Ultar Meadows Glacier trek

“Meadows” is a gross exaggeration for the base camp of the Ultar peaks. This trek packs a powerful punch such that it gives a true taste of what traveling in the Karakoram is all about. Panoramic views at the mouth of Ultar Gorge capture all of Hunza and Nagar’s famous peaks such as Diran, Sumayar, Spantik and Malubiting. The hiking is steep, hot and dry and in stark contrast is the cool misty breeze that rises from outwash stream of the Ultar Glacier. There are two options here. If you have a fear of heights, go with option 2. This trek begins in Karimabad, the tourist hub of Hunza, and I have done it several times. Being a huge fan of glaciers, and hating exposure without being roped, I prefer option 2. If you like the feeling of having nothing but air on one side with a sheer 2000 foot drop, go with option 1. Despite what locals tell you, the amount of time it takes for either option is about the same. Option 1 involves hiking on a  foot wide trail for about 30 minutes before arriving to the same trek as option 2.

Itinerary :

Day 1. Flight from Islamabad to Gilgit – jeep to Karimabad

Day 2. Rest and acclimatization in Karimabad – Islamabad is at an elevation of 1600 feet and Karimabad is at 9000 feet – you objective is at 13,500 feet so please do take this day to hydrate yourself and take a stroll to the Baltit Fort.

Day 3. Three to Four hour hike to the Lower Meadows using option 1 or 2. Camp there.

Day 4. Another hour or two will bring you Ultar Basecamp and the grave of a Japanese climber who tried to aid climb his way up Bojoahgur Dunasir (the last remaining unclimbed Ultar Peak) using a drill.

Day 5. Hike back down to Karimabad and jeep to Gilgit

Day 6. Flight to Islamabad