On arrival to Islamabad, you will be received by the group leader and/or guide, and transferred to the centrally located hotel. You will have a trip briefing and gear check with the group leader at the hotel.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Meals: L,D

We will take a spectacular flight to Skardu in the mountain region of Baltistan, the Home of Mighty Karakoram. This flight route is one of its kind, offering out-of-the-world scenery and views of some of the mightiest mountains in the world, i.e. K2 (8,611m), Nanga Parbat (8,124m), Rakaposhi (7,788m) and others Karakoram peaks. Skardu lies at the edge of a broad floodplain that is the confluence of the Indus, Shyok and Basha rivers.

There is a possibility that turbulent weather conditions in Skardu or Islamabad may affect the flight plan. In that case, we will travel on private air-conditioned coach by the Karakoram Highway to Skardu. The Karakoram Highway follows the Indus river, cutting through the steep gorges and offering some spectacular scenery (including views of Nanga Parbat (8,124m) and Rakaposhi (7,788m)) all the way to Skardu. Karakoram Highway is rightly known as the 8^th wonder of the world. The long journey to Skardu will be spread over 2 days, with a night stopover at Chilas. The drive time will be approximately 10-12 hours.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Meals: B,L,D

If we arrive at Skardu by air, this day will be used for jeep safari to the Deosai Plains, the Land of Giants. With an average elevation of 4,114m (13,497 ft) above sea level, Deosai is the 2^nd highest plateau in the world after Changtang Tibetan Plateau. Deosai, with its lush green grass, colorful wildflowers and rare butterflies, is rightly described as the “Summer’s Palace” by the locals. Given the elevation of Deosai Plains, this trip will help us acclimatize for the trek as well. We will have lunch at the gorgeous Sheosar lake, from where we can witness some spectacular views of Nanga Parbat (8,124m). By evening, we will be back at the hotel from an unforgettable day trip. Overnight stay at hotel.

If we are travelling by road, the journey from Chilas to Skardu will be approximately 7-8 hours. On the way, we will be able to see some spectacular views of Nanga Parbat (8,124m) and Rakaposhi (7,788m). We will also see the confluence of 3 mightiest mountain ranges of the world, i.e. Karakoram, Himalayas and Hindu Kush.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Meals: B,L,D

We will be briefed by the tourism department regarding your trek to the Central Karakoram National Park. Later, we will have some free time for final equipment and gear check with the guide and group leader. Depending on time, we will visit Katchura Lake and perhaps Skardu fort. The view from the fort is breathtaking, with Skardu city and Indus River framed by the formidable Karakoram Range.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Meals: B,L,D

We will travel by jeep to Askoli. The road to Askoli passes through the majestic Shigar and Braldu valleys, each having its own mystique and uniqueness. Shigar valley comprises of several villages and farms with fields of wheat, barley, apricot trees and cherry trees. The taste of apricots and cherries of Shigar valley is second to none. Locals will greet us with a big smile as we pass through the road, and will show us their hospitality by inviting us to their farms to eat fresh apricots and cherries!

The landscape will become desert-like, with barren mountains and steep gorges, as we approach the Braldu valley. We will be crossing several suspension bridges over the Braldu River, which is an experience in itself. Due to steep mountain slopes and land sliding areas, the road can be blocked on some points. This can prolong the journey time. With patience, we will arrive at the first campsite of the trek, i.e. Askoli village. People of Askoli are self-sufficient, growing their own wheat, vegetables and fruits. They also own large herds of goats and sheep. At Askoli, we will meet several trekking and mountaineering expeditions. It will be a great opportunity to mingle with like-minded people. After dinner, the tour leader and guide will brief us about the next day’s schedule.

Overnight in fully serviced wilderness campsite.

Meals: B,L,D

This will be our first day of trekking, and the trekking expedition will begin in earnest. 30 minutes after commencing trekking towards Joula, we will be taken to the Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP) office by the guide, where group entry will be registered. We don’t have to worry about the entry fees at this point, as it is included in the tour cost and will be taken care of. The trek will initially follow the K2 Base Camp trail and then turns west onto the Biafo Glacier. The trail ascends over a shoulder to reach the left moraine and descends on to the glacier then back on to the left bank where the grassy camping site called Namla is located behind a lateral moraine. We will have good views of the pyramidal Bakhor Das Peak (5,810m). Our porters may sing and dance in the evening – a favorite pastime of Balti porters.

Overnight in fully serviced wilderness campsite.

Meals: B,L,D

After crossing a fracture zone on the glacier, we will reach the center of the glacier where we follow moraine ridges. Underfoot there will be loose rock making this a challenging day. Ahead of us will be the three peaks of Latok I, II and III, all around 7,000m. We will set up camp on the left bank of the Biafo Glacier in a grassy area called Mango.

Overnight in fully serviced wilderness campsite.

Meals: B,L,D

This day will be relatively easier than the previous day. First, we will cross a small lake and then head out across the lateral crevasses to the center of the glacier on a broad highway of white ice, making the trek easier than the previous day. We might be able to get a glimpse of Hispar pass (5,150m) ahead of us at the head of the valley. We will be surround by jagged +6,000m mountain walls on either side of the glacier. We will cross to the right and come off the glacier to Biantha, a grassy area with willows and a clear stream. This is the junction of Biantha and Biafo glaciers.

Overnight in fully serviced wilderness campsite.

Meals: B,L,D

This is a rest day for you and the porters in order to help with acclimatization to the high altitude. We will relax in the camp or if feeling energetic, walk up a ridge behind camp with fine views of Biantha Brakk/The Ogre (7,285m) Latok I (7,151m), Latok II (7,108m) and Latok III (6,949m). We will also look out for Ibex that can often be seen on the grassy slopes above camp. Tonight there will doubtless be opportunities to join our porters in some singing and dancing.

Overnight in fully serviced wilderness campsite.

Meals: B,L,D

The start to the day will follow a steep and loose trail to get onto the glacier. However, once on the glacier, we will follow the flat highway of white ice making relatively straightforward walking. Further along the glacier there are some crevasses to be aware of. Depending on the conditions, we might rope up to safeguard our passage. There are superb views of many peak including Biantha Brakk/The Ogre (7,285m) and also, we will get good views of the Hispar Pass (5,150m) and Snow Lake. We will get off the glacier on the right hand side to camp at Marfogoro, a barren piece of land at the base of Uzum Brakk/Conway Ogre (6,422m).

Overnight in fully serviced wilderness campsite.

Meals: B,L,D

Today again, we will start the day by following a steep and loose trail to get on the glacier. Once on the flat part of the glacier, the walking will become easier. We will zigzag several small crevasses on Biafo Glacier throughout the day. We will have breathtaking views throughout the day, with Biafo hemmed in by gleaming glacier on the south and serrated granite on the other three sides. Karpogoro is a campsite situated on an elevated rocky area at the edge of Snow Lake. We also have an option to camp at Napina, which is a green campsite in the northern ablation valley. Napina has fresh water, but there are no bushes. However, in order to get to Napina, we will have to take a long detour. The group leader and guide will decide where to camp after consulting with all the group members.

Overnight in fully serviced wilderness campsite.

(The porter is just posing for the picture. No need to worry, we rope up in the crevasse areas and follow full safety standards!)

Meals: B,L,D

Today we will walk to the south end of a large snowy flat area known as Snow Lake, finding our way through a network of crevasses. The route to the Hispar Pass leads off to the west at the intersection with the Sim Gang Glacier and Snow Lake (Lukpe Lawo). The ice here is about 1.5km thick and flows at about 300m a year. We will camp at about 4,770m in a flat bowl of ice surrounded by jagged black and white mountains. Snow Lake is a high altitude glacial basin over 16km wide at the head of the Biafo and Hispar glaciers. Martin Conway, the first foreign visitor, gave Snow Lake the name in 1892 and described this area as “beyond all comparison the finest view of mountains it has ever been my lot to behold, nor do I believe the world can hold a finer”. The night sky here is unforgettable as is sunrise or sunset! Watch out for Yeti footprints – Bill Tilman saw some here in 1939.

Overnight in fully serviced wilderness campsite.

Meals: B,L,D

We will have a free day to explore and really take in this magical area. If we have camped below the pass, we will have time to climb to the pass for fabulous all round views and also to perhaps climb a little further for even more far-reaching vistas. If the weather and conditions are good, we may make the crossing of the Hispar Pass to Khani Basha today and have a rest day tomorrow instead.

Overnight in fully serviced wilderness campsite.

Meals: B,L,D

We will have a very early start to the day (around 3am) to be able to descend from the snow-covered Hispar Pass (5,151m) before the snow becomes too soft. It will take us around 2 hours to get to the top of the flat pass. The ascent will not be particularly steep, although the altitude will be quite striking. The higher we go, the better will be the view of the entire region. The entire view of the incredibly beautiful Snow Lake along with its surrounding peaks and Biafo Glacier (67km long – 3^rd longest glacier outside polar-regions) will be on one side and on the other side we will see numerous peaks of Hispar Glacier towards Hunza.

Safety is of utmost importance. Due to large crevasses in the area, extra care will taken and everyone will stay in the rope. We will be trekking along Balchish and Tah Rutum mountains and then eventually reach the green campsite by descending to just before the junction of Khani Basa Glacier with Hispar Glacier. Compared to Biafo and views of earlier days, now the peaks are closer, black and white and ice and rocks. The views here are in complete contrast with those in Biafo days of the trek. Each side hold its own mystique, uniqueness and beauty. Some really amazing views of the white wall of Balchish range will be seen from the Khani Basa campsite.

Overnight in fully serviced wilderness campsite.

Meals: B,L,D

No single day on this trek will disappoint you, and this day will be no different. It will be yet another wonderful day! The peaks around Hispar Glacier are so close that a shout will echo back to us. Maybe the clouds will be sticking like cotton wool to the peaks and hanging in layers down the valley – a view you will never forget! It will take us around 1-2 hours to cross the Khani Basa Glacier. From here, we will have some spectacular views of the white dome of Kanjut Sar (7,760m). We will follow the trail along the lateral moraine above the glacier with marvelous views across to the hanging glaciers. Our campsite for the night will be Yutmaru, a pleasant grassy spot with willow trees and flowers at the edge of Yutmaru Glacier.

Overnight in fully serviced wilderness campsite.

Meals: B,L,D

An hour or so after starting the trek, we will start descending to the side glacier. It will take an hour and a half to cross this glacier. We need to be careful over here, as there will be a horribly steep bank on the other side. After some time, we will be back to the valley, where the walking will be more convenient. From the Pumari Chhish Glacier, we will be able to see Kunyang Chhish (7,852m). There are several options for our overnight camp in the area. However, we will aim to camp at Shigam Baris, a large meadow often used by herders from Hispar Village.

Overnight in fully serviced wilderness campsite.

Meals: B,L,D

Today’s trail will be quite similar to the previous day’s trail. An hour or so after starting the trek, we will descend down a steep bank to cross another side glacier, and then return to the side valley where the walking will be more convenient. We will camp at Bitanmal campsite, which is a large meadow often used by herders from Hispar. Tonight there is the chance for local songs and dances as the porters will be relaxed and happy with a successful crossing of the Hispar Pass behind them.

Overnight in fully serviced wilderness campsite.

Meals: B,L,D

Soon after leaving Bitanmal campsite, we hit the newly-made jeep trail, which will lead us to Hispar village. There we will cross a suspension bridge above the river liquid mud. We will reach Hispar village in approximately 6-7 hours. We will certainly notice the vibrant green of the orchards and terraced fields after the black and white scenery of the Hispar Glacier. The inhabitants of Hispar are a colourful and friendly tribe who are followers of Prince Karim, the Aga Khan. At Hispar, we will say goodbye to our crew who, by now, will be our friends, and make our way towards Karimabad in Hunza valley. Hunza valley is approximately 2 hours pleasant jeep ride from Hispar. The locals will be really glad to see us, and will show us their hospitality by inviting us to eat fresh cherries and apricots from their farms. In the evening, we will be debriefed by the tourism department regarding the trek.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Meals: B,L,D

Hunza valley is outstandingly beautiful and there is plenty to see before we leave for Islamabad the next day. Some of the attractions include 600 year old forts of Baltit and Altit. Baltit fort is a marvelous piece of architecture with 53 rooms on 3 storeys. Altit fort is 100 years older, and is even more impressive. The markets of Karimabad are always worth a look round and don’t forget to try the amazing local apricots. The people of Hunza are renowned for their longevity supposedly due to their mostly vegetarian diet of cereals and fruits, especially the apricots for which the region is famous. A legend exists, common to many parts of the western Himalaya, that the Hunzakuts (as the people of Hunza are known), are the descendants of the five lost soldiers of the army of Alexander the Great.

From Hunza valley, there are some spectacular views of Lady Finger (6,000m). In the evening, we will head to Duikar Top (known as Heaven on Earth) from where we will have panoramic view of the entire Hunza valley and five +7,000m peaks – Rakaposhi (7,788m), Ultar (7,388m), Diran Peak (7,266m) and Spantik (7,027m).

Overnight stay at hotel.

Meals: B,L,D

We will leave Karimabad early in the morning to catch the flight to Islamabad from Gilgit. The drive to Gilgit on the Karakoram Highway (KKH) is approximately 2 hours. On the way, we will get some outstanding views of Rakaposhi (7,788m). We will hopefully take the spectacular flight from Gilgit to Islamabad, offering out-of-the-world scenery and views of some of the mightiest mountains in the world, i.e. Nanga Parbat (8,124m), Rakaposhi (7,788m) and other Karakoram peaks. In the evening, we will have time for shopping and sightseeing in Islamabad, the Capital of Pakistan and enjoy dinner at Monal Restaurant, which is situated in Margalla Hills and offers spectacular views of the city.

However if the flight gets cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, we will travel on private air-conditioned coach via Karakoram Highway (KKH) to Islamabad. Due to the long travelling time, we will have an overnight stay at Chilas. On our way, we will on the Karakoram Highway (KKH), which is also known as the 8^th wonder of the world. We will enjoy the views of Nanga Parbat (8,124m) and Rakaposhi (7,788m) along the way to Chilas. The drive time to Chilas will be approximately 6 hours.

Overnight stay at centrally located hotel.

Meals: B,L,D

If we arrive at Islamabad by air, this day will be used for relaxing, sightseeing and shopping. However, if we are travelling by road, we will complete our 10 hours journey from Chilas to Islamabad.

Overnight stay at centrally located hotel.

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, the group will be transferred to the airport by guide and/or group leader for their flight back home.

Meals: B