Travel tips

Pakistan is accessible both by air and land. Many airlines operate flights from (to) the international airports of Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore to (from) various major cities of the world daily. Rail and bus services operate between Lahore (Pakistan) and Delhi (India). Iran is also connected by rail and road. Road transport runs to Afghanistan via historic Khyber Pass. Khunjerab Pass (4730 meters) is the highest road of the world that connects Pakistan and China via Karakorum Highway, the ancient Silk Route (closed between January & April every year).

VISA REGULATIONS:

For detailed visa information and other travel regulations, please visit Pakistan Government's official website; www.tourism.gov.pk

BEST SEASON:

Different regions in Pakistan can be visited in different seasons. It is best to visit hot southern region in winter. But Northern Areas can be best visited in summer (May to October), however mid June to mid August for treks on high altitude and crossing passes. Late March and April is the best time to enjoy blossom and October & November to watch the colorful autumn in the picturesque valleys. January is the best month for limited hunting of the rear specie of ibex in accordance with wild life conservation rules.

MOUNTAIN FLIGHTS:

There are daily flight from Islamabad to Gilgit and Skardu and Peshawar to Chitral. Flights to Gilgit and Skardu are known for their breathtaking mountain scenery and are the most spectacular mountain flights in the world but subject to weather. We keep our vehicles standby at the airport for land transfer via Karakorum Highway, yet another thrilling experience.

PERSONAL BAGGAGE:

Mindful of extreme changes in weather in the mountains, your baggage should consist of reasonable quantity of clothing and other items of personal use. Baggage can be advised to those not experienced in Himalayan trekking. While preparing, please remember that excess baggage is always a burden. Our porters carry your duffel bags/rucksacks up to 12.5 Kilograms. You are expected to carry your back pack only.

PERMITS :

Traveling in Pakistan is free except certain border regions. Foreigners need a permit from the Ministry of Tourism for trekking on certain routes that have classified as 'Restricted Zone' and include K2 and adjoining glaciers, Chitral and Chilinji Pass. Rest of the valleys and mountains up to 6000 meter altitude require no permit. Climbing peaks over 6000 meter required climbing permit which is applied for a year in advance.

INSURANCE:

Foreign tourists are not insured for life, accident and belongings. Therefore, we advise you to get your self insured before proceeding to Pakistan. However we insure guides, camp crew and porters against any accident or loss during the tours.

ELECTRICITY:

Pakistan has AC 220 Volt 50/60 Amp. electricity.

TIME:

Pakistan Standard Time (PST) = +5.00 GMT

CURRENCY:

Rupee (Rs.) circulates in currency notes of 1000, 500, 100, 50, 10 & 5 and coins of Rs. 5, 2 & 1. Please visit www.forexpk.com for exchange rate updates.

TREK GRADES:

Trekking is only for those who enjoy walking and camping and for whom a bit of discomfort is rewarded by the splendour of nature in high mountains. Based on averages, we have graded different treks according to the level of difficulty. However no two persons are the same and it is for this reason that average walking hours may also vary from person to person.

Easy:

Maximum 5-6 hours daily walk on established trails with no extreme change in elevation.

Moderate:

6-7 hours walk with gradual altitude gains. Maximum altitude 4000 meters.

Strenuous:

Hard walking of 7-8 hours and sharp altitudes. Maximum altitude about 5000 meters. May involve fording streams and side trips or high passes as high as 5500 meter. May require rope and ice-axe. Mountaineering knowledge recommended.