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The trek from Skardu to the Baltoro Glacier gives the best close-up views
of K2, and the trail along the Braldu and Biaho rivers takes hikers right
into the heart of the Karakoram Mountains. The early part of the trek
passes through green orchards, and summer visitors will be able to sample
apples, apricots, peaches and cherries along the way. The terrain soon
becomes rugged, however, and trekkers should be prepared to navigate
trails covered with sharp stones and punctuated by glacial streams and
steep gullies. The dark stone of the lower peaks provides a dramatic
contrast to the glittering snow-capped peaks in the distance. Concordia,
the base camp for K2 expeditions, offers spectacular views of some of the
highest mountains on Earth, including K2, Gasherbrum, Masherbrum, and
Chogolisa.
The valley of the Hunza River was supposedly the inspiration for
Shangri-la in James Hilton's famous novel Lost Horizon. According to local
legend, the river water contains traces of gold and has life-prolonging
powers, and the people of Hunza are noted for their longevity. Many of the
Hunzakut, as they are known, have light-colored hair and eyes and claim to
be descended from Alexander the Great's soldiers. Their dialect, Brushaski,
has no apparent link to any existing language family.
The town of Hunza is the starting point for treks to the Batura, Hopar and
Hispar glaciers. The trek to Ultar Canyon gives especially dramatic views
of the surrounding glaciers and granite peaks. Trekkers can stay overnight
in distinctive shepherds' huts built of piled stones. The sound of ice
crashing down from the surrounding glaciers provides a unique lullaby
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