Machulo La Trek

12 Days

In the heart of Pakistan’s Karakoram Mountains, which are renowned for their hard terrain, cultural diversity, and breathtaking natural beauty, lies the captivating Machulo La Trek. Trekkers, nature enthusiasts, and explorers will have a memorable time on this adventure through some of the most breathtaking scenery on earth.

Machulo La Trek – Overview

The Machulo La Trek starts in Skardu, a town known for being the origin of some of the most breathtaking hiking routes in the Karakoram. From there, it passes through breathtaking roads dotted with charming towns like Khaplu, Machulo, and Hushe. The path comes to an end at the stunning Machulo La Pass, which opens up a grand entrance to expansive vistas and mesmerizing landscapes.

The Machulo La K2 View Trek, a brief but breathtaking route that gives hikers the exceptional chance to see all five of the world’s 8000-meter peaks in one expansive vista, is one of the trek’s highlights. This section is popular with a wide range of trekkers due to its affordability and ease of access, requiring only two days of climbing. Many hikers find the panoramic view, which includes notable peaks like K-2, Gasherbrum I, II, III, and IV, to be quite pleasing.

Beyond the 8000-meter peaks, the Machulo La offers expansive vistas of numerous other breathtaking peaks in the Karakoram range, such as Amin Braq, “Nanga Parbat,” K6-K7, K-1, Nangma Valley, Iqbal Top, Haldi Cones, and many more. The walk’s breathtaking views of the enormous glaciers that encircle the entire Ghanche region contribute to the excursion’s appeal.

It’s important to keep in mind that the Machulo La is a moderate to difficult hike that requires some physical preparation and acclimatization. Hikers need to be ready for unforeseen weather conditions, like strong winds, rain, and snow, that can occur in hilly terrain. Enough gear is needed for a safe and enjoyable trip, including sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing, and a high-quality sleeping bag.

Trekkers’ endurance and resolve are put to the test on this route, but the rewards are great. Apart from the breathtaking scenery, hikers can engage with the hospitable locals and discover their unique traditions and customs. Each footstep of the Machulo La Trek connects you to the natural and cultural heritage of Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region, from the scenic Hushe Valley to the majestic Masherbrum Mountain.

In summary, the Trek is an incredible journey that skillfully blends breathtaking scenery, cultural immersion, and the rush of overcoming challenging terrain. Trekkers come away from it with priceless memories and a deep appreciation for both the rich cultural heritage of Gilgit-Baltistan and the magnificent majesty of the Karakoram Mountains.

Itinerary

GPS Data
Altitude: 540 m

Our guide(s) will receive you from the airport. Soon you will be transferred to hotels. On this day, our participants can relax and recover from their long journey.

Pickup information
It is very easy to spot our guide, holding orange placards with our company’s logo and your name on it. You must arrive at Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad. International flights normally arrive at midnight or in the afternoon. You must give us the details of your flights, both inbound and outbound at least five days before you arrive in Pakistan. Our staff/guide will receive you at the gates of international arrivals unless you are taking a connecting flight from another city in Pakistan. The guide/staff will transfer you to our partner hotel. In case you do not require an airport transfer, please inform us in advance.

After lunch and some rest at the hotel (ideally, if you are arriving in the morning between 9 am to 12 pm), our guide/representative will pick up all our guests around 6 pm for briefing and remaining payments at our office followed by a dinner. If you are coming late, we will manage the remaining payments and briefing in Skardu.

On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 2,498 m

Participants on this morning will take the spectacular flight from Islamabad airport to Skardu airport. You will be able to see Nanga Parbat if clouds allow. After arrival in Skardu, the day is free.

On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 2,498 m

After breakfast, the participants will walk to Kharpocho Fort in Skardu, which is located up on a mountain. The Kharpocho fort gives a splendid view of the Indus and Skardu towns. The participants will also have an option to take a tour of Sadpara Lake followed by free shopping time in Skardu Bazaar.

During sightseeing, our staff will take care of further government documentation required in Skardu. This can sometimes take two days. We have contingency days towards the end of the trek in case of any delays.

Travel to Skardu to Machulo. Visit Saling Spangtoq, a famous tourist spot in Khaplu, and then drive to Machulo, which is located in the Hushe Valley. The biggest rocks in Hushe Valley are well-known. Gondogoro, Charkusa, Nagma, Nanbroq, and Masherbrum are some of the sub-valleys. This valley is surrounded by multiple hills above 6,000 meters, including Laila Peak, K6, and K7. Murtaza Peak, located 5100m behind K6 Basecamp, is a favorite location for trackers and beginners. The Hushe Valley stretches south from Masherbrum Mountain (at 7,821 meters, the world's 24th tallest) to the Shyok River, near Khaplu. Hushe valley is one of the most beautiful areas in the Ghanche district.

We will begin our three-hour trip This is a pretty easy trip that follows Machulo's main stream. After 3 hours of walking, we arrived at our first camp, which we called Khadi Broq. Machulo is 2600 meters above sea level. So, after 3 hours of hiking, we will have hit 3800m above sea level. We will be staying in sleeping tents here. Our cook, guide, servants, and managers will make your stay here wonderful.

You can go higher than this camping, but we don't recommend it to avoid altitude problems. As a result, we let you acclimatize by staying here and gradually ascending.

Machulo The second camp track is similarly quite easy to walk, albeit slightly higher than the first. It gradually lifts you to a higher level. The camping spot is very close to where the Machulo people live with their cattle. They make butter and cheese every day. Meeting them and seeing cows, sheep, and local cows (Zomo) was a memorable experience. Camp II is situated at an elevation of 4150 meters.

Mountain K2, Gilgit-Baltistan At Camp III K2 viewpoint Machulo La walk, you will stay at a level of 5200m.

The hike is steep, but easy, and takes you through lovely fields. We'll meet some wild creatures (if we're lucky), local animals (Yak, Zomo), sheep, goats, cows, and birds along the trip. Every step closer to the vista offers glances and reveals peaks of Karakorum. A viewpoint is a great spot for camping. K2, G-I, G-II, G-Iv, Broad Peak, Mashabru, Nanagma Valley, Amin Braq, Khaney Valley hills, Siachen Glacier & Valley view, Chorbat Valley (Ladakh Region), Khaplu district are all viewable from there. Hanjour Pasture, Barah Valley, Nanga Parbat, Kargil Region (Kharman Skardu Side), Machulo Town, Indus River, and Shyiok, Saling Valley are all places to visit. 360-degree sweeping views from all four sides. Photography, filming, hiking, and night views of stars in a clear sky, and spring waters are all lovely to see and experience.

Back to Machulo in 6 hours from K2 Viewpoint Machulo la trek.

Kharphocho Fort, Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan Return to Skardu from Machulo. On the route, explore Khaplu Fort, Shigar Fort, and Upper Kachura Lake in Skardu. Stays overnight in Skardu at a hotel.

On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 538 m

On this day the participants will take a flight from the airport in Skardu to Islamabad airport. You will have a good time to relax at the hotel in Islamabad.

Domestic flights sometimes get canceled due to weather conditions. In case of flight cancellation, you will drive to Chilas overnight. It takes eight to ten hours by vehicle.

Includes/Not Included

Whats Included

  • Licensed professional guide (government requirement)
  • Airport transfers on the first and last day
  • All road transport in Pakistan
  • Hotel accommodation in Pakistan (twin sharing rooms)
  • Trekking accommodation in Pakistan (twin sharing tents)
  • Hotel meals in Pakistan (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
  • Trekking meals in Pakistan (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
  • Trekking logistics (tents, non-personal equipments and tools)
  • Support staff (cook, assistant(s) etc)
  • Porters for trekking equipments, kitchen (supplies, tools, equipments, crockery, gas) and personal luggage

Whats Not Included

  • Travel Insurance (recommendations only)
  • Visa to Pakistan (supporting documents offered)
  • International airfare
  • Personal equipments (list provided on registration or request)
  • Tips for guides, porters, staff etc
  • Miscellaneous (drinks, phone calls, laundry, souvenir etc)

Important Notes

Why Register Early?

1. Early Bird Discount: The given prices for the holiday are limited-time discount offers and are subject to change. Service providers including (but not limited) to airlines and hotels increase prices in peak-season. Early reservations cost less than peak-season.

2. Limited Flight Seats: Domestic flight seats to the Karakorams and Himalayas are sold out way ahead of time because there are only two daily flights during peak season. Among other things, the deposit is used to book domestic flights for you in advance.

3. Pay Balance after arrival in Pakistan: In these unusual times, we appreciate that paying the final balance for your trip may cause concern. Our policy is to only receive your final balance once you arrive in Pakistan. The only payment before arrival is the deposit.

Refund Policy for All

Deposit: Once paid, the deposit is non-refundable (but valid for 2 years) as it will be spent on making in-country arrangements.

Balance: Pay the balance only after arrival in Pakistan on the first day. Payment guidelines will be shared timely.

Currency

All international travelers can pay in US Dollars (USD) or equivalent in Euros (EUR) or Pound Sterling (GBP). Pakistani travelers are charged the equivalent in Pakistani Rupees (PKR).

Single Supplement

Separate hotel rooms (single supplement) will cost an additional USD 290. This includes all hotel nights. This payment should be made with the balance upon arrival.

Separate tents (single tent) will cost an additional USD 180. This includes the cost of additional porterage. This payment should also be made with the balance in Pakistan.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Machulo La Trek

Highlights – Machulo La Trek

  • Included
  • Skardu
  • Summer
  • Included
  • 4,900m
  • Included
  • Included