10 Days Trek and Safari for views of Machulu La & Skardu Balistan region

surrounded by mountains

Machula La

Highlights

Islamabad, Naran Kahgan Valley Babu Sar Pass Karakoram highway Skardu city, Shiger fort khaplu fort Shangrila Resort

Skardu, Islamabad, Taxila, Chilas

safari, trekking, cultural, photography, camping, Glaciers, Paragliding

Group Tour

10 Days

Easy

English, French, Urdu

Description

Dare to try out this steep trekking adventure for views of the second highest mountain in the world. Rejoice with scenic views of the Karakoram and Himalayas mountain ranges such as K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I, Nanga Parbat and other nameless peaks!

Itinerary

Islamabad
- Arrival at the airport and then get transferred to the hotel in Islamabad.
Islamabad – Skardu/Chilas
- Leave for Islamabad airport to catch your onward flight to Skardu. It is to be noted that flights to Skardu are more often subjected to weather changes. If the weather is clear, we will be able to fly to Skardu on this day. Else, we will drive to Chilas through the Karakorum Highway and do overnight stay at either of these places.
Chilas – Skardu/Skardu
- From Chilas, we will drive to Skardu, where will rest and do overnight stay.
Skardu – Machulu village
- Explore the Machulu village from morning till evening. This village is situated in the Hushe Valley, Baltistan.
- From here, one does the trek to Machulu La Pass. The altitude can go up to 5,200 m altitude at the viewpoint, but the trek up will not be very easy.
Overnight stay will be at a camp.
Machulu – Gari Khil
- Continue trekking from Machulu village and stop at Gari Khil where we will set up camp for the night.
Gari Khil – Machulu La
- Trek up till the famous Machulu La Pass. This trek will offer us some spectacular views of the mighty K2 mountain ranges (8,611 m), the second highest mountain in the world. As you trek your way, you will find less shade on the way. See steep barren slopes all around you, which will be all the way till you reach the top.
Machulu La to Machulu village
- After a fantastic view at the top of the pass, today, we will descend down to the Machulu village.
- On arrival here, we will travel in a jeep for onward journey to Khapulu for an overnight stay and rest at a hotel.
Khapulu – Chilas/Narran
- From Khapulu, the journey will take us towards Chilas by road.
Overnight stay will be at Chilas.
Chilas – Islamabad
- From Chilas, we will drive you till Islamabad.
- On the way, we will visit the Taxila museum.
Overnight stay at hotel in Islamabad.
Islamabad airport
- In the morning, if you are interested, we can explore city attractions or do some local sightseeing.
- In the evening or night, we will drop you at the airport for your return flights.

What's Included

Accommodation on a twin sharing basis: at standard category hotels in towns.

Meals: half board at hotels, full board during trek.

Transport: Air-conditioned transport in Islamabad, soft top 4x4 jeeps from Skardu to trek head and back.

Camping facilities 2 Pax-dome tents with mattress, dining tent with folding table & chairs, kitchen tent with complete kitchenette & staff, toilet tent.

Portage of 15 Kg, of personal luggage during the trek.

Trek Permits’ Processing & payment from the Ministry of Tourism.

English-speaking qualified Pakistani mountain guide.

Helping on visa process providing invitation letter for apply visa

Help on domestic flight booking if required any destination

What's Excluded

Any domestic/international airfare.

Personal trekking equipment, medicines, and any expense of personal nature.

Any expense due to forced majeurs, cancellation of flights, landslides, evacuation or accident, or delay beyond the control of the land operator.

Personal traveling insurance

PCR test fees

Any additional services required separately during tour

Know Before You Go

10 Days Skardu Khaplu Do Machulu La TrekValley Balistan Pakistan Asia (The Mighty mountain ranges)

Gear and Clothing List:

While on an organized trek, it is best to pack all items for your trip in one large piece and one carry on. The large piece must be a duffel bag (weighing not more than 12.5 kg) because duffels are easier for porters to carry. A small day pack is suggested as carry-on to keep items that you will use during while on the trek, bus or jeep.

Luggage

Large duffel bag with a lock. It is not recommended to put your stuff in a backpack as the straps might get damaged while being transferred from bus to jeeps, jeeps to campsites and during loading and unloading by porters each day. A small padlock that fits through the zipper of your duffel bag is recommended.

Day Pack. Large enough for camera gear, cap, sunglasses, water bottle, jacket and other items you may like to use while on the trek.

Extra carry-on. For storing city clothes in Skardu.

Money Belt. A small fanny pack, money belt or around the neck passport bag is suggested for keeping safe your passport, travel documents and money.

Packing list for your Duffel:

Sleeping Bag. As we shall be sleeping for four nights at Concordia at 4,700meters or at Snow Lake and Hispar Pass at 5151meters above sea level, so the bag should be rated for 0 degrees F or -18 degrees C. Ratings are all relative since the amount of insulation needed for a particular person to stay comfortable depends on their rate metabolism. A down bag will be warmer for its weight and pack smaller but does not retain its insulative properties when wet. A waterproof breathable shell or a bivy-bag will keep the bag dry. A synthetic bag keeps you warm even when wet and is a less expensive alternative, but will weigh more for a given amount of warmth.

Trekking Boots. The single most important item on this list. Never take brand new boots on a trek, make sure they are well broken-in before departure. Good trekking boots are hard to get in Pakistan. If you are buying a new pair from abroad, look for medium-weight boots of fabric or a fabric/leather combination. They should provide adequate ankle support. A vibrum or other deep-lug will protect you from rocks and add support. Always use thick socks when trying shoes so that you get the correct size. Short shoes can jam your toes painfully during steep descents. You could also try to get new “Grouted” shoes that provide protection against water and are good while walking in rain or through the snow. Make sure you can fit crampons on your shoes, as it is vital for crossing different passes.

Camp Shoes. Jogging shoes or sneakers to slip in at the end of the day. Tiva sandals are ideal for this trek, as you can use them while crossing streams and also at the campsite for strolls.

Crampons You may need crampons on certain treks, sometimes only for one day. It helps in having a better grip on hard snow to have crampons fitted to your boots. Look for easy to fix ones. ( Check with us for your specific trek if you need the crampons or not). From our regular trek list, you would need to bring crampons for Gondogoro La, Biafo Hispar and Wartum Peak

Thermal socks. The socks you wear are a critical element. A cotton/wool combination is useful while on the glacier, and for warmer conditions, cotton socks are best. For those who are sensitive to wool synthetic/cotton socks are recommended.

Liner Socks. A thin, wickable material. Polypropylene, Capilene, Thermax and Drylete all work very well. Silk does not work nearly as effectively as any one of the above.

Polyester Fleece/Pile Jacket or Pullover. Stays warm even when wet.

Polyester Fleece Pants. Good for afternoon strolls, same as above.

Rain gear. A rain suit available from the local market is best for rain, doubles as a windbreaker, and fits over pile jacket and pants.

Wicking Long Underwear (tops & bottoms). Wick moisture to keep you warm and comfortable and dry quickly. Two suits are a good idea.

Ski Hat. Covers your ears properly, use one with cotton liner. The woollen cap is also good.

Mittens or Gloves. Woollen gloves are useful when at higher elevations and during windy conditions when the temperature drops quickly.

Brimmed Sun Hat. Very important for this trek, as when we start the trek and till we arrive at Concordia, we are generally walking towards east. This can be annoying in the morning as the sun is low and hits your eyes.

Bathing Suit. Men can take bath by the rivers or occasional lakes in ablation valleys.

Toiletries. Keep everything you normally use. Just remember to bring effective sunscreen, chapstick /lip balm, skin lotion and laundry soap.

Clothing:

With your knowledge of Pakistani culture, you are well aware of precautions to be taken while traveling through remote areas. Cloths for the trek should be durable, comfortable and easy to wash and dry. In good weather, you will spend much of your time in a T-shirt or medium shirt and outdoor trousers. You will need warmer clothes for the evening in the camps. Temperature falls rapidly as soon as the sun goes down.

Men could wear shorts once we are through the populated areas, that means from the third day of the trek. Women are advised to use cotton shalwar kameez (loose long shirts and baggy trousers) the traditional Pakistani dress, as these are comfortable during warm conditions, and also appreciated & respected by the locals.

Check List:

Headgear.

Parka.

Wool shirt & trousers.

Sweater.

Cotton shirt & pants.

Gloves & Mittens.

Rain/wind suit.

Cotton & Wool undergarments.

Socks (Cotton & Wool/synthetic).

Boots (Trek & Camp).

Belt!

Down Jacket.

Shalwar Kameez (Cotton).

Spare laces for boots.

Miscellaneous Items:

Sunglasses.

Towel.

Washcloth.

Bandanna/Scarf, for covering your mouth while riding in a jeep.

Water bottle, with a durable screw top.

Sunscreen.

Headlamp with flashlight + extra batteries and bulb.

Insect repellent.

Swiss Army knife, or a similar one.

Nylon cord for a clothesline.

Personal Medical kit.

Pocket size sewing kit.

Lighter or matches for general use.

Wrist Watch.

Optional Items:

Thermarest. We provide close-cell matrices but you may want to supplement for additional comfort.

Stuff sacks of various sizes for storing your used clothes.

Toilet paper or travel pack of tissues.

An interesting book.

Notebook and pen for journaling.

Snacks: personal choice of dried fruit, candy, energy bars.

Binoculars.

Camera, film, extra batteries, cleaning supplies and extra lenses.

Sports gear (playing cards/Frisbee).

Water purification tablets.

What To Bring

Personal clothes

Personal medcain

Valid passport with visa

PCR test report

Meeting Point

Islamabad Gandhara International Airport, Pakistan

Cancellation Policy

For cancellations within 24 hours before the tour -

Refund of 50% of the tour price.

Price

Adult
1 to 6	/person
This is a group tour

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10 Days Trek and Safari for views of Machulu La & Skardu Balistan region

Highlights

Locations Covered

Tour Type

Description

Itinerary

Islamabad

Islamabad – Skardu/Chilas

Chilas – Skardu/Skardu

Skardu – Machulu village

Machulu – Gari Khil

Gari Khil – Machulu La

Machulu La to Machulu village

Khapulu – Chilas/Narran

Chilas – Islamabad

Islamabad airport

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

What To Bring

Meeting Point

Cancellation Policy

Price

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10 Days Trek and Safari for views of Machulu La & Skardu Balistan region

Highlights

Locations Covered

Tour Type

Description

Itinerary

Islamabad

Islamabad – Skardu/Chilas

Chilas – Skardu/Skardu

Skardu – Machulu village

Machulu – Gari Khil

Gari Khil – Machulu La

Machulu La to Machulu village

Khapulu – Chilas/Narran

Chilas – Islamabad

Islamabad airport

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

What To Bring

Meeting Point

Cancellation Policy

Price

Check Availability Hide

Starting from

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