Daltar Ski Expedition Overview

The Daltar Ski Expedition is a thrilling backcountry ski adventure set in the remote Daltar Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan, offering pristine slopes, deep powder snow, and dramatic Karakoram mountain scenery. This 12-day expedition is designed for experienced skiers seeking untouched terrain far from commercial ski resorts. Beginning and ending in Islamabad, the journey follows the legendary Karakoram Highway by road to Gilgit, providing an immersive experience through some of Pakistan’s most spectacular landscapes.

Daltar Valley is renowned for its wide alpine bowls, long ski descents, and reliable winter snow conditions, making it one of the finest emerging ski touring destinations in the Karakoram. Throughout the expedition, participants will engage in ski touring, short ascents, and exhilarating downhill runs while enjoying full camping support, professional logistics, and local expertise. This expedition combines adventure skiing, cultural encounters, and raw wilderness exploration into a truly unforgettable Himalayan experience.

The Daltar ski expedition is one of the most exclusive and remote ski touring experiences in the Karakoram Range. While Naltar is famous for its resort-style slopes, the Daltar Valley remains a pristine frontier, accessible only to those willing to venture deep into the backcountry. This 12-day expedition is specifically designed for technical skiers and splitboarders who prioritize “first descents” and untouched snow over lift-accessed runs.

Located northwest of Gilgit, Daltar offers a dramatic landscape of sharp granite spires and vast, high-altitude snowfields. The Daltar ski route takes you through narrow valleys into wide alpine cirques, where the snow remains cold and dry well into the spring. This is a true expedition-style journey, involving wilderness camping, professional mountain support, and some of the most rewarding downhill lines in Northern Pakistan.

• Expedition Window: April – June 2026
• Snow Type: High-altitude dry powder and spring corn
• Logistics: Fully supported with HAPs (High Altitude Porters) and certified guides
• Primary Objective: High-altitude touring and technical descents in Daltar Valley

Daltar Ski Expedition Highlights

• Untouched Terrain: Ski in a region that sees almost zero commercial ski traffic, ensuring fresh tracks on every run.
• Technical Descents: Challenge yourself on 35° to 45° couloirs and open glacier faces framed by the Karakoram giants.
• True Wilderness Camping: Experience the serenity of the Daltar backcountry with our professional camp setup, complete with heated mess tents and mountain chefs.
• Strategic Acclimatization: Our itinerary includes a gradual ascent via Gilgit to ensure you are performing at your peak once we reach the high-altitude zones.
• Breathtaking Scenery: Enjoy unparalleled views of the Rakaposhi-Haramosh mountains and the rugged peaks of the Hindukush-Karakoram transition zone.

Daltar Ski Expedition Difficulty and Terrain

Is the Daltar ski expedition right for you? This program is rated Strenuous and is best suited for experienced backcountry skiers.

Skiing Ability

Participants should have a strong foundation in off-piste skiing. The Daltar ski terrain includes glacier travel, narrow couloirs, and steep faces. You should be comfortable with kick-turns on steep ascents and navigating variable snow conditions (from deep powder to wind-crust).

Physical Fitness

Skiing at altitudes above 4,000 meters requires excellent cardiovascular health. You should be prepared for 5–7 hours of skinning per day with a day-pack. Our support team handles the heavy lifting of camp gear and food, allowing you to focus on the ascent and the descent.

Daltar Ski Expedition Inclusions/Exclusions