BALTISTAN DISCOVERY: SKARDU, KHAPLU, SHIGAR, SARAFANGA AND DEOSAI

On arrival at Skardu, start the tour by driving towards Khaplu located 105 kilometers east of Skardu. We initially follow the Indus valley for 40 km and then take the Indus River branch to the Manthoka Waterfalls, a magnificent 180 foot torrent of water. After this visit, return to the Shyok Valley and follow it all the way to Khaplu. It is a spectacular drive and the contrast of oasis like green patches of villages and rugged mountain makes it look even more dramatic. Arrive Khaplu and check in to the hotel for overnight.

This morning drive to Machulo a beautiful village in the Hushe valley of Ganche district situated at an altitude of 2700 meter and 15 kilometers from Khaplu. This beautiful village has lush green summer pastures and mountains over its entire western site. The entire valley is famous for its highest mountains and from a view point you can see Machulo Village, the Siachen and Chorbat valley sites, and Ghanche Glaciers and Khaplu town. A historic mosque, water channel and river view walk as well as Mashebrum View point where one can see Masherbrum Mountain (7,821m)are some places to enjoy from Machulo. Return to Khapulo and in the afternoon take a walking tour of the Khapulo Palace, the village and the restored Khanqah.Night at the hotel.

After an start, return to Skardu. Drop off bags at the hotel and then visit the Sarafanga Cold desert. Situated at an elevation of 2,226 meters (7,303 ft) above sea level, the Cold Desert is one of the highest deserts in the world containing large sand dunes that are sometimes covered in snow during winter. Continue on to Shigar, and after a short rest take an hour walk to Kari Dong the Shigar Rock where the first fortress of this small fiefdom was built. Besides the remains of the Fort one can see the ruins of an old mosque, a Buddhist Monastery and various inscriptions dating from the 5th century AD. From this point enjoy majestic views of the entire Shigar Valley guarded by the dominating Haramosh Range of mountains in the West. Return for a walking tour of the 14th century Amburiq Mosque which received a UNESCO award for restoration, the quaint maze like bazaar and the restored Khanqah (a place of spiritual retreat). Night at the hotel in Skardu.

This morning set out for Deosai Park, at an average elevation of 4,114 meters (13,497 ft) above sea level, making it one of the highest plateaus in the world. The park protects an area of 3,000 square kilometers. In spring, it is covered by sweeps of wildflowers and a wide variety of butterflies. The Deosai Plains are also home to the Himalayan ibex, red fox, golden marmot locally called Phia, gray wolf, the LadakhUrial, the snow leopard, and over 124 resident and migratory birds.  Enroute visit Manthal Buddha Rock Carving, a large granite rock with a relief sculpture of Buddha, which probably dates back to the 8th centuryand  Sadpara Lake now transformed into a dam. Further drive up to Bara Pani—if open otherwise we will drive only up to the viewpoint. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the plains filled with

Today we visit the two blue Kachura lakes at around 2,500 m altitude. At Lower Kachura Lake is the famous Shangri La Resort with an old airplane in the garden. We take a short walk up the mountain by the resort and are impressed by the view of the lake and also the Indus at the back. Returning to Skardu we climb the Kharpocho Fort. The climb is quite steep, but the effort is worth it, because we have the best view over the city and the Indus from the fortification, which was built between the 8th and 10th centuries. Next, stroll through the old bazaar full of trinkets that make for good souvenirs. Night at the hotel.

Early this morning leave Skardu for our onward destination.