Paddling Paradise:
Exploring Pakistan by Paddleboard

The Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan is undeniably stunning. Nestled amidst the towering 8000m peaks of the Himalayas, it offers a unique paddleboarding experience on its pristine blue waters. The region steeped in rich culture and inhabited by diverse and hospitable communities. Gilgit-Baltistan is a region where diverse religious beliefs coexist harmoniously. Islam is the predominant religion, and you'll find numerous mosques and religious sites scattered across the landscape. The people's spiritual connection with their natural surroundings is often reflected in their daily lives and practices. One of the most striking features of the people in Gilgit-Baltistan is their warm hospitality. Visitors are often welcomed with open arms, and the locals take pride in sharing their cultural heritage. This warmth extends beyond customary greetings to include inviting travelers into homes, sharing traditional meals, and engaging in heartfelt conversations. During our trip to Pakistan we were made to feel so welcome and it wasn’t just the paddle boarding that made the trip so memorable.

Looking through the mountains in the Hunza valley for a spot to paddle

Cultural Mosaic:

Gilgit-Baltistan is a cultural mosaic, blending influences from Central Asia, Tibet, and South Asia. The region is home to various ethnic groups, including the Balti, Shina, Burusho, and Wakhi people. Each community contributes to the cultural tapestry with its distinct traditions, languages, and folklore.

Support and logistics:

Paddleboarding in the Gilgit-Baltistan region requires careful planning and local support. Engaging with local tour operators and local guides ensures a safe and enjoyable experience. We used Golden Peak Tours, based out of Gilgit who helped plan our trip and gave us the information we needed to get our visas. It's essential to consider weather conditions, water temperatures, and obtain any necessary permits before travelling, this is where your tour operator becomes invaluable. For the trip we had a driver called Haider, a lovely man that chauffeured us from location to location helping us find the best locations to put on and take off the water.

Preservation of Nature and Tradition:

The people of Gilgit-Baltistan have a deep-rooted respect for nature and tradition. This is evident in their sustainable practices, which aim to preserve the pristine environment. The traditional construction techniques using local materials, such as stone and wood, contribute to the region's unique architectural identity.

Languages:

The linguistic diversity in the region is reflected in the variety of languages spoken. While Shina and Balti are widely spoken, you'll also encounter Wakhi and Burushaski, adding to the linguistic richness. English and Urdu are also commonly understood, making communication with visitors accessible.

Paddling along one of the longest rivers in the world: the Indus river

Lower Kachura Lake:

Lower Kachura Lake, located near Skardu and is part of the Shangrila Resort. It provides paddleboarders with a calm and relaxing experience. From the lake you can see the surrounding snow-capped peaks and lush greenery, creating a picturesque setting for paddleboarding. The calm and serene atmosphere make it an ideal spot for beginners and those seeking a peaceful paddleboarding escape. The lake is a great place to swim in the summer and you are likely to meet other tourists visiting the area.

Hunza Valley:

The Hunza River, originating from the Hunza Valley and fed by glacial meltwaters, offers paddleboarders an opportunity to explore its unique character. The river's turquoise hue and the intense backdrop of the Karakoram Range create a other-worldly setting. Paddleboarding along the Hunza River allows paddlers to appreciate the glacial beauty and sheer expanse of the valley. The Hunza river has a variety of different water styles, so it is best to speak with your guide and seek out the more serene areas.

In 2010 a landslide completely wiped out Attabad village and blocked the Hunza River, this created Lake Attabad which is now a popular tourist attraction. It offers calm turquoise waters and is a source of recreation in the area where you’ll likely see people on jet skis and boats. The lake is huge, so there is plenty of shoreline to get away and explore away from the crowds.

Satpara Lake:

Satpara Lake, located near Skardu, provides n escape from the bustling streets of Skardu. Nestled against the backdrop of towering mountains, the clear waters offer a mirror-like surface, making it an ideal spot for paddleboarding. The calm atmosphere of the lake, combined with the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, offers a fulfilling experience for paddleboarders seeking a peaceful paddle. Paddlers can appreciate the tranquility of the surroundings, taking in panoramic views of snow-capped peaks. As the seasons change, the views get more stunning with snow capped peaks and changing trees.

The diverse waterways presented a hands-on encounter for us, allowing us to forge a connection with the sheer beauty of the landscape. As we navigated these waters, we not only relished the excitement of being on the water but also become immersed in the local culture, observing the everyday life and traditions of the welcoming communities that inhabit this extraordinary part of Pakistan. This paddleboarding experience was not merely a journey on the water; it was an expedition into the heart of the Himalayas, where nature and culture seamlessly intertwine. As we explored these waters, it becomes apparent that there are numerous other places waiting to be discovered by paddleboard, and our exploration merely scratches the surface of the hidden gems that the mountains in Pakistan have to offer.

Paddling Paradise:
Exploring Pakistan by Paddleboard

The Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan is undeniably stunning. Nestled amidst the towering 8000m peaks of the Himalayas, it offers a unique paddleboarding experience on its pristine blue waters. The region steeped in rich culture and inhabited by diverse and hospitable communities. Gilgit-Baltistan is a region where diverse religious beliefs coexist harmoniously. Islam is the predominant religion, and you'll find numerous mosques and religious sites scattered across the landscape. The people's spiritual connection with their natural surroundings is often reflected in their daily lives and practices. One of the most striking features of the people in Gilgit-Baltistan is their warm hospitality. Visitors are often welcomed with open arms, and the locals take pride in sharing their cultural heritage. This warmth extends beyond customary greetings to include inviting travelers into homes, sharing traditional meals, and engaging in heartfelt conversations. During our trip to Pakistan we were made to feel so welcome and it wasn’t just the paddle boarding that made the trip so memorable.

Cultural Mosaic:

Gilgit-Baltistan is a cultural mosaic, blending influences from Central Asia, Tibet, and South Asia. The region is home to various ethnic groups, including the Balti, Shina, Burusho, and Wakhi people. Each community contributes to the cultural tapestry with its distinct traditions, languages, and folklore.

Support and logistics:

Paddleboarding in the Gilgit-Baltistan region requires careful planning and local support. Engaging with local tour operators and local guides ensures a safe and enjoyable experience. We used Golden Peak Tours, based out of Gilgit who helped plan our trip and gave us the information we needed to get our visas. It's essential to consider weather conditions, water temperatures, and obtain any necessary permits before travelling, this is where your tour operator becomes invaluable. For the trip we had a driver called Haider, a lovely man that chauffeured us from location to location helping us find the best locations to put on and take off the water.

Preservation of Nature and Tradition:

The people of Gilgit-Baltistan have a deep-rooted respect for nature and tradition. This is evident in their sustainable practices, which aim to preserve the pristine environment. The traditional construction techniques using local materials, such as stone and wood, contribute to the region's unique architectural identity.

Languages:

The linguistic diversity in the region is reflected in the variety of languages spoken. While Shina and Balti are widely spoken, you'll also encounter Wakhi and Burushaski, adding to the linguistic richness. English and Urdu are also commonly understood, making communication with visitors accessible.

Lower Kachura Lake:

Lower Kachura Lake, located near Skardu and is part of the Shangrila Resort. It provides paddleboarders with a calm and relaxing experience. From the lake you can see the surrounding snow-capped peaks and lush greenery, creating a picturesque setting for paddleboarding. The calm and serene atmosphere make it an ideal spot for beginners and those seeking a peaceful paddleboarding escape. The lake is a great place to swim in the summer and you are likely to meet other tourists visiting the area.

Hunza Valley:

The Hunza River, originating from the Hunza Valley and fed by glacial meltwaters, offers paddleboarders an opportunity to explore its unique character. The river's turquoise hue and the intense backdrop of the Karakoram Range create a other-worldly setting. Paddleboarding along the Hunza River allows paddlers to appreciate the glacial beauty and sheer expanse of the valley. The Hunza river has a variety of different water styles, so it is best to speak with your guide and seek out the more serene areas.

In 2010 a landslide completely wiped out Attabad village and blocked the Hunza River, this created Lake Attabad which is now a popular tourist attraction. It offers calm turquoise waters and is a source of recreation in the area where you’ll likely see people on jet skis and boats. The lake is huge, so there is plenty of shoreline to get away and explore away from the crowds.

Satpara Lake:

Satpara Lake, located near Skardu, provides n escape from the bustling streets of Skardu. Nestled against the backdrop of towering mountains, the clear waters offer a mirror-like surface, making it an ideal spot for paddleboarding. The calm atmosphere of the lake, combined with the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, offers a fulfilling experience for paddleboarders seeking a peaceful paddle. Paddlers can appreciate the tranquility of the surroundings, taking in panoramic views of snow-capped peaks. As the seasons change, the views get more stunning with snow capped peaks and changing trees.

The diverse waterways presented a hands-on encounter for us, allowing us to forge a connection with the sheer beauty of the landscape. As we navigated these waters, we not only relished the excitement of being on the water but also become immersed in the local culture, observing the everyday life and traditions of the welcoming communities that inhabit this extraordinary part of Pakistan. This paddleboarding experience was not merely a journey on the water; it was an expedition into the heart of the Himalayas, where nature and culture seamlessly intertwine. As we explored these waters, it becomes apparent that there are numerous other places waiting to be discovered by paddleboard, and our exploration merely scratches the surface of the hidden gems that the mountains in Pakistan have to offer.