Kondus Valley Trek
🌄 Kondus Valley Trek – A Hidden Paradise at the Edge of Pakistan
Overview:
Tucked deep within the Ghanche district of Baltistan, Kondus Valley is one of Pakistan’s last untouched frontiers. Located near the Line of Control, this valley remained restricted for decades due to military sensitivity, preserving its pristine beauty, ancient culture, and raw wilderness. The Kondus Valley Trek is an unforgettable journey through dramatic mountain landscapes, remote Balti villages, glacial rivers, and towering peaks.
This trek is ideal for seasoned adventurers who seek solitude, cultural immersion, and off-the-beaten-path exploration. Kondus lies at the gateway to the Saltoro Range, with breathtaking views of Chogolisa, Saltoro Kangri, and Sia Kangri, making it one of the most scenic yet underrated regions in the Karakoram.
📍 Location:
Region: Ghanche District, Baltistan
Start/End Point: Khaplu / Skardu
Elevation Range: 2,600m to 4,500m+
Duration: 10–12 Days (can be adjusted)
📜 Permits & Access:
Due to its proximity to the India-Pakistan border, entry into Kondus Valley requires NOC (No Objection Certificate) and coordination with military authorities. However, recent efforts have made it easier for trekkers to access the area with proper guides and documentation.
🏕️ Best Time to Trek:
June to September – when the weather is stable, trails are snow-free, and the valley is lush.
🧭 Trek Difficulty:
Moderate to Challenging – Not highly technical, but remoteness, altitude, and lack of infrastructure require good fitness and experience.
✅ Important Notes:
→ Guided treks only are recommended due to permit requirements and military zones.
→ Bring your own camping gear or confirm with tour operators for arrangements.
→ Respect local customs – it’s a culturally sensitive region with conservative communities.
📌 Conclusion:
The Kondus Valley Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime journey into a forgotten land — a land of ice, stone, and timeless beauty. This trek is not just a physical adventure but a spiritual and cultural voyage, revealing the stark grandeur of the Karakoram in its most untouched form. If you seek something raw, remote, and real, Kondus Valley awaits.
🏞️ Highlights:
→ Trek through one of Pakistan’s most remote and restricted valleys.
→ Witness unspoiled landscapes, crystal-clear streams, and glacial terrain.
→ Experience traditional Balti culture in untouched villages like Kondus, Lach, and Joa.
→ Panoramic views of rarely seen peaks of the Saltoro Range.
→ Camp under the stars in complete wilderness with no tourist crowds.
→ Adventure through military zones with special permits – adding a sense of mystery and thrill.
📅 Suggested Itinerary for Kondus Valley Trek
Day 1: Arrival in Skardu
→ Transfer to hotel, rest, and final gear check.
→ Overnight in Skardu.
Day 2: Drive from Skardu to Khaplu – Kondus Valley Entry
→ 6–7 hours scenic drive along Shyok River.
→ Cross military checkpoints and reach Kondus village.
→ Overnight in a guesthouse/camp.
Day 3: Trek from Kondus to Lach Village
→ Begin trek through green fields, icy streams, and stony paths.
→ Gentle ascent toward Lach, a remote village.
→ Camp overnight.
Day 4: Lach to Upper Kondus / Joa
→ Trek deeper into the valley, away from civilization.
→ Stunning views of Saltoro peaks.
→ Camp at Joa, near glacial outwash plains.
Day 5: Acclimatization and Exploration
→ Rest day with light hiking to nearby viewpoints or glacier edges.
→ Optional day hike toward Kondus Glacier snout.
→ Camp overnight.
Day 6: Trek toward Sia La viewpoint (Optional Adventure Day)
→ If allowed and safe, ascend toward the viewpoint of Sia La for views of Sia Kangri.
→ Return to Joa or upper camp.
→ Overnight stay.
Day 7: Begin Return – Joa to Lach
→ Retrace steps, soaking in views from a new perspective.
→ Camp at Lach.
Day 8: Lach to Kondus Village
→ Final descent back to Kondus.
→ Farewell dinner in the village.
Day 9: Drive to Khaplu – Then to Skardu
→ Cross military zones again and drive back to Skardu.
→ Celebrate successful trek.
Day 10: Fly/Drive Back to Islamabad or Next Destination
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. |
