A record 1,400 international climbers, including the first female Arab mountaineer, are expected to submit some of the world’s highest peaks located in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region this year.
Last year, there were only 550 registered climbers, Dawn news reported.
The Gilgit-Baltistan tourism department has already issued 700 permits to international climbers, and as many were expected to be issued this summer, an official told Dawn.
The climbers, coming from Europe, the US, the United Arab Emirates, China, Russia, Poland, Japan and Norway, are eyeing to summit various peaks, including five eight-thousanders (i.e. mountains towering above 8,000 metres) and 20 seven-and six-thousanders.
Meanwhile, 40 Pakistani mountaineers are also in the race and as many as 3,000 local porters have been hired by several expedition teams to carry the supplies.
Pakistan boasts five of the world’s 14 eight-thousanders, including the world’s second-highest peak K2 (8,611 metres), followed by Nanga Parbat (ranked ninth at 8,126 metres), Gasherbrum-I (11th at 8,080 metres), Broad Peak (12th at 8,051 metres), and Gasherbrum-II (13th at 8,035m).
During a recent trip to Pakistan, I had a paragliding accident. Here I wish to explain a little of my experience.
Why Pakistan?
You may be wondering why I chose Pakistan? After all, there are many other places around the world with a better reputation and nice mountains to fly in, including my native country of Switzerland… It all started around nine years ago when I started to paraglide. From the very beginning of my instruction, my paragliding instructor told me that, for him, the only mountains he had ever seen that were more beautiful than ours, were in Pakistan. So I decided that one day when I had gained enough experience, I would go there. And so it happened.
Before going to Pakistan, I flew in many other places; The Himalayas, Andes, and The Alps. Since I work only part-time in Switzerland, it has given me a lot of time to explore. So, after eight years of flying in numerous mountain ranges, I finally went to Pakistan. I have to admit that I wasn’t very sure if Pakistan was safe. And the information I found on the Internet wasn’t very convincing. But nevertheless, I went.
My experience in Pakistan was incredible and beyond anything, I could have imagined! Within the first days, after seeing how friendly and welcoming the Pakistani people are, all of my apprehension was gone. They always made me feel like a special guest, many spontaneously inviting me to stay in their homes. They just wanted me to feel like I was at home. Having traveled a lot, this was the first time I felt welcomed to this extent, and upon meeting other tourists, they all agreed that the Pakistani people are very welcoming people. And that’s not all, they also have the most impressive mountains for flying, some of the most beautiful I have ever seen!
Paragliding in Pakistan is a total unique experience.
In Pakistan, the flying is majestic; a place where you can go, more or less, as high as you want (or dare!), and for this, I had many magnificent flights. Everything was going great and I was extremely happy about my entire experience, but then, after three months of fantastic flying, I crashed. And the crash was not due to the extreme flying conditions, but instead due to my own stupid mistake.
Clearly, the last thing I wanted was to get injured in Pakistan, such a long way from home, and very remote. But it actually went much smoother than I could have expected. Luckily, on the day of the accident, I was flying with Jan, an Australian pilot, flying together for the first time. He was near me when I crashed, so he came to see if I was okay. When he saw that I was injured, he landed and helped me. He called an ambulance and explained where we were so they could come nearby, and then continue on foot to our location, about 40 minutes from the road. There must have been about 10 people there to help me and carry me to the ambulance.
Photo by Author.
Once I arrived at Govt City hospital in Gilgit, central to this area, they took numerous radiographic scans and discovered that I’d broken a few bones. Once I knew that I’d have to get an operation, I became scared and thought to move to Islamabad, or even back to Switzerland. But then I met Dr. Kaleem, who was called in especially for me for his reputation of being the best surgeon in the area.
Despite it being a holy day, Dr. Kaleem came to see me and convinced me that, according to what I had, it was best to get my surgery done there, due to the risks of waiting. He was really nice to me and for this, I decided the best thing to do was to trust him. The surgery went very well and once back in Switzerland, they praised the work that Dr. Kaleem had done. Furthermore, after insisting on making payment for my surgery and hospital stay, I was advised that since I am a guest in Pakistan, all expenditures would be free!
Dr. Kaleem was not just my surgeon, true to Pakistani hospitality, he went out of his way to bring me home-cooked meals and to see if everything was ok for me. This warmth was amazing. Still, he wasn’t the only one to go out of his way for me during my stay in the hospital, many other people whom I’d never met came when they heard I was alone; to see if I needed anything, to bring me delicious food, keep me company and then, to help me organize repatriation. They came because they are nice people with a community-based culture that genuinely takes care of their guests. Even now, after many months in Switzerland, people are still asking after me.
The way people took care of me, this was a real highlight that will stay in my heart forever.
Thank you so much for your warm welcoming Pakistan, I really hope I come back soon!
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Skardu Baltistan through its stunning freshwater lakes. From crystal clear waters to breathtaking mountain surroundings, these lakes offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful dip, a thrilling paddle, or just a relaxing escape, Skardu’s freshwater lakes have something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most stunning freshwater lakes in Skardu Baltistan. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience these amazing freshwater lakes in Skardu Baltistan.
Kachura Lake:
About 32 km (20 miles) from Skardu, a 2-hour drive by jeep, lies the stunning Kachura Lake. With its crystal clear waters, this lake offers a peaceful escape surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. In the springtime, the banks of the lake are adorned with a multitude of colorful flowers, while the trees are laden with blooming peach, apricot, and apple blossoms. Kachura Lake is also known for its excellent trout fishing opportunities. Whether you’re a fishing enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful escape, Kachura Lake is a must-visit destination in Skardu.
Sadpara Lake:
Just 8 km (5 miles) south of Skardu, a 20-minute drive by jeep, lies the serene Satpara Lake. Surrounded by towering glaciers and mountains, this lake features an island in the middle of its clear waters, accessible by boat. Known for its excellent fishing opportunities, Satpara Lake is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. With its gorgeous mountain scenery and serene atmosphere, it’s easy to see why this lake is considered a true gem of Skardu.
Upper Kachura Lake:
Located 10 km above the main Kachura Lake, Upper Kachura Lake can be accessed via a jeep road. This lake is privately owned and offers opportunities for boating. However, caution should be taken while enjoying these activities.
Lower Kachura Lake (Shangrila):
The Lower Kachura, also known as Shangrila, is a one-of-a-kind resort located just 20 minutes from Skardu. With almost 70 Swiss-style cottages facing the lake, this resort offers a truly mesmerizing experience. The resort, established by the late Brigadier Muhammad Aslam Khan, offers a variety of services, including airport pick-up and drop-off, sports facilities, and more. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or a thrilling adventure, Lower Kachura Lake is the perfect destination.
Named for its unique “blind” status, Sheosar Lake is located near Chachur Top in the Deosai region. This lake can be reached from Skardu via Ali Malik Pass or from Chilim, Astore using the Chachur Top. With its serene beauty and tranquil atmosphere, Sheosar Lake is an ideal destination for picnicking and outdoor recreation.
Snow Lake:
Situated at the junction of the Biafo and Hisper Glaciers, Snow Lake is a snow-covered lake that remains frozen year-round. Accessible via Askole, Snow Lake is a five-day trek from the K2 Base Camp. With towering mountains all around, this lake offers an unforgettable experience for the adventurous traveler.
In conclusion, Skardu Baltistan is home to some of the most breathtaking freshwater lakes in the world. From the serene waters of Kachura Lake to the snow-covered beauty
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