Pakistan is a land of rich, varied and unique landscape. While the world’s highest mountain ranges dominate its North, series of low mountain ranges of Suleman, Pub, Kirthar and Mekran runs from North to Southwest and to South in a bone like manner. These low ranges dominate the plains and deserts to the East and warm and captivating beaches of the Arabian Sea in the South. It is, however, Northern Areas of Pakistan which is endowed with most unique geographical feature in the world. It is here that the three great, lofty and spectacular mountain ranges of the world, Karakorams, Hindukush and Himalayas meet. In an area of about 500 kms in width and 350 kms in depth is found the most dense collection of some of the highest and precipitous peaks in the world, boasting more than 700 peaks higher than 6000 meters. These include five out of the total fourteen above eight thousand metre high peaks on earth, namely the second highest rock pyramid - the K-2 (8611 m), the killer Nanga Parbat (8125), the Hidden Peak, Gasherbrum I (8068 m), the Broad Peak (8047) and the Gasherbrum II (8035 m). This enormous mountain wealth makes Pakistan an important mountain country in the world, a paradise for mountaineers, adventure seekers and nature lovers, the world over. The compelling charm of these high, challenging endless sea of rugged rock and ice pinnacles lure large number of climbers, adventure seekers, trekkers and nature lovers from across the five continents to the Northern Areas and Chitral, each year.

Karakoram has the highest concentration of high mountains in the world and possess the longest glaciers outside the polar regions. Besides, these ranges house enchanting and luring valleys like Hunza, Shigar, Khaplu, Ishkuman, Naltar, Gilgit, Skardu, Chitral, Kahgan, Swat and Kashmir and splendid passes like Shandur and Burzil. The Deosai plains in Western Himalayas lay at about 4500 metres, filled with flowers during summers, is one of highest plains in the world. There are numerous glacial lakes which are famous for their scenic value, blue waters and trout fishing. Prominent among these are Phandar, Kachura, Sadpara, Lulusar and Saiful Muluk. The main population centres are along river valleys. The main ethnic groups populated in the Northern Areas are Baltis, Wakhis, Khawar, Hunzukut, Kohistani, Shena and Yashkun. These ranges have the most rare species of flora and fauna. The wildlife includes the Snow Leopard, Brown Bear, Morcopolo sheep, Ibex and Urial etc. The vegetation in the higher ranges in the North is less due to high altitude and less precipitation, however in the South there is heavy precipitation and vegetation. The gateway to these great mountain ranges is Islamabad from where air and road links are available for Gilgit, Skardu, Chitra and Swat. Kaghan valley is connected through road link only. The range wise distribution of the peaks situated in the high mountain ranges are:-

Access to the Area and Facilitation of the Adventure Tourists

The Northern Areas prior to Pakistan’s independence were accessed from Srinagar in Kashmir Valley. The earlier explorers took several days journey to reach Srinagar from the Indian seaport of Bombay, from where it would take them a minimum of 40 days to reach the upper portions of Boltoro glacier and other areas. The time required to access the area was considerably reduced with the induction of air service after Pakistan’s independence. The accessibility was improved as first an airport was established at Skardu and later a jeepable link with Rawalpindi was developed through Chilas and Kaghan Valley in the mid fifties. The completion of great Karakoram Highway which stretches for about 840 Kms from Hassanabdal to Khunjerab Pass, with the help and cooperation of the brotherly country of Peoples Republic of China provided an all weather truckable metalled link between Islamabad and Gilgit in 1978. The truck-able link between Gilgit and Skardu was later completed in 1982. A jeepable track from Skardu to Shigar has further been extended to Askole reducing trek to K-2. Now it takes one day’s jeep ride from Skardu to Askole- the last village and further 9 days up to the K-2 Base Camp. Islamabad serves as the route to the Northern Areas whereas Peshawar serves as the base for Chitral. Islamabad, besides Karkoram Highway is now linked with daily Boeing flights with Skardu and Fokker flights with Gilgit. However these flights are subject to clear weather. It takes one day bus/coaster/jeep ride between Islamabad and Gilgit whereas it may take up to two days road journey from Islamabad to Skardu. With the provision of this and other communication links the access from Islamabad to the Northern Area and Chitral has improved manifold, cutting down travel and trekking time and uncertainty due to non flying weather.

Since opening up of the area to the general mountaineering and trekking in 1974 there has been a gradual increase in the number of tour operators which provide all types of services to the visitors ranging from handling of customs, the paperwork required by the Ministry of Tourism, provision of all administrative support to the visitors in way of providing transport, hotelling, guides/porter services, the trekking equipment, food, and host of other facilities at nominal costs. The Information Centres of the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation both at home and abroad displays the list of the reputed tour operators who are ready to facilitate the visitors to the area.

The Mountain ranges of the Northern Areas of Pakistan present a vast array and wealth of spectacular and incomparable lofty mountains, enchanting valleys, long glaciers, crystal blue water lakes and wild life provide immense adventure to the visitors who flock Pakistan in summers in large numbers. These mountains have abound natural wealth which can only be appreciated during a visit to these areas.