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The Karakoram region, with its majestic mountains and pristine landscapes, is not only a paradise for adventure enthusiasts but also a haven for wildlife and plant species. Beyond the Valley Adventures invites you to embark on a remarkable journey to discover the rich flora and fauna of the Karakoram.
From rare and endangered species to breathtaking landscapes, this unique experience will leave you awe-inspired and connected to the wonders of nature.
The Karakoram boasts a remarkable variety of flora, including the fascinating Karakoram plant species, showcasing nature’s diversity at its best.
The Karakoram region is a treasure trove of natural wonders, boasting an incredible diversity of flora. From the enchanting Himalayan blue poppy to delicate orchids, the plants of Karakoram captivate with their beauty and stability. The flora and fauna of the Karakoram come together to create a truly mesmerizing experience for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike.
The Karakoram region is not only known for its stunning flora but also for its diverse wildlife. This extraordinary region is home to a fascinating array of Karakoram wildlife, including some of the most elusive and endangered species on the planet.
Prepare to be charmed by the enchanting presence of these magnificent creatures as you explore their natural habitat on your journey through our holidays.
The snow leopard, a symbol of grace and power, finds refuge in the mountains of Karakoram. Spotting this elusive predator requires patience and luck, but the reward is immeasurable. Your heart will skip a beat as you witness the secretive movements of this majestic fauna, perfectly adapted to the mountain environment.
Learn more about the snow leopard in Karakoram.
Keep an eye out for the Siberian ibex, a remarkable mountain goat species known for its impressive horns. These nimble climbers navigate vertical slopes with ease, showcasing their remarkable adaptability to the harsh alpine terrain.
Named after the famous explorer, the Marco Polo sheep roams the high-altitude regions of the Karakoram. With its iconic curved horns and magnificent size, this species is a true image of wilderness and natural beauty.
The region is also home to the elusive Himalayan brown bear. Watching these giants in their Karakoram wild habitat is a rare and extraordinary experience. As you quietly observe them from a safe distance, you’ll gain a newfound appreciation for their importance in the ecosystem.
Among the Karakoram’s smaller inhabitants is the adorable golden marmot. These social creatures can be spotted scurrying across alpine meadows, their chirping calls adding a touch of whimsy to the mountain air.
Beyond the Valley Adventures is deeply committed to the preservation and conservation of the unique flora and fauna of the Karakoram. We operate with the utmost respect for the environment, ensuring minimal impact on the delicate ecosystems we explore.
Our knowledgeable guides provide valuable insights into the region’s biodiversity, raising awareness about the importance of conservation. Furthermore, Gilgit Baltistan, the gateway to the Karakoram, is renowned as one of the safest places in Pakistan, allowing you to explore with peace of mind.
A tour to Northern Pakistan is not only a journey into the heart of a breathtaking landscape but also an opportunity to encounter the captivating flora and fauna of the Karakoram.
Beyond the Valley Adventures invites you to embrace the wonders of nature and gain a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of life in the Karakoram. Join us on this remarkable adventure and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Trekking to high altitude (generally this means above 2500 meters) involves additional risk not normally associated with lower-level treks. This is not something that should prevent you from undertaking a trek. However, before embarking on such a holiday, it makes sense to learn about the dangers inherent in trekking at high altitudes and also the ‘golden rules' to prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
For each of our holidays, the maximum altitudes attained are listed on the website and in the heading of the individual Trip Notes. In addition, the altitudes of each camp and each pass are listed in the daily itinerary. You should read the Trip Notes carefully and use your judgment to gauge whether your chosen holiday is suitable for your level of experience. If you have any doubts at all you should contact our office. Our experienced staff is more than happy to talk about altitude-related issues during our holidays.
The human body is capable of adapting to a very wide range of barometric pressures. This adaptation process is known as acclimatization and it does take time. The most important rule is to gain height slowly and it is generally accepted that the maximum safe altitude gain in any one day is 500 meters once above 2500 meters. Where this is not possible, then it is important to have a rest or acclimatization day at the new altitude before gaining further height. In general the maxim ‘climb high and sleep low' applies. It is perfectly acceptable (and even beneficial to your acclimatization) to climb higher than 500 meters above your last camp (for example when crossing a high pass) as long as the increase in sleeping altitude remains within the above rule.
There is a correlation between daily fluid intake and successful acclimatization and you must pay particular attention to hydration during trekking at high altitudes. On treks to 3000 meters and above most people will need to drink between 4 and 6 liters each day to achieve suitable hydration levels and you must adopt a responsible approach to achieving this target.
Before embarking on a trek to high altitude it is important that you familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and that you report any illness to your tip leader straight away. See the links at the bottom of this page for further reading on AMS.
There are a number of untested herbal remedies which claim to prevent mountain sickness. However, only one drug is currently known to have a useful role in preventing AMS and to be safe for this purpose: acetazolamide (Diamox). We recommend that you carry Diamox in your first aid kit for treks where you spend an extended period above 4000m. Diamox can only be obtained from a medical professional on prescription and it is important that you first consult your own doctor so that you know there are no contra indications with other medicines you may be taking and that you do not have an allergy to acetazolamide. Diamox commonly causes some minor side effects, such as tingling fingers and toes, or a metallic taste in the mouth, but more severe reactions are rare. On trek, the decision whether or not and when, you should take Diamox as with any drug, will rest solely with you. If you intend to take Diamox, you must familiarize yourself with the appropriate dosage and regime prior to coming on the trip. The links at the bottom of this page will provide further information on the use of Diamox as an aid to acclimatization.
Travelling to high altitudes is not something you need to be scared of. Every year thousands of people enjoy the most amazing experiences in the world's greatest mountain ranges. Altitude sickness is entirely preventable if you follow very simple rules and procedures. Please make sure you are aware of these before you travel.
SUMMARY OF DIFFICULTY
The hike up to our campsite is a moderate 6 miles and 1400ft of elevation gain. The scramble up to Pyramid Ridge can be steep and difficult, but very adventurous and with just light day packs.Hiking
Please Note: Terrain, Elevation Gain and Heights Exposure ratings reflect the section or day of the trip with the maximum difficulty of each. Much of the trip is at easier levels. See the trip itinerary for more detailed information. Backpack Weight ratings are estimates that account for Wildland-provided gear, guest clothing, personal items and a share of group food. By packing light it’s often possible to stay on the lower end of the weight range. Pack weights also decrease during the trip.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
To show the relative difficulty of our adventure holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most challenging. Our simple, colour-coded grade symbol provides an indication of the difficulty of each trip.
Clearly, there are many different factors that contribute to the difficulty of a particular holiday, including, length of day, terrain, type of accommodation, altitude and weather conditions. Since some of these factors are necessarily changeable, any system of grades can only provide a general indication. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the detailed Trip Notes and if you are still unsure, please do not hesitate to contact us
GREEN 1 - 4 LEISURELY
Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.
YELLOW 5 - 7 MODERATE
Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.
RED 08 - 10 TOUGH
Our toughest holidays, involve many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness experience is essential.
SUMMARY OF DIFFICULTY
The hike up to our campsite is a moderate 6 miles and 1400ft of elevation gain. The scramble up to Pyramid Ridge can be steep and difficult, but very adventurous and with just light day packs.Hiking
Please Note: Terrain, Elevation Gain and Heights Exposure ratings reflect the section or day of the trip with the maximum difficulty of each. Much of the trip is at easier levels. See the trip itinerary for more detailed information. Backpack Weight ratings are estimates that account for Wildland-provided gear, guest clothing, personal items and a share of group food. By packing light it’s often possible to stay on the lower end of the weight range. Pack weights also decrease during the trip.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
To show the relative difficulty of our adventure holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most challenging. Our simple, colour-coded grade symbol provides an indication of the difficulty of each trip.
Clearly, there are many different factors that contribute to the difficulty of a particular holiday, including, length of day, terrain, type of accommodation, altitude and weather conditions. Since some of these factors are necessarily changeable, any system of grades can only provide a general indication. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the detailed Trip Notes and if you are still unsure, please do not hesitate to contact us
Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.
Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.
Our toughest holidays, involve many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness experience is essential.