13 Days Tours Center Punjab to North of Pakistan

DETAIL ITINERARY:

Day 01: Arrive Islamabad

Start with Pickup at Islamabad International Airport at, Day at Leisure in Islamabad exploring Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument and Rawal Lake (Ramada Islamabad)

Day 02: Islamabad- Taxila –Narran/ Besham

At Islamabad - the Federal capital of Pakistan, transfer to hotel for fresh ups and drive to Besham/ Narran. En route visiting Taxila, the capital of Buddhist Gandhara civilization. It is reputed as one of the most important archaeological sites of sub-continent. We visit the ruins of a former city (Sirkup), a former monastery (Julian) built on top of a hill and the splendid site museum that contains the artifacts recovered from the excavation sites. Here one could also see the gold & silver coins of Alexander the Great (326 BC) and local kings. After Taxila, we proceed towards the Karakoram Highway passing through the lush green valleys of Mansehra District, enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the valley. Karakoram High way is the joint effort of Pakistan and China. Its completion took 20 years. 300 Chinese and 600 Pakistanis sacrificed their lives for the completion of this road. Overnight stay at Hotel. (5/6 hours, 200 km)

Day 03: Besham/ Narran - Gilgit (Meet The Indus)

Morning drive on KKH to Gilgit. The capital city of Northern areas of Pakistan. At Thakot, we cross Chinese made bridge to enter the gorge of Indus River. For centuries the traders and Buddhist missionaries used this branch of the Silk Route. There are many rock carving sites of that time: Shatial rock carving is one of them. Lunch in Chilas, we stop at Thalichi for the best viewpoint of Nanga Parbat (8,125m) the 9th highest peak of the world and the second highest after K 2 in Pakistan, also known as the killer mountain. Rakaposhi (7,788m) and the Haramosh range can also be viewed from here. As we drive north we arrive at the meeting point of the mountain ranges. The three highest mountain ranges of the world Karakoram, Himalayas and Hindukush meet where Indus River is joined by Gilgit River. We continue along Gilgit River, overnight at Hotel. (9/10 hours, 320 km)

Day 04: Gilgit - Hunza {Karimabad}

We drive out from Gilgit to re-enter the town from the historic route, crossing a suspension bridge over the river. At Kargah to visit the rock-carved Buddha from 7th century AD. In the ancient times, the Kargah valley used to be the traveling route of the Buddhist monks, to go to Taxila. Stroll down the colorful Bazaars of Gilgit. The tour will continue to the beautiful, breathtaking Hunza valley through a scenic route. On our way, we see the old Silk Route used by the Buddhist monks and traders. En route short stay at Rakaposhi (7,788m) viewpoint. Enter the Hunza valley and arrive at the capital Karimabad. Overnight at Hotel. (2/3 hours, 110 km)

Day 05: Hunza (Karimabad)

Day free in Karimabad for short walks to Altit and Baltit Forts, and for other explorations in Hunza Valley. The people of Hunza are famous for their long lives. You can also see some beautiful peaks of Karakoram range from Karimabad; Rakaposhi 7788m, Diran 7266m, Ultar 7400m, Golden 7027m peak and the Nagar valley on the left bank of Hunza river. In Hunza, each family grows enough wheat, maize, apricots, and walnuts for its own use. The people are mostly self-sufficient, making their own clothes, shoes, wooden and stone bowls and growing all their own food. The people are very friendly and cheerful. In the afternoon you could walk to Ultar glacier, follow the irrigation channel through the village or stroll through the single lane bazaar for better views of soaring peaks around you. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 06: Karimabad - Passu (Gojal )Khunjerab Pass

Short drive through the heart of Karakoram. We stop at the village of Gulmit, in the shadow of the virgin Gulmit tower. Walk through the village fields visit the Polo ground and old houses. Later take a short trek to Gulkin glaciers and Borit Lake. As you end your trek near Borit Lake, the transport will pick for 15 km drive to Passu. Passu is a small charming village in the backdrop of soaring Passu Cones, with Passu and Batura glacier at short walking distance. Walk through the village to see the village life. Some 70 years ago Passu used to be the second largest settlement in Hunza after Karimabad. The glacier upstream on Hunza river moved down to create a large dam, that later broke and destroyed the fertile fields and houses. Now the river occupies the major share of the valley with the village on its right bank. Walk to the Passu glacier and Passu Lake (45 minutes one way). From the snout of the glacier, you have fascinating views of Shispar ( 7,611 m) and Passu Peak (7,478 m). Visit the famous suspension bridges of Passu; these 800 feet long bridges over Hunza River are still in use of local people. Overnight at Lodge.

Day 07: Passu -Gilgit to Phander Valley

Drive to Phander with occasional drop-offs from the jeep for interesting walks along the trek. As we drive, we bid farewell to Karakoram range and enter the Hindukush range. Wild landscape meets us during the drive as this route is visited by much less people and is snow covered during the winters so only nomads move with their flock of goats, searching the higher slopes for green pastures. Guest House overnight. (6/7 hours – 3200meters)

Day 08: Phander to Mastuj/Chitral,

From Phander the Jeep-track passes over the Shandur Pass (3500m) to Mastuj. At Shandur top we leave the jeeps and walk over the pass to the highest Polo ground in the world. This is where every year a grand festival of Polo takes place where teams from all of North Paãistan meet together to decide the Champion of the year. Many enthusiasts attend the festival from every village, who Camp here for days to see their team progress towards the glory. Then we will drive to Laspur village. After Laspur village a zigzag jeep track descends down towards Mastuj, We Continue to drive to Mastuj for overnight camping. (6/7 hours – 3000 meters)

Day 09: Chitral/Mastuj to Chitral Kalash,

Morning drive from Mastuj village, along the Chitral River, which is flowing in

the main valley bed. The landscape of Hindukush range appears much arid and dry, as this area is outside the reach of monsoon and receives very little rain. We stop at a small village for lunch and then continue, now enjoying fascinating views of snow-clad peaks reaching 4,500 meters. Arrive Chitral and after some rest drive to Kalash valley. Visit Bumburet and Birir villages in Kalash valley. Here we will experience the unique landscape of Kalash valley, and meet the local population during their daily life. Overnight Guest House in Birir village. (6/7 hours – 3000 meters)

Day 10: Chitral – Swat Mingora,

Morning drive to Swat. Proceed towards Lowari Pass (3,200 Meters). The ascend is very interesting as it encounters around 96 Hair-pin turns to bring you to the top of Lowari Pass. Descend to Dir, Chakdara and Malakand Pass. Arrive Swat, a land that shines with fruit laden orchards, flower-filled slopes, meandering rivers, rumbling streams and is surrounded by the mighty ranges of the Hindu Kush and Karakoram. The valley is 3,250 feet above sea level, Saidu Sharif and Mingora are the towns that form the twin capital of this area. Arrive and transfer to hotel for O/N in Mingora

Day 11: Morning Swat evening Drive to Peshawar

After breakfast proceed for the full day sightseeing in the valley. Visit museum, Whitel Palace, some rock carvings from Buddhist period, and in Upper Swat visit Malam Jaba and Kalam. Drive back to Mingora for overnight.

Morning drive to Peshawar. Proceed towards Lowari Tonal & Pass (3,200 Meters). The ascend is very interesting as it encounters around 96 Hairpin turns to bring you to the top of Lowari Pass. Descend to Dir, Chakdara and Malakand Pass and arrive Peshawar, Peshawar has always been important in the history of sub-continent because of its location by Khyber Pass & Gandhara civilization. The city is now known more for its special feeling of being a frontier town than for its monuments. Arrive and transfer to the hotel for overnight. (8/9 hours - 1350 meters)

Day 12: Visit Peshawar - Khyber Pass.

In the morning we will visit the street of story-tellers: Kissa Khawani bazaar, the street of Gold (Kasera bazaar), Karavan Serai, Mahabat Khan Mosque & Museum of Peshawar, known for its collection of Gandhara artifacts, Bab-e-Khyber, Jamrud Fort, Khyber pass if possible, otherwise more time in Peshawar.It's also possible we won’t be able to do Khyber Pass but still see Bab-e-Khyber and Jamrud Fort as they are before you enter the FATA.

Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 13: Peshawar – Islamabad Departure flight to Home.

Drive to Islamabad while traveling on the Grand Trunk Road laid down by the Pathan Emperor of United Indian Empire: Sher Shah Suri. You may stop for a photo at the meeting point of Indus & Kabul Rivers just beyond Attock Bridge Enter Faisal Mosque - the landmark of Islamabad. Visit Daman-e-Koh on top of the hill for a panoramic view of Islamabad, drive on Constitution Avenue for looking at President House, Parliament, Supreme Court & other state buildings. Evening drive to Airport for Departure sweet Home. Bye bye Pakistan. See you again.