Heli-skiing & snow leopards in Pakistan

Conservation & fresh powder carving

With our military contacts and Pakistan’s near-endless supply of 4,500m+ peaks, we’ve seen our clients ski never-before-touched routes as part of everything from group getaways to thought-leadership retreats.

Then, get involved with local conservation efforts, collecting data from camera traps and mastering tracking techniques with researchers working to preserve Pakistan’s snow leopards.

Throughout, military helicopters, specially set up luxury camps and private audiences with tribal elders open up rarely explored parts of this fascinating country. We’re also incredibly proud of our impeccable safety record in operating trips in the region.

All heli-skiing photos taken on Cookson Adventures trips

Cookson Adventures will design bespoke adventures… — marking a ski holiday with a difference

December, 2024

Heli skiing

From extraordinary glaciers to an almost unlimited supply of fresh powder runs, Pakistan’s remote mountains are a heli-skiing dream. Fly in by military helicopter to access a series of epic virgin slopes, with professional off-piste skier and local guides to support. With these mountains offering the best downhill runs in the country, you’ll ski a series of elevations that take you anywhere from between 4,000 and 8,000 metres above sea level. This is the most heavily glaciated region on the planet, outside the polar areas.

Conservation

Alongside setting up camera traps and tracking snow leopards with the conservationists charged with protecting them, we have a full spread of other philanthropic projects to engage with. Join researchers studying the endangered markhor mountain goat. Accompany government experts from Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change in studying glacial retreat and its impact on flood protection. And, guided by local leaders as well as NGOs, learn about – or even lend a hand with – community-based humanitarian projects, from women’s empowerment movements to clean water initiatives.

Special audiences

Learn from tribal elders how their communities have carved a unique way of life in remote mountain regions, visit Lahore’s great sites after hours and enjoy private performances of centuries-old musical and dance traditions.

Natural world

Whether searching for snow leopards in the Karakoram region or hiking out to Eagle’s Nest for a 3,000m-high sunset lookout over the dramatic Hunza Valley, we can bring you among Pakistan’s awe-inspiring natural world.

Historic riches

Pakistan plays host to a wealth of heritage few outsiders have been privileged enough to witness. Imposing mountaintop forts date back centuries, villages realise an ancient Silk-Road history in watchtowers and mosques and Lahore’s old town plays host to evocative mosques and centuries-old walls.

Accommodation

When operating in remote regions, we take a holistic approach to accommodation. That might be bringing in a luxury camp solution – tailored to your tastes, from private chefs to massage tents. Or, uplifting existing accommodations. We’ve hand-picked a few of the country’s leading properties, including 17th-century forts surrounded by historic gardens. In the past, we’ve brought in everything from AC systems to royal dining setups.

Top guides

Competition-winning skiers, Pakistani military pilots and top wildlife researchers – our travel here is predicated on access to leading authorities, both globally and locally.

Alongside the epic heli-skiing and conservation opportunities detailed in the carousel above, we’ll tailor your trip to match your interests.

Hunza Valley – with snow-capped Himalayas looking down on a twisted vision of rock formations, this is one of Pakistan’s most scenic settings. It’s something you’ll take in on hikes to the Eagle’s Nest overlook, visits to its thousand-year-old forts and private performances of the region’s traditional music and dance in historic Silk Road villages, replete with historic watchtowers and mosques.

Kharpocho Fort – Built in the 15th century, this imposing fortification offers panoramic views from its mountaintop perch.

Nalter Valley safari – Only accessible by 4×4, the dense forests and towering peaks of this remote region in the heart of the Karakorum hide some of the planet’s rarest wildlife. Search for snow leopards and the endangered markhor mountain goat with expert trackers.

Footage shot on past Cookson trips

Philanthropy – We have a range of conservational and humanitarian projects that allow our guests to get right to the heart of some of the finest work going on in Pakistan

Work with conservationists at the Snow Leopard Foundation to set up and collect data from camera traps, searching for this elusive cat and gathering data to contribute to its preservation
Learn from local leaders how communities are working to protect the endangered markhor mountain goat
Study environmental change with NGOs and the Ministry of Climate, with glaciologists working to prevent floods that impact local communities
Learn from tribal elders how innovative women’s empowerment programmes and education systems are working alongside traditional cultures in remote regions