Mon, Sept 16, 2024
Leaving early and driving deep through the Indus River gorge following the legendary Karakoram Highway crossing some of the most formidable, rugged, inaccessible territory in Asia up into the high Himalayas. This takes us through breathtaking scenery, changing topography and eco systems. Driving along Lulu Sar Lake 3400 m;, crossing the Babusar Pass 4173 m; and short hop out to view Nanga Parbat 8126 m; viewpoint. We will stop as often as possible for photography. Will also have drinks a longer stop at meeting point of the three mightiest mountain Ranges at Jaglote truly an astonishing landscape.
Here the mighty Indus meets the Gilgit river in Gilgit Baltistan as the region is now called. To one side of the Indus River, you see the Himalayas which is home to 5 of the 14 highest Peaks in the World including Mt. Everest 8849 m; and Nanga Parbat 8126 m;. We continue northwards towards the great Karakorams, also home to K2 8,611 m; Gasherbrum-I 8068 m; Broad Peak 8047 m; Gasherbrum II 8035 m;. The Hindu Kush range dips down towards us from the northwest and home to the Tirich Mir 7708 m;
Our guides will provide in depth commentary, historical and cultural perspective. We will stay at a hotel in Gilgit for the night
https://travelthehimalayas.com/kiki/the-junction-of-the-three-mightiest-mountain-ranges

Tues, Sept 17, 2024
We take 4 x 4 jeeps and make a way to Astore, a valley deep in the foothills of Deosai Plains. It's the beginning of mind-blowing experience as we drive deep through the gorge. This is probably the narrowest gorge that you will experience throughout the entire journey. Rugged rock walls dropping steep into the Astore river with sheer drop on both side of the gorge and road cutting through the rocks is spectacular. We stay for the night at a river side resort in the Astore valley (2600 meters). The turquoise colour of beautiful water streams is refreshing. Before the day concludes we will have an experiential learning activity using the physical terrain. You may want to design and run this workshop. Reach out to us for more information and pictures. The debriefing will take place in the dinner hall.

Weds, Sept 18, 2024
Using 4×4 jeeps will cross Deosai Plateau 4200 m;, – the second highest plateau on earth and into the National Park and the himalayan bear sanctuary. We’ll continue driving along Sheosar Lake to reach Bara Pani – Big Water. If with luck we might get a chance to have a distant view of the Himalayan bear. Himalayan bears are large, weighing in up to 400 kgs and 230 cm long and are admirable for their size and dignity. Probability of seeing a Deosai Marmot are higher though. We will cross beautiful small water streams and travel downhill to reach Skardu.An impromptu action learning project at Deosai Plateau will deliver powerful lessons that can be used by Experiential Educators for practical leadership programs. Eventually will get to Skardu and stay over for the night at a hotel in Skardu 2,228 meters.

Thurs, Sept 19, 2024
This is the day to reach our conference kick off venue at Hushe. We start early on the Jeeps, and continue our journey deep into Karakorams reaching Hushe village after a short break at Masherbrum viewpoints (7821 m;). We will drive through the villages that have maintained their centuries old traditions, values, and lifestyle. We will reach Refugio Hotel in Hushe, dedicated to the legendry “Little Karim” and Hushe village. This was a tribute built with the participation of spanish government and dedicated to him. Karim is known as superhero by many mountaineers. We will celebrate the eee se Karakoram, opening session in midst of a local food festival, music and cultural theatre. Night at Refugio Hotel, Hushe

Fri, Sept 20, 2024
After early breakfast at the refugio hotel hushe, we will trek to the camp site at Dumsum Valley. It is a 2 to 3 hours (depending on your pace) easy walk, through serene landscape with maximum altitude gain of 200 m. Campsite is at an altitude of 3310 m. You will be carrying a day bag with munchies (snacks), water, and a light jacket. Your bags will be transported by porters or mules to
your camps already set up. The tents will be on a twin-sharing basis. This will be your home for next three days and two nights. After a fresh up,there will be a routine health and safety briefing, campsite map will be given to you and conference kick off will take place at the conference tent. Only coffee, tea and soft drinks will be available. With Lunch break in between the workshops sessions will continue till sunset.
Bonfire and talent night will continue late after dinner. Do bring any music instruments. To keep the sanctity of wilderness, we will not have speaker systems though 😊

Sat, Sept 21, 2024
A pre breakfast meditation session will be offered for those who are interested at a serene location within a short walk of the campsite. A great idea would be to have this session to be run by someone from eee. We will have four ninety-minute slots for workshops for eee conference based on the principle of co-creation. Everyone participating is encouraged to offer a workshop. We will share details of facilities and materials that can be made available. Please let us know if you have special requirements for the props in advance for your workshops.
Conference structure will be flexible with no specific themes. Experiential learning will guide the experiential learning methodology at the eee SE Karakorums workshops.
A networking tent will be set up for people to have one two are chats with tea and coffee available.
The day concludes with International Food Festival (Chef in the Wild) bonfire, local music, and star gazing. You will see rare stars in a clear sky. The last night bonfire continues as long as you wanted to.

Sun, Sept 22, 2024
A pre breakfast short and guided walk will be offered for those who are interested around the campsite at Dumsum Valley. Three 90-minute slots for workshops. It will be wonderful to design workshops keeping in view the wild wilderness that this venue offers. An example of what terrain offers is given in this Video. The workshops will continue till lunch.
After Lunch we will trek back to Hushe. We will have the conference closing ceremony on the wooden floor of Refugio Hotel Hushe. Night at the Refugio Hotel.

Mon, Sept 23, 2024
Travels back to Skardu on jeeps. Lunch at Khaplu a traditional Baltistan town, Night stay at Concordia Hotel, Skardu. Visit to Skardu city.

Tues, Sept 24, 2024
We will take one of two daily flights from Skardu to Islamabad; there maybe time to visit the local markets before leaving. Overnight in Islamabad hotel.

Weds, Sept 25, 2024
Optional all day visit to Taxila – extra cost - the former capital of Emperor Ashoka (304/232 BCE) who codified and patronized many Buddhist edicts and teachings; the oldest and largest Buddhist centre of religious teachings in south Asia and practice much of it intact. You can also spend the day in Islamabad, viewing the Al Faisal Mosque and various markets Flights to Europe/Gulf/US etc normally leave ca 2300/0100 – we will arrange transfers to aiport
In the event that flights from Skardu to Islamabad are cancelled/postponed owing to low cloud cover (unlikely in September but ca 10% possibility) we would then travel by Saloon Coaster night over at a hotel at Batakhundi and reach Islamabad mid afternoon Day 11 Weds 25 Sept, allowing time for shopping before catching your flight normally as above