Friday, February 28, 2014

Stones found in Gilgit-Baltistan

Agate

Amethyst

Haqiq

Heated Quartz

jad

Zircon

Smokey and Clear Quartz

Tourmaline

Turquoise

These Stones are used to make Jewelry.

Stone Jewelry of Hunza Valley

Stone Jewelry
Antique Type neckless,made up of silver

Heated ruby



Real Stone Jewelry
Real Stone Jewelry

Real Stone Jewelry

Real Stone Jewelry

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Black Glacier Gojal (upper Hunza)


Introduction:

Black Glacier, covered in gravel and rocks, comes right down to the road about one kilometer past Gulmit. The road across the snout of the glacier at the very edge of the river then climbs up onto the lateral moraine, a great grey slagheap. From Ghulkin village a footpath a crosses the Black glacier to Borith Lake, two hours away. Its 1.25 kilometers across the Black Glacier, the way marked by a cairn on the south moraine and a big cleft or dip in the north moraine.

Hisper valley (Nager)

Introduction:

Hisper is the last village of Nagar valley. The summer is beautiful with its irrigated potato fields and apricot orchards. His per is famous for its 49 km long glacier in the Karakoram Mountains, which meets the 63 km long Biafo Glacier at the Hispar La (Pass) at an altitude of 5,128 m (16,824 feet) to create the world's longest glacial system outside of the polar regions. This 100 km highway of ice connects two ancient mountains Hunza Nagar in the west with Baltistan in the east.

Hoper valley (Nager)

Introduction:

Spectacular valley of Nagar across the Hunza River.  You see beautifully laid terraces for different crops and orchids. At Hoper you get down and watch the Hoper (Bualtar) glacier. If you feel like you may hike down to the glacier and have a great view of Kapal & Golden peaks. From its source on Diran (Minapin) Peak and ends at 2,270 meters above sea-level, apparently making it the world’s lowest glacier between the altitudes of 40 N and 35 S. Its snout is certainly the lowest in the Karakoram, Himalaya region, with the Minapin and Pisan glacier being close seconds, at 2,400 meters.

Channel walk in Hunza

Introduction:

A three- or four-hour walk along the main water channels from Ultar Nala is a good way to see Hunza at its best. Try to avoid the delicate side channels.Climb past the polo ground, bearing left beside the channel there. The path goes down the valley all the way to Hyderabad Nala. There, scramble down to the link road and turn back towards Karimabad. You can soon drop to a lower channel that goes all the way back. You can go right on around Karimabad, past Mominabad to the headworks behind Baltit Fort, although the channel goes underground for part of the way.Both these channels and the newer, higher channels distribute water from Ultar. There are seven channels running to the west and five to the east from Ultar Nala. The velvety appearance of Ultar water is the result of minute flakes of mica.

Shimshal lake

Introduction:

Shimshal Village is located in Gojal valley upper Hunza at around 13000 meters above the sea level and has a total area of 3800 sq KM. Shimshal Lake is basically natural accumulation of water from melted glacier water flowing through seasonal streams. Shimshal Lake is situated 40KM from the Shimshal village and runs along the Chinese border.The Lake is just an addition to the beauty.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Karakoram Highway the 7th wonder of the World

Introduction:


The Seventh Wonder of the world Karakoram Highway (KKH), starts at historic city Hassan Abdal, 50 KM from the federal capital Islamabad, the bitumen sealed motorway winds through gently rolling, sandy foothills for  approximately one hundred and twenty kilometers before intersecting the Indus river.
Abbottabad and Mansehra are the top ranked hill stations, renowned for a number of picnic and holiday spots along KKH in Pakistan . Thandiani, Nthiagali, Naran and Kaghan Valley, Daddar and many other destinations are in Hazara Division. With lush green landscapes and cooler weather, this area presents magnificent views from the KKH. Hazara Division ends at the famous bridge over the mighty Indus River at Thhakot. At Thhakot, the Indus runs along the KKH throughout the way. On 45 minutes (approx.) drive the KKH enters into Besham, one among the major stay-along-the-way on KKH and the main portion of Swat. As the Besham ends, it’s the start of Indus Kohistan . It then twines along the Indus's arc north eastward to within forty kilometres of the town of Gilgit.and follows a network of ancient trade routes linking the Silk Road oasis of Kashgar in western China. Indus Kohistan is another beautiful area along the KKH and keeps visitors attention because of green high mountains and deep down Indus River . Dassu , Pattan , Juttial , Kumaila and Shatial are the main areas of population in Kohistan. After Indus Kohistan, the Northern Areas of Pakistan welcome the visitors at Chilas (Diamer). Chilas is a dry, hot in summer and desert sort of area, but with the major charm, world renowned Killer mountain – Nanga Parbat (8125 Meters). At Raikot Bridge on the Indus , Gilgit starts and continue towards Khunjerab Pass. Before entering the Gilgit City , KKH turns right and leads toward Nagar and Hunza. Between Raikot bridge and Gilgit River road sometimes takes on a 'roller-coaster' aspect as it dips into, and out of the Indus's wide river bed. The final dip is at this forty kilometres point when the road joins the Gilgit river and continues to within twelve kilometres of the town of that name, then swings North, crossing the Gilgit river to join the Hunza river. The town of Gilgit is twelve kilometres off the actual Karakoram highway and is reached by a fairly smoothly laid and slightly inclined tarred road. After Juglot, there is a meeting point of three world’s highest mountain ranges i.e. Karakoram , Himalaya and Hindu Kush.Although the Karakoram Highway inclines upwards the whole way to the pass it's not until you get close to Gilgit that you begin to feel as if you are in mountains. Even so, the town is only at one thousand, five hundred meters (approx. five thousand feet) elevation and there is still a feeling of being in desert. The barren, dust laden and tan coloured hills that surround the area give the impression of being made from sand, however, it only takes a ride of a couple of kilometres north from Gilgit for one to get the impression of being in 'real' mountains - very high, and very sheer mountains.
This is not to say that the actual road itself is steep - it's not, it's just that the demarcation between the almost sand dune like foothills, and the seemingly abrupt line of six to eight thousand meters high glacier and snow plaited mountains is almost overpoweringly awesome.The souls that paved the way for the modern tarmac road named the Karakoram Highway still seem to flicker amongst the sharp moving shadows of the rocks and the almost countless but crumbly lucent glaciers that constantly embellish its existence.Nagar, Hunza and onwards up to Khunjerab is considered to be the most attractive part of KKH. With good reasons, snow covered peaks, rivers, largest glaciers of the region and entirely different geographic characteristics this area is a real distinction. Ali Abad , Hussaini , Passu and Sost, the Pakistan customs post about ninety kilometres before the peak, are the permanent settlements on KKH in Hunza region before Khunjerab Pass. The road then accompanies the Hunza river through these mountains, climbing gently almost all the way to the Khunjerab Pass (4800m, 15,750ft), sometimes called the 'roof of the world' but in ancient times it was a very perilous pathway.  Taxgorgan, the Chinese customs post and town of that name, is one hundred and thirty kilometres from the peak. During the 20 years it digested lives of many workers to push level and blast the present 1300km (800mi) highway through the mountains: over 400 road-builders died.Only during the last twenty-odd kilometres from the top of the pass short stretches of consistently steep road gradients of six to fourteen degrees are found. At the top of the pass, two tall memorial stones show that this is theconvenient dividing line between Pakistan and China. Both countries respective customs and immigration posts are some kilometres away on their respective sides of the pass.The pass also separates two differently named mountain ranges, the Karakoram range (on the Pakistani side), from the Pamir in China. Within these two massive ranges, there are other named but smaller clusters of rugged mountains, and a quick glance at a map can confuse one as there is no illustrated way that one can separate one range from the next.On the Chinese side of the pass the road is given a different name by the Chinese, who call it, loosely translated, 'The Big Pakistan/China Friendship Road'. This continuation of the Karakoram is also smoothly finished and well graded. It scrolls up and down through generally wide valleys for approximately four hundred and fifty kilometres to the market town of Kashgar, which is in the mostly Taklamakan desert filled Chinese province of Xinjiang.

Trekking and road Passes in Pakistan

There are 21 Trekking and 10 Road Passes in Pakistan.

Trekking Passes:

01 Khurdopin pass
02 Gondogoro pass
03 Mazeno pass
04 Masherbrum pass
05 Chilinji pass
06 Hispar pass
07 Dadarili pass
08 Muthat pass
09 Haramosh pass
10 Kachikhani pass
11 Shimshal pass
12 Daintar pass
13 Naltar pass
14 Zardgarbin pass
15 Darkot pass
16 Thalle pass
17 Owir pass
18 Burzil Pass
19 Shah Jinali
20 Karumber Pass
21 Boroghil Pass

Road Passes:

01 Barji Pass
02 Khunjerab Pass
03 Babusar Pass
04 Shandur Pass
05 Lawari Pass
06 Shangla Pass
07 Sharkool Pass
08 Batrasi Pass
09 Malakand pass
10 Khyber Pass

K2 8616m


Range:             Karakoram
Altitude:            8616m
Zone:                 Permitted
Duration:           66 Days
Best Time:        Mid May – End August

Introduction:

K2 (also known as Savage Mountain, Mountaineer’s Mountain, Mount Godwin-Austen, Balti: Chogori and Sarikoli: Mount Qogir) is the second-highest mountain on Earth, after Mount Everest. With a peak elevation of 8,611 m (28,251 feet), K2 is part of the Karakoram Range, and is located on the border between Baltistan, in the Gilgit–Baltistan region of Pakistan.K2 lies in the north western Karakoram Range,  And word “Karakoram” in Turkish means “Black Rubble”. In 1856 Capt. Montgomerie surveyed a number of peaks in the Baltoro region of the Karakoram from a distance of about 200km. He noted a cluster of high peaks and named them with the prefix “K” for Karakoram K1, K2 and K3.  And thus he named k2.Again in 1861 the area was further surveyed by Col. Godwin Austin and recognized this rocky pyramid as K2 as the highest and measured it to be 8619m and then 8611m but the present official height of K2 stands as 8616m as per the scientific measures made from Concordia in 1987. Its local name is Chogori, which means Great Mountain or “King of Mountains”.The route to K2 goes through the famous Shigar Valley and Baltoro Glacier region of Baltistan. There are several high peaks, which are situated in this world’s largest temperate zone glacier. Only the highest or more prominent ones have been named or climbed. An incredible nineteen of these peaks in the Baltoro region tower over 7600m while four of them are 8000ers. K2, the second highest mountain in the world towers majestically above Concordia with the sweeping Godwin Austin Glacier offering an ice highway towards it.It was first climbed by Italians in 1954. The route to K2 goes through the Baltoro region of Baltistan. There are several high peaks which rise from the world’s largest temperate zone glacier. Only the highest or more prominent peaks have been named or climbed. An incredible nineteen of these peaks tower over 7600m while four of them are 8000ers.

BIAFO to HISPAR TREK

Introduction:

This trek will take you through the Shigar valley up to the last settlement of the Karakuram, Askoli. The trek starts from the Askoli Village and we follow some stages of Baltoro trek to the Biafo Glacier. This is one of most strenuous trek & here is the meeting place of greatest mountain glaciers in Asia. The interconnected Biafo & Hispar glaciers form the longest glacial system in the world outside the polar area and combined length is about 116 kilometres. It is also linking the Baltistan and Hunza Valley and cutting through the Karakuram Range. The climax of this trek (Hisper Pass) 5150m at the conjunction of the Biafo & Hisper Glacier offers incredible view peaks & glacier valleys. also possible to climb below 6000m peaks in this area.

Rush phari Trek (Rush lake Nager)

Introduction:

The first time visitors to trekking in Paksitan the Rush Lake trek in the heart of the Hunza valley, presents the best option. The treks takes you into some of most amazing mountains beauties on earth. Crossing glaciers, meadows and terraced fields of Karakoram mountains you come across Rush Lake.Rush Lake (4,700 m 15,400 ft): Camp, trek. In about 2 hours of walking you will arrive at one of the most beautiful place in the Hunza valley having awesome views of the Karakoram. If you climb a nearby hilltop, you can see K2 along with the other high peaks of the Karakoram from there.Your short trek starts across the valley and the Hunza river at a place called Hoper. This is where the snout of the famous Barpu glacier meets another glacier called Bualter.People from Hunza believe that glaciers are either male or female. Each glacier exudes its own gender qualities and when a male and female glacier meet they give birth to a baby glacier.

Naltar-Pakhora Trek (Gilgit)

Introduction:

This trek takes you close to unspoiled nature. Apart from visiting Gilgit. Riding on 4 wheel jeep to the top of the Gilgit-Nalter forest, winding your way through this thickly forested spot, you reach Nalter valley and onward to Nalter Lake. This is an ideal campsite with ample opportunity for fishing. Crossing Nalter River , you will get an outstanding view of Shani Peak ( 5887 m). Trekking through pasture lands, lush green forests and settlements of wooden huts, you reach Pokhara, another fantastic place for camping. This trek of unspoiled natural beauty is a great experience.

Shishper Trek (Hunza)

Introduction:

Very few people will heard about Shishper.Though not very famous, due to the fact it may not be a very long or hard trek, but is much pleasant for the 'once in a while' explorer or newbies. By no means this trek can be done by someone less trained, it gives the chance for in-experienced trekkers of what difficult treks can be like and Shishper presents the launchpad. Like other treks and places in and around Hunza, Shishper itself is a meadows where you shall meet local people and their herds of goats and sheeps. Not to mention the free of cost yogurt and milk! The trek gives one the soothing experience of having an experience of a life time.

Putun das trek (Borit Lake Gojal)

This is not a picture of Putun das trek

Introduction:

The stunning trek takes over Batura Glacier. Putundas is a summer pasture with an altitude of above 4000 meters. The villagers of Ghulkin take there cattle to this green pasture from June to August The fascinating view of Passu Peak 7284m, Batura Peak 7500m, Shishper 7619m, Dasteghil Sar 7885, Momhil Sar 7342 and Rakaposhi with the height of 7788m all around you. The trek starts at Borit Lake and goes through Passugar, Luzhdar and Putundas and along the glaciers. This is an easy and short trek recommended for all ages and does not require any good physical condition.

Kilik pass-Mintaka Trek (Misgar valley)

Introduction:

Misgar village is set in a beautiful mountain environment of verdant, well-tended fields and clear streams irrigating the terraces and flower-covered gardens. The treks along the ancient trading routes, leading north to the Kilik and Mintaka Passes are equally attractive and could be rated as some of the easiest trekking in northern Pakistan.For more than 1000 years, Kilik and Mintaka were the Silk Routes;s primary passes between China and Hunza and today these broad valleys and extensive alpine meadows, once closed to foreigners, are again accessible. Kilik and Mintaka, two historic passes on Pakistan’s border with China, have been off limits to foreigners since 1947. The 1m-3m wide tails to these gentle passes are easy to follow, springs and trees are abundant, and camp sites are grassy, making this one of northern Pakistan’s easiest treks.

Misgar valley Gojal (uppar Hunza)

Introduction:


Misgar Valley the most beautiful and geographically important regions of Gilgit-Baltistan. Misgar is home to the Mintika pass that connects Pakistan with China. The historic Kilik pass is also located in Misgar and it leads travelers to Afghanistan country. The historic “Kalam Darchi Fort constructed by the Britishers to keep a watch on Russian and Chinese advances, is also located in Misgar. The fort is in a dilapidated condition and demands the attention of relevant authorities.

Shigar fort (Skardu valley)

Introduction:

Located on the legendry route to the world’s second highest mountain, K-2, and known as Fong-Khar, which in the local language means the “Palace on the Rock”, Shigar Fort Residence is a unique 20 room heritage boutique hotel that offers guests the opportunity to experience the restored original architecture of the 17th Century Raja’s fort palace and previous home of the 20th ruler of the Amacha Dynasty whilst enjoying the modern amenities and services of an up market boutique hotel.Shigar Fort Residence is an award winning heritage conservation project restored by the Aga Khan Cultural Services Pakistan and managed by Serena Hotels, both apart of the Aga Khan Development Network. The project combines the preservation and re-use of a significant historical and architectural site with a commitment to socially responsible tourism promoting economic development in the Shigar Valley.

Silk route festival

Introduction:

Acclaimed as the ‘greatest route in the history of mankind’, the ancient Silk Road formed the first bridge between the East and West and was an important vehicle for trade between the ancient empires of China, India, Persia and Rome. Dating back to 200 BC, the route was a channel for contact between people and cultures, inspiring the exchange of dialogue, art, religion, ideas and technology. With its richly diverse cultural heritage and its wealth of natural tourism attractions spanning across 12,000 kilometers of ancient routes, the modern -day Silk Road offers visitors the opportunity to experience a unique network of destinations, following the footsteps of some of the world’s most acclaimed explorers, such as Alexander the Great and Marco Polo.Historically the Gilgit-Baltistan Province of Pakistan had close linkages with the central Asia including Peoples Republic of China, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, through different branches of Old Silk Route. Similarly the region was well connected with Ladakh, Tibet and Kashmir. These linkages with the outside regions had lasting impact on communities of Gilgit-Baltistan.. Its unique location – the main trading route between India, China and Central Asia (Silk Route) passed through the area – not only made it a meeting place for traders and pilgrims, but also attracted emperors and conquers from Central Asia and Persia.

The Silk Route Festival focuses its activities on the following objectives:

  • The Silk Route will be an established brand, supported by extensive cooperative marketing campaigns
  • The Silk Route will stimulate cooperative campaigns and partnerships between public and private sector
  • Silk Route tourism will act as a vehicle for fostering peace and cultural understanding
  • Governments will value and support the tourism sector and gain significant return for their investment
  • Tourism will drive improved cultural and environmental management
  • Tourism will generate significant direct and indirect employment
  • Silk Road stakeholders will work closely together for mutual benefit.

Shandur Polo festival

Introduction:

Shandur  is situated at an altitude of 12,500 feet (38000 meters) above sea level is famous for having the highest polo ground of world. It is sometimes called Roof of the World. It is located in District Ghizer, Gilgit–Baltistan, Pakistan. The version of polo game played in Shandur Polo Ground is considered to be the purist of all. It is also called free style polo.Polo is the most favorite game in Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Shigar, Laspor, Mastoj, Chitral and all other valleys around must have at least one polo ground, where local people can be seen playing polo.Shandur Polo Ground is naturally designed to be a polo ground. Small hills are on all four sides of rectangular ground, where spectators can sit and enjoy the match. The surrounding landscape and Shandur Lake makes it even more beautiful.The beautiful polo ground of Shandur turns into a city of tents each year between 7 and 9 July due to Shandur Polo Festival. A match of polo is held between teams of Gilgit and Chitral. A great number of tourists and spectators from different areas of country especially from Hunza, Skardu and Chitral come to attend this event. Shandur Polo Ground is located at an altitude of 12,200 feet (3,700 meters) and it is very hard to play here due to reduced amount of oxygen. It requires a lot of stamina and players must be physically very strong. The match is always marvelous because cream players from Chitral and Gilgit participate in it.

Polo is the game of kings:

Shandur is the highest polo ground in the world. Here it is still played in its original form, a game as tough rough and hard, on man and horse as the surrounding mountains themselves. A game without rules or empire, a game with only a few agreed convention of play. Polo in Khowar called “Istoorghar” has been the traditional game of Chitral, as our motto is “we play polo the game of king and king of the games”. The game is commonly played to the music band comprising a big drum.Every year, 10.000 people move with their tents to the breathtaking shandur pass, 4300 meters high, to attend the shandur polo festival where the best teams from Gilgit and Chitral come to compete against each other.

History:

Historically, polo being the king of games was played between small kingdoms, villages and rival groups of Gilgit and Chitral. From 1936 onwards polo tournaments were held annually on this ground. The three day Shandur Polo Festival has developed steadily in recent years into the massive celebration of mountain polo that it is today. It is attended every year by prominent celebrities, public figures and opinion makers.

How to reach there?

Shandur can be reached from Gilgit and Chitral. It is about 197 kilometers (122 miles) from Gilgit and 147 kilometers (91 miles) from Chitral. When coming from Gilgit to Shandur one can see the charming valleys of Gahkuch, Gupis, Phandar and many beautiful lakes. When coming from Chitral one can see the beauty of Mastuj and Surlasp valleys.

Phander valley Ghizer

Introduction:

Phander Valley in Ghizer District is one of the most scenic valleys with easy access both from Gilgit and Chitral. It takes 5 to 6 hours from Gilgit to reach Phander valley which is commonly called “Little Kashmir”. Phander Lake is one of the most famous tourist spots in the entire region. Phander valley was the bread basket for the whole Northern Areas. The name of Ghizer comes from the name of a village ‘Ghizer’ that is situated in the vicinity of Phander. The deep blue lake in Phander offers a magnificent view and is basically the home of trout fish.There is the PTDC Motel and Phander rest house which provide the best serive for the tourists. The people of this valley are simple and hard working.

Khalti lake Gupis valley

Introduction:

Khalti Lake is located in Gupis, District Ghizer, Tehsil Punial. Its is 20-30 minutes drive from Gupis. Gupis Valley is located about 112 kilometers (70 miles) in west of Gilgit on the bank of River Gilgit, in District Ghizer of Gilgit-Baltistan region, Pakistan. The 35 kilometers (22 miles) road between Gahkuch (capital of District Ghizer) and Gupis Valley is full of beautiful landscapes and breathtaking views. The turquoise water of river flowing along the road and surrounding fields and forests presents are very charming for tourists.
Khalti Lake is famous for being habitat of trout fish. The lake is formed due to stretch of river near the village of Khalti. The dark blue waters of lake during summer look very charming. The lake usually freezes during winter and villagers of Khalti use to walk on this. There is beautiful restaurant near the Khalti Lake. A PTDC motel is situated nearby to facilitate tourists. Its nice place stay for a overnight in the PTDC. You can enjoy the spectacular view of the lake from the PTDC Motel.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Astore valley

Introduction:

Astore valley is situated at an altitude of 2600meters in the Gilgit-Baltistan of pakistan and is one of the six district of the Gilgit Baltistan province. 120km of this valley is divided in to more than a hundred villages.the whole area comprises lush green pastures,wild forests,tranquil atmosphere  and according to the season, fruits such as apple apricot cherries and almond can also be found in abundance  .Astore valley is accessible  from Gilgit via Joglot in north Skardu from east and Chitral from the south.its access from Skardu remains seasonal as some of the passes are blocked from December to march due to snow fall .The most beautiful and well known villages in Astore are chilim, bubin, eid gah and shina is the local language.The valley of Astore is also consider as trekkers paradise.its offers a wide range of itineraries from easy short walks for beginners and amateurs to strenuous trek for professionals.from here one can go to the worlds secound higest plateau Deosai and to the fairy meadows or the massif of Nanga parbat(the 9th higest peak in the world).further south lies the rama valley and its beautiful lake that a visitor can not afford to miss.surrounded by the majestic peaks like nanga parbat,shaigiri,rupal peak,chongra peak and laila peak.the panorama is simply marvelous.manay wild flowers as well as rare medicinal plants are also found in this valley. Government has declared this valley as a natural park in order to preserve and protect its fauna including the brown bear.its snow usually in January and February and access to Astore valley is often blocked.     

Shishper peak 7611m Hunza

Introduction:

Shispar Peak is one of the highest  peak of the Batura Muztagh, which is the westernmost subrange of the Karakoram range. Its height is 7,611m/24,970ft.Shispar lies east of the Batura Wall, which is the highest part of the Batura Muztagh. The Hunza River curves around the southwest, west, and northwest sides of the Batura Muztagh, and Shispare towers above the western bank of the river

Naran-Kaghan valley

Introduction:

Naran is a medium sized town situated in upper kaghan valley which is a part of Khyber Pakhtun khwa province of Pakistan. It is one of the most beautiful part of northern areas in pakistan which is elevated 2500 meters above sea level. Its beauty captures a lot of people towards itself and thus it is a famous resort for tourists and trekkers. The weather of Naran is very cold. The ice on the moutain tops never melts, even in months of June and Jully there are glaciers and mountains are covered with snow.The road to naran valley travells alongside with River Kunhar which Starts from the glaciers of Kaghan and flow deep down in mansehra.  The local languages of Naran Valley are Hindko and Gojri but every individual overthere can speak and understand urdu

Rakaposhi & Diran base camp trek


Altitude: 3650 m. Max.
Season: May – Sep.
Duration: 15 Days.
Zone: Open

Introduction:

Rakaposhi is the crown jewel of the beauty of Nagar and Hunza valley. It is present in Nagar valley and majestic views stun every eye that falls upon Rakaposhi. Treks in these valleys, seldom on trekkers’ itineraries, are readily accessible by road with mostly easy trails and superb views. This treks tends to be the easiest and is a hot favourite of new comers. Apart from the trek itself, splendid drive on the Karakoram Highway gives you the best opportunity to explore Pakistan’s mighty mountains.

Shimshal pamir trek Gojal (upper Hunza)

Altitude: 5150 m. Max.
Season: June – Sep.
Duration: 13 – 17 Days.
Zone: Open

Introduction: 


Shimshal valley lies east of Hunza, tucked amid rugged mountains, glaciers and high passes, making it the most remote inhabited area of the Karakorum range. In 1936 the British political agent in Gilgit called it “the most remote settlement in the Empire.” It retains a similar status even today. Its upper valleys are ideal for trekkers and mountaineers, but like many other parts of the Karakorum, this region has not yet been properly explored.

Gasherbrum ||| .7952m

Base Camp Altitude:        4500m
Location:      Baltoro Glacier
Range:           Karakoram
Duration:          45 Days
Best Time:       June – August

Introduction:

Gasherbrum III is the third highest peak among the shining walls of the Karakoram mountain range and is situated between Gasherbrum II and IV. Until 1974, it has remained the highest unclimbed peak.
It was the highest unclimbed peak upto 1974, before a Polish women’s expedition, under the leadership of Mrs. Wanda Rutkiewics, climbed it on the 11th August, 1975. The women did the real job and it was they who touched the summit.


Khosar gang peak 6400m

Range:             Karakoram
Altitude:            6400m
Zone:                   Open
Duration:           24 Days
Best Time:        June – September

Introduction:

The name Khoser Gung in the Balti language means Ice Pumpkin. The glacier feeds the part of Shigar Valley situated on the left bank of Braldu River. Many supernatural myths and fairy tales are associated with the peaks by the local people. Technically it is an easy climb. However, crossing the ice which is mixed with little rocks presents intermediate difficulties. Ideal time for the expedition is July to August that can be extended upto mid September depending on weather conditions.

Masherbrum peak 7821m



Base Camp Altitude:        4000m
Location:                          Baltoro Glacier
Range:                                 Karakoram
Duration:                           60 Days
Best Time:                         June – August

Introduction:

Masherbrum or K-1 is another majestic peak of the Karakoram Range. Masherbrum proves to be an enthralling climb for mountaineers. It has been attempted by number of climbers but only few have reached the summit.
The first attempt was made by James Waller and his party in 1938 but deep snow forced them to surrender at an altitude of 7600 meters. In 1960, a Pakistan -American Expedition led by Dr. George Bell reached the summit. The successful climbers include Willi Unsoeld, George Bell, and Nick Clinch of USA and Captain Javed Aktar of Pakistan Army.