Tensions ease in North Pak
Jun 9, 2004 16: 07 EST
Because of the unrest in Gilgit, a town along the Karakoram Highway (KKH), climbers heading to K2 had to turn around in Chilas and head back to Islamabad. Plan B was a flight to Skardu and trekking in to BC from there (along the blue trail in the map).
Our man in Pakistan sent us this report of the most recent developments in the area:
“Greetings from Pakistan!
There have been some problems in the central Gilgit town after a change in the curriculum of Islamic Education. The roads have been blocked and there was a curfew imposed in the town while in the rest of the areas life was routine. We had to call back the International K2 Broad Peak and International K2 expeditions to Islamabad. Both teams luckily had great weather which allowed them to enjoy a flight to Skardu.
The Chinese Side K2 Expedition flew to Kashghar today along with their cargo and has landed safely while their high altitude porters will be leaving for China tomorrow via the Khunjerab pass. Please note that the pass has not been blocked and our guide, whom we had sent from Islamabad to take care of the porters, informed us that things are fine and he made it to Sost; the last town before entering the Khunjerab Pass. At the same place there is a customs office where they clear travelers and on their way to China.
We have heard that some groups have crossed the Karakoram Highway to Skardu and to the Hunza Valley. We talked with the hotel in Chilas where the International expeditions were stuck and the manager said that four groups have crossed today after the strikes.
Traveling by bus is now safe, it was also safe before because the strike was not against any westerners, rather it was very a domestic issue between government and the Shiite sect of Islam. There were not any problems faced by foreign travelers visiting Pakistan.”
Here is a quick brush up on the geography of Northern Pakistan for the beginning of a very busy season in the Karakorums. The Chinese, Pakistan border runs from just below Kashgar to just north of K2
Kashgar: In far Western China; this city is where the Italian K2 North team flew into. They followed the red trail South-East to K2.
Skardu: One of the few airports in Northern Pakistan. This is where several teams flew into to avoid the unrest in Gilgit.
Chilas: About 100km west of Skardu and very near Nanga Parbat to the south-east. Teams had originally planned to drive here from Islamabad and continue along the Karakoram Highway.
Askole: It is approx. 75km north of Skardu and is the last drivable location on the way to K2.
Map compiled by ExWeb.
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