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crossroadsadventuree · 3 months ago

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Explore Pakistan’s Hidden Gems: Your Ultimate Adventure with Crossroads Adventure

Pakistan is a country rich in natural beauty, with towering peaks, lush valleys, diverse wildlife, and vibrant cultures. From the world-famous Karimabad in Hunza Valley to the serene Fairy Meadows, Pakistan offers an adventure for every type of traveler. Crossroads Adventure provides travelers with an opportunity to explore these hidden gems, offering meticulously crafted adventure trips designed to give you an authentic experience of Pakistan’s landscapes, culture, and heritage.

Why Choose Crossroads Adventure for Your Next Trip?

At Crossroads Adventure, we pride ourselves on offering exclusive and tailor-made travel packages that cater to adventurers, explorers, and nature lovers alike. Here are a few reasons why choosing us will be the best decision for your next adventure:

Expertly Designed Itineraries: Whether you're into trekking, mountaineering, or cultural exploration, our itineraries are designed to give you a balance of adrenaline-pumping adventure and peaceful retreat.

Local Guides and Expert Support: We understand the importance of local knowledge. Our team of experienced local guides ensures that your journey is smooth, safe, and culturally enriching.

Authentic Experiences: Our trips provide you with opportunities to interact with local communities, experience traditional customs, and immerse yourself in the culture of each region you visit.

All-Inclusive Travel: From transport and accommodation to meals and permits, we take care of all the logistics so you can focus on enjoying your adventure.

Explore the Majestic Destinations with Crossroads Adventure

Crossroads Adventure offers a wide variety of trips that cover some of the most stunning and untouched destinations in Pakistan. Below are some of our most popular trips:

Hunza Valley Tour: Known as the "Paradise on Earth," Hunza is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. Its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and friendly people make it a perfect getaway for those seeking tranquility and adventure. The Karimabad town offers a beautiful view of Rakaposhi and Ultar Sar, while Baltit Fort and Altit Fort provide a glimpse into the region's historical past. Our Hunza Valley Tour covers the best trekking routes, including the Ultar Sar trek and the famous Karimabad hikes.

Fairy Meadows and Nanga Parbat Base Camp Trek: One of the most scenic treks in the world, the Fairy Meadows trek offers breathtaking views of Nanga Parbat, the world’s ninth-highest mountain. Whether you’re trekking or simply camping under the stars, this destination will leave you speechless. With Crossroads Adventure, you’ll experience this trek with the support of expert guides who ensure your safety and comfort every step of the way.

Skardu and Deosai Plateau Adventure: The Deosai National Park, also known as the "Land of Giants," is a stunning high-altitude plateau in Skardu. Known for its vast, open skies, meadows, and pristine beauty, Deosai offers a unique adventure experience. Our Skardu and Deosai Plateau Adventure takes you through picturesque valleys, stunning lakes like Sheosar Lake, and untouched landscapes that seem straight out of a dream.

Kaghan Valley and Naran Tour: If you're looking for a more accessible adventure destination, Kaghan Valley and Naran are perfect spots to explore. Famous for their picturesque lakes, cool weather, and green meadows, this destination is perfect for a summer getaway. You’ll visit famous locations like Saif-ul-Malook Lake, Shogran, and Babusar Top, which are perfect for trekking, sightseeing, and photography.

Swat Valley and Malam Jabba Ski Resort: Swat Valley, often called the "Switzerland of Pakistan," is a stunning destination that combines natural beauty with adventure. Whether you’re trekking the Ushu Forest or skiing at the Malam Jabba Ski Resort, Swat Valley offers a little something for everyone. Our tours in Swat Valley ensure you experience the best of the region, from its rich history to its outdoor adventure options.

Adventure Packages for Every Type of Traveler

No matter what your interests are, Crossroads Adventure offers customized packages tailored to your needs. Whether you are an experienced mountaineer, a first-time trekker, or simply a nature enthusiast, we have something for you.

Trekking Packages: Our trekking packages are designed to cater to all skill levels. From easy walks through lush valleys to challenging treks to base camps, each trek is well-planned to ensure safety and maximum enjoyment.

Cultural Tours: For those interested in exploring the culture, history, and traditions of Pakistan, we offer cultural tours that take you through the heart of local communities, historical sites, and the vibrant urban culture of cities like Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar.

Luxury Adventure Tours: For travelers who prefer a more luxurious experience, our luxury adventure tours offer the perfect blend of comfort and adventure. Stay in the best hotels, travel in comfort, and still experience the thrill of exploring Pakistan’s natural wonders.

How to Book Your Adventure with Crossroads Adventure

Booking your next adventure with Crossroads Adventure is simple and straightforward. Our user-friendly website offers easy navigation through all our available trips, and our customer service team is always available to answer any questions you might have. Here’s how you can get started:

Browse our Destinations: Go through our various travel packages and choose the destination that best suits your interests and adventure level.

Customize Your Trip: If you need a customized itinerary, just let us know! We’ll work with you to design a trip that fits your preferences.

Book Online: Once you’ve chosen your trip, simply fill out the booking form and submit it online. We will confirm your booking and send you all the details.

Get Ready for Adventure: Once your trip is booked, it’s time to get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. We’ll provide you with all the information you need for a smooth and enjoyable journey.

For more details on our travel packages and to book your next adventure, check out the following link:

🔗 Crossroads Adventure – Explore the Best of Pakistan

Conclusion

At Crossroads Adventure, we believe in creating unforgettable experiences for our travelers. From the towering peaks of the Hindu Kush to the serene lakes of Kaghan Valley, Pakistan has something for every kind of adventurer. Our carefully curated tours are designed to showcase the best of Pakistan’s natural beauty, culture, and hospitality. So why wait? Your adventure awaits!

#AdventureTravel #TrekkingPakistan #ExploreNature #CrossroadsAdventure #PakistanTourism #TravelPackages #Hunza #FairyMeadows #Skardu #KaghanValley

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skardutourandtravel · 4 months ago

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Skardu Tour and Travel – A Complete Guide to the Jewel of Pakistan

Skardu Tour and Travel, a breathtaking paradise nestled in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, is a dream destination for travelers who seek adventure, culture, and unparalleled natural beauty. With its majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and historic sites, Skardu offers an unforgettable travel experience for those who wish to explore the unexplored.

Why Visit Skardu?

Skardu is a heaven for nature lovers, trekkers, and mountaineers. It serves as a gateway to some of the world's highest peaks, including K2, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrum I & II. The region is also home to stunning valleys, mesmerizing lakes, and culturally rich villages, making it a perfect destination for adventure seekers and peace lovers alike.

How to Reach Skardu

By Air

The fastest and most convenient way to reach Skardu is by air. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operates regular flights from Islamabad to Skardu Airport. The flight offers breathtaking aerial views of Nanga Parbat and other snow-capped peaks. However, flights are subject to weather conditions, so it is advisable to check schedules in advance.

By Road

For those who enjoy scenic road trips, traveling to Skardu by road is an adventure in itself. The journey from Islamabad to Skardu takes approximately 18 to 20 hours via the Karakoram Highway (KKH) and Skardu Road. The road trip offers mesmerizing landscapes, including the confluence of the Indus and Gilgit Rivers, lush green valleys, and towering mountains.

Best Time to Visit Skardu

The best time to visit Skardu depends on the type of experience you seek:

Spring (April to June): The valley is in full bloom, with colorful flowers and pleasant weather.

Summer (June to September): Ideal for trekking, camping, and sightseeing as temperatures remain moderate.

Autumn (September to November): The landscape turns golden, offering stunning photographic opportunities.

Winter (December to March): A snowy wonderland perfect for winter sports and adventure tourism.

Top Attractions in Skardu

1. Shangrila Resort & Lower Kachura Lake

Popularly known as Heaven on Earth, Shangrila Resort is home to Lower Kachura Lake, a serene water body surrounded by lush greenery and mountains. The resort features unique Tibetan-style architecture and provides a luxurious stay experience.

2. Upper Kachura Lake

Located a few kilometers from Lower Kachura Lake, Upper Kachura Lake is a pristine alpine lake with turquoise waters and breathtaking surroundings. It is a must-visit for those who enjoy boating, fishing, and picnicking.

3. Deosai National Park

Known as the “Land of Giants”, Deosai National Park is the second-highest plateau in the world. The park is home to brown bears, golden marmots, and a diverse range of flora and fauna. Summer is the best time to visit when the plateau is covered with colorful wildflowers.

4. Skardu Fort (Kharpocho Fort)

A historical marvel, Skardu Fort is situated on a high mountain overlooking the city. It was built in the 16th century by the Baltistan rulers and offers panoramic views of Skardu and the Indus River.

5. Satpara Lake

One of the largest freshwater lakes in the region, Satpara Lake is an essential water reservoir for Skardu. The deep blue waters surrounded by rugged mountains make it a perfect spot for boating, photography, and relaxation.

6. Shigar Valley and Shigar Fort

A trip to Skardu is incomplete without visiting Shigar Valley, known for its lush green fields, apricot orchards, and traditional Balti culture. Shigar Fort, also known as the Fort on the Rock, has been transformed into a luxury heritage hotel, offering a glimpse into the region's royal past.

7. Khaplu Valley and Palace

Another breathtaking valley near Skardu, Khaplu Valley is famous for its picturesque landscapes, waterfalls, and cultural heritage. The Khaplu Palace, a beautifully restored fort, now serves as a museum and hotel, preserving the ancient Balti architecture.

8. Manthoka Waterfall

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Gilgit-Baltistan, Manthoka Waterfall is an awe-inspiring natural wonder. The waterfall cascades from 180 feet, surrounded by green pastures, making it a perfect picnic and photography spot.

Trekking and Mountaineering in Skardu

Skardu is the starting point for many trekking and mountaineering expeditions. Some of the most famous treks include:

K2 Base Camp Trek: A challenging trek leading to the base of the world's second-highest peak.

Biafo Glacier & Hispar La Trek: A trek through one of the longest glaciers in the world.

Snow Lake Trek: A mesmerizing trek through the frozen wonders of the Karakoram.

Local Cuisine of Skardu

While visiting Skardu, one must indulge in authentic Balti cuisine, which includes:

Mamtu: Traditional steamed dumplings filled with minced meat and spices.

Balay: A delicious noodle soup made with homemade wheat noodles and broth.

Chapshuro: A Balti-style meat pie stuffed with spiced minced meat.

Apricot Juice & Local Herbal Tea: Refreshing and naturally healthy beverages unique to the region.

Accommodation in Skardu

Skardu offers a variety of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses:

Luxury: Serena Shigar Fort, Shangrila Resort, Khaplu Palace.

Mid-Range: PTDC Motel, Tibet Hotel, Mashabrum Hotel.

Budget: Local guesthouses and campsites for budget travelers.

Conclusion

Skardu is a hidden paradise that offers something for every traveler. Whether you seek adventure, tranquility, or cultural exploration, Skardu is a destination that promises an unforgettable experience. From majestic mountains and crystal-clear lakes to historical forts and cultural heritage, Skardu is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of Pakistan.

#tourism #travel #the eras tour #visit

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nftptravelblog · 1 year ago

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Best Travel Services | NFTP Travel Services

Introduction

Pakistan, a land of diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, beckons travelers with its unparalleled beauty. From majestic mountains to vibrant cities, this article unveils the Best Travel Places in Pakistan, ensuring an immersive and awe-inspiring adventure.

Here are the best travel places in Pakistan:

Majestic Mountains

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Pakistan boasts some of the world’s highest peaks in the Himalayan range. Explore the grandeur of K2, the second-highest mountain, and witness the breathtaking landscapes of Nanga Parbat. The beauty of these mountains transcends mere sightseeing, offering a spiritual connection with nature.

Historical Marvels

Delve into the secrets of ancient civilizations as you visit historical marvels scattered across Pakistan. From the magnificent Mohenjo-Daro to the regal Badshahi Mosque, each site narrates a tale of the country’s rich history. Experience a cultural time travel that leaves an indelible mark on your soul.

Vibrant Cities

Pakistan’s cities are a blend of modernity and cultural richness. Lahore, with its bustling streets, and Islamabad, the serene capital, provide a unique urban experience. Karachi, the city of lights, pulsates with life, offering a vibrant glimpse into Pakistan’s diverse cultural tapestry.

Serene Beaches

Escape to the serene beaches along Pakistan’s coastline. From the golden sands of Clifton Beach to the untouched beauty of Gwadar, the coastal areas provide tranquility and natural beauty. Immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of the waves and the warmth of the sun.

Desert Wonders

Explore the enchanting beauty of Pakistan’s deserts. The Cholistan Desert and Thar Desert captivate with their vast dunes and unique ecosystems. Engage in camel safaris and stargazing nights, experiencing the magic of these seemingly barren landscapes.

Lush Green Valleys

Venture into lush green valleys that paint a picturesque landscape. Swat Valley and Neelum Valley are nature’s masterpieces, offering verdant beauty and serenity. Lose yourself in the embrace of nature, surrounded by towering mountains and flowing rivers. For more details visit our website.

Adventurous Trails

For adrenaline junkies, Pakistan offers adventurous trails that promise thrilling experiences. Hike the Fairy Meadows, go paragliding in Skardu, or conquer the challenging Fairy Meadows Nanga Parbat Base Camp trek. These adventures redefine the meaning of excitement.

#travel #travelling #best travel servies

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aleehaleeha-mydayendshere · 7 years ago

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Grazing land. Somewhere In Skardu, Pakistan.

#skardu #cattle #pasture #grazing #landscape #freedom #free #wild animals #breath of the wild #breathtakingbeauty #green #sight for sore eyes #sightseeing #beauty #pakistan #northern areas #life in Pakistan #jeeplife #jeep

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rehmantravelofficial-blog · 7 years ago

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TREKKING K2 BASE CAMP Baltoro Glacier – Concordia – Ghondoghoro La PRICE 85000/-PKR Last Date Of Registration 1 August Baltoro region has world greatest cluster of highest peaks, with 4 eight thousand meters high peaks around Concordia, the famous junction of some of the worlds largest glaciers. Gasherbrum 2, Broad Peak and Gasherbrum 1 are listed among the 14, eight thousanders crowned by the mount of the mountain, K2 at 8611meters. Trekking on Baltoro Glacier, reaching Concordia and K2 base camp is one of the worlds famous trekking routes, while crossing Ghondoghoro La at 5650m needs good technical experience and equipment. K2 base camp track is one of the mot rewarding and challenging routes in the world. Day 1: Islamabad – Besham – Chilas We depart from Islamabad and arrive at Besham crossing the famous towns of Abbottabad and Mansehra. Later on following the upstream course of River Indus, we will make photo stops at Shatial rocks with ancient graffiti's on it. After a long day aboard, we arrive at Chilas and transfer to hotel. Day 2: Chilas – Kachura Lake – Skardu We keep on following the course of River Indus, and make a brief stop at Chilas rocks carvings. Our next stop is at Nanga Parbat viewpoint which offers breathtaking views of the huge massif of Nanga Parbat. Before entering into the narrow gorge of River Indus, we make another stop at the unique point where three mountain ranges, Karakoram, Himalayas and Hindu Kush meet near the confluence of Indus and Gilgit Rivers. Our onwards journey is through the narrow and barren gorge of Indus and the scenery changes at Kachura, a picturesque lake of Baltistan, where we make a brief stop and later drive on to Skardu town and transfer to hotel on arrival. Day 3: Skardu – Sightseeing / Arrangements This is a free day at Skardu to make an optional trip to Satpara, another vast and picturesque lake of Baltistan. Our staff will make arrangements for porters and make last minute shopping for the expedition. Day 4: Skardu – Askole by jeep We depart by jeeps from Skardu and enter into Shigar Valley across River Indus. From Shigar, we continue our drive along Shigar and Braldu Rivers to the legendary village, Askole, a kick point for expeditions and trekking parties for most of the famous mountains in Baltistan. Day 5: Askole – Bardumal We start our trekking from Askole and making a stop at Korofon, a green campsite and crossing Domurdo River we arrive at campsite of Bardumal. A full day's walk mostly on flat ground helps us to acclimatize. Day 6: Bardumal – Paiyu Another full day walk with tough portion of crossing river by Jhola, the flying fox. Later on we arrive at Paiyu and establish our campsite. Day 7: Paiyu – Day free A free day as traditional halt, where porters cook their meals for onwards trekking and the group enjoy a memorable night with singing, dancing and music playing. Day 8: Paiyu – Khaburse We start our trekking on the glacier and make a traverse on Baltoro Glacier, the source of Braldu River to arrive at Liligo campsite. Walking onwards along the glacier, we arrive at campsite of Khaburse for night stay. Day 9: Khaburse – Goro I Our onwards walk, stay and everything is on the glacier for next few days. We cross Urdukas, the last place to grow grass and alpine flowers, en route and view of Paiyu Peak and Uli Biaho tower behind. Walking in the heart of glacier, Gasherbrum IV - 7929m is visible in her full glory. We pass by the Masherbrum Peak (K-1) - 7821m and view Cathedrals across the glacier. Today our camp will be on the debris of Baltoro Glacier so be prepared for a chilly cold night. Day 10: Goro I – Concordia We are walking in a gorge of high mountains i.e. Gasherbrum, Masherbrum, Cathedrals and Mustagh etc. Mustagh Tower is an eye catching peak on the route. We finally arrive at Concordia and camp under Mitre Peak. Day 11: Concordia – Excursion K-2 Base Camp Today, we will make a trip to the base camp of K-2, crossing Broad Peak base camp en route. The walk is through heavily crevassed glacier but trekking is safe. After photography and having cold picnic lunch at base camp, we start walking back towards Concordia. Day 12: Concordia – Ali Camp / Muneer Camp After breakfast, we will trek to Ali Camp / Muneer Camp, served as assault camp for Ghondoghoral La. Day 13: Ali Camp – Ghondoghoro La at 5650m – Kheuspang A very early start to cross Ghondoghoro La at 5650m, our main challenge of the trek, where we use fixed ropes to cross the crevassed slopes on both sides of the Pass. Once on the top of the pass, a clear day reveals superb panorama of the peaks all around. The Gasherbrums, Broad Peak and K-2 are visible superbly. We start descending down to our campsite and enjoy a relief as the hardest portion of the trek is finished and onwards is an easy walk down to Hushe. Day 14: Kheuspang – Dalsangpa It is an easy and short walk to Dalsangpa, meaning a field of flowers. Superb views of towering Masherbrum and other peaks from the campsite. We enjoy almost a free day as the walking is quite easy in comparison to the previous day's adventure. Day 15: Dalsangpa – Saistcho – Hushe Finally we are out from savage glaciers and start walking on dry ground. We descend down to Saistcho, a campsite along riverside with trees and greenery. Our walk finishes at green and fertile village of Hushe, the first permanent village after leaving Askole. Day 16: Hushe – Khaplu – Skardu We will drive by jeeps to Khaplu, a major division of Baltistan and known for its delicious fruits. Its other attractions include old Raja's Palace ( now turned into a hotel residence ) and Khanqah-eChaqchan. From there we will drive to Skardu and transfer to hotel on arrival. Day 17: Skardu – Chilas – Besham / Naran After breakfast, we check out and start our return journey following the Indus River. We reach the KKH and drive to Chilas for a rest and lunch break. After lunch we continue our journey towards Besham for night stay ( If Babusar Pass is open, we will opt the Kaghan Valley route ). Day 18: Naran / Besham – Islamabad From Besham we resume our journey towards Islamabad passing through Manshera, Abbottabad and Havelian we will reach Islamabad at our designated drop off place. End of the Tour TOUR COST Based on Standard Hotels / triple room / tent sharing @ Pak Rs. 85,000 per person SERVICES INCLUDED  Accommodation : On triple sharing basis  Meals in hotels : Breakfast only  Camp Meals : Breakfast + Dinner with cold packed lunch  Transport : Private transport as per the itinerary  Jeep : Skardu / Askole – Hushe / Skardu  Driver : Wages, food and his accommodation  Guide : English (basic) speaking mountain guide  Permit : Trekking permit fee ( if applicable )  Various fees : Camping – River crossing – La crossing  Entrance fees : at sites, museum and national park, if applicable  Camping equipment : Tents & Mattresses  Kitchen equipment : Complete cookware and utensils  All portages : At hotels & airports  Portage : For personal luggage i.e. 8 kgs  Porters : Insurance, wages, food, kerosene oil, kit  Cook : Wages, food, accommodation, insurance and kit  Porter Sirdar : wages, food, kit and insurance  Medical Aid : First aid kit and general medicines NOT INCLUDED X Meals while travelling or staying in hotels X Ruck sack, sleeping bag, crampon, ice axe, walking stick etc. X Mineral water or soft drinks X Laundry, beverages & phone calls or other expenses of personal nature X Personal insurance of trekkers or of their baggage X Medical aid, evacuation or extra expenses in emergencies X Extra expenses due to landslides\road blocks X Extra expenses due to the acts of nature and political reasons etc. X Early check in or late check out, if different from standard time X Any item not mentioned above Hotels to Use - Chilas – Shangrila Midway House / Panorama - Skardu – Mashabrum / PTDC Motel / Concordia Motel - Besham – Hiton / PTDC Motel - Naran – Rose Valley / Kunhar View Tented Accommodation - Tents on triple sharing with foam pads / mattress - Participants to bring their own sleeping bags Technical Requisites - The organizer will arrange fixing of ropes at Ghondoghoro La - Participants will arrange their personal clothing and technical equipment - Participants may hire technical equipment from the organizer - Items required, harness, karabiners, prusik, walking stick, crampons, helmet Meals Plan - Breakfast only in hotels - All meals while camping trekking ( with one main and one side dish ) Transport - Private deluxe / temperature controlled - Private jeep for Skardu / Askole & Hushe / Skardu ( soft top / non airconditioned ) FOR MORE DETAILS: Email : [email protected] Contact # +92333-0501143 UAN : 051 111 786 785 For Payment Bank Details: Alied Bank TITLE : Rehman Travels BR-CODE : 0679 AC# : 001-0005838320012 Habib Bank TITLE : Rehman Travels BR-CODE : 1353 AC# : 1353-79009025-03 United Bank Limited TITLE : Rehman Travels BR-CODE : 0741 AC# : 0109000219554073

#trekking #basecamp #k2 #camping

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eagletourisms · 4 years ago

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6 Days Special Tours to Skardu Sightseeings: 🏞️ Shangrila Resorts 🏞️ Khaplu Valley 🏞️ Mashabrom Peak Manchulla Valley 🏞️ Chakchan Masjid 🏞️ Khaplu Fort 🏞️ Manthoka Waterfall 🏞️ Soq Valley 🏞️ Upper Kachura Lake 🏞️ Deosai National Park 🏞️ Sheosar Lake 🏞️ Sadpara Lake 🏞️ Cold Dessert 🏞️ Katpana Valley 🏞️ Karpocho Fort 🏞️ Shigar Fort Services: ☆ ✈️ Return Air Tickets ☆ 🏨 Deluxe Accommodation ☆ 🍽️ Breakfast & Dinner Daily ☆ 🚔 Luxury Transportation Parado from Skardu Airport (Seperate for Each Family) with driver. From Islamabad: 🔖 PKRS 68000 / Head Quad Sharing. 🔖 PKRS 78000 / Head Triple Sharing. 🔖 PKRS 86000 / Head Twin Sharing. From Karachi: 🔖 PKRS 78000 / Head Quad Sharing. 🔖 PKRS 84000 / Head Triple Sharing. 🔖 PKRS 97000 / Head Twin Sharing. ♧ Fuel, all toll Taxes & Service Charges Included (No Hidden Cost) Payments: 50% of total amount will be required at the time of booking confirmation and the remaining amount will have to pay at time of departure for tour. For booking and details please contact us: 📲 03482387680 📲 03152775155 https://www.instagram.com/p/CPL147fptep/?utm_medium=tumblr

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zarrareventsandtours · 4 years ago

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𝐄𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐳𝐚 𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭. 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭-𝐰𝐞𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐩 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞.

𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐮𝐱𝐞 𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐳𝐚 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫.

𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫, 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐮𝐱𝐞 𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐳𝐚 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐢𝐬 𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐳𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐢𝐥𝐠𝐢𝐭 𝐲𝐞𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠.

𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝘂𝘅𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝘇𝗮 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘆𝗺𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗱. 𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝟳 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝘇𝗮 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻, 𝘄𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝘇𝗮 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗿 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆- 𝗛𝗼𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗚𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗱 𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗲, 𝗞𝗵𝘂𝗻𝗷𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗯 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀, 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗶𝘁 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘁, 𝗔𝗹𝘁𝗶𝘁 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘁, 𝗗𝘂𝗶𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝗮𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘀𝘁, 𝗚𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗵 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝘇𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗶 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗻 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗲.

𝑪𝒂𝒍𝒍/ 𝑻𝒆𝒙𝒕/ 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕𝒔𝒂𝒑𝒑

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𝓣𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓘𝓷𝓬𝓵𝓾𝓼𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓼

 ꜱᴛᴀʏ ɪɴ 4 ꜱᴛᴀʀ ʜᴏᴛᴇʟ ꜰᴏʀ 5ɴɪɢʜᴛꜱ

 ᴘᴀʀᴀᴅᴏ 2005 ᴍᴏᴅᴇʟ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʟᴏᴄᴀʟ ᴅʀɪᴠᴇʀ

 ɪꜱʟᴀᴍᴀʙᴀᴅ ᴛᴏ ɢɪʟɢɪᴛ ʀᴇᴛᴜʀɴ ᴛɪᴄᴋᴇᴛꜱ

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 ᴅʀɪᴠᴇ ᴛᴏᴡᴀʀᴅꜱ ᴋʜᴜɴᴊᴇʀᴀʙ ᴘᴀꜱꜱ

 ᴛɪᴄᴋᴇᴛꜱ/ᴘᴀꜱꜱᴇꜱ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛᴡᴏ ꜰᴏʀᴛꜱ

 ʙʀᴇᴀᴋꜰᴀꜱᴛ

🆃🅾🆄🆁 🅸🆃🅸🅽🅴🆁🅰🆁🆈

𝗗ᴀʏ 𝟬1

Take Flight from Islamabad to Gilgit, reach in 45 minutes, Transfer to Hotel in Gilgit ( Serena Gilgit Hotel )

𝗗ᴀʏ 𝟬2

Move towards Hunza, 2 Hours Drive to Reach Hunza lots of Sightseeing on way, Visit Baltit Fort & Altit Forts ( Darbar Hotel/Similar )

𝗗ᴀʏ 𝟬3

Third Day, we shall Visit Attahabad Lake, Furthermore Visit Upper Hunza & China Border KHunjerab Full Day Activity

(Darbar Hotel/Similar)

𝗗ᴀʏ 𝟬4

Visit some new places on 4th Day, move towards Hooper where you can get close to moving Glaciers , then Visit Nagar Valley

(Darbar Hotel/Similar)

𝗗ᴀʏ 𝟬5

Head towards Naltar Valley , spend 6 hours there and then move towards Gilgit Valley and check in Hotel

(Serena Gilgit Hotel )

𝗗ᴀʏ 𝟬6

Breakfast and transfer to Gilgit Aiport – End of Tour

Don’t miss that amazing and exciting trip! ⛄️

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tripstations · 6 years ago

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Forget white bloggers from Poland. How much do Pakistanis know about domestic tourism? – Prism

We don’t need to teach foreigners about Pakistan half as urgently as we need to educate Pakistanis themselves.

There has been much talk about the future of Pakistani tourism. The Pakistan Tourism Summit was held in April, criticised by many as being too exclusive and biased towards Western media and influencers.

In response, there was a brilliant video by Alex of Lost with Purpose, in which she highlighted the three main problems when we portray a solely positive media coverage of travelling in the country. She talked about restrictions on free movement, lack of representation for Pakistani travellers and the potential for serious cultural clashes between unaware tourists and the people here.

The gora complex that Alex mentioned in her video is undoubtedly a real issue. There is no question that the perspectives of travellers who arrive on sponsored visits and rave about the jagged coastlines of Pakistan’s ‘most dangerous’ province are naïve and one-dimensional.

Yet, ultimately, these are all buzzwords — goray bloggers vs. local ones, the word ‘local’ conjuring the idea of a faceless young Pakistani who can somehow represent every nook of the country, from Ranikot to Rawalakot.

This debate is superfluous when you consider the foremost fact: Pakistan is woefully unprepared for any substantial increase in tourism, be it international or domestic.

Related: Pakistan is uniquely placed to take advantage of religious tourism. What is stopping us?

During extensive travel in Gilgit-Baltistan and northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa this year, I met dozens of people in the tourism industry who all painted a familiar narrative. Tourism was thriving up north before 9/11 and has been a ghost since. This year, however, almost everyone feels optimistic. They are seeing rising numbers of tourists, particularly domestic ones.

In Pakistan’s affluent heartlands, travel now competes with designer lawn and big weddings as a potent status symbol. The rise of social media, particularly Instagram, has made the well-angled shot of a cup of chai against snowy mountains as aspirational as candid wedding photographs lit up by fairy lights. Travel is so 2019.

There also seems to be general consensus in the north that the new government bodes better for the industry than its predecessor did. Imran Khan quickly did away with the frustrating requirement that every foreign traveller visiting GB or Azad Jammu & Kashmir carry a No Objection Certificate.

In Chitral, the government recently stopped requiring mandatory security escorts — good-natured policemen who would accompany the foreigner wherever she went, their guns jutting out against Chitral’s lush green hills as unseemly reminders of the fact that the country was, at the end of the day, a security state.

Restrictions on trekking around the Chitral mountains have been relaxed. For this year’s summer festival, the Kalash were expecting unprecedented numbers of visitors, both domestic and foreign. From Skardu to Bumburet, everyone told me that the tourists are coming.

But where will they stay? During peak season in Bumburet and Karimabad, Hunza’s tourist capital, all hotels get fully booked, with some tourists unable to find a space to set up tents for the night. According to Aneeqa Ali, who runs a Lahore-based tour company, The Mad Hatters, there is a dearth of hotel infrastructure in the north.

Luxury hotels such as the Serena are present in hub cities as well as in Shigar and Khaplu. The company has, in fact, reserved land for construction in smaller locations as well — in the future, there will likely be Serenas in the sleepy towns of Gulmit, Sost and Passu.

Yet, very few domestic tourists have the purchasing power for Serena nights. What they need are mid-range hotels that provide the necessities that all travellers except hardened backpackers expect — reliable electricity, hot water and clean sheets.

Without any centralised planning, enterprising residents of these areas have cobbled together ways to keep up with the increasing demand for housing. Everywhere along the famed Karakoram Highway, construction workers are busy trying to complete hotel buildings “before season starts”, using whatever material is available to finish the work. Some people open up their houses to guests, employing the concept of the homestay that has been popular in Southeast Asia for several years.

Read next: A journey to Bahawalpur and beyond, on the road of self discovery

Aneeqa, whose company places special emphasis on female travel, tells me that the problem with this decentralised growth is the absence of holistic planning at the local or regional levels. With hastily-constructed rest houses cropping up at every turn, there is no thematic development of areas to ensure that the new construction complements the natural landscape.

There also seems to be no requirement on rest houses to maintain a balance between residents and tourists in specific towns. “I can see Hunza becoming the next Nathiagali,” she tells me.

Ijlal Khattak of Baydaar Travels speaks of the same problem, giving the example of Naran as a paradise destroyed by overcrowding and unbridled construction. Ijlal’s company, highly popular on Instagram, specialises in tours of the Pakistani north, with an emphasis on eco-tourism. Both he and Aneeqa mention the lack of proper sewage and trash disposal facilities in major tourist hubs.

This is emblematic of the Saniplast approach the country treats its problems with — slaps one on and keeps going.

While searching for hotels in Skardu, I found only a few options on Google search and major travel sites such as Booking.com and Tripadvisor. Upon arriving in the city, however, I saw dozens of hotel options, none of which I had come across in my search.

It appears that even as the tourists of Lahore, Karachi and Peshawar use their smartphones to look up hotels, very few of the hospitality providers in the north are using technology to promote their businesses.

And how would they? Hunza hardly has electricity — a stunning fact considering how educated and progressive the region is. Skardu and Gilgit have fewer power issues, but none of Pakistan’s major networks provide internet service there. The military-owned SCOM has a monopoly on data services in the entire GB area.

While military-backed monopolies can come as a surprise only to the most naïve of us, this is frustrating on two levels. Firstly, for Pakistanis travelling in their own country, it is an infuriating hassle to have to switch services and procure a new SIM card upon entering GB. Secondly, and most importantly, even after getting a SCOM connection, one is not guaranteed connectivity. Service is paltry once you leave bigger towns and can sometimes disappear for days.

Explore: How music students in Gojal are trying to keep their culture alive

Yes, there are ways to travel without the internet. Yes, there is something romantic about walking into hotels and asking for availability, bringing to mind the neon “Vacant” signs of old-school American motels. Not being able to tell Facebook you are checking in at the Khunjerab Pass can be a blessing.

Yet, around the world, shifting travel patterns mean that more and more people opt to travel independently instead of with tour companies. If we want to enable tourists to explore the beauty of Pakistan beyond the biggest cities, is imperative that we have the technology to enable this. Independent travellers, those who want to use public transport and eat at restaurants beyond their hotel’s dining hall, need good internet.

This is symptomatic of one of the largest problems of the industry — an information gap between providers and clients that can sometimes seem insurmountable. We faced this gap in Bahawalpur, a city with an illustrious history of Sufi scholarship, Buddhist and Hindu influence and Nawab patronage. Due to its proximity to India and the presence of a huge cantonment area, the city is entirely out-of-bonds for foreigners.

However, this critical piece of information is not mentioned on the website of the Ministry of Interior, nor on any online hotel listings. We found out only at 10pm one night when my husband, a foreign national, tried to check in at a hotel after a full day of sightseeing. Within a few minutes, there were uniformed policemen standing in the lobby, telling us cheerfully but firmly that we had to spend the night at a police guesthouse and leave the next morning.

From Gilgit, I decided to take the Northern Areas Transport Corporation (Natco) bus across the regional border into Chitral. I asked five different people —hotel owners, wagon drivers, tour operators and Natco officials �� whether the famed Shandur Pass was open. I received five different answers:

Yes, it was open. No, it was going to open after May 1st. It was open but one of the buses for the route had broken down, disrupting schedule.

I finally boarded a bus at the end of April, full of disbelief that there could be so much confusion about one of the major routes of the region, run by the government itself.

As the bus made its way into KPK, we began our descent from snowy mountaintops. It was after maghrib and I sat with a clenched jaw as the bus tumbled down a road so narrow the edge was invisible. Every now and then, a young Chitrali construction worker who was working for the Skardu-Gilgit road expansion project would jump off the bus and use an old shovel to dig into the mountain. Then, he would hop back in and the bus would continue down the newly-expanded road, the only major artery connecting northern KPK.

Also read: A road trip with my mother where women ‘cannot go alone’

If the government is serious about promoting tourism in these areas, it needs to improve the abysmal road infrastructure throughout the region. The people there will be the first beneficiaries — currently, it takes one six hours from Phander to travel 100 kilometres to visit family in KPK. The road between Skardu and Gilgit is a nightmare, although work is underway to make it wider. Roads in Chitral that service the three Kalash valleys are in terrible condition, making inter-valley movement lengthy and cumbersome.

The result is that most tourists never leave the most popular valley of Bumburet, which is fast becoming a menagerie of badly constructed hotels and souvenir shops.

Big city media continues to wring its hands over the appropriations of foreign bloggers, questioning their right to tell stories, insisting that the experiences of travel of Pakistanis are much more complex and “real”.

Yet, my travel through the north of Pakistan taught me that this attention, despite its good intentions, is ill-targeted. If there is any group of travellers that the northern tourism industry has a love-hate relationship with, it’s not random white travellers from Poland. It’s the non-local locals.

Tourists from Punjab, Karachi and the KPK heartland (Peshawar, Mardan and Mingora) form the largest proportion of visitors and revenues to these areas. The industry recognises that these are the people who kept coming even when the foreigners disappeared after 9/11.

Discover: How I travelled to 20 countries in four years on a Pakistani passport

These are the people who will always come — to spend a weekend away when Peshawar begins to swelter, on a group retreat from Karachi’s madness, for a class trip from Lums or King Edwards.

They will bring their families because they don’t think, as the average Western traveller does, that Pakistan is a backpacking destination, fit only for the young and untethered. A hotel owner in Phander laughed as he told me that his most prized guests were always Punjabis. “They eat well”, he understated.

The future of Pakistani tourism is Pakistanis. Certainly, it is nice to cultivate a friendlier image abroad and international tourism can bring much good to the country. Yet, hotel owners and restaurateurs up north know that with the country’s logistical difficulties and constantly precarious security situation, the one stable source of income they can rely on is not dollars or euros, but rupees from down south.

While recognising this group of tourists as their primary clientele, many in the hospitality industry also complain about their attitudes to travel.

There have been several incidents of male travellers harassing women in Hunza and Chitral. All northern festivals end with grounds covered in litter and food waste, mostly left by travel groups from the south.

All towns up north have been overtaken by the karahi effect — the omnipresence of Punjabi food on every menu. I remember being seated next to a well-heeled group of Karachiites at a restaurant in Karimabad. They were all staying at the Serena and had come to the restaurant to get a ‘local’ flavour.

After hearing the headwaiter meticulously explain each Hunza dish on the menu and exclaiming, “that sounds wonderful, na” in posh accents, they ordered eight karahis for the table. The waiter begged them to at least try chapshuro, a much-loved specialty. They agreed to get one for the table to share.

Check out: When water at Tarbela recedes, Bharukot Fort emerges to reveal an eventful history spanning centuries

We don’t need to teach foreigners about Pakistan half as urgently as we need to educate Pakistanis themselves. People travelling to the north should treat the trip as something more than a respite from the heat and a backdrop for Instagram shots. There are people living there, with complex histories, unique languages and a food culture that grew out of completely different necessities than the southern plains and plateaus.

Yes, the karahi doesn’t taste the way it does in Anarkali, but if you wanted karahi you should have never left Anarkali.

Despite the teetering economy, we will likely continue to see a boom in intra-country tourism over the next few years. Saba Akbar, an architect and prolific solo traveller behind The Local Trails, predicts the same, crediting the rise of social media to an upcoming exponential increase in tourism. “When that happens”, she says, “we need to be ready for it”.

It is important that both the government and tourists recognise that this boom in numbers itself is not a mark of success. Even in the best of circumstances, tourism inflicts damage on the environment and the hosting cultures. Unless we can channel this growth to directly benefit the people of these areas and protect their homes from irreversible harm, it will never be worth it.

Header photo: S.M.Bukhari

Do you have a critical take on tourism promotion? Share your views with us at [email protected]

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