14 Jeep Safari Baltistan & Hunza Gojal Pakistan
About this tour
14-Day Jeep Safari: Baltistan & Hunza-Gojal, Pakistan.
Embark on an unforgettable 14-day journey through the two highest mountain ranges in the world, the Karakoram and the Himalayas. Using soft-top 4x4 jeeps, we traverse remote valleys, uncover breathtaking landscapes, and take time to walk among the towering mountains to fully immerse ourselves in their majesty.
Highlights of the Journey:
Naran Valley: The Lower Himalayas' Gem
Begin your adventure in Naran Valley, renowned for its pristine beauty. Visit the lush green plateaus of Shogran and the enchanting Lake Saiful Maluk, a place steeped in folklore and known as the "Lake of Fairies."
Babusar Pass: Gateway to the Karakoram
Cross the historic Babusar Pass, where the Himalayas give way to the Karakoram. Enter the town of Chilas, a serene introduction to this rugged and awe-inspiring mountain range.
Skardu: Heart of the Karakoram
Explore Skardu, the gateway to some of the world’s highest peaks. Discover Shangri-La Resort, the serene Satpara Lake, and ancient Tibetan-style villages. Each moment in Skardu unveils the region's natural and cultural grandeur.
Hunza Valley: Land of Legends
Journey to Hunza, a historic crossroads of trade and culture. Experience the valley's vibrant history, friendly locals, and breathtaking scenery. Visit Karimabad and its iconic Baltit and Altit forts.
Upper Hunza & Khunjerab Pass
Venture into the highlands of Upper Hunza and marvel at Khunjerab Pass, the world’s highest paved border crossing between Pakistan and China. This unique spot offers sweeping views and unparalleled moments of wonder.
Return to Islamabad
Drive back through the scenic valleys, concluding your epic adventure in the bustling capital city of Islamabad.
This safari is a perfect blend of cultural exploration, natural beauty, and thrilling adventures in the heart of Pakistan's northern wonders.
Let me know if you'd like any further changes or details!
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Islamabad
Arrive Islamabad Welcome reception on arrival at federal capital of Pakistan and transfer to hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of the twin cities of Islamabad & Pindi. Enter Faisal Mosque - the landmark of Islamabad. Visit Daman-e-Koh on top of hill for panoramic view of Islamabad, drive on Constitution Avenue for looking at President House, Parliament, Supreme Court & other state buildings. Also visit Pindi’s colorful Raja Bazaar for bargain shopping. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2: Islamabad to Shugran Narran
Islamabad - Shogran – Sari Paya Drive to Kaghan Valley. 34 km from Islamabad is Taxila, the archaeological site of former capital of Gandhara Buddhist civilization dating from 500 BC to 500 AD. We visit the splendid site museum, a former monastery and the city of Sirkup. Later we head north into the Himalayan foothills and pass through Abbotabad, a garrison town, and at Balakot enter the Kaghan Valley. The 92 mile long Kaghan valley is one of the loveliest Green-Himalayan areas in Pakistan. (180 km, 7/8 hours)
Day 3: Shugran to Narran
Shogran - Saiful-Maluk Lake, Naran (3200 m) As we travel through Kaghan, we pass hamlets with stone and wood homes surrounded by rice fields. We follow the Kunhar River and may encounter the caravan of handsome Gujjar nomads with their loaded horses until we reach the village of Naran (2,427 m), backed by the river. We visit Saiful-Maluk Lake, where the peak of Malka Parbat (5390 m) is mirrored in the deep blue waters. This lake was named after Prince Saiful-Maluk who fell in love with a fairy whom he saw bathing in the lake! Camp overnight. (70 km, 5/6 hours)
Day 4: Narran to Saif ul Maluk
Drive Lalazar – Basel, Across Babusar Pass to Chilas/ Astor Rama Alke We follow the Kunhar River and head north, like the Gujjars, and see their temporary summer settlements as we proceed to Basel (3,266 m), a highland pasture with a cluster of stone houses that blend into the rocky hillside. At lake Lulusar, just beyond Basel, jeep tracks lead to the Babusar Pass (4150 m) with the source of the Kunhar River and also the boundary of Kaghan valley with northern areas. The ride across the pass offers extensive views of flowers like pink bistro, blue delphiniums, edelweiss and other flowers reaching white summits. We descend to the town of Chilas /Rama Lake on the bank of mighty Indus River, meals and overnight at hotel. (6/7 hours)
Day 5: Narran to Chilas /Astor /Skardu
Chilas - Astor Rama Lake/ Skardu From Chilas we follow Karakoram Highway reputed as the eight wonder of the world. We follow Indus River towards north and arrive at the place where the three highest mountain ranges of the world meet - Karakoram, Himalayas & Hindukush. Indus and Gilgit River also meet here at this unique place. We turn east from here for Skardu. This exciting mountain road that cuts through the deep & narrow gorge of Indus River, offers many challenging views. The landscape is mostly very dry and wild, villages and settlements along the way are fewer and perched high on the steep mountain slopes. Just before Skardu, the valley suddenly opens up and becomes wide. The roaring & charging river becomes peaceful and clam. Arrive and explore the capital of Baltistan, Skardu town. Formerly Buddhist, Skardu, was called’ Tibet Khurd (little Tibet) and was an important stop on the old route to Tibet and the district of Ladakh. Here the Indus River joins the Shigar River to become an enormous oval basin at 2,300 meters enclosed in purple, red, gray, and ochre mountains. Stroll down the narrow bazaar, climb up the cliff to visit the historic "Kharpocho" fort. Overnight camp at Satpara Lake, a deep blue shimmer just fifteen minutes drive from Skardu.
Day 6: Skardu to Shigar Valley
Skardu - Shigar & Khaplu Valleys. The gentle, irrigated slopes with terraces of wheat, maize and barley, and the orchards of apricot, mulberry, peach, plum, pear, apples and nuts - all add to the charm of Shigar valley surrounded by snow-topped mountains. The town displays impressive carved wooden houses and mosques. After lunch at town, we drive to adjoining Khaplu valley. Khaplu, the largest kingdom in old Baltistan, stretches in a wide fan from the base of a semicircular wall of mountain, dropping some 300 meters to the river level. Paths and irrigation channels connect the scattered houses set amid terraced fields and the friendly villagers welcome visitors. We shall visit the historic wood-carved mosque, dominating the valley from the top end of alluvial fan. Overnight hotel at 2,600 meters.
Day 7: Shigar Valley to Khaplu Valley
Khaplu (Excursion to Hushe valley) Board soft-top 4x4 jeeps for exciting ride to the trek head for K2 base camp. En route short stay in Machlu village for view of Mashabrum Peak (7821 meters). Arrive Hushe, a small green village with many beautiful camping sites. It is the starting and ending point of many trekking and mountaineering parties coming or going to Concordia. Overnight hotel at 3200 m.
Day 8: Khaplu Valley to Apper Kachura
Drive to Upper Kachura Lake Drive back to Skardu. Short stay in Skardu town and continue drive for another 30km for heart shape lower Kachura Lake. Visit Shangri-La resorts around lower Kachura Lake one of the most beautiful resorts in northern Pakistan. Proceed further four kilometers to upper Kachura Lake. Overnight camping at upper Kachura Lake.
Day 9: Skardu to Gilgit
Drive to Gilgit Enjoy your last breakfast at safari camp and say Khuda Hafiz to your camping staff who had been pitching tents for you and preparing meals for you during the safari. Drive on Skardu road through the deep gorge of Indus River to Gilgit. Visit rock-carved Kargah Buddha from 7th century AD. In the ancient times the Kargah valley used to be the traveling route of the Buddhist monks, to go to Taxila. Stroll down the colorful Bazaars of Gilgit. (180 km, 5/6 hours drive).
Day 10: Gilgit to Hunza Karimabad
Gilgit to Hunza Karimabad. We continue to the beautiful, breathtaking Hunza Valley through a scenic route. On our way we see the old Silk Route, perched precariously above the riverbank, used by the Buddhist monks, traders and the locals. As we drive north along the Hunza River, the view is suddenly overtaken by the towering summit of Rakaposhi (7,788m). We stop a while at the view viewpoint to have a grand view of the Karimabad for short walks to Altit and Baltit Forts, and for other explorations in Hunza Valley. The people of Hunza are famous for their long lives. You can also see some beautiful peaks of Karakoram range from Karimabad; Rakaposhi, Diran, Ultar, Golden peak and the Nagar valley on the left bank of Hunza river. In Hunza each family grows enough wheat, maize, apricots and walnuts for its own use. The people are mostly self-sufficient, making their own clothes, shoes, wooden and stone bowls and growing all their own food. They are very friendly and cheerful. In the afternoon you could walk up to Ultar glacier, follow the irrigation channel through the village or stroll through the single lane bazaar for better views of soaring peaks around you. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 11: Karimabad to Passu
Karimabad - Passu (Upper Hunza Valley) Short drive through the heart of Karakoram. We stop at the village of Gulmit, in the shadow of virgin Gulmit tower. Walk through the village fields visit the Polo ground and old houses. Later take a short trek to Gulkin glaciers and Borit Lake. As you end your trek near Borit Lake, the transport will pick for 15 km drive to Passu. Passu is a small charming village in the backdrop of soaring Passu Cones, with Passu and Batura glacier at short walking distance. Walk through the village to see the village life. Some 70 years ago Passu used to be the second largest settlement in Hunza after Karimabad. The glacier upstream on Hunza river moved down to create a large dam, that later broke and destroyed the fertile fields and houses. Now the river occupies the major share of the valley with village on its right bank. Walk to the Passu glacier and Passu Lake (45 minutes one way). From the snout of the glacier you have fascinating views of Shispar (7,611 m) and Passu Peak (7,478 m). Visit the famous suspension bridges of Passu; These 800 feet long bridges over Hunza River are still in use of local people. Overnight at Lodge.
Day 12: Hunza Karimabad to Besham/ Narran
Hunza – Besham/ Narran Drive along the bank of Hunza River on Karakoram Highway, enjoying fascinating views of Karakoram Peaks from a different perspective. We might stop at Gilgit town for lunch. Arrive Besham/ Narran on the bank of Indus River, overnight at hotel. (260 km, 6/7 hours drive.)
Day 13: Besham/Narran to Islamabad /Rawalpindi
Besham / Narran - Islamabad Full day drive on Karakoram Highway to Islamabad. We start early in the morning, to cover the 12 hours long drive. Short stay in Besham for lunch, by evening we shall reach Islamabad. Transfer to hotel. (500km, 12/13 hours drive)
Day 14: Islamabad to Rawalpindi
Departure Morning transfer to airport for departure flight to homeward destination.
What's included
Accommodation: on twin sharing basis at standard category hotels in towns, 2-person dome tent during trek. Meals: half board at hotels, full board during trek. Transport: AC Van / TZ land Cruiser for the entire safari with fuel, toll tax, driver exp. Portage of 15 Kg during trek. Tips & Portage at airport & hotels, entrance fee at sites & museums. English speaking Mountain 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 Rock Valley Tours, their staff and suppliers. Any expense of personal nature not mentioned above.
Languages spoken
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Islamabad