Hushe Valley

Hushe is the road-head for trekkers heading into the Charakusa valley, over Gondogoro La, or towards K6 and K7, some of the most dramatic granite peaks in the Karakoram. Trekking parties typically organise porters and permits in Hushe or beforehand in Skardu through a licensed operator.

For non-trekkers, simply reaching the village is worthwhile: Masherbrum, at 7,821 metres, rises directly above the houses, a view few settlements in the world can match.

• Road-head for Charakusa valley and Gondogoro La treks
• Masherbrum (7,821 m) visible directly above the village
• Generations of high-altitude porters come from Hushe
• Open trekking zones generally do not need a peak permit

From Khaplu, the road continues north up the Hushe river for a further two to three hours, with a jeep recommended for the final stretch as the surface deteriorates the further up-valley you go. Combined with the three hours from Skardu to Khaplu, this makes Hushe a five to six hour drive in total, one of the longest day's travel among Skardu's day-trippable places.

The drive itself, along the Shyok and then Hushe rivers past terraced fields and glacier-fed streams, is considered one of the most scenic road journeys in Baltistan.

Community-run guest houses in Hushe village offer simple accommodation, often run by porter families connected to the trekking industry, along with basic camping options. Anyone wanting more comfort should base themselves in Khaplu instead and visit Hushe as a long day trip.

Given the distance and rough final approach, most independent trekkers arrange transport and accommodation in Hushe through a Skardu-based trekking company rather than turning up unplanned.