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Tour Overview & Experience
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Custom pacing, private certified native guides & tailored group itineraries.
Every trip helps support Conservation
Fair-wage porter insurance, Leave-No-Trace practices & local community aid.
Seamless travel, every detail perfected
All permits, deluxe accommodations, private transport & 24/7 expert logistics.
This epic journey in the heart of the Karakoram Range is designed for adventurous trekkers seeking a challenging and culturally immersive experience. The Naltar-Ishkoman trek traverses the spectacular Pakora Pass (4,720m), connecting the lush, colorful Naltar Valley with the remote and rugged Ishkoman Valley. This itinerary provides a detailed day-by-day breakdown, logistical information, and essential facts to help you prepare for this unforgettable adventure.
“Along the ancient Silk Road, every fortress, stone bazaar, and welcoming mountain hearth tells centuries of timeless history and vibrant living heritage.”
Tour Highlights
- Cross the Pakora Pass (4,710m) — a remote high-altitude pass linking Naltar Gah and Pakora Gol
- Trek through the stunning Naltar Valley, famous for its vibrant lakes and pine forests
- Admire the mighty Shani and Sentinel peaks, a magnet for climbers worldwide
- Experience true wilderness camping in the heart of the Karakoram Range
- Scenic jeep adventures to Naltar Lake and through the rugged Ishkoman Valley
- Drive the legendary Karakoram Highway, one of the world's most spectacular roads
- Immerse in local culture with visits to Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Chilas, and Gilgit
- Off-the-beaten-path adventure far from crowded trekking routes
- Supportive trek crew with expert guides, cooks, and porters
Day-by-Day Itinerary (13 Days)
Arrival in Islamabad – Welcome to Pakistan
Activity: Fly to Islamabad International Airport (ISB), Pakistan.
Details: Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to rest and recover from your journey. In the evening, you can enjoy a welcome dinner with your guide and fellow trekkers.
Islamabad/Rawalpindi Sightseeing & Briefing
Activity: Full-day sightseeing and trek briefing.
Details: After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of the twin cities. Visit the iconic Faisal Mosque, the Pakistan Monument, and the historic Raja Bazaar in Rawalpindi for a taste of local life. In the afternoon, you will receive a comprehensive trek briefing from your guide, covering route details, safety protocols, and equipment checks. You will also have a final opportunity to purchase any last-minute supplies.
Drive to Chilas (approx. 10-12 hours)
Activity: Scenic drive along the Karakoram Highway (KKH).
Details: An early start for a long but breathtaking drive. You'll travel on the legendary Karakoram Highway, following the Indus River. The journey offers stunning views of the river, deep gorges, and snow-capped peaks. We will make strategic stops for meals, photography, and rest breaks, including a stop at the junction of the Indus and Gilgit rivers.
Drive to Gilgit & Trek Preparation
Activity: Short drive to Gilgit and final preparations.
Details: After a short 2-3 hour drive, arrive in Gilgit, the administrative capital of Gilgit-Baltistan. The afternoon is dedicated to final trek preparations. This includes sorting and packing supplies, hiring porters, and a final equipment check with your guide. You can also explore the local bazaar and visit the historic Gilgit Bridge.
Jeep Drive to Naltar Lake (3,270m) & Acclimatization
Activity: Off-road jeep adventure and gentle acclimatization walk.
Details: Leave the Karakoram Highway and take a thrilling, bumpy jeep drive up to the stunning Naltar Valley. The valley is famous for its vibrant lakes and pine forests. Upon arrival at Naltar Lake, set up camp. In the afternoon, take a gentle walk around the lakes and surrounding area to help your body adjust to the altitude. This is a crucial acclimatization day.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Lower Shani (3,700m)
Activity: First day on the trail.
Details: The trek begins with a gradual ascent through the beautiful Naltar Valley, following a stream and passing shepherd huts. The trail offers superb views of the surrounding peaks. Today's trek is designed for acclimatization, with a comfortable pace and a moderate ascent.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: ~10 km
Ascent: ~450m
Trek to Pakora High Camp (4,250m)
Activity: Ascending towards the pass.
Details: A shorter but steeper trek today, bringing you closer to the Pakora Pass. The landscape transitions from green pastures to more barren, rocky terrain. You'll gain significant altitude, so it's important to maintain a steady, slow pace. You'll have the afternoon to rest and acclimatize at the high camp.
Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: ~5 km
Ascent: ~550m
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cross Pakora Pass (4,720m) and Trek to Jut (3,390m)
Activity: The most challenging day of the trek.
Details: An early start is essential. The trail ascends steadily to the Pakora Pass, marked by prayer flags and cairns. From the pass, you are rewarded with panoramic views of the Karakoram, Hindu Kush, and even the distant Himalayas. The descent is long and steep, requiring caution, especially on loose scree. You'll traverse a landscape of glaciers and moraines before reaching the campsite at Jut in the Ishkoman Valley.
Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
Distance: ~12 km
Ascent: ~480m
Descent: ~1,320m
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek from Jut to Pakora Village (2,220m)
Activity: A long descent into the valley.
Details: After yesterday's high-altitude exertion, today is a long but mostly downhill trek. The trail descends through the Ishkoman Valley, passing small settlements and offering a different perspective of the mountains. The terrain becomes greener as you lose altitude. (Note: The original itinerary's '11500m descent' is a typo. The actual descent is approximately 1,170m).
Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: ~10 km
Descent: ~1,170m
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Jeep Drive to Gilgit
Activity: Return to civilization.
Details: From Pakora, a jeep will meet the group for a scenic drive back to Gilgit. The drive follows the Ishkoman River down to the Karakoram Highway. The afternoon is free to relax, shower, and celebrate the successful completion of the trek.
Fly to Islamabad or Drive to Naran
Activity: Return to Islamabad (Option 1) or begin overland journey (Option 2).
Details:
Option 1 (Fly): Take a spectacular morning flight from Gilgit to Islamabad (weather permitting). If the flight is canceled, you will drive to Chilas and continue to Islamabad the next day.
Option 2 (Drive to Naran): For those with more time, drive from Gilgit to the beautiful Naran Valley, a popular tourist destination. This involves a full-day drive via the Babusar Pass (if open).
Islamabad or Continue to Islamabad from Naran
Activity: Leisure day or continuation of the journey.
Details:
From Islamabad: A free day for last-minute shopping, rest, or exploring more of the city.
From Naran: Enjoy a scenic drive to Islamabad via the Kaghan Valley, with a possible stop at the famous Saiful Muluk Lake.
Departure from Islamabad
Activity: Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Details: After breakfast, you will be transferred to Islamabad International Airport for your departure.
What's Included & Excluded
Package Inclusions
- Transport & Transfers: All domestic flights and ground transportation included.
- Accommodations: Twin-sharing hotel stays and high-grade trekking camps (including D3V sleeping tents, toilet tents, and shower tents).
- Meals & Catering: Full board (daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner) prepared by our dedicated camp cook and kitchen staff.
- Permits & Official Fees: Complete government trekking permits, official paperwork, bridge tolls, campsite fees, and mandatory waste management dues.
- Logistics & Camp Gear: Comprehensive trekking logistics, communal gear, and non-personal equipment.
- Dedicated Crew: Licensed professional mountain guide, kitchen assistants, and porters (up to 15 kg personal luggage allowance per guest).
- Safety & Emergency Support: Comprehensive first-aid medical kit and satellite phone connectivity for emergency communication.
Package Exclusions
- Travel & Visas: International airfare, airport departure taxes, and Pakistan visa fees.
- Insurance: Comprehensive personal travel, medical, and emergency evacuation insurance.
- Accommodations & Upgrades: Single room supplement (available upon request).
- Separate Transfers: Airport transfers for participants arriving or departing outside the group schedule.
- Personal Gear & Expenses: Sleeping bags, room service, laundry, phone/internet charges, beverages (soft drinks, mineral water, and alcoholic drinks), and items of a purely personal nature.
- Custom Activities: Optional excursions, extra sightseeing, or custom deviations from the fixed itinerary.
- Gratuities: Tips for mountain guides, camp staff, porters, and drivers.
- Unlisted Services: Any expense or service not explicitly specified in the "Included" section.
Trek & Route Map
Interactive geographical route & terrain map for Pakora Pass Trek Naltar to Ishkoman
Terms & Conditions
Hunza Adventure Tours promulgates its terms and conditions for all tours, treks, expeditions, and safaris operated by the company in Pakistan.
Reservation & Advance Payment Requirements
- 50% advance deposit is required upon confirmation to secure permits, hotel rooms, transport, and certified mountain guides.
- The full balance settlement must be cleared upon arrival in Pakistan before departure.
- Advance deposits can be directly wired to our official corporate bank account at Bank Alfalah.
Official Corporate Bank Account Details
Direct all international wire transfers to our official account at Alfalah Bank Pakistan:
A 50% advance deposit is required upon confirmation. Deposits are non-refundable in case of client cancellation, but 100% refundable if the company encounters unforeseen logistical impediments.
All tour packages provide hotel rooms on a twin-sharing basis. A single room supplement charge applies for single occupancy requests.
No refunds will be made to participants who voluntarily leave the tour before completion for any unused nights, transport, or meals.
Our certified tour directors hold complete operational authority. Disruptive or unlawful behavior may result in immediate dismissal from the tour group.
All participants are advised to secure comprehensive international travel insurance covering emergency medical expenses and trip cancellation prior to arrival.
Passports must be valid for at least 6 months. We issue official DTS-licensed LOI documentation for the Pakistan online eVisa portal within 24 hours of booking.
Packing & Travel Essentials
- Sturdy trekking boots / trail walking shoes
- Comfortable slip-on shoes for camps & lodges
- 3-4 pairs of wool/synthetic socks
- Thermal base layers & warm fleece jacket
- Waterproof & windproof outer shell
- Sun hat, warm beanie, and lightweight gloves
- High SPF 50+ sunscreen & polarized sunglasses
- Camera / action cam with extra batteries
- Portable power bank & universal adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Naltar-Ishkoman Trek?
The Naltar-Ishkoman Trek is a challenging and highly rewarding high-altitude trek in the Karakoram Range of Pakistan. It connects the stunning Naltar Valley with the remote Ishkoman Valley by crossing the historic Pakora Pass (4,720m). The trek is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, including vibrant glacial lakes, rugged moraines, and panoramic mountain views.
How difficult is the trek and what is the highest point?
This is a strenuous trek suitable for experienced trekkers in good physical condition. The main challenge is the altitude, with the highest point being the Pakora Pass at 4,720 meters (15,485 feet) . The trek involves several days over 3,500m and a demanding 6-7 hour crossing of the pass with significant ascent and descent.
What is the best time to do this trek?
The optimal time is during the summer season, from late June to mid-September. During these months, the snow has melted from the pass, making it accessible, and the weather is generally more stable and dry. However, mountain weather can be unpredictable year-round.
What is the elevation gain and loss on this trek?
The trek involves significant elevation changes to aid acclimatization.
Total Ascent: Approximately 2,500+ meters over the trekking days.
Maximum Altitude: 4,720m at Pakora Pass.
Key Altitude Gain/Loss Days: The most challenging day is the pass crossing (Day 08), with an ascent of ~480m to the pass and a long descent of ~1,320m to the next camp.
What kind of accommodation is provided?
You will stay in standard hotels in cities like Islamabad, Chilas, and Gilgit. During the trek, all accommodation is in tents on a twin-share basis. We provide spacious sleeping tents and a large mess tent for dining and socializing. A toilet tent will also be provided at each campsite.
What about meals during the trek?
All meals during the trekking portion are included. Our skilled trek chef will prepare nutritious and delicious meals three times a day, blending local Pakistani cuisine with international dishes. Breakfasts typically include porridge, eggs, and paratha. Packed lunches are provided for the trail, and dinners consist of soups, a main course (rice, curry, pasta), and dessert. Boiled drinking water is provided daily. Please inform us of any dietary requirements in advance.
How much luggage can I bring, and who carries it?
You will be responsible for carrying a daypack (with water, camera, layers, and lunch). Your main luggage (duffel bag, max 12-15kg) will be carried by porters or pack animals. It's crucial to pack light and only bring essential items.
What essential equipment do I need to bring?
4-season sleeping bag (rated to at least -10°C)
Insulated sleeping pad
Trekking boots (well-broken-in)
Waterproof jacket and trousers (Gore-Tex or similar)
Down jacket
Fleece/jacket layers
Thermal base layers
Trekking poles
Sunglasses (Category 4) and sunscreen
Headlamp and extra batteries
Personal first-aid kit
Water bottles/hydration system (2-3L capacity)
Is altitude sickness a risk, and how is it managed?
Yes, Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a genuine risk above 3,000m. The itinerary is specifically designed with a gradual ascent profile to allow for proper acclimatization. Your guide is trained in wilderness first aid and will monitor the group's health daily. If symptoms of AMS are severe, the only definitive treatment is to descend immediately.
What is the permit situation for this trek?
All necessary permits (e.g., Central Karakoram National Park permit, trekking permits) will be arranged by our company. You just need to provide a copy of your passport and valid visa well in advance.
