Machulo La K2 Viewpoint Trek

Day 1 – Arrival in Islamabad

Arrive in Pakistan’s capital city, Islamabad. You’ll be welcomed by your local representative or guide and transferred to the hotel. The day is for rest, gear checks, and final briefing about the trek. If time allows, short sightseeing in Islamabad (Faisal Mosque, Lok Virsa Museum) can be arranged. Overnight stay in Islamabad.

Day 2 – Drive to Chilas (via Karakoram Highway)

Travel time: ~11–12 hrs (480 km)

After an early breakfast, begin the scenic drive along the legendary Karakoram Highway (KKH). The journey follows the Indus River, passing Abbottabad, Besham, and Dassu. Expect dramatic mountain scenery, hanging cliffs, and glimpses of rural life. Overnight stay in Chilas, a small but important stopover town on the KKH.

Day 3 – Chilas to Skardu

Travel time: ~10–12 hrs (270 km)

The drive continues along the Indus River gorge, passing through Jaglot and Skardu Road junction. From here, the valley widens, revealing spectacular granite walls and rushing rivers. By evening you arrive in Skardu, the gateway to Baltistan’s high mountains. Overnight at hotel in Skardu.

Note: In good weather, a domestic flight from Islamabad to Skardu (≈ 1 hr) can replace the road journey and save time.

Day 4 – Skardu to Khaplu & Machulo Village

Drive time: ~5–6 hrs

Leave Skardu and head eastwards along the Shyok River. En route, stop at the historic town of Khaplu, once the seat of the Yabgo rulers. Visit the Khaplu Fort / Palace and the 700-year-old Chaqchan Mosque, then continue to Machulo village — the base of your trek. Overnight stay in a homestay or guesthouse, where you’ll meet the local trekking team and porters.

Day 5 – Trek Machulo to Camp I (Khari Broq)

Trek time: ~3–5 hrs

The trek begins! A steady uphill hike takes you from the cultivated fields of Machulo into alpine meadows and ridgelines. The trail passes through pastures used by shepherds in summer. Camp is set up at Khari Broq (Camp I), surrounded by dramatic views of snow-capped peaks. Overnight in tents.

Day 6 – Trek Camp I to Camp II (Base Camp Zone)

Trek time: ~4–6 hrs

Continue ascending along rocky ridges and grassy knolls. The air becomes thinner as you approach ~4,400–4,600 m. Today is also an acclimatization day — the pace is slower to allow your body to adjust. By afternoon you reach Camp II, located at the base of the route leading to Machulo La. Sunset views are superb, and the campfire atmosphere unforgettable. Overnight in tents.

Day 7 – Machulo La Viewpoint Excursion & Return to Village

Trek time: 6–8 hrs (round trip)

Wake up before dawn for the highlight of the trek: climbing to Machulo La (≈ 5,000–5,100 m). From the ridge, the reward is a panoramic view of five 8,000-meter peaks:

• K2 (8,611 m)

• Broad Peak (8,051 m)

• Gasherbrum I (8,080 m) & II (8,035 m)

• Nanga Parbat (8,126 m) in the far distance on a clear day

After soaking in the view and photography, descend carefully back through Camp II and Camp I, returning all the way down to Machulo village. Overnight in guesthouse/homestay.

Day 8 – Machulo to Skardu

Drive time: ~5–6 hrs

After breakfast, bid farewell to the local porters and hosts. Drive back along the Shyok valley to Skardu. Rest and relax in the hotel, with time to explore Skardu Bazaar for handicrafts, dry fruits, and souvenirs. Overnight in Skardu.

Day 9 – Skardu to Islamabad & Departure

Options:

• By air: A 1-hour scenic flight (weather-permitting) takes you over the Himalayas and Karakoram, offering unforgettable aerial views of Nanga Parbat.

• By road: If flights are canceled, the group drives back to Islamabad via Chilas (takes 2 days, with overnight in Chilas).

The tour officially ends in Islamabad with either a transfer to your hotel or onward international departure.