I have just returned from a trip to Gilgit Baltistan, I have been thoroughly charmed by its enchanting beauty. Long considered the most beautiful country in the world, Pakistan.
We all have at least dreamed once in our lives for a Baltistan trip. The most obvious reason for this dream is the beauty of the place that is so alluring. When one compares scenic beauty of Baltistan with another place. The beauty of the place is so immaculate that one can?t help but praise the scenic landscape that Baltistan has been blessed with.
Beauty as seen in Baltistan is reminiscent of mans first abode, Deosai & Minimerg . Beauty as displayed here by the towering snow capped mountains, lush green plains, crystal blue & green lakes, azure skies, rich forests and the cleanliness of the place is unmatched by any other place in the world.
The setting of the place is so beautiful that words aren?t quite enough to describe the scenic views. It is as if a fragment of what we all call paradise was put here by Allah. The picturesque hills with lush green meadows, fresh air free from the pollution of the modern world, lakes that reflect the clear green & blue skies, cattle grazing in the vast meadows, the towering mountains of the great Karakoram, Himaliya and hindukuch reaching out for the sky and silence is what makes this place a dream destination for entire world.
The scenic landscapes of Deosai, Sheosar & Rama lake and meadows will captivate you as you make your way slowly through the hiking trails. Breathe in the beauty of the place and feel it grow within you with every step you take. Take a village tour to Hushe and feel the warmth of the love radiating from the people here. Witness the age old traditions that have been kept alive by the people here and be a part of it when in this land of beauty.
Take a Baltistan Tour and then you come to know what real beauty is. If one is said to describe Baltistan then beauty would be the word.
While planning of this tour, I had no information of Baltistan but only have seen the pictures on internet. I showed my rough itinerary to Pakwheelers. All the Pakwheelers were very nice and supporting. I am thankful to my PakWheeler friends Naeem Bhai @jauharabad, Mansoor Bhai @versitian and Sufian Bhai @xoofi. I dedicate this thread to Saifullah Bhai @Baltistan who was always present to help me and he use to call me on daily basis for Haal Chaal and other issues.
Naeem Bhai recommend Ammer Hamza in his thread and our tour can never been so well without Ameer Hamza. He is highly recommended for families? tour. A man of word and really a reliable person. We finalized Rs.40,000 for 6 days with him but we gave him 2,000 extra as appreciation.
Expense
Public Transport Rs.22,000
Jeep for 6 Days Rs.42,000
Hotel, food etc Rs.35,000
Total Rs.99,000
Tour Itinerary
Day 1-2 Lahore > Islamabad > Gilgit
Day 3 Gilgit > Astore > Rama >Tareshing > Chillum Choki
Day 4 Chillum Choki > Minimerg > Kamri > Minimerg > Domel > Minimerg
Day 5 Minimerg > Deosai > Satpara > Skardu
Day 6 Skardu > Hushe
Day 7 Hushe > Khaplu > Shigar > Skardu
Day 8 Skardu > Shangrilla > Kachura > Gilgit
Day 9 -10 Gilgit > Islamabad > Lahore
List of Things We Carried
Backpack
Original CNIC
Camera with cover for rain
Extra memory card for camera
Extra Battery - Charger
Mobile Car Charger - Hand free
Medicines (Allergy, throat, vomit etc.)
Cold Cream - Chap stick
Razor ? Toothbrush - Paste
Hair tonic ? Oil - Hair brush
Shampoo ? Liquid Soap
Guide notes & Map
Iron (depends upon dress code)
Raincoat
Pillow / Cushion
Disposable cutlery . Knife
Polythene sheet where you can sit
Food Items we can carry
We are not fond of Paratha and Anda so light meal is preferable. We bought bread and milk from any station and we can breakfast on the jeep or bus without wasting our time. Especially between Islamabad and Gilgit, all the restaurants are very bad quality.
Saifullah bhai told me to get the food from pindi and don?t eat anything on the way and that was absolutely correct as I saw a cat eating in the same plate.
While traveling on high altitude and jolts there are high chances of vomiting and stomach issues. Below are the things can be carried and have long expiry. Please participate to make the better listing.
Sandwiches
Shami Kababs
Chicken spread - Jam
Bun / bread - Sponge Cake
Milk Pack - Biscuits & Lays etc
Things we can recommend
Ameer Hamza :- Jeep driver from Gilgit (near Nagar Valley). He is recommended for family tours. His contact numbers are 0312-9337484 0343-8801986.
Dewane Khas Hotel & Restaurant, Kazmi Bazar, Skardu, 05815-455494, 0321-8595494, 0346-9555854, 05815-454600
We were 4 members. Muhammad Usman & Mrs. Usman, Azhar Shahid@mianazhar80 & Mrs. Azhar.
