Northern areas of Pakistan, spread over 72,496 square km are as fascinating as the southern region. Midst towering snowcapped peaks with heights varying from 1,000 meters to 8,000 meters, the regions Gilgit, Hunza, Baltistan and Shangri-La. The cultural patterns in these regions are as interesting as its natural features. The people with typical costumes, folk dances, music and sports like polo and buzkashi, gives the traveler an unforgettable experience.
Out of 14 over 8,000 meters high peaks on earth, 4 records an amphitheater at the head of Baltoro glacier in the Karakoram range in northern Pakistan. These are, K-2 or Mount Godowin Austin (8611 m, world second highest), Gash BRUM-I (8,068 m), Broad Peak (8047 m) and Gasherbrum II (8,035 m).
There is another which is equally great, Nanga Parbat (8,126 m), located in the western most end of the Himalayas. Beyond these mountains, there are 68 peaks over 7,000 meters and hundreds of others over 6,000 meters.
The Northern Pakistan has some of the longest glaciers outside Polar region; Siachen (72 km), Biafo (60 km) and Batura Baltoro (60 km), Hispar (61 km), (64 km).
Swat Valley Heaven on earth .
The lush-green valley of Swat, with its rushing rivers, glacial lakes, fruit-laden orchards and flower-decked slopes is ideal for tourists intent on relaxation. It has a rich historical past, too.This is "Udayana" (the "Garden") by the ancient Hindu epic "country enthralling beauty" where Alexander of Macedonia fought and won some of his major battles before crossing over to the plains of Pakistan. This is the "valley of hanging chains" described by the famous Chinese pilgrim-chroniclers, Huain Tsang and Fa-Hian in the fifth and sixth centuries.
Swat was once the cradle of Buddhism in all its schools-Little Vehicle, fabulous food and the Esoteric sects where once 1,400 monasteries flourished. It was home to the famous Gandhara School of Sculpture which was an expression of the Graeco-Roman form in the local Buddhist tradition.
Hunza Nagar Valley Gilgit :
At an altitude of 1,454 meters lies the Gilgit Valley. The picturesque little town of Gilgit has spectacular scenic beauty. The peak tourist season is from May to mid-October though the tourist season is round the year. The maximum temperature in May is 33 C and minimum 16 C. In September, maximum 28 C and minimum 11C.
The visitors to Hunza are overwhelmed by the rugged charm, the fragrant breeze signing through graceful poplar trees and velvety green carpet of wheat fields against the backdrop of snowcapped mountains. Situated at an altitude of 2,438 meters, Hunza Valley's tourist season is from May to October. The temperature in May is maximum 27 C and minimum 14 C. The October temperatures are: maximum 10 C and minimum 0 C.
Karimabad, the capital of Hunza, offers an awe-inspiring views of Rakaposhi Peak (7,788 meters). The snow Rakaposhi glitter in the moonlight, producing an atmosphere at once ethereal and sublime. The fairytale-like castle Baltit forward Karimabad, Hunza is a landmark built abut 600 years ago. Stilted on massive legs, its wooden bay windows look out over the valley. Hunza is ideal for mountaineering, trekking and hiking.
Karimabad, the capital of Hunza, offers an awe-inspiring views of Rakaposhi Peak (7,788 meters). The snow Rakaposhi glitter in the moonlight, producing an atmosphere at once ethereal and sublime. The fairytale-like castle Baltit forward Karimabad, Hunza is a landmark built abut 600 years ago. Stilted on massive legs, its wooden bay windows look out over the valley. Hunza is ideal for mountaineering, trekking and hiking.
