01:   EXPLORE THE HIDDEN VALLEYS OF KAGHAN (11 DAYS) 
JUNE TO OCTOBER

This unique exciting trip will take you through the enchanting Himalayan valley of Kaghan. Although  this valley is quite well known and visited by many tourists but their visits are restricted to places near the road. This trip takes you into areas seldom visited by outsiders and the only people you will find here are the Gujar tribes who are a nomadic race and use these valleys as their summer settlements. They are sheep/goat herders and earn their living by selling their animals in the cities. Their way of life is very interesting to observe and during this trip you will be able to study their unique life style.

You trek on the trails used by these Gujar shepherds through lush green meadows crossing passes not higher than 4100 meters, camp at crystal clear snow fed lakes and explore picturesque valleys. There is an abundance of wild flowers in all these valleys during the month of August and the streams and  lakes in the area are teeming with rainbow and brown trout.

During the trek all equipment and luggage will be carried by ponies and your cook will prepare hearty and delicious meals for you every day. You  sleep in comfortable two-person tents and will have the facility of a mess and a toilet tent.

At the end of the trek, drive across the 4137 meters high “Babusar Pass” and descend down to Chilas that lies on the Karakoram Highway  which has been built on the path of the ancient “Silk Route”.  Enjoy the scenic and exciting drive down this famous road  to reach  the twin cities of Rawalpindi / Islamabad.  

05.  PILGRIMAGE TO CHOGORI - K2 (24 DAYS)
MAY TO SEPTEMBER
 

Surely one of those rare treks which a real trekking enthusiast and mountain lover cannot afford to miss, as it truly is, a once in a lifetime experience. This physically demanding but technically easy trek to K2 (8611 Mt), locally known as Chogori, involves ten days of glacier trekking and is one of the most visually stunning treks offered in Pakistan, unmatched by any other mountain areas of the world. 

We begin at Islamabad, the Capital of Pakistan and one of the most beautiful and modern cities of this country. Visit the impressive Faisal Mosque with its unique architecture, explore the colorful Bazaars of Rawalpindi, and get a birds eye view of the impressive Capital from the Margalla Hills view point.

Drive to Chilas retracing the steps of the of the ancient travelers across the Himalayas and Karakoram mountains to follow the path of the ancient Silk Route, now known as the Karakoram Highway, a unique roadway that provides one of the most adventurous and scenic journeys through Pakistan’s Northern areas. 

It snakes through three of the world’s greatest mountain ranges under the shadows of Nanga Parbat 8125 meters, Rakaposhi 7788 meters and many many more above 7000 meter peaks to join Pakistan with China at the Khunjerab Pass 4733 meters high. Marvel at the diversity of the impressive mountain landscape and visit the ancient "Buddhist Rock Engravings" of 2nd century AD at Shatial and Chilas. 

Drive up the Indus Gorge along the mighty Indus river through lovely mountain scenery of tiny Balti villages perched on mountain slopes, terraced field and orchards, beautiful snow covered peaks and high rock towers to reach Skardu, the capital of Baltistan perched at a height of 2286 meters. Four wheel through the enchanting Shigar valley to the heartland of the Karakoram Mountains to reach Askoli, where the road and human habitation ends and your pilgrimage begins on foot. 

It is indeed a pilgrimage to pay respect to Chogori, the King of the Karakoram Mountains and the second highest peak in the World. The trail leading to its Royal courtroom is really impressive and befitting, passing through one of the "World’s biggest museum of shapes and sizes" as described by one of the visitors. The mind boggling scale and size of the mountains and monolithic towers of Muztagh (7273 Mts.), Cathedrals (5866 Mts.), Trango (6286 Mts.) and many other giants guarding the way to K-2 along the Baltoro glacier is unmatched in the world and the panoramic vistas from Concordia, the meeting of five glaciers and the largest concentration of glaciers in the world outside the polar regions, are really awe inspiring, almost humbling! 

Once at Concordia, the beautiful pyramid of K-2 comes in-to view, rising majestically above all peaks while the other giants in the area, Broad Peak (8047 Mts.), Gashebrum I (8068 Mts.), Gashebrum II (8035 Mts.), Gashebrum III (7952 Mts.), Gashebrum IV (7929 Mts.), Baltoro Kangri (7312 Mts.), Chogolisa (7668 Mts.) and many many more over six to seven thousand meter peaks stand well away from the "King", almost as if in respect! 

After exploring the area up-to the K2 Base Camp, you have two choices for returning. One is to trek back the same way out while the other involves trekking on to the Vigne Glacier and ascending Gondogoro La (5300 Mts.) to reach the Hushe Valley. This is a difficult route requiring the use of Crampons and Fixed Ropes so Basic Mountaineering Skill is needed for those intending to take this route. 

Trek back to Askoli and drive to Skardu for a well-deserved rest and a hot shower. Later drive down to Islamabad for taking your flight back at the end of your exciting pilgrimage.