Our journey begins today with a breathtaking flight through the high mountains of Karakoram to Skardu. Weather permitting, there may be possibilities to grab some incredibly stunning views of Nanga Parbat (8,126m) throughout the journey. Since the airport was rebuilt by the military, Skardu has served as the starting point for many expeditions into the high mountains of the Karakoram, and it has a distinct personality. This afternoon, we should be able to visit the K2 Museum, which houses the renowned images shot by Vittorio Sella in 1909, followed by a walk around town.

The Khaplu Valley, a stunning drive along the flowing stream of the River Shyok, is our gateway into the spectacular highlands of the Hushe ranges. Khaplu, located 103 km east of Skardu, previously guarded the ancient trade route into nearby Ladakh. It is home to the Chaqchan Mosque, one of the region's largest and oldest mosques, which is thought to have been built 700 years ago by the first Islamic preacher to arrive in what was then a largely Buddhist stronghold.

Turning north this morning, we wind our way through the lovely Hushe Valley and into the heart of the iconic Karakoram peaks. This region contains some of the highest and most spectacular peaks in the country, including the beautiful Haldi Cones formation and the typical granite towers of the Nangma Valley, stretching from the Shyok River opposite Khaplu up to Masherbrum (7,821m).

Today's GPS Data Altitude:  3,350m

Duration: 5-6 hours approximately 

Ascent: 305m

Descent: 305m

To aid acclimatization, our first walk of the vacation is a rather easy one with moderate heights. Starting from Hushe, we'll walk through fields at the base of the mighty Masherbrum (7,821m), across alpine meadows with juniper trees, and arrive at Siacho Camp, a welcome refuge for those who have spent more than a week in harsher environments on expeditions into the higher reaches of the Karakoram range. If time allows, we will walk further towards Gondogoro Camp; otherwise, we will return to Hushe by retracing our steps.

Today's GPS Data Altitude:  4,100m

Time Required:  7-8 hours approximately 

Ascent: 1,055 meters

Descent:  1,055 metres

This morning, we started down the trail that goes to the summer pasturelands of Dumsum before branching off into the Humbrok Valley. Our trek takes us through a panorama of towering vistas, with the Humbrok Peak (6459m) and, if the weather gods are kind, the even higher mountains of Gasherbrum I (8,080m), Gasherbrum II (8,035m), and possibly K-2 (8,611m) laid out before us. It may take us 7-8 hours round trip (depending on how far up the valley we go). Return to the camp for the night.

Today's GPS Data Elevation: 3,820m

Time Required: 4-5 hours approximately 

Ascent: 560m

Descent: 0m

 After breakfast, we drove back towards Skardu, crossing the Shyok River at Daghoni and then following the Thalle Valley through a landscape of remote villages and cultivated fields of barley, corn, and potatoes to Olmo, the highest summer settlement on the Thalle side, and finally to the end of the road at Thalley Bloq. From here, we'll begin our trip to Dabla Khan through a moderate elevation.

Today's GPS Data Altitude: 4,180m

Time Required: 6-7 hours approximately 

Ascent: 360m

Descent: 0m

 A tranquil backdrop of stunning alpine meadows and snow-capped mountains sets the tone for today's walk as we make our way to Azalan and tonight's camp at the base of Thalle La. We'll stop at distant shepherds' huts and enjoy a tasty midday lunch along the way, passing by herds of yaks and cows grazing in the lush meadows.

Today's GPS Data Altitude: 4,572m

Time Required: 8-9 hours approximately 

Ascent: 392m

Descent: 1362 m

 We'll leave early this morning for the Thalle La Pass (4572m), where we hope to see some amazing views of the Haramosh Mountains to the west and the Siachen Mountains to the east. The long downhill trip then begins, amid a region of stunning alpine landscapes coated in wildflowers. The descent takes us through a dense juniper woodland before emerging onto the magnificent meadows surrounding Resarppi, where we spend the night in a tent.

Today's GPS Data Altitude: 2,370m

Time Required: 5-6 hours approximately 

Ascent: 0m

Descent: 840m

We continue our descent through the beautiful alpine fields this morning, crossing the Bangma River and then following a smoother shepherd's track to our lunch halt. After a well-deserved rest along the river, we continue on to our overnight stop at our quaint and historic heritage boutique hotel, which promises hot showers and some much-needed luxury.

A day in and around Shigar allows you to unwind and explore the surroundings of our 17th-century Raja fort-palace. The Shigar Valley, located in Baltistan Province, is home to the Katpana Desert (the highest in the world) and the Chutron Hot Springs. A medieval hamlet tour, timeless mosques, a trip up to the remnants of the ancient fort of Kari Dong, and a chance to see some 7th-century Buddhist rock sculptures are among the other alternatives for today's adventures.

We'll travel back to Islamabad this morning. After checking in, we can have lunch at a nearby restaurant before heading to Rawalpindi, the 'twin city'. Here, we'll visit the vibrant Raja Bazaar before heading to the Margalla Hills for breathtaking vistas of the twin cities.

 If the flight is canceled due to inclement weather, we will drive down the Karakoram Highway (KKH).

Today will begin with a leisurely breakfast and a short drive to Taxila, a fascinating Buddhist university town that dates back to Alexander the Great's Gandaharan Empire. After that, we'll return to Islamabad for our final evening.

If we're driving, we'll finish our trek down the KKH today.

Today's excursion concludes in Islamabad after breakfast.