Experience Of Marco Polo Route -12 Days Ultimate Pakistan Adventure
About this tour
The “Experience of Marco Polo Route – 12 Days Ultimate Pakistan Adventure” is a guided travel experience designed for adventurous travelers who want to explore Pakistan along the historic Silk Road. The trip emphasizes cultural immersion, natural beauty, and off-the-beaten-path exploration. Here are the key highlights:
Overview
A 12-day journey tracing parts of the legendary Marco Polo route.
Focus on authentic experiences with local hosts and communities.
Designed for travelers seeking adventure, history, and cultural depth.
What You’ll Experience
Scenic Landscapes: Majestic mountains, valleys, and historic trade routes.
What You’ll Experience
Scenic Landscapes: Majestic mountains, valleys, and historic trade routes.
Cultural Encounters: Interaction with local communities, traditions, and hospitality.
Historical Significance: Following the footsteps of Marco Polo along ancient trading paths.
Adventure Activities: Trekking, sightseeing, and exploring remote regions.
Who It’s For
Adventure seekers who enjoy trekking and cultural exploration.
Travelers interested in history and the Silk Road legacy.
Those looking for a mix of natural beauty and authentic local experiences.
Why It’s Special
Offers a unique blend of history, culture, and adventure.
Supports local communities by engaging with hosts directly.
Provides an immersive, life-changing travel experience beyond typical tourist routes.
Activities included
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Your Home -Islamabad Upon arrival in Islamabad, I am Sher Baz your tour guide meets you at Airport, after a short introduction and Some freshening up, drive to Besham/Narran same day. En-route visit Taxila, the capital of Buddhist Gandhara civilization. It is reputed as one of the most important archaeological sites of the sub-continent. See the ruins of a former city (Sirkup), a former monastery (Julian) built on top of a hill, and the splendid site museum that contains the artifacts recovered from the excavation sites. Here one could also see the gold and silver coins of Alexander the Great (326 BC) and local kings. After Taxila, proceed towards the Karakoram Highway, passing through the lush green valleys of Mansehra District, enjoying the beautiful landscapes of the valley.Karakoram High way is the joint effort of Pakistan and China. At Thakot, cross the Chinese bridge to enter the gorge of the Indus River. Its completion took 20 years. 300 Chinese and 600 Pakistanis sacrificed their lives for the completion of this road. Overnight stay at hotel. (5/6 hours, 200 km)
Day 2
Go for a morning drive on KKH to Gilgit. The capital city of the Northern areas of Pakistan. At Thakot, cross the Chinese bridge to enter the gorge of the Indus River. For centuries the traders and Buddhist missionaries used this branch of the Silk Route. There are many rock carving sites of that time: Shatial rock carving is one of them. Have lunch in Chilas and then, make a stop at Thalichi for the best views of Nanga Parbat (8,125m), the 9th highest peak of the world and the second-highest after K2 in Pakistan, also known as the killer mountain. Rakaposhi (7,788m) and the Haramosh range can also be viewed from here. Afterwards, arrive at the meeting point of the mountain ranges. The three highest mountain ranges of the world Karakoram, Himalayas and Hindukush meet where the Indus River is joined by the Gilgit River. Later, continue along Gilgit River, overnight at hotel. (9/10 hours, 320 km)
Day 3
Drive out from Gilgit to re-enter the town from the historic route, crossing a suspension bridge over the river. At Kargah, visit the rock-carved Buddha from the 7th century AD. In ancient times, the Kargah valley used to be the travelling route of the Buddhist monks to go to Taxila. Stroll down the colourful Bazaars of Gilgit. The tour will continue to the beautiful, breathtaking Hunza valley through a scenic route. On the way, see the old Silk Route used by the Buddhist monks and traders. En route, take a halt at Rakaposhi's (7,788m) viewpoint. Enter the Hunza valley and arrive at the capital Karimabad. Overnight at Hotel. (2/3 hours, 110 km)
Day 4
Spend a day free in Karimabad for short walks to Altit and Baltit Forts and other explorations in Hunza Valley. The people of Hunza are famous for their long lives. See some beautiful peaks of the Karakoram ranging from Karimabad; Rakaposhi 7788m, Diran 7266m, Ultar 7400m, Golden 7027m 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 their own food. The people are very friendly and cheerful. In the afternoon, walk 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.
Day 5
Today, go for a short drive through the heart of Karakoram. Make a stop at the village of Gulmit, in the shadow of the virgin Gulmit tower. Stroll through the village fields, visit the Polo ground and old houses. Later, take a short trek to Gulkin glaciers and Borit Lake. A s you end your hike 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 the 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 the village on its right bank. Walk to the Passu glacier and Passu Lake (45 minutes one way). From the snout of the glacier, witness 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 the Hunza River are still in use by local people.
Day 6: Gupis valley, Gupis
Drive to Gupis with occasional drop-offs from the jeep for exciting walks along the trek. Then, bid farewell to the Karakoram range and enter the Hindukush range. Wild landscape meets us during the drive as this route is visited by much fewer people and is snow-covered during the winters, so only nomads move with their flock of goats, searching the higher slopes for green pastures. . (6/7 hours – 3000meters) En route heading also upper Gahkuch valley to take a significant view of whole gahkch valley and adjacent areas. This high place is used for photography and videos due to worth seeing.
Day 7
From Gupis the Jeep-track passes through fabulous lakes Khalti and Phander lake - over the Shandur Pass (3500m) to Mastuj. At Shandur top, we leave the jeeps and walk over the pass to the highest Polo ground in the world. Every year, a grand festival of Polo takes place where teams from all of North Pakistan meet together to decide the Champion of the year. any enthusiasts attend the festival from every village, who Camp here for days to see their team progress towards glory. Then, drive to Larkspur village. After Laspur village, a zigzag jeep track descends down towards Mastuj, Continue to drive to Mastuj for overnight camping or lodge. (6/7 hours – 3000 meters) Head for a morning drive from Mastuj village, along the Chitral River, which is flowing in the main valley bed. The landscape of the Hindukush range appears much arid and dry, as this area is outside the reach of the monsoon and receives very little rain. Stop at a small village for lunch and then continue enjoying fascinating views of snow-clad peaks reaching 4,500 meters. Arrive Chitral and after some rest, drive to Kalash valley. Visit Bumburet and villages in Kalash valley to experience the unique landscapes and meet the local population during their daily life. Overnight Bomboret village. (6/7 hours – 3000 meters)
Day 8
Head for a morning drive from Mastuj village, along the Chitral River, which is flowing in the main valley bed. The landscape of the Hindukush range appears much arid and dry, as this area is outside the reach of the monsoon and receives very little rain. Stop at a small village for lunch and then continue enjoying fascinating views of snow-clad peaks reaching 4,500 meters. Arrive Chitral and after some rest, drive to Kalash valley. Visit Bumburet and villages in Kalash valley to experience the unique landscapes and meet the local population during their daily life. Overnight Bomboret village. (6/7 hours – 3000 meters)
Day 9
Go for a morning drive to swat. Proceed towards Lowari Pass/tunnel (3,200 meters). The ascend is very interesting as it encounters around 96 Hair-pin turns to bring you to the top of Lowari Pass. Arrive Swat, a land that shines with fruit-laden orchards, flower-filled slopes, meandering rivers, rumbling streams, and is surrounded by the mighty ranges of the Hindu Kush and Karakoram. The valley is 3,250 feet above sea level, Saidu Sharif and Mingora are the towns that form the twin capital of this area. Arrive and transfer to hotel for overnight in Mingora.
Day 10
Visit museum, White Palace, some rock carvings from the Buddhist period, and in Upper Swat, explore -visit Bazira archeological site and shingardar Stupa. Then, drive to Peshawar. Descend to Dir, Chakdara, and Malakand Pass and arrive Peshawar, Peshawar has always been important in the history of the sub-continent because of its location by Khyber Pass and Gandhara civilization. The city is now known more for its unique feeling of being a frontier town than for its monuments. Arrive and transfer to the hotel overnight. (4/5 hours - 1350 meters)
Day 11
Today we heading to vibrant and historical route of Kyber Pass Pakistan and Afghanistan border. Khyber Pass, a legendary mountain pass that has been a crucial gateway between the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia for centuries. Note: Visit to Kyber pass trip is not an easy to there due to many securities concern but I will try my best to make your trip to Kyber pass. As we traverse this historic route, you’ll marvel at its rugged beauty and learn about its pivotal role in trade, military history, and the spread of cultures. The Pass has witnessed countless historic events and is renowned for its breathtaking vistas and formidable terrain. The Khyber Pass is steeped in history, with each pebble on the path echoing tales of empires, explorers, and conquerors. Here are some key historical highlights: Ancient Trade Route: The Khyber was part of the ancient Silk Road, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Conqueror’s Playground: Legendary conquerors like Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, and Timur and in recent times British and Americans crossed the pass on their quests for dominance. The pass bore witness to countless battles and conquests. British Colonial Legacy: During the British colonial era, the Pass was a crucial part of the Great Game—a geopolitical struggle between the British Empire and Russia in Central Asia. Modern Conflicts: The Pass has also played a significant role in contemporary history, serving as a flashpoint in regional conflicts and the Afghan War. After 9/11 this pass was used as NATO’s main supply line for allied forces in Afghanistan and also used as a withdrawal route for NATO forces in 2021.Drive back to Peshawar for overnight stay
Day 12
Head to Islamabad while travelling on the Grand Trunk Road laid down by the Pathan Emperor of the United Indian Empire: Sher Shah Suri. Stop for a photo at the meeting point of Indus and Kabul Rivers just beyond Attock Bridge. Enter Faisal Mosque, the landmark of Islamabad. Visit Daman-e-Koh on top of the hill for a panoramic view of Islamabad. Then, drive on Constitution Avenue looking at President's House, Parliament, Supreme Court & other state buildings. In the evening, proceed to Airport to board your return flight with a lot of good memories from colorful culture and high mountains of Pakistan
What's included
Transport throughout Marco Polo journey • Transport fuel and other necessary Insurance • Hotel accommodation as per tour plan • All meals this will include breakfast lunch and dinner • Daily Nestle water and fresh seasonal fruits • Invitation Letter and visa support documents • Professional Tour Guide • Processional Driver • Site entrance fee
International Flight tickets • Personal shopping • Alcohol Beverages
Languages spoken
What to know
Travel Requirements Visa: All travelers need a valid visa to enter Pakistan. Check requirements for your nationality well in advance or contact to Mr Sherbaz your Tour guide. Permits: Certain regions along the route may require special permits, especially near border areas. These will be arranged with the assistance of Mr. Sherbaz, your professional tour and mountain guide, ensuring smooth logistics. Packing & Preparation Clothing: Pack for varied climates — warm layers for mountains, lighter clothes for valleys. Respect local customs by dressing modestly. Footwear: Comfortable trekking shoes are essential for hikes and uneven terrain. Gear: Sunglasses, sunscreen, reusable water bottle, and a small backpack for day trips. Sherbaz’s Guidance: He will advise on appropriate gear and ensure you are well-prepared for both cultural visits and mountain treks. Physical Readiness The itinerary includes trekking and long drives through mountainous terrain. A moderate level of fitness is recommended. Altitude can be a factor in some areas, so be prepared for thinner air and a slower pace. Sherbaz’s Expertise: His experience in high-altitude guiding ensures safe pacing and acclimatization. Food & Accommodation Expect authentic local meals, often simple but hearty. Accommodations range from guesthouses to small hotels — rustic but comfortable, with opportunities to experience local hospitality. Sherbaz organizes your accommodation and meals, ensuring you enjoy both comfort and cultural immersion. Cultural Awareness Pakistan is rich in traditions. Respect local customs, especially in rural and conservative areas. Learning a few phrases in Urdu is appreciated by locals. Sherbaz will guide you in cultural etiquette and help you connect respectfully with communities. Connectivity & Payments Internet and phone coverage may be limited in remote areas. Carry cash, as card facilities are not always available. Safety & Health Travel insurance covering adventure activities is strongly advised. Bring any personal medications, as pharmacies may be limited outside major towns. Sherbaz ensures safe routes and authentic experiences, combining his knowledge of culture and mountains. This journey is designed for adventurous travelers who want to immerse themselves in history, culture, and nature. With Mr. Sherbaz as your expert tour and mountain guide, you’ll benefit from his deep knowledge of Pakistan’s landscapes, traditions, and trekking routes. His guidance ensures that your adventure along the Silk Road is safe, authentic, and unforgettable.