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Central Karakoram National Park
For sheer mountains grandeur and breath taking panoramas, few places in the world
can match the Karakoram Mountains of Northern Pakistan. The Northern Areas (NAs)
of Pakistan encompass 72,496 km2 in the north of Pakistan, bordering China, Afghanistan,
and India. Their geographical position represents one section of the Asian high-mountain
system of Hindukush-Karakorum-West Himalaya. Ever since 1965, roads to the southern
lowlands of Pakistan have connected the Northern Areas on a year-round basis, and
since 1978, the Karakorum Highway (KKH) crosses through them (Dittrich, 1998).
In recognition to its exceptional natural values the Government of Pakistan established
the Central Karakoram National Park in 1993. With K2 (8611m) the second highest
peak in the world as its center piece, this 10,000 sq. Km national park encompasses
some of the world’s highest peaks and largest glaciers. Internationally renowned
for work class mountaineering and trekking opportunities, the park protects the
greatest concentration of high mountains on earth. Sixty peaks over 7,000 m, and
ten of the world’s highest and most famous mountains, including Gasherbrum, Broad
Peak, and Masherbrum are located within the park’s boundaries. This cluster of peaks,
many of which river vertically from the valley floor for over 5,000m, attract 60
to 70 mountaineering expeditions to the Central Karakoram each year.
It falls into the administrative boundaries of districts of Gilgit, Skardu, and
Ghanche. Both Gilgit and Skardu are accessible by air (subject to weather) and surface
transport. Approximately 230 villages, 97,608 people and 13,159 households are located
in areas adjacent to CKNP.
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