Torhoutenaar crosses the 2nd highest plateau in the world in Pakistan

Geert Decleir from Torhout crossed the Deosai with 12 other Belgians. That is a Nature Park at an altitude of 4 km in the North of Pakistan. He trained for five months for this. At the age of 65, Geert was also the oldest member of the group. There were also four ladies in the group, including the youngest member of the group with 22 years on the counter.

For six days, the group traveled through the snow in temperatures of -10 to -20 degrees Celsius. They have bridged about 70 kilometers, that is from Bruges to Ninove.

SAT NAVIGATION AND COACH

The trek started on March 10 in Gilgit-Baltistan, the northern region of Pakistan. This region is known to mountaineers for the world’s highest mountain areas such as Killer mountain Nanga Parbat and K2, but now also attracts adventurers who wish to discover the highest natural park Deosai (average altitude 4110m). This park offers a safe haven for, among others, the Himalayan brown bear, the snow leopard and the Himalayan wolf that they got to see in person.

From sunrise to sunset, they pulled their sleigh along with everything they needed to survive in this desolate landscape. Thanks to satellite navigation, the group could not lose track and the home front could follow their progress. A coach, who followed the team closely, communicated the weather and snow conditions, and met them on the penultimate day of the adventure to escort them to civilization.

warm, local welcome

The group could count on a warm reception from the local population at the start and finish with a ceremony in the company of the Minister of Tourism Raja Nasir Abdullah and the Alpine Association Sadpara. This achievement did not go unnoticed and was picked up several times by the Pakistani media.

HARD TRAINING

This adventure was the result of months of preparations and training such as altitude training, indoor ski with sled, beach training with car tires and Urban training with backpack on Montagne de Bueren. These trainings also strengthened the group spirit and teamwork that proved to be indispensable to make this adventure a success.

POLITICAL INSTABILITY

This adventure was not without risk, as the country suffers from persistent political instability. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs describes Pakistan’s security situation as poor due to high crime, a high terror threat and a risk of kidnapping. She therefore advises against tourist trips.