 Lukpe La Pass â A Hidden Gateway of the KarakoramLukpe La Pass is a high and remote glaciated mountain pass in the Karakoram range, connecting Shimshal Valley to Snow Lake and the Biyafo Glacier. Known for its harsh weather, deep crevasses, and technical terrain, it is one of the least-traveled routes in the region, requiring strong alpine skills and route-finding expertise.
 Abdul Joshiâs Crossings of Lukpe LaRenowned mountaineer Abdul Joshi has successfully crossed Lukpe La Pass four times, leading various expeditions through this challenging route:
2007 â Joshi made his first successful crossing of Lukpe La with Qudrat Ali (a fellow Pakistani climber) and Jeff Houben (a Belgian mountaineer). This marked the beginning of his legacy of reviving forgotten Karakoram routes.
2010 â He crossed again with Dr. Ehsan and a larger Pakistani expedition team, further demonstrating the passâs potential as an alpine challenge and training ground for local climbers.
2013 â Alongside climber Nayar, Joshi led another successful crossing, solidifying his mastery over the regionâs complex glacier systems.
2017 (Winter) â In a rare and bold move, Joshi and his team crossed Lukpe La in winter conditions, enduring sub-zero temperatures, deep snow, and unstable ice â a testament to their resilience and alpine skill.
 SignificanceThese multiple crossings helped put Lukpe La back on the map for modern alpinists and earned Joshi the title of a âPathfinder of Karakoram.â His efforts have inspired a new generation of Pakistani mountaineers to explore and document these forgotten high-altitude corridors.
Islamabad International Airport (Google Map)
3 Hours Before Flight Time
You will experience an extreme adventure.
| Day | Activity | Altitude (m) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Islamabad | ~540 | Briefing and gear check |
| 2 | Fly/Drive to Gilgit or Skardu | ~2,200 | Flight preferred; road 2 days |
| 3 | Drive to Hunza â Passu/Shimshal | ~3,000 | Enter Karakoram Highway & Shimshal Valley |
| 4 | Trek to Ghar Sar | ~3,600 | Easy acclimatization day |
| 5 | Trek to Piryen Sar | ~3,900 | Gradual elevation gain |
| 6 | Trek to Shojarav | ~4,300 | Camp |
| 7 | Trek to Shimshal Pass (showort) | ~4,600 | Scenic view of Shimshal pass lake |
| 8-9 | Trek to Chikor | ~4,100 | Â Rest Day (Fixing Steel rope on Braldo river) |
| 10 | Â Trek to Wesm | ~3,900 | Crossing Braldo river and trek |
| 11 | Trek to Bakhtawar Camp | ~4,100 | Glacier begins |
| 12 | Trek to Karavan Camp | ~4,400 | Glacier walk |
| 13 | Trek to Braldu glacier | ~4,700 | Â Glacier walk |
| 14 | Trek to Lukpe La Base camp | ~5,000 | Glacier walk |
| 15 | crossing Lukpela Pass | Â ~5,700 | Crossing and descend |
| 16 | Trek to Simganag Glacier | ~4,900 | Onward Glacier |
| 17 | Trek to Korfoghro | ~4,000 | Onward glacier |
| 18 | Trek to Bianta | ~3,700 | Onward glacier |
| 19 | Trek to Namla | ~3,400 | Glacier & Easy trek |
| 20 | Trek to Askole   | ~3,000 | Easy trek |
| 21 | Drive to Skardu | ~2,400 | Debriefing & celebratio |
| 22  | Fly to Islamabad     | ~540    | Flight preferred; road 2 days |
Accommodation: â 3,4 & 5 star hotels
Transportation: â Car with fuel and toll taxes.
Meals: â Breakfast Lunch & dinner only in the hotel.
Our Team: â Professional & licensed guides throughout the tour.
Visa:â Invitation letter for visa process.
Entry Tickets: â All visiting areas entry tickets
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20% Advance on date block & confirmation of
services. 80% cash on arrival.
06 Working days or less, 100% cancellation
charge.
07 to 10 working days â 50% or the equivalent of
the first two daysâ charges.
12 working days or more â no cancellation
charges provided no commitment or advances
Personal effects for Warm/Windy/Rainy conditions should be
carried by clients. Insectâs repellent, Sunburn lotion etc.
Following are recommended for nature trail
Using drugs or intoxication of any kind is strictly prohibited. If anyone is caught using any kind of substance on buses or
during trip will be expelled from the trip on the spot. That person will not be eligible for any kind of refund.
⢠We reserve the right to cancel trip without prior notice for any reasons deemed appropriate by them.
⢠In such a case the registered participants will receive full refund.
⢠On adventure trip of this type, weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors beyond the control of
organizers can result in a change of itinerary.
⢠It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary the Leader of the
group and Guide will decide what the best alternative is, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group
⢠Smoking in the transport is strictly prohibited.
⢠Participants must hold a valid Computerized CNIC/Passport Card.
⢠Time management / punctuality is strictly recommended.
⢠Participants are advised to use Non-Slippery Shoes/Boot/Joggers/DMS. Participants must NOT wear Heel/Dress Shoes.
⢠On steep ascends in mountainous areas, air conditioned of the buses will be operational on on-off basis to keep the vehicles
from overheating.
⢠The Stunning Pakistan will not be responsible for any injury/damage/loss.
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Abdul Joshi â The Ultimate âPath Finderâ of the Karakoram!*
Iâve lost count of how many times *Abdul Joshi* has left me in awe with his *uncanny ability to navigate the most complex glacial terrains* in the Karakoram and Himalayas. Over multiple expeditionsâcrossing *Khurdopin, Mashabrum, Virjirav, Tillman, Sim, and Skum PassesâIâve witnessed why his team rightly calls him *âThe Path Finder.â**
Glaciers shift, crevasses appear overnight, and routes vanish under fresh snowâyet Abdul *reads the ice like a map. His instinct for finding safe passages through seemingly impassable terrain is nothing short of genius. Whether traversing the chaotic icefalls of Khurdopin or picking a line through the maze-like Virjirav, his decisions are **sharp, calculated, and always spot-on*.
Beyond his technical mastery, Abdulâs leadership ensures *safety, teamwork, and camaraderie* in the harshest conditions. The *Shimshal Mountain Guides* website (https://www.shimshalmountainguides.com)) reflects this professionalism, offering clear expedition details and seamless planningâbut the real magic happens in the mountains, where Abdulâs expertise shines.
For anyone seeking *true high-altitude adventure with a guide who *knows the Karakoram like the back of his hand*, Abdul Joshi is **the best in the business*. Iâd follow âThe Path Finderâ anywhereâand plan to, again and again!
Abdul Joshi and his team stand for seasoned mountaineering skills, serious and respectful behaviour towards their clients and stamina. They will guide you to the remote corners of the Karakoram range, away from the classic trekking routes and have a long-standing experience in glacier and pass crossing finding their way in the most challenging circumstances. I had the privilege to witness the early stages of his climbing career in 2007 (Khurdopin crossing) and had the pleasure to make several other trips under his guidance (Walyoo Sar 2007/Muztagh Ata-2008/Haramosh pass 2010/West-Muztagh pass 2017/Tilman pass 2019). Abdul and his team can guide you also on technical climbing expeditions, even on eight-thousand meter peaks. Abdul successfully summited Annapurna, Everest and K2.
Abdul Joshi: The Man Who Turns Mountains Into Maps
Calling Abdul Joshi a guide doesnât quite cut it. Heâs a force of natureâsomeone who doesnât just follow trails, he creates them. Iâve crossed some of the toughest and least-forgiving passes with himâKhurdopin, Mashabrum, Virjirav, Lukpe La and others that barely exist on any map. Where most would hesitate, Abdul moves with clarity and confidence, reading glaciers like familiar ground and moving through collapsing seracs like theyâre routine. His intuition in the mountains is unreal, his commitment to safety unshakable, and his energy contagious. If you want a real Karakoram experienceâraw, challenging, and awe-inspiringâShimshal Mountain Guides with Abdul at the helm is the only name you need to know. Heâs not just a guideâheâs a legend in motion.
