Travelling in Pakistan can be the ultimate adventure. Due to the lack of publicity and insufficient "advertising gloss," one sees very few tourists here. A a result, Pakistan is a beautiful, unspoiled destination, and the people still welcome strangers according to old tribal custom: Greet all who pass by your door with an invitation to come in and share the day's meal. Furthermore, Pakistan's geographical diversity allows for a wide range of trips to be planned; from overland touring to China on the route of Marco Polo, to floating down the Indus river in boats reminiscent of Alexander the Great's navy; from trekking to the base camp of K-2, the second highest mountain on earth, to riding on camel back along the old desert trade routes used first by the Moghuls and then by the East India Company.
Walji's Adventure Pakistan guaranteed departure trips are designed to allow one to sample a small range of this diversity, Generally, it is better to plan trips to northern Pakistan in the summer months (mid-May to mid-September) and to the southern half of the country in the winter. Some trips may be combined so that in the spring and autumn, both halves of the country may be covered. Descriptions of the various regions are provided at the beginning of each section.
We are pleased to offer some special tours; the Kalash Valleys in Chitral, visiting the lost tribes of non- believers featured in The Man Who Would Be King; 'Shandur Polo', a spectacular tournament featuring players from Afghanistan, China and Pakistan batting it out on the highest polo field in the world; a Yak safari in Hunza, riding on Yak back on trials that retrace the routes of the local tribes' summer pastures; the Sibi Horse, Cattle and Camel Festival, a wonderful exhibition of the best animals of Baluchistan in a typical nomadic bazaar; and many more. Of course, our tried and tested classic treks and tours are also featured, with many new departure dates to fill the demand.
Should, however, one want a more personalised itinerary for family and friends, we would be happy to tailor-make an adventure according to one's exact specifications.
Walji's Adventure Pakistan selects and trains only the best adventure guides, mostly from the Hunza and Nanga Parbat regions. Unlike all other adventure operators in Pakistan, we do not hire seasonal nor part-time staff. Our crews, consisting of trekking guide, cook and assistant cook, are full-time staff who work exclusively for Walji's Adventure Pakistan, and are trained exhaustively in order for them to provide the best of services to clients. Our present strength of 75 staff allows us to effectively service all customer requests.
Walji's Adventure Pakistan trips are marked according to level of difficulty, Some trips may seem to be more strenuous than marked (see note below); however, our indicated levels of difficulty are based on the following criteria:
Note: The above hours per day are averages; some days may be as short as three hours due to altitude gain or temperatures, while other days may be as long as 10 hours due to mountain passes being negotiated. Nonetheless, bear in mind that no two people are the same, and some may not be able to negotiate trails as swiftly and surely as others, resulting in differences in the hours walked.
Walji's Adventure Pakistan treks are managed in the field by a qualified trekking guide from the Hunza or Nanga Parbat regions. These trekking guides are all licensed by the Government of Pakistan, are conversant in English and have worked with our organisation for a minimum of five years. Additionally, they are given specialised training every year, so that they may fine-tune their skills.
Typically, the trek day starts at the break of dawn, with warm washing water in a bowl supplied to each person, along with a cup of hot tea or coffee. Half-an-hour later, a breakfast of chappatis (unleavened baked bread) with jam and marmalade, cornflakes or porridge, and tea or coffee is served. Where possible, fresh eggs are provided. While breakfast is being prepared and consumed, the tents are folded, and duffel bags and other loads distributed to porters.
On almost all treks in Pakistan, porters carry the camp equipment, food and one's personal duffel bag (the weight of the duffel should not exceed 12.5 kilograms). One is expected to carry only a day pack containing items for the day's walk: water bottle, jacket and camera. The pace is unhurried, so that each trekker can establish a rhythm uniquely one's own, and which allows one to take in the breath-taking scenery. Our trekking guide and the chief porter (porter sardar) ensure that members are provided support throughout the day's walk, so there is no worry of being left "behind", or wandering off the trail.
Generally, after three to four hours walk, one will arrive at the lunch spot chosen by the cook. A cold lunch is served, with tinned fish or meat, cheese, biscuits or crackers, dried fruits and nuts and tea. On extraordinarily cold days, a hot soup may also be served. After lunch, another three to four hour walk will bring one to the site where the night's camp will be pitched. While the tents are being set-up and the campsite is being established, tea and biscuits are served.
Dinner is served usually shortly after dusk,and comprises a hot soup, a main staple with accompaniment, dessert and tea and coffee. A meal mix of 60 percent local and 40 percent western dishes is maintained while on trek. Food on treks is always plentiful and wholesome. However, unlike treks in other regions of South Asia, all items need to be carried on trek, as the few villages that one may pass while on trek are unable to restock trekking parties. Moreover, mindful of our clients concerns, Walji's Adventure Pakistan staff are taught to maintain the highest standards of camp and kitchen hygiene.
The equipment supplied on trek is of superior standard. Roomy three-person tents are used as doubles, and two-person tents as singles. Closed cell foam mattresses are provided, and a simple yet hygienic toilet tent is part of standard equipment. Additionally, the kitchen crew are provided with a cook tent made of fire-retardant material. As an option, clients can request a large mess tent furnished with a pressurised lantern, a folding table and camp stools.
Consequently, any person who is healthy, physically fit and enjoys the outdoors will thrive on a Walji's Adventure Pakistan trek. After all, we do promise you The Ultimate Travel Experience.
Contents copyright © 1996, Walji's Adventure Pakistan. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 22 March, 1996