Marco Polo Trail Tour

A journey across Northern Pakistan unfolds like a modern odyssey, echoing Marco Polo’s legendary travels. From lush valleys to arid deserts, roaring rivers to tranquil lakes, every turn reveals striking contrasts. Traversing the Hindu Kush, Karakoram, and Himalayas, you encounter both nature’s majesty and the cultural evolution of mountain communities. Beginning in Peshawar and Swat’s Gandhara remnants, the trail leads over Lowari Pass into Chitral, where Tirich Mir towers above Kalash villages. Crossing Shandur Pass and Phandar Lake, beauty deepens before Hunza Valley, Karimabad, and Khunjerab Pass crown the adventure. Returning via Gilgit and the Karakoram Highway, the odyssey blends landscapes, history, and living culture.

Tour Highlights

• Taxila & Gandhara Ruins – Ancient Buddhist sites, stupas, and Taxila Museum treasures.
• Takht Bhai Monastery – UNESCO-listed hilltop monastery with serene courtyards and ancient carvings.
• Peshawar Museum & Qissa Khawani Bazaar – Gandharan artifacts and centuries-old storytelling markets.
• Mahabat Khan Mosque, Peshawar – Stunning Mughal-era architecture.
• Swat Valley & Shingardara Stupa – Lush valleys, rivers, and Buddhist heritage.
• Lowari Pass – Dramatic mountain pass with breathtaking high-altitude vistas.
• Kalash Valleys – Unique culture, festivals, dances, and colorful villages.
• Chitral & Tirich Mir Views – Forts, mosques, bazaars, and the towering peak of Tirich Mir.
• Shandur Pass & Shandur Lake – “Roof of the World” with iconic polo grounds and panoramic meadows.
• Hunza Valley & Baltit/Altit Forts – Royal heritage, terraced orchards, and stunning Himalayan landscapes.
• Attabad Lake & Hussaini Suspension Bridge – Turquoise waters and thrilling bridge crossing.
• Khunjerab Pass – World’s highest paved international border with breathtaking scenery.
• Shigar & Khaplu Valleys – Forts, palaces, wooden architecture, and Baltistan culture.
• Deosai National Park – Expansive plateau, alpine meadows, and Himalayan wildlife.
• Phandar Lake & Surrounding Valleys – Pristine alpine waters amid towering peaks.
• Gilgit Exploration – Handicrafts, local bazaars, traditional polo matches, and suspension bridges.
• Karakoram Highway Journey – Scenic drives along one of the world’s most legendary roads

Day 01 – Arrival & Islamabad Sightseeing

Arrive in Islamabad and settle into your hotel after your journey. Begin exploring the capital with its modern and historic highlights, from the serene Faisal Mosque to the panoramic views at Daman-e-Koh. Experience the city’s unique blend of culture, greenery, and architecture. Islamabad is the gateway to northern adventures, offering a perfect start to your Marco Polo Trail journey. Overnight Islamabad.

Day 02 – Islamabad to Besham via Taxila

Drive toward Besham with a cultural stop at ancient Taxila. Explore Gandhara ruins, Buddhist monasteries, and relics preserved through centuries. Walk among stone stupas and learn of Ashoka’s influence in the region. Continue your journey along the Indus River valley, taking in rivers, forests, and mountains as the scenery shifts from plains to highland landscapes. Overnight stay in Besham, surrounded by nature and history.

Day 03 – Besham to Chilas

Journey north along the legendary Karakoram Highway, the “8th Wonder of the World.” Pass dramatic gorges, towering peaks, and roaring rivers. Pause at the Shatial Rock Carvings, etched with ancient inscriptions and tales of travelers past. Experience the raw wilderness blending with human history along the route. Arrive in Chilas for an overnight stay, resting amid the grandeur of Pakistan’s northern mountains.

Day 04 – Chilas to Hunza (Karimabad)

Stop at Nanga Parbat viewpoint for breathtaking vistas of the “Killer Mountain.” Witness the convergence of Karakoram, Himalaya, and Hindu Kush ranges. Visit Rakaposhi viewpoint and admire the Indus-Gilgit confluence. Travel along ancient Silk Road paths where traders and travelers once journeyed through these majestic valleys. Arrive in Hunza’s Karimabad, a serene town offering timeless beauty, culture, and hospitality. Overnight Karimabad.

Day 05 – Hunza Valley Exploration

Explore Hunza Valley starting with Ganish Village, preserving centuries-old homes and traditions. Tour Baltit and Altit Forts, steeped in royal heritage. Marvel at the icy expanse of Hoper Glacier and nearby peaks. End the day at Eagle’s Nest, capturing stunning sunsets over Hunza’s mountains. Absorb the valley’s natural splendor, historic charm, and warm local hospitality. Overnight Karimabad.

Day 06 – Hunza to Khunjerab Pass

Cruise along turquoise Attabad Lake, surrounded by cliffs and orchards. Visit Gulmit Village to meet locals and enjoy scenic fields. Cross the thrilling Hussaini Suspension Bridge for an adrenaline rush and spectacular views. Stand at Khunjerab Pass, the world’s highest paved international border. Take in panoramic views of mountains, valleys, and glaciers before returning to Hunza for overnight stay.

Day 07 – Hunza to Shigar Valley

Drive through the heart of the Karakoram, with towering peaks and alpine scenery. Arrive in serene Shigar Valley, known for its orchards, rivers, and traditional villages. Explore wooden homes, meet local families, and immerse in village life. Visit the restored Shigar Fort, a royal gem reflecting the region’s history. Enjoy the valley’s calm beauty before overnight stay in Shigar Valley.

Day 08 – Excursion to Khaplu Valley

Travel to Khaplu Valley, a scenic gem of Baltistan. Tour Khaplu Palace, a stone and wood marvel with regal history. Visit Chaqchan Mosque, one of the oldest in Gilgit-Baltistan. Explore the valley’s picturesque landscapes, meet welcoming locals, and experience traditional culture. Return to Shigar Valley for overnight stay, enriched by Baltistan’s scenic and cultural treasures.

Day 09 – Shigar to Deosai Plateau

Venture into Deosai National Park, the “Roof of the World.” Cross rolling highlands and wildflower meadows, spotting Himalayan wildlife in untouched nature. Visit Satpara Lake, reflecting surrounding peaks in serene waters. Immerse yourself in the plateau’s vastness and tranquility before returning to Shigar Valley for an overnight stay, carrying memories of a pristine alpine landscape.

Day 10 – Shigar to Gilgit

Drive westward through majestic valleys toward Gilgit. Explore the bustling Gilgit Bazaar with vibrant handicrafts and local flavors. Walk across the grand suspension bridge spanning the Gilgit River. If fortunate, witness a traditional polo match, a sport deeply rooted in local culture. Absorb Gilgit’s unique blend of history, mountains, and traditions. Overnight Gilgit.

Day 11 – Gilgit to Phandar

Travel through lush valleys with winding rivers and towering peaks. Arrive at Phandar Lake, a pristine alpine gem with shimmering waters. Explore the surrounding valley, enjoying the stillness and dramatic scenery. Capture photographs of breathtaking landscapes and relax in the tranquil environment. Overnight stay in Phandar, surrounded by natural beauty and serenity.

Day 12 – Phandar to Shandur & Mastuj

Ascend to Shandur Pass, the “Roof of the World,” with rolling meadows and panoramic mountains. Pause at Shandur Lake, pristine and surrounded by peaks. Learn of the legendary annual polo festival held here each summer. Continue to Mastuj, experiencing remote village culture and crisp high-altitude air. Overnight stay in Mastuj, enveloped by the Karakoram’s grandeur.

Day 13 – Mastuj to Ayun via Chitral

Stop in Chitral, exploring its fort and the Shahi Mosque. Wander bustling bazaars with colorful handicrafts and local produce. Continue to Ayun Valley, a verdant oasis surrounded by mountains and rivers. Absorb the tranquil environment and the warm hospitality of local communities. Overnight  Ayun Valley.

Day 14 – Excursion to Kalash Valley

Visit the unique Kalash villages of Rumbur, Birir, and Bumburet. Experience their vibrant festivals, traditional dances, and colorful attire. Learn about their ancient beliefs and distinct cultural practices. Take in the dramatic valley scenery, flanked by snow-capped peaks and meadows. Return to Ayun Valley for overnight stay, enriched by a rare cultural encounter.

Day 15 – Ayun to Peshawar via Lowari Pass

Cross Lowari Pass, navigating dramatic mountains and high-altitude vistas. Descend into the bustling plains of Peshawar, passing through rural villages and scenic landscapes. Appreciate the changing topography from mountains to plains. Arrive in Peshawar, a city steeped in history and culture. Overnight Peshawar.

Day 16 – Peshawar City Exploration

Explore Mahabat Khan Mosque, an exquisite Mughal-era landmark. Visit Peshawar Museum to admire Gandhara sculptures and Buddhist relics. Stroll through Sethi Street and Qissa Khawani Bazaar, immersing in history and trade stories. Pass beneath the historic Khyber Gate and soak in the city’s cultural pulse. Overnight Peshawar.

Day 17 – Peshawar to Islamabad & Departure

Stop at the UNESCO-listed Takht Bhai monastery, a hilltop Buddhist site of serenity. Pause at Faisal Mosque for a final reflection on faith and architecture. Enjoy a scenic drive through verdant valleys back to Islamabad. Conclude your epic Marco Polo Trail adventure with cherished memories of mountains, cultures, and history. Depart from Islamabad for onward journey.

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