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| Masood and his niece, Jehan, from Colorado on Hopar Glacier in Hunza. |
Although there are a few postcards available, in Pakistan you
will feel much more like the traveler of yesteryear than the tourist
of today. It is a rare and delightful experience!
Situated at the crossroads
of history, Pakistan is a land of marvelous contrasts. From its
southern desert plains to the terraced green fields of Askolie in
the north (the last village before K-2), Pakistan drenches the senses
with mountain majesty and exotic tribal cultures.
Moving north, the endless white sandy beaches of the Arabian
Sea give way to the Punjabi plains and vast agricultural lands.
Then comes the great gash of the Indus Gorge and countless snow-locked
peaks along the border with China and the former Central Asian
republics of the Soviet Union.
Through the ages many civilizations settled along the banks of
the mighty Indus River. The Indus, father of rivers, begins its
journey in the remote peaks of the Sub-continent. Coursing in
roiling fury through the Indus Gorge, the Indus is edged by the
fragile ribbon of the Karakoram Highway (KKH). Today, the heirs
of these ancient cultures: Baltis, Hunzakuts, Pushtuns and a host
of others still practice their timeless ways of life along the
KKH.
Each year millions flock to the European Alps and thousands visit
Nepal. Only a few of the well-informed and adventurously curious
are fortunate enough to experience the stunning "Roof of
the World" that is Northern Pakistan. Here four great mountain
ranges meet: the Himalaya, Karakoram, Hindukush and Pamir mountains.
Embracing many of the planet's highest peaks, the Pamir Knot
of Pakistan is the incredible confluence of these four giant ranges.
Of the fourteen highest peaks on earth, Pakistan has five, two
of which are the sublime pyramid of K2 (8611 m.) the second highest
mountain on earth and the most dangerous mountain in the world,
Nanga Parbat (8125 m.).
In addition, the area contains some of the longest and largest
glacier systems outside of the polar regions. Pakistani hospitality
and friendliness are legendary. Come join us in a world of unparallel
beauty and drama. Learn and witness for yourself what so few others
have experienced.
The year was 1948. The place was the 'roof of the world.' A fantastic
region of our planet covered with sharp, jagged mountains touching
the heavens. The mission entailed air-dropping supplies, food
and medicines, to the impoverished people under siege in Free
Kashmir.
Flying Officer 'Lanky' Ahmad, a young air force pilot,
was entrusted to complete this assignment. Read about his adventures
in A Lucky Pilot.
During this time, he pioneered new flying routes through the isolated
valleys and the daunting mountains of the Karakoram and Himalaya,
beginning a relationship with the land and her people which exists
today in the form of Concordia Expeditions run by his son, Masood.
The Northern Areas of Pakistan are under assault once again.
The enemy is not as evident, but just as serious; the enemy is
us. Visitors, trekkers and mountaineers who enter this fragile
ancient ecosystem create unnecessary environmental and cultural
degradation.
Concordia Expeditions was formed to counter this commonplace
phenomenon by offering culturally and environmentally conscious
intimate trips with individuals who know and embody Pakistan. This allows for more personable
journeys creating minimal impact at campsites.
Concordia Expeditions is in touch with Pakistan authorities to
ensure that issues arising from indiscriminate tourism remain
in the forefront of their attention. Our family and lifelong contacts
enable us to influence those individuals in the tourism department
and other agencies responsible for protecting and preserving Pakistan's
land and her unique culture for future generations.
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