Every turn on the trail opened up another shot worth taking. Our guide knew exactly where to stop for the best light, and the pace never felt rushed.
Franco Hita
Tormik Valley Trek
Destination Explanation
Tormik Valley Trek
Step away from the well-traveled routes of Gilgit-Baltistan and discover the remote beauty of Tormik Valley, one of the lesser-known alpine destinations of the Skardu region. This four-day trek through the Roundu region combines scenic jeep travel, traditional Balti villages, alpine meadows, a high mountain pass, a traditional polo ground, and a soak in natural hot springs — ideal for trekkers looking for an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience.
Route: Skardu → Dunsa Polo Ground → Terme Village → Pakora → Shigar Top (5,500 m) → Chhutrang Broq → Natural Hot Springs → Skardu
Duration
4 Days / 3 Nights
Starting Point
Skardu
Ending Point
Skardu
Trek Type
High-Altitude / Alpine Trek
Region
Roundu, Gilgit-Baltistan
Accommodation
Camping
Best Season
June to September
Hiking Opportunities
Location Detail
Tormik Valley is a hidden gem in Skardu District, Gilgit-Baltistan, within the Roundu Subdivision. Known for its expansive green Broq — high-altitude summer pastures — the valley offers pristine alpine scenery, traditional Balti culture, and remote mountain wilderness far from the region's more heavily visited destinations.
- Mountain Height:5,500 m (Shigar Top)
- Total Hikers:TBD
- Mountain Range:Karakoram
Trip Itinerary
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Skardu → Dunsa Polo Ground → Terme Village → Pakora → Shigar Top (5,500 m) → Chhutrang Broq → Natural Hot Springs → Skardu
01Day 1
Day 1
Skardu to Dunsa Polo Ground (Jeep Drive)
Drive: approx. 2–3 hours
- Leave Skardu by jeep and travel toward the scenic Roundu region, with the road gradually leaving populated areas behind as you enter Tormik Valley.
- At Dunsa Polo Ground, settle into camp and explore the alpine meadow — home to a traditional polo ground where local communities gather during the summer season.
- Spend the afternoon enjoying the scenery, photographing the surrounding peaks, and taking in the tranquility of the high-altitude meadow.
Overnight: Camping at Dunsa Polo Ground
02Day 2
Day 2
Dunsa to Pakora via Terme Village
Jeep: approx. 45 min · Trek: approx. 4 hours
- A short jeep descent to Terme Village marks the start of the trekking portion of the journey.
- From Terme, follow the mountain trail through forested sections, clear streams, open grasslands, and traditional highland landscapes.
- Along the way you may encounter local villagers, shepherds, and livestock — a glimpse of the centuries-old relationship between Balti communities and these high-altitude pastures.
Overnight: Camping at Pakora Meadow
03Day 3
Day 3
Pakora to Chhutrang Broq via Shigar Top
The most demanding day — full-day high-altitude crossing
- Begin early and start ascending toward Shigar Top, with the trail gaining significant elevation as it enters high mountain terrain.
- At approximately 5,500 meters, Shigar Top offers an extraordinary vantage point over the surrounding Karakoram, with rugged ridges and remote valleys stretching to the horizon.
- Descend toward the Shigar Valley side and continue to Chhutrang Broq, a remote and peaceful alpine meadow surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.
Overnight: Camping at Chhutrang Broq
04Day 4
Day 4
Chhutrang Broq to Skardu via the Natural Hot Springs
Drive: approx. 2–3 hours
- Enjoy a relaxed morning at Chhutrang Broq before heading to the natural hot springs nearby.
- Soak in the warm, mineral-rich water surrounded by rugged Karakoram scenery — a memorable way to unwind after several days of trekking.
- After lunch or tea, board the jeep for the return journey to Skardu, bringing the four-day Tormik Valley trek to an end.
Overnight: End of journey
Note: Weather and trail conditions can change quickly at high elevations, particularly around the Shigar Top crossing — plan exact dates according to current local conditions.
Full Guide
Local guides who know every trail, pass, and campsite along the way.
Postcard Views
Scenic viewpoints and photo stops built into every itinerary.
Strong Tent
Reliable camping gear built to handle high-altitude weather.
Trekking Essentials
Core trekking gear included so you can travel light.
History of The Trek
The Tormik Valley trek grew out of ancient Balti trade, seasonal migration, and mid-century scientific exploration.
Pastoral Roots
For centuries, local Balti shepherds created these trails to move livestock to high-altitude summer pastures (Broq).
The Historic Pass
Before the Gilgit-Skardu highway existed, locals trekked over the Stak La pass (4,601 m) via Tormik to trade between isolated valleys.
Geological Discovery
In 1954, Italian geologist Bruno Zanettin mapped the valley's unique granite structures during his Haramosh expedition.
Polo Heritage
The upper meadows house a historic high-altitude polo ground, used for generations during summer festivals.
Modern Trekking
It has recently evolved from a local shepherd path into an off-the-beaten-path destination for trekkers seeking pristine, green alpine wilderness.
Trek Highlights
Why Trek This Trail
Experience one of the lesser-known trekking destinations around Skardu.
Camp in remote high-altitude alpine meadows.
Experience traditional Balti mountain culture and seasonal pastoral life.
Visit the historic high-altitude polo grounds.
Cross a challenging high mountain pass.
Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding Karakoram landscape.
Explore forests, streams, springs, and untouched alpine wilderness.
Relax in natural hot springs after the trek.
Hiking Opportunities
Review From Hiker
I only had a few days to spare and the itinerary was planned around that perfectly. Transport, camps, and permits were all sorted before we even arrived in Skardu.
Hamka Renton
The trek was tougher than I expected in the best way. Solid campsites, a guide who checked in on everyone, and views that made the climb worth it.
Jilly Negredo
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