“Conquer Baltistan’s Hidden High Passes”
Overview
The Skam La (5,410 m) and Sim La (5,390 m) trek is one of the most adventurous high-altitude journeys in the Baltistan region of Pakistan. Located near the legendary Snow Lake (Lukpe Lawo), this trek combines technical glacier crossings, breathtaking landscapes, and an authentic wilderness experience away from commercial trekking routes.
If you are an adventure lover seeking to challenge yourself with one of the most remote treks in the Karakoram–Himalayan ranges, then this itinerary is for you.
Highlights
- Double High-Pass Crossing: A rare adventure across two 5,000+ m passes.
- Snow Lake Experience: Explore one of the largest non-polar glacial basins in the world.
- Stunning Peaks: Views of Baintha Brakk (The Ogre), Latok I–IV, and Shark’s Fin.
- Authentic Adventure: Remote camping with no crowds.
- Cultural Immersion: Trek with local Balti high-altitude porters and guides.
Itinerary
Itinerary for Skam La & Sim La Trek (Baltistan, Pakistan)
Transfer to the hotel, relax and in the afternoon visit to the twin cities Islamabad and Rawalpindi
One hour flight over the great mountains of Himalaya and Karakorum
Documentations and preparation for the next adventure, shopping and packing etc.
Early morning jeep drive via Shigar and Dassu army check-post.
Lunch at Appo Aligon. Arrival Askole the last ( permanent settlement). Set up tents arrange the porters visit to the village experience the locals' life and traditions
Overnight in tents.
To day is the first day of the trek begins a short walk of three hours in order to acclimatization
Trek along Baltoro tributaries. Enter Latok nala and reach Sokh campsite (green pastures). Rest and acclimatization.
Scenic trek crossing Panmah and Choktoi glacier moraines.
Ascend gradually toward Chinchangh Biyangah campsite.
Abundant water and firewood available.
Trek through glacial moraines and scree slopes. Encounter wildlife zones (Markhor & Bear habitats). Cross Skinmang & Drenmang valleys. Camp at Aboltok, a rocky site with stunning mountain views.
Trek across wide glacier basin of Nobande Sobande. Panoramic views of Baintha Brakk (The Ogre) and Shark’s Fin. Establish Advance Camp below Skam La Pass. Overnight in tents on snow basin.
arly start for Skam La Pass crossing (technical section with fixed ropes, crampons required). Steep descent through crevasses and avalanche-prone slopes. Enter Snow Lake (Lukpe Lawo) – one of the largest glacial basins on earth. Camp near Sim Gang Glacier with views of Baintha Brakk.
Pre-dawn departure across Snow Lake. Traverse multiple snow basins and ridges to reach Sim La Pass. Technical descent with rappelling sections and crevasse navigation. Spectacular views of Latok range and Ogre Peak. Continue to Dolonma campsite.
Gentle trek through alpine pastures and wildflower meadows. Descend to Jhola campsite, passing green valleys. Celebration of successful double pass crossing.
Four hours walk on a jeep road to Askole and 5-6 hours drive to Skardu overnight stay in hotel. Hot shower, relax farewell party with staff members and say good by.
If you are lucky enough with the one hour flight to Islamabad after this adventure otherwise two days drive to Islamabad
visit to some historical sites neerby Islamabad
Transfer to the Islamabad International
Services Included & Excluded
Includes
- All domestic flights (Checked Baggage Allowance: 20kg, Hand Carry: 7kg)
- All road transfers including airport transfers
- All hotel accommodation in Pakistan (twin sharing room)
- All trekking accommodation in Pakistan (twin sharing dome tent)
- All camping site fees and bridge fees
- All trekking logistics (all tents, non-personal equipment and tools etc)
- All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) and beverages/water during meals
- Snacks including dry fruits and tea/coffee during the trek
- Licensed professional guide (government requirement)
- Government paperwork
- All National Parks fees (government requirement)
- Islamabad and Hunza sightseeing including all entry fees
- Support staff (cook, assistant(s) etc)
- Porters - personal luggage (14kgs)
- First aid medicine kit (very basic)
Excludes
- Personal travel insurance (suggestions only)
- Visa to Pakistan (five supporting documents will be offered)
- International airfare
- Personal equipment (e.g., trekking shoes, down jacket, walking sticks etc)
- Extra nights in Islamabad (hotel check in/out is 12pm) - additional USD 67 per night
- Additional trek weight/baggage: USD 11 per kg
- Tips/gratuities for guides, porters, staff etc
- Miscellaneous (minibar, bottled water, phone calls, laundry, souvenir etc)