Thalle La Pass Trek
The Masherbrum Thalle La Trek valley connects Shigar valley with the Hushe area. The valley runs along the Park’s boundary between Khaplu and Shigar. The itinerary follows the
Park boundary reaching Thalle La and passing along the Thalle valley. It is very interesting both from cultural (route 56) and trekking (trek 28) point of view. The Thalle La trekking route between Khaplu and Skardu gently ascends the attractive Thalle Lungma and cross snow-covered Pass, emerging in the dramatic expanse of the Shigar Valley. The large and green Thalle Lugma leads north-west from the Shyok River, 15km west of Khaplu and 85 km from east of Skardu. The upper valley divides, and the north branch leads over the infrequently crossed Tusserpo La (5084m) while the south branch leads over easier Thallee La (4572m). Both Passes lead to the Bauma Lungma, which runs south-west to Shigar valley. Masherbrum Thalle La Trek, one of the few non-glaciated passes and one of Baltistan’s easiest, lends itself to backpacking.
This two-week trek offers a compelling experience for several reasons. Beginning in Skardu and Shigar, we journey through small seasonal settlements in the upper valleys, where we can immerse ourselves in the fascinating Balti culture. The natural landscape is also diverse and stunning, ranging from the sandy Indus valley to the “Alpine” lower valley and the high snows of the awe-inspiring peaks that surround the Thalay La.
To reach each campsite, we must climb beside the snout of the Masharbrum glacier and follow a ridge of lateral moraine to a flat area at the mouth of a second large tributary valley. We skirt the valley’s edge on a narrow rock ledge before rejoining the moraines and passing a cluster of deserted stone huts. Finally, we climb up to the jumble of ice and rocks that lead us to Masharbrum.
| Day 01 | Arrive Islamabad airport and transfer to hotel |
| Day 02 | Fly to Skardu in case of flight cancellation drive to Chilas |
| Day 03 | Rest day in Skardu or drive from Chilas to Skardu |
| Day 04 | Drive to Deosai Plateau |
| Day 05 | Full day explore Deosai Plains |
| Day 06 | Drive back to Skardu via Satpara Lake |
| Day 07 | Drive to Thaly and trek to Broque |
| Day 08 | We cross the Thaly Pass at 4572m and descent into Shigar Valley |
| Day 09 | Free day for local exploration |
| Day 10 | Trek to Shigar valley and drive to Skardu |
| Day 11 | Fly to Islamabad or drive to Chilas |
| Day 12 | Free day in Islamabad or drive to Islamabad |
| Day 13 | Transfer to Islamabad airport for international flight |
| Day 14-49 | Climb K2. No. of days depends on weather, fitness, and experience of the climbers |
| Day 50-56 | Return to Askole or Hushe and drive to Skardu. In case of trek via Gondogoro number of trekking days can be lesser |
| Day 57 | Fly to Islamabad or drive to Chilas. |
| Day 58 | Day free at Islamabad or drive to Islamabad. |
| Day 59 | De-briefing at the ministry of tourism. |
| Day 60 | Fly to destination. |
Equipment List
Equipment List We are providing you with three lists for the Trek. List 1 and 2 contain items and equipments that you must bring. The third list contains optional items you might need on your trekking holiday. Based on your own judgment you can select things that you might need from the third list.
1 – Must Bring Items:
- First Aid Pack (Diamox (Altitude), Dioralite (re-hydration salts), antiseptic cream, blister treatment, throat lozenges, plasters, Imodium (diarrhea treatment), painkillers)
- Hiking Backpack (Day Pack) 32-42 Litres
- Fleece jacket with hood or a warm jumper
- Mittens or gloves
- Gloves (Thermal)
- Headtorch with spare batteries
- Hiking boots
- Sleeping bag (-16°C comfort rated)
- Sandals (sports) or old shoes (to cross rivers)
- Sun protection cream (including total block for nose, lips etc.)
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Thermarest or any similar mat/pad for sleeping
- Warm hat
- Warm jacket (down)
- Water bottles 1 liter (x2)
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof over-trousers
- Antibacterial hand wash
- Shirts/T-shirts
- Socks
- Spare laces
- Underwear (normal and thermal)
- Trekking poles (highly recommended)
- Wash-bag and toiletries
- Walking socks (2/3 pairs)
- Baselayer – leggings (Thermal)
- Trekking Trousers
- Baselayer thermal shirts (2 long sleeves, 2 short sleeves)
- Mountaineering equipment (See “List 2” below)
List 2 – Mountaineering Equipments:
- Crampons
- Mountaineering boots that must be compatible with your crampons. Minimum Grade B2.
- Ice axe
- Climbing harness
- Karabiner/Carabiner (screwgate type x 2)
- Climbing helmet
- Prusik loops X two (2) – (4 meters of 6 mm cord makes up 2)
- Sling (120 cm)
List 3 – Optional:
- Buff or scarf
- Small padlock (for locking your bag)
- Camera
- Insect repellant
- Pen-knife (important: pack sharp tools in hold luggage)
- Repair kit (e.g. thread, needle, duct tape)
- Liner (for sleeping bag)
- Travel clothes
- Bottle for Pee