Nangma Valley Trek and Skardu Valley Tour
Discover the Yosemite of Pakistan and the Heart of Baltistan
Nangma Valley Trek and Skardu Valley Tour
Discover the Yosemite of Pakistan and the Heart of Baltistan
Discover the Yosemite of Pakistan and the Heart of Baltistan
Nangma Valley is a hidden gem in the Karakoram Range, often called the “Yosemite of Pakistan” for its dramatic granite spires and untouched alpine beauty. This trek begins from Khaplu and the village of Kanday, leading into the remote Hushe region where trails rise toward the towering peak of Amin Brakk. At over 4,000 meters, the valley opens into a spectacular amphitheater of cliffs, meadows, and glacial streams. Often recognized globally for its raw beauty, Nangma offers a quiet, crowd-free trekking experience that blends adventure, climbing culture, and the rich heritage of Baltistan, making it a complete high-altitude wilderness journey.
Trip Stats
Difficulty
Moderate
Max Altitude
4,500 meters
Wind Speed
15-25 km/h
Temperature
-5°C to 15°C
Overview
Nangma Valley sits deep in the Karakoram Range of Pakistan's Ghanche District, a place that trekkers and climbers have started calling the Yosemite of Pakistan . The valley's granite spires rise straight from the valley floor like cathedral walls, with Amin Brakk, also called the Great Tower, soaring to nearly 6,000 meters . Unlike the crowded trails of more famous trekking destinations, Nangma remains quiet and pure—no crowds, no resorts, just mountains, sky, and nature at its most raw . The valley lies within the Hushe region of Baltistan, accessed via the historic town of Khaplu and the village of Kanday, where the trek begins . At altitudes ranging from 3,200 meters at Kanday to over 4,200 meters at Amin Brakk Base Camp, this trek offers a perfect balance of accessibility and adventure . The trail passes through lush green meadows, crosses glacial streams, and eventually opens into a dramatic amphitheater of granite walls that attract rock climbers from around the world . What makes this journey special is the combination of raw mountain beauty with the rich cultural heritage of Baltistan. The region has been recognized globally—the New York Times included the Nangma Valley Trek in its list of "52 Places to Visit," highlighting its emergence as a world-class trekking destination . Before and after the trek, you explore the Skardu Valley's turquoise lakes, ancient forts, and the unique Cold Desert, creating a complete package of natural wonders and cultural depth. Alpine Karakoram Adventure has partnered with local guides from the Hushe region who know every turn of the trail, every family in Kanday village, and every hidden viewpoint where the morning light hits the granite towers just right. This is trekking with local knowledge, local hospitality, and deep respect for the mountains and the people who call them home.
Trip Highlights
What makes this trekking special
Trek into the "Yosemite of Pakistan," surrounded by dramatic granite towers that rise vertically from the valley floor
Stand beneath Amin Brakk (The Great Tower), a 5,850-meter granite spire that challenges climbers from around the world
Camp at Mingulo Broq, a stunning green meadow at 3,600 meters with unobstructed views of the night sky
Explore the Hushe region, one of the most remote and untouched parts of the Karakoram Range
Visit Khaplu Fort, a 19th-century Balti palace restored as a heritage hotel and museum
Float on the turquoise waters of Shangrila Lake, Skardu's famous heart-shaped lake surrounded by orchards
Walk through the Katpana Cold Desert at 2,300 meters, where sand dunes meet snow-capped peaks
Experience Balti hospitality in Kanday village, sharing traditional meals with local families
Photograph the confluence of the Shayok and Indus rivers from Thorgo Pari viewpoint
Explore Shigar Fort, a 400-year-old palace that offers a glimpse into the region's royal history
Cross the Hussaini Suspension Bridge option and visit Borit Lake for those extending into Hunza
Witness the sunrise paint the granite towers of Nangma Valley in shades of gold and orange
Day by Day Itinerary
Arrive at Islamabad International Airport. Our representative meets you with an Alpine Karakoram Adventure signboard and transfers you to the hotel. Islamabad sits at 540 meters, with the Margalla Hills rising behind the modern capital. If time permits and energy allows, a brief orientation walk introduces you to Pakistan's planned capital. In the evening, your guide meets you for a briefing about the journey ahead—what to expect, how to prepare for the altitudes, and answers to your questions. We recommend an early night. The adventure begins tomorrow. • Distance: 30 km from airport • Altitude: 540 meters • Accommodation: Hotel in Islamabad • Meals: None (own arrangements)
Morning transfer to Islamabad Airport for the 50-minute flight to Skardu. This flight alone is worth the journey—weather permitting, you'll see Nanga Parbat and the Karakoram giants from your window. On arrival at Skardu Airport (2,228 meters), our local team meets you. Drive to your hotel and allow time to acclimatize. Afternoon visit to Shangrila Resort (Lower Kachura Lake), the famous heart-shaped lake surrounded by orchards and wooden cottages . Continue to Upper Kachura Lake, quieter and less commercialized, its deep blue waters perfect for photography . Evening free in Skardu. The air here is thin and dry—drink plenty of water. • Distance: Flight distance 320 km, local driving 30 km • Altitude: 540m to 2,228m • Accommodation: Hotel in Skardu • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Full day discovering Skardu Valley's treasures. Morning visit to Satpara Lake, just 8 km from Skardu city, its turquoise waters fed by melting glaciers and providing water to the entire valley . Boating options available for those interested. Continue to Kharpocho Fort, dating back to the 16th century, perched on a hill overlooking Skardu city. The climb offers panoramic views of the Indus River and surrounding valleys . Afternoon at Katpana Cold Desert, one of the world's highest cold deserts at 2,300 meters, where golden sand dunes create a surreal contrast against snow-capped peaks . Short walk on the dunes before sunset. Return to Skardu for overnight. • Distance: 50 km local driving • Altitude: 2,228m to 2,300m • Accommodation: Hotel in Skardu • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Drive to Shigar Valley after breakfast, 40 minutes from Skardu. Visit Shigar Fort, a 400-year-old palace restored as a heritage hotel and museum, showcasing exquisite Balti architecture . Walk through Shigar's old town with traditional stone-and-timber houses. Continue to Khaplu, passing through small villages in the Ghanche district. Stop at the confluence of the Shayok and Indus rivers at Yugo, a spectacular meeting of waters . Enjoy traditional lunch at Yugo followed by a cultural walk to meet local families. Afternoon arrival in Khaplu, check into hotel. Evening visit to Khaplu Fort, a 19th-century Tibetan-style palace surrounded by apricot orchards . • Distance: 120 km, 4-5 hours driving with stops • Altitude: 2,228m to 2,600m • Accommodation: Hotel in Khaplu • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Morning drive from Khaplu to Kanday village, the trek trailhead, approximately 1.5-2 hours on a scenic jeep track . From Kanday at 3,200 meters, begin trekking toward Mingulo Broq. The trail passes through lush green meadows, crosses small streams, and offers magnificent views of the region's rocky walls. After 3-4 hours of gentle uphill walking, arrive at Mingulo Broq at 3,600 meters, a wide green meadow surrounded by mountains. Camp here for the night, with plenty of time to absorb the unique geological wonders. Evening around the campfire, watching stars appear in the clear mountain sky. • Distance: 6 km trekking, 3-4 hours • Altitude: 2,600m to 3,600m • Accommodation: Full service camping • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Beautiful hike deeper into Nangma Valley. Today's trail follows a glacial stream through vibrant green fields, with granite spires gradually rising into view. After approximately 3.5 kilometers and 4-5 hours of walking, reach Nangma Valley at 3,950 meters . The valley opens into a dramatic amphitheater surrounded by towering granite walls—Amin Brakk, Grey Tower, and Changi Tower dominate the sky. Set up camp and enjoy lunch. Afternoon free to explore the immediate area, photograph the towers, or simply sit in silence absorbing the raw beauty. The scale of the mountains here makes you feel small and connected to nature simultaneously. • Distance: 3.5 km trekking, 4-5 hours • Altitude: 3,600m to 3,950m • Accommodation: Full service camping • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Full acclimatization and exploration day in Nangma Valley. Wake early to witness sunrise paint the granite towers in gold and orange—a photographer's dream . After breakfast, optional day hike to Amin Brakk Base Camp at approximately 4,500 meters . The trail continues deeper into the valley, bringing you face to face with the Great Tower itself, a 5,850-meter granite spire that attracts climbers from around the world . For those who prefer a gentler day, explore the glacial stream, test scrambling skills on nearby rocks, or venture out to spot Karakoram bird and flower species. Return to camp for the night. The silence here, broken only by wind and occasional bird calls, is profound. • Trekking: 4-5 hours optional • Altitude: 3,950m to 4,500m and back • Accommodation: Full service camping • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning descent from Nangma Valley, retracing the trail through meadows and past glacial streams. Stop at Mingulo Broq for rest and photos, then continue to Kanday village. Upon arrival in Kanday, enjoy traditional lunch with a local host family—a chance to experience Balti hospitality firsthand and sample dishes like Chapshuro (Balti meat pie) and Balay (noodle soup) . After lunch, jeep drive back to Shigar via Khaplu. Check into hotel in Shigar, with evening free to relax or explore the peaceful valley. • Distance: 9.5 km trekking descent, 4-5 hours, plus 2-3 hours jeep • Altitude: 3,950m to 2,250m • Accommodation: Hotel in Shigar • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning drive from Shigar to Skardu Airport (1 hour). Board flight to Islamabad (approximately 1 hour, subject to weather) . Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit to Taxila, a UNESCO World Heritage site where Buddhist monasteries and stupas date back 2,500 years. Explore the archaeological sites of Jaulian, Mohra Moradu, and Sirkap, with the museum housing some of the finest Buddhist sculpture in the world . Evening free in Islamabad. Note: If weather cancels the flight, we use the contingency day for road travel or next-day flight. • Distance: Flight 320 km, Taxila excursion 40 km • Altitude: 2,228m to 540m • Accommodation: Hotel in Islamabad • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This day serves as buffer for flight delays or weather-related issues. If flights operated smoothly on Day 09, today offers full exploration of Islamabad. Visit Lok Virsa Museum, showcasing Pakistan's diverse cultural heritage through textiles, jewelry, and life-size dioramas of village life. Afternoon at Shah Faisal Mosque, one of the world's largest mosques, its white marble gleaming against the Margalla Hills. Evening at Daman-e-Koh viewpoint for sunset over the capital. Farewell dinner at Monal Restaurant on the Margalla Hills, celebrating the journey's completion with panoramic views . • Distance: 50 km local sightseeing • Altitude: 540m throughout • Accommodation: Hotel in Islamabad • Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Morning free for last-minute shopping or relaxation. Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your international flight. The journey through Nangma Valley and Skardu ends here, but the memories of granite towers, turquoise lakes, and Balti hospitality stay with you. • Distance: 30 km to airport • Altitude: 540m • Transfer: Islamabad International Airport • Meals: Breakfast
Note: The Karakoram requires flexibility. Flights to Skardu are weather-dependent and can be delayed or cancelled on short notice—we build a contingency day into the itinerary for this reason . Trekking days may adjust based on group pace and weather conditions. The Nangma Valley Trek involves altitudes up to 4,500 meters; proper acclimatization is built into the schedule, but individual responses to altitude vary. Your guide has authority to modify the route for safety, and we ask for patience when conditions require changes. Alpine Karakoram Adventure plans for reality so that you can focus on the mountains.
What's Included
Included
13 items included
- Twin-sharing accommodation in hotels and guesthouses in Islamabad, Skardu, Khaplu, Shigar
- Full service camping with dome tents, mess tent, kitchen equipment, and sleeping mats
- All meals during trekking days (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Daily breakfast and dinners at city hotels
- Domestic flight Islamabad-Skardu-Islamabad
- All land transportation in air-conditioned vehicles and 4x4 jeeps for mountain sections
- English-speaking licensed guide with Alpine Karakoram Adventure
- Local guide and porters from the Hushe region
- All entrance fees to forts, museums, and national parks
- Camping fees and permits
- Bottled drinking water during the tour
- Letter of invitation for Pakistan visa application
- All taxes and service charges
Not Included
12 items not included
- International airfare to and from Pakistan
- Pakistan visa fee
- Travel insurance with medical coverage and evacuation (mandatory)
- Lunches and dinners in cities where not specified
- Sleeping bag and personal trekking gear
- Photography fees at sites with additional charges
- Personal expenses including laundry, souvenirs, phone calls
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, porters, and hotel staff
- Single room supplement
- Costs from unforeseen circumstances beyond our control
- Optional activities not specified
- Horse hire for those who prefer not to trek (available locally)
We understand that every trekker has unique needs and experience levels. The inclusions above represent our standard trekking package. However, Alpine Karakoram Adventure can customize your plan.
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