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A Traditional Long Living Hunza Woman
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Hunza Valley is one of the three subdivisions of Gilgit and makes a bridged link to China
through the Khunjerab Pass. Baltit (Karimabad) is the traditional capital of the valley. Its
overall population stands at 45,000 individuals. Female education is more than 95%. The valley
is surrounded by the lofty peaks of the Karakorum range, of which majestic Rakaposhi (7788m)
stands on the southwest side, Golden Peak and Diran Peaks (7327m) on east side, and Ultar Peaks
overhead. Hunza has been an independent state ruled by the Mir of Hunza for more than 850 years.
The ancient forts of Altit ( 700 years old) and Baltit (Karimabad, 750 years old) are monuments
of its past history. Karimabad Fort has recently been extensively renovated to restore it to its
original condition and is now open for tourists. It will provide you with the most interesting
history of the area and also present a commanding view of the whole valley.
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KARAKORUM, SILK ROUTE AND HUNZA VALLEY
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REF: HTS/208
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Baltit Fort (700 years Old), Hunza Valley
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Trip Grade A: You will arrive at Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. From Islamabad
Airport it is only a forty minute flight to Skardu, the capital of Baltistan, flying
over Himalayan and Karakorum peaks and passing close to Nanga Parbat. The Indus river
rushes between the high cliffs of Rakaposhi and the Haramosh range, roaring down towards south.
Gilgit is the capital of the Northern Areas, from where you can make trips to isolated
nearby valleys. Your road journey on the Karakorum Highway towards the Hunza valley
will provide you with excellent views of Rakaposhi, Diran, Ultar and several other
peaks of more than 7000 meters. A visit to Khunjerab Pass (4733m) will take you to
the Roof of the World.
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NORTH PAKISTAN JEEP SAFARI
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REF: HTS/209
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Lunch spot at Deosai Lake during Jeep safari
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Trip Grade A/B: During the course of this trip you will travel across the western
Himalayan and Hindu Kush mountains, and some areas of the Karakorums. You will also
have excellent views of Nanga Parbat (8126m), Rakaposhi (7788m), Diran (7327m), Golden
Peak (7027m), Ultar Peak (7388m), and Tirich Mir (7706m). It is an adventurous trip,
driving and walking through various valleys, visiting sites, bazaars, historical places,
and museums.
Note: If required, Deosai, Skardu, and Shigar valleys can be added to the programme.
Deosai is famous for wild flowers and butterflies.
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HUNZA GOLDEN PEAK TREK
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REF: HTS/210
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Rakaposhi (7788M)
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Trip Grade B/C: On this trek our guests can view Rakaposhi (7788m), Diran (7327m),
Golden Peak (7027m), Shishpar (7619m), Ultar (7388m), and several other peaks of the
region. We travel through the valleys of Hunza and Nagar, and while trekking we pass
by shepherds' huts.
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HARAMOSH TREK
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REF: HTS/211
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Trip Grade C: The Haramosh area is rarely visited by tourists. However, trekking
trips and expeditions to nearby peaks can be organised with ease. The region is
rich in mineral resources and pine forests. On the trek we can see green meadows,
Kutwal Lake (3260m), Haramosh Peak (7397m) and the surrounding peaks of Malubiting
(7453m) and Laila (6986m).
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BATURA GLACIER TREK
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REF: HTS/212
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Passu Glaciere
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Trip Grade B/C: A pleasurable trek with a four-day walk and excellent views of Ultar
(7388m), Passu Peak (7284m), Karun Peak (7350m), Lupgar, Batura Peak, and other mountains
in the Shimshal range.
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KARAKORUM ALPINE TREK
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REF: HTS/213
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Hunza Cathedrals guard over the valley
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Trip Grade B/C: This trek leads to the scenic mountains of the Hunza valley, offering
a traverse from Passu Glacier to Batura Glacier (45 km long). Patungdas (4575m) is the
highest point of the venture. This meadow offers magnificent views of the Passu group
(7284-7500m), Batura group (7500-7785m), Rakaposhi (7788m), Shishpar peak (7619m),
and countless other peaks towering above the Hunza valley.
The trek starts from Ghulkin village, a short jeep ride from Gulmit. Traversing Ghulkin
glacier, trek along Borit Lake to Passuger and then to Ludgar across Passu glacier.
From here, a steep and tiring trek to Patungdas will be rewarded by breathtaking views
of the surrounding mountains. After spending one day of leisure at this vista point,
descend to Molovil on the Batura side and then on to Passu village.
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DIRAN AND RAKAPOSHI TREK
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REF: HTS/214
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Rakaposhi (7788m) seen from Karimabad Hunza Valley.
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Trip Grade B/C: Towering over the Hunza valley, Rakaposhi (7788m) and Diran (7327m)
are located on the opposite side of Hunza. After a dramatic flight or an overland
journey on the KKH from Islamabad to Gilgit, you will travel to the legendary valley
of Hunza. Explore the myths attached to the fame of Hunza and visit Khunjerab Pass
(4733), on Pakistan's border with China. The next day, a short two-day trek leads
from Minapin village to the base camp of Rakaposhi, passing through lush green meadows
dotted with wildflowers. The base camp offers excellent views of Rakaposhi and Diran
Peak with dense pine forests on its flanks and in the lower part of the valley. Take
a day excursion to Diran Base Camp to enjoy breathtaking views of the surroundings in
all directions.
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AMONG THE HIGH MOUNTAINS OF SHIMSHAL
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REF: HTS/215
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Trip Grade C/D: 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.
After a short jeep ride from Passu on a narrow jeep trail being built by the Shimshalis,
the three-day trek passes through a narrow valley that opens at Shimshal. On the way,
we traverse over Malangutti glacier with outstanding views of Dasteghil Sar (7885m),
the highest peak of Hunza. After a day exploring the village, continue onward on Khurdupin
glacier to the foot of Khurdupin Pass with breathtaking views of Yazghil Domes, Trivor
Sar, Yashkun Garden (7530m), Kuningkash, Momhil Sar, Pumarikish, Khurdupin Peak, Virjerab
Peak, Kanut Sar and the entire range surrounding Yazghil and Khurdupin glaciers.
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SHIMSHAL PAMIR TREK
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REF: HTS/216
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Trip Grade C/D: This worthwhile trek leads into the more remote areas of the Karakorum
mountains. To know about the traditions of Hunza you have to travel to more difficult
villages like Shimshal. The journey continues throughout the Hunza valley and at the
end you reach Shimshal valley. After crossing over Chapchangul Pass (5150m) and back
to the Karakorum Highway, this trek takes you to Zaragarbin Pass (4600m), Shimshal
Pass (4735m), and memorable high pasturelands.
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TO THE FOOT OF TIRICH MIR
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REF: HTS/217
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Trip Grade C: The Tirich valley is fertile and green. A fascinating drive takes you
to Zani Pass (3886m) with fine views of the Hindu Kush and Hindu Raj ranges and finally
to Shogor at the foot of the Tirich Mir glacier. A free day provides an opportunity
to take in the excellent view of Tirich Mir (7706m), Istoro Nal (7403m), and Tirich
glacier. Visit the Kafir Kalash of Chitral and the Khyber Pass before returning to
Islamabad via Taxila. See the historical site of Taxila and its museum.
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YARKHUN VALLEY-KARUMBER LAKE, CHALLANJI PASS (CHITRAL TO HUNZA) TREK
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REF: HTS/219
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Trip Grade C/D: This mighty trip will take you to Yarkhun River, north of Mastuj.
Then you will enjoy an easy trip in a wide valley lined with smooth pastures where
herds of horses, yaks and sheep graze. Between Chitral and Ishkoman valley the pass
appears at 4100m. Thereafter the trek starts from Karumber river over Challengi pass
to Chapursan valley which joins the Hunza valley from the western side just above
Sost in Upper Hunza. Pilgrims from all over the Northern Areas of Pakistan and Wakhan
travel to Baba Ghundi's shrine to receive blessings.
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DARKOT PASS (4575M) VIA YARKHUN VALLEY
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REF: HTS/220
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Trip Grade C/D: On the trek from Darkot to Darkot Pass, walk down the Darkot glacier
with its deep open crevices and streams of water. After 3-4 hours you will reach Chikar
Yarkhun valley. On all sides are magnificent views of granite peaks interspersed with
glaciers. Walk up to Zaindikharan to Lalay Rabatat, the top of the Boroghil region.
Descending on the Darkot side is somewhat difficult due to the steeper faces of its
rocks. The glacier is slippery in the morning, therefore crampons must be used.
Trek on to Yarkhun valley.
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