Today, we take a breathtaking flight to the village of Skardu over the formidable Karakoram Mountains to begin our tour. Weather permitting, there may be opportunities to see Nanga Parbat (8,126m) on the trip to its stunningly beautiful peaks. Since the airport was upgraded by the military, Skardu itself has served as the starting point for numerous expeditions into the high mountains of the Karakoram and has a distinct identity. We should be able to visit the K2 Museum this afternoon, which houses the well-known images shot by Vittorio Sella in 1909, and then have a stroll in the neighborhood thereafter.

The Khaplu Valley, a breathtaking drive along the River Shyok's meandering flow, serves as our entryway into the magnificent Hushe ranges of mountains. Khaplu, which is located 103 km to the east of Skardu, is used to defend the historic trade route into the nearby Ladakh region. It is the location of the Chaqchan Mosque, one of the biggest and oldest mosques in the area. It is thought that the first Islamic preacher to enter what was then a Buddhist stronghold built the mosque some 700 years ago.

This morning, as we head north, we meander through the lovely Hushe Valley and into the heart of the classic Karakoram mountains. Some of the highest and most spectacular peaks in the area may be found here, including the beautiful Haldi Cones formation and the traditional granite towers of the Nangma Valley. This area stretches from the Shyok River opposite Khaplu up to Masherbrum (7,821m).

Today's GPS Data Elevation: 3,350m
Time Required: 5-6 hours approximately
Ascent: 305m
Descent: 305m

Our first walk of the program is a rather easy one with moderate heights to aid with acclimatization. A place of welcome refuge for those who have often spent more than a week in harsher environments while on expeditions into the higher reaches of the Karakoram range, Siacho Camp is reached by walking through fields at the base of the powerful Masherbrum (7,821m), across alpine meadows with juniper trees, and crossing the Hushe river. If there is time, we will hike further toward Gondogoro Camp; otherwise, we will turn around and return to Hushe after lunch.

Today's GPS Data Elevation: 4,100m
Time Required: 7-8 hours approximately
Ascent: 1,055 meters
Descent: 1,055 metres

We start this morning along the trail that leads to the Dumsum summer pasturelands, then diverge into the Humbrok Valley. Our trek takes us through a panorama of breathtaking vistas, with the Humbrok Peak (6459m) and, if the weather gods are kind, the even higher mountains of Gasherbrum I (8,080m), Gasherbrum II (8,035m), and possibly K-2 (8,611m) laid out before us. Our trek may take us about 7-8 hours round trip (depending on how far up the valley we go). For the night, go back to the camp.

Today's GPS Data Elevation: 3,820m
Time Required: 4-5 hours approximately
Ascent: 560m
Descent: 0m
After breakfast this morning, we headed back towards Skardu along the Thalle Valley, passing through a landscape of isolated villages and cultivated fields of barley, corn, and potatoes to the village of Olmo, the highest summer settlement on the Thalle side, before arriving at the road's end at Thalley Bloq. We will begin our trip from this point onward by a gradual elevation to our tent at Dabla Khan.

Today's GPS Data Elevation: 4,180m
Time Required: 6-7 hours approximately
Ascent: 360m
Descent: 0

As we go towards Azalan and our camp for the night at the base of Thalle La, the peaceful backdrop of lovely alpine meadows and snow-capped mountains sets the mood for today's walk. We'll stop at isolated shepherds' huts along the way for a hearty midday lunch and occasionally see herds of yaks and cows grazing in the lush meadows.

Today's GPS Data Elevation: 4,572m
Time Required: 8-9 hours approximately
Ascent: 392m
Descent: 1362 m

We'll leave early this morning to travel across the Thalle La Pass (4572m), where we may perhaps take in some breathtaking views of the Siachen Mountains to the east and the Haramosh Mountains to the west. The long descent then begins through a region of stunning alpine landscapes covered in wildflowers. We descend through a significant area of dense juniper forest before emerging onto the alluring meadows surrounding Resarppi, where we set up camp for the night.

Today's GPS Data Elevation: 2,370m
Time Required: 5-6 hours approximately
Ascent: 0m
Descent: 840m

We cross the Bangma River this morning and then descend through the lush alpine pastures on a smoother shepherd's track to our lunch halt. After taking a well-deserved breather by the river, we continue on to our overnight stop at our quaint and historic heritage boutique hotel, which promises hot showers and some much-needed luxury.

The opportunity to unwind and explore the area around our Raja fort-palace from the 17th century is provided by a day spent in and around Shigar. The Katpana Desert, the highest in the world, and the Chutron Hot Springs are located in the Shigar Valley, which is surrounded by the natural splendor of Baltistan Province. Other alternatives for today's experiences include a stroll through a medieval village, seeing timeless mosques, climbing to the top of the ruins of the historic fort of Kari Dong, and the opportunity to see some Buddhist rock sculptures from the seventh century.

We'll take a southern flight back to Islamabad this morning. After checking in, we can have lunch at a nearby restaurant before leaving for Rawalpindi, the nearby "twin city." Before heading to the Margalla Hills to take in the stunning vistas of the twin towns, we will first visit the vibrant Raja Bazaar at this location.
If the weather prevents the flight from taking off, we will travel along the Karakoram Highway (KKH).

Today will begin leisurely before we travel a short distance to Taxila, a remarkable Buddhist university town that dates back to Alexander the Great's Gandharan era. The next day, we'll spend our final evening in Islamabad.

If we are traveling by car, we will arrive at the KKH today.

After breakfast today, the excursion comes to a close in Islamabad.