10 Overland Silk Route Pak To China
About this tour
10 DAYs SILK ROUTE TO CHINA WITH POSSIBLE EXTENSIONS TO CENTRAL ASIA TIBET, NEPAL & MAIN LAND CHINA
Khunjerab Pass (4,733m)
Border between Pakistan and China
The tour starts from Lahore, the center of Moghul empire and presently the capital of Punjab province. Fly Islamabad from Lahore the federal capital of Pakistan. Visit Gandhara Buddhist Civilization, Taxila. Overland to Swat then over Shangla Pass to KKH spend few days on Karakoram Highway, Overland transfer to China via Khunjerab Pass.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Lahore, Pakistan to Lahore City, Pakistan
Arrive Lahore Arrive Lahore international airport, meet your Guide for the trip and transfer to hotel. Morning rest, afternoon city tour. To see Lahore is to be born again, that’s what the village folk tell each other in Punjab. We walk through the old walled city and visit the masterpiece of art: mosaic of glazed tiles - the Wazir Khan Mosque. In the evening we visit the Shalimar Garden, built by the Moghuls as a royal recreation park, spread on three terraces with 414 fountains. Dinner in a typical Punjabi restaurant, overnight hotel.
Day 2: Lahore-Islamabad Motorway, Lahore, Pakistan to Islamabad, Pakistan
Lahore - Islamabad Visit of Moghul monuments: The 17th century Badshahi Mosque, with marble domes and red sandstone arches. The fort of Lahore is rightly called a mosaic of Moghul architecture as it displays the taste of all the Moghul Emperors. Lahore Museum is reputedly the best in the country, with statue of fasting Buddha: a master piece of art. Transfer to airport for your flight to Islamabad, overnight hotel. (45 minutes flight)
Day 3: Islamabad, Pakistan to Swat Valley, Bani Gala, Pakistan
Drive To Swat We drive overland to Swat. As we start, we visit the landmark of Islamabad Faisal Mosque, a gift from Saudi Arabia to Pakistan. Just 34 km from the modern capital of Pakistan is Taxila, the former center of Gandhara Buddhist civilization. The splendid site museum and archeological site of former cities & monasteries dating from 500 BC to 500 AD provide an impressive insight to this civilization. Continue drive over Malakand Pass to Swat, arrive and transfer to hotel. (300 km, 5/6 hours drive)
Day 4: Swat, Pakistan to Shangrila Chilas Hotel, Chilās
Across Shangla Pass We drive to Karakoram mountains from the twin capital cities of Mingora & Saidu Sharif in Swat Valley. We pass through the alpine landscape of Swat, with snow covered peaks, rice & barley fields perched along the steep slopes. Cross over Shangla Pass (2100 meters) to descend down to Karakoram Highway near Besham. From here we travel through Indus gorge on this reputed 8th wonder of the world (KKH), built jointly by the Pakistani & Chinese engineers, This vital connection to North Pakistan & China cost 850 lives and took 20 years to complete. We stay for overnight at Chilas at hotel. (305 km, 8/9 hours drive)
Day 5: Shangrila Chilas Hotel, Chilās to Gilgit Baltistan River, Pakistan
Chilas to Gilgit View Nanga Parbat Chilas, on the bank of Indus river is surrounded by lunar landscape. We drive through the barren rocks of Indus Gorge, to arrive at the meeting place of the world’s three highest mountain ranges: Karakoram in north, Himalayas in east and Hindokush in west. Enjoy thrilling view of Nanga Parbat (8,125 M) from the Karakoram Highway. Nanga Parbat is the 9th highest mountain in the world and second only to K2 in Pakistan. Arrive Gilgit (1600 meters) for lunch. We visit Gilgit, its suspension bridge, the rock carved Buddha and stroll down its bazaars filled with people from remote mountain valleys. Overnight hotel. (130 km, 3 hours drive)
Day 6: Gilgit-Baltistan Monument, Gilgit to Hunza, Hunza Nagar
Arrive Hunza .As we drive north from Hunza on Karakoram Highway along the bank of Hunza river, the museum of landscape starts unfolding its secrets. Karakoram, meaning black-rock, gets very little rain fall and is dry. Small patches of sharp green fields irrigated by water from glaciers, provide a very sharp contrast to the mountains. Rakaposhi, 7,788 meters greets us as we enter this Shangri-La on earth. Arrive Karimabad, the capital of Hunza, transfer to hotel for lunch. Afternoon visit of Altit & Baltit fort. Overnight hotel. (100 km, 3 hours drive)
Day 7: Hunza, Hunza Nagar to Nagar Khas Road, Hunza Nagar
Explore Hunza While in Hunza we are never short of views of soaring peaks. We drive to upper Hunza, stop at the charming village of Passu in the backdrop of Karakoram Cones. Enjoy thrilling views of challenging peaks rising to 7,000 meters and above. Here we can take 45 minute walk to Passu glacier, visit the local houses, or experience the thrills of walking on suspension bridges on Hunza river. Overnight at Passu Tourist Lodge. (50 km, 1 hour drive)
Day 8: Hunza, Hunza Nagar to Passu Cones Viewpoint, Hunza Nagar
Explore Hunza t0 Passu While in Hunza we are never short of views of soaring peaks. We drive to upper Hunza, stop at the charming village of Passu in the backdrop of Karakoram Cones. Enjoy thrilling views of challenging peaks rising to 7,000 meters and above. Here we can take 45 minute walk to Passu glacier, visit the local houses, or experience the thrills of walking on suspension bridges on Hunza river. Overnight at Passu Tourist Lodge. (50 km, 1 hour drive)
Day 9: Passu Cones Viewpoint, Hunza Nagar to Khunjerab National Park, Pakistan
Over Khunjerab Pass To China An hour’s drive from Passu to Sost, the Pakistani customs & immigration post on Khunjerab border. Here you will complete the border formalities and say good-bye to your Pakistani Guide and driver. Transfer to official Pakistani transport for memorable journey over the highest metal road border crossing in the world. You travel through the Khunjerab National Park, with chance of sighting the Karakoram Ibex (Markhor) and Marcopolo sheep. At 4,733 meters Khunjerab Pass you are not only on Pak China border but also between the Pamir and Karakoram mountain ranges. Descend down to Tashkorgan, the custom & immigration post of China. Overnight hotel.
Day 10: Khunjerab National Park, Pakistan to Karakul, Pakistan
Under The Shadow Of Muztagh Ata. Board Chinese transport for overland journey to Kashgar. You pass through the open, gentle slopes of Pamir. Exciting views of Muztagh Ata (7,546 m) and Kongur (7,719 m) mountains welcome you in Sinkiang province of China. From here onwards you descend gradually to arrive at the fabled oasis of Kashgar on the edges of Taklamakan desert in the south and the pastures of Pamirs in the north east. Overnight hotel. (290 km, 7/8 hours drive)
What's included
Cost Includes: Accommodation on twin sharing basis at standard category hotels in towns, 2 person dome tent during trek. Meals: Half board at hotels. Transport: Air conditioned transport on Karakoram Highway. 4*4 Jeeps for Hunza, Official non AC bus over Khunjerab Pass. Tips & Porterage at airport & hotels, Entrance fee at sites & museums. English Speaking Guide.
Cost Does Not Include Domestic/International airfare and airport taxes. Any expense due to forced measures, cancellation of flight, landslides, natural calamities, acts of God, forced majeurs: beyond the control of Services provider and their staff and suppliers. Any expense of personal nature not mentioned above.
What to know
Overland SILK ROUTE TO CHINA WITH POSSIBLE EXTENSIONS TO CENTRAL ASIA TIBET, NEPAL & MAIN LAND CHINA Khunjerab Pass (4,733m) Border between Pakistan and China
Route & locations
Lahore, Pakistan to Lahore City, Pakistan