The Hispar Muztagh Range has been in our sights for quite a while now. During almost all of our trip planning, we brought up the enticing range but changed our decision as the circumstances were not allowing us to do so. After almost two years, we were finally set on the idea of traversing through the beauty of the Hispar Muztagh Range.
Hispar Muztagh:
Hispar Muztagh is a sub-range of the Karakoram range, Pakistan, located in the Nagar District of Gilgit Baltistan. The breathtaking range is at the north of the Hispar Glacier, south of Shimshal Valley, and east of the Hunza Valley. The range has some of the most significant mountains like Distaghil Sar, Trivor Peak, Pumari Chhish, Mohmil Sar, and Lupghar Sar.
The mountain range has some of the most majestic and enchanting mountains that create a mystical environment. Making it to the Hispar Muztagh range and climbing some of the most beautiful mountains I have ever witnessed has been one of my biggest goals in life since I saw the magnificent range.
Packing For the Momentous Trip to Hispar Muztagh:
Packing for our journey somehow took us longer than I expected. Louise had already booked me my ticket and the visa also surprisingly came in no time. But the weather brought a storm, casting doubt on the journey ahead. The storm also slowed our packing down as I had to buy some new ropes and other gear because my old ones were worn off. While packing and waiting for the weather to get better, Louise and I also started working out strenuously, to prepare ourselves for the perilous yet thrilling journey ahead.
After years of traveling, I like to think that I have nailed down my workout routine by now. It provides me with the utmost satisfaction that I worked hard for my trip and also empowers me to exude confidence. The storm also gave us some more days than we thought we would have, helping us build our strength and stamina.
It took 5 more days for the weather to get better, giving us the confirmation that we could proceed with our trip preparations. After being done with all the preparations, we were ready to take on the exhilarating journey.
Flying to Islamabad:
Sitting on my plane flight, I kept reminiscing about my old adventures in Pakistan, ready for my new adventure. After a 10-hour flight, we finally landed in the capital of Pakistan, Islamabad. Islamabad was just how I left when I came for my Rakaposhi trip. The hustle and bustle on the roads along with the vibrant markets evoked such happiness within me that I did not know was possible. We took a day to just explore the popular tourist attractions like Faisal Mosque, Daman-E-Koh, and the breathtaking Pakistan Monument. Our little adventure in Islamabad ended when we reached our hotels so we could unwind and rejuvenate after a day of exploration. The next day we were ready to take on the rest of our journey.
Islamabad to Skardu:
After booking a car for the rest of our journey, we commenced our journey to Skardu. The drive to Skardu was long and tiring, to say the least, but the capturing sceneries and landscapes encapsulating us made our journey much more pleasurable than backbreaking. It took us approximately 14 hours and an umpteenth amount of stops later to reach Skardu. We spent a day there exploring the markets that were so full of life. With kids running away to their favorite stalls, women in their bright and cultural clothes trying to persuade the shopkeepers to lower the prices of their favorite products, and the intoxicating aroma of the local street food outside the market, everything felt perfect.
Skardu to Askole:
Being in Skardu for a day was a dream come true. The next morning, we set for our journey to Askole via the Braldu Valley Road. The 4-hour journey was tiresome but breathtaking all at once. As soon as we arrived there, we checked into our hotels to just get some sleep in for the journey ahead of us.
Askole to Jula:
From Askole we bid farewell to our rented car, starting our trekking journey. While trekking to Jula, we had the privilege of witnessing the majestic landscapes of the Karakoram range, passing by lush green meadows, and crossing several streams. The moderate trek ended in no time and we finally were in Jula.
Jula to Paiju:
As we continued our trek from Jula to Paiju, the landscape unfolded before us like a painting coming to life. Snow-capped peaks stood sentinel against the azure sky, while glaciers glistened in the sunlight, their icy forms a testament to nature’s grandeur. Upon reaching Paiju, nestled beside the tranquil Braldu River, a scene of pristine beauty greeted us. Here, amidst the serene surroundings, we found respite from the rigors of the journey. We took a moment to rest, to absorb the tranquility that surrounded us, and to marvel at the wonder of the natural world.
Paiju to Urdukas:
On the fifth day of our journey, we departed from Paiju and made our way towards Urdukas, steadily ascending as we soaked in the breathtaking vistas of towering peaks and majestic glaciers. The rugged terrain tested our endurance, but the allure of the surrounding natural beauty kept us motivated. As evening approached, we finally arrived at Urdukas, where we set up camp for the night, surrounded by the serene grandeur of the mountains.
Urdukas to Goro II:
The following day, we resumed our trek, pushing onward from Urdukas to Goro II. Navigating through challenging terrain, we ascended to higher altitudes, each step bringing us closer to our ultimate goal. As we reached Goro II, fatigue was overshadowed by the awe-inspiring scenery that enveloped us, providing a tranquil backdrop for our campsite amidst the rugged wilderness.
Goro II to Hispar Village:
From Goro II, we made our journey to the beautiful Hispar La Base Camp, the starting point for crossing the Hispar La Pass. The ascent to the Base Camp was quite challenging. The rocky terrain and the perilous weather were hard to navigate through but reaching the base camp was so rewarding. From the Hispar La Base Camp, we descended to Khan Basi and then trekked to the Hispar Village to rest there before climbing the mountains in the breathtaking Hispar Muztagh Range.
Conclusion:
Hispar Muztagh was a wonderful experience. We climbed the breathtaking Pumari Chhish and Distaghil Sar and had the best experience doing so. During our journey to the Hispar Muztagh Range, Louise and I were absolutely taken by the beauty we witnessed.
I would recommend everyone to go and partake in experiencing the surreal beauty of Hispar Muztagh and the staggering mountains dwelling in it!
