Pakistan is home to some of the most beautiful and mythical mountain ranges in the world such as the Karakoram, K2, Rakaposhi and others offering adventurous, satisfying hikes and splendid views. Many people are scared away thinking they cannot enter these mountains because they’re not trained mountaineers. Others are excited about the idea of mountaineering, but don’t have the experience and dreams of reaching summits remain unfilled as people think they don’t have what it takes.

Mountaineering is not for everyone and it can also be a risky hobby. It’s important that one is well trained before going to climb. This is why we came up with a few programmes in which people can enjoy the power of the mountains of Pakistan while getting climbing training at an adapted pace in which you can learn how to climb and trek the mountains. We work with local experts who have been hiking and climbing since their early childhood and have assisted numerous expeditions all around the area. Our team will train you how to conquer a glacier and we will also clim a small peak (Kor Peak) in the Hoppar Valley to improve your skills and boost your confidence. Our training takes a little less than two weeks and you’ll be in one of the most beautiful areas of Pakistan in Nagar, just across Hunza. The road to Hoppar is scenic with flights over (and in between!)  the Himalayas, beautiful drives and wonderful hikes in which you also will have the time to taste local culture and history.

Gilgit-Baltistan, northern Pakistan is famous for its breathtaking fertile green valleys, snow-capped peaks and hospitable people. Mighty roads penetrate deep mountain ranges past raging rivers, glaciers and beautiful lakes. The ex-principal states of Hunza and Nagar are home to a unique culture and we find several beautifully preserved fortresses and mosques with beautiful carved wooden doors and vaults. Ibexes hide in the mountains, who try to stay far away from wolves, bears and snow leopards.

Loved by trekkers and climbers, the region is home to a number of notorious and mighty peaks. Gilgit-Baltistan is home to some of the world’s highest mountain areas. The most important are the Karakoram and other mountain ranges of the western Himalayas. The Pamir is in the far north and the Hindu Kush in the west.

For our climbing adventure we go to the heart of Nagar, in the southern Karakoram and north-west of the Rakaposhi-Haramosh massif. Nager is a formerly princely state which was ruled by the Maghlot dynasty. The prince bore the title mir and his counselors were called wazirs.

With peaks such as the Rakaposhi (7788 m) and the Haramosh (7397 m) this mountain range forms the impenetrable border with Baltistan in the east. In the south, the valley of the Hunza forms the connection with Gilgit. The valley of the river is divided over a length of about 70 km, with the left bank belonging to Nagar and the right bank belonging to Hunza. Although Nagar is smaller in area than Hunza, it has more inhabitants. The largest places are Chalt and Nagar. The side valley of Hispar also belongs to Nagar.

According to legend, the Nagaris have Greek blood going all the way back to the soldiers of Alexander the Great while on his quest to conquer India. This would explain why so many people have blue eyes and light hair. Virtually all of the inhabitants are Shia Muslims, most of whom belong to Ismailism. However, the religion is mixed with pre-Islamic shamanic ideas, such as belief in mountain spirits.

The first princes of Hunza and Nagar were brothers  from the Trakhan dynasty of Gilgit who started ruling in the 15th century. In the next few centuries wars were not uncommon and often resolved by marriages to restore bonds. Islam found its way in the sixteenth century. Starting from the nineteenth century Nagar was under the influence of the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, a vassal of the British.

The Hoppar valley with its Spantik and Hopar (or Hopper) glaciers is one of the most scenic parts of the Nagar Valley and is located not too far from Nagar Khas, the ex-capital of Nagar. The valley is home to several villages and the Barpu Glacier of which the Miar Glacier is a part is the base for trekking expeditions into the peaks of the Hispar Muztagh. The valley is home to a number of stunning glaciers, lakes (such as the Rush Lake Hopper) and several snow-capped mountains. The area is home to ibex, foxes, wolves and snow leopards. 

The valley has many famous mountains such as Miar Peak, Golden Peak , Rash Peak, Diran Peak and we can also see Rakaposhi. 

Below is a proposed itinerary.
There is the luxury option of using the best hotels where available, in which we always go for the outstanding Serena Hotels with the best service and facilities in all of Pakistan. The Serena Hotel in Karimabad for instance is beautifully located in an ancient fort with magnificent views. We also offer a budget package using cheaper hotels where available choosing the best value for your money.

Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad         Serena ***** / Hill View ***

Today you’ll be received at the airport of Islamabad and brought to your hotel.

Day 2: Islamabad – Gilgit    Serena Altit Fort *** / Hill Top **

We’ll take the scenic flight from Islamabad to Gilgit with magnificent views over the mountains. If the flight is somehow canceled we’ll have to drive (at extra expense) overnight at the Shangrila Hotel in Chilas.

Day 3:  Karimabad     Serena Altit Fort *** / Hill Top **

Today you’ll have a free day in Karimabad in which you can enjoy visiting the forts and the historical part of town. You’ll be amazed by the beauty of the town and the surroundings, the inviting people and the charming atmosphere.

Day 4: Scenic drive to Hopper and trek to Miar Glacier

We’ll have a beautiful drive through the Hopper Valley and will go to the Miar Glacier, a part of the Barpu Glacier. We’ll be at an altitude of 3.400 m and today we’ll camp.

Day 5, 6, 7: Ice climbing Training
These three days are dedicated to ice climbing. Our experts will give you thorough training on how to carefully proceed on ice. We will take our time, use a healthy pace and by the end you’ll feel that your skills will have much improved. We will stay at the same camp.

Day 8: Kor Peak
The Kor peak is a smaller, easier peak and ideal for beginners. We will climb all the way to the high camp at 4.500 m and camp.

Day 9: Summit
We will climb up to 5.800 meter, congratulations! You did it! We will now slowly go back.

Day 10: Back to the beginning     Serena Altit Fort *** / Hill Top **
We will trek back to Hoppar and will then drive back to the hotel.

Day 11: Gilgit and flight back to Islamabad

After a beautiful three-hour drive you’ll be brought to the airport of Gilgit from where you’ll take your flight back to Islamabad. If the flight is canceled we’ll have to go overland to Islamabad with overnight in between, so best to calculate one or two buffer days before flying out of Pakistan.

Included:
– Standard accommodation as per itinerary as per package
– Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner (except in Islamabad)
– Transport (4WD and flights)
– English speaking professional climbing guide (certified) and supporting team (porters, cook, etc)
– Camping equipment: tents, kitchen tent, toilet tent, mess tent, mattress, chairs, tables, etc
– Carrying 12 kg of members’ personal luggage by porters

Not included:
– Entrance fees at points of interest such as forts etc
– Medical kits
– Drinks
– Climbing equipment and extra luggage

Price:
1 person: 8.499  usd
2 persons: 4.399 usd per person (sharing)
3 persons: 4.199 usd per person
4 persons: 3.999 usd per person
** single supplement: 750 usd

Our mountain specialists:

	Hailing from Karimabad, Hunza, Safdar speaks English and Spanish. Safdar is an expert mountaineer and guide for over three decades now. He has been working with many adventure groups and mountaineering expeditions from different countries. He is instrumental in exploring some new treks and climbing routes.
	Born in Karimabad, Hunza, Mohammad speaks English. he is an expert mountaineer and guide for over two decades now. He has been working with many adventure groups and mountaineers from all over the world. He is a very tough campaigner and team player.