Northern Pakistan Help Please!

Bonjour from Chitral,

Deosai plains, road trip, you could descend to Astore through Chilum and the travel to Raikot bridge for Nanga Parbat base camp from Raikot bridge, 3,4 days normally.

Rakaposhi trek, 1 day for very hardcore trekkers, normally 3 days,
Day 1 to Hapakun
Day 2 to Taghaphari ( base camp)
Day 3 back to Minapin.

I'd suggest you
Diran Guest House
Minapin, run by a very nice young guy, Raja Tariq.

You could come across Shandoor pass to Chitral, treks like Terich Mir base camp from Owir valley and Kalash valleys are worth too.

Ciao,

it depends when you are going to these areas.
If you are going before December, then my suggestions are;

Fairy Meadows Trek 2-3 days

Rakaposhi and Diran base camp 2 days

Dosai plains 2 days

Thale La trek, 3-4 days or Masherbrum base camp trek 4-5 days from Skardu

Saiful muluk , it should be made along the way while going up to north or coming down from there via Babusar top Naran Kaghan Road.
If time permits, also do visit to Rupal face of Nanga parbat. 2-3 days trek.

Are these treks anything similar to teahouse trekking you can do in Nepal or do you need to be self-supplied?

I asked prices for some treks and they really seemed rather expensive. 120 US dollars per day per person which includes everything. However I find it very expensive comparing to the trekking prices in Nepal where I spent 30 dollars a day (porter included).

The trekking in Pakistan is completely different ,expensive & wild then the treks in Nepal where you don't need to carry your kitchen & camping stuff & can survive on tea houses along the trekking routes but in Pakistan you have to carry everything like food supplies,Kitchen gear,camping stuff ect and NO tea houses on any trek in Karakorum,Himalaya & Hindu Kush ranges.

I did all these 4 places but in 4 different trips, but that was me!

Recently back from the area you intend to travel to and trek around. For me the highlight were: Fairy Meadows (Nanga Parbat), Astore for the baltoro trek and Hushe (end of it), but specially Hunza valley where nature and culture melt: treks on Hoppet glacier, Ultar I viewpoint, across the Attabad lake to Gulmit and Passu glacier, up to Khunjerab. From karimabad (Baltit) you can also try the long trek to Astore, but it depends on the time of year. You should confirm before. I've been told it is hard but very worth. For me, Deosai plain was a bit disappointing (monotonous and long for what it has to offer).
You would definitely need to take a guide-driver with you, a local, experienced and knowledgable one at that. He can make things very easy for you as for contacts there and arrangements for treks. If you feel like I can recommend one to you. He made the difference in my trip.

Enjoy the most extraordinary contact with nature in the region.

Regards
elena