Mughal Heritage and Best of Gilgit Baltistan

Upon arrival at Lahore airport, you will be greeted by our guide and transfer to your hotel. Lahore has been the capital of Punjab for nearly 1,000 years. Besides being the Mughal show-window, Lahore is the cultural, academic and intellectual centre of Pakistan. For 200 years, beginning from about 1525 AD, Lahore remained a thriving cultural centre of the great Mughal Empire, when the city was beautified with palaces, gardens, monuments and mosques. During the British regime, many monuments sprang up in Lahore which blended beautifully with the Mughal, Gothic and Victorian styles of architecture.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Four Points by Sheraton
• Tourist Class: Oban or Guest House

Meals Included: Dinner

Full day city tour of Lahore includes
Today we will visit the different sites of Lahore which include the Badshahi Mosque which was built by Emperor Aurangzeb in 1674, represents the very best of Mughal architecture. The Lahore Fort is next to the mosque which was built by Emperor Akbar in 1560. It is a rectangular in shape which is 380 by 330 meters filled with buildings from a variety of periods which include Maktab Khana, Diwan E Khas and Diwan Am, the Palace of Mirrors (Shish Mahal) Red Tower. Lahore Museum is especially famous for the stone caved fasting Buddha apart from other artefacts. Shalimar Garden was built by Shah Jahan in 1642. As a pleasure garden for the royal household, it follows the Mughal concept of the perfect walled garden with three terraces of straight, shaded walks, geometrically arranged ponds fountains and marble pavilions, surrounded by flowers and fruit trees.
Later we visit Wazir Khan Mosque, famous for its extensive tile work and frescos. It was built in seven years starting around 1634–1635 AD during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Four Points by Sheraton
• Tourist Class: Oban or Guest House

Meals Included: Breakfast-Dinner.

In the morning, we drive to the capital Islamabad. On our way, we’ll make a fascinating stop at the Khewra Salt Mines, the largest in Pakistan and the second largest in the world. The mines are a well-known tourist destination, drawing visitors from all over due to their historical significance and natural beauty.
The discovery of rock salt here dates back to the time of Alexander the Great, but mining began in earnest in 1500 AD. By the turn of the 20th century, salt production had surpassed 50,000 tonnes annually. As we tour the mines, we’ll explore vast chambers and glittering caves, where stunning salt crystals shimmer above and around us. This is the very source of the Himalayan Salt that you often use at home!
Later drive to Islamabad. Afternoon visit the local markets.
Afternoon visit is followed by the Damn-E-Koh (view point), 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 Mosque – Shah Faisal Mosque.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Marriott Hotel
• Tourist Class: Burjul Zaki

Meals Included: Breakfast-Dinner

In the morning transfer to domestic airport for flight to Skardu. 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 Skardu by road with an overnight stay at Chilas.
Skardu is the capital of Baltistan is perched 2,438 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the great peaks of the Karakoram’s. 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).
Later drive to upper Kachura Lake, with optional boat ride. If time permits visit Skardu Bazar and Kharpocho Fort: Kharpocho Fort (King of Forts) situated on a hill overlooking the town. It was constructed by Ali Sher Khan Anchan, who ruled over Baltistan till the end of the 16th century.
Later drive to Shigar Valley.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Serena Shigar Fort
• Tourist Class: Guest House

Meals Included: Breakfast-Dinner

In the morning visit Shigar Fort, which stands on the bank of the Shigar stream and is built upon a massive rock. This 350-year-old fort has been renovated by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture and is the only one of its kind in Pakistan. Later, we will visit the 400-year-old Wooden Mosque before returning to Skardu. On the way, we visit the world’s highest cold desert (7,500 ft), the Sarfaranga Cold Desert. Optional ride on an ATV or 4×4 jeep across the desert. We then visit the Manthal Buddha Rock, a large granite rock featuring a relief sculpture of Buddha that dates back to the 8th century.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: PC Lagacy
• Tourist Class: Himalaya

Meals Included: Breakfast-Dinner

In the morning, we will drive to the beautiful Khaplu Valley, a picturesque town situated on the bank of the Indus River. We will visit the old fort and mosque, both built in traditional Tibetan architectural style.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: PC Legacy
• Tourist Class: Hotel Himalaya or Concordia

Meals Included: Breakfast-Dinner

In the morning, we set off for Deosai National Park, one of the highest plateaus in the world, standing over 4,000 meters above sea level and covering an area of about 3,000 square kilometers. The plateau is covered in snow from November to May, and the pass is only accessible from June to September. It is renowned for its rich flora and fauna, which belong to the Karakoram-West Tibetan Plateau alpine steppe ecoregion. In spring, the plateau is blanketed with wildflowers, and a wide variety of migrating butterflies can be seen. We will then continue driving to Tarashing, where we will take an afternoon walk around the area.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Rupal Hotel
• Tourist Class: Rupal Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast-Dinner

Full day hike toward Nanga Parbat Base camp Rupal face.  Later return to Tarashing village.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Rupal Hotel
• Tourist Class: Rupal Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast-Dinner

In the morning, drive to Gilgit City. On the way we stop at the Junction Point of 3 Greatest Mountain Ranges of the World, Pakistan.
This place of interest is the unique venue where three great mountain ranges of world make a knot. Himalayas, Karakoram and Hindukush, with their famous highest peaks [in Pakistan, and top 2, 3, & 4th in the entire world], Nanga Parbat, K-2 and Tirich Mir, meet here and at almost on same place River Indus, flowing down from lofty mountains of Skardu, joins with river Gilgit, one its main tributaries.
Continue driving to the capital city of Gilgit Baltistan. After lunch we visit the Kargah Buddha, carved into the rock and dated to the 7th century AD. Later, we will visit Gilgit Bazaar and the British cemetery. After lunch, we will continue driving along the Karakoram Highway to the Minapin Nagar Valley.
Our next stop will be at Chalt Nagar, which marks the main Karakoram Thrust – the collision points of the Indo-Pakistani and Eurasian plates. We will also make a tea stop at the Rakaposhi Peak (7,788 m) viewpoint for some photography. Afterward, we will continue driving to Minapin Village.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Osho Thang
• Tourist Class: Osho Thang

Meals Included: Breakfast-Dinner

In the morning, we hike toward the Rakaposhi Peak viewpoint, after picnic lunch, return to Minapin village and drive to Karimabad Hunza.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Serena Hotel
• Tourist Class: Eagle Nest or Hilltop Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast-Dinner

Early in the morning, we will drive to Duiker Village, located above Karimabad, to enjoy the stunning sunrise over the snow-capped mountains of Ultar (7,388 m), Rakaposhi (7,788 m), and Diran (7,266 m). After breakfast, we will drive down to Karimabad via Altit Village and Altit Fort, which was built around 1,100 years ago. Later, we will visit Baltit Fort, which was constructed 700 years ago. The fort has been rebuilt and remodeled 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 clearly reflects Tibetan influence in Baltistan at the time. The rest of the day will be free for leisure and shopping.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Serena Hotel
• Tourist Class: Eagle Nest or Hilltop Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast-Dinner

In the morning, we drive to the remote Shimshal valley. On the way we stop at Attaabad Lake for photography and optional boat ride. Later continue driving to Shimshal village. Afternoon walk around the village and meet the locals.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Shimshal Tourist Lodge
• Tourist Class: Shimshal Tourist Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast-Dinner

An easy day to explore around Shimshal village or day hike to Yazghil glacier.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Shimshal Tourist Lodge
• Tourist Class: Shimshal Tourist Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast-Dinner

In the morning, drive to visit Hussaini Village, where you will have the chance to gingerly walk across the precarious rope bridge that spans the fast-flowing waters of the Hunza River. For those who prefer a quicker crossing, an optional zipline is available.
Lunch today will be a special treat in Passu Village: a healthy yak meat dish, which is much lower in fat compared to traditional red meats and even salmon. After lunch, you can explore Passu Village and take photos of the iconic Passu Cones peak. Later in the afternoon we drive to Borith Lake. From here we will hike toward the Passu White Glacier viewpoint, where you can capture stunning photos.
Return to Borith Lake.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Borith Lake Hotel and Resort
• Tourist Class: Borith Lake Hotel and Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast-Dinner 

Today, you will drive to the highest paved international border crossing in the world and the highest point on the Karakoram Highway, the Khunjerab Pass (4,750 m). Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to see some wildlife in Khunjerab National Park. Afterward, you’ll return to Passu Village, take a walk around the village, and capture a photo of the iconic Passu Cones.
In the evening, you will be invited to a local Hunza family’s home for a traditional dinner.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Borith Lake Hotel and Resort
• Tourist Class: Borith Lake Hotel and Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast-Dinner

A full free day at leisure or walk around the villages.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Borith Lake Hotel and Resort
• Tourist Class: Borith Lake Hotel and Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast-Dinner

In the morning, we will drive along the Karakoram Highway toward Chilas. From there, we will take a scenic route via Babusar Pass to the Naran Kaghan Valley. During spring and late autumn, when Babusar Pass is closed, we will drive via Besham instead.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: North Retreat
• Tourist Class: North Retreat

Meals Included: Breakfast-Dinner

In the morning, we will drive to Islamabad. En route, we will visit the world heritage site of Taxila. Taxila is home to a well-planned museum and many historic sites from the Gandharan Buddhist civilization, which flourished from the 6th century B.C. until the 5th century A.D. After visit we continue driving to Islamabad.
In the evening, we will visit a local market for last-minute shopping, followed by a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Marriott Hotel
• Tourist Class: Burjul Zaki

Meals Included: Breakfast-Dinner

Our service will end with airport transfer.

Meals Included: Breakfast