Call Us 800.528.9300
Pakistan: Lahore & Hiking the Karakoram Mountains
Tour Description:
In the heart of Baltistan’s rugged mountains lies the ancient Thallay La Trail, a hidden path once connecting the old kingdoms of Khaplu and Shigar. Though modern roads have since replaced its purpose, the trail remains a stunning secret shared by shepherds, grazing animals, and a few daring trekkers each summer. On this 11-day adventure, immerse yourself in mountain village life much as it’s been for centuries. Stroll past glaciers and crystalline streams, meeting locals tending their flocks as traders would have done long ago. Start your mornings with yak and goat herds around your campsite, and wind down with tea as the sun dips behind towering peaks. Each day reveals a new side of this incredible valley, explored alongside your welcoming local porters. Round out this epic adventure with a cultural dive into Lahore, Pakistan’s culinary and cultural capital.
Click for larger view.
Dates & Pricing
| Tuesday 01 Jul 25 — Friday 11 Jul 25 | Starting at $2,879 |  SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 19 Jul 25 — Tuesday 29 Jul 25 | Starting at $2,879 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 09 Aug 25 — Tuesday 19 Aug 25 | Starting at $2,879 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 23 Aug 25 — Tuesday 02 Sep 25 | Starting at $2,879 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 06 Sep 25 — Tuesday 16 Sep 25 | Starting at $2,879 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 20 Sep 25 — Tuesday 30 Sep 25 | Starting at $2,879 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 04 Jul 26 — Tuesday 14 Jul 26 | Starting at $2,879 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 11 Jul 26 — Tuesday 21 Jul 26 | Starting at $2,879 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 18 Jul 26 — Tuesday 28 Jul 26 | Starting at $2,879 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 01 Aug 26 — Tuesday 11 Aug 26 | Starting at $2,879 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 08 Aug 26 — Tuesday 18 Aug 26 | Starting at $2,879 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 15 Aug 26 — Tuesday 25 Aug 26 | Starting at $2,879 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 29 Aug 26 — Tuesday 08 Sep 26 | Starting at $2,879 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 12 Sep 26 — Tuesday 22 Sep 26 | Starting at $2,879 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
Destination & Sightseeing
ITINERARY
ITINERARYIslamabad: Welcome to Pakistan
Welcome to Pakistan, known as the Land of the Pure, in Urdu. A country full of natural wonders seemingly undiscovered by tourists. Your adventure starts in Islamabad where you will meet your CEO and fellow travelers at the Welcome Meeting this afternoon. Then head to the Shah Faisal Mosque for sunset. Listen as the maghrib prayer echoes over this unique mosque, welcoming you to Pakistan.
Islamabad to Khaplu: Pakistan's Cultural Heritage
Start today with a scenic flight from Islamabad north to Skardu, followed by a drive to Khaplu town. Make some epic pitstops along the way in different Baltistan villages. Walk across a suspension bridge with a stunning backdrop and spend time with locals with generational ties to these mountainous villages. After arriving to Khaplu, hike the easy yet stunning route up to Thoqsi Khar Fort, an almost 700 year old mosque that lives on a mountain peak.
Khaplu to Dunsa Campsite: The Start of the Epic Trek
Start the day with a moment of peaceful exploration with a guided tour of the Khaplu Palace. Locally known as Yabgo Khar, this historic fort and palace was built as the royal residence of the Raja of Khaplu. Continue the explorations at Khanqah-e-Mualla, one of the oldest mosques in Baltisan. Begin the afternoon by driving to the beginning of your trek. Join up with your team of local porters and support staff, and embark on a one hour trek to your first campsite, located at 3,530 meters.
Dunsa to May Sikhpa: Karakoram Peaks & Star Gazing
Wake up as the sun peers over the rugged mountain peaks and join your local guides for your first campsite breakfast. With the special opportunity to hike alongside the local villagers of the Thallay Valley, G travelers have a unique insight into local life and history only a few hundred people per year ever get to experience. Alongside your local guide, trek from Dunsa to May Sikhpa campsite through the breathtaking landscapes of lush green meadows and alpine flowers beside winding streams. Set up camp and enjoy some down time after arriving to May Sikhpa.
May Sikhpa to La Brangsa: Pakistan Alpine
Listen as the mountain birds sing you awake and breathe in the crisp mountain air as you emerge from your tent. After a hearty breakfast, trek for around 5 km to La Brangsa High Camp. As we hike, listen for the grunts of yaks or the bleating of goats being led by local shepherds. Today's relatively moderate trek is mostly through green meadows, with a small stream crossing to keep you on your toes, literally! There will be moments to rest on the trek and to interact with the shepherds up in the summer pasture. We'll arrive in the afternoon to La Brangsa, and after setting up camp, enjoy some free time. Learn to play cricket with the locals or chat to your local porters who would be thrilled to share a good conversation with you as you relax after the hike.
Thallay La Crossing: Touch the Sky
Enjoy an early breakfast, as we head out straight after sunrise to prepare to summit Thallay La Mountain. Gain about 620 meters in altitude today as you climb a steep trail to reach the top. Summiting a mountaintop after a challenging hike is one of life's unique thrills as a human being. Conquering a physical challenge with like-minded peers to gain your reward-an expansive birds-eye-view of our planet earth as very few get to see her. This summit is perhaps made all the more special by how relatively untouched it is by mass tourism. After some well-deserved celebrating, rest and of course some photos, we'll descend towards our next campsite for the night. Arrive and set up camp at Bukhma campsite and dig into a hearty, celebratory, Pakistani meal. Tonight is your last night camping so enjoy a peaceful last evening under the stars.
Bukhma to Shigar: The Grand Finale
Today is our last day of trekking through the Thallay La trail. From Bukhma campsite, we'll hike down the remaining 14 km to reach Shigar. Enjoy the last kilometers with mountain flowers, snow capped jagged mountains and flowing glacial streams in view. After arriving to Shigar, say goodbye to the incredible local guides and staff that helped us through the passage. Then relax at Shigar Fort, a converted historic building, and enjoy some refreshments. Tonight, we spend a much earned night in a hotel in Shigar and a enjoy warm dinner as a group.
Shigar to Islamabad: Pakistan's Capital
A morning flight brings us back to Islamabad. Drive from the airport to Taxila and learn about the unique world of Pakistani truck art. What looks like a fun decorated truck actually signifies so much more. From representing different ethnic groups, advocating for change or expressing historical experiences, Pakistani truck art has become a must-see when visiting Islamabad. Don't miss the chance to drink a cup of local tea in a truck-art inspired setting. After some time in the shops and meeting some local artists, head to Melody Food Street for one last meal together, right where it all began!
Islamabad to Lahore: The Heart of Pakistan
Drive from Islamabad to the city of Lahore this morning, on a highway that connects Pakistan to Afghanistan, China and other Central Asian countries. After arriving to the hotel, we'll head out to visit the Badshahi Mosque, one of Pakistan's most beautiful and iconic landmarks. Dinner will be at Lahore Food Street, filled with historic buildings, stoning views and most importantly, delicious meals.
Lahore
Explore the best of Lahore today on a tour of the city, visiting some of the most historic places in all of Pakistan, including the ancient Walled City of Lahore. Known as the cultural and historical heart of Lahore, the Walled City dates back to the Mughal era, in the year 1000. Spend time exploring the narrow streets and bustling bazaars. In the afternoon, visit Wagah Border between Pakistan and India. With a complicated history, witness as these two countries come together every evening for a flag-lowering ceremony, highlighting a dual showcase of patriotism that exists almost nowhere else on earth. In the evening, celebrate your incredible adventure with your CEO and fellow travelers by choosing to dine together a final time.
Lahore
Depart at anytime.
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
