Karakoram Highway, Pakistan to China (Lonely Planet)
The Karakoram Highway and Beyond... (travelling by bicycle)
Karakoram Highway (Wikipedia)
Karakoram Highway articles (PakTribune newspaper)
Karakoram Highway in Pakistan - Cycling, biking and travel tips from 1993
Besham:
A small bazaar strung along the Karakorum Highway , Besham is midway between Rawalpindi and Gilgit . It is cut into the hillside above the Indus. Before building of the bridge for centuries a raft made of inflated cow-skin used to ply its way across the river here, pulling upstream in the lee of rocks and then drifting with the current to the other side.
Besham Qila Travel Guide (Virtual Tourist)
Besham Qila photos from 1996
Chilas:
Chilas is the mid-way stop between Rawalpindi and Skardu/Hunza It is a semi desert town by Indus river as being on the old Silk Road one can see the rock engravings of old traders and pilgrimages passing through here. A jeep road from here crosses the Babusar pass to Kaghan valley the old road to Gilgit before the building of KKH. Nanga Parbat can be seen about 15 km before chilas.
Chilas (Wikipedia)
Chilas Stupa (The Oriental Caravan)
Light Within: Chill out at Chilas
Fairy Meadows:
Fairy Meadow is lush green plateau situated in the foots gin of Nanga Parbat at the Western edge of the Himalayan Range. The name Fairy Meadows is part of the legend that Fairys have their heaven on this lush green plateau. This legendry name Fairy Meadows is everlasting gift of the western tourist to the local people. Fairy Meadow offers superb views of the Nanga Parbat (8125 m) the highest mountain in Pakistan in Himalayas. (9th highest in the world)
Nanga Parbat is a Persian word, which means "Naked Mountain", the local People call Diamer (Monarch of the God). It is also know "Killer Mountain" among the mountaineers as more 40 climbers have lost their lives trying to conquer it during expeditions.
It is about 540 km drive through Karakorum Highway, from Islamabad to Raikot Bridge (1400 m). Where local Jeeps will take you up to the Tatto village. It is one and half hour excited drive from Raikot Bridge to the last village of Tatto (2900 m). There are several photo stop on the way up to Tatto, including most impressive view of Karakorum Highway & River Indus from the one of the sharp turn of the road. On arrival at Tatto have lunch in the local restaurant, after lunch hire Porters and start trekking on very easy old jeep road for (02 - 03 hours). It would be a great experience to have overnight in fixed camping side, or in the traditionally built wood Huts, which offers magnificent view of the North face of the Nanga Parbat.
There are several short walks on this plateau, including the full day excursion up to the base camp (3900 m) of Nanga Parbat. It is very easy walk through the forest till then the edge of the plateau call Beyal Camp (3500 m). Whereas the trek from Beyal Camp to base camp is little difficult along the Raikot Glacier.
The lush green Plateau of Fairy Meadows is well know for its thick forest of Pine trees and wild flowers including Edelweiss. The friendly people of the high mountains of Himalayas still remember the Fairys and Nanga Parbat in their songs. It can be a soul-stirring experience to share music and dance during campfire.
Day 10: Chilas to Fairy Meadows
Fairy+Meadows+Pakistan photos (Flickr)
Gilgit:
The capital of Northern areas has been inhabited for thousands of years . The various waves of invaders that passed through the lower Pakistan also reached Gilgit ., Bringing their customs and religions with them . Inscriptions and pictures carved on rocks throughout the region reveal snatches of its history.
Gilgit, Pakistan (Wikipedia)
Gilgit Travel Guide (Virtual Tourist)
Gilgit Travel Guide (World 66)
Bird's Eye View of Gilgit
Gilgit in Ancient Times.pdf
Gilgit (and Swat).pdf - Sequel to above article
Mineral Database for Gilgit (Mindat)
Gilgit Serena Hotel
Karimabad:
Karimabad photos from 1996
Karimabad (TravelBlog)
Karimabad (Hunza) - (Wikipedia)
Karimabad (ArchNet for architects)
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