Natural North

Chilas – Skardu – Hunza – Gilgit

No. of days : 08
Range : Karakoram & Himalayas
Best Season : Round the year

The dramatic and enchanting panorama of the Northern Areas of Pakistan is simply breathtaking. Lush green fertile valleys with high quality delicious fruit are fed by springs and glacial streams flowing from the lofty snow capped mountains. Karakoram Highway and River Indus is a constant feature of the region. Tourists enjoy the eye-catching beauty of grand Nanga Parbat - 8125m and Rakaposhi - 7788m while comfortably sitting in their vehicles.

This region has been given the names of Shangri-La and paradise, which really seems true while visiting the area. Equally interesting for adventure enthusiasts or common travellers, the region is unique and one of a kind.

ITINERARY

Day 01 Islamabad - Chilas

We depart from Islamabad and arrive at Besham crossing the famous towns of Abbottabad and Mansehra. Later on following the upstream course of River Indus, we will make photo stops at Shatial rocks with ancient graffiti's on it. After a long day aboard, we arrive at Chilas and transfer to hotel for overnight.

Day 02 Chilas - Skardu

We keep on following the course of River Indus, and make a brief stop at Chilas rocks carvings. Our next stop is at Nanga Parbat viewpoint which offers breathtaking views of the huge massif of Nanga Parbat. Before entering into the narrow gorge of River Indus, we make another stop at the unique point where three mountain ranges, Karakoram, Himalayas and Hindu Kush meet near the confluence of Indus and Gilgit Rivers.

Our onwards journey is through the narrow and barren gorge of Indus and the scenery changes at Kachura, a picturesque lake of Baltistan, where we make a brief stop and later drive on to Skardu town to stay for overnight. Evening is free at Skardu to hike to Khorpocho Fort perched on a hill along River Indus.

Day 03 Skardu - Excursion Satpara Lake
Skardu - Excursion Shigar Valley

Satpara is another large lake of Baltistan at the foot of Deo-Sai plains. We visit a figure of rock carved Buddha, en route and come back to Skardu and leave for Shigar Valley, crossing the River Indus and driving through a sandy land, we reach in green and fertile Shigar Valley. At Shigar, we will visit the old mosque and Shigar Fort residence before returning to Skardu in the evening.

Day 04 Skardu - Karimabad ( Hunza Valley )

Following the furious River Indus, we arrive at KKH and make a spectacular stop at Rakaposhi viewpoint. Crossing several villages of Nagar and Hunza states, we arrive at Karimabad, the capital town of Hunza Valley.

Day 05 Karimabad - Excursion Khunjerab Pass

Today we will make an excursion to the Sino-Pak border at Khunjerab, crossing the villages of Gulmit, Passu and Sost en route. Khunjerab is the highest point on KKH at 4734 meters and considered as the highest trade route in the world. In the evening we will return to Karimabad.

Day 06 Karimabad - Gilgit

Ultar, Hunza Dome, Bublimating, Spantik and Diran are famous peaks surrounds us at Karimabad, while Rakaposhi at 7788m dominates the whole panorama. At Karimabad, we visit Baltit Fort Museum and Altit Fort. In the afternoon drive to Gilgit and make brief trip to the bazaar on arrival.

Day 07 Gilgit - Besham

Return journey on KKH to Chilas, the place at the foot of Nanga Parbat, where hundreds of rocks are found with inscriptions, writings and drawings of old times. We will make a photo stop at Chilas and Shatial Rocks and continue driving to Besham for overnight stay.

Day 08 Besham - Islamabad

Making an early departure for Islamabad, we arrive at Taxila, the famous capital of Buddhists. At Taxila, we will visit Jaulian Monastery and Archaeological Museum and resume drive to Islamabad and drop at a designated place.

Azad Kashmir is one of the most wonderful places, mostly still in its pristine beauty and without rush of tourists. An exclusive program to Rawalakot and Neelum Valley is combined with Shogran in Kaghan Valley and Ayubia in Galliat, completes a Yatra of lower Himalayas.

End of the Tour

Summer Tours Rock Climbing Training Consultancy Event Management Gali's End