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North of Khapulu, the Hushe Valley climbs gently for 30km up to Hushe village. A rough jeep track, very difficult in places, reaches as far as the village, leading pas spectacular views of snow-capped peaks on all sides, with Masherbrum to the north dominating. Being the only approach route to Masherbrum, as well as numerous other major peaks in area, the Hushe Valley has for a long time attracted mountaineers. With the discovery of the Gongogora La route across to Concordia and Baltoro Glacier, the valley has become of major importance, at least in terms of mountain tourism. Trekkers can now make the 10-12 say trek from Askole to Concordia, and then instead of doubling all the way back, climb up over the Gondogoro La; a very strenuous and in places technical 5,500 m pass and down into Hushe Valley.

Taken: One wet afternoon at Ghanche, Baltistan, Pakistan

The upper part of Hunza is refered to as Gojal, and comprises the area along the upper section of Hunza River from the village Shishkut/Nazimabad up to the Khunjerab Pass. It also includes the Shimshal Valley that lies to the east of the KKH, and the Chapursan Valley that lies to the west of the KKH along the boarder with China & Afghanistan.

With Batura Muztagh towering at western side, Gojal offers some of the most exciting attractions in the north of Pakistan. There are plenty of good treks, but what makes Gojal particularly appealing is the spectacular one-day hikes on offer for those who do not wish to do a full-scale trek.

Taken: Somewhere between Sishkut & Gulmit, toward Batura Muztagh, Gojal, Pakistan

Skardu is the administrative center and the largest town of Baltistan. Although of no great interest in itself, its setting is a dramatic one and the town provides a starting point for some of the most spectacular trekking and mountaineering that Pakistan has to offer.

The town is small, dusty place, growing rapidly along its one main street, but still utterly dwarfed by towering amphitheater of imposing rock mountains all around and by the broad sweep of the Mighty Indus river. Dominating the town on the north side is the huge rock outcrop of Karpochu, to the west and east are rolling sand dunes stretching out into the distance. To the south the wide stony course of Sadpara, an irrigated oasis scattered with trees and fields, fans down from Sadpara Lake. Hidden from view by the surrounding mountais is the vast tangle of high Karakoram to the north, and the equally vast high plateaux of the DeoSai to the South.

Taken: Above Fort of Karpochu, Skardu, Baltistan, Pakistan

A small town of Gole, Skardu-Khaplu Road, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan

For the majority of foreign visitors to Pakistan, reaching Hunza is one of their main aims. With a reputation for outstanding natural beauty, ewlcoming people, endless trekking and hiking potential, and tourism infrastructure that is sufficiently developed that you don't have to rough it - but not so developed that it attract hordes of package tourists. Hunza is often considered to be the centerpiece of the North's Tourism Industry.

In addition to the main valley that the Karakoram Highway follows, there are numerious side valleys to explore. Indeed, some of the best walk in this region can be completed in a single day, and there are also options of jeep, horse and yak safaris.

This is a region of Pakistan (and the world) that should not be missed, and if possible, should not be rushed either.

Taken: KKH, as it passes through Central Hunza toward Gojal, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan