Local conditions

When travelling to some of the destinations we offer you need to bear in mind that things won’t always work here as we’re used to them working at home. Travelling in underdeveloped and untouristed destinations requires both patience and a sense of humour. There may be problems with infrastructure, attitudes may be different, and maintenance may not be as high a standard as we would always like, but this is very much part and parcel of travelling in such a place. We aim to resolve any issues as quickly as possible, and thank you for your patience.

Travel advice

We keep a very close eye on the travel advice issued by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office so that we can keep you up to date with any warnings. At the time of writing the FCO does not advise against travel to Kyrgyzstan.

This relates to advice from the British government – other nationalities need to check the stance of their own governments.

Please note that the information contained above is highly susceptible to change, and while we endeavour to keep up to date we recommend that you use this as a guide only. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

1. Day 1 Arrival Islamabad

   On arrival at Islamabad International airport, you will be greeted by our guide later transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon city tour of Islamabad followed by the Damn-E-Koh (viewpoint), which gives us a panoramic view of Islamabad before driving past various modern streets and buildings graceful with a touch of Islamic Architecture & Folk Heritage Museum. Our tour culminates at one of the world’s largest mosques – Shah Faisal Mosque. 
   Overnight in Islamabad.

2. Day 2 Islamabad – Chitral (Flight or Drive)

   Depending on flight schedule transfer to Islamabad airport for the flight over the Swat valley and Hindukush Mountains to Chitral. 

   Afternoon visit the colorful market of Chitral and Shahi Mosque. 

   Overnight in Chitral

3. Day 3 Chitral – Kalash valleys

   In the morning we drive to Kalash valley, The Kalasha Valleys are home to the waning and fascinating Kalasha people. They have known the world over for their pagan traditions and their love for dance and music. 

   Overnight in Chitral.

4. Day 4 Kalash Valley

   Full day to explore around the beautiful villages of Kalash valley, Bamburet, and Brir and learn about their unique culture. 

   Overnight in Bamburet.

5. Day 5 Kalash – Mastuj

   In the morning scenic drive to Mastuj, which is situated northeast of Chitral valley. 

   On the way, we have beautiful views of Tirich Mir (7,708 m.), the highest peak of the Hindukush range, and the Buni Zom group in the Hinduraj range.  

   Overnight in the same Hotel.

6. Day 6 Mastuj – Shandur pass – Gilgit

   Today we drive over the famous Shandur pass to Gilgit, along the way we stop at the pass, Shandur pass is located between Chitral and Gilgit valley. It is famous for the Polo match every year during the month of July there is a completion held between Gilgit and Chitral valley teams. Continue driving to Gilgit via Ghizer valley. 

   Gilgit the administrative capital of Gilgit Baltistan and, perhaps, the most spectacular region of Pakistan in terms of its geography and scenic beauty. Here world’s three mightiest mountain ranges: the Karakoram, the Hindu Kush, and the Himalayas – meet. The whole of Gilgit Baltistan is like a paradise for mountaineers, trekkers, and adventure lovers. The region has a rich cultural heritage and a variety of rare fauna and flora. Historically, the area has remained a flashpoint of political and military rivalries amongst the Russian, British and Chinese empires. Immediately after the end of British rule in the sub-continent in 1947, the people of this region decided to join Pakistan through a popular local revolt against the government of Maharaja of Kashmir. Overnight in Gilgit.

7. Day 7 Gilgit – Karimabad (Hunza Valley)

   In the morning, we drive to visit the Kargah Buddha carved on the rock dated from the 7th century AD. After a drive along the Karakorum Highway to Karimabad Hunza valley. The next stop will be at Chalt Nagar which is the main Karakorum Thrust which is the collision point of Indo Pak and the Eurasian plate. Continue driving to Gilgit city. 

   We will also make a tea stop at Rakaposhi peak (7788 m) viewpoint for photography. Continue driving to Karimabad. An easy afternoon in Karimabad. 

   Overnight Karimabad.

8. Day 8 Duiker village Sunrise – Karimabad visit

   Early morning wake up and drive to Duiker village, which is just above Karimabad with a stunning view of the surrounding mountains, enjoy the stunning sunrise over the snow-capped mountains of Ultar (7388m), Rakaposhi (7788m) and Diran (7266m). Optional hike up toward Ultar glacier base camp. After breakfast return down to Altit village to visit Altit Fort, Altit Fort is a spectacularly sited defensive work overlooking the Hunza river valley in Gilgit-Baltistan  

   Altit Fort was the first of these strongholds to be built with Altit Khun and the Fort being renowned as the original capital and birthplace of Hunza. However later as a result of a conflict between the two sons of the Mir of Hunza, Shah Abbas and Ali Khan, they shifted the capital to Baltit Fort. 

   Ayasho II, Tham / Mir of Hunza in the early 15th Century married Princess Shah Khatoon from Baltistan. As part of her dowry, she brought with her architects and tradesman from Kashmir and Tibet. At the time Baltistan (previously known as ‘Little Tibet’) had very strong cultural and ethnic relations with Ladakh in Northern India. The structure of Altit Fort was therefore influenced by the Ladakhi/Tibetan architecture, resembling elements of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. 

   Altit Fort was originally built as a palace, yet sometime after its construction, in 1548 A.D a defensive watchtower was added transforming it into a fort. It is believed that the Fort was built in 6 different phases making the most of the various different levels of natural rock from the very high clifftop it is positioned on. 

   Altit Fort was surrounded by the settlement of Altit Khun, once a bustling town for traders and caravans travelling along the Silk Route. The historic village forms an integral part of the core cultural enclave of Hunza. 

   In the aftermath of far-reaching socio-political changes in and since 1972, the Fort lost its glory of being the centre of traditional cultural festivals and village life. After this time the ruling family no longer had the power to collect taxes to support the upkeep of the fort and it was abandoned and left to deteriorate. 

   In the late 1990s a prince of the former ruling family of Hunza donated Altit Fort to the Aga Khan Foundation who through the Aga Khan Cultural Services, Pakistan spent the arduous task of restoring and rehabilitating both the fort and the surrounding settlement of Altit Khun. In 2007 the Fort opened as a tourist museum and culture centre for the community. 

   Later visit Baltit Fort which is 700 years, but there have been rebuilds and alterations over the centuries. In the 16th century, the Mir (King) married a princess from Baltistan who brought master Balti craftsmen to renovate the building as part of her dowry. The architectural style is a clear indication of Tibetan influence in Baltistan at the time. Overnight Karimabad.

9. Day 9 Karimabad-Gulmit Gojal

   In the morning we drive to Gulmit, en-route we do a site trip to Hoper Nagar valley, which can be seen from Duiker is on the opposite, eastern side of the Hunza River. This is another fertile valley and is predominantly Shia Muslim. This is one of the world’s fastest-moving glaciers at Hoper. Later drive to upper Hunza Gojal Gulmit. 

   In the afternoon visit around the village meet the locals and learn about their cultures. In the evening you will be invited to a local family for dinner. 

   Overnight in Gulmit.

10. Day 10 Ghulkin village – Borith Lake – Passu and Ghulkin glacier

    In the morning visit Gulmit old house where you visit to see the local women’s handicraft center, Walk to Ghulkin village where you will visit some local houses, have some light snack, those who are energetic optional hike via Ghulkin glacier to Borith Lake, those who do not wish to hike they can drive to the Lake. 

    Enjoy the beautiful scenery. After lunch, for those of you who are energetic, we will hike to the Passu glacier. Later return to Gulmit.  

    Overnight in Borith.

11. Day 11 Day trip to Pak China border Khunjerab (4700 m) – Borith Lake

    Today you will be driving to the highest paved international border crossing in the world and the highest point on the Karakoram Highway Khunjerab pass (4750 M). Along the way, you will be able to see some wildlife at Khunjerab national park. 

    Return back to Borith Lake. Overnight in Borith.

12. Day 12 Borith Lake Lake – Gilgit

    An easy morning relaxation and enjoy the scenery or hike toward Jerav summer pasture along the Ghulkin Glacier, return to Borith Lake, after lunch we drive down to Hussaini village, where we try to cross the hanging bridge, here you have chance to test our fear of heights and wobbly wooden plank walks while be mesmerized by the fast-flowing waters below. Later continue driving to Gilgit City.  

    Overnight in Gilgit.

13. Day 13 Gilgit – Tarashing Astore valley

    In the morning we drive via Astore valley to Tarashing. An easy afternoon around the village. Overnight in Tarashing.

14. Day 14 Tarashing – Day trip toward Nangana Parbat Rupal Face

    Today we have an opportunity to hike toward the Herrligkoffer base camp with beautiful via of Nanga Parbat peak, after picnic lunch return to Tarashing. 

    Overnight in Tarashing.

15. Day 15 Tarashing – Deosai National Park – Skardu - Shigar

    In the morning we set off to Deosai National park. It is one of the highest plateaus in the world with a height over 4,000 meters above sea level, covering an area of about 3,000 square kilometers. It is snow-bound from November to May. This pass is only accessible from June to September. It is well known for its rich flora and fauna of the Karakoram-West Tibetan Plateau alpine steppe ecoregion. In the spring season, it is covered by sweeps wildflowers, and a wide variety of butterflies. 

    Later continue driving to Shigar valley, the gateway to the world’s highest mountains including K2 8611m), the second-highest peak, and many other peaks. 

    The highlight of Tonight is we stay at the Shigar Fort Residence, this fort palace is standing on the bank of the Shigar stream, built upon a massive rock. This 350 years old fort has been renovated by the Agha Khan Trust for Culture and is the only one of its kind in Pakistan. Overnight in Shigar.

16. Day 16 Shigar – Khaplu

    In the morning we drive to another beautiful valley of Khaplu, a beautiful town on the bank of the Indus River. Visit the old Fort and Mosque built by the Tibetan Architect style. Overnight in Khaplu.

17. Day 17 Skardu 

    In the morning drive to Skardu. Skardu is the capital of Baltistan is perched 2,438 meters above sea level in the backdrop of the great peaks of the Karakorams. Balti people are a mixture of Tibetan and Caucasian stock and speak Balti, an ancient form of Tibetan. Due to the similarity of its culture, lifestyle, and architecture with Tibet, Baltistan is also known as the ”Tibet-e-Khurd” (Little Tibet).  

    Afternoon visit Kachura Lake, optional boat ride on the Lake, later return to Skardu town to visit Kharpocho Fort: Kharpocho Fort (King of Forts) situated on a hill overlooking the town. It was constructed by Ali Sher Khan Anchan in the 16th Century, who ruled over Baltistan till the end of the 16th century. The mighty Indus snaking along just a few yards beneath your feet among the silvery white sands is an awesome sight. Overnight in Skardu.

18. Day 18 Skardu – Islamabad (Flight)

    Depending on the flight schedule transfer to Skardu airport for flight to Islamabad. On the flight, you may enjoy stunning views over the Pakistani Himalayas. Note, flights are subject to weather; in the case of bad weather we will depart for Islamabad by road with an overnight stay at Besham or Naran. In the afternoon city tour of Islamabad followed by the Damn-E-Koh (viewpoint), which gives us a panoramic view of Islamabad before driving past various modern streets and buildings graceful with a touch of Islamic Architecture & Folk Heritage Museum. Our tour culminates at one of the world’s largest mosques – Shah Faisal Mosque. 

    Overnight in Islamabad.

19. Day 19 Day trip to Taxila

    Taxila has a well-planned museum and many historic sites of the Gandharan Buddhist civilization. The area flourished from the Sixth Century B.C until the Fifth Century A.D. Our visit includes Taxila Museum, Julian Stupa, Birmound, and Dharmarajika stupa. Later return to Islamabad.  Overnight in Islamabad.

20. Day 20 Depart Islamabad

    Our service will end with airport transfer (B) 

     

    ** You may would like to add Lahore extension for more information please write to us.