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Since 2003, the United Nations General Assembly has annually observed International Mountain Day to bring attention to the critical role that mountains play in our daily lives. “Restoring Mountain Ecosystems,” the topic for this year’s celebration, which takes place on December 11, emphasizes the critical nature of valuing and safeguarding these invaluable natural resources.
Sustainable tourism in mountains can contribute to creating additional and alternative livelihood options and promoting poverty alleviation, social inclusion, as well as landscape and biodiversity conservation. It is a way to preserve the natural, cultural and spiritual heritage, to promote local crafts and high value products, and celebrate many traditional practices such as local festivals. Pakistan is endowed with an abundance of mountain ranges, including high-altitude peaks such as K2 (Mount Godwin-Austen), which stands at an impressive 8,611 metres, ranking as the second-highest peak in the world. Broad Peak is an elevation of 8,051 metres inside the Karakoram Range. Gasherbrum I (Hidden Summit) is an impressive 8,080-meter peak. Nanga Parbat (Himalayas): At 8,126 metres, it is the ninth highest peak in the world. Tirich Mir (Hindu Kush) has an elevation of 7,708 metres. Takht-e-Sulaiman: 3,000-meter Sulaiman Range. Peak Sakesar (Salt Range) is 1,522 metres high.
Mountain ranges, which are frequently called “natural jewels,” are home to fifty percent of the world’s biodiversity hotspots and fifteen to twenty percent of the worldwide population. Half of the human population relies on them for freshwater, which is vital for agriculture, renewable energy production, and the extraction of medical resources. At present, we commemorate the historical and symbolic importance of International Mountain Day, which was instituted on December 11, 2002, in support of an initiative by the United Nations to encourage sustainable mountain development. Mountain ranges, sometimes referred to as “natural jewels,” accommodate around 15 to 20 percent of the world’s population and fifty percent of its mega-diversity. Freshwater is an essential resource for agriculture, renewable energy production, and the extraction of medical supplies, upon which half of the human population depends. At this time, we observe International Mountain Day, a day of historical and symbolic significance that was established on December 11, 2002, in support of a United Nations initiative to promote sustainable mountain development.
Ever since its inception on December 11, 2003, the event has exhibited a varied array of themes, progressing from freshwater and peace to biodiversity and climate change. Mountains, which comprise an estimated 27 percent of the Earth’s land area, are crucial to life’s sustenance. Mountains, in spite of their profound ecological importance, are confronted with the detrimental consequences of climate change.
Mountains are ecological hotspots and provide innumerable natural resources for the survival of our communities. Climate Change poses a serious threat to these mountains and affects freshwater supplies downstream for millions of people, especially women who are at the forefront of facing the brunt of climate change. Women are particularly affected, as their vulnerability increases manifold.
An incredible variety of flora and fauna, as well as numerous culturally varied communities with distinct languages and customs, inhabit the mountains. Mountains offer services like soil conservation and maintenance, in addition to climate management and water delivery, which are vital to our livelihoods.
Up to 84 percent of endemic mountain species are threatened with extinction, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, while populations of a variety of other mountain plant and animal species are expected to dwindle and perish.
Mountain landscapes are being revitalized and protected in accordance with the recent biodiversity agreement of the 2022 United Nations Biodiversity Conference, which aims to preserve 30 percent of the planet’s lands, oceans, coastlines, and inland waters by 2030.
International Mountain Day functions as a symbolic and timely reminder to the international community of the critical nature of conserving the biodiversity observed in these majestic landscapes. In observance of this day, let we reaffirm our dedication to the protection of mountains, ensuring their continuing supply of vital resources for future generations.
Beyond the Valley Adventures” has evolved as an exemplar of tourism that seems to be environmentally conscious. The organization engaged in eco-friendly techniques, collaborated with local communities, and participated actively in local educational programs out of a profound concern for the environment. By engaging in advocacy activities and engaging locals in business operations, they were able to increase their commitment to the community. Notable mountain ranges, flourishing settlements, and a cascading impact that motivated others to embrace sustainable tourism were tangible outcomes of the impact. “Beyond the Valley ” exemplified the ability of a travel operator to offer distinctive adventures while safeguarding Pakistan’s breathtaking landscapes. In many cultures around the world, people believe mountains are close to heaven. They build temples and shrines at their tops. Maybe, that’s also why prophets used to go up the hills to speak directly to God and returned enlightened.
Happy International Mountain Day!
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.