Sky High & Dry | Journey Across Cold Deserts and High Plateaus of Pakistan
Schedule
Thu, 20 Jul, 2023 at 04:00 pm to Mon, 24 Jul, 2023 at 05:30 am
Location
Dubai International Airport | Dubai, DU
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High in the mountains of Pakistan in a region known as Gilgit-Baltistan and part of the mountain system of Himalaya, Karakorum, and Hindukush peaks, filled with some of the world’s largest glaciers and highest summits, including K2 and four more over 8000 meters, and home to Deosai, the second highest alpine plateau, and Katpana, one of the highest deserts in the world!The Katpana Desert, at an elevation of 2,226 meters above sea-level, is one of the highest, and thus coldest, deserts in the world, where you can find snow covered sand dunes and -20C temperatures in the winter, strong winds blowing white sands that shimmer like pearls in the sunlight in summer, and surrounded by black grey mountains and legendary views in every direction.
Even higher still at over 4,000 meters is the 2nd highest alpine plateau in the world, Deosai National Park, second only to the Changtang Plateau in Tibet, and brimming with wildflowers and butterflies in the spring, and home to the critically endangered Himalayan Brown Bear which has thrived in the park to a population of nearly 80! The plateau is also home to the Siberian ibex, Snow Leopard, Himalayan wolf, and even migratory birds like the Golden eagle, Himalyan vulture, and Peregrine falcon.
We’ll make our mountain home in Skardu, a trekking and expedition hub at the confluence of the Indus and Shigar Rivers and the foot of the Karakorum mountains, in sight of the world’s highest peaks! With blooming blossoms, apricot and walnut vendors, wood-timbered forts and alpine lakes around every mountain pass.
Let’s go!!
Day 0 // Departure
Meeting at 16.00 at DXB for a direct flight to Islamabad at 17.30. Overnight.
Day 1 // Skardu, Katpana Desert
Short transfer flight to Skardu and hit the road to Manthoka for tea and waterfalls! Afterwards we’ll head for the high cold Katpana Desert for some adventure on the dunes before continuing to Shigar for dinner and rest for the night.
Day 2 // Deosai Plateau
Early breakfast before we start the journey to the 2nd highest alpine plateau in the world in Deosai National Park, with Changtang Plateau in Tibet being the highest! We’ll spend the day trekking through grassy plains of wildflowers, meanderaing around snow-melt rivers and alpine lakes, and maybe even spot some of the wildlife that thrives here.
We’ll return to Skardu in late afternoon and reach by the evening in time for some dinner and apricot shopping with a little walnut cake for dessert.
Day 3 // Upper and Lower Katchura Lake
Breakfast and check-out of hotel before exploring the upper and lower Katchura Lake in the morning. We’ll head to the airport around lunchtime for return flight to Islamabad. Quick look at the city before we head back to Dubai.
Activities: trekking, sightseeing. Encounter of forgotten Hunza culture.
Grade: Easy, available for everyone.
Accommodation and meals: 4 star hotel, meals included. Single occupancy subject of extra cost and availability at the time of booking.
Cost: 3980 AED all inclusive 4 flights.
Specifically excluded: visa, insurance, entry fees - if any, meals on transfers.
Visa: Most nationalities eligible for E-visa: https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/.
Cost or visa management is not a subject of Trekkup scope, it is at sole responsibility of participant. Documents available for confirmed RSVPs.
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238 / [email protected]
Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup
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Where is it happening?
Dubai International Airport, Dubai,Dubai, United Arab EmiratesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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