Daily Tour
1 person
English, Urdu
The “Shadows of Masherbrum Peak” is one of Baltistan’s most captivating trekking experiences, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the magnificent landscapes surrounding the iconic Masherbrum Peak (7,821m), one of the most beautiful mountains in the Karakoram Range. Located in the picturesque Hushe Valley, this journey combines easy day hikes with breathtaking mountain scenery, making it ideal for both adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers.
The importance of this tour lies in its accessibility and immersive experience. Unlike strenuous high-altitude expeditions, the day hikes allow travelers of various fitness levels to witness towering snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, glaciers, crystal-clear streams, and traditional Balti settlements without requiring technical climbing skills. Visitors can spend several days trekking under the magnificent shadow of Masherbrum, enjoying panoramic views while experiencing the tranquility of one of Pakistan’s most pristine mountain regions.
The tour also plays a significant role in promoting sustainable tourism in Baltistan. It generates employment opportunities for local guides, porters, jeep drivers, and guesthouses, directly benefiting communities in Hushe Valley. At the same time, it encourages the preservation of Balti culture, traditions, and hospitality by allowing visitors to interact closely with local people and experience their unique mountain way of life.
For photographers and nature enthusiasts, the dramatic landscapes around Masherbrum provide endless opportunities to capture unforgettable images of towering peaks, glaciers, and vibrant mountain life. The Shadows of Masherbrum Peak with Day Hikes is therefore not merely a sightseeing trip; it is an enriching journey that showcases the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and tourism potential of Baltistan, leaving visitors with memories that last a lifetime.
This morning we begin with an early start and drive to Khaplu (about 3 hours). On arrival check in to the hotel and enjoy a late lunch. In the afternoon take a short walking tour the: Khaplu Palace, the village and the Khanqah (a place of spiritual retreat which also housed journeymen). Overnight at the hotel.
Today we go as far northwards as permitted by the Government in the “Open Zone” to Hushe Village, situated at a height of 3050m. The road journey there initially goes through fields where wheat is being harvested, before arriving at Machulo village. Here stop for tea at the Felix guest house run by a Spanish NGO! Continue on a rocky, sandy road to the amazing village of Hushe, home to high altitude porters who have climbed with the best of the world’s mountaineers. Hushe village is the end point of the 14-day hike from Askole to K2 basecamp, across the Baltoro glacier and Gondogoro-La Pass. We will transfer to the very basic guest house for dinner and overnight. Here the caretakers can regal us with wonderful stories of all the climbs that have taken place in the region.
We start the day in the quintessential Karakoram mountain range. Rocky and jagged, the black and grey mountains are a contrast to the gentle ridges of the Himalayas, and we will take a 10 kilometer walk to the Dumsum at the base of Masherbrum Glacier on a rocky and sandy path. The eerie silence that surrounds us—apart from the whistling of the wind and the creaking of the ice in the glacier—makes one wonder at the hardiness of the local inhabitants. The Masherbrum peak itself (also known as K-1) at 7821m is a unique pointed mountain, whose jagged peak has been ignored because of all the 8000enders in its close proximity. Or perhaps it is because the Northeast face of this mountain is said to be tougher to climb than even than K-2 and Everest. Return to the guest house for overnight.
Today we start in the same direction, but then branch off to the Humbrok Valley. Here we will have spectacular views of mountains, including the Humbrok “Cigarette Peak” (6459m) so named because the winds blow the snow of the sides of this mountain so it looks like smoke being blown off a cigarette, and if the weather Gods favour us, perhaps Gasherbrum I (at 8080m the 11th highest mountain in the world) and its sister Gasherbrum II (8035m), even K-2 (8611m). This walk will also take us 7-8 hours round trip, depending on how far into the Honbrok Valley one wishes to go. Return to the guest house for overnight.
We begin our return down the Hushe Valley, heading towards Khaplu and then on to Shigar driving in part along the Shyok River. This drive will take us about 6 hours. Arrive at Shigar and check in to the hotel. We can hike up to the old fort, or just wander around to the 14th century Amburiq Mosque that received a UNESCO award for restoration, the quaint maze like bazaar and the restored Khanqah. Overnight at the hotel.
After a leisurely breakfast, proceed to Skardu.
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