General
Ghanche Valley Tour (6-Day Trip from Skardu) (2026-27)
The Ghanche Valley Tour brings visitors beyond Skardu to one of Baltistan’s most scenic and culturally diverse areas. Along the route, see old Khaplu, the Shyok River, tranquil towns, alpine lakes, and breathtaking Karakoram scenery. Furthermore, sites such as Khaplu Palace, Chaqchan Mosque, Saling Valley, and Hushe Valley contribute a surprising variety. As a result, this excursion wonderfully mixes heritage, nature, local culture, and breathtaking mountain landscapes.
In addition to this tour, we also offer the following Skardu Tours & Treks, as shown in the table below.
Itinerary – Ghanche Valley Tour (6 Days)
The itinerary for the tour is given below.
Day 02: Khaplu Heritage Sites and Saling Valley
On this Day
Explore Khaplu Valley and its most significant cultural relics, starting with Khaplu Palace, the former royal home also known as Yabgo Khar. Continue to the old Chaqchan Mosque, passing across traditional houses, orchards, and village alleys with Balti architectural influences. Visit the Khaplu Khanqah area and take in the panoramic views from Thoqsi Khar, which rises above the village. Extend your journey across the Shyok River to Saling Valley, which is noted for its lake, fish farm, rich farms, and mountain views, before returning to Khaplu for an overnight stay.
Day 03: Machulu Valley and Haldi Cones
On this Day
Travel from Khaplu to Machulu Valley, one of Ghanche's picturesque mountain villages surrounded by orchards, cultivated fields, and breathtaking Karakoram scenery. Explore Machulu village and see views of the Masherbrum Range from appropriate local vantage points. Continue to Haldi village to witness the spectacular Haldi Cones, which are unusual granite mountains that dominate this part of Ghanche. Spend the day exploring traditional Balti village life, river views, seasonal blossoms or autumn colors, and harsh mountain formations before returning through the valley landscapes to Khaplu for another overnight stay.
Day 04: Hushe Valley Excursion
On this Day
Drive from Khaplu to Saling, then deeper into Hushe Valley, one of Ghanche's most well-known alpine destinations and a gateway to key Karakoram hiking routes. As you reach Hushe village, you'll see impressive granite walls, glacial streams, terraced farms, and little communities. Explore the settlement and enjoy views of the high peaks linked with Masherbrum, K6, K7, and other neighboring mountain systems. Experience the remoteness of upper Ghanche, meet locals, and photograph the harsh alpine environment before following the Hushe trek to Khaplu for an overnight stay.
Day 05: Chorbat Valley Excursion
On this Day
From Khaplu, follow the Shyok River to Chorbat Valley, Ghanche's eastern river corridor famed for small gorges, quaint settlements, and rocky borderland landscape. Travel through accessible villages in the valley to see the stark contrast between green agricultural areas and desolate Karakoram hills. As the drive leads deeper into Chorbat, explore the local village landscapes, ancient route vistas, and Shyok overlooks. Following your exploration of this lesser-known side of Ghanche, return to Khaplu via the same stunning river route for an overnight stay.
Day 06: Full-Day Ghanche Excursion - Skardu
On this Day
Leave Khaplu for Thalley Valley, a green valley in Ghanche surrounded by mountain slopes, streams, pastureland, and traditional settlements. Explore the lower valley and continue through Daghoni and Balghar, where agricultural communities line the Shyok River beneath steep mountains. Follow the return journey through Barah and Keris Valleys, pausing at magnificent vistas, orchards, riverfront scenery, and village areas to round out the Ghanche experience. Continue down the Indus-Shyok corridor into Skardu, where you will end your six-day tour after visiting Ghanche's key sights.
Dates & Cost – Ghanche Valley Tour
All seasons are considered good for the Ghanche Valley Tour. Considering the inflow of tourists all year round, our dates are open throughout the year, and your bookings will be 100% guaranteed even if you are a single traveler. Our prices and dates for this tour (all seasons) are given below.
| Season | Months | Tour Start Date | Price Per Person (USD) | Minimum Travellers Required | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | Mid-November to February, 2026 | Daily | 780 | 1 pax | BOOK NOW |
| Spring | March to May, 2026 | Daily | 780 | 1 pax | BOOK NOW |
| Summer | June to Mid- September, 2026 | Daily | 780 | 1 pax | BOOK NOW |
| Autumn | Mid-September to Mid November, 2026 | Daily | 780 | 1 pax | BOOK NOW |
| Season | Months | Tour Start Date | Price Per Person (USD) | Minimum Travellers Required | Register |
Holiday Information
- Pickup from hotel or vacation rental before sightseeing
- Drop at hotel or vacation rental after sightseeing
- Guided sightseeing tour according to itinerary above
- Map (hard copy)
- Licensed professional guide (english speaking)
- SUV/mini-van/car (depending on number of people)
- Driver
- All entry/admission tickets
- Bottled water in car (fair usage policy)
- Toll & parking fees
- Drop after 10 pm (Drivers & Guide's working hours end at 10pm)
- Gratuities/tips for guides/drivers, etc
- Meals, snacks and drinks (our guide will make recommendations after consultation with guests)
- Accommodation (can be arranged at additional cost according to your budget)
- Personal travel insurance (Recommendation/Rescue Partners: Global Rescue)
- Visa to Pakistan (supporting documents can be offered if requested for multiday tours)
- Refunds in case of early tour windup/closure due to any reason
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions
Highlights
The tour has a lot to offer. The main highlights are given below.
- Discover Kharfaq Lake amid dramatic mountain scenery.
- Explore Khaplu Palace and its royal heritage.
- Visit Chaqchan Mosque for centuries-old Balti architecture.
- Admire Saling Valley beside tranquil mountain landscapes.
- Experience Machulu Valley beneath towering Karakoram peaks.
- Photograph Haldi Cones rising above rugged terrain.
- Discover Hushe Valley and its alpine grandeur.
- Journey through Chorbat Valley beside the Shyok River.
- Explore Thalley Valley among pastures and villages.
- Discover Keris Valley at Ghanche’s scenic gateway.
As Featured In:
Photo Gallery
Overview – Ghanche Valley Tour
The Ghanche Valley Tour takes visitors on a magnificent journey via Gilgit-Baltistan, where heritage, rivers, towns, and mountains combine to provide unforgettable travel experiences. Khaplu is Ghanche’s administrative hub and the entry to Hushe Valley, which is known for its stunning Karakoram vistas. Visitors can also explore Khaplu Palace, a reconstructed royal house with distinct Himalayan, Kashmiri, and Mughal architectural characteristics. Chaqchan Mosque, located nearby, contributes outstanding cultural value due to its centuries-old heritage and beautiful traditional design. Meanwhile, orchards, planted terraces, and the Shyok River provide stunning scenery throughout the route.
Beyond Khaplu, the tour takes visitors to Saling Valley, Machulu, Hushe, Keris, and Chorbat. Furthermore, these attractions include tranquil villages, breathtaking mountain scenery, hiking opportunities, and genuine Balti culture. Saling offers beautiful lake views and serves as an additional way to Hushe Valley. Similarly, Keris serves as the entryway to Ghanche and features the Indus-Shyok river confluence. Adventurers can explore secluded valleys beneath towering Karakoram peaks, as well as scenery carved by glaciers and mountain streams. Furthermore, the varied terrain provides excellent opportunities for sightseeing and scenic photography. As a result, this tour is ideal for travelers interested in nature, heritage, photography, culture, and unique journeys beyond Skardu.
Website Last Updated: January 15, 2026
