The Karakoram Highway is the eighth wonder of the world, running through 1200kms of rocky terrain and crossing into the Xinjiang province of China. The Karakorum Highway is monument to the toil and skill of an army of 15000 Pakistan and Chinese workers who worked for nearly two decades to master the Hazards and challenges that the forbidding terrain offered. A number of them laid down their lives to rebuild for us the historical Silk Road to china-the road through which travelled Marco polo and which brought such famous Chinese travelers as Fa Hien and Huen. Highway snakes its way through the khunjrab pass at height of 4770 meters-the highest metaled road in the world.
Itinerary
Day 01: Islamabad
Arrival at Islamabad international airport, transfer to centrally located hotel/guest house. In the afternoon site seeing of twin cities (Islamabad & Rawalpindi), visit modern mosque Shah Faisal, Doman-e-koh, Shakarparian hills, Lok Versa, Modern markets (Jinnah supper & super markets), Raja Bazaar, Cant area etc. Overnight stay in hotel
Day 02: Islamabad – Taxila – Besham
We will start our journey (5-6 hrs drive) toward the mountain kingdom of North Pakistan on the famous Karakorum Highway/ancient silk route. En route visit Taxila Museum (1 hour drive). The modern town of Taxila is 35 km from Islamabad. Most of the Archeological Sites at Taxila (600 B.C-500 A.D) are located around Taxila Museum. For over 1000 years, Taxila remained famous of as a centre of learning in respect of Gandhara Art of Sculpture, education and Buddhism in the days of Buddhist glory. There are over 50 archeological sites scattered in a radius of 30 km around Taxila. Some of the most important sites include Dharmarajika, Stupa and Monastery (300 B.C – 200 A.D), Bhir Mound (600-200 B.C) Sirkap (200 B.C – 600 A.D, Jundial Temple (250 B.C), and Julian Monastery (200-600 A.D). After our visit we continue our drive, en route we will stop for a cup of Pakistani tea and toilet break. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 03: Besham – Chilas – Gilgit
It is long day 12 hrs drive but the scenery en route more than makes up for it. Before reached to Gilgit en route we will face some interesting photogenic stops at the pre-historic rock carving inscription at Shatial, rocks with ancient graffiti’s at Chilas, view point of Nanga Parbat (9th highest peak of the world) offers breathtaking panorama on behind, the unique point where three mountain ranges, Karakorum, Himalayas and Hindukush meet and our next stop will be at confluence of River Indus & Gilgit.
Day 04: Gilgit
Full day sightseeing of Gilgit town. Tour include, visit of famous Gilgit mountain bazaar, suspension bridges, Kargha Buddha and walk along the Gilgit River. After lunch we will take some rest and in the evening, we will watch the “The Wild Polo” at Shahi Polo Ground Gilgit. O/N stay in hotel.
Day 05: Gilgit – Karimabad, Hunza
For half a day, we will drive along the beautiful Hunza river, one of the most special parts ofPakistan, en route visit Chinise graveyard, monuments, Rakaposhi view points. As we approach Karimabad the peak Rakaposhi (7788m) dominates the sky line to the east. Above Hunza stands the prominent rock spire Bublimating 6000m and the Impressive Ultar Peaks. The former Mir of Hunza now lives in Modern Palace in Karimabad. We will have time to explore the shops and city of Karimabad. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 06: Hunza Valley
The tour will include meeting with local folks, understanding the secrets of their longevity and also visit some of the important historical sites including the recently renovated, simple yet overpowering, Baltit Fort and the Altit Fort.
Day 07: Karimabad, Hunza – Hopar
This morning we will drive by 4×4 jeeps to Hopar village (Nagar Valley) on opposite site of River Hunza for a walk on the Hopar Glacier. After lunch at Hopar, we will drive back to Duikar (The top village of Central Hunza) for sun set and sunrise photography.
Day 08: Karimabad, Hunza – Passu
Short an hour of driving on KKH along the river with the high peaks all around will bring us to Passu. But before reach to Passu we will stop en-route at Ganesh, (old village): The general belief however, is that the original inhabitants are descendant of soldiers of Alexander the Great, further drive to Gulkin village and walk on glacier from Gulkin to Borit Lake and trek down to KKH , cross Passu suspension bridges. Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 09: Passu – Khunjerab Pass –Tashgurgan
Leave for Tashgurgan via Khunjerab Pass (16000 ft) – the first small town on Chinese side. This route is a beautiful drive, with views of the high mountains of the Karakoram and the distant Pamir Mountain Ranges. At Khunjerab, now declared a national park, one can see Marco Polo Sheep (ovis ammon poli) and we will have stop for an hour. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 10: Tashgurgan – Karakole Lake – Kashgar
Leave for Kashgar en route enjoy the sceneries of two historic peaks of Pameer range Muztag Ata and Kongpur. Lunch will be served at Karakole Lake. Arrive at Kashgar (5 hrs drive). End of services.
-End of the Tour-
Cost includes
- Comfortable 3-star accommodation with breakfast
- AC Transportation (car) with fuels and toll taxes
- English speaking Guide services
- Sightseeing tickets
- Jeep for Deo-Sai plains
- Basic First Aid kit
- Pick and drop.
- All kind of taxes.