Thalay La Trek, Ghanche Pakistan

Day 1 — Skardu/Khaplu → Thalay Valley (Thalay Broq)

Morning:
• Depart early from Skardu by 4×4 jeep (approx. 2 hrs) or from Khaplu (~40 min).
• Drive along the Shyok River and valley roads toward the trailhead near Daghoni Bridge.

Midday:
• Continue jeep drive to Bukma — a base point for the trek.
• Trek starts from Bukma through alpine pastures and gentle slopes.

Afternoon:
• Arrive in Olma Village (the last settlement in the valley).
• Set up camp at Thalay Broq / Olma campsite, enjoy high‑mountain views.
• Dinner and overnight in tents.

Key Notes:
• Terrain is mostly green pastures and easy hiking trails along streams.
• Typical walking today: 1–3 hours, depending on jeep drop.

Day 2 — Thalay Broq → Dubla Khan Camp

Morning:
• Breakfast at camp under the Karakoram peaks.
• Trek begins through open terrain with pastures on both sides.

Daytime:
• Trek alongside small streams, alpine grasslands, and occasional shepherd huts.
• The trail has gentle ascents and wide valley floors — great for photos and wildlife views.

Afternoon:
• Arrive at Dubla Khan Camp — a scenic campsite near green pasture and fresh stream water.
• Set up tents, rest, and enjoy panoramic mountain scenery.
• Dinner and overnight in tents.

Key Notes:
• Today’s hike is pleasant and progressive, ideal for acclimatisation.
• Approx. 4–6 hrs hiking, depending on pace and breaks.

Day 3 — Trek to Thalay La Pass → Deserpa Valley Camp

Early Morning:
• Early breakfast and begin ascent toward Thalay La Pass (~4,572 m).
• The trail becomes steeper as you approach the top.

Midday (Summit):
• Reach Thalay La Pass — panoramic view of Masherbrum range and Mango Gusor (6,288 m).
• Take photographs and enjoy the 360° high‑mountain vistas.

Afternoon (Descent):
• After resting at the pass, start descending toward Deserpa Camp — a lush summer pasture.
• Set up camp in the open green meadow, surrounded by dramatic peaks.

Dinner & Overnight:
• Dinner around a campfire and overnight stay in tents.
• Sleep under open skies near the valley bottom.

Key Notes:
• Total day trek includes ascent to ~4,572 m and descent, requiring 6–8+ hrs.

Day 4 — Deserpa → Shigar Village → Skardu

Morning:
• Breakfast at camp.
• Trek downhill out of the high pastures toward Shigar village — the gateway to Baltistan culture.

Midday:
• Arrive at Shigar — see traditional Balti houses, orchards, and riverside lanes.
• Freshen up and enjoy a late lunch.

Afternoon:
• Drive by jeep to Skardu for your onward plan — hotel, flight, or continuing tour.
• Trip officially ends with the transfer in Skardu.

Key Notes:
• This is the final day of trekking and travel — usually 3–5 hrs hiking plus driving.

General Overview
1. What is the Thalay La Trek?
The Thalay La Trek is a short high‑mountain trek in Baltistan, Gilgit‑Baltistan, crossing the Thalay La Pass (~4,572 m). It offers panoramic views of Karakoram peaks such as Masherbrum and Mango Gusor, along with alpine meadows, pastoral villages, and traditional Balti culture. The trek is non‑technical and suitable for beginners with basic fitness.

2. Where is Thalay La located?
The trek is in Shyok/Thalay Valley, north of Skardu, close to Khaplu and Shigar. The pass connects high summer pastures and alpine valleys in Baltistan.

3. What is the total duration of the trek?
The standard tour runs 4 days, including transport from Skardu/Khaplu to trailheads, 3 days of trekking, and return to Skardu.

4. What is the difficulty level?
Moderate — the trek involves gradual ascents, one high pass (~4,572 m), and alpine terrain. No technical climbing is required.

Trekking & Route Specifics
5. What is the highest point on the trek?
The Thalay La Pass (~4,572 m) is the highest point, offering 360° views of the Karakoram including Masherbrum and Mango Gusor.

6. How long are the daily trekking segments?
Day 1: Easy, 1–3 hours depending on jeep drop. Day 2: Moderate, 4–6 hours. Day 3: Challenging, 6–8 hours (including pass ascent and descent). Day 4: 3–5 hours downhill trek to Shigar.

7. Is trekking at high altitude safe?
Yes, but the pass is above 4,500 m. Acclimatisation in Skardu or the valley is recommended. Symptoms of mild altitude sickness (headache, nausea, fatigue) are possible.

8. Is a guide required?
Yes, a local guide is recommended for navigation, cultural interaction, and safety. Visit in Pakistan provides trained guides.

9. Are the trails well-marked?
The route follows established summer pastures and alpine trails. It is non-technical but not heavily signposted, so guided trekking is safer.

Best Time & Weather
10. What is the best season to do this trek?
July to October — summer pastures are accessible, rivers are passable, and weather is relatively stable.

11. What kind of weather should I expect?
Morning: Usually clear and sunny. Afternoon: Clouds and occasional rain or hail possible. Nights: Cold, especially at high camps (>3,500 m).

Accommodation & Meals
12. Where do trekkers stay?
Camping in tents at high pastures and campsites such as Thalay Broq, Dubla Khan, and Deserpa. Hotels in Skardu or Khaplu before and after trek.

13. Are meals provided?
Yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included during trekking. Meals are typically local cuisine prepared by the trekking team.

Gear & Preparation
14. What clothing and gear should I bring?
Trekking boots with good grip, layered clothing (thermal base layers, fleece, waterproof jacket), gloves, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, trekking poles recommended, water bottle and snacks.

15. Is camping gear provided?
Yes, tents and basic camping equipment are provided by the tour operator.

16. Is fitness important?
Moderate fitness is required. Daily hiking ranges from 3–8 hours, sometimes uphill. Basic prior trekking experience helps but is not mandatory.

Safety & Health
17. What are the altitude risks?
Thalay La Pass is high altitude; mild AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) can occur. Acclimatisation, hydration, and slow pacing reduce risk.

18. Are there medical facilities nearby?
Limited — Skardu and Khaplu have basic medical facilities. Emergency evacuation is organized by the tour operator if needed.

19. Is this trek safe for families?
Yes, for families with older children accustomed to hiking. Small children are not recommended due to high altitude and remote terrain.

Logistics & Transportation
20. How do I reach the starting point?
Fly from Islamabad → Skardu (~1.5 hrs, weather permitting). Jeep transfer to Khaplu/Thalay trailhead (~40 min – 2 hrs).

21. How do I return?
The trek ends in Shigar, with a jeep transfer back to Skardu. From Skardu, return to Islamabad by flight or road.

22. Do I need any permits?
Yes, trekking in Baltistan requires registration and permits, arranged by the tour operator.

Photography & Views
23. Can I take photos?
Yes — the trek offers panoramic views of Karakoram peaks, alpine meadows, and local Balti villages. Sunrise and sunset offer spectacular lighting.

24. Are there any cultural experiences?
Yes — you’ll pass small Balti villages, meet shepherds, and see traditional homes, agricultural terraces, and seasonal livestock.

Other Tips
25. How much cash should I carry?
Carry small cash for emergencies, souvenirs, or local purchases — ATMs are limited outside Skardu.

26. Can I extend the trek?
Yes — optional extensions include Hushe Valley day hikes or overnight camping in Shigar or Khaplu.

27. Is this trek beginner-friendly?
Yes — it’s suitable for beginners with good fitness, non-technical trails, and guided support.

Services Included

• Liaison with the Ministry of Tourism in Islamabad for the climbing permit process, providing the appointed Liaison officer’s measurements for his prescribed kit.
• Process during import/export permit from the Ministry of Tourism.
• Clearance of cargo before the arrival of the team and its storage.
• Assistance upon arrival/departure.
• Official Briefing/Debriefing.
• Hotel accommodation in Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Chilas.
• All meals during the trek and at B.C. as per the itinerary.
• Porterage of 75 kg per person of expedition equipment and high altitude food, etc., to the B.C., and 50 kg per person on return from B.C.
• Road transfers between the airport/hotel and within the city as per the itinerary.
• Sleeping tents, mattresses, mess, kitchen, and toilet tent with tables/field stools and camping ground fees.
• Kitchen equipment, crockery, cutlery, fuel, and related community gear.
• Wages and basic kit of guide, sirdar, cook, and assistant(s).
• Insurance for our field staff and low-altitude porters (except for helicopter rescue).
• Porterage at airports, hotels, toll taxes, and parking fees, etc.
• Mail handling/forwarding to B.C./overseas except for postage charges.
• Reconfirmation of air tickets.
• Hiring of HAPs, mail runner(s), and any other crew as per requirement. (Wages and kit to be arranged by the team).

Services not Included

• International & domestic airfare, airport tax, and excess baggage charges.
• High altitude porters/any crew above B.C.
• Helicopter emergency rescue fees (refundable if not used)
• High altitude tents, sleeping bags, personal and climbing equipment of any kind beyond base camp, including high altitude food and oxygen.
• Medications, ground evacuations, and helicopter rescue charges of any kind.
• Room services, laundry, beverages, phone/communication bills, and items of a personal nature.
• Insurance liability of member (s) and other under force majeure conditions.
• Climbing Permit, Pollution and Environmental fee, or any other payment required to be paid to Pakistan’s Government.
• Clearing agent charges.
• Members climb gears
• Member’s personal insurance
• High altitude food
• High altitude porter
• Any other service not mentioned in the above list

Budget-Friendly Tour and Trekking

All our tours and treks are budget-friendly, without compromising comfort or service quality. At Visit in Pakistan, we take pride in delivering reliable service, which is why many clients choose to travel with us again. Moreover, our premium services are equally appreciated by corporate groups, business travelers, and high-profile clients. From affordable adventures to luxury experiences, our Five 8,000 m Base Camp Trek is a perfect example of the quality we offer.

Experienced Local Team for Your Journey

Our certified mountain guides and porters are born and raised in Baltistan. Therefore, they know every rock, glacier, and trail. With decades of experience, they make your journey safe, seamless, and unforgettable.

Tailor-Made Itineraries

We customize each itinerary to match your schedule, budget, and interests. From flight bookings to basecamp logistics, our team manages everything. As a result, you can focus entirely on enjoying the TREK and tour experience.

Safety and 24/7 Backup Support

Your safety and comfort come first. In addition, we provide full backup support, including rescue coordination, reliable transportation, and on-ground communication. This ensures peace of mind throughout your adventure.