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Old and new means of transportation still alive to witness
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Gilgit is the capital of the Northern Areas of Pakistan. It has been an ancient trading post whose
bustling bazaar has served as a caravan sarai for traders on the famed Silk Route. It's bazaar is
filled with multi-ethnic people from the surrounding areas. Shaped like a bowl, the Gilgit valley
is encircled by brown and black hills and mountains with Domani (6134m) in the background. Three
valleys lead out from Gilgit. The southeastern valley leads off towards Skardu and Rawalpindi along
the Indus river. To the north lies the Hunza valley. And westward the valley leads to Chitral in
the Hindu Raj and Hindu Kush ranges.
Polo has retained its original form in the Northern Areas, which is thought to be its place of
origin. This game is still played aggressively in wild form, making it quite different from the
polo played in other parts of the world. The highest polo field in the world lies on the Shandur
Pass, situated between Gilgit and Chitral. Asia's longest suspension bridge and famous rock carvings
of Buddha are other attractions of Gilgit and the Northern Areas.
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NALTAR - ISHKOMAN HINDU RAJ TRAVERSE
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REF: HTS/201
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Three biggest ranges of the world Karakorum, Himalaya and Hindukush
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Trip Grade C: This trek takes us to see the three distinct mountain ranges of the
Karakorum, Hindu Raj and Hindu Kush. The trek begins at Naltar after a short jeep
ride from Gilgit. Naltar is a beautiful pine valley inhabited by nomads. Here the
Pakistan Air Force has a Ski Training Centre surrounded by flower-dotted alpine
pastures and dense forests. We pitch our tents near Naltar Lake and spend a free
day near crystal clear water reflecting the surrounding peaks. From here we trek to
Shani, the base of Naltar Pass. On the way we see shepherds tending their herds of
yaks, goats and sheep. Then we cross Naltar Pass (4200m) to Ishkoman valley. From
the top, there are beautiful views of Rakaposhi, Nanga Parbat and countless other
peaks of all three ranges. At the end of trek we traverse to Chatorkhand village.
The next day we take a jeep ride to Gilgit.
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ROOF OF THE WORLD JEEP SAFARI
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REF: HTS/202
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A Jeep Safari on Deosai
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Trip Grade A: This trip follows in the footsteps of Marco Polo, but in a four-wheel
drive jeep. The multi-faceted journey presents the astonishing contrasts of Northern
Pakistan, from lush green valleys to stark barren cliffs, from thundering rivers to
serene sleepy lakes, and from towering snowcapped mountains to arid deserts. As we
traverse through the mighty mountain ranges of the Hindu Kush, Karakorum and Himalayas,
the culture and language of the local people seems to change from one valley to the
next.
Our trip starts from the historic city of Peshawar. From here we drive to Swat and
visit the ruins of Gandhara civilization before traversing to Chitral over the Lowari
Pass (3234m). Chitral is guarded by Tirich Mir (7706m), the highest peak of the Hindu
Kush range. Two days will be spent among the Kafirs of Kalash, who still retain
their centuries old traditions. From here, a three-day journey takes us to Gilgit
over the Shandur Pass (3734m), site of the world's highest polo ground, and passes serene
Phandar lake and the Gupis and Punial valleys. A day can be reserved for leisure and
fishing at Phandar lake. From Gilgit, we will visit the picturesque Hunza valley and
travel up to the Khunjerab Pass (4733m). A free day in Karimabad before returning back
to Gilgit will keep you busy meeting people and visiting ancient forts. Then we will
drive back to Rawalpindi on the Karakorum Highway with an overnight stop at scenic Besham
on the Indus river.
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POLO FESTIVAL ON SHANDUR PASS
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REF: HTS/203
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Trip Grade A: Every year in summer a polo tournament is organised between the polo
players of the Gilgit and Chitral regions on the high plateau of the Shandur Pass
(3734m). This polo field is the highest polo ground in the world. Polo, which originated
in Gilgit, is played here roughly in its original form. The week-long festival offers
a unique opportunity to experience the vitality and culture of these tough mountain
dwellers. Living in a tented city, watching folk dances and singing and many other items
of interest, you will have an experience to remember for a lifetime.
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Peshawar-Swat-Chitral-Bumburit/Birir-Bridge Top/Lowari Pass-Shandur Pass-Gilgit
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REF: HTS/218
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Lawari Pass to Chitral (3234M)
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Trip Grade C: This is an expertly arranged trip which takes you to Peshawar, Swat
valley and Chitral via the Lowari Pass, through some of the most beautiful areas of
northern Pakistan. From Chitral, cross the Shandur Pass (3734m) for the onward journey
to Gilgit, the capital of the Northern Areas and the starting point for adventure to
the suburb surrounding valleys. This trip does not omit any important social, anthropological,
cultural or natural scene. The Gandhara civilization from Taxila to Swat, the Kafir Kalash,
Shandur Pass etc. can all be enjoyed by you along the various stops enroute.
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OUR SPECIAL OFFER
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REF: HTS/204
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PAK-CHINA Border
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Trip Grade A:This tour is designed to help you discover the many wonders of Pakistan
and China. Travelling on the Karakorum highway, one sees the remains of Gandhara civilization
in Taxila and Swat, rock carvings of Buddha in Gilgit, rock inscriptions in Chilas and
Hunza, as well as lush green serene valleys, rugged mountains, towering peaks, fascinating
glaciers and roaring rivers. Travelling beyond Hunza valley, one steps up to the Xinjiang
Autonomous Region of China via the Khunjerab Pass (4733m). A visit to Kashgar is the high
point of this trip. It has been a trade centre for the Northern Areas and Central Asia
for centuries and still retains its colourful heritage. Do not miss Kashgar's famous
Sunday Bazaar. This area, recently opened to visitors, is a site not to be missed! We
also arrange one way tours to and from China with maximum flexibility in choosing your
itinerary. For the past two years, Xinjiang China Airlines has operated flights between
Islamabad and Urumqi twice a week. Now it is possible to fly from Islamabad to Urumqi
and journey by road from Kashgar on the Silk Route via Khunjerab Pass to the Northern
Areas of Pakistan.
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NANGA PARBAT
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REF: HTS/205
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Trip Grade B/C: Nanga Parbat (8126m), famous as the "Killer Mountain," is situated
at the western end of the Himalayan Range. It is the ninth highest peak in the world
and second in Pakistan, but is perhaps the most challenging of all peaks to climb.
Many climbers have lost their lives in attempting to scale this peak. It was first
summitted by Herman Buhl in 1953. Nanga Parbat offers a striking contrast as its south
and eastern flanks are green, while the north and western flanks are mostly barren.
Two of the three routes to the foot of Nanga Parbat (the south and north face) offer
excellent treks with magnificent views through dense pine forest.
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RUPAL PANORAMA
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REF: HTS/206
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Herling Koffer Base Camp Nanga Parbat
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Trip Grade B/C: This trek leads to the south face of Nanga Parbat, the most dangerous
route to one of the great precipices in the world.
Jeeping from Gilgit through the gorges of Astor valley, one reaches Tarishing village.
From here is an easy two day trek, passing through the beautiful pine villages of Rupal.
Enroute we traverse over Chumphere and Bazin glaciers before reaching the Herling Koffer
Base Camp set amidst lush green pine meadows. The whole trek offers scenic views of Chongra
(6447m) and Raikot Peaks (7074m). Then trek onward to Latoba, the traditional base
camp of Nanga Parbat. From here there are spectacular views of Rupal Peak (5000m). After a
day of leisure, return back to Tarishing and then travel by jeep to Gilgit. The last
phase of the trip is to visit serene Hunza valley before returning to Rawalpindi.
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FAIRY MEADOWS WITH HUNZA AND SWAT HIGHTLIGHTS
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REF: HTS/207
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Trip Grade B/C: Fairy Meadows is a spectacularly forested pine meadow which is believed
by the locals to be inhabited by fairies. With spectacular views of the looming north
face of Nanga Parbat, one can readily understand the reason for this myth. After travelling
80km south from Gilgit, a steep and narrow jeep trail leads from Raikot Bridge to Jiyal.
From here we arrange our porters and trek to Fairy Meadows, passing for three hours
through dense forest. The next day we pass through scattered shepherds' huts on the
way to Beyal, the base camp of Nanga Parbat. From there, a day excursion is made to
Jilpar Peak and the memorial of the German mountaineers who lost their lives in 1937.
On return, we stop overnight at Fairy Meadows and the next day trek back to the road
for a jeep ride to Gilgit. Our next destination is the fabled Hunza valley with a
visit to Karimabad and Khunjerab Pass.
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SILK ROUTE - SWAT VALLEY COMFORT TRIP (BY AIR CONDITIONED VAN OR BUS)
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REF: HTS/229
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Trip Grade A:The Northern Areas and Swat Valley each
have their own contrasting beauty. Lofty snowcapped mountains, the russhing waters of
the Indus river, a huge varriety of summer fruits, and friendly people are attractions
in the north, while green hills with thickly grown forests and trout fishing in clear
streams are some of the enhancements of Swat valley. The Khyber Pass, gateway to Afghanistan
and Central Asia, is a worthwhile and Peshawar is paved, a comfortable air-conditioned
van or bus can be used for the trip.
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