Pakistan: Hike the Karakoram Mountains

Welcome to Pakistan, known as the Land of the Pure, in Urdu. A country full of natural wonders seemingly undiscovered by tourists. Your adventure starts in Islamabad where you will meet your CEO and fellow travelers at the Welcome Meeting this afternoon. Then head to the Shah Faisal Mosque for sunset. Listen as the maghrib prayer echoes over this unique mosque, welcoming you to Pakistan. Stay: Hotel Hillview Islamabad

This evening, join your CEO and group to prepare for your five day trek that starts tomorrow. Review the trekking route and difficulty levels throughout. Discuss best practice for managing high-altitude sickness and guidelines for responsible trekking. Stay: Destination Hotel Khaplu (B/L/D)

Upon arrival at camp, some warm refreshment will be served as you get settled in. Dinner will be served in the mess tent, and will feature a mix of local Pakistani specialties as well as continental and regional dishes. Tea, coffee and green tea will be available at any time throughout your stay. Stay: Dunsa Campsite (B/L/D)

Boiled water for drinking will be available for refilling your water bottle throughout the journey. Stay: May Sikhpa Campsite (B/L/D)

Listen as the mountain birds sing you awake and breathe in the crisp mountain air as you emerge from your tent. After a hearty breakfast, trek for around 5 km to La Brangsa High Camp. As we hike, listen for the grunts of yaks or the bleating of goats being led by local shepherds. Today's relatively moderate trek is mostly through green meadows, with a small stream crossing to keep you on your toes, literally! There will be moments to rest on the trek and to interact with the shepherds up in the summer pasture. We'll arrive in the afternoon to La Brangsa, and after setting up camp, enjoy some free time. Learn to play cricket with the locals or chat to your local porters who would be thrilled to share a good conversation with you as you relax after the hike. Stay: La Brangsa Campsite (B/L/D)

Enjoy an early breakfast, as we head out straight after sunrise to prepare to summit Thallay La Mountain. Gain about 620 meters in altitude today as you climb a steep trail to reach the top. Summiting a mountaintop after a challenging hike is one of life's unique thrills as a human being. Conquering a physical challenge with like-minded peers to gain your reward-an expansive birds-eye-view of our planet earth as very few get to see her. This summit is perhaps made all the more special by how relatively untouched it is by mass tourism. After some well-deserved celebrating, rest and of course some photos, we'll descend towards our next campsite for the night. Arrive and set up camp at Bukhma campsite and dig into a hearty, celebratory, Pakistani meal. Tonight is your last night camping so enjoy a peaceful last evening under the stars. Stay: Bukhma Campsite (B/L/D)

Today is our last day of trekking through the Thallay La trail. From Bukhma campsite, we'll hike down the remaining 14 km to reach Shigar. Enjoy the last kilometers with mountain flowers, snow capped jagged mountains and flowing glacial streams in view. After arriving to Shigar, say goodbye to the incredible local guides and staff that helped us through the passage. Then relax at Shigar Fort, a converted historic building, and enjoy some refreshments. Tonight, we spend a much earned night in a hotel in Shigar and a enjoy warm dinner as a group. Stay: Dynasty Hotel (B/L/D)

In the case that the flight from Skardu to Islamabad is cancelled, we will take the scenic route and drive to Islamabad. We'll pass through the breathtaking Babusar Pass and picturesque lakeside towns like Naran. Stay: Hotel Hillview Islamabad (B/L)

Depart at anytime. (B)