Nature has blessed Pakistan with unique topography, the high mountains, plateau, plains, deserts and the luring sunny beaches are all found here. However, more than fifty percent of its area is mountainous, particularly its Northern and North Western regions which possess the most fascinating mountains on earth. The mighty ranges of the Karakoram, the Himalayas and Hindu Kush make a rendezvous here. Magnificent wreckage of continents in collision fifty million years ago, an immense island collided with mainland Asia to create the Indo Pak Sub-continent and pushed the Himalayas skyward. There are five peaks above 8000 meters out of total fourteen on earth including K-2 (8611 m), the second highest in the world. There over 150 peaks with summits above 7000 meters and 728 peaks above 6000 meters. This unique characteristics offer immense opportunities of adventure tourism including Mountaineering and Trekking.
Unique Mountains, Valleys and Glaciers
Northern Pakistan is dominated by some of the highest mountains in the world. Three most spectacular and lofty mountain ranges, namely the Karakoram, the Himalayas and the Hindukush meet in Northern Pakistan. These ranges offer endless possibilities for the professional mountaineers and trekkers. Northern areas of Pakistan, spread over 72,496 sq.Km. are as fascinating as its southern region. Amidst towering snow-clad peaks with heights varying from 1000 m to over 8000 meter, the valleys of Gilgit, Hunza and Skardu recall Shangri-La. The cultural patterns in this region are as interesting as its topography.
The people with typical costumes, folk dances, music and sports like polo and buzkashi provide the traveler an unforgettable experience. Nowhere in the world there is such a great concentration of high mountains, peaks, glaciers and passes except Pakistan. Of the 14 over 8000 peaks on earth, 4 occupy an amphitheater at the head of Baltoro glacier in the Karakoram range. These are: K-2 (8611 m, world second highest), Broad Peak (8047m), Gasherbrum I (8068m) and Gasherbrum II (8035m). There is yet another which is equally great, that is, Nanga Parbat (8126m) at the western most end of the Himalayas. 
In addition to that, there are 68 peaks over 7000 m and hundreds which are over 6000 m. The Northern Pakistan has some of the longest glaciers outside Polar region; Siachen (72 km), Hispar (61 km.), Biafo (60 km.), Baltoro (60 km.), Batura (64 km.), Yenguta (35 km.), Chiantar (34 km.), Trich (29 km.) and Atrak (28 km.). The lower Himalayan valleys of Swat, Kaghan and Chitral in the Hindukush range equally share the beauty and diverse culture of the Northern Pakistan.
Mountaineering in Pakistan
Northern Pakistan has the greatest concentration of the highest peaks of the world. It has 05 peaks over 8,000 metres including the world’s second highest, K-2 (Chogori, 8611 m), 29 peaks of over 7,500 metres and 121 of over 7,000 metres. Hundreds of peaks are still lying un-climbed. This, is a great challenge for the mountaineers and mountain climbers the world over.
All peaks/routes for mountaineering have been designated as open zone or restricted zone. Permits for climbing peaks in open zone, are issued by the Ministry of Tourism, within 24 hours of the receipt of application. However, for peaks/routes in restricted zone, permit is issued within 14 days form the date of receipt of the application in Ministry of Tourism, Government of Pakistan (Operation Section), 9th Floor, Green Trust Towers, Blue Area, Jinnah Avenue, Islamabad. Tel:+92-51-9203509 Fax:+92-51-9202347). Pakistani Liaison Officer would accompany all mountaineering expeditions.
Mountain Sports
Rock Climbing
The towering mountains of Northern areas and Chitral host fantastic areas varying from moderate to high altitude rock climbing throughout their length and breath. Although some fine rock climbing areas exist in other parts of the country ranging from hill of Peshawar to Margalla hills near Islamabad, to the mountains of Suleman, Pub, Kirther and Makran. While these hills provide smaller rock pitches with steep slopes quite high and steep ledges are located only in the Karakoram.
Ice Climbing
The high mountain of northern areas and Chitral have different ice climbing sites with easy approached from the road heads being a winter sport exclusively it is another mountain sport event which is nonprevalent in the country except that it is a part of mountaineering. It is also because it is restricted to the far fling areas of the northern Pakistan.
Skiing and Snowboarding
There are numerous areas in the northern Pakistan i.e. in the towering mountains of the northern and Chitral as well as in the lower regions of swat and Kaghan which have the potential to be developed as ski and snow boarding sites. There are so many places and possibilities at hand for cross-country skiing.
There are so many places and possibilities at hand for cross-country skiing in the Northern areas as well as in Chitral, Kaghan and Swat, with chemical reaction (precipitation) and piling up of snow in areas except for northern areas is too high. Skiing has been introduced and commenced late in Pakistan. Naltar near Gilgit, Burail Pass area and Ratu, near Astore, District Gilgit are presently best skiing sites available in the country. Of course, there are a number of new and beginners standard slopes available at Malam Jabba and a site with improper facilities at Ayubia in Murree hills near Islamabad. Skiing on commercial basis has lately been opened at Malam Jabba.
Caving and Pot Holding
Caving being an enjoyable mountain sports continues to provide excitement and adventure. For this adventure event, so far a large number of mountain areas have not been explored for this adventure sport. But it is assumed that mountains with low altitude like Suleman and other ranges do offer a number of opportunities. In Balochistan province numerous caves with depth upto 1300 meters have been discovered and a resident adventure association along with foreign cavers has done some work in this respect due still much more has to be done to develop this vital event of the mountain sports.
Trekking in Pakistan
Pakistan is a paradise for trekkers. Most of the trekking routes lies in the northern mountains of the Hindukush, the Karakorams and the Himalayas. For most of the treks, trekking season is between May to October. The Ministry of Tourism, Government of Pakistan, has defined trekking as walking below 6000 m. It has designated three zones for trekking; open, restricted and closed. Foreigners may trek anywhere in open zone without a permit or services of a licensed mountain guide. For trekking in restricted zone, foreigners must pay a fee of US$ 20 per person per trek to obtain a trekking permit from the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of Pakistan Islamabad. It also requires to hire a licensed mountain guide; buy a personal accident insurance policy for the guide and the porters and to attend mandatory briefing and de-briefing at the Ministry of Tourism, on the beginning and end of the trekking trip. No trekking is allowed in closed zones which are the areas near Pak-Afghan border and near the Line of Control with Indian-held Kashmir.
Important Treks
One of the prominent treks is known as Baltoro trek ending up at Concordia. All the glaciers coming from K-2, broad peak and Gasherbrum-iv join at Concordia flow downward to Paiju peak like a grand trunk road. This is unique and one cannot see four 8000m summits in a small radius like this anywhere else in the world. These include K-2, Broad peak, Gasherbrum-I and Gasherbrum-II. Besides these 8000m gigantic peaks on this trek one can cherish the scenes of Mesherbrum, Muztang towers, Chogolisa, Baltoro cathedrals and different other summits.
Other well known treks include Biafo Hisper trek, Nanga Parbat trek, Rakaposhi, Trichmir trek and large number of other trekking routes. 
Jeep Safaris in Pakistan
Best way to explore Pakistan is by road. All the adventure,culture and diversity can be seen at its best when you pass right throught the fabric of every culture in Pakistan. The jeep safaris designed here are just for that.
Amazing North Jeep Safari Trough the great mountain ranges of the world (Himalaya, Karakoram & Hindukush)
A safari of 22 days takes you to the Northern Areas of Pakistan, a land with welcoming people; a land that homes some of world’s highest mountains and longest glaciers also it exhibits some virgin cultures of the world. The tour is a blend of culture, history and spectacular views of mountains. Taxila, Peshawar and Takht-e-Bhai, is a fabulous experience of history while from Dir onwards, it is an incredible jeep adventure across Shandur pass, world’s highest polo ground while at Kalash, Chitral and Hunza we experience beautiful and unique cultures.
ITINERARY
- Day 01 Islamabad
- Day 02 Islamabad-Naran (Kaghan Valley)
- Day 03 Naran-Lake Saif-ul-Maluk -Naran
- Day 04 Naran-Chilas
- Day 05 Chilas-Fairy Meadows
- Day 06 Exploration
- Day 07 Fairy Meadiows-Rama Lake
- Day 08 Rama Lake-Deosai Plateau-Skardu
- Day 09 Sightseeing in Skardu
- Day 10 Skardu-Karimabad Hunza
- Day 11 Karimabad-Duiker-Passu
- Day 12 Passu- Khunjerab Pass- Gilgit
- Day 13 Gilgit-Phandar
- Day 14 Phandar-Shandur Pass-Mastuj
- Day 15 Mastuj-Kalash
- Day 16 Sightseeing
- Day 17 Kalash-Swat
- Day 18 Sightseeing
- Day 19 Swat-Takht-e-Bahi- Peshawar
- Day 20 Peshawar-Khyber Pass-Peshawar
- Day 21 Peshawar-Taxila-Islamabad
- Day 22 Departure
Indus Boat and Cholistan Camel Safari
An exciting trip where the each day opens the flap to a new corridor of soft adventure, prosperous archeological sites, architecture and cultural landscape. In winter Southern Pakistan offers serene atmosphere to explore the treasures of the land of five rivers, PUNJAB with colorful Punjabi culture.Start enjoying Romantic Monuments of Islamic Sufis at Multan, and then the silky smooth waves of Indus greet us. After boat safari to enjoy the waves of Indus with Blind Dolphin we will be driving through the rich irrigated cotton belt of Pakistan we make our way to the Starkly Cholistan Desert “The Land of Lost River”, where the festive nomads make the acquaintance. Ride the ship of desert through the wilderness of Cholistan desert to Darawar, the massive Fort stand in the middle. Cholistan desert is a continuation of Thar Desert in Sind province and Rajistan desert in India. It is the easiest and safest desert to visit in Pakistan.
ITINERARY
- Day 01 Islamabad
- Day 02 Islamabad-Multan
- Day 03 Multan-Taunsa
- Day 04 Boat Safari – Khar Gharbi
- Day 05 Boat Safari – Ghazi Ghat
- Day 06 Ghazi Ghot-Uch Sharif – Chanan Pir
- Day 07 Camel Ride to Hilo Rani
- Day 08 Camel Ride to Darawar Fort
- Day 09 Darawar Fort-Lal Sohanra National Park
- Day 10 Lal Soanra National Part-Bahawalpur-Islamabad
- Day 11 Departure
South Pakistan Jeep Safari
Pakistan is a land richly endowed with Natural bounties a land of mighty mountains, vast deserts, lush-green valleys and five sparkling rivers. The landscape of Pakistan ranges from lofty mountains in the north, the Karakoram and the Himalayas, through dissected plateaus to the rich alluvial plains of Punjab. This follows desolate barrenness of Balochistan and the hot dry deserts of Sindh blending into miles and miles of golden beaches of Makran coast. Situated in the heart of the South Asian sub-continent, it is a country with its own fascinating history and cultural heritage.Pakistan was the site for one of the world's earliest human settlements, the great prehistoric Indus Valley Civilization, the crucible of ancient empires, religions and cultures. Pakistan traces its history back to 2,500 years B.C. when a highly developed civilization flourished in the Indus Valley. Excavations at Harappa, Moenjodaro, Kot Diji and Mehr Garh have brought to light, the evidence of an advanced civilization existing even in more ancient times.
ITINERARY
- Day 01 Lahore
- Day 02 Lahore
- Day 03 Lahore-Multan
- Day 04 Multan-Taunsa
- Day 05 Boat Safari – Khar Gharbi
- Day 06 Boat Safari – Ghazi Ghat
- Day 07 Ghazi Ghat-Chanan Pir
- Day 08 Camel Ride to Hilo Rani
- Day 09 Camel Ride to Darawar Fort
- Day 10 Darawar Fort-Uch - Mithan Kot
- Day 11 Mithan Kot-Sukkar
- Day 12 Sukkar-Moenjodaro-Sukkar
- Day 13 Sukkar-Manchar Lake – Hyderabad
- Day 14 Hyderabad-Keenjer Lake–Karachi
- Day 15 Sightseeing
- Day 16 Karachi – Ormara
- Day 17 Ormara-Gwadar
- Day 18 Gawadar-Jiwini-Sawadar
- Day 19 Gwadar – Karachi
- Day 20 Departure
Hindukush Polo Festival Jeep Safari
Polo lovers enjoy their true Passion on the world's highest Polo ground at Shandur Polo ground. This invites visitors to experience a traditional polo tournament between the teams of Chitral and Gilgit during the 2nd week of July every year. The tournament is held on Shandur Pass, the highest polo ground in the world at 3,700 meters. The festival will also include folk music and dancing and a camping village is set up.In 1936 the first polo tournament took place at Shandur Pass which was organized by a British Political Agent, Major Cobb. He was fond of playing polo under a full moon, had the polo ground here, and named, "Moony Polo Ground".
The most exciting polo tournament of Shandur Pass is a very special occasion for both people of the entire Northern Pakistan and Chitral. It is a place unique and exotic in itself, decorated by small wild flowers, herbs, beautiful green plateau surrounded by most fantastic mountain scenery in the world. The event marks the annual rivalry between the polo teams of Gilgit and Chitral. The Polo tournament has some added attractions for the visitors; such as fishing at the nearby streams, lakes, a festival of folk dances and energetic folk music of the Northern Pakistan adds colors to the event.
ITINERARY
- Day 01 Islamabad
- Day 02 Islamabad-Taxila-Peshawar
- Day 03 Peshawar-Khyber Pass- Dir
- Day 04 Dir-Mastuj
- Day 05 Mastuj-Shandur
- Day 06 Final Polo Match
- Day 07 Shandur-Chitral
- Day 08 Chitra-Peshawar
- Day 09 Peshawar-Islamabad
- Day 10 Departure
Helicopter Safaris in Pakistan
Heli Safaris to the roof of the World – A great opportunity for those who have limited time but still like to have a bird’s eye view of Pakistan’s Northern paradise. All these safaris begin from Islamabad. We use Mi-17 (24 passengers) and ALT-III (5 passengers) helicopters for these heli-safaris.
Fairy Meadows – The last mountain wilderness of the Himalayas, lying under the shadow of Nanga Parbat (8,126 m), waiting for you to explore by helicopter.
Trango Towers – It is a freestanding shaft culminating in the Trango Group, located on the left of Baltoro Glacier. It is the highest granite tower and considered to be the finest rock pinnacle in the world.
Concordia –This chaotic jumble of ice and rocks looks like an amphitheater rimmed by ice streams descending from four highest mountains of the Karakorams (K-2, Gasherbrum-I, Gasherbrum-II and Gasherbrum-IV). The point rests on the junction of two great glaciers – Baltoro and Godwin Austin. Being at Concordia means to be face to face with K-2 (8,611 m), a real soul stirring experience.
K-2 – “It was one of those sights which impress a man for ever, and produce a permanent effect upon the mind” (Francis Youghusband (1896) – First view of K-2). “The sight was beyond my comprehension and I sat gazing at it with a kind of timid fascination” (Eric Shipton).
Kalash Tribes & Chitral Valley – Chitral, an area which was focus of the “Great Games”, at the turn of the 19th Century, is a land of ancient forts, rivers, springs and unique culture. The valleys of Brir, Rambur and Bamburet are the home of the only pagan tribe – Kalash, ‘the wearers of black robes’.
Best time to visit: March to November
Route -1
- Islamabad - Babusar Pass - Fairy Meadows – Skardu
- Skardu – Baltoro – Trango Towers – Concordia, K-2 – Skardu – Gilgit
- Gilgit – Karakoram Highway – Islamabad
Route -2
- Islamabad-Babusar Pass – Fairy Meadows - Skardu
- Skardu – Baltoro – Trango Towers – Concordia, K-2 – Skardu – Gilgit
- Gilgit – Phandar Lake – Shandur Pass – Chitral
- Chitral – Kalash Valleys – Lowari Pass – Islamabad
Route -3
- Islamabad – Babusar Pass – Fairy Meadows – Skardu
- Skardu – Baltoro – Biafo Hispar – Hunza – Khunjerab Pass – Gilgit
- Gilgit – Phandar Lake – Shandur Pass – Chitral – Kalash Valleys – Lowari Pass – Islamabad
Train Safari in Pakistan
Khyber Steam Safari
Richard Travithick produced the first locomotive by bringing the locomotive and railway invention together in 1804. Britishers brought this technology to the Subcontinent and in order to augment their defence to stop the Russian invasion on India, a 42 kms long Khyber Railway lines was built by them in 1920s from Peshawar to Landi Kotal at an enormous cost of 6 million Rupees. This is one of the most historical and interesting train journeys in the world today.The train coaches are pulled and pushed by two 1920s vintage oil fired steam engines to climb 1200 meters through 34 tunnels and 92 bridges and culverts. At one point the track climbs to 130 meters after a journey of 1.4 kilometers. A section of the track is shaped like a W and the train has to move in changing directions. The tribal people travelled free as part of the contract agreed upon when they allowed the British to build the railway through their territory.
Programme
- Departure from Peshawar Cantt. Railway Station 0730
- Arrival at Jamrud Railway Station 0900
- Departure from Jamrud Railway Station 0915
- Arrival at Landikotal Railway Station 1145
- Surface Transport to Michni Post-Torkham View point and back to Landikotal for picnic lunch.
- Departure from Landikotal Railway Station 1415
- Arrival at Jamrud Railway Station (Last Train Terminal) 1615
- Surface Transport to Peshawar (by bus/ coach). 1620
- Arrival at Peshawar Cantt., Railway Station 1700
