Northern Area's of Pakistan is an amazing mix of nature and
cultures. stretched
over an area of 72, 496 Sq. Kilometers the
region is meeting point of three
great mountain ranges that of
Himalaya, Karakuram and Hindukush. A paradise
for people
interested in pristine and rich cultural heritage, Northern
Areas offers
most exhilarating trekking mountaineering
and sight seeing opportunities.
Northern Areas is home to biggest glaciers outside the poles, and
hundreds of
high mountain, including five 8000 meters high,
one of them is the
world's
second highest k2 or chogori.
The historic Silk Routs connecting ancient orient with outside
world has since
been converted into a buzzing karakoram
Highway (KKH). The KKH is
acknowledged as one of the greatest
civil engineering marvels and ' Eighth Wonder
of the
World'. The
805-Kilometer all weather road winds through the valleys and
passes into the Xingjian Province of China.
The KKH starts from Havelian, Near Abbotabad and majestically
rises to the height
of 4,733 meters at the khunjrab pass.
The Northern Area has long, eventful and rich historical
heritage. from the
prehistoric linage of 'People of the Rock
Art' to the Megalith, Dardic, Scytho,
Kushan, Tibetan Hans and recent dynasties as
well as colonial rule, the region
present a fascinating
mosaic of culture. symbols and signs of these cultures
are
scattered all over the region in the shape of rock carving,
inscriptions and
remains. the ethnic and cultural diversity
is reflected in the intricate pattern
of languages spoken in various parts. Shina, Wakhi and Broshuski speaking
in Diamair, Gilgit
and Ghizer districts and Balti speaking Baltistan (Little Tibet)
Skardu and Ghancha Districts manifest the cultural diversity
of the region.
Gilgit
Gilgit Capital of Northern Area's of Pakistan is accessible
from Islamabad/Rawalpindi
by Air Trough PIA flights and also
by the KKH from
Rawalpindi/Islamabad via the
KKH. NATCO has been operating
luxury air-conditioned coach service
regularly
(at the interval of 3 to 4 hours daily). advance
booking facilities are available at
Lahore and Rawalpindi
Booking
office. the
distance between Rawalpindi/Islamabad and Gilgit is 628 KM
and it
take around 14 to 16 hours.
The KKH Pass through Abbotabad, Mansehra, Pattan , Sazin,
Chillas, Gilgit ,
Hunza and to the Chinese border (Khunjirab
Pass). Traveling on the KKH is
itself a unique adventure
experience.
Hunza Valley
Visitors to Hunza are overwhelmed
by the rugged charm the fragrant breeze
singing through
graceful, poplar trees and the velvet-like green carpet of wheat
fields,
set against the back ground of snow-covered mountains. Situated at an elevation
of 2,438
meters above see level. hunza valley's tourist season is from
April
to November. The Temperature in May is maximum 27
and minimum 14 c. However
one can visit hunza round the year.
the local language is
Brushiki, urdu and English are
also understood.
Sost:
Sost is the last resting point for tourists in Northern Areas
of Pakistan hading to
China. The Government of Pakistan has
established custom and immigration
check post here. The
distance between Sost and khunjrab Top is 85 Km and is 2
hours
run by vehicles. the fare from Sost to China is around US 23 $
and
from Taxurghan to Kashghar the fare is 300 Chines Yuan.
Ghizer Valley
Ghizer is another beautiful valley
in Northern Areas. The road has recently been built
by NAPWD
with collaboration of FWO, which goes all the way to Chitral
(NWFP) through Shandur Pass.