Town or village
Machulo
Ghanche district · 2,700 m
Machulo lies between Khaplu and the Thalay valley, with apricot terraces climbing both banks of the river.
Machulo sits at about 2,700 m, in the stretch of the Shyok valley between Khaplu and the Thalay valley. Apricot terraces climb both banks of the river, which gives the valley its lovely look, especially in the fruit season.
Kind Town or villageDistrict GhancheElevation 2,700 mPosition 35.242° N, 76.398° E
About Machulo
The guidebook spells it Machlu or Machilu and lists a Public Works Department rest house there. Rooms are booked in Skardu, though the staff are kind enough to find room for a night if you did not.
For walkers, there is the Machulo La trek, from Ghola over a K2 view point back to Machulo. It takes three days, covers 21 km and reaches 4,651 m. The guidebook grades it demanding, and it is in the open zone, so it is a rewarding choice for adventure lovers.
Elsewhere in Ghanche
Swipe along the district, from the valley floor to the summits.
- 3,050 m
Town or village
Hushe
Hushe is the village at the end of the Gondogoro walk, with Masherbrum in view and a long tradition of mountain guides.
Town or village · 2,600 m
Khaplu
Khaplu, at 2,600 m, is the old Yabgo capital on the Shyok, and its palace was restored by the Aga Khan trust in 2011.
- 4,575 m
Pass
Thalay La
Thalay La, at 4,575 m, is the old trading foot route between Khaplu and Shigar.