Hunza, Shimshal and the Rush Lake Trek
Tour Category
Group Size
Duration
From
OVERVIEW & ITINERARY
North of the regional capital and former Silk Road trading post of Gilgit, the famously scenic Hunza Valley provides access to some of the highlights of Northern Pakistan’s Karakoram Mountains. Here, the intrepid traveller will discover historic towns and isolated villages, welcoming people, ancient forts, the newly-formed Attabad Lake, as well as a wealth of breath-taking scenery including some of the world’s biggest glaciers and mightiest snow-capped peaks. This fantastic new adventure holiday allows you to experience all of this without having to undertake a particularly long or sustained expedition-style trek.
Starting out in Karimabad, we visit the old Baltit Fort and have breakfast at the renowned Eagle’s Nest Hotel with its superb overview of the Hunza Valley, overshadowed by Rakaposhi (7788m). We then take a beautiful ferry ride along the length of the recently created Attabad Lake and, from Passu, drive up to the traditional Wakhi village of Shimshal, one of the highest and most remote communities in the Hunza area. Day-hikes from Passu and Shimshal provide us with more exceptional mountain views and help with our fitness and acclimatisation before we embark on the week-long trek from Hopar to the rarely-visited Rush Lake (4694m), perched on a high ridge between the Hispar Valley and the Barpu Glacier. This stunning lake is one of the highest alpine lakes in the word. From a viewpoint above the lake, the sensational panorama includes every one of the Hunza peaks, the Hispar La, Snow Lake and the giants of the Central Karakoram including K2 (8611m), Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums. For an unforgettable taste Northern Pakistan’s mountains and warm hospitality, without the challenges of a lengthy and committing expedition-style trek, come and join the Karakoram Experience.
ITINERARY
Setting off after breakfast, we drive northwards via Abbottabad to Mansehra. Here, we turn away from the Karakoram Highway and head up towards the Babusar Pass through the picturesque forest and meadow landscape of the Kaghan Valley. Heading up the valley, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, culminating in a series of hairpin bends which lead to the pass. The monument at the top provides a great photo opportunity and there are view of snow-capped peaks including, if it is clear, Rakaposhi (7788m) which we will be much closer to at the end of the day. Dropping down to the River Indus near Chilas, our journey continues, with views of the mighty Nanga Parbat (8126m), into the Hunza Valley. We pass Gilgit and reach our hotel in Karimabad in time for dinner.
Our route up towards Rush Lake now heads away from the glacier, climbing steeply on a scant trail up to the long ridge that separates the Barpu Glacier from the lower Hispar Valley. After 3 hours of continuous steep climbing, we reach a slightly more level section of ridge where we take our lunch. From here it's a further 2 hours of ascent to our camping place at Childin Hara (4333m). There are excellent views out over a wild and glaciated landscape and over the distant Hunza Valley which is dominated by the peak of Ultar.
The ground steepens as soon as we leave camp, the track climbing through a boulder field for half an hour or so to reach a more level ridge-top trail. We gain height steadily and after around an hour of walking we reach Rush Lake (4694m) and set up camp. The lake is unusual in its ridge-top location and attracts a number of migrating bird species. We may also spot one or two yaks or dzos (yak-cow crossbreeds) grazing on the lakeside pasture. This is a lovely and rarely-visited Karakoram gem and we have the afternoon free to enjoy the far-reaching breath-taking views, notably across to Malubiting (7458m) and down into the Hispar Valley almost 2000 metres below. After lunch, there is the option to hike further up the ridge to the viewpoint known as Rush Phari Peak (5098m) which includes a steep and quite rocky final approach. From the summit, there is an incredible 360-degree mountain panorama. All the high peaks of Hunza can be seen; from Ultar to Diran and Rakaposhi, while to the south, the 'Golden Pillar' of Spantik (7027m) catches the eye. On a clear day, we will be rewarded with views towards the Baltoro giants of K2 (8611m) and Broad Peak (8047m). This optional and extremely rewarding afternoon hike will add 3 to 4 hours to the day's trek.
We have an early start and after breakfast at our lakeside camp, we drop down directly southwards to the Sumaiyar Bar Glacier. It is 1100 metres of descent to the grazing ground, known as Phahi Phari, and this takes around 3 hours, depending on our fitness. From here, we follow a trail beside the glacier for an hour or so until we are beyond its confluence with the Barpu Glacier. We then drop down onto the ice to make the glacier crossing which can take up to 2 hours. Here, we are well above the crossing point that we used at the beginning of our trek and we encounter different conditions. The central part of the glacier is easy going on level white ice, which is not at all slippery on account of the gravel that is melted into its surface. The edges of the glacier, in contrast, are more broken up and we have to take care to find the best route. Microspikes may be useful here. Reaching the west side of the glacier, we continue along the ablation valley between the main hillside and the lateral moraine. This gives very pleasant walking. Eventually the trail traverses the hillside itself high above the glacier and there is a degree of exposure here. However this is the route that the local people use to bring their cattle to the high pastures and the trail is reasonably well maintained. Approximately 2 hours beyond the glacier crossing, we reach the seasonally inhabited settlement of Hamdar (3400m), where there is a collection of stone-built houses and an area of cultivated land surrounded by extensive pasture. From our camp here, there are brilliant views back across the Barpu Glacier to the Golden Pillar of Spantik at the head of the valley. In the evening, if we are lucky, our porters and the local herdsmen will get together for a session of singing and dancing.
We will drive to Islamabad from Giglit via Karakoram Highway
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Visa Invitation Letter & Supporting documents
- In case of flight cancellation: private air-conditioned transport by road in 2 days from Islamabad to Skardu (or vice versa) with 1 overnight stay mid-way.
- Standard tourist class hotel / guest house accommodation based on twin room sharing & breakfast (6 nights)
- All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) while on the trek
- Baggage allowance of 15 KG per trekker - which will be carried by a porter (additional luggage can be left in the hotel or in our Skardu office storage)
- Sleeping tent, mess/kitchen tent and toilet tent (for smaller groups there will be a mess-kitchen tent combi for larger groups these will be separate and will incl. tables and chairs)
- Kitchen equipment, crockery, cutlery, fuel and related community gear
- Wages and basic kit of guide, sirdar, cook and assistant(s)
- English-Speaking Trekking Guide
- Sightseeing in Islamabad incl. transport & English-speaking guide
- Bridge crossing and campsite fees
- Insurance of our field staff and low altitude porters (except helicopter rescue)
- Porterage at airports, hotels, toll taxes and parking fees etc.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- International airfare, airport tax, excess baggage charges
- Sleeping bags and mattresses
- Meals on general days are not included
- Medications, ground evacuations and helicopter rescue charges of any kind if any (please note that helicopter rescues in Pakistan are very expensive, if required the client will need to have proper insurance coverage for this)
- Room service, mini-bar, laundry, beverages, phone/communication bills and other items of personal nature
- Insurance liability / all clients need to arrange their own (travel & medical) insurance – Adventure Pakistan is not liable for any accidents, illness, damages, theft or any force majeure conditions
- Tips to our staff (if you are happy with their services)
- Any unforeseen cost related to (unplanned) changes in the program (caused by severe weather, natural disasters, extreme currency devaluation or any other external factors)
- Any other service not mentioned in this condition shee
DATES & PRICES FOR RUSH LAKE TREK
Start |
End |
Status |
Price |
Deposit |
Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
12 May |
23 May |
Guaranteed |
$2,075 |
$300 |
|
17 June |
30 June |
Guaranteed |
$2,075 |
$300 |
|
03 July |
17 July |
Guaranteed |
$2,075 |
$300 |
|
12 August |
23 August |
Guaranteed |
$2,075 |
$300 |
|
17 September |
30 September |
Guaranteed |
$2,075 |
$300 |
|
03 October |
17 October |
Guaranteed |
$2,075 |
$300 |
|
17 October |
31 October |
Guaranteed |
$2,075 |
$300 |
ROUTE MAP
North of the regional capital and former Silk Road trading post of Gilgit, the famously scenic Hunza Valley provides access to some of the highlights of Northern Pakistan’s Karakoram Mountains. Here, the intrepid traveller will discover historic towns and isolated villages, welcoming people, ancient forts, the newly-formed Attabad Lake, as well as a wealth of breath-taking scenery including some of the world’s biggest glaciers and mightiest snow-capped peaks. This fantastic new adventure holiday allows you to experience all of this without having to undertake a particularly long or sustained expedition-style trek.
Starting out in Karimabad, we visit the old Baltit Fort and have breakfast at the renowned Eagle’s Nest Hotel with its superb overview of the Hunza Valley, overshadowed by Rakaposhi (7788m). We then take a beautiful ferry ride along the length of the recently created Attabad Lake and, from Passu, drive up to the traditional Wakhi village of Shimshal, one of the highest and most remote communities in the Hunza area. Day-hikes from Passu and Shimshal provide us with more exceptional mountain views and help with our fitness and acclimatisation before we embark on the week-long trek from Hopar to the rarely-visited Rush Lake (4694m), perched on a high ridge between the Hispar Valley and the Barpu Glacier. This stunning lake is one of the highest alpine lakes in the word. From a viewpoint above the lake, the sensational panorama includes every one of the Hunza peaks, the Hispar La, Snow Lake and the giants of the Central Karakoram including K2 (8611m), Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums. For an unforgettable taste Northern Pakistan’s mountains and warm hospitality, without the challenges of a lengthy and committing expedition-style trek, come and join the Karakoram Experience.
gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What will the food be like on the trek?
Breakfast: Typically includes an omelet / fried / boiled eggs, fried Pakistani bread (paratha), chappati, toast, pancakes, porridge, cereal, jam, Nutella, honey, marmalade, cheese etc + green tea / coffee / milk tea.
Lunch: unlike other trekking agencies we do not provide packed lunch instead we will have fresh lunch which includes soup, tuna fish, boiled pottatos, eggs, assorted cookies, bread, cheese, dried fruits & nuts, green tea / coffee / juice
Dinner: we start each dinner with a nice warm soup, after that there will be variation of dishes which changes each day. different vegetable dishes, varies types of meat (chicken, beef or mutton) accompanied by rice, noodles, pasta, lentils, potatoes, French fries and or chappati bread. We of course won’t forget dessert, there will be (fresh) fruit and or a type of pudding at every dinner.
Snacks: between lunch and dinner there will be a daily variation of cookies, pakora, popcorn etc. and hot beverages
Note: we will also take into account your specific dietary requirements, for example vegetarian / vegan / lactose intolerant – please don’t hesitate to contact us about the possibilities.
Will we fly to the mountains from Islamabad?
This will depend on your specific itinerary and your own preferences, where possible. For the standard K2 and K2 Gondogoro La and Snow Lake treks we normally schedule the flight on day 2 of your itinerary where we will fly from Islamabad to Skardu. This is a very scenic flight, if the weather is clear you will be able to get amazing mountain views including the 9th highest mountain in the world, Nanga Parbat. When the weather is bad the flight to Skardu might get cancelled, if this happens we will drive in 2 days from Islamabad to Skardu with an overnight stay halfway. There will always be a contingency day in your itinerary to cover for this delay.
What is the luggage allowance on the trek?
Each trekking member has a 15 kg baggage allowance. This is for your main luggage that will be carried to each camp each day of the trek. You yourself are only required to carry a small daypack while trekking – here you can put anything you might need during the day like water, energybars, sunglasses, suncream, clothing etc. If your main backpack/duffle bag weighs more than 15 kg, you will need to pay for the additional weight. Cost for additional weight will be determined on the ground as prices for porters vary by the season. For the K2 treks it is possible to leave excess luggage in our office storage room or at your hotel and pick it up at the end of the trek. Please also kindly note that the baggage allowance on the domestic flights is currently 20 kg check-in and 7 kg hand-carry.
Is there electricity on the trek?
We carry solar panels (no diesel or petrol generators to avoid noise & air pollution), so that each trekking member can charge batteries, power banks, phones, etc while on the trek.
I am a Solo Woman. Is it safe for me to join the K2 Base Camp Trek?
We have had many solo woman trekkers on our K2 base camp treks, our groups consist of a great variety of nationalities ranging from Europe, North and South America, Canada to China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand with around 35 to 40% being women.
Is it safe to travel in Pakistan?
It is a fair question to ask as we know that most of the news from Pakistan is not so positive, but the image which people have abroad is far from the reality. Although there have been valid reasons for people to consider Pakistan as not very safe, a lot has changed in recent years. The security situation has improved dramatically and the government has been making efforts to promote tourism and facilitate travel. When you visit you will notice immiediately that Pakistanis are very hospitable people, they are eager to get to know you and often will invite you in their home. Pakistan is a huge country, we only offer tours and treks to areas which we deem safe. We currently don’t recommend to travel to the border region with Afghanistan and certain parts of Balochistan but most other places can be visited without any problem. If you prefer to start with the safest region then we would recommend Gilgit-Baltistan in the north, the people here largely depend on tourism for their income and have been warmly welcoming foreign tourist for many years.
Can anyone go on a trek?
Yes and no, it is your own responsibility to select a trek that is suitable for you in terms of you personal fitness level as well as experience – if you book a private trek then you have all the flexibility to customize it and for example add extra days or extra supporting staff if needed. If you book a trek with an open group then we try to only let people join who have a certain experience level. Please don’t hesitate to contact us in case you would like us to help you select the best trek for you.
Do you offer customized tours / treks?
Yes, all the tours and treks that we offer on our website can be completely customized to your own requirements. We are also happy to design a tailor-made tour for you from scratch. Just let us know your preferences, special interests, number of days you have available etc. and we will send you our personalized itinerary suggestions.
Do I need a trekking visa?
For certain types of treks you will require a trekking visa – for example all the K2 treks. If a trekking visa is required then we will inform you accordingly during your booking, there are a lot of treks which are not in a restricted area and therefore you will only need a standard tourist visa.
How long in advance do I need to apply for my visa?
If you have to apply for a standard tourist visa then 1 month in advance should be sufficient – in most cases you will receive your visa within a few days / a week – you should not apply more than 3 months in advance. If you have to apply for a trekking visa then you will need to be prepared for a longer processing time, we recommend to apply 3 to 2 months in advance.
Which gear do I need to bring on my trek?
We will provide you with a suggested packing list after you have booked your tour with us. For most treks it will be standard personal trekking gear like proper hiking boots, optional trekking poles, gaitors, sleeping bag, sleeping pad etc. For certain treks further items are advised – for example for the K2 Gondogoro La and Snow Lake treks you require crampons and a climbing belt set with carabiners and a sling so that you can clip yourself on a rope and you might want to bring a climbing helmet for sections where there can be rockfall.
Can I rent trekking gear from you?
Yes, it is possible to rent certain items from us or we will put you in contact with a trusted local supplier who can provide you with the things you need. Some of the standard gear which we can arrange are crampons, climbing belts, ice axes and climbing helmets.
What is the best time to go on a trek?
The summer period is the main trekking season in the north of Pakistan. For most treks this would be from June to September with July and August being the best months.
What happens in case of an emergency during the trek?
On each trek your guide will be in possesion of a phone and where needed (during remote treks) a sattelite phone as well as a medical aid kit. All our guides are aware of the standard emergency protocols and will contact our headoffice staff as well as the relevant authorities when needed. Before you go on a trek with us we will require your emergency contact list as well as your travel insurance details with proper coverage for emergency (helicopter) rescue in mountainous areas. Depending on the situation we will contact your insurance company and together with them will make arrangements for your repatriation. We have many years of experience with search and rescue operations and good relations with all relevant institutions including Askari Aviation for helicopter rescue operations. If you have the right insurance coverage then we will be able to initiate a helicopter rescue immidiately – please kindly note that helicopters in Pakistan always fly in pairs and availability of the helicopters depends on them not being in use on another mission as well as the weather being suitable.
What kind of travel insurance do I need?
This will depend on the type of tour that you are planning. Please make sure to consult your travel insurance before your trip to make sure you have proper coverage for your tour and the activities you will undertake. Especially when you go on a trek it is important to have mountain emergency search and rescue / repatriation by helicopter included in your insurance package.
I'm a woman, should I wear a headscarf when I'm in Pakistan?
It is not needed to wear a headscarf, of course you may do so if you feel more comfortable. It will be good however to bring a scarf which you can wear when visiting a mosque or other religious site and or when going to a more conservative area.
Is there a recommended dress code?
Pakistan is an Islamic country and it is therefore advisable for women not to wear short skirts / tops or short trousers in public. A headscarf will come in handy for women when they visit a mosque / religious site or sometimes it can be a custom in more remote / conservative areas. Dress codes for men are more lenient, though shorts are uncommon – they can be worn depending on the places you visit on a certain day (for example if you visit a mosque, sacred site or very conservative area it might be better to adjust your clothes to a more modest style – feel free to ask your guide if you are not sure). If you are going on a trek you can wear shorts without any problems.
Can I visit Pakistan in winter?
Yes, you defintely can. The south of Pakistan is actually the best to be visited in the winter as it will be way too hot in the summer. Also the north has great options, you can go skiing or make a nice winter hike. Some passes in the north will be closed due to snow which means we will have to adjust certain itineraries but there are enough places which you can visit. Please don’t hesitate to inquire about the possibilities.
Do I need a visa for this trip?
For all trips to Pakistan you will require a visa, depending on the the type of tour you will either need a standard tourist visa or a trekking visa. Our sales team will provide you with all the necessary information as well as a visa invitation letter and related supporting documents after you have booked your tour with us.
How much price about tour & travels
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, utinam munere antiopam vel ad. Qui eros iusto te. Nec ad feugiat honestatis. Quo illum detraxit an. Ius eius quodsi molestiae at, nostrum definitiones his cu. Discere referrentur mea id, an pri novum possim deterruisset. Eum oratio reprehendunt cu. Nec te quem assum postea.
Who will meet me on arrival?
An Adventure Pakistan representative will meet you at the airport and will bring you to your hotel.
Where do I fly to for this trip?
You will fly roundtrip to Islamabad, Pakistan.
Do I need to bring my own sleeping bag and pad for this trip?
Yes. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag, for the K2 treks and Snow Lake trek during the main summer season we recommend it to be suitable for temperatures up to minus 10 degrees Celsius / 15 Fahrenheit. It is also advisable to bring your own sleeping pad for comfort, please kindly keep in mind that on many days you will be sleeping on rock / snow / ice. For other treks we are happy to advise you on the type of sleeping bag depending on the season and location.
Will I have Wi-Fi on the trip?
Yes. You will have Wi-Fi in your hotel in Islamabad and Skardu, during the K2 trek there will be limited connectivity at Concordia. If you like we can also arrange a local SIM card for you with a mobile data package so that you can stay in touch more easily with your loved ones.
Why does Adventure Pakistan cost more than other companies?
We know that you will be able to find cheaper tour options but there are big differences in some of the services being offered. Most important to us is that all our clients have a safe and the greatest trip ever but also that our staff and supporting partners are paid fairly for all their hard work and big efforts. We do not compromise on safety, this means that we only work with experienced guides / supporting staff and drivers and that all vehicles and materials which we use during our treks and tours are of high quality and kept well maintained. You will always sleep in clean & safe accommodations / have proper camping gear and we inform you in advance at which hotels or guesthouses you will be staying so that you won’t have any suprises afterwards. We pay great attention to detail while preparing your trip so that you get the best possible & most enjoyable experience taking into account any special requirements you may have or assistance you would need, you can share your specific interests, fitness and experience level, dietary requirements etc. and we take care of the rest. Our staff is our key assest, we take great pride in having an incredible team of very experienced, very kind and caring guides and other supporting staff who will provide you with the best memories. Something we are known for during our treks is the excellent food which is being prepared by our cooking team, we don’t skimp on this as we know that good, tasty and varied food is vital during a trek. You will be looking forward to your meals each day this is something we can guarantee! One of the last things we would like to highlight is our network – we have a very extensive network all over Pakistan this means that if there is any problem during your trip we are able to respond adequatly, without any delay. Besides having a good network we also have many years of experience – we know what to do and whom to contact, our team carries out emergency and rescue operations for international insurance companies each year so you can rest assured that you will be in good hands.
What will the food be like on the trek?
Breakfast: Typically includes an omelet / fried / boiled eggs, fried Pakistani bread (paratha), chappati, toast, pancakes, porridge, cereal, jam, Nutella, honey, marmalade, cheese etc + green tea / coffee / milk tea.
Lunch: unlike other trekking agencies we do not provide packed lunch instead we will have fresh lunch which includes soup, tuna fish, boiled pottatos, eggs, assorted cookies, bread, cheese, dried fruits & nuts, green tea / coffee / juice
Dinner: we start each dinner with a nice warm soup, after that there will be variation of dishes which changes each day. different vegetable dishes, varies types of meat (chicken, beef or mutton) accompanied by rice, noodles, pasta, lentils, potatoes, French fries and or chappati bread. We of course won’t forget dessert, there will be (fresh) fruit and or a type of pudding at every dinner.
Snacks: between lunch and dinner there will be a daily variation of cookies, pakora, popcorn etc. and hot beverages
Note: we will also take into account your specific dietary requirements, for example vegetarian / vegan / lactose intolerant – please don’t hesitate to contact us about the possibilities.
Will we fly to the mountains from Islamabad?
This will depend on your specific itinerary and your own preferences, where possible. For the standard K2 and K2 Gondogoro La and Snow Lake treks we normally schedule the flight on day 2 of your itinerary where we will fly from Islamabad to Skardu. This is a very scenic flight, if the weather is clear you will be able to get amazing mountain views including the 9th highest mountain in the world, Nanga Parbat. When the weather is bad the flight to Skardu might get cancelled, if this happens we will drive in 2 days from Islamabad to Skardu with an overnight stay halfway. There will always be a contingency day in your itinerary to cover for this delay.
What is the luggage allowance on the trek?
Each trekking member has a 15 kg baggage allowance. This is for your main luggage that will be carried to each camp each day of the trek. You yourself are only required to carry a small daypack while trekking – here you can put anything you might need during the day like water, energybars, sunglasses, suncream, clothing etc. If your main backpack/duffle bag weighs more than 15 kg, you will need to pay for the additional weight. Cost for additional weight will be determined on the ground as prices for porters vary by the season. For the K2 treks it is possible to leave excess luggage in our office storage room or at your hotel and pick it up at the end of the trek. Please also kindly note that the baggage allowance on the domestic flights is currently 20 kg check-in and 7 kg hand-carry.
Is there electricity on the trek?
We carry solar panels (no diesel or petrol generators to avoid noise & air pollution), so that each trekking member can charge batteries, power banks, phones, etc while on the trek.
I am a Solo Woman. Is it safe for me to join the K2 Base Camp Trek?
We have had many solo woman trekkers on our K2 base camp treks, our groups consist of a great variety of nationalities ranging from Europe, North and South America, Canada to China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand with around 35 to 40% being women.
Is it safe to travel in Pakistan?
It is a fair question to ask as we know that most of the news from Pakistan is not so positive, but the image which people have abroad is far from the reality. Although there have been valid reasons for people to consider Pakistan as not very safe, a lot has changed in recent years. The security situation has improved dramatically and the government has been making efforts to promote tourism and facilitate travel. When you visit you will notice immiediately that Pakistanis are very hospitable people, they are eager to get to know you and often will invite you in their home. Pakistan is a huge country, we only offer tours and treks to areas which we deem safe. We currently don’t recommend to travel to the border region with Afghanistan and certain parts of Balochistan but most other places can be visited without any problem. If you prefer to start with the safest region then we would recommend Gilgit-Baltistan in the north, the people here largely depend on tourism for their income and have been warmly welcoming foreign tourist for many years.
Can anyone go on a trek?
Yes and no, it is your own responsibility to select a trek that is suitable for you in terms of you personal fitness level as well as experience – if you book a private trek then you have all the flexibility to customize it and for example add extra days or extra supporting staff if needed. If you book a trek with an open group then we try to only let people join who have a certain experience level. Please don’t hesitate to contact us in case you would like us to help you select the best trek for you.
Do you offer customized tours / treks?
Yes, all the tours and treks that we offer on our website can be completely customized to your own requirements. We are also happy to design a tailor-made tour for you from scratch. Just let us know your preferences, special interests, number of days you have available etc. and we will send you our personalized itinerary suggestions.
Do I need a trekking visa?
For certain types of treks you will require a trekking visa – for example all the K2 treks. If a trekking visa is required then we will inform you accordingly during your booking, there are a lot of treks which are not in a restricted area and therefore you will only need a standard tourist visa.
How long in advance do I need to apply for my visa?
If you have to apply for a standard tourist visa then 1 month in advance should be sufficient – in most cases you will receive your visa within a few days / a week – you should not apply more than 3 months in advance. If you have to apply for a trekking visa then you will need to be prepared for a longer processing time, we recommend to apply 3 to 2 months in advance.
Which gear do I need to bring on my trek?
We will provide you with a suggested packing list after you have booked your tour with us. For most treks it will be standard personal trekking gear like proper hiking boots, optional trekking poles, gaitors, sleeping bag, sleeping pad etc. For certain treks further items are advised – for example for the K2 Gondogoro La and Snow Lake treks you require crampons and a climbing belt set with carabiners and a sling so that you can clip yourself on a rope and you might want to bring a climbing helmet for sections where there can be rockfall.
Can I rent trekking gear from you?
Yes, it is possible to rent certain items from us or we will put you in contact with a trusted local supplier who can provide you with the things you need. Some of the standard gear which we can arrange are crampons, climbing belts, ice axes and climbing helmets.
What is the best time to go on a trek?
The summer period is the main trekking season in the north of Pakistan. For most treks this would be from June to September with July and August being the best months.
What happens in case of an emergency during the trek?
On each trek your guide will be in possesion of a phone and where needed (during remote treks) a sattelite phone as well as a medical aid kit. All our guides are aware of the standard emergency protocols and will contact our headoffice staff as well as the relevant authorities when needed. Before you go on a trek with us we will require your emergency contact list as well as your travel insurance details with proper coverage for emergency (helicopter) rescue in mountainous areas. Depending on the situation we will contact your insurance company and together with them will make arrangements for your repatriation. We have many years of experience with search and rescue operations and good relations with all relevant institutions including Askari Aviation for helicopter rescue operations. If you have the right insurance coverage then we will be able to initiate a helicopter rescue immidiately – please kindly note that helicopters in Pakistan always fly in pairs and availability of the helicopters depends on them not being in use on another mission as well as the weather being suitable.
What kind of travel insurance do I need?
This will depend on the type of tour that you are planning. Please make sure to consult your travel insurance before your trip to make sure you have proper coverage for your tour and the activities you will undertake. Especially when you go on a trek it is important to have mountain emergency search and rescue / repatriation by helicopter included in your insurance package.
I'm a woman, should I wear a headscarf when I'm in Pakistan?
It is not needed to wear a headscarf, of course you may do so if you feel more comfortable. It will be good however to bring a scarf which you can wear when visiting a mosque or other religious site and or when going to a more conservative area.
Is there a recommended dress code?
Pakistan is an Islamic country and it is therefore advisable for women not to wear short skirts / tops or short trousers in public. A headscarf will come in handy for women when they visit a mosque / religious site or sometimes it can be a custom in more remote / conservative areas. Dress codes for men are more lenient, though shorts are uncommon – they can be worn depending on the places you visit on a certain day (for example if you visit a mosque, sacred site or very conservative area it might be better to adjust your clothes to a more modest style – feel free to ask your guide if you are not sure). If you are going on a trek you can wear shorts without any problems.
Can I visit Pakistan in winter?
Yes, you defintely can. The south of Pakistan is actually the best to be visited in the winter as it will be way too hot in the summer. Also the north has great options, you can go skiing or make a nice winter hike. Some passes in the north will be closed due to snow which means we will have to adjust certain itineraries but there are enough places which you can visit. Please don’t hesitate to inquire about the possibilities.
Do I need a visa for this trip?
For all trips to Pakistan you will require a visa, depending on the the type of tour you will either need a standard tourist visa or a trekking visa. Our sales team will provide you with all the necessary information as well as a visa invitation letter and related supporting documents after you have booked your tour with us.
How much price about tour & travels
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, utinam munere antiopam vel ad. Qui eros iusto te. Nec ad feugiat honestatis. Quo illum detraxit an. Ius eius quodsi molestiae at, nostrum definitiones his cu. Discere referrentur mea id, an pri novum possim deterruisset. Eum oratio reprehendunt cu. Nec te quem assum postea.
Who will meet me on arrival?
An Adventure Pakistan representative will meet you at the airport and will bring you to your hotel.
Where do I fly to for this trip?
You will fly roundtrip to Islamabad, Pakistan.
Do I need to bring my own sleeping bag and pad for this trip?
Yes. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag, for the K2 treks and Snow Lake trek during the main summer season we recommend it to be suitable for temperatures up to minus 10 degrees Celsius / 15 Fahrenheit. It is also advisable to bring your own sleeping pad for comfort, please kindly keep in mind that on many days you will be sleeping on rock / snow / ice. For other treks we are happy to advise you on the type of sleeping bag depending on the season and location.
Will I have Wi-Fi on the trip?
Yes. You will have Wi-Fi in your hotel in Islamabad and Skardu, during the K2 trek there will be limited connectivity at Concordia. If you like we can also arrange a local SIM card for you with a mobile data package so that you can stay in touch more easily with your loved ones.
Why does Adventure Pakistan cost more than other companies?
We know that you will be able to find cheaper tour options but there are big differences in some of the services being offered. Most important to us is that all our clients have a safe and the greatest trip ever but also that our staff and supporting partners are paid fairly for all their hard work and big efforts. We do not compromise on safety, this means that we only work with experienced guides / supporting staff and drivers and that all vehicles and materials which we use during our treks and tours are of high quality and kept well maintained. You will always sleep in clean & safe accommodations / have proper camping gear and we inform you in advance at which hotels or guesthouses you will be staying so that you won’t have any suprises afterwards. We pay great attention to detail while preparing your trip so that you get the best possible & most enjoyable experience taking into account any special requirements you may have or assistance you would need, you can share your specific interests, fitness and experience level, dietary requirements etc. and we take care of the rest. Our staff is our key assest, we take great pride in having an incredible team of very experienced, very kind and caring guides and other supporting staff who will provide you with the best memories. Something we are known for during our treks is the excellent food which is being prepared by our cooking team, we don’t skimp on this as we know that good, tasty and varied food is vital during a trek. You will be looking forward to your meals each day this is something we can guarantee! One of the last things we would like to highlight is our network – we have a very extensive network all over Pakistan this means that if there is any problem during your trip we are able to respond adequatly, without any delay. Besides having a good network we also have many years of experience – we know what to do and whom to contact, our team carries out emergency and rescue operations for international insurance companies each year so you can rest assured that you will be in good hands.
REPORTS & REVIEWS
Frequently Asked Questions
What will the food be like on the trek?
Breakfast: Typically includes an omelet / fried / boiled eggs, fried Pakistani bread (paratha), chappati, toast, pancakes, porridge, cereal, jam, Nutella, honey, marmalade, cheese etc + green tea / coffee / milk tea.
Lunch: unlike other trekking agencies we do not provide packed lunch instead we will have fresh lunch which includes soup, tuna fish, boiled pottatos, eggs, assorted cookies, bread, cheese, dried fruits & nuts, green tea / coffee / juice
Dinner: we start each dinner with a nice warm soup, after that there will be variation of dishes which changes each day. different vegetable dishes, varies types of meat (chicken, beef or mutton) accompanied by rice, noodles, pasta, lentils, potatoes, French fries and or chappati bread. We of course won’t forget dessert, there will be (fresh) fruit and or a type of pudding at every dinner.
Snacks: between lunch and dinner there will be a daily variation of cookies, pakora, popcorn etc. and hot beverages
Note: we will also take into account your specific dietary requirements, for example vegetarian / vegan / lactose intolerant – please don’t hesitate to contact us about the possibilities.
Will we fly to the mountains from Islamabad?
This will depend on your specific itinerary and your own preferences, where possible. For the standard K2 and K2 Gondogoro La and Snow Lake treks we normally schedule the flight on day 2 of your itinerary where we will fly from Islamabad to Skardu. This is a very scenic flight, if the weather is clear you will be able to get amazing mountain views including the 9th highest mountain in the world, Nanga Parbat. When the weather is bad the flight to Skardu might get cancelled, if this happens we will drive in 2 days from Islamabad to Skardu with an overnight stay halfway. There will always be a contingency day in your itinerary to cover for this delay.
What is the luggage allowance on the trek?
Each trekking member has a 15 kg baggage allowance. This is for your main luggage that will be carried to each camp each day of the trek. You yourself are only required to carry a small daypack while trekking – here you can put anything you might need during the day like water, energybars, sunglasses, suncream, clothing etc. If your main backpack/duffle bag weighs more than 15 kg, you will need to pay for the additional weight. Cost for additional weight will be determined on the ground as prices for porters vary by the season. For the K2 treks it is possible to leave excess luggage in our office storage room or at your hotel and pick it up at the end of the trek. Please also kindly note that the baggage allowance on the domestic flights is currently 20 kg check-in and 7 kg hand-carry.
Is there electricity on the trek?
We carry solar panels (no diesel or petrol generators to avoid noise & air pollution), so that each trekking member can charge batteries, power banks, phones, etc while on the trek.
I am a Solo Woman. Is it safe for me to join the K2 Base Camp Trek?
We have had many solo woman trekkers on our K2 base camp treks, our groups consist of a great variety of nationalities ranging from Europe, North and South America, Canada to China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand with around 35 to 40% being women.
Is it safe to travel in Pakistan?
It is a fair question to ask as we know that most of the news from Pakistan is not so positive, but the image which people have abroad is far from the reality. Although there have been valid reasons for people to consider Pakistan as not very safe, a lot has changed in recent years. The security situation has improved dramatically and the government has been making efforts to promote tourism and facilitate travel. When you visit you will notice immiediately that Pakistanis are very hospitable people, they are eager to get to know you and often will invite you in their home. Pakistan is a huge country, we only offer tours and treks to areas which we deem safe. We currently don’t recommend to travel to the border region with Afghanistan and certain parts of Balochistan but most other places can be visited without any problem. If you prefer to start with the safest region then we would recommend Gilgit-Baltistan in the north, the people here largely depend on tourism for their income and have been warmly welcoming foreign tourist for many years.
Can anyone go on a trek?
Yes and no, it is your own responsibility to select a trek that is suitable for you in terms of you personal fitness level as well as experience – if you book a private trek then you have all the flexibility to customize it and for example add extra days or extra supporting staff if needed. If you book a trek with an open group then we try to only let people join who have a certain experience level. Please don’t hesitate to contact us in case you would like us to help you select the best trek for you.
Do you offer customized tours / treks?
Yes, all the tours and treks that we offer on our website can be completely customized to your own requirements. We are also happy to design a tailor-made tour for you from scratch. Just let us know your preferences, special interests, number of days you have available etc. and we will send you our personalized itinerary suggestions.
Do I need a trekking visa?
For certain types of treks you will require a trekking visa – for example all the K2 treks. If a trekking visa is required then we will inform you accordingly during your booking, there are a lot of treks which are not in a restricted area and therefore you will only need a standard tourist visa.
How long in advance do I need to apply for my visa?
If you have to apply for a standard tourist visa then 1 month in advance should be sufficient – in most cases you will receive your visa within a few days / a week – you should not apply more than 3 months in advance. If you have to apply for a trekking visa then you will need to be prepared for a longer processing time, we recommend to apply 3 to 2 months in advance.
Which gear do I need to bring on my trek?
We will provide you with a suggested packing list after you have booked your tour with us. For most treks it will be standard personal trekking gear like proper hiking boots, optional trekking poles, gaitors, sleeping bag, sleeping pad etc. For certain treks further items are advised – for example for the K2 Gondogoro La and Snow Lake treks you require crampons and a climbing belt set with carabiners and a sling so that you can clip yourself on a rope and you might want to bring a climbing helmet for sections where there can be rockfall.
Can I rent trekking gear from you?
Yes, it is possible to rent certain items from us or we will put you in contact with a trusted local supplier who can provide you with the things you need. Some of the standard gear which we can arrange are crampons, climbing belts, ice axes and climbing helmets.
What is the best time to go on a trek?
The summer period is the main trekking season in the north of Pakistan. For most treks this would be from June to September with July and August being the best months.
What happens in case of an emergency during the trek?
On each trek your guide will be in possesion of a phone and where needed (during remote treks) a sattelite phone as well as a medical aid kit. All our guides are aware of the standard emergency protocols and will contact our headoffice staff as well as the relevant authorities when needed. Before you go on a trek with us we will require your emergency contact list as well as your travel insurance details with proper coverage for emergency (helicopter) rescue in mountainous areas. Depending on the situation we will contact your insurance company and together with them will make arrangements for your repatriation. We have many years of experience with search and rescue operations and good relations with all relevant institutions including Askari Aviation for helicopter rescue operations. If you have the right insurance coverage then we will be able to initiate a helicopter rescue immidiately – please kindly note that helicopters in Pakistan always fly in pairs and availability of the helicopters depends on them not being in use on another mission as well as the weather being suitable.
What kind of travel insurance do I need?
This will depend on the type of tour that you are planning. Please make sure to consult your travel insurance before your trip to make sure you have proper coverage for your tour and the activities you will undertake. Especially when you go on a trek it is important to have mountain emergency search and rescue / repatriation by helicopter included in your insurance package.
I'm a woman, should I wear a headscarf when I'm in Pakistan?
It is not needed to wear a headscarf, of course you may do so if you feel more comfortable. It will be good however to bring a scarf which you can wear when visiting a mosque or other religious site and or when going to a more conservative area.
Is there a recommended dress code?
Pakistan is an Islamic country and it is therefore advisable for women not to wear short skirts / tops or short trousers in public. A headscarf will come in handy for women when they visit a mosque / religious site or sometimes it can be a custom in more remote / conservative areas. Dress codes for men are more lenient, though shorts are uncommon – they can be worn depending on the places you visit on a certain day (for example if you visit a mosque, sacred site or very conservative area it might be better to adjust your clothes to a more modest style – feel free to ask your guide if you are not sure). If you are going on a trek you can wear shorts without any problems.
Can I visit Pakistan in winter?
Yes, you defintely can. The south of Pakistan is actually the best to be visited in the winter as it will be way too hot in the summer. Also the north has great options, you can go skiing or make a nice winter hike. Some passes in the north will be closed due to snow which means we will have to adjust certain itineraries but there are enough places which you can visit. Please don’t hesitate to inquire about the possibilities.
Do I need a visa for this trip?
For all trips to Pakistan you will require a visa, depending on the the type of tour you will either need a standard tourist visa or a trekking visa. Our sales team will provide you with all the necessary information as well as a visa invitation letter and related supporting documents after you have booked your tour with us.
How much price about tour & travels
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, utinam munere antiopam vel ad. Qui eros iusto te. Nec ad feugiat honestatis. Quo illum detraxit an. Ius eius quodsi molestiae at, nostrum definitiones his cu. Discere referrentur mea id, an pri novum possim deterruisset. Eum oratio reprehendunt cu. Nec te quem assum postea.
Who will meet me on arrival?
An Adventure Pakistan representative will meet you at the airport and will bring you to your hotel.
Where do I fly to for this trip?
You will fly roundtrip to Islamabad, Pakistan.
Do I need to bring my own sleeping bag and pad for this trip?
Yes. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag, for the K2 treks and Snow Lake trek during the main summer season we recommend it to be suitable for temperatures up to minus 10 degrees Celsius / 15 Fahrenheit. It is also advisable to bring your own sleeping pad for comfort, please kindly keep in mind that on many days you will be sleeping on rock / snow / ice. For other treks we are happy to advise you on the type of sleeping bag depending on the season and location.
Will I have Wi-Fi on the trip?
Yes. You will have Wi-Fi in your hotel in Islamabad and Skardu, during the K2 trek there will be limited connectivity at Concordia. If you like we can also arrange a local SIM card for you with a mobile data package so that you can stay in touch more easily with your loved ones.
Why does Adventure Pakistan cost more than other companies?
We know that you will be able to find cheaper tour options but there are big differences in some of the services being offered. Most important to us is that all our clients have a safe and the greatest trip ever but also that our staff and supporting partners are paid fairly for all their hard work and big efforts. We do not compromise on safety, this means that we only work with experienced guides / supporting staff and drivers and that all vehicles and materials which we use during our treks and tours are of high quality and kept well maintained. You will always sleep in clean & safe accommodations / have proper camping gear and we inform you in advance at which hotels or guesthouses you will be staying so that you won’t have any suprises afterwards. We pay great attention to detail while preparing your trip so that you get the best possible & most enjoyable experience taking into account any special requirements you may have or assistance you would need, you can share your specific interests, fitness and experience level, dietary requirements etc. and we take care of the rest. Our staff is our key assest, we take great pride in having an incredible team of very experienced, very kind and caring guides and other supporting staff who will provide you with the best memories. Something we are known for during our treks is the excellent food which is being prepared by our cooking team, we don’t skimp on this as we know that good, tasty and varied food is vital during a trek. You will be looking forward to your meals each day this is something we can guarantee! One of the last things we would like to highlight is our network – we have a very extensive network all over Pakistan this means that if there is any problem during your trip we are able to respond adequatly, without any delay. Besides having a good network we also have many years of experience – we know what to do and whom to contact, our team carries out emergency and rescue operations for international insurance companies each year so you can rest assured that you will be in good hands.
SIMILAR Tours
