Pony Trek on Gujar Trails

Trekking

ARRIVAL LOCATION	Islamabad
DEPARTURE LOCATION	Islamabad
BEST SEASON	July to September
GRADE	Easy

This unique and exciting trip will take you through the enchanting Himalayan valleys of Kaghan. Although this valley is quite well known and visited by the many tourists, their visits are restricted to the places near the road. This trip will take you into the areas seldom visited by the outsiders and the only people you will find here are the Gujars who are nomadic tribes and use these valleys as their summer grazing pastures. They are sheep and goat herders and earn their livings by selling their animals and woolen handicrafts in the cities. Their way of life is very interesting to observe and during this trip you will be able to study their unique life style and interact with them from a cultural standpoint.

We trek on the trails used by these Gujar nomads and shepherds through lush green meadows, crossing the passes not higher then 4100 meters and we will camp along the shores of crystal clear snow fed lakes and explore the picturesque valleys. There is an abundance of wild flowers in all these valleys during the summer months of July and August. The streams and lakes in the area are teeming with brown and rainbow trout.

During the trek the ponies will carry all the equipment and luggage and our cooking staff will prepare delicious meals for you every day. You sleep in comfortable two person tents with facilities of a kitchen, mess and toilet tents.

At the end of the trek you will be driving as high as 4137 meters through the Babusar pass and descend down to Chilas which lies on the bank of the Indus River. One can visit the ancient Rock carvings of 4th to 6th century ad. along the route.

Trek up to Fairy Meadows, which lies beneath the North face of Nanga Parbat. Explore the scenic Fairy Meadows covered with thick pine and birch forests. A day’s hike to the Base camp offers the magnificent view of the biggest mountain face in the world.

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Islamabad

Arrive Islamabad international Airport; meet and transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit the colorful old bazaars of Rawalpindi, explore the Islamabad the modern capital of Pakistan, visit the biggest Shah Faisal mosque with its unique modern architecture and Damn-e- Koh. Overnight hotel.

Naran

After break fast drive to Naran, enroute visit the impressive archeological Museum at Taxila and the Excavated cities of Sirkap, Dharmarajika Stupa and Julian Monastery. After brief visit of the sites continue drive through the lush green valleys of Balakot and kaghan along with the white Kunhar River. Overnight hotel.

Dudipat Lake

Morning drive by jeeps to lalazar, same day start the trek on the ponies to Dudipat lake through the lush green meadows, along the crystal clear streams flowing from this beautiful lake. Meals and overnight in tents..

Lulusar Lake

Morning after break fast start the trek on the ponies through the meadows covered with the colorful wild flowers and crystal clear streams. A very gentle and smooth ride passing the Gujar shepherd’s summer settlements, meals and overnight in tents.

Besal

After break fast start the trek followed by the Gujar trails along with the white and crystal clear streams, we pass through the summer settlements of the Gujars and observe their unique life style. Meals and overnight in tents.

Chilas

Today we drive by four-wheel jeeps crossing through the scenic Babusar pass 4137 meters and descend down through the lush green mountain villages. Afternoon visit the ancient Rock carvings at Thalepan. Meals and overnight in Hotel.

Fairy Meadows

Morning after breakfast drive to Tato village by the four-wheel jeeps. Walk about three hours on the pony trails through the thick pine trees upto Fairy Meadows. Meals and overnight in wooden log homes.

Base Camp Excursion

Full day excursion to the Nanga Parbat Base camp, an easy and gentle walk on the green meadows covered with thick high altitude pine and Birch forest. Explore the area and return back to Fairy Meadows. Meals and Overnight in wooden log huts.

Fairy Meadows

Day free to explore the surroundings. Or day at Leisure.

Besham

Morning after the break fast trek back to Tato village and drive by jeeps to Raikot Bridge. Transfer to air-conditioned van and drive through the scenic Indus kohistan valley along with the mighty Indus River. Meals and overnight in Hotel.

Islamabad

After break fast drive to Islamabad, passing through the scenic Batgram, Abbot bad and Mansehra valleys enroute visit the Rock inscriptions at Mansehra and continue drive to Islamabad. Overnight hotel.