Foreigners killed at Fairy Meadows

Geo News reported on Sunday morning that 10 foreign trekkers, 5 Ukrainian,3 Russian, and 2 Chinese and 1 Pakistani quide were killed by gunfire at 1 am at Fairy Meadows on the west side of Nanga Parbat. May they rest in peace. The last several weeks while in Baltistan, all of the hotels and jeep drivers told me that foreign tourism was way down this year. This will kill it. There was already heightened security on the KKH two weeks ago. The police captured 7 taliban between the Sangla Pass and Besham.The police would not allow buses or vehicles with foreigners to proceed up the KKH from the checkpoint near Dubair, about 20 minutes north of Besham, after 4 pm and convoys were formed to leave at 6 am the following morning. Security will be tightened, and more difficult for travel.My Pakistani friends say that this is the end of tourism. Baltistan is still peaceful, unfortunately the road to get there is not so secure.

Why didn't guards/Army/security personnel stop the gunmen? They were paid bribes to look the other way?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-23018706

This will kill off what little tourism still exists in the Northern Areas!

Sadly. This is huge setback to tourism in Northern Pakistan.

This was on my itinerary for an upcoming trip after changes to trekking. Sorry for the victims and their families.

I suspect that what #3 surmises is exactly the intention..

I dont think this area, esp Fairy Meadows would have any type of security. Its very remote and is just a couple of cabins. Not a typical terrorist target.

RIP

The terrorists have attacked the most unlikeliest group of people at the most unlikeliest of places.

This is the first ever attack on foreign tourists in the province of Gilgit-Baltistan and obviously the motive is to further harm the image of the country and to instill fear in the heart of future foreigners.

I have been telling prospective foreign tourists not to worry while travelling in the northern areas as tourists are not targetted and it's relatively safe to travel. But I will not say that anymore.

I am sorry for the poor souls who lost their lives in vain.

a small it s not ibiza

What a tragedy for the people and their families....I was seriously considering a trip to Northern Pakistan as well....I guess I'll have to put it off by a few years now.

Very sad news indeed. I was there 6 months ago and my guide was already then worrying the declining security and its effect on the tourism industry. I hope it's not the end to tourism in the Northern Areas.

>I have been telling prospective foreign tourists not to worry while travelling in the northern areas as tourists are not targetted and it's relatively safe to travel. But I will not say that anymore.

Good. Each to their own, but it is my approach never to say to anyone that somewhere is fine, wherever is being asked about, because an awfull lot of people are looking for cast iron guarantees, and sometimes also looking to secure someone to point a finger of blame at if something goes wrong later ("You said it was safe" etc) and they survived to play that game. I apply this just as much to say somewhere like Thailand, as I would about Afghanistan. I'm all for people fully informing 'themselves' about an area in advance, looking at incident history and then making that final call themselves about whether to go or not. Anything else is wide open to people claiming to be 'victims'. Rather like Egypt's Sinai, the quieter less populated areas that seem far removed from hot zones elsewhere in the country, tend to be the perfect targets.

This is really sad. Feel sorry for these trekkers and their families.

Why would they target these trekkers? What have they achieved except killing off tourism in this area?

#Anpijola

Bali : a clue...:-(

Bali certainly suffered for a long time, but then again it bounced back dramatically and is now selling more magic mushrooms, knock off Ciallis and over priced food and drink than ever before :D (an attempt to lighten things up about the recent tragedy in Pakistan) . Somehow, the more sane will always prevail, but Pakistan is different in the sense that the attackers were not 'outsiders'. Rather like in Afghanistan, somebody may have a guard with them in the Northern Areas of Pakistan and never be 100% sure if that person has been payed to lure you into a trap and look the other way at the right time.

Too sad! How does that affect my trip to Naran/Kaghan?

I felt sick in my stomach reading this news. The BBC's reporting 9 tourists killed, 2 Chinese, 1 Lithuanian, 5 Ukranians, and a Nepali, and the absurd Taliban statement that the attack was in response to US drone strikes. I imagine this incident will have a significant effect on travel in the Northern Areas, but for the time being my thoughts are with friends and family of the victims, as well as the victims themselves. What a tragedy, to be killed as a result of such barbarous violence in one of the most beautiful and calm places on earth.

Sad for those who lost their lives and for their families. Sad for the locals who depend on tourism to support their families. The reality is that these religious zealots, who want to turn the clock back 1400 years, have flourished in Pakistan owing to the weakness of the state and the complicity of some elements of the state. People have made reference to Bali. It's worth recording that the Bali Bombing brought Indonesian and Australian anti-terrorist agencies together and ushered in a level of unprecedented cooperation. Terrorists have been hunted down ruthlessly - Hambali, Dulmatin, Nur Mohammed Top, Iman Patek, all captured or killed, Jemiah Islamia effectively castrated, it's ethnically Arab leader Abu Bakar Bashir jailed for 15 years. Contrast with Pakistan:.Osama bin Laden living for years in Abbotabad, a stone's throw from a major military base. Draw your own conclusions. The doctor who helped locate bin Laden jailed for treason, I believe. It's hard to believe, isn't it?

The Express Tribune is now reporting that the attack didn't take place in Fairy Meadows, but rather "in Buner Nallah near the base camp" - http://tribune.com.pk/story/567190/ten-tourists-shot-dead-at-fairy-meadows/

Niet !

So. would you go to Pakistan now? Im supposed to trek to K2 and then visit Fairy Meadows on the return. Im a bit concerned of course. I would imagine the K2 trek is safe due to its rugged remoteness and permit checks. I do worry about the KKK drive. Not so much for the chance of violence as I am the likely delays due to security now. Doubtful Fairy Meadows would get hit again so soon.

Edited by: avsfan

From the BBC report linked to above@

"A spokesman for Tehrik-e-Taliban said the attack was in retaliation for the killing of its second-in-command, Waliur Rehman, who died in a suspected US drone strike in May.

The group said it would continue to target foreigners."

scoodly

I am planning to trek to K2 Basecamp this summer. Am I mad to contemplate going now?

on one hand the security in the region will become better than ever to protect foreigners. On the other they are deliberately targeting foreigners. I am due to leave shortly and dont know what to do either. I just called tour operator in Pakistan who told me not to worrynbut . how can you not? There are military checkpoints to get to K2 trek so for what I know its probably the safest trek to do and you need lots of supplies and time to get there and back, much more than to Nangkar Pabat, not conducive to an easy attack.

such a senseless tragedy..

RIP
What disturbing news.
My wife and I just got back from a wonderful trip to Georgia this morning only to read this.
We've already booked our flight tickets to Islamabad for July 27th and made arrangements with a trekking operator in Skardu. As it looks we'll have to cancel our travel plans. This is getting too serious and out of control.

I'm supposed to trek to K2 this summer also. I wonder if the trip will be cancelled if the British foreign office advises against travel there.

ive just talked to others in my expedition and they still plan on going, not to Fairy Meadows though. Tour operator says K2 trek is safe and will be safer. Is there anyone else who would consider still going or am I crazy to still consider it?

@avsfan
It's a tricky one.. I am in the same boat. The remoteness of K2 convinces me that it would be okay but then I remember that those poor souls were in tents 18 hours walking from the nearest road. K2 is further north so it would harder to for attackers to escape so they might not consider the area. Flights in and out of Skardu are a must. I'm not sure....!
The main thing for me is if the British Foreign Office advise against travel then I won't be able to get insurance. If you feel you can push doubt aside by all means go, if you feel uncomfortable you might feel really uncomfortable there and not enjoy it. That's my thinking anyway. Remember the mountains will still be there next year and the year after that....

There are currently advisories from my government to avoid all travel to Pakistan. I was still able to get private insurance through Charter Novis, They may have a British counterpart, They were the only insurance company I found which would insure trekkers up to 18500 feet which is the altitude if you are going to cross the Gondogoro La. Its difficult decision. I knew that other areas of Pakistan were risky but felt that North was relatively safe. Don't know whether or not one incident, a very bad one, changes that. There are many other expeditions in Pakistan now and i havent heard of any of them giving up and going back. Ill post if I go or not. I have to decide very quickly as my flight is in the next few days...

sorry Scooter. if I dont go Ill be out $1000. I accept it because I knew it would be difficult to organize enough people to form a group and that the situation could change that. I think that the K2 trek is probably the ultimate adventure I could ever do and will accept some risks to do it

sorry Scooter. You are lucky after all. . if I dont go Ill be out $1000. I accept it because I knew it would be difficult to organize enough people to form a group and that the situation could change that. I think that the K2 trek is probably the ultimate adventure I could ever do and will accept some risks to do it

I was supposed to leave the US for Islamabad 6-15 and was scheduled to be at the Fairy Meadows and off to the base camp this week for the week. I severely sprained my ankle to the extent that hiking was not an option, so I regrettably cancelled the trip with Vertical Explorers. Ate a couple hundred bucks for the Letter of Introduction and Visa fees, and have been super depressed most of this week that a vacation a year in planning had to be discarded.

This could have been me. Could you imagine the glee of these asshats to get an American in their grips? I was out around $700 between all the fees. I'm the happiest guy in California today.

Nanga Parabat seems like such a strange place for an attack.

It’s so remote. I visited Fairy Meadows en route to Gondogoro la (above Concordia) and China ten years ago. Bush was bombing Iraq and things were pretty tense throughout the country. But Fairy Meadows and the two day walk to NP Base Camp and camp I was absolutely tranquil. The jeep ride to FM was a bit hairy. Lots of exposure and rock slides.

At Fairy Meadows, a chopper landed carrying about a dozen Pakistani army guys. They couldn’t believe that a lone American would be there. They thought I was CIA and several of the guys had their photo taken with me.

From Fairy Meadows it was an easy walk up to the final village (just a few cabins) before the mountain. From there I hired a guide to take me to base camp.

Base Camp was empty. Only saw a couple of travelers at FM and none on the trail to base camp. The walk was unforgettable for the wild flowers and serene alpine views.

Just hard to believe the area could be the scene of such a violent act.

Check out my photos of Fairy Meadows and the walk to Nanga Parabat Base Camp by clicking here .

Blue Skies

Edited by: Dogwap

Sad very sad. May god rest their soul in peace, I was just checking Nanga Parbat BC i guess i will not go.

Re - "Tour operator says K2 trek is safe and will be safer" ~ avsfan

Don't take this the wrong way, but consider that they have a dog in this fight.

Indians and Pakistanis are fond of claiming - "No problem" in a laid back way, when there is 'clearly' a problem but they just don't want to admit it, face it and have to bother to deal with it.

37: I understand this of course.

I was in Baltistan for two weeks, just coming back to the lowlands on the 22nd. It was utterly peaceful in the Braldu and Basha valleys.IF you can be guarunteed a flight, then it should be quite safe. The weather was very unsettled and abnormally cool and rainy from about June 13th to the 20th or so and all flights were cancelled for 4 or 5 days. PIA has now changed from a single 737 about midday to two Fokker prop flights, one early morning and one mid-day. I have done well over 50 trips to Gilgit-Baltistan over the last 30 years and speak Urdu quite fluently, so it is much easier for me to travel than most. I have friends in many of the villages throughout the mountains. One thing that I know from the local people is that all of the communties in the mountains will pull together and do their very best to provide security and help to foreigners. It would be extremely difficult for terrorist to get to the K2 area. The upper Shigar and Braldu is nearly 100% Shiite and they have been targeted by the Taliban, and so despise them., and there are many military and police checkpoints from Giligt all the way to the Braldu... I would avoid trekking below Gilgit in the Indus Valley, Safe travels.

100% Shiite?

Ishmaeli, I thought...

Scooter,
I'm in similar situation and with the same trek operator. This is the contents of email I received today:

It is indeed a sad news for us and for the whole world.
Your trek is in the Baltistan region, which is considered the safest region on earth owing to its history of non violence, no killing record, friendship and hospitality.

The region where this incident has taken place is near the notorious Kohistan and Chilas, close to former strong hold of Taliban, Swat and was not considered safe before as well due to the violence and incidents of shooting.

In addition to it, we do put special emphasize on security and safety of our clients, as our clients safety is our top most priority and while traveling to Skardu you will fly up there and fly down to Islamabadr. So you are keeping your self far away from the troubled regions of Diamer or of violent areas.

Right now we have five trekking groups and two sightseeing trips in the Baltistan region and we are confident that they are enjoying their travel there.

In all comments in the media it's been emphasised that the killing of climbers was carried out in response to American drone attacks in northern Pakistan. But, this recent tragic incident proves that target is decided randomly - most of the victims were Ukrainians and Chinese, which is even more tragic if you think of the innocent victims and their families.
I've made my mind up not to go. I just can't go with the geography of attacks and be sure that some places aren't at risk. At this stage imo, it's all too risky.

I must admit that direct threats of more attacks specifically on foreigners is a whole different scenario than potentially just getting caught up in something local (even if a bomb attack on locals etc) and has made me abort things before, when it comes to Yemen. Just as I would be about to 'finally' go to that country, some high profile direct attack on foreign tourists would happen such as a jeep full of explosives being driven into a tourist vehicle. It was always a screaming red flag for me, the 'direct' nature of the attack. However, this meant continually putting things off in the hope that the situation would improve. It never really did, infact deteriorating over the years to the point that I believe (though may be wrong) that it's impossible to even get a tourist visa now (or if you did, you'd be turned away at the airport). In the case of Yemen, putting it off lessened the chance of visiting and in some ways the earlier years of trouble that put me off now seem minor in comparison to what began to happen later. I say this not as any 'advice' on what to do, just sharing how things can go.

Eventually we all have to make our own call, and as much of a risk taker as I can be at times, I don't think I'd be heading to the northern areas right now (certainly so soon after this attack). For some, going soon after an attack would in their eyes mean it is less likely something will happen again so soon, but consider the bomb tactic of one going off then another timed to go off a few hours later when all the emergency personnel, army and police are on site, to carry out even more devastation.

Ive heard that at least till today Foreigners cannot take the KKH. You must fly which can mean lengthy delays in Islamabad. I am waiting to find if this will be lifted. Not much time left. thx for updates....

"Shias are a minority in Pakistan, at about 21 percent of the 180 million population, but are a majority – 75 to 95 percent – of the Gilgit-Baltistan population."

Look at :

April 11, 2012 – Sectarian violence in Gilgit-Baltistan

http://www.ikat.org/cai-communique/communique-archive/

Just to clear you all ,that this incident took place at Gonar Nala, not at Fairy Meadows side /face of Nanga Parbat face. it is the climbers face. There were 41 climbers climbing and unfortuntely out of those 11 were killed by the enemis of humanity..ememis of Islam. Islam do not allow to kill an innocent person, Islam says, killing an innocent person is killing the whole humanity. Prime minister took action and Incharge police and adminstration of Northern areas suspended and search operation is on way. 37 people arrested for introgation at the nearby areas.

I read this on the BBC this morning and it made me feel sick to my stomach. I was at the other side of Nanga Parbat (Rupal face) a couple of years ago and trekked to herligkoffer base camp, I couldn't have felt more safe, I felt the same in Hunza and at Diran base camp. I could never have imagined in my worst nightmares that terrorists would start attacking tourists in Gilgit Baltistan. I'll be back in Pakistan for the third time in December and have never before worried about safety having always felt secure wherever I was in Pak. Now I'm begining to think I may have been viewing Pakistan through rose tinted spectacles.

This is just so sad, those poor people who were enjoying the trip of a lifetime and what they're families must be going through, its just sickening.

We were 6 people visiting all northern Pakistan from Islamabad to Sost in October 2012, then from East to West, and back to Lahore. In total 23 days.
We stayed in Fairy Meadows camp for 3 days and it looked the safest place together with Skardu in Pakistan we have been. We respected the locals, both 2 ladies had the head covered all the time, and they were very, very friendly to us all over the way except SOME valleys at the West side from Gilgit where the people were just patient to see us rather than happy. We were invited to a Gilgit-Baltistan Governor in his house in some valley. Later we understood that we were not welcomed to explore these areas, that is why they insisted to our guides to accept the invitation. But we were very happy to visit him and had a great dinner, having interesting discussions and walk at surrounding area.

Actually, even we were safe all the way, except one incident near Karimabad in some village, I felt some time kind of internal stress and caution. Now I think we were just lucky. All the way from Besham to Chilas and even beyond Raikot bridge, which is the turn-point to Fairy Meadows camp, we were accompanied by military police, and they were very angry if we did not reach next police checkpoint on time, then they sent the car to meet us. So, they seemed taken high care about the foreigners.

I feel so deeply sad about those great personalities who lost their lives in this unlucky camp - as the only bright personalities can love the mountains so much. The Ukrainian guys and also others in these two groups were the Masters of Sport in alpinism, in their best age, educated, brave, open character and healthy life-style men, they visited Pakistan many times before. And, of course, could not imagine, could not consider such a destiny....

Edited by: Odetta77

My plans for Baltore are cancelled, or at least delayed for years. It sounds trivial with this tragedy. What I'd like to highligt is that this evil people are trying not only a witch-hunt with us but also to kill our dreams.

A conspiracy? Perhaps it would be best to think about the poor people and their families, rather than post offensive, delusional conspiracy theories on here.

The terrorist attack near West Face of the Nanga Parbat mountain is a conspiracy aimed at destabilization of Pakistan’s economy. If the government and law enforcing agencies act fast the terrorists behind the massacre can easily be arrested, because it would take anyone at least 18 hours to get out of the region. Around 250,000 people’s lives in Gilgit-Baltistan will be affected directly if the tourism industry cripples.

Don't go. I was in Chorit (village close to Nanga Parbat) the day it happened. The Pakistani authorities seemed to know that there was a problem - driving through Astore village en route for Chorit we were stopped at police checkpoint where there were also two Army officers. Detained for half an hour and closely questioned (why would two 70-year old British women pose such a threat - they even searched our luggage). Eventually they said they had to get advice from their superior officer, by phone. Just glad to be safely back home in UK but very sorry for GB tourist industry which must be compromised by this murder of innocent tourists. Also very sorry for dedicated mountain guides who offer such amazing hospitality to foreign tourists.

Chorit? Did this happen on the astore valley side of Nanga Parbat? The BBC article wasn't clear I just assumed it was Fairy meadows. I had a lovely guide for Nanga Parbat who is from Chorit Village

It seems that the FCO is now advising against all but essential travel to Gilgit-Baltistan. Does that invalidate travel insurance for British trekkers who might otherwise still want to go?

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/pakistan

This story increasingly sounds like an "inside job" that was carried out with the permission of the security services. But the question is, why? What do the security services have to gain from a bunch of dead mountain climbers?

If this massacre was committed with the "permission of the security services", I suggest staying alive as at least part of the reason.

Another report from the BBC (apologies if a link has already been posted:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-23027031

scoodly

I'm still going. I did feel pretty sickened and depressed by the attack, hopefully they catch the b*stards. I'm off to do Snow Lake-Hispar La in August and if I hadn't booked all my tickets I might have second thoughts. As it stands, I will be flying into Skardu and probably jeep (with security) on way back - that's if the KKH is open - and the recent troubles will always be at the back of my mind. However, I travelled through Mauritania and Mali (before the insurgency) and everyone kept saying not to go - I had the best time ever there but I did keep in touch with current news by looking on the Thorntree, local news etc. I know you can't ignore the risk, but I think the likelihood of something happening are slim, I know there is more risk of getting knocked off a bike in London as I have seen many accidents with my own eyes. The chance of having a car accident travelling up the motorway would statistically be much higher. I certainly wouldn't chance my arm in hotspots like Syria or Helmand, but I think if you do your research and take precautions then you should be ok. However, I would respect anyone for cancelling their trip as there is obviously an increased risk in Pakistan now and it would always be at the back of your mind.

As for the Baltoro glacier, that place has army checkpoints all the way along it so I would've thought it would be pretty safe there - though the threat from India is always there in the background.

Re - "rather than post offensive, delusional conspiracy theories on here"

To be fair to him, I wouldn't call it a theory.

How is it 'deluded' for him to have suggested that this was a conspiracy (in the sense of a group of people getting together) to throw even more shards of glass into the milk shake? Having said that, it is true that saying it doesn't alter the situation at all (nor do the protestations that Islam doesn't condone this sort of thing, change anything either). If an Islamist kills an off duty British soldier in the UK, the protestations that Islam doesn't condone this doesn't change anything nor tackle the problem that Islamists view this sort of thing as a legitimate response to losses of their own.

Where are we taking this discussion? Who knows who did it? 55,000 Pakistan have lost lives since 9/11. They were all Muslims.
this country is under fire.

first it needs to be clear who is responsible for this attack, there are always people who know exactly who did it. all this security in the area might be easy to bribe...... and there is the indian-pakistan border problem as well.
frankly , i would not go, just for the simple fact that all these checkpoints, waiting for having papers stamped, bagagge searches,....plus the recent attack on mountaineers would spoil my holiday.

very sad for the locals there who depend on this income. they are the ones that suffer the most after such an attack

What's intriguing here are the motifs and who 's behind it.
The attackers had to make quite an effort to get to the remote base camp where no-one lives or wanders, except for foreign climbers and trekkers. And the victims weren't typical westerners (mostly Ukrainians and Chinese).
It doesn't fit any pattern.

around forty trekers went to Skardu today on KKH will trekking on K2. Now security increased and more securit on road than before. those innocent climbers was stationed at the base camp for the last few weeks and atackers reach there, and for trekers to K2 area, they just pass in security convoy, safe to travel there on KKH. and when in baltistan, very safe to travel around. K2 trek is safe and area is very safe with Shia Muslim popultaion.. and army, police shcek post on way to there. only one entry point. no other entry exit way.

Odetta77 ! don't take wrongg meaning to the hospitality of ghizer valley and Governor. Those sweetest people and very hospitable, not many tourist go there. so not use to tourit there.. but very nice and peaceful people..

Re - "first it needs to be clear who is responsible for this attack, there are always people who know exactly who did it" ~ nowornever

Tehrik-e-Taliban contacted news networks early on and claimed responsibility for it.

http://www.nctc.gov/site/groups/ttp.html

Today the UK Foreign Office changed its travel advice to advise against all non-essential travel to Gilgit-Baltistan. As a result the UK trekking company I was going to be doing the K2 / Gondoro La trek with have had no choice but to cancel our trip.

I think the Foreign Office have over-reacted and a lot of innocent Pakistanis will lose their livelihoods as a result of this :-(

10 foreigners killed and threats to target more. What then would b justification for u. Why not use a Pakistani firm and save money too

An over-reaction or otherwise aside, the FCO decision will mean other UK companies will cancel trips and make it very difficult to get insurance.

scoodly

I'm in the same boat as morpho. My K2 trip was cancelled by the operator. Now I'm looking for ideas for another 1-2 week hiking trip in the Asia/Indian subcontinent area for September. Any ideas? It seems it's too early for Everest trekking - what about India/Sikkim, are there good treks there for September? Any advice on treks or outfitters appreciated.

The Taliban thrives in fear, poverty and chaos. No better way than to attack the life blood of Northern Pakistan than to murder tourists, who are generally a pretty fickle bunch, who will drop the destination like 4th period French Class. This same strategy was used in Egypt with some success until the Egyptian people rose up and stopped it. This will take tour operators, drivers, hotel owners, restaurant operators and guides to rise up and stop the violence by reporting the activities.

Hello pakguide,

Is Spantik Peak still open/available to climb?

Re - "......This same strategy was used in Egypt with some success until the Egyptian people rose up and stopped it. This will take tour operators, drivers, hotel owners, restaurant operators and guides to rise up and stop the violence by reporting the activities"

True that Egypt suffered, but I would suggest that the two nations are really very different in how big and crucial tourism is. Egypt was losing 'big' time because of how central tourism is there, and how famous as a destination it is and has always been, enough to get people angry enough and united to take a stand in the way you mention.

Plus they had Mubarak's Mukhabarat who had been 'directly' countering and squashing Islamist politics since inheriting the security framework from the British, so even if there were sympathys for militancy it would soon rooted out by that. Pakistan's ISI is arguably far less clear cut about where its interests and loyalty lies, it would seem.

In Pakistan, I'd argue that international tourism is absolutely minor in comparison to Egypt, and generally the locals have far more important things on their mind even though yes I'm sure most are just as horrified by these events.

Motivations for attacks in Egypt during the 90s and later in the 00s were pretty different from say this latest attack, seen as a revenge attack for a loss to them during an ongoing war. In this latest attack in Pakistan, the explanation was that it is a direct revenge attack for the loss of a commander in a drone strike. Events over the border after the invasion have led to bad feeling in parts of Pakistan, enough for suggestions that there are elements of complicity and sympathies going on in some institutions and within the people of some areas, to not sound unreasonable.

This is a tragedy and my thoughts are with the deceased foreign climbers and their pakistani guides, their families and all people of GB and travellers.

Like all of those who travelled in Northern Pakistan (or Pakistan in general) I only have praises for the hospitality of the people there and so this news came as a shock of course. It feels bad to see a region you felt great in and you thought was spared by what was going on in the rest of the country touched by such senseless acts of violence but come on, the potentiality has been there for a while, don't you think it was a matter of time? The TTP are beasts but they are no fools, they know where foreigners go, they know where to go to hurt just like they know how to hurt Pakistanis.

Personally, I never felt safe on the KKH between Besham and, say, Jaglot. Diamir is just there next to Kohistan and Kohistan has always been deemed risky, remember the massacre of travellers last year in a bus. Even in Diamir, take Chilas for example, this town has not a very good reputation in terms of security and extremism. Sectarian clashes aside in Gilgit, the fact that the attackers wore Gilgit Scouts uniforms (if the information is correct) tells something too, doesn't it?
I think the situation up north in Hunza is different. Population is more homogeneous, religiously too, sunni extremism is -I believe - absent, people are peace loving. I have trust in the people living there but no place is 100% safe. If militants dress like Gilgit Scouts (and reports say some of the Nanga Parbat killers spoke Shina) what prevents them from travelling up north? A couple of inefficient Police check-posts?

I love Pakistan, it's my favourite destination but if you consider travelling there let's be realistic and gather as much information as you can to get a balanced view, know where you are going to. Nobody can tell you it is safe, it's your call! I really hope this tragedy will push Pakistan to up the security in GB: for GBians and for travellers, with serious measures. The tourism potential is enormous as are the benefits for the local populations who are some of the friendliest and hospitable people on this planet.

Ben.

The very sad fact is that whoever did this threatens the livelihood of a whole region, most likely his fellow citizens, why should anybody go there now , when such security measures are necessary,
i am since longtime speechless about -whoever it is- people, groups, leaders.... who have nothing else in mind ,than to hassle the normal, ordinary people who just want to make a living and want to be happy to see their kids grow up.
Now again a whole region lost their already meager income for years.
I really feel sorry for the people of northern Pakistan.

It seems that in most countries there is always a slice of the population who are so restless within themselves and so uncomfortable in their own skin, that they become destructive 'grabbers', trampling all over everyone else to reach a goal that they tell themselves will make them finally feel content, whether it be a slice of land with a new flag on it or a resources deal or whatever. Everyone else just getting on with our lives in the way you mention, are deemed collateral damage, things in their way, or more often than not cash cows to fund their misadventures once these people get into positions of power as they so often do to end up being our 'leaders'. It applies just as much to slices of the population in the western world as it does to developing nations. All the people who claim peace will only come when everyone on the globe either subscribes to 'Democracy' or to 'Islam', seem to have no understanding of what true contentment is.

First, The attack was at Bunar Naala Dimir face of Nanga Parbat, not at Fairy Meadows. and no where a hotel, there. So big lie there and distortion of fact.
I think it needs to be kept in perspective, While it is the main base camp for Nanga Parbat climbers with over 50 climbers based there for weeks without any security check and security escort, in close proximity to the notorious banditry, Kohistan area. so it was an easy target for terrorists to plan and carry out such a horrible and horrendous act. But, as a perspective tourist you don't want to know how many, the existance of such an act MUST be taken in using lens from 2000.
90% trekkers base themselves in Karakoram ( mainly Baltistan) including K2 & other high peaks base camp, Snow lake trek, is the safest region. After being in Pakistan twice for more than three months, I would not hesitate to return even after hearing about this incident. Truly I would feel more concerned about going to London than to Skardu & Hunza, don't allow a few brainwashed people deprive you of a wonderful experience. Honestly, this is exactly what they want you to do.
No one here would tell anyone to run headlong into danger but honestly in America you are far more likely to be mugged or caught up in an incident with a disgruntled employee than to be involved in a terrorist attack.
BTW I leave on next Sunday and will be in Northern Pakistan to the end of August--so I am not just running my mouth.

Nepal12345,
Except Nanga Parbat all peaks including Spantik still available to climb.

Having followed this thread and seeing various contradicting comments as to safety - myself, having no knowledge of the topgraphy of the northern Areas, I need to ask locals and more those experienced :

• how do you deem the situation in terms of safety in Skardu - Gilgit area, Gondogoro La and K2 base camp?
• what's you evalutaion of the risk of spreading violence and attacks on tourists in that area?

(As I mentioned earlier in this thread, we (a couple) still have tickets to Islamabad for end July and our plans are halted at the moment)

Spantik can climb, no restriction to ciimb ont it.
Skardu k2 base camp is safest .. k2 base camp baltoro area, at every camp site is army, entry exit point is check by army & police plus no other way to reach there except passing through skardu shigar valleys.. 100 % safe trekking in k2 area..in Baltistan no risk of spreading violence..no histry of violence or attack on tourists..

more climbers and trekkers continu arriving Pakistan
http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/islamabad/02-Jul-2013/nanga-parbat-attack-fails-to-deter-slovakians

I am planning to climb Spantik in this July/August.

01) Is it possible I can find any affordable budget agent after I arrived in Islamabad (or in Skardu)? If yes, then where should I go in Islamabad (or in Skardu)? Is there any famous tourist place/town in Islamabad (like 'Thamel' in Kathmandu)?
02) How much should I need to pay to the agent If I do this climbing alone (no other climber)?
03) Is August too late to climb Spantik?

Of course, I am willing to join another group, if possible, in order to save my budget.

Please advise on my 3 questions/concerns above!

You should really start a new thread as your post has nothing to do with the OP. This topic is also better suited for a climbing forum, or at least the Trekking and Mountaineering branch of TT.

There is no equivalent of Thamel in Pakistan.

This link http://www.summitpost.org/spantik/152053 will help with some of the more technical details of climbing Spantik.