Khaplu Motel PTDC Baltistan

LOCATION: PTDC’s Motel at Khaplu is located at a distance of 103 Kilometers from Skardu involving about 4 hours traveling time. It lies in the beautiful valley of the Shyok river. Many well-known mountains such as Masher brum, Saltoro, Sia Gangri, K-6 and K-7 are located here. PIA operates a daily flight from Islamabad to Skardu (all flights are subject to weather). From Skardu jeeps are opportunely available on hire.

ACCOMMODATION: The motel has 16 rooms, restaurant offering local and continental food, Satellite TV and Resnt-a-Jeep facilities.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Baltistan is known as the "Tibet-e-Khurd" or Little Tibet since its life-style reflects that of the roof of the World and Land of Lamas.It borders on the Chinese province of Xinjiang and Indian-occupied Kashmir. The tourist season is from April to October. The maximum temperature is 27C and the minimum (October) 8C. The whole of Northern Pakistan has come to be known as a heaven for mountaineers, climbers, trekkers and hikers. While visiting Baltistan, you cannot afford to Miss Khaplu and the grandeur of lofty mountains surrounding this splendid tourist destination, otherwise you might have missed much in life!

WHAT TO SEE? Apart from its unique cluster of mountain peaks and glaciers Baltistan’s five valleys- Shigar, Skardu, Khaplu, Rondu and Kharmang are noted for their delicious peaches, apricots, apples and pears. Shigar valley, 32 kms. by jeep from Skardu is the gateway to the mountain peaks of the Karakorams. Skardu has a historic Fort atop a ridge known as the Mindoq-Khar or Castle of Queen Mindoq and three lovely lakes. The two- Kachura Lake 29 kms. and Stapra Lake 8 kms. from Sakrdu- are ideal for fishing.

WILD FLOWERS AND BROWN BEARS OF DEOSAI: The Deosai Plains are 32 km south of Skardu. This plateau is the habitat of the greatly threatened Himalayan Brown Bear and many other wild animals. At an average elevation of 3500 metres, Deosai is now a National Park and protected area for wildlife.

The rolling grassland here supports no trees or shrubs and the area is snow covered for seven months of the year. Spring comes to Deosai in August when millions of wild flowers begin to bloom all over the lush green grassland. This is a time when Deosai looks like a paradise with a landscape full of wild flowers on green rolling hills and crystal clear water streams with snow covered peaks in the background.

An adventure jeep safari will take you right across the beautiful mountain ranges of the Himalayas and the Karakorams Travelling on KKH; you will enjoy the most amazing scenery on earth. Before reaching Deosai, you will also witness the magical views of Nanaga Parbat (8126 m), the ninth highest peak of the world. At Deosai, you first stop will be at Sheosar Lake. This place offers beautiful views of south fact of Nanga Parbat and a panoramic view of Deosai Plains. At Bara Pani, you can spend one day and visit the core of the National Park for Bear watching or you may enjoy fishing in the cold waters or Barwai Stream. From Deosai, you can travel back via Skardu and Gilgit to enjoy the most thrilling drive along the Indus River..

PERMISSIONS: Permission for mountaineering and trekking is issued by the Tourism Division, Government of Pakistan, Opp: Pakistan Sports Complex, Kashmir Highway (Abpara), Islamabad. (Telephone: 92-51-9203509). Fishing permits are issued by the Fisheries Department at Gilgit and Skardu.