Fabled Shangri La – Valleys of Pakistan Tailor-made
Day 1 : To Islamabad
Departure London: choose from several options including, Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airlines, Turkish Airlines & British Airways, Regional departures may also be possible please ask for options.
Day 2 : Islamabad
Arrive in Islamabad and transfer to the hotel (we will request an early check in). After resting in the morning, begin a tour of this purpose-built capital city at the edge of the Potohar plateau designed by the famous Greek architect Doxiades in the early 1960’s. The city is divided into eight zones, including administrative, industrial, educational and diplomatic sectors, residential and commercial areas, as well as rural and green areas. We begin our tour at Shakerparian (or Sweet Hills) Park from where we will get a bird’s eye view of Islamabad. Nearby is the Pakistan Monument, which is inspired by Moghul architecture, and has four petal-like structures symbolizing the four main cultures of the country, a small museum narrating the history and creation of Pakistan, both of which are connected by a small plaza known as the Freedom Plaza. Visit the Folk Heritage Museum, which boasts an interesting ethnographic display. Night at Hotel. B, L, D
Day 3 : To Swat
Islamabad – Swat: (260 KM 5 hours drive): This morning start out for Swat Valley, filled with fruit laden orchards, flower filled slopes, meandering rivers, and tumbling streams and surrounded by the mighty ranges of the Hindu Kush and the Karakoram. The valley is 1200 meters above sea level and Saidu Sharif and Mingora are the towns that form the twin capital of this area. Swat was home to the last isolated pockets of Gandharan Buddhism, which lasted until the 11th century. Visit includes the Swat Museum established in 1959 by the Wali-e-Swat. Beside Buddhist Art, the museum also houses ethnological collection and some proto-historic remains. From the museum, visit famous archaeological sites of Butkara I, and Saidu Stupa. Another 4 km away one reaches Ghaligai Rock Buddha, facing the river Swat. We also visit the hustle and bustle of the Mingora bazaar. Return to the hotel for overnight. B, L, D
Day 4 : Day trip to Madyan & Bahrain
Take a short drive to the hill stations of Madyan and Bahrain, known for their beautiful landscapes, cool weather, and trout fish. Enjoy the scenic views of the Swat River and the surrounding mountains. Return to your hotel in Swat for the night. B, L, D
Day 5 : To Chilas
Today we travel along the glorious and dramatic Karakoram Highway (KKH). Some say it is the 8th wonder of the world. It is called, rather fancifully, the Silk Road (Sharah-e-Resham).The KKH is a marvel of modern engineering and Pakistan and the Chinese are reconstructing it jointly. This will be an exciting but long 9 to 11 hour drive. From the start at Thakot to the end at Khunjerab, the KKH winds over 700 kms through breath-taking mountain terrain. Lunch will be had on one of the busy towns servicing the KKH. After a short rest, proceed further up on the KKH through the towns of Pattan and Dassu before reaching Chilas, our overnight stop. B, L, D
Day 6 : To Hunza
Set out for Hunza. A 250km wonderful journey. On the way, we will pass the famous Nanga Parbat (the 9th highest peak in the world). We will also pass by the confluence of the Indus and Gilgit Rivers, as well as see the point where three vast mountain ranges meet - Himalayas, Karakoram and Hindu Kush. Continuing on our journey towards Hunza, we stop at Rakaposhi view point which allows one to see the longest uninterrupted mountain flank on earth (6000m), starting from the river bank. (5 -6 hrs driving time in total).
Proceed to Hunza and upon arrival check in to hotel for overnight.
B, L, D
Day 7 : Hunza
After breakfast visit the Altit fort home to the hereditary rulers of the Hunza state, although they moved to the somewhat younger Baltit Fort nearby three centuries later. Altit Fort and in particular the Shikari tower is around 1100 years old, which makes it the oldest monument in the Gilgit-Baltistan. You will also get to see local women working on wood in the local workshop for making furniture. The fort has a beautiful garden right next to it. After visiting Altit fort drive to Baltit Fort, once the stronghold of the Ayasho Dynasty, and today a wonderfully restored museum that has won many awards including one from UNESCO. Explore the local tourist market, including ‘Café De Hunza’ famous for delicious walnut cake and a variety of coffees. Hunza is also famous for its apricots. Overnight at Hunza. B, L, D
Day 8 : Hunza
After breakfast rejoin the KKH and drive 40 minutes to Gulmit in Upper Hunza, along the banks of the newly, but tragically formed Attabad Lake, a significant addition to the natural beauty of Hunza. The road link has been recently restored by a 7.9 km long tunnel system On the way stop at the lake where it is possible to hire a boat (boating cost not included). On arrival at Gulmit explore this peaceful and serene village that formerly served as winter capital of the Hunza Kingdom. Here one will walk through the village and see local women weaving carpets and making several other traditional handicrafts. Continue to Passu Village, a 35 minute drive away and enjoy fabulous view of Tupupdan Sar, Passu Peaks, Shispare and Boyuhagur, all exceeding 7000 meters. Later visit Passu Glacier viewpoint and after a thrilling experience of walking on the “Indiana Jones Bridge” at Hussaini, return to Karimabad. B, L, D
Day 9 : To Gilgit
After breakfast proceed to Hopper in Nagar Valley once a princely state, and now one of the ten districts in Gilgit Baltistan region of Pakistan. The valley is home to many high mountain peaks including Rakaposhi (7788m), Diran Peak (7265m), Golden peak and Rush peak. The drive itself is an experience as it provides the best views of stunning landscape of both the Nagar valley and Hunza Ultar mountain range. After visiting this pretty valley stop at Haldankish where there are petroglyphs dating back from 5th C BC. and Ganish Heritage Village, one of the oldest settlements of Hunza that has been restored. After these visits, take the return drive to Gilgit. Night at the hotel
B, L, D
Day 10 : To Shigar
After breakfast, visit Gilgit, an important stop on the ancient Silk Road, view the Kargah Buddha, a 7th-century Buddhist carving, and stroll through colourful Gilgit Bazaar. Then take an interesting 4 to 5-hour drive to Shigar via the Indus Highway, which hugs the mountainside with sheer drops down to the Indus River below, offering breathtaking views. On the way, visit Katpana Cold Desert, one of the highest deserts in the world at 2226m above sea level. Overnight in Shigar. B, L, D
Day 11 : Shigar
In Shigar take a 10 minute drive to the Hashupi Gardens and nursery, where we can explore the region’s natural produce, as well as the apple and cherry orchards of this enchanting little garden. Return to Shigar for a walking tour of the 14th century Amburiq Mosque and quaint village located adjacent to the hotel. Overnight at Shigar. B, L, D
Day 12 : To Islamabad
After breakfast, transfer to Skardu airport to catch the weather-permitting flight back to Islamabad. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the hotel. In the afternoon, drive on the Constitutional Avenue to see all the Government buildings inspired by a potpourri of architectural styles before ending at the modern Faisal Mosque, which can seat over 100,000 and is shaped like a Bedouin tent. We then have free time for shopping in one of the new Malls of the city. Return to Hotel for the overnight stay.
Please Note in case of flight cancellation, we will drive to Chilas (6-7 hours) with overnight at a best available hotel).
B, L, D
Day 13 : Islamabad
The first stop will be at a workshop specializing in truck art (if open), a specialized form of embellishing trucks with paintings, calligraphy and ornamental-decor like mirror work on the front and back of vehicles and wooden carvings on the truck doors. From here proceed to Nicholson’s Obelisk erected in 1868 in honour of Brigadier-General John Nicholson, a famous military figure of the British Empire. Nearby is a segment of the old Grand Trunk Road, which predated even Buddha's birth and was called Uttara Path, meaning, road to the North, whose construction is attributed to Chandragupta Maurya. Constructed in eight stages, this road is said to have connected various prominent cities of the time and covered a distance of around 2600 kilometers. Sher Shah Suri (1486–22 May 1545), remains the true builder of what is now the complete stretch of GT Road, which was referred to as Shah Rah e Azam (The Great Road). The Mughals later extended the road further east to Chittagong and west to Kabul and was the main thoroughfare extensively used during the Mughal period. We return to the neighboring ‘twin-city’ of Rawalpindi, which came to prominence in 1883 during the British Raj as it served as the western most garrison city and was a major resupply centre for British troops. Start with a drive on the major artery connecting the two cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, which is commonly known as Murree Road. The ancient copper, gold and “Raja” (King) bazaars make for an interesting juxtaposition to Islamabad’s modern shopping areas. After exploring the old city, continue on to “GooraQabristan” Rawalpindi, a Protestant War Cemetery maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Also visit the St. Paul’s Church, whose foundation was laid in 1908 to serve the Scottish Army men serving in the British Army’s Northern Command. After the visit return to our hotel.
Please note in case of flight cancellation the day earlier, we will drive from Chilas to Islamabad on the KKH, a journey of 11-13 hours depending on traffic.
B, L, D
Day 14 : To Lahore
Leave Islamabad after breakfast and take a three-hour drive to the impressive, 19-storey Khewra Salt Mines, containing the second-largest salt deposits in the world and famous for their production of Pink Himalayan Salt. Explore the mine’s tunnels, exending in total to 40km, and ride the narrow gauge railway, laid during the British era and used to transport salt. Learn about the mine's fascinating history, dating back to its discovery by Alexander the Great's troops in 320 BCE. Continue to Lahore and check into your hotel. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant on M.M. Alam Street. Overnight in Lahore. B, L, D
Day 15 : Lahore
Explore Lahore, a city rich in Mughal, Sikh and British history and culture. Visit the Lahore Museum - with artefacts from the Mughal and Sikh eras, relics of the Indus Valley Civilisation, and Gandharan Art - the Badshahi Mosque (1673), and Lahore Fort (built 1556-1605; a UNESCO World Heritage Site). After lunch, visit the 17th century Wazir Khan Mosque and the beautifully renovated Shahi Hamam (Royal Bath). Stroll through Anarkali Bazaar and end your day with a sumptuous local-style dinner at Gawalmandi Food Street. Overnight in Lahore. B, L, D
Day 16 : Departure Lahore
Transfer to the airport to catch your return flight. B
Itinerary map
Prices
| Price per person (Double/Twin share) |
|---|
| £4,230.00 |
- International flights in economy class on scheduled airlines.
- Internal flights from Skardu to Islamabad in economy class
- Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary
- All transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary
- Accompanying English speaking guide
- Entrance fees for monuments and places of interest
- Complimentary mineral water while driving and when on sightseeing
- 100% protection of your payment by our ATOL & ABTA Licenses
- Visa fee for Pakistan. British Passport holders can apply for a free tourist visa on line.
- Any expense of a personal nature
- Tips & Gratuities
- Travel Insurance*
Every effort is made to follow the itinerary as detailed below to maximise your enjoyment on this Tour. Sometimes however, local conditions and restrictions as well as unpredictable weather may cause changes to be made on the spot at the sole discretion of the Tour Leader. We will make every effort to substitute suitable alternatives.
*Travel Insurance
It is essential to have adequate insurance in place before your departure. This should be appropriate for your age, health and destination you are visiting.
• Make sure it includes comprehensive medical and repatriation cover.
• Make sure it provides cover for your whole trip (whether one day or over a year).
• Make sure it covers you for all activities.
• Disclose pre-existing medical conditions.
• Take your policy number and the 24-hour emergency contact numbers with you.
If you have any doubts about your cover, check with your insurer.
For a competitive quotation please visit https://www.indusexperiences.co.uk/insurance/
What our clients say
Simon Penton - India HolidayArrived back from Chennai yesterday. Just to say thank you for such a splendid and well organised trip, nearly everything worked like clockwork. David and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
