Trekking in Pakistan

Pakistan has an amazing mountain heritage with the four ranges of Hindukush. Pamir, Karakorrum, and the Great Himalayas converging here. Amongst them, they contain the world's densest concentration of high peaks (five out of 14 highest) in their fold which are:-

Name of the Peak                Height – Feet/Metres

Godwin Austin (k-2)                         28,251/8,611

Nanga Parbat                                            26,660/8,125

Gasherbrum-I                                  26,470/8,068

BroadPeak                                     26,400/8,407

Gasherbrum-II                                 26,360/8,035 

There are 42 other peaks which are higher than all the highest peaks of the other continents. In all, Pakistan has over 700 peaks above 6000 meters in height and over 160 peaks above 7000 meters

Besides the high mountains, the Northern Areas have the world's longest glaciers including the Godwin Austin, Abruzzin and Baltoro which meet at Concordia forming the largest glacial lake at a high of 4720 meters. The enchanting valleys of Hunza, Shigar, Khaplu, Lshkuman, Nalar, Gilgit, Skardu, Chitral, and Dir and the glacial lakes like Kachura, Satpara, Lalusar, and Saiful Muluk add unmatched grandeur to the beauty of the rugged mountains.

The Northern Areas with its flora and fauna; the wildlife which can be seen in the form of snow leopards, ibexes and urials; and the variety of people who live in these areas with their cultural heritage and millennia-old civilizations form a paradise for the tourists, trekkers, and mountaineers from all around the world.

About Trekking
In almost every part of Pakistan, there is a variety of trekking adventure options awaiting the trekker, some soft, others not so. In this vast wonderland, trekking itineraries from one to four weeks or more provide endless opportunities for discovery for the trekker. Among the high altitude regions of Pakistan Karakoram ,Hindukush ,Himalayas, reality becomes a dream.

Trekking in Pakistan is an unforgettable experience as it not only let you to experience the unexplored trails made by nature, but also bring the visitor directly in touch with the country and its people and helps you to appreciate the mountain environment.

Trekking Tips
Cautions While Trekking in Pakistan
Trekking is not an adventure activity that anyone can try out. It comes with a responsibility for the trekker to make sure that no hiking expedition becomes a threat to the environment and to the local culture and traditions of that particular region. While taking up trekking of a particular region within Pakistan, check out the details regarding the geographical and historical features, followed by the trek route that you are going to cover, the season in which the trails can be followed, details about where to buy essential supplies and keep a note about the local trekking agencies of that particular region.

Things To Carry
It is recommended that a trekker should take up physical and dental examination before undertaking a trek. The first aid kit that you take with you depends on the length of the trek, its location and the no of people that are taking up the trek tour. Iodine tablets are the best reliable methods for sterlising water for drinking, cooking and washing.

Some of the items a trekker requires while trekking on the higher altitude regions in Pakistan: a broad- brimmed hat, UV proof glasses with side blinkers and SPF-15 sunscreen that can protect one against the increased solar radiation at high altitudes. The air can be very dry in the Karakoram, Himalayas, so carrying a scarf and a lip balm is essential. To avoid dehydration always carry a water bottle with you and it's essential to frequently drink water.