Eight Day Journey along the Karakoram Highway to Hunza Valley with Day Treks, Seven Nights Hotels
Experience the confluence of the highest mountain ranges of the world: Karakoram, Himalayas and Hindu Kush as you travel along the Karakoram Highway, reputed as the 8th wonder of the world, through the dramatic, deep gorges of the Indus: the Lion River.
Spend a few days in Hunza, a region inhabited by Ismaili Muslims and renowned for the longevity of its inhabitants. Walk to the glaciers flowing down from the soaring peaks.
Arrival in Islamabad – Chilas / Naran On arrival at Islamabad, we begin drive toward Chilas via Karakorum highway cross Mansehra, Besham, Thakot bridge. Reach Chilas, Overnight at Hotel. (10-12-hour drive, 400 km)
Naran / Chilas – Gilgit – Hunza After breakfast we drive to Gilgit. At Chilas, we enter the Indus River gorge. There are many rock carving sites dating back to that time, including the carvings at Shatial. We stop at Thalichi, the best view point of Nanga Parbat (8125m) the 9th highest peak in the world and the second highest in Pakistan after K2. There are also spectacular views of Rakaposhi (7788m) and the Haramosh Range from the same spot. As we drive north we reach the meeting point of the world’s three highest mountain ranges – the Karakoram, Himalayas and the Hindukush. After crossing a suspension bridge of the river we reach Kargah and visit the 7th century Buddha carved into the rock. Our tour continues along the breathtaking Hunza Valley where we will be able to see the original Silk Route used by both traders and monks. Enroute we will make a short stop at the Rakaposhi (7788m) viewpoint before arriving at Karimabad, the capital of the Hunza Valley. Overnight at Hotel.
Excursion Hunza - Karimabad. Relaxed and laid-back day. In the morning visit the 800-year-old Altit Fort that overlooks the ancient old silk route and the new Karakoram Highway. Later visit the newly restored palace of the Mir of Hunza Kingdom that also served as a fort during many wars. Afternoon walk to Ultar Glacier (optional). Meals and overnight stay at hotel. Optional excursion to Nagar Valley.
Karimabad - Passu (Upper Hunza Valley). Today we take a short drive into the heart of Karakorum. We will stop at the village of Gulmit, in the shadow of the unclimbed Gulmit Tower and walk through the village fields to visit the polo ground and historic houses and later take a short trek to the Gulkin glaciers and Borit Lake. Our transport will meet us near Borit Lake to take us 15km to Passu. Passu is a charming village set against a backdrop of the soaring Passu Cones, and the Passu and Batura glaciers within short walking distance. There will be time for a walk through the village before overnight at Hotel.
An hour’s drive from Passu to Sost, the Pakistani customs & immigration post on Khunjerab border. Here you will complete the border formalities, You travel through the Khunjerab National Park, with chance of sighting the Karakoram Ibex (Markhor) and Marcopolo sheep. At 4,733 meters Khunjerab Pass, back to Passu Villge for Overnight hotel.
Passu – Besham. Drive back along the Karakoram Highway following the Hunza River enjoying more amazing views of the Karakoram. We spend the night at Besham / Naran on the banks of the Indus River.
We start early for the 8-hour drive along the KKH to Islamabad, with a short stop at Abbotabad for lunch. Drive to Taxila, the ancient capital of Buddhist Gandhara civilization which is regarded as one of the most important archaeological sites on the sub-continent. Here we will visit the ruins of a former city (Sirkup), a hill-top former monastery (Julian) and the splendid site museum that contains artifacts excavated from the sites. After visiting the site, we drive to Islamabad. Visit Pakistan monument, Faisal Mosque followed by dinner at Monal Restaurants. Overnight stay at hotel.
Early Morning drop airport for Departure for your home destination
Cost Includes: Accommodation: on double / triple sharing basis at tourist category hotels in towns. Meals: Half board at hotels, Full board during trek Transportation: Local transport and Soft top 4x4 jeeps to trek head & trek end. Guide English Speaking.
Cost Does Not Include: Domestic/International airfare and airport taxes. Any expense due to unforeseen natural. calamities, cancellation of flight, landslides, acts of God. beyond the control of land services provider and their staff and agents. Tips & Portage at airport & hotels, entrance fees at sites & museums Any expense of personal nature not mentioned above.
Spend a few days in Hunza, a region inhabited by Ismaili Muslims and renowned for the longevity of its inhabitants. Walk to the glaciers flowing down from the soaring peaks.
Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad, Pakistan to Chilās