The northern mountains consist of the Himalayan and trans-Himalayan ranges, which boast the world's second highest peak; the 8611 meters K2. To the northwest lies the Hindukush range. The northern mountains take the impact of winds from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal and are thus the guardians of rainfall as well as a barrier against the cold winds from Central Asia. South of the Himalayas, the mighty Indus River and its tributaries feed the vast plains, which stretch to the Arabian Sea.

Diverse and splendid, the 2000 miles long Indus tumbles and roars from its mountain source through valleys and gorges, then majestically through the plains, clammy and unhurriedly merging with Arabian sea. The water around Karachi provides excellent fishing opportunities Lobster, prawn, cod and mackerel are found in abundance

VISA REQUIREMENTS

Most visitors must obtain a visa to enter Pakistan. All tourists who plan to visit must check with the embassy of Pakistan in their respective countries for current visa regulations.

CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE RATE

The unit in Pakistan is the Pakistani rupee, which is divided into 100 paisa. Depending on the rate of curreny exchange, the rupee fluctuates between Rs. 50.00 and 54.00 to the U.S. dollar. The rupee is available in 1,2, 5, 10, 100, 500, and 1000 notes.

NORTHERN AREA OF PAKISTAN

The Northern Areas are situated at the inter-section of four of the world's mightiest mountain ranges Hindukush, Himalayas, Karakurum and Pamirs (Roof of the World). These ranges form the largest concentration of high mountain Peaks in the world within a radius of less than 100 miles, there are as many as 100 peaks ranging from 18,000 feet to the world's second highest peak Godwin Austin (K-2) at 8611 meters. There are 19 peaks, which are higher then 7,600 meters from the sea level. More than 60 peaks have been discovered in the Karakorum alone. Some of the famous peaks of the Northern areas include the world's most dangerous peak Nanga Parbat (26,660 Ft.), Trango Tower, Gashebrum 1 and 2, Diran Peak, Uli Biaho, Snow Lake and Spankit Peak. These Peak and other mountains make the area a paradise for trekker and mountaineers.

These mountain ranges have naturally divide the area into the beautiful and picturesque valleys of Gilgit, Daril/Tangir, Chilas, Astore, Hunza Skardu, Ishkoman Gupis, Yasin, Shigar, Khapulu, Skardu, Rondu and Kharmang. These valleys are further bifurcated into smaller valleys with breath taking scenic views. The climate of the area can generally be described as extreme, i.e. hot and dry in summer and severe cold in winter. But at the same time, there is great ecological and climatically variation from valley to valley, depending upon elevation from sea level. In the low laying valleys, it is very hot during summer, while valleys at higher elevations have pleasant summers. Similarly, winter season at higher altitude is extremely cold compared to the low laying valleys.

In the relatively plain areas, mean minimum and maximum temperatures during summer have been recorded as 37 and 22 degree centigrade, respectively. While mean maximum and minimum temperatures for winter have been recorded as 12 and 1 degree centigrade, respectively. In the high lands, mean maximum temperature in winter remains around freezing point, with minimum temperatures falling as low as -10 degree centigrade. The area is situated on the opposite leeward side of summer monsoon, resulting in extremely low precipitation, which hardly exceeds 5 to 6 inches, annually. At higher altitudes, it falls snow. Consequently, the mountains are generally arid and sans vegetation

HOW TO REACH THE AREA

(a) The Towns of Gilgit and Skardu are linked by air with Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. PIA runs daily, albeit subject to weather flights to Gilgit and Skardu.The one hour flight from Gilgit or Skardu is the most thrilling and spectacular experience, which provides a panoramic view of a sea of snow clad mountains with captivating and bewitching scenic beauty. It is an unforgettable event. Flying over the fabulous lack of Saif-ul-Malook when the plane enters the valley, it looks as if its wings are about to touch the cliffs of mountains, particularly near that Killer Mountain, Nanga Parbat and the towering K-2. Amidst awe-inspiring moments and unforgettable experience one reaches Gilgit or Skardu.

(b) Another way to reach the area is through the famous Karakorum High Way (KKH), which was completed in 1978 by the Pakistan Army Engineers with the help of Chinese technicians and experts. The road itself is a monument of human ingenuity and civil engineering skill, which has been carved out of sheer mountains and rocks at heavy cost of precious human life. The KKH starts from Havelian, about 100 kilometer from Islamabad, Zigzagging through Abbottabad, Mansehra, Thakot, Basham, Pattan, Komila, Sazin, Chilas, Gilgit, Hunza and then goes to Khunjerab Pass (4602 meters above sea level) at the Pakistan China boarder. It connects Pakistan with the Sinkiang Province of China.

From Gilgit, one can take another branch of KKH to Skardu from Alam Bridge, which is 227 kilometers long. The total length of KKH from Havelian to Khunjerab is 753 kilometers. Traveling on KKH itself is an awe inspiring moments as one drives between the mighty Indus and high mountain ranges. During the journey one can satisfy his/her anthropological urges by reading the rock carvings, which date back to Buddhist era.

Once you reach Gilgit, you will be amazed and spell bound by seeing the nature at its best. The ACP will serve a launching pad for your tours to the other valleys.

GILGIT AND HUNZA

Gilgit town is situated on the bank of Gilgit River. Its strategic location has played a vital role in the history of the sub-continent. In the words of John keay, Gilgit "is the hub, the crow's net and the fulcrum of Asia”. At present, it serves as head quarter for the Northern Areas Administration. The main attraction of the town include Buddha's statue at Basin, Karga Nulla, with its trout fishing, Memorial of the war of freedom at Chinar Bagh and Chinese memorial at Danyore. There are two Polo grounds in the town where one can enjoy the traditional game of Northern Areas, i.e. polo is being played in its unsophisticated and undiluted form Traditional souvenirs, antiques and Chinese goods like crockery and silk are sold like hot cakes in the local bazaar as well as at the pak-China syndicate.

Hunza is situated in the north of Gilgit on a distance of 110 kms. along KKH. The capital of former Hunza state, Karimabad is worth to visit. It has tremendous views of peaks and glaciers including Rakaposhi (7788m) and Ultar (7388m). Karimabad is now center for all tourist attractions including comfortable hotels. From here one can visit other sightseeing places, a full day excursion to Khunjrab pass (16400") on KKH which is the border valley of Pakistan with China or on half day tour to hopper glacier in Nagar by jeep. Baltit and Altit forts can be visited on a short hike from Karimabad, which are believed to be 500 and 900 years old.

SKARDU

Likewise, the town of Skardu serves as a base camp for visiting other valleys with scenic charms and peculiar traditions and cultures of Baltistan, known as the little Tibet in history. It is now the seat of the district administration of Skardu. It is surrounded by high mountains and is perched at the bank of the mighty Indus. It lies at an altitude of 7,500 feet above sea level; as such it has got pleasant summer. It is linked with Gilgit by KKH and with jeep able roads with other valleys like Khapulu, Shigar, Rondu and Kharmang. There are many sightseeing places in and around Skardu. The main attractions are Shigar valley, Khapulu and Satpara Lake, which are ideal places for fishing and picnicking. More over Deosai plateau (4,000 meters high) and Rundu valley with their unhampered natural beauty are worth seeing spots in Baltistan.