Walking in Pakistan: Journey to the Roof Of The World

Today the tour starts in Islamabad, 'City of Islam', Pakistan's capital city. It replaced Karachi back in the 1967 and is now the political and commercial heart of the country. Situated against the lush backdrop of the Margalla Hills it is a city where old and new collide. Leafy green boulevards are home to modern buildings, and shopping malls, but also dotted with traditional homes and mosques. Today we have the chance to visit some of the famous sights of Islamabad including the Faisal Mosque, the largest in South Asia, and one of the largest mosques in the world, accommodating up to 100,000 worshippers at any one time. We will also take time to visit the Lok Virsa Museum, the first state museum of ethnology in Pakistan, representing the history and astounding diversity of country’s living traditions. We will also visit the Pakistan Monument and take in the views of the city from Daman-koh, a hilltop garden on the northern side of the city.

Our journey starts today with a spectacular flight over the high mountains of the Karakoram and Himalayas to the town of Skardu. Weather-permitting, during the flight there may be opportunities to catch some impressively dramatic views of Nanga Parbat (8,126m). Skardu itself has acted as the starting point for many an expedition into the high mountains of the Karakoram since the airport was improved by the military, and has a unique identity. This afternoon we should be able to visit the K2 Museum, home to the famous photographs of Vittorio Sella taken in 1909, after which we can enjoy a walk around town. An acclimatization hike to the historical Kharpocho Fort will allow you a splendid view of Skardu town, wedged between Himalayas and Karakorums, separated by the mighty Indus. If luck favors, we shall be able to watch a thrilling free-style polo match that is certainly the most popular game of the northern territories of Pakistan.Max altitude: 2,200m

After breakfast, we shall visit the Manthal Buddha Rock in outskirts of the town. The 9th century Buddhist rock-art is testimony of the overwhelming Vajrayana Buddhism introduced by Padma Sambhawa, throughout Baltistan, Ladakh and Tibet.Later we shall drive further up to serene Sadpara Lake which is formed by the northern watersheds of Deosai Plateau, the second highest in the world next to the Tibetan Plateau. Our gateway to the spectacular mountains of the Mashabrum and Saltoro ranges, is the Khaplu Valley, a breathtaking drive that takes us along the meandering course of the River Shyok. Lying some 103 kilometers to the east of Skardu, Khaplu once guarded the ancient trade route into neighboring Ladakh. It is home to the Chaqchan Mosque, one of the largest and oldest mosques in the region, believed to have been built some 700 years ago by the first Islamic preacher to arrive in what was then a predominantly Buddhist stronghold. Upon arrival, we shall check into the historical Khapulo Palace, an ancestral abode of the Turkic origin Yabgo dynasty that ruled the region for several generations. We shall also visit Khanqah-e-Mualla (grand monastery) and Astana-e-Mir Muhammad that has been renovated by the Aga Khan Cultural Services with financial support from the Royal Norwegian Embassy. Max altitude: 2,600m

After breakfast, we shall hike to ToqsiKhar, the site of an ancient fort perched on a cliff above Khapulo at an elevation of 2957 meters. Once we reach the top, we have panoramic views of the entire Khapulo,    K 7 Peak, Haldi Cones, the Saltoro range and lower Mashaburum Valley.Turning north this morning, we wind our way through the beautiful Hushe Valley, into the midst of the quintessential mountains of the Karakoram ranges. Stretching from the Shyok River opposite Khaplu, and up towards Masherbrum (7,821m), this is home to some of the highest and most dramatic peaks in the region including the stunning Haldi Cones formation and the classic granite towers of the Nangma Valley. Our journey takes us via the village of Baleygon, where we’ll have an opportunity to visit its school, part of a major undertaking initiated by Wild Frontiers in 2010 and still our most ambitious project to date. Arriving at Hushey we shall be greeted by our camp crew with a warm welcome coupled with a hot mug of coffee. Then we shall nestle into our tents, our canvas roof for next six days. Like the Khumbu region, Hushey is also famous for its breed of mountaineers. Even our campsite is dedicated to “Little Karim” a local legendary high altitude porter who impressed the international mountaineering community with his several landmark achievements.  Max altitude: 3,158m

In order to help with acclimatization, our first trek of the tour is a comparatively easy one involving moderate elevations. Setting out from Hushe, we'll walk through fields at the base of mighty Masherbrum (7,821m) and then across alpine meadows with juniper trees to cross the Hushe river and arrive at Siacho Camp, a place of welcome refuge for those who have spent often more than a week in harsher environments on expeditions into the higher reaches of the Karakoram range.  Here we have stunning views of K6 (7282 m) K7 (6934 m), Link Sar (7041m) and Namika peak (6325 m). After a picnic lunch we shall return to Hushey retracing our route.Max altitude: 3,407mTrek Duration: approx. 5-6hrsAscent: 549mDescent: 519mDistance: 24.8km

Beginning along the trail that leads towards the summer pasturelands of Dumsum, we branch off into the Humbrok Valley this morning. A round trip that may take us some 7-8 hours (depending on how far up the valley we go), our trek takes us through a panorama of towering vistas, with the Humbrok Peak (6459m) and DrafeyKhar (6447m) laid out before us.Apart from a beautiful hike, today is a good opportunity to see the tough lifestyle of the hardy Baltis. Autumn is the busiest time for them as they have to secure the yield of the season before the first sprinkling of snow. Today we shall see men, women and even children building haystacks, threshing wheat and barley and those who have already collected grains will be  running up and down the mountain collecting Yak and cow dung for survival in the upcoming winter chill. Return to Hushey camp for overnight. Max altitude: 3785mTrek Duration: approx. 7-8hrsAscent: 665mDescent: 698mDistance: 9.5km

Driving back towards Khaplu after breakfast this morning, we shall pause at a very pleasant resort at Saling village. It is our only chance to catch our own lunch (trout) from the local pond. Later we drive past Khapulo and half an hour further west we cross the Shyok River at Daghoni and then follow the Thalle Valley through a landscape of remote villages and cultivated fields of barley, corn and potatoes to the village of Olmo - the highest summer settlement on the Thalle side - and finally to the end of the road at Thaley Brok. From here we'll start trekking via a moderate ascent to our camp at Dabla Khan. Max altitude: 3,866mTrek Duration: approx. 4-5hrsAscent: 437mDescent: 31mDistance: 6.68km

A serene backdrop of beautiful alpine meadows and snow-capped mountains sets the scene for today’s trek, as we head towards Azalan and tonight’s camp at the foot of Thalle La. Coming across the occasional herds of yaks and cows grazing in the lush meadows, we’ll stop at remote shepherds' huts and enjoy a hot midday lunch along the route.Max altitude: 4,630mTrek Duration: approx. 6-7hrsAscent: 774mDescent: 36mDistance: 6.34km

Making an early start this morning we’ll head over the Thalle La Pass (4572m), where we will hopefully enjoy some spectacular views of the Haramosh ranges to the west and the Siachen Mountains to the east. Then begins the long downhill trek, through a landscape of beautiful alpine scenery. The descent takes us through a section of thick juniper forest before we emerge onto the captivating meadows around Resarppi (3756m), where we spend the night in a camp.Max altitude: 4,831mTrek Duration: approx. 8-9hrsAscent: 281mDescent: 1115mDistance: 10.31km

Continuing our descent through the verdant alpine pastures, we cross the Bangma River this morning and then follow a gentler shepherd’s trail towards our lunch stop. Enjoying a well-earned break near the river, we then complete the journey on to our overnight stop at our charming and historic heritage boutique hotel that promises hot showers and some welcome luxury.Max altitude: 3756mTrek Duration: approx. 5-6hrsAscent: 73mDescent: 1075mDistance: 12.24km

A day spent in and around Shigar offers a chance to relax and explore the surroundings of our 17th century Raja fort-palace. Set amidst the beauty of Baltistan Province, the Shigar Valley is home to the Katpana Desert (the highest in the world) and the Chutron Hot Springs. Other options for today’s adventures include a historic village walk, timeless mosques, a hike up to the ruins of the ancient fort of Kari Dong and a chance to visit some 7th century Buddhist rock carvings.

Max altitude: 2,230m

This morning we will fly south back to Islamabad.* After checking in, we can enjoy some lunch at a local restaurant before setting off for the neighbouring 'twin city' of Rawalpindi. Here we will visit the colourful Raja Bazaar before finally visiting the Margalla Hills to enjoy magnificent views over the twin cities.

* Sometimes the flight does not depart due to the weather, if this is the case we will drive down the Karakoram Highway (KKH)

Today we will have a relaxed start and take a short drive to Taxila to explore this fascinating Buddhist university town, dating back to the Gandaharan era of Alexander the Great. We’ll then return to Islamabad for our final evening.

* If we are driving then today we will conclude our journey down the KKH.

Today the tour ends after breakfast in Islamabad.