Overview

The Thalle Lungma is a long, green valley running northwest from the Shyok River, about 15km west of Khaplu — historically important enough that between 1891 and 1947, the British preferred the route through it between Skardu and Khaplu specifically for its ample grazing for pack animals. At its heart sits Thalle Broq, a scenic high-altitude campsite and meadow area at roughly 3,200m, popular today as a destination in its own right for travelers who want genuine Karakoram valley scenery without committing to the full multi-day Thalle La pass crossing that continues on to Shigar.

Reaching the valley means driving from Khaplu by jeep, crossing the Shyok River on a wooden suspension bridge at Daghoni, and following the Thalle Lungma up toward Olmo Village — the highest summer settlement on this side of the valley — before continuing on foot to Thalle Broq itself. The valley is known for its grasslands and grazing herds, with local herders and their cattle a common sight along the trail, and on clear days the surrounding ridgelines offer glimpses toward some of the Karakoram’s 8,000m giants.