Deosai National Park
Deosai national park is also known as Deosai Plains and roof of the world. It is 2nd highest plateau in the world and 1st highest in Pakistan. It is house of brown bears but stay far away from the camping sites and you can also enjoy a view of Galaxy, best time to view Galaxy is from August to October (weather condition applied). If we talk about the elevation it is 4,114 meters (13,497 ft) above sea level.
Deosai plains is accessible from Skardu and Astore via Gilgit. Since it is declared a National Park, there are only few spots allocated by the government for camping. These camping spots are around the streams (Bara-pani and Kala-pani). Palstic Bags are banned and plucking flowers or damaging the area can lead to fine and punishment. Keep mosquito and bug repellent lotion.
The weather conditions of Deosai plains are very un-predictable so you batter take all precautions before reaching there, because there is no such infrastructure available once you reach there.
Kumret Valley
Kumret valley located at khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province (KPK). You can access it easily via jeep road. There are two roads which will lead you to the Kumret valley.
Via Kalam Valley
If you have 4×4 vehicle or motorbikes upto 150cc you can access kumrat via Kalam, the road is totally trough and rocky. Before going through this route make sure your driver is very familiar to hilly turns and steep hights.
Via Upper Dir
If you do not prefer tough driving you batter go via Dir, it is almost straight and smoother road until you enter into the Kumret valley. A normal driver can easily drive through this route.
Hotels and Facilities
There are less hotel and facilities available in this area you have to take your meal with you. If you are staying more than a day you can come back to place Thal to get your food although the road is very rough to go back for food. There are several hotel available at the start of the valley.
Mahodand Lake
It is also located at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province (KPK). To access it you have to drive through Swat and Kalam after that take a road to Hushu Park that road will directly lead you to the Mahodand Lake.
Hotels and Facilities
There are very less facilities available in that area you have to take most of your necessity with you. However some campsites are constructed by the locals. You can have it on very economical rates or you can carry your own camping stuff.
Road Conditions
The road is really trough and hard from Kalam to Mahodand lake its batter to take 4×4 or motorbike because the road conditions may cause vital damage of your car.
Phander Valley
Phander valley is accessible via Gilgit and Chitral. The Phander valley is famous due to its lush green areas and crystal clear water. Trout fish in Phander Valley is very famous so go for a fishing trip.
Camping Site and Facilities
PTDC hotel in a very beautiful location and many small local run rest houses are present. You can find a suitable camping sites almost in whole valley.
Shandur Pass
Shandur Pass i connects Ghizer District of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral District. You can access it via Gilgit or Chitral. Most famous for the highest Polo ground in the world. It hosts annual Shandur Polo Festival attended by people from across Pakistan.
Via Chitral
If you want to access it via Chitral and you coming from Islamabad you have to take a route from lower Dir to Upper Dir to Lawari pass than Chitral the road conditions is trough from Mastuj to the Shandur Top. You need an off road vehicle.
Via Gilgit
If you want to access it via Gilgit you have to take same route which you have to take for the Phander valley. The Shandur top is located right after the Phander valley if you are coming from the Gilgit. You need an off road vehicle.
Siri Paye
Siri Paye are basically 2 spots that are located in Kaghan valley near Shogran. It is surrounded by Makra Peak, Malika Parbat, Musa ka Musala and the mountains of Kashmir. The height of Siri Paye is 9498 feet almost which is not very comfortable for the beginners however in summer you can access it via jeep. The track of Makra Peak is starting from Paye Meadows, which itself is a huge destination for trekkers.
How to Access?
The Siri Paye is accessible via Kiwai passing through Shogran by a jeep track or you can walk through the jeep track which is almost 15km from Kiwai to Paye Meadows. The track is tough and you need some extra energy to get camping equipment with you, however the track is suitable if you hike through bare handed.
Hotels and Facility
You will find best hotels and restaurant at Shogran, but for camping you have to carry your own stuff, however some sort of rooms available at Siri. The jeep track is not suitable for any vehicle under 4×4 drive and with lower suspension.
Dudipatsar Lake
This lake is located in Kaghan Valley district of Mansehra. The lake is so beautiful and heaven for the trekkers due to its amazing sightseeing and trek. The area is totally remote and you will find very less humans on that area. The lake is 12500 feet high above the sea level. Due to its greenery and blooming flowers it is very rare and unique lake. The lake is also known as house of trout fish you can easily catch trout fish if you have some guts.
Hotels and Facility
There are no hotels and facility available at lake however you can find some helpful locals, at small village known as Mullah ki Basti, which is last village before the lake. You can also stay for the night at Mullah ki Basti so you can move to lake early morning. If you love camping I suggest you to stay at lake.
How to Access?
Islamabad Naran and the take the road to Babusar top till Basel which takes you to Lulusar Lake. You have to cross the river and hike to Dudipatsar Lake. At Basel you can also find the Guide and Porters.
Fairy Meadows
Fairy Meadows is also known as Nanga Parbat base camp. It is most beautiful place that you will find in District Diamer. Fairy Meadows is also one of the top destination for international tourist you can find more foreigners there as compare to any other spot in Pakistan due to great Nanga Parbat. It is 10800 feet high above the sea level which is itself very higher basecamp. Rakhiot face of the Nanga Parbat is accessible via Fairy Meadows.
Hotels and Facilities
There are bundle of hotels and restaurants available at Fairy Meadows however you can still allow to enjoy camping. There is a lush green polo ground at the center from where you can enjoy best view of Nanga Parbat and during season you can also enjoy Galaxy.
How to Access?
To reach Fairy Meadows you have to travel from Chillas towards Gilgit, at the stop name Raikot Bridge you can book jeep that can carry you near Fairy Meadows after that you have to do some trekking (not very tough) to carry camping stuff you can find the porters where jeep lefts you.
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