Ultar Meadow Trek — 4 Days
Overview
No transfers to a trailhead — you walk uphill from Baltit Fort and within two hours you're in a hidden amphitheatre of ice and rock beneath Ultar Sar (7,388 m) and the impossible spike of Lady Finger Peak. Shepherd huts serve salty butter tea in summer; the Ultar Glacier grinds quietly below.
Trip Highlights
- Trailhead is Karimabad bazaar itself
- Ultar Sar and Lady Finger Peak close-ups
- Ultar Glacier viewpoint
- Shepherd-hut tea stop (summer)
- Karimabad heritage evening included
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Islamabad → Chilas
KKH north.
⛰ 1,265 m
Chilas → Karimabad
Arrive Hunza; evening fort walk and trek briefing.
⛰ 2,438 m
Ultar Meadow trek day
Ascend the gorge trail, meadow lunch beneath the glacier, descend by late afternoon (5–7 hours).
⛰ 3,300 m
Return to Islamabad
Drive south.
What’s Included
✔ Included
- Licensed local mountain guide
- Porters and camping equipment where required
- All meals on trek days
- Islamabad pickup and drop (private transport)
- Hotel nights before/after trek
- First-aid kit and oximeter
✖ Not included
- Sleeping bag (rentable)
- Personal trekking gear and boots
- Lunches/dinners on non-trek days
- Tips and personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
Can beginners do it?
Yes with reasonable fitness — steep in sections but short, and the private guide sets your pace.
Best start time?
On the trail by 8 am for cool temperatures and the clearest Lady Finger views before afternoon cloud.
Is this tour completely private?
Yes — your own vehicle, your own driver and guide, and departure on any date you choose. No strangers, no fixed seats, and the daily plan flexes to your pace.
Can the trip begin at Gilgit Airport?
Yes — fly Islamabad to Gilgit (tickets booked at cost) and we start the itinerary from the airport, trimming the road days. A road backup is always planned in case mountain weather cancels the flight.
What happens if a domestic flight is cancelled?
Mountain weather cancels a share of Gilgit and Skardu flights, so every fly-based plan carries a costed road backup that activates automatically — you may lose a day, never the trip. Road-based itineraries are unaffected.
Is Khunjerab Pass included?
Not in the standard plan — this itinerary focuses elsewhere — but a Khunjerab day (4,693 m, open ~May–Nov) can be added to any private booking; ask for the extended quote.
Which hotels are used?
Named properties are confirmed on your quote; expect a mix of hotels and full camping support on trek nights (tents, mats, mess tent and cook crew). See our Hotels page for the full 66-property partner list and per-night rates.
Is this package suitable for children?
Yes for school-age kids and up who enjoy walking; drive-instead options exist for most active days.
Is the tour suitable for senior travellers?
Yes with reasonable mobility — vehicle access covers nearly every highlight, walking is optional, and we pace days generously. Tell us about any conditions and we’ll adapt the plan.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Completely — add or drop days, swap valleys, change hotel tiers or start cities; it’s your trip and re-quoting a custom version costs nothing.