Good afternoon Kind, Respected, Honourable and Prestigious Travel Gurus,
I have been planning a trip to the Northern Areas of Pakistan (Gilgit-Baltistan) for next month i.e. End of June. In 2012, I drove from Islamabad to Raikot Bridge, and from there took the jeep ride and trek up to Fairy Meadows, which was absolutely exquisite and a beautiful place. We had planned to visit other parts of G-B, such as Skardu, Hunza, etc on the same trip, but cancelled these plans and drove back to Islamabad instead, due to the sectarian killings and terrorism that took place on Babusar Top and claimed a number of innocent lives
This year, I have the following places in mind to visit:
SKARDU
- Skardu City
- Shigar Valley
- Lower Kachura Lake (Shangri-La)
- Sadpara Lake
- Sheosar Lake
- Deosai Plains/National Park
ASTORE (TENTATIVE TO PERMISSION TO VISIT/CAMP AT MINIMARG)
- Minimarg via Burzil Pass (Subject to Permission)
BETWEEN GILGIT & HUNZA
- Naltar Valley
- Naltar Lake (Bashkiri Lake/Upper Lakes)
HUNZA
- Karimabad
- Eagle?s Nest
- Attabad Lake
- Hoper Glacier (Tentative)
- Minapin trek ? Towards Rakaposhi Base-Camp (Tentative)
- Altit Fort, Hunza River and Altit Valley (Tentative)
I have the following questions:
1. What would be the most logical, effective route to take. I am planning to fly to Skardu from Islamabad (subject to weather conditions?) and drive via jeep from there. As these places are scattered around, will I be able to make one round trip or will i have to drive back through places, and hence add to more, unnecessary driving?
I have read terrible reviews about the state of the hotel (Shangrila Skardu - Lower Kachura Lake) on TripAdvisor despite its beauty. Is it really that bad. What are a few good options to stay in Skardu? Either in main Skardu City or in some of the areas I have mentioned?
Are the mosquitos at Deosai as bad as people say?? Will I be able to camp at Deosai for one night and not get malaria/dengue or at the least, huge, painul and irritating bites?
Where can camping equipment, like tents, be rented in Skardu and in Hunza?
Best place to stay in Hunza? Is it Eagles Nest? I saw too many dry patches and ruggedness there... And not nearly enough greenery
I think renting one jeep for the entire trip would be more efficient and cost-effective than renting a different jeep with driver for every different part or place visited?
How can I get permission sorted for visiting Minimarg? Should I approach someone senior in the Military, or can I sort this out myself from Islamabad or Chillam Chowki? If so, whats the procedure as Minimarg seems BEAUTIFUL!
Naltar: The first lake is supposed to be beautiful, but looks a lot like a swamp to me? I was thinking of camping at one of the upper lakes perhaps, as the mosquito dilemma like at Deosai won't be there or will it?
More queries and concerns to come and hopefully be addressed, but would love some insight, advice and suggestions!
Thanks in advance and God bless,
Duke Hophopchukchuk.