Mountaineering in Pakistan

Pakistan is blessed with magnificent, lofty and challenging mountains which offer great opportunities for mountaineering, trekking and other adventure activities. It is here that three spectacular mountain ranges of the world, Karakoram, Hindukush and Himalayas meet. The vast mountain tract of Pakistan’s North, 500 kms in width and 300 kms in depth, boasts of the largest collection of mountains of awesome height on earth; over 700 peaks above 6000 meters and over 160 peaks above 7000 meters of height. These include five peaks above eight thousand meters (out of the total fourteen in the world); namely the second highest rock pyramid - the K-2 (8611 m), the killer mountain - Nanga Parbat (8125 m), the Hidden Peak - Gasherbrum I (8068 m), the Broad Peak (8047 m) and the Gasherbrum II (8035 m), all except Nanga Parbat situated within 20 kms radius of the famous glacial junction - Concordia.

Besides these high mountains, Karakoram is inhabited by the longest glaciers outside the polar regions, including Siachen (75 km), Biafo (68 km), Baltoro (62 km) Batura (58 km) and Hispar (53 km). The above mountain ranges are home to some of the most enchanting and captivating valleys like Hunza, Shigar, Khaplu,
Ishkuman, Naltar, Gilgit, Skardu, Chitral, Dir, Swat and Kaghan and splendid passes like Shandur, Chilinji, Babu Sar, Lowari and Burzil. There are numerous glacial lakes in these mountain ranges which are famous for their scenic beauty, blue waters and trout fishing. Prominent among these are Phandar, Kachura, Sadpara, Lulusar and Saiful Muluk.

Pakistan’s abundant mountain wealth makes it a paradise for mountaineers, trekkers, adventure seekers and nature lovers. The grandeur, charm and challenge of Pakistan’s high mountains lure large numbers of mountaineers, adventure seekers and nature lovers from the world over.