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Panmah Glacier Trek

 A Journey Through Pakistan’s Frozen Wilderness

The Panmah Glacier Trek is one of the most exhilarating and remote high-altitude trekking adventures in the Karakoram Range, located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of northern Pakistan. It takes you deep into the icy heart of Baltistan, where few have ventured, and rewards you with dramatic landscapes of colossal glaciers, towering granite spires, and wild alpine beauty.

📍 Location:

Skardu District, Baltistan, Karakoram Range, Pakistan

🧭 Trek Duration:

14–18 Days (depending on route and acclimatization)


❄️ Trek Overview:

The trek begins from the small settlement of Askole, the last jeep-accessible village in Braldu Valley. From there, the route diverts away from the popular K2 Base Camp trail and enters a much lesser-trodden path that leads toward the Panmah Glacier. This glacier forms a connection between the Choktoi Glacier to the north and Biafo Glacier to the west, creating a rugged frozen highway between remote glacial systems.

The terrain is challenging — trekkers must cross icy moraines, shifting boulders, and steep glacier walls. However, the stark beauty of the surroundings makes every step worth it. Giant ice towers rise from the glacier’s surface, while snow-covered peaks loom above, including views of the Latok Peaks, among the most technically difficult climbing spires in the world.


🏕️ Camping Experience:

Each night is spent in wild campsites, offering complete disconnection from civilization. Crystal-clear skies, pure mountain air, and the sound of distant avalanches echoing through the valleys create a surreal environment of peace and grandeur. Trekkers experience the raw wilderness of nature, often encountering no other humans for days.


🧭 Extension Possibilities:

For those seeking an even greater challenge, the Panmah Glacier Trek can be extended toward the Snow Lake (Lukpe Lawo) and descend via the Biafo Glacier — one of the longest glaciers outside the polar regions. This extended trek is physically demanding and requires experienced guides and preparation, but offers unparalleled views and glacier exploration.


🗓️ Best Time to Trek:

→ Mid-June to August is the ideal window when snow levels recede and trails are most navigable.


🧗‍♂️ Trek Difficulty:

Challenging to Strenuous – Recommended for experienced trekkers and adventurers with good fitness levels and glacier trekking experience.


🌐 Why Choose the Panmah Glacier Trek?

→ Remote and untouched trekking route

→ Stunning views of rarely seen Karakoram giants

→ Perfect for glacier trekking, wilderness camping, and alpine photography

→ Far from the crowds of mainstream treks

→ Gateway to high-altitude expeditions like Ogre Peak and Snow Lake


🧳 Essential Gear & Preparation:

→ High-altitude tent and sleeping bag

→ Crampons, trekking poles, and glacier boots

→ Layered clothing (extreme cold and wind)

→ Glacier glasses and sunscreen

→ Satellite communication device recommended

→ Experienced local guide and porters essential


🕌 Cultural Encounter:

The journey to and from Askole gives trekkers a glimpse of Balti culture, known for its warm hospitality, centuries-old traditions, and high-altitude survival skills. Exploring the small settlements along the Braldu Valley adds a cultural dimension to this otherwise wild trek.


🔚 Conclusion:

The Panmah Glacier Trek is more than just a trail — it’s a voyage into one of the last remaining untamed frontiers on Earth. Ideal for seasoned adventurers, this trek offers raw beauty, glacier travel, and an intense connection to the natural world. If you’re looking to escape the ordinary and enter a realm of towering ice, granite spires, and breathtaking solitude, the Panmah Glacier is calling.

🏞️ Trek Highlights:

→ Panmah Glacier – an enormous ice field stretching through the Karakoram wilderness

→ Views of famous granite spires like Latok Group, Ogre Peak, and Choktoi Glacier

→ Cross glacial moraines, ice ridges, and remote shepherd trails

→ Option to extend toward Snow Lake or Biafo Glacier for extended expeditions

→ Wild camping beneath towering peaks under starlit skies

🗺️  Suggested Itinerary (15 Days)


📍 Day 1: Arrival in Skardu (2,228m)

→ Flight or drive from Islamabad to Skardu

→ Hotel check-in, rest and gear check

→ Optional visit to Kharpocho Fort or Sadpara Lake
🛏️ Overnight in Skardu


📍 Day 2: Drive to Askole (3,000m)

→ 6–7 hours 4×4 jeep ride through Braldu Valley

→ Last village before the wilderness begins

→ Meet porters and local crew
🛏️ Camping in Askole


📍 Day 3: Trek to Namla (3,400m)

→ Trek begins!

→ Moderate trail along Braldu River

→ Camp near Namla meadow
🕒 5–6 hours trekking
🛏️ Camping in Namla


📍 Day 4: Trek to Panmah Glacier Base (3,700m)

→ Enter glacial moraine terrain

→ First views of Panmah Glacier

→ Tougher trail over icy sections
🕒 5–7 hours trekking
🛏️ Camping on glacier edge


📍 Day 5: Trek to Choktoi Camp (4,000m)

→ Continue along Panmah Glacier

→ Breathtaking views of Latok Peaks

→ Camp near junction with Choktoi Glacier
🕒 5–6 hours trekking
🛏️ Camping in glacier basin


📍 Day 6: Rest & Exploration Day (Acclimatization)

→ Acclimatize and explore Choktoi Glacier area

→ Optional hike to Ogre Peak viewpoint

→ Glacier safety training if needed
🛏️ Camping


📍 Day 7: Trek to Baintha Camp via Panmah Glacier (3,850m)

→ Return back across glacier route

→ Camp in Baintha – grassy oasis between glaciers

→ Refreshing contrast to ice fields
🕒 6–7 hours trekking
🛏️ Camping at Baintha


📍 Day 8: Rest Day at Baintha

→ Optional hike to nearby ridges

→ Wildlife sightings possible (ibex, marmots)

→ Perfect rest before Snow Lake option (if planned)
🛏️ Camping


📍 Day 9: Trek to Namla (return route)

→ Descend the trail alongside Braldu River

→ Easier walking day
🕒 4–5 hours trekking
🛏️ Camping at Namla


📍 Day 10: Trek back to Askole

→ Last trekking day

→ Celebrate successful glacier adventure
🕒 4–5 hours trekking
🛏️ Overnight in Askole camp


📍 Day 11: Drive to Skardu

→ Return via 4×4 jeep to Skardu

→ Hot shower and rest in guesthouse
🛏️ Overnight in Skardu


📍 Day 12: Contingency / Weather Buffer Day

→ Extra day in case of delays or weather

→ Can be used to explore Skardu bazaar, Shigar Fort
🛏️ Hotel stay in Skardu


📍 Day 13: Fly or Drive to Islamabad

→ Flight to Islamabad (weather dependent)

→ Alternate: 2-day road journey via Karakoram Highway
🛏️ Overnight in Islamabad (if road travel)


📍 Day 14–15: Buffer Days / Debrief / Departure

→ Spare day for flexibility

→ Final celebration dinner or sightseeing in Islamabad

→ End of trek and departure

 

Included

S#

DETAILS

01

Airport pick and drop

02

Accommodation bed & B.fast, twin bedroom in Islamabad and other cities standard air-condition rooms.

03

Flight Ticket or transportation from Islamabad/ Skardu/ Gilgit/chitral or from these cities to Islamabad

04

Skardu/Gilgit/Hunza Hotel (bed & breakfast)

05

Two nights in Chilas/ Besham hotel (bed & breakfast) incase of flight cancellation.

06

Jeeps Skardu/Askoli/ Hushe/ Skardu/shimshal/Chitral/Kalash or vice virsa.

07

Wages, insurance, food equipment of cook

08

Wages, insurance, food equipment of Assistant cook,

09

Wages, insurance, food of Porter Sirdar

10

Porter Payment, Low altitude porters.

11

Baggage,75 kg (going time) and 50 kgs  (on return) for expedition 45 days or more and 25 kg for trekking group & trekking peak    

12

Full board camp food during trek & at base camp.

13

Mess tent, Kitchen tent, store tent, table , chairs and kitchen equipment

14

Reconfirmation of international flight tickets.

15

Camping fees, road taxes & bridge crossing of expedition members & Porters.

16

Porters Equipments.

17

Assistance in obtaining climbing permit and other documentations

18

Briefing and debriefing in the Ministry of tourism

19

CKNP fee: US $ 150/per member

20

1000 US$ guarantee pollution fee.

21

200 US$ environmental protection fund.

22

Fuel, Tarpaulin, and Stove for porters.

23

Kerosene Oil for porter and Members

24

Toilet tent and shower tent

25

Members will have individual D-4  in Base camp tents, and mattress for expeditions more than one month

26

LO insurance or guide transport and hotel/ equipment and TA/DA.

27

Royalty fee and additional member fee

Not Included

S.#

DETAILS

01

Sleeping bags, rucksacks and personal clothing.

02

Medication, ground evacuation and helicopter rescue (US$15,000) of any kind.

03

Room services, laundry charges, beverages and items of personal nature. Phone /communication

04

Climbing food beyond base camp, equipment, high altitude Porters wages bills.

05

Insurance or liability of any members.

06

Tip to staff

07

Custom clearing and forwarding agent’s charge.

08

Food & drinks during stay in hotel (City)

09

Transport to other cities or places out of itinerary

10

Custom clearing and forwarding agent’s charge.

11

Extra baggage charges during international or domestic flight

12

Insurance or liability of any members.

TERMS & CONDITION:

Chogholingsa Trek &Tours promulgates its terms and conditions for any kind of trip, trekking, mountaineering, hiking, rafting, wild safaris and other services being operated so far by the company. The terms and conditions set forth will bring forward its limitations before any interested visitor advances for the programs alluded.

What should our clients do for reservation of any kind of services provided by the company?

40% of payment in advance should be made up 1 month earlier or as soon as the trip is confirmed, since it is a proof that you are sure to attempt the trip. It should be done as alluded so that the company can manage all the necessary documents, permissions and required field staffs.

The full settlement of the payment should be cleared before the client proceeds for the trip or any kind of service at the arrival in Pakistan.

The advance payment is not refundable in case of overturning the trip in any condition on behalf of the client.

The advance payment is only refundable if the holding company shows any technical impediments regarding the trip.

No refund is made for 40% deposit amount in case of delay arrival, no show or cancellation of trip for any other else reason.

For any consideration regarding the terms alluded, a bilateral negotiation can be attempted between the hosting company and the client
The advance payment can be directly deposited to our bank account through any bank in the world.
 

1: REFUND:

No refund will be made for 50% deposit amount in case of cancellation of trip for any other else reason. Having paid full amount of any trip, you’re entitled to incur refund in case if you want to cancel your trip. Still, cancellation charge is invoiced to you. Written notification of your cancellation should be made to cancel any trip. Nevertheless, you’re imposed cancellation charge as advised below: –

2: SUPPLEMENT CHARGE:

On our holidays tour / trek packages, rooms or tents are provided in twin sharing basis. Thus, single room supplement charge will be imposed to client who does not have another tour participant to share room / tent with.

3: INCOMPLETE TOUR:

No refund will be made to clients who drop out from the journey regardless of whatever portions remain unused in the itinerary.

4: CLIENTS’ RESPONSIBLE:

A tour / trek guide who represents Chogholingsa trek & Tours deserves all authority during your tours. If you commit any unlawful act, you are compelled to leave the tour. No refund will be made in such case.

5: IMPACT ON YOUR JOURNEY:

We put our every effort to ensure comfortable traveling of yours,but it is must to understand that what you might be accustomed to in the western affluent countries, the Asian countries can’t afford such facilities. Weather is another factor that directly impact on your journey. Hence, patience in mind, enthusiasm and proper preparation before head is must to venture into journey.

6:  TRAVEL INSURANCE:

You must purchase comprehensive travel insurance package against medical, natural calamity, helicopter evacuation, personal accident, trip cancellation etc. This is  suggested to all our esteemed clients.

7: TOUR AMENDMENT:
To make alterations of any trek / tour itinerary, prior notice is requested. You’re advised to stay in touch with us thus. But occasionally, you may be obliged to do so en route under certain circumstance for instance bad weather etc.

8: PAPERS AND DOCUMENTS:

All necessary documents should be presented in sequence for example to issue visa, necessary permits etc. We’re not accountable in case of any trip formality not completed in time before the trip departs on the absent of essential papers and documents.

9:  RISK AND RESPONSIBILITY:

Your safety and enjoyment is our prime concern. We therefore carry out our responsibility honestly & sincerely to ensure your holiday trouble–free as well as you have desired. Nevertheless, unless stated otherwise, trip may be change under uncertain and inherent circumstances such as land-slides, road blockage, flood, snow political unrest, cancellation of flight, delay arrival, sickness or accidents etc. Any extra cost incurring there is your personal responsibility and should be borne on the spot.

10: FLIGHT DELAY / CANCELLATION:

There is virtually possibility of flight delay or postponement for notorious weather in Karakoram & Himalayan Mountain regions of Pakistan which could be happened,  especially during off season, you’re highly advised to reserve extra days to prepare with some delays and avoid frustrating consequence. In case of flight cancellation pre-tour/post-tour, you need to meet your accommodation and food costs yourself.

Chogholingsa trek & Tours puts every effort to ensure your comfortable traveling, but it is must to understand that what you might be accustomed to in the other affluent countries, the Asian countries can’t afford such facilities. Weather is another factor that directly impacts your journey. Hence, patience in mind, enthusiasm and proper preparation before beginning is must to venture into journey.

01  RESERVATIONS / PAYMENTS:

A non-refundable deposit of $300 or 15% of the tour is required in order to make a reservation with the company. Total balance is due 3 weeks prior to departure. When price once fixed then any extra expenses will not be charged to the client
→02  MODE OF PAYMENT:   Bank Transfer:

Account Details

Bank Name:

Habib Bank Pvt.LTD.

Account Title:

Chogholingsa

IBAN NO:

PK73 HABB 0004767901352403

swift code

HABBPKKA Or HABBPKKA476

Branch Code

0476

Branch name:

Main Bazar Branch Skardu