Skardu Valley Cultural Trip
9 Days Starting and ending in HR4M+GJ7 New Islamabad, Airport Road, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan
Visiting: Islamabad, Skardu, Khaplu, Saling Bridge, K2 view point Machulo La, Shigar, Deosai Plains
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BTV-C-002
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 14
Physical rating:
Low, Easy
Age range:
16-70
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Halal
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$2149
$2014 (USD)
Operator discount: -$29
The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$106
Tour Overview
Baltistan is a beautiful valley in the Karakoram range and a famous destination for adventure and cultural travels. This region is known as the mountaineers' paradise. Four of the 14 peaks above 8000m high are situated in the Baltistan region, and hundreds of 7000 m high mountains, along with world-famous trekking routes, are also located in Baltistan. It is also home to several diversified cultures, ethnic groups and languages. Baltistan has colourful flowers, gushing streams, emerald lakes, lush green pastures, apricot orchids and the always smiling & welcoming Balti people.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : (Islamabad Arrival
Location: Islamabad
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Arrival at Islamabad International airport and transfer to Hotel in Islamabad. Our guide will receive you from the airport, and
participants will be transferred to Hotel. Participants will enjoy leisure time to relax and recover from the journey on this day.
Day 2 : Islamabad – Skardu - Khaplu
Location: Skardu, Khaplu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Serena or Similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly from Islamabad airport to Skardu (1-hour scenic flight) and then drive to the stunning Ghanche district of Baltistan. We will be passing through small villages to reach Yugo village. En route, we will have short stops at Thorgo Pari, the Shayok & Indus Rivers' meeting points and multiple photography spots. Enjoy traditional lunch at Yugo and. After lunch, two optional activities: trek to Kharfaq Lake (5 hours trek both ways) or a cultural walk in the village streets of Yugo to witness village life and meet locals. Later in the late afternoon, we drive to Khaplu and check into the hotel with leisure time to visit the Khaplu fort museum and organic garden. OR
In case of flight cancellation due to weather, drive from Islamabad via Karakoram Highway with short stops.
Day 3 : Khaplu – Sailing – Macholo - Khaplu
Location: Khaplu, Saling Bridge, K2 view point Machulo La
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Serena or Similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early morning hike up to Toqsikhar (old fort), a viewpoint of the confluence of rivers Shyok, Hushe & Saltoro. Visit & witness the architectural heritage of the famous Chaqchan mosque and then drive to Macholo valley (1 hour). Spend some free time enjoying the splendid view of Masherbrum Peak, also known as K-1, leisure time for photography, meeting local people and enjoying the pristine natural beauty. Drive back to Sailing and enjoy a cultural walk through the village streets and interact with local people—lunch at the Sailing fish farm and drive back to Khaplu. In the afternoon, visit Khanqah-e-Maula and then move to Hanjor Broq to witness the sunset.
Day 4 : Khaplu-Shigar
Location: Khaplu, Shigar
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Serena or Similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive from Khaplu to Shigar valley with short stops at multiple points of interest for photography. Visit the famous Sarfaranga cold desert and Shigar fort for lunch. Visit the fort museum and garden, and spend time exploring the area. (The Shigar Fort- Fong Khar, which means The Fort on Rock, is an old fort built in the 17th century by the Raja of the Amacha Dynasty of Shigar). End the evening with a short hike up to the old fort to witness the sun setting over the Shigar river.
Day 5 : Shigar – Skardu - Shigar
Location: Shigar, Skardu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Serena or Similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We will spend a whole day in Skardu. Visiting Shangri-La resort (optional boating), drive to upper Kachura, and walk through the local houses, fields & trees. After 20 minutes beautiful walk, we will reach upper Kachura Lake, having free time to explore the area and enjoy boating. Then drive to Soq valley (a beautiful valley near upper Kachura), and enjoy fishing and lunch. Drive back to Skardu and hike to Nansoq village (50 minutes), a beautiful hike to the first organic village of Baltistan. 11 homes and 92 Inhabitants, visited by King Charles and Prince Aga Khan IV! This centuries-old tiny settlement is one of the most peaceful places in the region. Explore the area and enjoy leisure time with a host family. Hike back to Skardu (50 minutes) and visit Skardu Bazar for shopping (local handicrafts, jewellery, carpet etc.). Drive back to Shigar for an overnight stay.
Day 6 : Shigar – Deosai – Shigar
Location: Shigar, Deosai Plains
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Serena or Similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day excursion to the famous Deo Sai plains, the second-highest plateaus in the world. We will visit Manthal rock Budha, Sadpara Lake, Ali Malik top, Bara Pani and Sheosar Lake (4114 m). Enjoy leisure time to explore the area. The plains are a floral extravaganza of the summer months with a recorded number of 406 species (Nawaz et al., 2006). Drive back to our hotel for a second-night stay in Shigar.
Day 7 : Skardu – Islamabad
Location: Skardu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Serena or Similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly from Skardu to Islamabad. Transfer to Hotel and after lunch sightseeing.
Day 8 : Contingency Day In Case Of Delays
Location: Skardu, Islamabad
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Serena or Similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
If we cannot fly due to weather, we will travel down to Islamabad by road. If we pass from Skardu to Islamabad, you enjoy sightseeing in the capital, or your leader will advise you on the options available for today.
Day 9 : (Departure Day
Location: Islamabad
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer from Hotel to the airport for international flights.
What's Included
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1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
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Accommodation
During this trip, the group will spend three nights in Islamabad at an excellent standard hotel. The group will also have two nights in a tourist-class hotel in Skardu. Accommodation at each of these hotels is twin-sharing with en-suite facilities. Whilst on the trek, there will be a total of 05 nights spent camping in 2-person tents. If you are traveling by yourself, you will be paired with another single client of the same sex. It is possible to hire a single tent while on the trek for an additional cost. Please note single tent hire does not include single rooms in hotels. Single rooms are available for a supplementary fee for the ve hotel nights. Additional hotel nights in Islamabad are also open
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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Entrance Fees
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation
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Fully Guided
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Local Taxes
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Meals – Full Board
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Meals – Full Board
What's Not Included
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Country Entry Visas
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Game Drives on Safari
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International Travel
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Drinks with Meals
Mode of Transport
4 by 4 wheeler Prado TZ
Accommodation
Excellent Quality 4 star Hotels
Check out our Q&As
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
Excellent
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Yes
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Please check Pakistani Visa Policy for your Country
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What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?
Full refund will be provided
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Face masks are required for travelers in public areas Face masks are required for guides in public areas Face masks provided for travelers Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas Gear/equipment sanitized between uses Transportation vehicles are regularly sanitized
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
• We specialize in small group travels, keeping our impact to a minimum. • Employ local people and use small or family-owned restaurants and hotels. • O set of carbon emitted on services provided by BTV. • Abide by a strict environmental 'Leave No Trace policy. • Promote the use of reusable bottles to reduce single-use plastic. • Provide the highest standards of animal and child welfare. • We aim
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You can join us at Skardu Airport
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel Advice
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Two Years
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Depending on departure dates, you can shift your tour to the next trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
If you are traveling by yourself, you will be paired with another single client of the same sex. It is possible to hire a single tent while on the trek for an additional cost. Please note single tent hire does not include single rooms in hotels.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Our certifired Lead Guide
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
We are sponsoring local students for their Higher Education.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
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Sunday - Monday
May 26, 2024 - Jun 03, 2024Sunday - Monday
Jun 16, 2024 - Jun 24, 2024Sunday - Monday
Jul 21, 2024 - Jul 29, 2024Sunday - Monday
Aug 18, 2024 - Aug 26, 2024Sunday - Monday
Sep 01, 2024 - Sep 09, 2024Sunday - Monday
Oct 13, 2024 - Oct 21, 2024Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Beyond the Valley LLP allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 30 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Beyond the Valley LLP allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform beyond the valley llp, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Beyond the Valley LLP requires a minimum deposit of 50% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of beyond the valley llp charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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