Nagma Valley

Today, our journey begins with an exciting o 01 scenic flight, where you can enjoy amazing views of the mighty Nanga Parbat and other mountain peaks. Once we land, we’ll be transferred into a local vehicle, travel to Skardu, and check into the hotel. Our exploration continues with a visit to Skardu bazaar for essential shopping and a trip to Mathal Rock Budha. A 50-minute walk leads us to Nansoq village, Baltistan’s first organic village, steeped in history with visits from King Charles and Prince Aga Khan IV. This tranquil settlement, boasting 11 homes and 92 inhabitants, creates a serene atmosphere. Explore the area, enjoy time with a host family, and hike back to Skardu (50 minutes). The evening unfolds with leisure time and an overnight stay.

OR

In case of flight cancellation due to weather, drive from Islamabad to Chilas (10 – 12 hours) via Karakoram Highway with short stops.

Drive to Khaplu (3 hours) through charming Baltistan villages. Get ready to be amazed by the beautiful mountains and rivers like Indus and Shyok on our way to the captivating Ghanche district. Our route boasts captivating highlights, including brief stops at Thorgo Pari (10 minutes), the attractive Shayok River and Indus River meeting point (20 minutes), and a delightful 10-20 minute walk across a suspension bridge at Keris. Once we reach Yugo village, our local guide will lead us through the agricultural sites and the residential area, offering a unique opportunity to engage with their way of life. This village visit will take approximately 2 hours. It will encompass activities like picking fresh fruits, observing the local organic farming methods, and conversing with local people, artisans, and elders to gain insights into their daily routines. We’ll then explore the settlement area and visit a traditional water flour mill. We’ll enjoy some healthy Balti cuisine prepared by local women for our lunch. As the day unfolds, our journey continues to Khaplu, where we check into our hotel. Later, we drive to Hanjore Broq to witness a mesmerizing sunset, a 30-minute drive followed by a 30-40 minute hike.

After breakfast, drive from Khaplu to Kanday village (2 hours), then hike to Mingulo Broq (3500 m). Today, we will leave the last inhabited village of Kanday. For the remaining portion of our journey, we will rely on our local team, who are professional and experienced. Our kitchen team will serve fresh trekking meals, which may include local dishes, Pakistani food, and many other dishes according to your taste.

We will start our trek from Kanday village. Today’s trek is short but a mix of steep and plain parts. We trek down from Kanday to cross Hushe and drive through a beautiful wooden bridge, then the uphill trek starts, passing through the narrow valley. After trekking 4 hours and crossing two suspension bridges (to cross small streams), we will reach Mingulo Broq. This is a beautiful green campsite near the water and pine trees. This is also a local pasture; you can meet local shepherds to witness their lifestyle. After lunch at the campsite, we will have time to explore the natural beauty or relax at the campsite. Our professional kitchen team will cook local Balti cuisine, Balay (soup), Chap shuro, etc., along with some Pakistani dishes for dinner. These local dishes are full of calories and protein. Enjoy stargazing in the nighttime (if there is no bright Moon in the sky)

After breakfast at the campsite, a beautiful hike from Mingulo Broq to Nangma valley (3950 m), passing through lush green fields and parallel to the glacial stream. Today, the trekking route is slightly plain, and we will have to cross a wooden bridge over a stream and a small stream of water. Fresh and hot lunch will be served at Nangma valley campsite. After lunch at the campsite, leisure time to explore the area. This is an ideal location with great views across the valley to the North Ridge of Shingu  Charpa on one side, and up to the immense wall of Amin Brakk on the other. This valley is also famous for its beautiful flora and you will have enough time to spot the alpine flora. Fresh and hot dinner with local soup and mix of local and continental/chines/Pakistani dishes will be served. Overnight in camps.

Day hike to Amin Brakk base camp (4500 m) with the choice of relaxing at the campsite. Wake up early to enjoy a mesmerizing sunrise, visit the nearby glacial stream, test your scrambling skills on nearby rocks, or venture out to spot some of the numerous Karakoram birds and flower species.

Trek starts with a steep grassy part, then a slightly flat part with another steep part at the end. It takes around 3 hours to reach Amin Brakk base camp, and we will gain 500 meters elevation. Most of the trek is rocky, and some parts are flat and grassy with a glacier and a stream water crossing. Enjoy a panoramic view from the base camp and leisure time for natural exploration and refreshment. Trek down to Nangma (it takes 2 hours) and free time. Baltistan has a unique cultural heritage, and their cultural dance with traditional music is an entertaining factor during most of the treks in the region. In the evening, we will enjoy live music and cultural dances of our local performers. You may also learn local dance and practice with local performers.

Trek back to Kanday and have a traditional lunch with a local host family. Drive back to Shigar with short stops at various tourist spots. Check into the hotel (a family-owned guesthouse) and have free time in the evening.

Drive from Shigar to Skardu airport in the morning and take a scenic 1-hour flight to Islamabad. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and enjoy some leisure time. Explore notable attractions such as the Pakistan Monument and Saipur village after lunch. Conclude the day with a delightful dinner at Monal. Drive back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

In the event that flying is not possible due to weather conditions, we will opt for a road journey from Gilgit to Islamabad. However, if we proceed with the flight, we plan to visit Taxila. We will explore the renowned Taxila Museum and various archaeological sites there, including Dharmarajika and Sirkab. With its rich historical significance, Taxila provides a captivating experience as we delve into these archaeological sites, making the most of our time there.

After breakfast, transfer from the hotel to the airport for international flights.