Group tours have long ignored the high-altitude Nangma Valley in Pakistan, but recent group excursions are quickly gaining popularity.
Over the course of several years, adventure seekers have mostly overlooked Pakistan’s Nangma Valley, which is located in a remote region. However, a recent surge of group trips is bringing the place into consideration.
My alarm went off at 4:30 in the morning, and I stepped out of my tent into the brisk morning light. The sky was a gentle gray, and the frost-covered grass crunched beneath my feet. The snow-capped mountains, with their craggy rock faces, dwarfed our little camp on either side. I listened to the sound of the birds tweeting and the running stream while I waited for the first light to touch the distant peaks. In the vicinity, cows were grazing, while yaks were navigating the more steep slopes. One might be fortunate enough to spot snow leopards and the elusive Himalayan ibex in the valley.
What struck me was the question of why so many people who enjoy being outdoors, including myself, have failed to take advantage of this gorgeous region and, by implication, Pakistan.
In Islamabad, where I had landed five days previously, I had met up with the other members of my hiking group. Established in 1967, the city is unexpectedly verdant, receiving sufficient rainfall to maintain its lushness even during the sweltering heat of summer. It was much easier to explore on my own and was much calmer than I had anticipated.
The residents were curious about our visit, given the rarity of tourism in this area. One of my fellow tourists instantly became a photo magnet due to his mustache and resemblance to a cricketer, showcasing the deep cultural ingrainment of the sport. Despite playing in remote mountain valleys, cricket remains a global national pastime.
The city of Islamabad is located at the foot of Margalla Hills National Park, which is a well-liked destination for nearby residents who are trying to cool off. One morning, I joined a local trail running group and ascended pine needle-covered switchback trails, reaching a summit that provided a glimpse of the city below. On the other hand, the true adventure had not yet begun.
Pakistan has some of the best mountaineering and hiking in the world, especially in the Karakoram range on the Himalayas border. The region is home to some of the highest peaks in the world, yet the number of tourists that visit it is still quite low. Pakistan received a meager 28,000 visitors from other countries in 2019, which stands in stark contrast to the 1.2 million tourists who visited Nepal or the over 11 million tourists who visited India. Many factors contribute to the low numbers, including persistent safety concerns from events after 9/11, a lack of government advertising, limited tour options, and inadequate information for travelers.
Beyond the Valley is a trekking firm that focuses on ethical tourism and Group tours. Umer Latif, a Pakistani entrepreneur, founded it in 2020, recognizing the potential of these less-visited locations. His efforts drew the notice of Erica Kritikides, who is the global product manager for Intrepid Travel. In 2024, the two of them introduced the very first hiking excursions that Intrepid had ever offered in Pakistan.
As part of my journey with Intrepid, our party took a flight from Islamabad to Skardu, which is a gateway town in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. K2 and other world-tall mountains are in Skardu. This region, often referred to as “Little Tibet,” not only serves as a center for mountaineering, but also serves as a popular getaway for Pakistanis seeking relief from the city’s heat. The number of tourists who arrive has increased dramatically over the past few years, and the local infrastructure is having trouble keeping up with the demand.
Following our departure from Skardu, we made our way to Kanday, which served as the beginning of our path into Nangma Valley. We hired local porters, many of whom had never ventured beyond a short distance from their homes, for trekking instead of the more perilous and far-flung trips to K2. The routes were winding and narrow, and they afforded view points that were stunning. In contrast to many other trekking companies, Intrepid provides its local employees with adequate compensation, insurance, and nutritional support.
The Nangma Valley, with its untouched natural beauty and developing tourism industry, held a tremendous deal of potential. It was hard for me to believe that this breathtaking location, which boasts fragrant juniper trees, glacial streams, and expansive views, had been mostly disregarded until very recently. For hikers, the area was rapidly becoming a popular destination in a short amount of time. In 2022, fewer than five trekking groups visited the area annually. However, by the middle of the year 2024, the number of groups had already increased to more than forty.
There were trails that were between 9,500 and 13,100 feet above sea level, and there were potential extensions to base camps that were as high as 14,750 feet. We classified the hiking as moderate. Each campsite felt even more magical after our tireless porter staff set it up. The views were breathtaking. We received a wonderful treat of “mountain pizza” and even fried chicken one evening after a challenging day of hiking. Our experienced chef, Khadim Hussain, who has experience cooking at high elevations, created this special treat.
It is not the natural beauty of the valley that is the most appealing aspect; rather, it is the warmth and hospitality of the people who live there that truly stand out. As Aneeqa Ali, the founder of The Mad Hatters, a travel company based in Pakistan, noted, The real generosity of the locals is what consistently brings a large number of tourists back to the country year after year.
Although I came to see the gorgeous mountains, it was the companionship and experiences I had with other trekkers, guides, and porters that made my adventure one I will never forget. I am certain that I will return to Pakistan due to the challenging landscapes, our evening cricket games, and the unique connections I made along the way.
Article by: Pakistan Update
