Karakoram Highway and Hunza Shangri-La, Pakistan

1450 €, 11 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.

View Route Map

Itinerary:

Day 1. Islamabad
Meet-and-greet upon arrival at Islamabad International Airport. Transfer to the hotel/guesthouse in central Islamabad. After a few hours of rest, we go on guided city tour. Overnight in Islamabad.

Day 2. Islamabad - Chilas
In the morning, we shall head towards Chilas Valley, It would first take us only 5 hours as the new motorway is built till Besham and then further we shall have drive more 9 to 10 Hours, It would be all Karakorum Road, full of adventure, waterfalls & local towns, check in hotel in evening.

Day 3. Chilas - Upper Hunza
Today, we start our trip on the Karakoram Highway, The higway connects China and Pakistan across the Karakoram mountain range, through the Khunjerab Pass, at an elevation of 4,693 m. Due to its high elevation and the difficult conditions in which it was constructed, the highway is also referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World. The Karakoram Highway was built by the governments of Pakistan and China between 1959 and 1979, and its construction took the lives of over 1,000 workers. The route of the Karakoram Highway traces one of the many paths of the ancient Silk Road. We shall reach Hunza in like 6 hours with lots of sightseeing on the way: Nanga Parbat 9th highest peak in world with 8126 m , take pictures from road and then the next stopover is near Rakaposhi peak which is part of Karakoram range with 7780 m elevation . We shall have some time spent at Attabad Lake that was found in 2010 due to big landslide into hunza River near attabad area, do boating there and then move towards Gulmit or Passu for overnight in a hotel.

Day 4. Hunza Valley - China Border Khunjerab Pass
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 Village , where we can enjoy the local hand made products , rugs and explore natural lifestyles of the locals.

Day 5. Exploring Central Hunza Valley
After breakfast we will head to Central Hunza ,it would take us only 45 minutes to reach there .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 Karimabad Bazar - free time for shopping.

Day 6. Hunza - Skardu
Today, we head on a 6 to 8-hour drive on the Karakoram Highway from Hunza Valley to Skardu. Skardu is famous for many things, but most notably for its proximity to the Shangrila Lake - one of the most beautifl natural sites in Pakistan. Overnight stay in Skardu.

Day 7. Skardu - Khaplu - Skardu
Today we visit Khaplu Fort - a true acrhitectural masterpiece of the region. Then we visit Chnaqchan Mosque - a religious temple which carries nearly 700 years of history, and a great cultural and religious significance. We then drive back to Skardu .Overnight is Skardu.

Day 8. Skardu - Upper Kachura lake
After breakfast, we visit the nearby Upper Kachura Lake known for its warm and sweet green waters. Back to Skardu for overnight.

Day 9. Skardu - Chilas
Today, we have a long ride to Chilas City - the capital of the Diamir District. Here we can see the mighty Nanga Parbatas - the 9th highest mountain in the world, with a summit elevation of 8,126 metres. Overnight in Chilas.

Day 10. Chilas - Islamabad
Early in the morning we head to Islamabad, and we reach the city in the evening. Overnight in Islamabad.

Day 11. Departure
After breakfast at the hotel - transfer to Islamabad International Airport.

Visa: To obtain Pakistan visa please contact the nearest Pakistan High Commission or a consulate to your place. Visa processing takes 5 to 7 working days. For any further assistance/ invitation letter for obtaining visa please contact our office. To download visa forms and fee information refer the following web link (www.pakistanconsulateny.org).

Price Includes:
10 nights in hotels and Guesthouses,in a double room with private facilities and breakfas
all transport according to itinerary
English-speaking guide
Airport transfers
visa invitation letter
entrance fees to Baltit,Altit and Khaplu Forts

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

Additional Services:
Supplement per pers. at 2 - 3 sharing a vehicle:565 EUR per person

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