| Tour to the “Roof of the World” |
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Peshwar-Chitral-Shandur Pass 3800m-Hunza-Khunjerab Pass 4733m
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| Day-01 |
Arrival to Islamabad airport and transfer to hotel, in the rest of time sightseeing in Islamabad, is the capital of Pakistan, located against the backdrop of Margalla Hills at the north edge of Potohar. It is contrast to its twin city Rawalpindi, it is lush green, spacious/visit to Shah Faisal Mosque/ Daman-e-Kok, this low hill overlooking Islamabad known as Daman-e-Koh, offers panoramic view of Islamabad/ Lok Virsa (National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage. You may visit to Rawalpindi, old Bazaar (Raja Bazaar). |
| Day-02 |
Proceed to Peshawar 3-4-hrs drive, en-route visit to Taxila, is situated around 35 kilometers to the northwest of Rawalpindi, which represents one of the most important archaeological sites in Pakistan. This was the capital of the rich Gandhara Buddhist civilization, which flourished in Pakistan from at least the sixth century BC through to the fifth century AD, evolving and changing over the centuries as it absorbed the influence of various conquering empires. Today Taxila is archaeologist's paradise and there is well maintained Museum here and eight sights scattered around a very short radius. Amongst the best preserve are Jualian, Dharmarajika, Jandial and Skirkap.
Arrival to the Peshawar, the capital of the North West Frontier Province (NWFP), is Pakistan most diverse province. Peshawar is located at the elevation of 350m from the sea level and area is 80 square kilometer with about 11,00,000 inhabitants. For sightseeing in Peshawar are Museum, Mohbat Khan Mosque and old Bazaars. The Bazaars of the Old City area kaleidoscope of colors, sounds and smell, crowds of people jostle with cars, bicycles, donkey carts and Rickshaws and narrow alleys lead off from the main streets. Concealing even more colorful and atmospheric bazaars with everything from vegetables to ornate gold and silver jewelry. Some of famous Bazaars are Khyber Bazaar, Namak Mandi, Qissa Khwani Bazaar etc. |
| Day-03 |
Drive to Swat (5-6 hrs), a land that shines with fruit-laden orchards, flowering filled slopes, meandering rivers, rumbling streams and surrounded by the mighty range of Himalaya. The Swat Valley is one of the most fertile and easily accessible mountainous areas in the northern Pakistan. The main attraction is its scenic beauty and pleasant climate in the summer. In addition, the area is rich in historical sites dating back to the Gandhara Buddhist period and earlier. The valley is about 3250 feet / 991m above the sea level. Saidu Sharif and Mingora are the towns. En-route visit to TAKHT-E-BHAI, small town famous for its nearby Gandhara Buddhist monastery, is perched strikingly on the side of a bare ridge of rock rising abruptly up from the surrounding plains, and is certainly the best preserved and most impressive piece of Gandhara architecture in Pakistan. The sophistication and quality of the building work is clear from the beautifully fashioned walls and well-preserved brickwork. Overnight at the hotel in Swat Valley. |
| Day-04 |
Departure for CHITRAL (8-9 hrs) via Lowari Pass 3118m, Chitral is located at the elevation of (1475 m) from the sea level and an isolated valley among the Hindu-Kush Mountains. Alexander the Great marched through here in 326 Bc. leaving behind Greek traditions which to this day are reflected in the customs of the indigenous population. An early Sansikrit inscription records that the country was under King Kaipal of Kabul, a Buddhist King. After various shorts lived regimes, the Mehtras came into power, and ruled the small kingdom for over three hundred years.
Chitral town is the district headquarters and largest urban Centre in Chitral. It boasts a lively, colorful and atmospheric main Bazaar, with majestic splendor of Tirich Mir dominating the skyline to the north. The city acts as a base for many trekking and expeditions, and its pure mountain air attracts many that wish to enjoy with nature. Historically, it gained its importance from the trade that passed through here on its way between Afghistan and China. Some Afghani refugees are settling here now. Overnight at hotel. |
| Day-05 |
Proceed to Kalash Valley (2-3-hrs drive) located (1670-2310m) and 32-36 km south of Chitral. Kalash is consists of three small villages, Bumburet, Rambur and Birir situated in the Hindu-Kush between Afghistan border and Chitral Valley and accessible by Jeepable road. Kalash people numbering approximately 3000 are a smallest group among the religious minorities of Pakistan. They have specific religion, culture and that is unique in the world. Unlike the other minorities they live exclusively in particular geographic area. They live in small villages built on the hill sides near the banks of the streams their houses are constructed of rough hewn log and are double storied because of the sternness of the slopes. The origin of the Kalash people is in controversy. The legend says that soldiers from the legions of the Macedonian conqueror, Alexander, settled in Chitral and the progenitors of Kalash. Overnight in the camps at Bumburet, the largest and the most picturesque valley of Kafir Kalash, which is 36 Km from Chitral. |
| Day-06 |
Drive back to Chitral/hotel |
| Day-07 |
Drive to Mastuj 5-6 hrs the road is undergoing steady improvement. The setting is particularly beautiful with the villages spread out across a large alluvial fan. The streams and irrigation channel run through the fields of wheat and barely lined with popular trees while in the village apricot trees are scattered all around. Overnight in camps |
| Day-08 |
Continue to Phunder via Shandur Pass 3740m, the Jeep track to the Shandur Pass heads south along the east bank of Laspur River, passing through the Harchin village. Shandur Pass, the highest POLO ground in the world and annual polo tournament is held between Chitral and Gilgit in the first or second week of July normally.
Phunder, is located at 2800m, the view down to the deep blue lake is magnificent with the Ghizer River meandering through the green and lightly cultivated flood plain that supports the settlement of Phunder. The lake is well stocked with trout fish. Overnight in camps |
| Day-09 |
Continue to Gilgit, it is 7-8 hrs drive, the route follows the Gilgit River downstream providing access to the fascinating side valleys of Yasin and Ishkoman and beautiful view of Gahkuch and Punial valleys. Overnight at the hotel |
| Day-10 |
Drive to Hunza Karimabad (2-3 hrs). On way to Hunza (99 km) the road gradually climbs approximately every 10- km difference of 100m. You will join Karakuram Highway from Gilgit. You will be enjoying a spectacular view of Mount Rakaposhi 7788 m having many habitants and villages around its foothills, with its snowy crown changing color with light. The route is abundant with terraced fields, particularly apricot, apple and walnut trees at most spectacular either in blossom or during autumn. We will also stop at place where continents collided. The Continental collision of the indo-Pak and the Eurasian plate located at the Chalt. The Indo-Pak Continent subducted under the Eurasian Mass about 60-70 millions years ago. Because of this Continental Collision the range of Karakuram and Himalayas formed which are youngest and as well as highest ranges in the world.
Arrival to Karimabad (2500 m) the capital of Hunza is the only town in the world, where you may view five peaks above 7000 m in all four directions. The Mount Rakaposhi 7788 m, Diran 7256 m, Golden Peak 7027 m, Ultar- I 7388 m and Ultar -II 7310 m with princess Bobulimuting reaches as Hunza skyline. |
| Day-11 |
In Karimabad, you will explore the Hunza Valley and neighboring, see the daily life of hard-work people. Visit to Baltit Fort, is former palace of Mirs (Rulers) of Hunza until 1960, which is recently restored by Aga Khan Trust for Culture. And also visit 900 years old Altit Fort was built by the people of Baltistan. When Queen of Balistan was married to the prince of Hunza, as a presentation they built this Fort which is on cliff of the Ruby Marble rock.
At the evening you may walk or drive to the Duikar Village (300m), highest point of the valley, gives majestic view of peaks and central Nagar and Hunza valley. Overnight at hotel |
| Day-12 |
Continue to Sost 99 km (2-3 hrs drive), behind the Karimabad you will find the carving at Donydas, with early inscription and drawings, including hunting scenes of Ibex from early traders on the Silk Route. En-route visits to Gulmit Village and Museum as well as obtains magnificent views form the road. Overnight at hotel |
| Day-13 |
Drive to Khunjerab Pass 4733m, the roof the world, gateway to China and highest highway in the world. This is the route that Marcopolo traveled 700 years ago. In Krghiz language "Khunjerab Pass" means the valley of Blood, the name the Pass earned centuries ago from the activities at the Khanjut brigands who make the livelihood by attacking cravens. Drive back to Karimabad for overnight. |
| Day-14 |
Proceed to Chilas 6-7 hrs drive, you may have lunch at Gilgit, the capital of Northern Areas of Pakistan located in the heart of Karakuram range surrounded with lofty peaks, also visit to local bazaar and Kargh Buddha, rock carving then continue to Chilas. In the way you may several stops to see the meeting point of three mountain ranges, the Himalaya, the Karakuram and the Hindu-Kush, and Nanga Parbat view-point, to see the inscription of great Buddha. Overnight at hotel |
| Day-15 |
Continue to Islamabad (11-12-hrs drive) on section of Karakuram Highway through the Kohistan and Hazara region. Kohistan is probably one of the most dramatic as the road clings increasing vertical sides of narrow Indus gorge. This is also one of the wilder area of Pakistan, with the little government control beyond the main highway. Kohistan means "Land of Mountains" one of the most geological fascinating places on the earth. As the Karakuram Highway follows the course of deep Indus gorge the rock formation takes you on a journey from the Centre of earth to its outer crust. The greenish and dark red rocks along the roadside are the result of materials formed 30 kilometers below the earth surface. The pattern of settlement has been the occupation of numerous small valleys where glacial streams and rivers are more controllable as opposed to habitation in the Indus valley itself. The mountain ranges between these valleys proved a barrier to communication.
Arrival to Islamabad and transfer to the hotel |
| Day-16 |
Departure from Islamabad drop to the airport |
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