[Introduction]    [Northern Areas]    [How to Reach]    [Mountain Flights]   [Personal Baggage] 

[Trek Grades]    [Peaks]    [Glaciers]    [Shandur Polo Festival]

Introduction

PAKISTAN is an un-spoilt tourist destination with a variety of contrast geographical features from the warm beaches of Arabian Sea to the snow covered lofty mountains in the north. The cultures equally vary along with its landscape. People, living in the deserts, fertile plains and at the foot of mighty mountains, present a colorful variety of languages, cultures and ancient civilizations. Therefore, it is quite impossible to avoid the flavor and fragrance of its deep past. This country traces its history back from about 10,000 years ago. Along the banks of Indus and its tributaries, grew civilization after civilization. In seventh millennium BC Mehergarh was a sizable village that by 6000 BC grew into a town of 3000 people living in red mud brick houses. Indus Valley Civilization (3500 BC), Gandhara Civilization (500 BC) and the civilization of Mughul era are the most famous heritages of the land, now called Pakistan. British entered in the Sub Continent for trade in 1600 AD and by 1857 AD, gradually colonized the whole region. In 1947, South Asia got freedom in the form of two domains; Pakistan and India. 

People belong to various ethnic and linguistic groups presenting a colorful blend of different cultures. Urdu is the lingua franca but English is also widely spoken by literate urban strata. Pakistan (140 million populations) is a federation of four provinces viz., Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan and North West Frontier Province. Islamabad, the newly built city, is the capital but Karachi situated at the shores of Arabian Sea, is the largest city and main centre of commerce and industry.

Northern Areas

Northern Areas is the home of three largest mountain ranges of the world; the Himalaya, the Karakorum and the Hindukush and neighbours China, Afghanistan and Tajikistan.  The unique geographic features of the land are next to non. These mountain ranges form the longest glaciers outside polar regions and the thickest concentration of world's highest peaks.  The history and vivid culture of the people living in these picturesque valleys, trace their roots back from about 5000 years ago when mankind had already inhabited this mountainous region. Burushos (Burushaski speakers) are the oldest of these mountain folk. Inscriptions and pictures carved on rocks throughout Northern Areas, recapitulate different stages of its history. Since thousands of years this region has been the vein of Trans Asian trade. Before the advent of Buddhism, people of this region were following a natural religion, a mix of animism and shamanism. The allure thereof is still a living fact in the land of fairy worshippers. Islam spread here in different phases from 12th century and onwards. From 4th to 11th century AD there existed a flourishing state, Bolor, comprised of the entire region what is now officially called ‘Northern Areas’, and Ladakh and Chitral. Many smaller independent states emerged after the disintegration of Bolor. By the end of 19th century the whole region went under the British Empire and Maharaja of Kashmir. After British left South Asia in 1947, this region remained under Jammu & Kashmir State for a short period whose Governor was over thrown in a Coup d’ Etat and the region went into the administrative control of Pakistan in a disputed form. The future is yet to be decided along with Jammu & Kashmir. The cordial people of Northern Areas speak five dialects but inherit common culture who gladly receive visitors with their traditional warmth. 

How To Reach

Pakistan is accessible both by air and land. Many airlines operate flights from the international airports of Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore to the various major cities of the world daily. Rail and road transport operate between Lahore (Pakistan) and Delhi (India). Iran is also connected by rail and road. Road transport runs to Afghanistan via historic Khyber Pass. Khunjerab Pass (4730 meters) is the highest road of the world that connects Pakistan and China via Karakorum Highway (the ancient Silk Route).

Mountain Flights

There are daily flight from Islamabad to Gilgit and Skardu. They are known for their breathtaking mountain scenery and are the most spectacular mountain flights in the world but subject to weather. We keep our vehicles standby at the airport for land transfer via Karakorum Highway, yet another thrilling experience

Personal Baggage

Mindful of extreme changes in weather in the mountains, your baggage should consist of reasonable quantity of clothing and other items of personal use. Baggage can be advised to those not experienced in Himalayan trekking. While preparing, please remember that excess baggage is always a burden. The porters carry your duffel bags/rucksacks up to 12.5 kg. You are expected to carry your daypack only.

Trek Grades

Trekking is only for those who enjoy walking and camping and for whom a bit of discomfort is rewarded by the splendor of nature in high mountains. Based on averages, different treks have been graded according to the level of difficulty. However no two persons are the same and it is for this reason that average walking hours may also vary from person to person.

Easy: Maximum 5-6 hours daily walk on established trails with no extreme change in elevation.

Moderate: 6-7 hours walk with gradual altitude gains. Maximum altitude 4000 meters.

Strenuous: Hard walking of 7-8 hours and sharp altitudes. Maximum altitude about 5000 meters. May involve fording streams and side trips or high passes as high as 5500 meter. May require rope and ice-axe. Mountaineering knowledge recommended.

Peaks

Northern Areas is the confluence of three largest mountain ranges, the Himalaya, the Karakorum and the Hindukush with the thickest concentration of lofty peaks including five peaks over 8000 meters, 29 over 7500 meters and 108 over 7000 meters altitude. Many mountains have more than one peak, which are numbered with the same name. This kingdom of mountains is also the home of the longest glaciers outside polar regions. Thus is the trekker’s paradise and offers unparalleled opportunities of mountain adventures.

Glaciers

Shandur Polo Festival

The highest polo field of the world

Polo is known as the King of the games. Gilgit is the home of this spirited game where the British rediscovered and promoted it. Today polo is played in Gilgit and Chitral enthusiastically in its original trilling form. For the last few years, a polo tournament is organized between the traditional rival polo teams of Gilgit Region and Chitral at the high plateau of Shandur Pass (3734 m) every year in summer. This week long festival coupled with folk music and dance at the height of 3700 meters in the back drop of Hindukush mountains, is an event not to be missed.