Field guides / Gilgit-Baltistan / Ultar Sar
Field guide · Nature
Ultar Sar
Ultar Sar rises to 7,388 m directly above Karimabad in Hunza, making it one of the most dramatically positioned high mountains in Pakistan, its 5,300 m face towers over the town's apricot terraces. Despite its accessibility (you can see it clearly from GreenPak Hotel Hunza), it remains a serious and rarely climbed peak due to severe objective hazard from ice cliffs and rockfall.
Ultar Sar rises to 7,388 m directly above Karimabad in Hunza, making it one of the most dramatically positioned high mountains in Pakistan, its 5,300 m face towers over the town's apricot terraces. Despite its accessibility (you can see it clearly from GreenPak Hotel Hunza), it remains a serious and rarely climbed peak due to severe objective hazard from ice cliffs and rockfall.
Why go
- ✦7,388 m, directly above Karimabad
- ✦Most visible unclimbed face in Karakoram
- ✦Ultar Meadow trek from Hunza
- ✦Glaciomological research site
The Ultar Meadow Trek
From Karimabad, a marked trail climbs steeply through pine forest to Ultar Meadow, a high pasture with direct views of the Ultar I and II ice faces. This 2-3 hour walk is one of the best short hikes in Pakistan for dramatic close-up mountain photography.
GreenPak Hunza Base
GreenPak Hotel Hunza puts you a walk away from the Ultar Meadow trailhead and within eyesight of the peak every morning. It is also the natural base for Attabad Lake, the KKH north to Passu, and the Baltit Fort.
Planning tip
When to go, June to September for climbing; the view is magnificent year-round from Hunza.
Getting there, The peak is visible from anywhere in Karimabad. The approach trek starts from Ultar Meadow above the town, reachable in 2-3 hours on foot.
Allow, 2-3 hours to Ultar Meadow for the view; full expeditions take 5-6 weeks.
