On this Day

Leave Chilas and head toward Thalichi, where the path diverges from the Karakoram Highway into Astore Valley. Travel through tight gorges and mountain towns before arriving at Astore and continuing to Dirlay Valley. Visit Dirlay Lake, which is noted for its brilliant blue waters and magnificent mountain scenery, and then stay at a local guesthouse or camp. This gorgeous detour introduces the party to Astore's alpine setting while allowing them to organize their kit and prepare for the upcoming remote trekking portions.

On this Day

Travel from the Dirlay area through Astore's interior valleys to Kalawai Valley, taking appropriate local transportation for the harder roads. The road leads through increasingly remote terrain characterized by streams, grazing slopes, traditional communities, and high mountain walls. Arrive at the trekking trailhead, meet the local guide and porter crew, and inspect all camping gear. Set up your tent in Kalawai Valley, where the Gujjar Sar road begins its gradual approach to Damni Lakes and the Kashmir border.

On this Day

Begin trekking from Kalawai Valley, following shepherd trails that lead deeper into the upper basin. The path winds through streams, grassy slopes, and rugged mountain terrain, gradually gaining elevation. Cross tiny water channels and take breaks at open vistas that overlook the valley behind. Continue to Lower Gujjar Sar Camp, a sheltering spot indicated by local advisors. Set up tents near a good water supply and rest beneath the surrounding ridges before venturing into steeper, more exposed alpine territory.

Climb from Lower Gujjar Sar Camp to the Damni Lakes valley, passing over increasingly severe alpine landscapes. Depending on the weather, the trail may pass through boulder fields, stream crossings, steep grassy slopes, and seasonal snow areas. Waterfalls and minor glacial rivers accompany sections of the climb. Arrive in the Damni Lakes region and set up your tent on safe, level ground designated by the guide. The surrounding lakes and ridgelines form one of the route's most impressive high-altitude camping areas.

On this Day

Spend an additional day exploring the Damni Lakes and gradually acclimatizing. Walk between accessible lakes, waterfalls, and lofty overlooks at a moderate pace. Depending on the terrain and snow conditions, the guide may direct the group to Gujjar Sar Lake, Dhiman Lake, or neighboring nameless alpine tarns. After completing the circuit, return to the previously built camp. This adaptable stage enhances readiness for the higher camp and difficult pass crossing while providing for a better appreciation of the lake system.

On this Day

Leave Damni Lakes and climb toward the pass on steep scree, exposed rock, and possibly snowfields. Reach the summit that separates Kalawai Valley in Astore from the Phullawai-Taobat side of Upper Neelum Valley, then pause for panoramic views of both mountain ranges. Before setting up camp at a protected spot below the pass, make a cautious descent into Kashmir along unstable slopes, boulder fields, and glacier channels. This tough stage necessitates consistent weather and expert local supervision.

On this Day

Continue descending from the Kashmir-side camp via alpine pastures, stream valleys, and seasonal grazing regions to Phullawai. As the road descends in elevation and approaches the inhabited Upper Neelum Valley, the vegetation gradually gets denser. Complete the trekking section near Phullawai, as this marks the end of the overland mountain crossing from Astore to Kashmir.

On this Day

Depart Phullawai and take the Upper Neelum Valley road to Muzaffarabad. The road runs through riverfront villages, forested slopes, suspension bridges, and settlements, including Kel and Sharda regions. Road conditions might vary greatly; therefore, a suitable vehicle and a flexible timetable are important. Continue through the lower valley until you arrive in Muzaffarabad, where you will stay at a hotel. This long transfer offers a leisurely return from the distant upper valley while maintaining uninterrupted vistas of the Neelum River corridor.

On this Day

Leave Muzaffarabad and drive toward Islamabad along the mountain corridor that connects Azad Kashmir to the capital region. Before connecting to the larger highway network, the road travels through forested slopes, river basins, and developing villages. Take appropriate break stops along the way and continue to Islamabad, where the trip ends. The completed itinerary combines Astore's lakes and wilderness, the arduous Gujjar Sar Pass crossing, and the verdant vistas of Upper Neelum Valley into a demanding trans-regional trekking excursion.