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NAGAR VALLEY has a different style of accommodations from what is usually expected of the Northern areas of Pakistan. Accommodations in Nagar are more of the basic type and not as plentiful as in Upper Hunza. What is available comprises of guesthouses and small hotels. Accommodations of a better standard are generally located in the Hunza side of the river in Karimabad.
Because of the location of the better accommodations in Nagar Valley, it is important to know where to stay depending on your tour plan.
Accommodations in Nagar Town are small guesthouses. A basic standard is usually maintained in these guesthouses and hot water is provided in the rooms, if it is available. Most of these guesthouses remain closed during the off season. Because of the unreliable electricity supply, guests are advised to carry flash lights to help them navigate the Guest house in the night.
Newer hotels have been constructed in Nagar to accommodate the increasing number of tourists. These hotels are not as good as the ones in Hunza, but are adequate for visitors who are not particular about the facilities in their rooms.
In the off season, some guest houses in Nagar town are used to accommodate tourists on a discounted rate. It is a good option for visitors who want to spend less.
The base you stay at depends on how you spend your days in Nagar.
Nagar Town sits on the opposite side of the valley from Karimabad. Compared to the hotels in Hunza, the hotels in Nagar Town have fewer facilities. Many of the hotels in Nagar Town provide cheaper and more convenient access to some of the hiking trails in the region.
Hopar sits between Nagar Town and some of the trails that lead to the glaciers. Hopar has a few basic lodging options. Like Nagar Town, Hopar provides a good base for those looking to hike to the glaciers and have easier access to the trails.
Many of the visitors staying in Karimabad day trip Nagar. Karimabad is a good base if you plan to visit both Nagar and Hunza. Some of the hotels in Karimabad offer good views of the mountains and cost a little more than the other hotels in the area. Compared to some of the hotels in Nagar, some of the hotels in Karimabad have better facilities.
There are different types of considerations when choosing a place to stay in Nagar Valley compared to when choosing a place to stay in a city.
Proximity to Things to Do on Your Itinerary
If a hotel doesn't save you an hour of driving each day, it's not as good as a hotel with a good lobby. The more time you spend in Nagar Valley the better. A hotel near the Hopar Glacier Trail Head is more convenient than a hotel with a good lobby.
Meals
A stay in Nagar Valley means you will likely be spending some time in upper lateral valleys where you won't find any stores to buy food. It is better to stay somewhere that has meals, and lets you know in advance, than a place that has a kitchen. Ask about meals and how far in advance you'll need to let them know.
Hot Showers
Find out how the hotel provides hot water. Inquire about the situation during the early hours of the day. If you plan to do a glacier hike, you don't want to take a cold shower before leaving for the hike.
Generators or backup power
Properties with generators are worth considering if you plan to transport video/camera equipment or other gear that needs charging. Keep in mind load shedding is prevalent throughout the northern areas as well, including Nagar.
What to ask, what to check, what to avoid
Ask before booking
It's best to confirm the type of food the kitchen staff can prepare. Some guest houses in Nagar only serve local food, and other guest houses may not be able to prepare food if you have dietary restrictions.
If the guest house has a sufficient number of rooms for your group, but the rooms are located on different floors. This could be a problem if you have small children or if the members of your group need to meet and leave at the same time.
Ask if there is a flexible cancellation policy because of closed roads and unexpected flight cancellations. It is always a concern if you are traveling to a remote area like Nagar.
The mobile phone networks that have service at the guest house. There are areas in Nagar that have no cell service at all.
They check:
If the road to Hopar or Hispar is open. They suggest traveling during the main trekking season because if the road to a lateral valley is closed, the access to the villages and glacier walks in those valleys is closed as well.
If the property is open. Smaller properties in Nagar may close during off season. Properties may also close if the family that owns and operates the property takes a break. Make sure to confirm your reservation a few days before your trip.
They recommend against:
Staying in Hopar if you are traveling with elderly guests or families. There are not many amenities in trekker lodges and not much to do in the area.
Staying in Nagar if your accommodation is not located close to the trekking trails to the Nagar glacier. The glacier is located on the other side of the valley and the only way to access it is by crossing the river by ferry.
The process is fairly simple for travelers with specific needs. Just provide the group size, your travel dates, the budget you've set, and the priorities for your trip. The team will provide potential options and handle the reservation once it is confirmed by the group. Additionally, a team member will provide their contact information once the reservation is made to ensure they are available in the case of an emergency during the trip.
This is particularly important for reservations made for facilities in Nagar Valley since making a reservation for a hotel in a city like Islamabad does not require additional arrangements. When a travel booking platform arranges for overnight stay in Nagar, it confirms a room and other travel arrangements (meals, transportation, guides, and even power) for the traveler.
Travelers with more means can arrange for a travel package to Northern Areas of Pakistan with overnight stays in Skardu, Nagar, and Gilgit. The travel package also includes a transport service, licensed guides and other arrangements for the duration of the stay.
What is the difference between staying in Nagar and Hunza?
The Nagar Valley is on the south of the Hunza river. Hunza, including Karimabad and Altit, is on the north side of the river. Generally speaking, the hotels on the Nagar side are less, and simpler. Staying in Nagar saves you the long drive in the mornings to go to Hopar Glacier and Hispar. Similarly, staying in Karimabad is more convenient to visit the places in the Hunza Valley. Ultimately, you must decide based on the goals of your trip.
Can the hotels in Nagar Valley be booked online?
Yes, some hotels can be found on online booking platforms. But, for smaller hotels, the availability and conditions of the rooms can be out-date. For assurance, one can use HospitalityTours.com.pk, a tour operator, that books hotels in Nagar Valley.
What is the season for hotels in Nagar Valley?
The main season is in the summer, starting from late May. July and August are the most peak months. In these months, and especially on weekends and public holidays, the simple hotels in Nagar fill up. To make hotel bookings during this time, one needs to contact an operator that has prior connections to the hotels.
Is Nagar Valley good for families with kids?
Pakistani families visit the valley during the summer. The roads leading to Nagar and Hopar towns and the KKH are fine for most vehicles. The upper lateral valleys and the Hispar valley require 4x4 vehicles and are not recommended for families with the elderly and small kids.
Are the bathrooms attached in the hotels of Nagar Valley?
In Nagar town, the recently built hotels have attach bathrooms. Bathrooms in the hotels in Hopar are generally shared. It is recommended that families and mixed groups check beforehand. We verify room details before endorsing any property on HospitalityTours.com.pk.
The team at www.HospitalityTours.com.pk require your arrival and departure dates, and the number of people in your party to create an initial itinerary. They will give you time to evaluate and make changes as necessary before confirming and charging you for the service.
What’sApp: +92 341 111 3777
Email: info@hospitalitytours.com
Website: www.hospitalitytours.com.pk
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