Palace to Fort

Khaplu Palace to Shigar Fort via Thalley La

Introduction

Baltistan is the high peaks region, the land of impossible peaks and epic treks. We have curated this itinerary for those looking for an incredible experience, without the complications of extreme adventure. Luxury, adventure, mountains and culture all combined into one amazing journey.

Shigar and Shyok valleys of Baltistan were home to ancient kingdoms of Khaplu and Shigar. These valleys are connected by a pass named Thalley La (4,572m).

In Khaplu we stay at the now restored Khaplu Palace, a mid 19th century Palace and one of the finest examples of Balti architecture. Our trek takes us through villages, summer pastures and alpine meadows. We cross Thalley La and walk down hill to Shigar Valley, where we stay at the restored 17th Shigar Fort heritage hotel.

Duration 10 days

540m(1770ft)
Early morning arrival in Islamabad, we will transfer you to the hotel where you can rest and recover. Later in the day we will go to Margalla Hills for a brunch overlooking the city of Islamabad.
Our first stop is the nearby UNESCO world heritage site of Taxila just 30 minute drive from the hotel. The origins of Taxila as a city go back to 1500 BC and it was an important Buddhist Centre from 5th century BC to 6th Century AD. We will visit one of the historic sites, followed by the Taxila Museum which is famous for its magnificent collection of Gandhara Art.
Later this evening the trek leader will give a full trip briefing, this will also be an opportunity to review your gear and make any last minute purchases required for the trip. We will conclude our evening with a group dinner, this will be an opportunity for everyone to get to know each other, ask questions and enjoy a restful evening before our journey begins,

Driving Profile: distance approx. 113 km, time: 3 hrs, ending. altitude: 2,600m(8,533ft).
We will take an early morning flight to Skardu. The flight is about an hour and incredibly scenic, on the way you will see the foot hills of the Himalayas, leading to Nanga Parbat and as we get closer to landing K2 and Baltoro Glacier.
We will go straight to the Khaplu Palace hotel where you can take sometime to relax before lunch. The rest of the day is yours to relax and get acclimated to the altitude.

This morning you will have an option to hike to the 500 year old Thoksikar Fort, located at a high point with 360 views of Khaplu and Shyok river. The hike takes about forty minutes one-way and is a good way to get acclimated to the altitude.
Later in the day we will visit the nearby 14th century Chaqchan Mosque and the majestic Khaplu Khanqah, built in the 18th century.

Drive Profile: distance approx. 30 km, time: 1:30 hrs, ending altitude: 3350m(11480ft).
Trek Profile: distance approx. 8km, time: 3-4 hrs, ending altitude: 3535m(11600ft)
After a relaxed morning we will drive towards Thalley Valley. We will drive to Thalley village where we will leave our jeeps and walk along Thalley river and through cultivated fields, towards the summer settlement of Olmo.

Trip Profile: distance approx. 6 km, time: 4 to 5 hrs, ending altitude: 3850m(12,631ft).
Today is a day to enjoy the panoramic views, and explore the area. We walk through rolling pastures to the shepherds settlement of Dubla Khan. We stop here for lunch and then continue to the last shepherds settlement also known as basecamp.

Trip Profile: distance approx. km, hiking: 6-7 hrs, ending. altitude: 3500m(11,482ft).
We will walk a zig-zagging donkey path for about 3-4 hours to the top of Thalley pass 4,814m(15,796ft). There are views of Masherbrum range and Mango Gusor peak both above 6,000m(20,000ft).
After spending sometime here we start our descent towards Shigar. We walk on a grassy ridge, past side streams and herds of dzos, sheep and goats to the summer settlement of Daserpa.

Trip Profile: distance approx. km, hiking: 5-7 hrs, ending. altitude: 2400m(7875ft).
The path is well maintained and the walk is easy going down hill. The path crosses the river twice and goes through shepherd settlements, until we finally get to the jeep road. The town of Shigar is another hours walk from here.
The hike ends at the historic Shigar Fort hotel.

We start our day with visit to the 14th century Amburiq Mosque in Shigar Village, a UNESCO award-winning site. Later visit the historic Kharpocho fort in Skardu, built on the foundation of an earlier 15th century fort. According to some accounts, this location has always had a fort and during Buddhist times a monastery. At the top, we have views of the surrounding area.
Amer lunch we head over to the beautiful alpine Katchura Lakes, here you can relax with some tea. For those interested it is possible to go boating and fish for Trout or hike to upper Kachura lake.

We will take the early morning flight to Islamabad, if unable to fly we will drive the Silk Road back to Islamabad
Our private bus will be waiting at the airport to transfer us to the hotel and once we have settled in it will be time to take lunch. After lunch the rest of the day is free for independent sightseeing, shopping or to relax at the hotel.
This evening we come together again for a celebratory meal at a local restaurant.
This is an important contingency day; incase of flight cancellation we will be arriving in Islamabad this afternoon so you should not be planning to fly out on this day.
Day 10: Fly out

Is this Trip for you?

The daily distances are short, and the altitude gain is not significant. We do account for acclimatization however, those not used to the higher elevations will find the first couple of days a bit challenging.

The treks are on frequently used trails and no specialist skills nor equipment are needed for this trek. You should be physically fit for the challenge .

If you have any questions, please reach us at info@thewander.travel