4 Days 3 Nights
No Cancel
5 people
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Location: Thagas Valley, Ghanche District, Gilgit-Baltistan
Type: Cliffside trek along an ancient water channel
Trek Duration: 1 day (6–8 hours round-trip)
Level: Extreme / Not for beginners
Best Season: July to September
The Thagas Death Trek, also known locally as the Sarfa Lam, is one of Pakistan’s most thrilling and dangerous footpaths — a narrow, hand-carved trail clinging to the face of towering cliffs, built to support a life-sustaining water channel for the villages below. Winding alongside this centuries-old irrigation canal, the trail offers breathtaking views of the Saltoro Mountains, Thagas Valley, and the shimmering Saltoro River far below.
This trail isn’t named for the faint of heart. With barely a foot of space separating you from vertical drops of hundreds of feet, and no guardrails or safety ropes, the danger is real. Trekkers must maintain extreme balance and composure, particularly where the path narrows or curves tightly around rock faces. The added presence of flowing water beside your feet makes the terrain slippery and unpredictable.
What makes it even more remarkable is that local villagers walk this track barefoot every day — transporting tools, goods, and even livestock with fearless precision.
The Sarfa Lam channel is more than a trek — it’s a lifeline for agriculture in this remote area. Its construction is a testament to the traditional engineering skills of the Balti people, who carved this water channel into sheer cliffs using basic tools and sheer determination.
Along the way, trekkers are rewarded with majestic views of untouched alpine landscapes, hanging valleys, and glimpses into the daily resilience of mountain life.
🚗 Drive: Skardu → Khaplu (130 km / ~3-4 hours)
🏞️ Explore Khaplu Fort, riverside views, and local bazaar
🍽️ Lunch at Khaplu Serena Hotel or a local dhaba
🚗 Continue drive to Thagas Village (32 km / ~1.5 hours)
🏠 Overnight stay at guesthouse or local homestay in Thagas
🧳 Prep for trek: Check gear, hire local guide, brief on safety
🍽️ Early breakfast
🎒 Begin Death Trek (Sarfa Lam Channel) — ~6 km one-way
⚠️ Trail carved into cliffs with water channel running alongside
🧗♂️ Slow, careful hike with extreme caution — no safety rails
📸 Scenic views: mountains, river valley, and traditional irrigation
🛑 Return to Thagas before dark
💤 Overnight stay in Thagas
🔸 Note: Locals complete this route daily — respect their space and pace
🔸 Wear non-slip hiking boots, gloves, and carry minimal weight
🚶♂️ Optional short hike to nearby farms or Saltoro River viewpoints
📷 Capture village life and heritage
🍽️ Lunch with a local family (optional cultural experience)
🚗 Drive back to Khaplu in afternoon
🏨 Overnight at hotel in Khaplu (e.g., Serena, PTDC, or budget options)
🕊️ Morning visit to Chaqchan Mosque (700-year-old heritage site)
📸 Final views of Ghanche Valley
🚗 Return to Skardu by afternoon
✈️ Optional drop to airport / hotel in Skardu city
Car rental from Islamabad (sedan, SUV, 4x4)
Vehicle upgrade on request
Hotel and guesthouse reservations
Room upgrade options (deluxe, view rooms)
Air ticket booking (Islamabad–Skardu)
Mobile SIM card assistance
Personalized food arrangements (veg, desi, dietary needs)
Bonfire and BBQ experience
Destination-based event planning (birthdays, proposals)
Add-on valley trips and nearby explorations
Enjoy authentic local Balti cuisine
Professional photography and videography
Drone coverage (subject to local permissions)
It’s located in Thagas Village, near Khaplu in the Ghanche District of Gilgit-Baltistan, around 5 hours from Skardu by road.
Because the trail is extremely narrow, carved into cliffs, and lacks safety rails. A fall could be fatal — it’s only for experienced trekkers.
It's not recommended for beginners, children, or people afraid of heights. Always go with a local guide, wear proper gear, and avoid during rain or snow.
Yes! Local villagers use it daily to access farmland and water, often barefoot, showcasing incredible skill and balance.
Usually not, but ID and check-in may be needed at military checkpoints due to the region's proximity to border zones.
Yes. Wear grippy trekking shoes, gloves, and light gear. A hiking stick is helpful. Avoid large backpacks that may affect balance.
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