Khunjerab National Park is the third largest national park located in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. It is adjacent to the Taxkorgan Natural Reserve in China. The highest national park at an elevation of 5,200 meters is home to a diverse flora and fauna.
While visiting the beautifully built Khunjerab Pass, a border between China and Pakistan representing the friendly relationship that the two countries possess. Going to the breathtaking Khunjerab National Park is an integral part of taking a trip to the Pakistan-China pass.
To experience the enchanting scenery inside Khunjerab National Park, there are some instructions you need to follow to enter the facility. This guide is going to be quite insightful for the people who are going to visit the Khunjerab National Park for the first time. This is based on my personal experience when I visited the Khunjerab National Park along with my friends and learned so much.
Some of the essential requirements are;
A Permit From The Local Authorities Is Integral:
To enter the grounds of the Khunjerab National Park, a permit from the local authorities or the park management is necessary. When I visited the entrancing park the entry fee for Pakistani nationals was 100 Rs. For adults and 50 Rs. For children under 12. While for foreign tourists, the entry fee for adults was 20 USD and 10 USD for children under 12. Getting the permit is an easy process. By possessing it, you can enter the gates of the Khunjerab National Park.
Having A Local Guide Is Advisable:
Khunjerab National Park is home to many carnivorous birds and mammals. They include Snow Leopards, Tibetan Wolves, Red Fox, Golden Eagle, Lammergeier, and others. Hence, having a local and licensed guide who knows the park well can be helpful. The terrain can be challenging because of the wildlife and unpredictable weather.
Be Respectful To The Wildlife Of Khunjerab National Park:
It is really important to respect the animals while visiting their habitats. It is advised to keep a safe distance from the rare species because while the park has animals like the Marco Polo Sheep or a Himalayan Ibex, it still has animals that you need to maintain a distance from for your safety.
Being Aware About The Weather And The Route:
Traversing in the Khunjerab National Park can turn into a disaster because of the unpredictable weather and rocky terrains. You need to be aware of the weather at all times and also carry a map or GPS device to not get lost in between the mountains and have a thrilling journey without worrying about getting lost like I did when I visited the park for the first time.
Carry The Appropriate Trekking Gear And Necessities With You:
Packing the appropriate baggage is integral to having a better journey. For a trekking journey to Khunjerab National Park, you will have to pack warm layers, rain gear, sturdy hiking boots, a backpack, a stable trekking pole, a sleeping bag, compact food items, a water bottle, and a first aid kit with all your necessary medicines.
Traveling In A Group Is Better Than Traveling Solo:
Generally speaking, traveling in a group is always better than traveling solo as you can be dependent or seek out help from others. Khunjerab National Park is home to uncaged and free animals and traveling alone can put you at risk. I made this amateur mistake of traveling alone during my first time visiting the Khunjerab National Pass and got lost amid the rocky terrain until a family from Gilgit found me and took me back with them. So, to protect yourself from any potential harm it is advisable to travel in a group size.
Altitude Acclimatization And Physical Fitness Are Key To Having A Safe Journey:
For having a safe and pleasing journey without any altitude sickness and injuries, acclimatization and physical fitness are quite necessary. Before starting your journey, ensure that you are in good shape and can trek on the rocky trails. Ascending to an elevation of 5,200 meters, acclimatization at multiple spots for a few days is integral.
Be Prepared For Every Possible Scenario:
Nature can be unpredictable, that is why you need to prepare for anything and everything happening during your short trip. Carry a satellite phone or any source of communication device in case of an emergency along with travel insurance that can cover medical emergencies. Try to be as cautious as possible because it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Do Not Leave Your Disposals At The Khunjerab National Park:
Leaving your waste in the facility is not allowed or considered respectful to the authority. It is better to practice leaving no trace by disposing of trash. Respect the environment by carrying your waste with you and do not throw it in the habitat of the already endangered animals.
By following these instructions, you can have a thrilling trip without any worries about your safety. You can revel in the strikingly entrancing beauty of the Khunjerab National Park with its stunning wildlife and majestic landscape.
For more information, you can refer to this article: An Exhilarating Escapade To Khunjerab National Park