From Islamabad, One can reach the Skardu, by air or by road via Karakoram highway. The daily air flights for Skardu-Islamabad is available subject to clear weather conditions. As for travel by road from Skardu to Islamabad, one can hire private car, van, jeep or bus on rental basis. The public transport buses, vans are also available.

A jeep able road links Skardu with Askole via Shigar Valley. The road from Skardu to Shigar town is paved. From Shigar the road climbs ever higher and the valley walls close in until you reach Askole (3048m), a narrow bowl of a valley no wider, it seems, than 4 or 5 kilometers, completely encircled by range of snow capped peaks reaching heights of more than 6000 meters, looking every minute as if they may fall over and crash down on this lost horizon. The land is sparse and the people hardy. Many worked as porters and supply trains of the major mountaineering and trekking expeditions, for Askole is the starting point for the assault on the mountains of Karakoram, Baltistan.

Askole Village (3048m), gateway to Baltoro Glacier, Karakoram, Baltistan.

At Askole you have to stay in a camp. The camping sites are available in Askole village and a camping fee is payable her depending on the size of the tents. Here you have to hire porters.

The trek beyond Askole enters the region of “The Greatest Museum of Shapes and Forms” as described by Fosco Maraini. The trek crosses unevenly over the dangerous moraine of the Biafo Glacier where it gathers Braldu Valley.

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

Minimum Group Participants and holiday Status:

Six (6) registrations, or the minimum number of participant bookings, are needed to conduct the “Fixed departures”. Even though we frequently have multiple visitors for each scheduled departure, we think it’s vital to note. On this page, you can verify the status of your travel. Status “available” indicates that we are accepting reservations, while “guaranteed” indicates that we have attracted the necessary number of travellers and that the trip will depart on the specified dates. We will stay in touch with every registered visitor. We will promptly walk you through the process of applying for a visa and booking flights to Pakistan, among other things. Travel papers and a visa In general, a passport with an expiration date later than six months is required to apply for a visa to Pakistan.

We advise you to get in touch with the closest embassy or consulate of Pakistan in your country for more trustworthy and up-to-date information. We anticipate that you will be fully accountable for making sure you have the proper travel documentation. Generally, if you are travelling to non-EU nations, you must make sure your travel document (passport) has two blank pages for each nation you intend to visit. To travel to Pakistan for trekking, you must have a visitor’s visa. Individuals with work visas who are already in Pakistan or overseas need to wait up to 6 weeks for a No-Objection Certificate (NOC). The prerequisites and cost for a tourist visa to Pakistan are typically under $200, however you should contact Pakistani consulates in your area for for information. 

Terms & Condition

Booking Process

Changes to the Itinerary

It is recommended that the itinerary once finalized not be changed so as to avoid delays and complications. However, if a client requests a change of itinerary for a confirmed booking, Skardu Expedition Treks and Tours will apply change fees. The number of tour days initially booked may be extended by the client and will be charged by Skardu Expedition Treks and Tours accordingly.

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