Pass
Thalay La
Ghanche district · 4,575 m
Thalay La, at 4,575 m, is the old trading foot route between Khaplu and Shigar.
Thalay La is a high pass that links the Khaplu side of Baltistan with Shigar on foot. For generations it has been a trading route, and it is still a lovely way of crossing between the two valleys without going down to Skardu.
Kind PassDistrict GhancheElevation 4,575 mPosition about 35.317° N, 76.050° E
About Thalay La
The guidebook lists a Thalley La trek that begins in Shigar and passes through Daserpa, then over the pass, then Dublakhan and Olmochomik before ending at Khasomik, or the same in reverse. It takes three days, covers 45 km, and is graded moderate. It is in the open zone.
The guidebook gives the highest point of that trek as 4,876 m. A harder route from Harangus Thalley over Harangus La to Kamday is also listed for experienced trekkers.
Elsewhere in Ghanche
Swipe along the district, from the valley floor to the summits.
- 3,050 m
Town or village
Hushe
Hushe is the village at the end of the Gondogoro walk, with Masherbrum in view and a long tradition of mountain guides.
Town or village · 2,600 m
Khaplu
Khaplu, at 2,600 m, is the old Yabgo capital on the Shyok, and its palace was restored by the Aga Khan trust in 2011.
- 2,700 m
Town or village
Machulo
Machulo lies between Khaplu and the Thalay valley, with apricot terraces climbing both banks of the river.