K2

K2 Mountain is the second highest mountain peak in the world and the highest peak in Pakistan. The sky-scraping mountain is also known as “Savage Mountain”, “Mount Godwin-Austen”, “Choogri” and “Mount Qogir”. It is located on the border between Baltistan in Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan and Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous Country of Xinjiang, China. Elevation of K2 is 8,611 meters( 28,251 ft).

K2 is called “Choogri” in local language. “Choogri” is a Balti word, which means “King of Mountains”. Mostly K2 is scaled from the trust worthy path that comes from Skardu. It is conventional path to scale the mountain and is used by most of mountaineers. The other path that comes from Chinese side is extremely difficult and hazardous.

The mountain was named “Savage Mountain” due to extreme difficulty of ascent and second highest fatality rate among “Eight Thousanders”. For every four people who reached the summit, one has died trying. In early days K2 witnessed many ascents and today the peak has been climbed from all sides.

In spite of extreme difficulty and hazards K2 presents; the adventure lovers from all over the world try to take new and diverse routes to conquer the mountain. K2 can be reached from the hilly town of Skardu which is well linked with Islamabad (the capital of Pakistan); both by road and air.

Satpara Lake

Satpara Lake (also called “Sadpara Lake”) is natural lake situated about 9 kilometers (5.59 miles) north of Skardu (the capital of Baltistan), in Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. Situated at an altitude of 2,635 meters (8645 feet) the lake is reached after 20 minutes of jeep drive from Skardu.

The lake is fed by Satpara Stream. It works as a key water supply source for the Skardu Town. It is spread over an area of 2.5 kilometers (1.55 miles). There is fairy-tale picturesque island in the center of lake. One can use a country boat to reach the island. A story about this lake is famous among local people that there is a gold mine in bottom of this lake. They believe that this is the reason why its water seems to be shining in the day time.

Satpara Lake with its marvelous and breathtaking beauty is considered one of the most charming lakes among tourists. The lake’s crystal clear waters present a marvelous and picturesque view to visitors by mirroring the icy mountains; encircled around the lake. One can do fishing, motor boating and rowing at the lake. Fishing gear, row boats and motor boats can be hired from Satpara Lake Inn. Fishing gear is very cheap to hire although cost of fishing license is US $10 for one person.

Shandur

Shandur Top situated at an altitude of 12,500 feet (38000 meters) above sea level is famous for having the highest polo ground of world. It is sometimes called Roof of the World. It is located in District Ghizer, Gilgit–Baltistan, Pakistan. The version of polo game played in Shandur Polo Ground is considered to be the purist of all. It is also called free style polo.

Polo is the most favorite game in Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Shigar, Laspor, Mastoj, Chitral and all other valleys around must have at least one polo ground, where local people can be seen playing polo.

Shandur can be reached from Gilgit and Chitral. It is about 197 kilometers (122 miles) from Gilgit and 147 kilometers (91 miles) from Chitral. When coming from Gilgit to Shandur one can see the charming valleys of Gahkuch, Gupis, Phandar and many beautiful lakes. When coming from Chitral one can see the beauty of Mastuj and Surlasp valleys.

Shandur Polo Ground is naturally designed to be a polo ground. Small hills are on all four sides of rectangular ground, where spectators can sit and enjoy the match. The surrounding landscape and Shandur Lake makes it even more beautiful.

The beautiful polo ground of Shandur turns into a city of tents each year between 7 and 9 July due to Shandur Polo Festival. A match of polo is held between teams of Gilgit and Chitral. A great number of tourists and spectators from different areas of country especially from Hunza, Skardu and Chitral come to attend this event. Shandur Polo Ground is located at an altitude of 12,200 feet (3,700 meters) and it is very hard to play here due to reduced amount of oxygen. It requires a lot of stamina and players must be physically very strong. The match is always marvelous because cream players from Chitral and Gilgit participate in it.

Shandur Polo Festival is continuously being held each year since 1936, and it is now a very famous event for tourists throughout the world. Now activities like paragliding, folk music and dances are also held along with polo, making it even more enjoyable for tourists. PTDC and other tourism companies establish a tent village for the tourists during the event. But most of tourists bring their own camping gear. Remember to bring warm clothes because it is very cold here especially after the evening.

Gupis

Gupis Valley is located about 112 kilometers (70 miles) in west of Gilgit on the bank of River Gilgit, in District Ghizer of Gilgit-Baltistan region, Pakistan. The 35 kilometers (22 miles) road between Gahkuch (capital of District Ghizer) and Gupis Valley is full of beautiful landscapes and breathtaking views. The turquoise water of river flowing along the road and surrounding fields and forests presents are very charming for tourists.

A few kilometers from the valley of Gupis is a charming lake called Khalti Lake. It is famous for being habitat of trout fish. The lake is formed due to stretch of river near the village of Khalti. The dark blue waters of lake during summer look very charming. The lake usually freezes during winter and villagers of Khalti use to walk on this. There is beautiful restaurant near the Khalti Lake. A PTDC motel is situated nearby to facilitate tourists.

Phandar Valley

Phandar Valley is situated 61 kilometers (38 miles) from the valley of Gupis, in District Ghizer of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. A twisting road passing through lush green fields and forests with a view of flowing river and icy peaks will lead you to this charming valley. From springs of crystal clear waters to lakes and rivers of deep blue water, there are all colors of nature’s beauty in Phandar Valley. The very first glance of this valley will eleminate all fatigue of journey and will reenrgise you with its mesmarising views. Peaceful deep blue waters of River Ghizer and surrounding lush green and golden fields are breathtaking.

Weather of Phandar valley stays very pleasant between June and July and this is the best time to visit this valley because the beauty of this valley goes at its peak during these months. Days stays fair and warm and nights are a little cold.

A motel of PTDC is situated at a small hill beside the road to facilitate tourists. The view of Phandar Lake is masmerizing for visitors. Area of Phandar Lake is about 3 kilometers.

Fairy Meadows

Fairy Meadows famous for its beautiful lush green plateaus and World’s ninth biggest mountain Nanga Parbat (the Killer Mountain) is located in Diamer District of Gilgit-Baltistan region, Pakistan. The place was named Fairy Meadows in 1953 by an Australian climber Hermann Bhul due to its mesmerizing beauty. He was here to climb the peak of Nanga Parbat. He became the first one to summit the mountain. Fairy Meadows is also called “Heaven on Earth” due to its matchless beauty.

Overview:

A night camping or stay in traditionally constructed wooden cottage at Fairy Meadows with a breathtaking view of mighty Nanga Parbat’s North face is very unique and wonderful experience. Even more if sky is clear and night is full moon. The cool moonlight reflecting from the gigantic majestic icy peak shows the real meaning of nature’s beauty and peace.

How to reach?

The first stop near Fairy Meadows is Raikot Bridge. It is located at an altitude of 4595 feet (1400 meters) above sea level and about 540 kilometers (336 miles) from Islamabad (the capital of Pakistan), when coming through Karakoram Highway.

From Raikot Bridge you can hire a local jeep to reach Tatoo Village at an altitude of 9515 feet (2900 meters) above sea level. It will take about half hour of exciting journey to reach Tatoo Village.

Onwards from Tattu route becomes too narrow for a jeep to travel but not very difficult for trekking. After two to three hours of trekking depending on your fitness level, you’ll reach Fairy Meadows.

Where to stay?

There are several hotels and tourist lodges are available to facilitate tourists in Fairy Meadows. Most of them of are available at very reasonable prices. A few although are little expensive. Many tourists like to stay in camps on grassy places.

Food is expensive here as compared to cities. But availability of food at this remote place makes it worth paying.

When to visit?

The best time to visit Fairy Meadows is between end of June and middle of August. The place becomes inaccessible in winter due to heavy snowfall.