TREKKING
TREKKING TRIP TO NORTHERN AREAS
Less time and
money but still want a great vacation?
Look no further. Our
beautiful country has many undiscovered destinations that appeal to all the
senses. Whether you’re in the mood for adventure, peace, relaxation or culture,
you’ll find the right mix in the Northern region of Pakistan. But by Northern I
don’t mean Murree and Nathiagali. The hill stations have become too congested
and have lost a great deal of their charm. More and more trees and natural
features are being cleared off to make room for the rapid commercialization of
the area. Think more North. It’s about the Gilgit, Baltistan, Skardu and Hunza
area.
How to get there?
If you’re short on
time, your best bet is to take the PIA flight to Gilgit. It’s not for the faint
hearted because it’s a tiny plane meandering around tall mountains. But rest
assured, you’ll have the best view of Pakistan. Otherwise, go by car from
Islamabad. It’s time consuming but it’s a safe and convenient option. From
Gilgit, make your way to Karimabad on jeeps or vans that are available for rent
at affordable prices. Karimabad is a small interesting town in the Hunza Valley
that lies in the centre of all the beautiful places you can explore. From
Karimabad, if you want to take a camping/trekking trip further some of your
best options would be Naltar, Rakaposhi, Hopar and Haramosh. The scenic beauty
that lies here is incredible and there are tonnes of stuff for you to do.
Things to take with
you, trekking essentials.
It’s going to be
cold. You’re running away from the summer heat to come to this weather, so please
enjoy it! And the only way you can do that, is if you have the right gear.
Don’t forget to pack warm clothes and a waterproof jacket (preferably the ones
with fleece lining underneath). Right shoes are very important. The terrain is
hilly, rocky, muddy, icy, wet and grassy, so you’ll need comfortable trekking
shoes that have considerable grip. If you’re going for trekking then a backpack
and sleeping bag are essential. Prepare against downpour by ensuring all your
gear is waterproof. Mufflers, socks, boots and thermals are other essentials.
Sunrays, especially at this altitude, are extremely harmful. You can easily get
sunburn. Keep a pair of trusty sunglasses on you at all times. Do not skimp on
sun block. Also keep baby wipes, they will be your best friend, when there is
no water (or extremely cold water), and you will use them for everything! So
keep a couple of packs.
What to do in
Gilgit-Baltistan?
At Karimabad, there
are plenty of day trips to choose from. Take a short van/bus ride to Attabad
Lake. It’s absolutely breathtaking. The azure lake is massive and freezing (so
please, no swimming!). Taking a boat ride on one of the local boats here is an
absolute must. Keep a jacket on throughout and brace yourselves for icy water
splashes! For the next day, wake up extremely early and make your way to
Duikkar near Eagles Nest Hotel to watch the sunrise. You can enjoy the parathas
after the sunrise. You even have the option to paraglide from one of the top
peaks. If you have it in you then this would, hands down, be the highlight of
your trip. Explore the history of the area by walking through the narrow
inclined paths of Karimabad. At a short walk’s distance you’ll find Baltit Fort
and Altit fort.
Adventure trekking
in Northern Pakistan
If you’re up for a
real adventure, opt for a nature-filled, no-frills, bathroom-less trekking
trip. You’ll have to go in like wild, but trust me there is nothing more liberating.
With everything you have on your back, you’ll trek through green pastures,
climb some rocky mountains and squish through icy glaciers. You’ll be surviving
on happy cow cheese, dairy milks and tang. It’s going to snow, it’s going to
rain. And then the shy sun will come out one day and you will seek it at every
turn. The experience is like no other. Get energies throughout the way with
chocolate, cheese, biscuits, limo pani and tang. Depending on the trip you
choose to go to, the scenery is varied. Always follow the path that has been
set for the trek, avoid ‘short cuts’. Take breaks whenever you feel over
exhausted. Eat as well as you can and make sure to stay hydrated. Don’t push
yourself too hard. Adventure trekking is not the only way to enjoy the scenic
beauty of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Where to stay?
There are plenty of
hotels in Karimabad. Hilltop Hotel is considered the most central. It has
comfortable rooms and extremely accommodating staff. Infect, you’ll find that
the local people are very friendly and hospitable. They will try to help out in
any way possible. If you want to indulge yourself, opt for the Serena Hotel.
The hotel has great service and spectacular views overlooking the valley.
What to eat?Mornings
at the campsite
If you’ve revved up
an appetite after a long days hike, go hit any of the local restaurants that
are lined up one after the other. They serve finger-licking qormas, handis and
kababs with straight out of the tandoor hot naans. Karimabad also has this
lovely place called Cafe de Hunza. It’s a superb place to come have breakfast.
They serve food that you wouldn’t commonly assume to be available in Hunza
delicious nutella pancakes, cheese omelettes and rosti. Foreigners in the area
find this cafe the best coffee spot with a superb view.
Where to shop?
There are many local
souvenir shops that sell art, paintings, jewelry and local handicrafts.
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