Trekking is one of the most popular and foreign tourist attraction activity in Gilgit Baltistan. There are countless trekking routes to choose in GB, while many unexplored routes are also yet to be curtain off. The top five trekking routes which are highly visited by trekkers each year located in Gilgit Baltistan are:
- K2 Base Camp Trek
- Baltoro Glacier Trek
- Fairy Meadows Trek
- Snow Lake Trek
- Hushe Valley Trek
K2 Base Camp Trek
This trek is one of the most challenging while more rewarding treks in the world, located at the most critical junction of the Karakoram Range. This trek route leads to world’s second-highest mountain, K2 (Godwin Austen). The trek takes around 16-22 days to conquer. The trek route distance of over 100 km which is an amalgam of rivers, ridges, terrains and rocks.
The trek begins in the village of Askole, district Shigar. K2 base camp trek route passes through several remote villages, also intersecting Concordia and Baltoro glaciers, and ascends towards K2 BC, which is situated at an altitude of over 5,000 meters from the sea level.
The K2 Base Camp Trek requires a high level of physical fitness and trekking experience, as hikers will be required to navigate steep, rocky terrain, cross glacial streams, and cross high-altitude passes. The weather of Karakoram is so unpredictable, with heavy snowfall and strong winds possible at any time without any early intimations.
Despite the challenges and hardness, the K2 Base Camp Trek provides the opportunity to experience some of the most stunning scenery in the world, including snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and traditional villages. During trekking, you can also witness a very close view of K2 which is dreams of many.
The K2 Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular treks in Gilgit Baltistan, but it also has its pros and cons that travelers should consider before dreaming to conquer it.
Pros:
- The trek offers some of the most stunning mountain scenery in the world, including views of the Karakoram Range and the K2 peak.
- The trek passes through small Balti and Hunza villages, allowing you to experience the unique culture.
- Opportunity to spot various wildlife, including ibex, snow leopard, and Himalayan brown bear.
- Camping in some of the most beautiful and remote locations of Karakoram range, allowing you to truly indulge yourself in the natural environment.
Cons:
- The trek reaches high altitudes, which can lead to altitude sickness and other health risks.
- The trek involves challenging terrain, including steep ascents and descents, rocky paths, and river crossings.
- The weather can be unpredictable in the mountainous region, and heavy snowfall or rainfall can cause delays and difficulties in the trek.
- The trek can be expensive due to the need for specialized equipment, guides, and permits.
Baltoro Glacier Trek
The Baltoro Glacier is one of the largest glaciers of non-polar region in the world. Baltoro is surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the Karakoram Range. It will takes 2 to 3 weeks (14 to 20 days) to accomplish this trek route.
The Baltoro trek and K2 trek route begins in the same village of Askole, Shigar. The route follows the Baltoro Glacier, which is one of the largest glaciers in the world, and passes through several remote villages, including Concordia and Paiju.
The theory of mountains is, ‘a wonder to witness after every moment of hardness within mountain’. Baltoro trek and K2 trek route passes through a common path upto around 70%. The trek also passes through Concordia, which is often considered the “Throne Room of the Mountain Gods” because of skyscrapers juncture within Baltoro glacier.
Overall, the Baltoro Glacier Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that requires dedication and preparation but offers a truly unforgettable experience for those who are up for the challenge.
Pros:
- The Baltoro Glacier Trek offers stunning views of some of the highest peaks in the world, including K2, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrum.
- The trek offers the opportunity to see glacial lakes, including the beautiful Concordia and K2 Base Camp.
Cons:
- The trek reaches high altitudes, which can lead to altitude sickness and other health risks.
- The trek involves challenging terrain, including steep ascents and descents, rocky paths, and river crossings.
- The weather can be unpredictable which makes the journey so difficult.
- The Baltoro Glacier Trek is located in a remote region, which can pose challenges in terms of transportation, food, and other logistics.
Fairy Meadows Trek
This trek takes you through the lush green meadows of Fairy Meadows, which is located at the shoulder of Nanga Parbat. The trek takes 4 to 5 days to complete. Trekkers can witness splendid views of the surrounding mountains while trekking to Fairy Meadows.
The Fairy Meadows Trek is a popular trekking route in northern Pakistan, located in the beautiful and remote Hunza valley. The trek is known for its stunning views of the Nanga Parbat, the ninth-highest mountain in the world.
The trek begins in the village of Raikot and typically takes around 4 to 5 days. The route follows a narrow and steep trail that passes through dense forests and beautiful meadows before arriving at the Fairy Meadows, a high-altitude meadow at the neck of Mighty Nanga Parbat.
The Fairy Meadows Trek is a moderate-level trek that can be completed by hikers of all skill levels. However, the trail can be rough and tough in some part of the journey, and hikers will need to be prepared for weather unpredictability throughout the way.
Overall, the Fairy Meadows Trek is an excellent option for those looking for a shorter and less challenging trek in Gigit Baltistan. It offers a chance to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region in a relatively short time span.
Pros:
The trek offers stunning views of the Nanga Parbat mountain.
The trek is relatively easy compared to other treks in the region, making it accessible to a wider range of trekkers.
The trek passes through several small villages, allowing you to experience the unique culture and way of life of the local people.
Cons:
The weather can be unpredictable in the mountainous region; heavy snowfall or rainfall.
The trek has become increasingly popular in recent years, leading to overcrowding and potential environmental damage.
The trek has a limited number of routes and can become repetitive for some trekkers.
The accommodation options in Fairy Meadows are limited, and the basic facilities can be a challenge for some travelers.
Snow Lake Trek
The Snow Lake trek is a challenging trek that takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in the region, including the Hispar La Pass and the Snow Lake. The trek takes around 18 to 24 days. the trek route distance is around 140 km.
The trek begins in the last village of Shigar valley, Askole village. The route passes through the Braldu River and via many remote villages before climbing towards Snow Lake, a vast glacier that is surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the world, including K2, Broad peak and Gasherbrum.
The trek requires a high level of physical fitness and this trekking for only professional. The weather unpredictability is always there, which is a part and parcel of Karakoram mountain.
Hushe Valley Trek
The Hushe Valley Trek is a relatively easy trek that takes you through the beautiful Hushe Valley, district Ghanche. The trek takes a week (7 days) to conquer. The stunning landscape around the trek route is all enough to relish the soul.
The route follows the Hushe River and passes through several villages, Siachen valley and Khaplu, which passes through Gondogoro Pass.
The trek hardness is moderate, so a well fit person can go on this trek. Hushe valley is well known for ibex conservation. You can witness ibex hanging around and requires some luck to meet with the might snow leopards of Karakoram.
These trekking routes are some of the best in the world and offer a unique and unforgettable adventure experience in Gilgit Baltistan.
