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Our local team will meet and assist us at Islamabad and transfer to hotel for rest.
Overnight in Islamabad
Leave hotel early in the morning to catch a scenic flight to Gilgit while enjoying dramatic views of Hindu Kush & west Himalaya mountains en route. It takes only an hour to reach Gilgit airport.
Transfer to hotel for check-in & breakfast. We then have a tour around Gilgit town and visit an ancient rock carving of Buddha in Basin valley that dates back to the 7th century.
Note: We use this day to drive on the road, if the flight from Islamabad to Gilgit is delayed, which is subject to weather status.
Overnight in Gilgit / Chilas- subject to flight.
Today we drive west to Ghizer valley under the vast shadows of the mountains. The road crosses through the Hindu Kush. The mountains get bigger and the road condition deteriorates.
We stop at Gupis valley and spend afternoon exploring around, visiting Khalti lake, enjoying views and meeting people. Next is the Phandur valley, most scenic valley of Hindu Kush where we spend the day in the village and visit the blue color Phandur lake. The Ghizer river is home of trout fish and you will taste it fresh at your dinner.
Overnight in Ghizer.
Drive on the legendary Karakoram Highway while visiting places and making photo stops along the way including traces of the ancient Silk route, collision of continental plates (Indian and Eurasian), and viewpoint of Mount Rakaposhi (7,788 m), the majestic peak rising above Nagar valley.
At Hunza, we visit the ancient Baltit Fort, a more than 700-year-old fort that was once the residence of the king of Hunza. In the afternoon, we enjoy the sunset views from your hotel in Karimabad, the capital of Hunza valley nestled in many snow-capped mountains of the Karakoram.
Overnight in Karimabad.
Head out to explore upper Hunza valley via visiting the Attabad lake en route. The lake was formed back in 2010 due to a massive land slide on Hunza river. Stop at the lake viewpoint for photography, before proceed to Passu valley. We then proceed to Hussaini hanging bridge, one of the well-known footstep bridges over Hunza river to have some fun, then to Borit lake and a short hike to see white Passu glacier. Those aren’t willing to go for hike will can stay at Borit Lake restaurant.
Overnight in Passu.
Resume the drive to reach Khunjerab Top located at 4,700 m. It’s the highest international crossing between two countries (Pakistan and China) and is the end of Karakoram Highway within Pakistan.
We travel through the Khunjerab National Park where we may encounter with park’s wildlife i.e, Karakoram ibex, Himalayan marmot and rare snow leopard.
After some time at the border for photography, we then return to hotel in Karimabad, Hunza.
Set out for a long road trip down to Islamabad on Karakoram Highway and break the journey at Besham to split the drive into two parts. We take the shorter Babusar road if the trip falls between June to first week of October. Estimated time to hit the destination is around 12 hours.
En route, we stop at the junction point of three mountain ranges: the Karakoram, Hindu Kush & the Himalayas. Also we see the viewpoint of Nanga Parbat (8126 m), the second highest peak of Pakistan.
Overnight in Besham/ Naran (will be decided subject to road status to Babusar Top)
Complete the road journey to Islamabad. En route, we lunch at Abbottabad city.
The estimated length of the journey is 7-8 hours. Transfer to hotel for rest on arrival.
Overnight in Islamabad.
On last day we explore the capital city, this will include a visit of Faisal Mosque, the largest Mosque in Pakistan. We visit Lok – the cultural heritage museum of Pakistan which presents living culture and tradition of both mainstream and rural areas. Then we go to Pakistan Monument -The petal-shaped granite structure reflecting history, culture, and unity of the provinces of Pakistan. We spend time shopping at Islamabad, then transfer to the airport three hours prior to your homebound flight.