An Introduction to the Mountains of Pakistan

Among world tallest mountains, top 14 meet eight thousand meters height test. All of them are located in the mountains ranges Karakorum. Himalayas and Hindukash. Geographically these mountains are shared by four countries i.e. Nepal, Pakistan, India & China.

Pakistan is host of five of forteen eight thousanders; K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum-I, Broad Peak and Gasherbrum-II. In addition to these eight thousanders, there are at least 150 smallers peaks from 4,000 meters to high of 7,000s located in these ranges which are part of Pakistan. Many of them are still unclimbed, daring explorers to come, be the first to climb them and become part of the history. 

I personally believe that mountains are collectively owned by world citizens and especially it belong to the mountain loving community of hikers, trekkers and explorers. Unfortunately during last 15 years the influx of explorers into mountain ranges of Pakistan reduced significantly. 

My country of origin is Pakistan. So I feel responsible to share my knowledge with curious AOC colleagues about these mountains and the perception of bad security vs. the reality. I want to have a conversation with AOCers who are always looking for new venues of overseas trip. I just returned from Pakistan, second year in a row; both years I trekked some pristine beauties. This year I trekked to the base camp of Nanga Parbat with Mountaineers Memorial there (3,900 meters); also trekked a pass called Juniper Pass (5,000 Meters) overlooking Nanga Parbat range in the background. During these two trips I learned something about those terrains, established connections with outfitters / guide service, and learned how to get there via big cities and the reality of perception of bad security. 

Last year I reached there during mid September and this year I reached there in early October; pretty much end of season when mountain start getting cold and tourist number goes down. Despite end of season I met some western explorers from Europe and Australia. This year I asked few of them to let me record their experience which they graciously agreed upon.

It is possible to do AOC trip of trekking or hiking in Pakistan in 2019, it may be softcore hiking or may be hard core hiking and trekking; all depends upon interest. Obviously there are tons of questions. So I thoughts it’s a good idea to have a conversation and feed the curiosity. I am hosting this event at my home, I will share pictures and timeline of my journey; this picture you see as event promo is at top of Juniper Pass (5,000 meters) taken on October 8th, 2018.  We will also discuss culture, demographics of ethnic & sectarian composition, some history and political situation and its connection with extremism.  

Please come and enjoy the conversation, you may not be ready to go in 2019 but may be this sitting may intrigue you to go in future.  

This event will be held at the residence of RAFIQUE ALI, located in Alpharetta. Once you register, you will get an email with street address.