Karakoram Highway and Hunza Shangri-La, Pakistan

1290 €, 9 Days

The Hunza Valley is a mountainous valley in Northern Pakistan that connects Pakistan to China via the Khunjerab Pass. The snow-capped mountain tops of Himalaya, Karakoram and Huindu Kush are in constant sight when travelling along the route that was once part of the ancient silk road connecting China to Europe. The Hunza Valley is often referred to as Shangri-La (earthly paradise), and the valley is believed to be the inspiration behind the mythical valley of Shangri-La in the novel Lost Horizon by James Hilton. Between 1959 and 1979, the Karakoram Highway was built. One of the highest paved international roads in the world and also known as the 8th wonder of the world. The construction of this impressive highway, which is 1,300 km long and is elevated at 4,693 m, came at a dear price – it is said that one person died for each kilometer of the road. This region is beautiful and fascinating due to the ethnic diversity that this area is famous for and the natural scenery.

Highlights:
♦ Babusar Top - 4170 meters high and altitude experiences
♦ Khunjerab Pass - the highest international border between Pakistan and China, at over 4,500 meters.
♦ Khaplu Fort and Chaqchan Mosque - the history and architecture of the fort built in 1840 and the mosgue's over 700 years of cultural and religious significance

View Route Map

Itinerary:

Day 1. Islamabad-Naran
Arrive early morning at Islamabad Airport - meet & greet and start the journey to Naran (250 km). Hotel in Naran -/-/-

Day 2. Naran - Hunza
Leave early from Naran after breakfast, our destination is Hunza via Babusar Top at 4170 m., then join on Karakoram road for further drive to Hunza - Short stay at Rakaposhi Peak view point to take photos. Hotel in Hunza.

Day 3. Hunza
.We will visit Baltit Fort in Hunza - 1000 years old fort once it was used for residential purposes by then royal family of Hunza, it was restored in 1996 by Agha Khan foundation . After that we will visit another Altit Fort. Drive back to Hunza and visit Karimabad Bazar - free time for shopping.

Day 4. Hunza Valley - China Border Khunjerab Pass - Hunza
After breakfast we will visit the Khunjerab National Park - the highest international border between Pakistan and China, at over 4,500 m above sea level. Once we are back from China border after 8 hours, we shall visit Gulmit, where we can enjoy the local hand made products , rugs and explore natural lifestyles of the locals.

Day 5. Hunza – Gilgit - Skardu
Today, we head on a 6 to 8-hour drive on the Karakoram Highway from Hunza Valley to Skardu. We make a stop in Gilgit, the capital of Gilgit-Baltostan region before reaching Skardu.
Skardu is famous for many things, but most notably for its proximity to the Shangrila Lake - one of the most beautiful natural sites in Pakistan. Overnight stay in Skardu.

Day 6. Skardu - Khaplu
The spectacular road to Khaplu follows the Indus river for about 4-5 hours, passing small Balti and Tibetan towns. Today we visit Khaplu Fort - a true acrhitectural masterpiece of the region. The palace was built in 1840 by the Yabgo Raja Daulat Ali Khan of Khaplu after the Dogra of Kashmir who captured the region decided to move the seat of government from the old fort.Then we visit Chaqchan Mosque - a religious temple which carries nearly 700 years of history, and a great cultural and religious significance. Overnight in Khaplu.

Day 7. Khaplu – Shigar Valley - Skardu
We drive from Khaplu Valley to Shigar Valley, the gateway and starting point for trekking in the high mountains of the Karakoram. This is one of the most beautiful valleys in Skardu with stunning views all around. We visit the 400-year-old fort and the 17th century Palace of the Raja before driving back to Skardu for overnight.

Day 8. Skardu – Islamabad
Drive to the airport and fly to Islamabad. Afternoon city tour.

Day 9. Departure

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Visa: As a visitor you have to apply for Pakistani Visa through Pakistan Online Visa System via https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/. Even if you will find an option to seek visa upon arrival (you still need to use the online system min. 72 hours in advance and get your documents approved) we recommend getting the visa in advance. Check the information on the website of the Pakistan Embassy in your country for further details.

Price Includes:
9 nights in hotels and guesthouses in a double room with private facilities and breakfast
all transport according to itinerary
flight ticket Skardu-Islamabad
English-speaking guide
airport transfers
visa invitation letter
Penguin tour leader at minimum 8 participants

Not Included:
drinks and meals - not mention in the program
flight tickets to/from Islamabad
tips
insurances
personal expenses

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