Karakoram Tour
Trip Overview
Karakoram Tour
A Karakoram tour typically begins in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, where travelers can acclimatize and make necessary preparations before embarking on the journey. From there, the expedition heads towards the northern areas, passing through picturesque valleys, charming villages, and lush greenery. The Karakoram Range, located in the northern regions of Pakistan, China, and India, offers an unparalleled adventure for mountain enthusiasts and nature lovers. This stunning mountain range is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, towering peaks, and diverse cultural experiences. One of the main highlights of the Karakoram tour is exploring the mesmerizing Hunza Valley. This valley is adorned with terraced fields, traditional stone houses, and the mighty Hunza River flowing through the landscape. Travelers get a chance to interact with the warm and hospitable locals, gaining insights into their unique culture and traditions. As the tour progresses, the focus shifts towards the awe-inspiring mountain peaks. The Karakoram is home to some of the world's highest mountains, including K2, the second-highest peak on Earth. Trekkers and mountaineers are often drawn to this region for challenging climbs and rewarding hikes. The Baltoro Glacier and Concordia, a vast glacial junction, offer unparalleled views of multiple peaks, providing a surreal and unforgettable experience. Additionally, the Karakoram tour allows for visits to ancient Buddhist monasteries, where travelers can learn about the region's spiritual heritage and marvel at the intricate architecture. The vibrant local bazaars present an opportunity to shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and traditional attire. The cuisine of the Karakoram region is a delight for the taste buds. Travelers can savor local dishes such as chapshuro, mantu, and various types of kebabs, often accompanied by traditional teas. The flavors are a blend of unique spices and local ingredients, offering a true taste of the region.Conclusion and Summary
In conclusion, a Karakoram tour is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that immerses travelers in the natural beauty, cultural richness, and awe-inspiring mountain vistas of this remarkable range. It's a journey that combines adrenaline-pumping activities with cultural exploration, leaving visitors with memories to last a lifetime.Trip Highlight
Itinerary
Arrive in Islamabad and transfer to the hotel. Today you will visit some of the famous sights of Islamabad including the Faisal Mosque, the largest in Southeast Asia and the 5th largest mosque in the world. You will also take time to visit the Lok Virsa Museum and Pakistan Monument. Islamabad replaced Karachi back in 1967 and is now the political and commercial heart of the country. Leafy green boulevards are home to modern buildings and shopping malls, but it’s also dotted with traditional homes and mosques.
After lunch, proceed to visit Rawalpindi. Rawalpindi is a lively, bustling city with crowded streets and colorful bazaars. The buzzing Rajah Bazaar is a kaleidoscope of people and merchandise spreading in every direction from chaotic Fowara Chowk. You could spend hours exploring the colorful, crowded streets and buy anything from batteries to a new set of teeth. Dotted around are crumbling stone towers marking old Hindu temples.
This morning, you’ll drive to Naran (6-7 hours, 279km) via Mansehra- Naran-Jalkhad. After lunch, continue the drive to Chilas( 3-4 hours, 113km) via Babusar Pass. Babusar Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,173m (13,691ft). The pass is the highest point in the Kaghan Valley and it’s one of the most famous hairpin roads in the world
Drive to Tarishing and transfer to a hotel. Tarishing is situated at an altitude of around 2900m on the southern face of Nanga Parbat, and it is one of the most beautiful villages in Pakistan.
Tarishing village offers a picture-perfect view of the Rupal valley along the majestic Nanga Parbat base camp.
Today, drive to Sheosar Lake with a panoramic view of Astore valley, which is called little Kashmir. The lake used to be a Dhak bungalow for the ancient Silk traders in the past, and the drive will be totally on the rough Jeep road.
Upon arrival, transfer to the campsite and enjoy a walk around the lake; see a panoramic view of Deosai Plateau and Nanga Parbat as well.
Walk and drive tover the high Deosai Plateau (4,114m) at the west end of Himalayas. The Deosai Plateau offers a beautiful view of the Karakoram Mountains. After walking around a bit, you’ll continue to Kala Pani.
Overnight in tents with beautiful surrounding hills and snow-capped mountains. Enjoy and explore the area of Kala Pani.
A morning drive to Skardu (65km) starts the day. After refreshments, drive to the Shigar valley (35km), visit the Shigar Fort and The Cold Desert, also known as the Katpana Desert. You’ll take an evening hike to Kharpocho Fort from Skardu city, about an hour.
The Shigar Fort has been open since June 1, 2005 following an intensive six-year restoration undertaken by Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan. Originally known as Fong-Khar, which in the local Balti language means “Palace on the Rock”, this 400-year-old Raja fort-palace has been brought back to life following a careful strategy of adaptive re-use and restoration. The result is a combination of authentic original 17th century architecture together with the modern amenities and services of a luxury guesthouse.
Drive to Khaplu village (100km), En route, stop at various viewpoints for photos. After refreshments, visit Khaplu village and Khaplu Fort and enjoy walking and photography from the Khaplu village. In the evening you’ll drive back to Skardu (100km).
Khaplu is a handsome village of timber and stone houses. Painstaking irrigation has made it a shady, fertile oasis. As you climb its twisting track, the icy peaks of the Masherbrum Range rise on the other side of the valley. It’s hard to imagine a more majestic setting near a public road anywhere in Pakistan. The main attractions are the 2600m-high village itself, the old Royal Place and even older Mosque above it at Chakchun, and the heart-stopping views.
Drive to Gilgit (200km), after lunch in Gilgit visit the Gilgit Bazaar and Kargah Buddha. Next, drive to the Hunza valley (100km), en-route stop at various viewpoints for photography and snacks.
This morning you’ll visit the famous Baltit Fort, recently restored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture to a fantastic standard. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Baltit Fort is in the Hunza valley near the town of Karimabad, in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of northern Pakistan. Founded in the 8th century CE, it has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2004.
In the past, the survival of the feudal regime of Hunza was ensured by the impressive fort, which overlooks Karimabad. The foundations of the fort date back to 700 years ago, with rebuilds and alterations over the centuries. In the 16th century the local prince married a princess from Baltistan who brought master Balti craftsmen to renovate the building as part of her dowry.
Later you will visit Royal Garden, Altit Fort and go for a walk along the water channels around town to absorb the local atmosphere and have a glimpse of the lifestyles of the local people.
Drive to Passu via Attabad Lake (50km) and visit Borith Lake, Gulkin village, Gulmit village, Passu Glacier, Passu village, Hussani village and the Hussani suspension bridge. You’ll then take an evening drive to Sost for the night (50 km).
Gulmit used to be the second capital of Hunza kingdom in the year 960. It is one of the most important centers of the Wakhi inhabitants. with high mountains of 5500m to 7785m, this unique cultural place lies on the bank of Hunza River.
Today you’ll enjoy a full day excursion to Khunjerab Pass (4733m). Khunjerab Pass is a high mountain pass in the Karakoram Mountains in a strategic position on the southwest border of the Xinjiang region of China. The Khunjerab Pass is the highest paved international border crossing in the world and the highest point on the Karakoram Highway. The roadway across the pass was completed in 1982, and has superseded the unpaved Mintaka and Kilik Passes as the primary passage across the Karakoram.
Drive from Karimabad to Raikot Bridge, then take a Jeep transfer to Tato village. Here you’ll walk to Fairy Meadows for a spectacular view of Nanga Parbat. Fairy Meadow is a lush green plateau. Many people have called it “Heaven on Earth”. These lush green meadows and forests lie at the base of Nanga Parbat at the western edge of the Himalayan range in Pakistan. Fairy Meadows is a very peaceful and relaxing place to enjoy the mountain atmosphere and hospitality of the local people. Hermann Buhl, the Austrian climber who made the first ascent of Nanga Parbat in 1953, named it Fairy Meadow.
Today you’ll take a full day excursion to Nanga Parbat base camp at 3967m. Enjoy and capture the panoramic views of Nanga Parbat, Raikot Peak, Chongra-I and Ganalo Peak
Head down to Tato village, then take a Jeep to Raikot Bridge and continue to drive to Naran via Babusar Pass at 4173m.
Drive from Naran to Islamabad (279km), and en route, visit the Taxila Museum and some historical sites. Most of the archaeological sites of Taxila (600 BC to 500 AD) are located around the Taxila museum. For over 1000 years, Taxila remained famous as a centre of learning Gandhara art of sculpture, architecture, and Buddhism in the days of Buddhist glory. There are over 50 archaeological sites scattered in a radius of 30km around Taxila.
It’s time to head home. Transfer to Islamabad airport for your return flight.
Departures & Availability
The set departure dates listed are specially quoted and specified for group joining option. Let us know if the set departure dates are not suitable for you- another dates which are suitable for you can certainly be added by us.
Check Available Dates
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All trip prices are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to change without notice and do not include airfare. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars.
Price include
MEALS
15 breakfasts, 15 lunches, and 15 dinners are included.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Accommodations for 15 nights are included.
TRANSPORTATION DURING THE TOUR
Transport for you and your luggage is included in the tour. Air-conditioned transport for airport pick-up and drop off is also included.
ALSO INCLUDED
- D3V sleeping tent
- Toilet tent
- Mess and kitchen tent
- Table, chairs
- Mattresses
- Kitchen equipment
- Road taxes
- All entry fees to fort and sites
- Bridge crossing fees
- Deosai National Park fee
- Khunjerab Pass National Park fee
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Professional cook
- Porters for Fairy Meadows trek
Price Excludes
- Tips for guide and driver
- Optional excursions or deviations from the scheduled tour
- All personal expenses
- Room service, gratuities for personal services
- Sleeping bag or personal gear
- Emergency evacuation
- Flights
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- Meals not previously mentioned
- Anything not mentioned as included
Gears And Equipment
Trip Information
This is one of the ultimate road trips in the world. Our Karakoram Highway tour will take you from Pakistan’s capital Islamabad all the way to the Chinese border area high in the mountains.
The trip starts in Islamabad before hitting the Karakoram Highway. This highway was constructed in the 1960s and 70s and is a symbol of the friendship between China and Pakistan. For a few days, we will be making our way up towards the mountains.
We’ll be driving past lush green hills, raging rivers, deep ravines and incredible high peaks. Along the way, we will make stops for photos and to take in the breath-taking landscape. The highlight will surely be spending plenty of time at the famed Fairy Meadows. We’ll also spend a relaxing day in the Hunza Valley to experience the local life here.
From the Hunza Valley, we’ll head north again to Passu and the famous rope bridge – cross it at your own risk! We’ll then head south to the colourful and vibrant city of Peshawar making stops at Gilgit, Besham and the Swat Valley.
The tour will finish where it started in Islamabad (with an optional extended tour to Afghanistan).
Karakoram Tour Route Map
Gallery
FAQS
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Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
Traveler Reviews
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