A 16-day Baltistan journey through Nangma Valley, K6 Base Camp and Thalley La (4,572 m).
Max Altitude4,572 m (Thalley La)
Total Duration16 Days
GradeModerate to strenuous
Trekking Days6 Days
Joining CityIslamabad
DeparturesOn Request
Thalley La Trek
The 16-day Thalley La Trek explores Baltistan's Nangma Valley and historic high-pass routes between the
Khaplu and Shigar regions. The journey follows shepherd paths past terraced fields, juniper stands,
glacial streams and alpine pastures, with an excursion to K6 Base Camp before crossing Thalley La (4,572
m).
High-altitude scenery and village culture
This route combines the dramatic granite towers of Nangma Valley with traditional mountain settlements
and wide views across the Karakoram. It does not ordinarily require technical climbing, but the pass
remains a serious high-altitude undertaking: weather, snow, trail conditions and individual fitness can
change its difficulty. Families and less experienced hikers should obtain an individualized suitability
assessment.
Route profile
Duration: 16 days
High pass: Thalley La, 4,572 m (operator to verify)
Grade: Moderate to strenuous high-altitude trekking
Accommodation: Hotels and camping
Season: Confirm suitable dates and pass conditions with the operator
Planning note: Confirm the precise camping locations, route permissions, transport
connections and acclimatization schedule before departure.
16-Day Itinerary
16-day Thalley La itinerary
Skardu flights depend on weather. High-pass crossing and camping locations are subject to trail
conditions and guide assessment.
Day 01 Arrival in Islamabad
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Arrive in Islamabad and transfer to the hotel.
Hotel
Day 02 Fly to Skardu or drive to Chilas
▼
Take the weather-dependent flight to Skardu or begin the road journey via Chilas.
Hotel
Day 03 Skardu rest day or road arrival
▼
Rest and prepare in Skardu if the flight operated, or complete the road journey.
Hotel
Day 04 Drive to Kanday
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Drive from Skardu to Kanday, the approach to Nangma Valley.
Camping
Day 05 Trek to Nangma
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Trek through Nangma Valley to the designated campsite.
Camping
Day 06 Trek to K6 Base Camp
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Continue toward K6 Base Camp, subject to trail and weather conditions.
Camping
Day 07 Return to Kanday; drive to Khushomik
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Trek back to Kanday and transfer by vehicle to Khushomik.
Camping
Day 08 Trek to Dubla Khan
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Follow the valley trail toward Dubla Khan.
Camping
Day 09 Cross Thalley La (4,572 m) to Goma Haral
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Cross the high pass with your guide, subject to weather and acclimatization, and descend to Goma Haral.
Camping; high-pass crossing
Day 10 Trek to Shigar
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Continue the trek to Shigar.
Camping
Day 11 Drive to Chutron
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Travel by road to Chutron.
Camping
Day 12 Rest day
▼
Rest and explore locally as conditions and the group schedule allow.
Camping
Day 13 Drive to Skardu
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Return by vehicle to Skardu.
Hotel
Day 14 Fly to Islamabad or drive to Besham
▼
Take the weather-dependent flight to Islamabad or start the road journey via Besham.
Hotel
Day 15 Islamabad rest day or road arrival
▼
Enjoy a free day if the flight operated, or complete the drive to Islamabad.
Hotel
Day 16 International departure
▼
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your onward flight.
Airport transfer
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Certified Mountain Leader: A licensed, government-registered English-speaking
mountain guide with experience as a high-altitude sirdar throughout the itinerary.
Official Visa and Regulatory Support: Required visa support documents, including a
Letter of Invitation, Visa Support Letter and paperwork from a registered tour operator for the
Pakistan eVisa.
Permits and Environmental Charges: Applicable national-park entrance fees,
environmental and waste-management fees, trekking permits and government royalties where required.
Domestic Flights and Airport Transfers: Round-trip domestic flights between
Islamabad and Skardu, airport transfers and arrangements for land contingencies in the event of
weather-related cancellations.
Private Land Transport: 4WD mountain jeeps for difficult tracks and private
air-conditioned vehicles for highway journeys, including road tolls and parking fees.
Hotel Accommodation: Twin-sharing hotel rooms of the agreed standard in the
designated cities and towns listed in the itinerary, including breakfast.
Full Camp and Expedition Service: Twin-share all-weather expedition tents, sleeping
mats, a weather-sealed mess tent with tables and chairs, toilet tents and solar or generator charging
stations where feasible.
Full-Board Meals: Three freshly prepared meals daily—breakfast, packed trail lunch
and a cooked dinner—prepared by expedition cooks, plus boiled and filtered drinking water, tea and
coffee throughout the trek.
Logistics and Field Support Team: Kitchen staff, assistant guides and low-altitude
porters to carry camp equipment, food, cooking equipment and up to 12.5 kg / 28 lbs of each trekker’s
personal luggage.
Staff Welfare, Equipment and Insurance: Standard field medical coverage, basic
protective alpine kit, fair wages in line with regional porter welfare guidelines, and food and
lodging for mountain staff and porters.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
International Travel: International round-trip airfare and related transit fees to
and from Islamabad.
Visa Fees: Official processing and issuance fees for the Pakistan eVisa.
Personal Travel and Medical Insurance: Comprehensive insurance covering trekking or
mountaineering up to the maximum itinerary altitude, emergency medical evacuation and helicopter
rescue.
Personal Equipment and Gear: High-altitude clothing, any required technical
equipment such as crampons, harness and ice axe, sleeping bags and personal toiletries.
Contingencies and Extended Stays: Additional hotel nights, meals or road transport
caused by flight delays or cancellations, landslides, road or border closures, political unrest or
early evacuation.
Tips: Discretionary tips for guides, cooks, base-camp staff and mountain porters.
Suggested tipping guidelines are provided at booking.
Personal Expenses: Bottled or fizzy drinks, satellite phone use, snacks, laundry,
room service and excess baggage charges.
Islamabad Lunch and Dinner: Lunch and dinner in Islamabad are not included.
Regional map only; not suitable for mountain navigation.
Thalley La Gallery
Photographs of Nangma Valley, K6 Base Camp, Thalley La and Shigar, when
supplied.
Thalley La Trek Enjoy Cup Of Tea 768
Enjoying a cup of tea on the Thalley La Trek
Planning & FAQs
Is technical climbing required?
The described route does not ordinarily involve technical climbing, but snow and weather can change pass
conditions. Guides must assess conditions and participant fitness.
Is this suitable for families?
Suitability depends on age, fitness, previous hiking experience and acclimatization. Ask the operator for
a route-specific assessment.
Are Skardu flights guaranteed?
No. Weather can require road travel via Chilas or Besham.
How are photos added?
Upload approved images to images/trekking/thalley-la-trek/. The first route photograph becomes the hero;
the tea photograph appears in the gallery (and serves as the hero when it is the only image).
