glacier
• Circular trek to scenic Hunza Valley from Braldu Valley
• Views of dozens of peaks between 5,000m to 8,000m including  Latok group, The Ogre, Kanjut Sar, Kunyang Chishh, Pumari Chhish, Disteghil Sar, Trivor Sar, Lupghar Sar, Sosbun Brakk, etc.
• Views of Glaciers (e.g. Khani Basa, Kunyang and more) , glacial lakes, waterfalls and streams
• Meadows of Falaling Chhish
• Karakoram Highway
• Cultural tour of Hunza Valley
• Excellent camping facilities
• Interaction with the local people

Accommodation:

As an overall ethos, wherever possible we aim to use characterful accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience, not just offers a bed for the night. This can obviously vary dramatically from place to place and from trip to trip. On this trip we use small local guesthouses, fixed campsites and wild camps on the Glacier, plus a luxury hotel in Shigar.

Please note that the accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is intended as a guide only and is always subject to availability. For security reasons we do not provide details of the hotels used on this trip but if you would like more information please contact the office.

Transport: On tour transport will be in minibuses or domestic flights between Islamabad and Skardu, from there we use jeeps to allow full access to the mountains. Other than that – it’s your own two feet!

Climate:

The weather conditions can be extremely varied. Islamabad is likely to be hot, as is Skardu and the first few days of the trek. However, once we approach heights around 4,000 metres it can turn bitter so you should fully expect there to be some snowfall. Generally the late summer should be lovely with clear skies and warm days.

Is this trip for me? It may sound obvious but Adventure Hunza tours are not always for everyone and it is important to us that the tour you choose is the most suitable. Please therefore take time to read the dossier carefully.

All our tours are graded to give an overall picture of the trip but these are only guidelines and you should check the daily itinerary. Should you have any concerns about your ability to partake in any aspect of the tour then please contact the office.

Adventure Rating: 9/10

Comfort Grade: 3/10

Fitness Level: 9/10

Cultural Interest: 5/10

Additional Comments:

Please be advised that on this trip vegetarians can be catered for but the selection and variety may be limited.

It is vital to note that this is a demanding trek overall and it’s important that you be in good shape. For someone with good fitness the days are typically not more than six-seven hours of walking, but we have heard of less-fit people having days that extend to eight-nine hours. This is especially important in the first few days, as the heat can be an issue.

Clarifying fitness levels for each individual is not easy, but clearly you will need to be able to amble along for six-eight hours in a day (including breaks, lunch etc) on rough terrain and carrying a reasonably heavy day pack. It is advised to get out for some test runs of 10miles/16km (if you are close to some rough terrain, even better!) in the months leading up to the trip. If you are working out aerobically at 45+ mins three times a week in the build-up and are able to do some longer walks once a week you ought to be in good shape for the trip. Clearly, if you can do more then you will simply enjoy the trek that much more! To summarize, you can be of almost any age, but you need to be in good active shape.

Day 1: Tour starts in Islamabad:

Arrival at Islamabad airport and transfer to your hotel (no meals)

Day 2: Islamabad – Skardu (2,500m):

Our journey starts today the exquisite flight over the high mountains of the Karakoram to the town of Skardu. Skardu: Skardu is the main town of Baltistan, situated along the wide bank of the river Indus. Used as a base from where to reach some of the highest peaks in the world; Skardu is very popular with mountaineering expeditions. It is equally popular with high altitude trekkers who trek to Biafo Hispar (Snow Lake), Baltoro Glacier, K-2 Base Camp and Concordia. Skardu has a character all of its own and has very interesting scenery; surrounded by dry, rugged mountains and sand dunes. The Indus becomes wide and still at this point

This town has acted as the starting point for many an expedition into the high mountains of the Karakoram since the airport was improved by the military, and has a unique identity. This afternoon we should be able to visit the K2 Museum, home to the famous photographs of Vittorio Sella taken in 1909, and have a walk around town. Hotel (B)

Please remember if the flight is cancelled due to bad weather we’ll have to drive, stopping for the night at Naran, if you travel via Babusar Pass (4100m) or Chilas on KKH and on to Skardu on Day 3.

Day 3: Skardu - Khaplu – Skardu (2,500m):

For those that are interested today there will be a chance to visit the picturesque Khaplu Valley, towards the towering peak of Mashabrum. Anyone that wishes to stay behind can chill in town. Hotel (B)

In case of flight cancellation on previous day, you will travel from Chilas to Skardu.

Day 4: Skardu – Askole (3,000m):

After breakfast we load up the jeeps and head into the heart of the mountain range. Continuing the drive through the Braldu Gorge is guaranteed to knock your socks off! Camp will be set up near Askole. Camp (B,L,D)

Day 5: Askole - Namla (3263m):

And so for the real adventure…from camp the trek begins but, you will be pleased to know, along a rising path which can be accomplished in 7 - 8 hours to reach your campsite on the left of the glacier. Camp (B,L,D)

Day 6: Namla – Mango (3650m):

Today you will have to walk on Biafo Glacier for 5 to 6 hours and you will reach your camp on the right side of the glacier. Camp (B,L,D)

Day 7: Mango -  Baintha –  (4000m):

Today’s short trek takes about 6 to 7 hours and the walk follows the Biafo Glacier all the way and our campsite is a lush green slope with clean running water. Camp (B,L,D)

Day 8: Baintha – Free day (4000m):

Free day at Baintha Camp to recover and relax. Camp (B,L,D)

Day 9: Baintha – Marfogoro (4200m):

Walk on Biafo glacier for 4 to 5 hours and reach your camp on to the right side of the glacier to spend the night. Camp (B,L,D)

Day 10: Marfogoro – Karfogoro (4400m):

Walk on Biafo glacier for 4 to 5 hours to reach your camp. Camp (B,L,D)

Day 11: Karfogoro - Hispar La (5150m) :

Today we reach after walking for 6 to 7 hours, our destination: Surrounded by the majestic Karakorum Mountains of Gilgit Baltistan, Lukpe Lawo or Snow Lake, is a glacial basin at an elevation of 4877 m (16000 ft.), spanning over 16 km (10 miles). The basin connects two mighty glaciers of Biafo and Hispar, both spreading into opposite directions from Hispar Pass (5128m). The total length of these two glaciers is about 100 km (61 miles) forming into a frozen river which is the world’s longest continuous glacial structure outside the Polar Regions. For many, it is lifelong goal to come here, a place of superlatives and without any parallels! Camp (B,L,D)

Day 12: Hispar La – Khani Basa (4468m):

Today we trek to the Khani Basa in 5 to 6 hours. The walking hours can be affected by the nature and shape of the crevasses in the glacier, however! (B,L,D)

Day 13: Khani Basa – Red Star

Walk back to Red Star Camp in 5 to 6 hours. Camp (B,L,D)

Day 14: Red Star – Bitan Mall (3765m):

Walk to Bitan Mall in 5 to 6 hours. Camp (B,L,D)

Day 15: Bitan Mall – Free Day

Fee day to groom yourself and relax to regain your energies for rest of the trek. Camp (B,L,D)

Day 16: Bital Mall to Hispar Village (3125m):

Walk down to Hispar village; the first settlement of Nagar Valley to the north of Snow Lake. Today we return to the ‘Metropolis’ of Hispar! Well, at least it feels like one after being on the Baltoro. This walk can be done in about 5 to 6 hours and on completion we can celebrate our success with the porters, to whom we often give any spare kit that we no longer wish by way of thanks. Camp (B,L,D)

Day 17: Hispar Village to Karimabad Hunza:

Today we return to the ‘Metropolis’ of Askole! Well, at least it feels like one after being on the Baltoro. This walk can be done in about three to four hours and on completion we can celebrate our success with the porters, to whom we often give any spare kit that we no longer wish by way of thanks. Camp (B)

Day 18: Hispar Village - Karimabad Hunza:

After a jeep drive of about 3 hours, we return to Karimabad, Hunza, where we will stay at a hotel in Karimabad, Hunza. This will provide a very welcome hot shower and a warm comfortable bed! It is quite common for the men of the trip to take this chance to get a shave from one of the local barbers if your facial hair has got a bit out of control! Hotel (B)

Day 19: Karimabad

Morning explore Baltit Fort, Altit Fort and Eagle’s Nest for sunset or simply stay at your hotel to relax and chill. Hotel (B)

Day 20: Karimabad – Gilgit - Islamabad:

Early morning drive to Gilgit Airport and take your flight to Islamabad.

Sometimes the flight does not depart due to the weather, and if this is the case we will drive the route down the Karakoram Highway tomorrow.

If we are driving then today we will conclude our journey down the KKH with an overnight stop at Naran or Chilas. If we have flown we will have some additional sightseeing before a final dinner overlooking the city. Hotel (B)

Day 21: Islamabad:

Explore Islamabad with Shah Faisal Mosque, Daman e Koh View Point, Pakistan Monument and Saidpur Village or simply take a rest at your hotel. In case of flight cancellation on day 20, you will travel from Besham or Naran to Islamabad. Hotel (B)

Day 22: Islamabad Out

The tour finishes after breakfast at the hotel in Islamabad with transfer to the airport. (B)

Extensions: If you have more time available, why not arrive early to adjust to a new time zone or just to get a feel for the country before your tour starts? Or alternatively you might choose to allow a few extra days after the tour to relax or to undertake some further exploration. The choice is completely yours and we can usually arrange anything from simply additional accommodation and transfers to full tailor-made itineraries.

Here is just a small sample of what you could do:-

Arrive early to adjust to a new time zone or just to get a feel for the country before your tour starts. Explore the country after your tour on a bespoke adventure extension or just allow a few days to relax afterwards.