The Northern Areas of Pakistan, which is endowed with most unique geographical feature in the world. It is here that the three great, lofty and spectacular mountain ranges, Karakoram, Himalayas and Hindukush meet. In an area of about 500 kms in width and 350 kms in depth, is found the most dense collection of some of the highest and precipitous peaks in the world, boasting more than 700 peaks above 6000 meters and more than 160 peaks above 7000 meters. These include five out of the total fourteen above 8000 meter high peaks on earth, namely the second highest rock pyramid - the K-2 (8611m), the Killer Mountain Nanga Parbat (8125 m), the Hidden Peak Gasherbrum-I (8068 m), Broad Peak (8047 m), and Gasherbrum-II (8035 m).

The Hindukush is also a mountain vastness containing hundred of peaks, many above 7000 meters including Trichmir (7708 m) which is the highest peak of the range. The western bastion of the Himalayas range is Nanga Parbat, once dreaded as the "Killer Mountain”, but climbed many times by various expeditions since first disasters.

This enormous mountains wealth makes Pakistan an important mountain country offering great opportunities for mountaineering and mountain related adventure activities. The area is aptly called a paradise for mountaineers, adventure seekers and nature lovers. The compelling charm of these high, challenging, endless sea of rugged rock and ice pinnacles lure large number of climbers and trekkers from all over the world to the Northern Areas of Pakistan, each year.

The best climbing season is from the mid of May to end of September each year. However, climbing is possible in winter season also.

You will be pleased to know that the 50% concession in royalty fee granted to climbing expeditions during 2002-2005 will now continue into 2006 also. The status of 6500m peaks as trekking peaks will also remain applicable during the year 2006.

We are very glad to inform that the Government of Pakistan in continuation of the ongoing Tourism friendly policy has decided that only 10% royalty fee taken for mountains situated in Chitral, Gilgit and Ghizer to attract the climbers, trekkers and adventure lovers to less-frequented areas. We assures you of more good news to follow in coming months and hopes that many of Climbers, Trekkers and adventure seekers from all over the world will take full advantage of these incentives during the year 2006. Wishing a great adventure season in 2006 !