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Highlights Include:
- Driving through the stunning terraced valleys around Shinkiari
- Soaking in spectacular views of the Himalayas
- Meeting locals in charming mountain villages
- Visiting some of the lesser-known UNESCO World Heritage sites that Pakistan has to offer
- Trekking through the beautiful lush green plateaus of Fairy Meadows at the base of the ninth highest mountain in the world, Nanga Parbat (8125m)
- Exploring Pakistan’s ruggedly beautiful landscapes
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Day 1 – Arrival into Islamabad
Upon arrival into the Islamabad airport, you will be met and transferred to the hotel.
Islamabad, teeming with culture, energy, and history is Pakistan’s buzzing capital city.
Overnight: Envoy Continental Hotel or similar
Meals: none
Day 2 – Islamabad to Besham
This morning, we’ll drive 30 minutes to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Taxila, an ancient city of the Gandhara kingdom and a centre of Buddhist learning. UNESCO describes the settlement as one of the most important archaeological sites in Asia, dating back to over 2000 years ago. Visit the museum to see a rich collection of artifacts and statues of Buddha dating back to the pre-Christian era.
After lunch, we’ll drive up the beautiful terraced valleys away from Islamabad, with a brief stop to visit the vibrant bazaar in Shinkiari. Afterwards, continue onwards 4 hours to Besham, your destination for the evening.
Overnight Besham (hotel TBD)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 – Besham to Gilgit
Today we’ll embark on a long drive along the Indus River. Notice the landscape changing dramatically as we enter the high-altitude desert of Kohistan, onwards to Chilas, where we will visit a local bazaar at the riverbank. We’ll stop and enjoy some tea, and a snack of freshly-caught fried fish from the river.
As we continue along the Indus River, we’ll eventually arrive in Gilgit, the capital of the mountain province, boasting excellent views of the Himalayas.
Overnight: Gilgit (hotel TBD)
Meals: Breakfast, tea and snack
Day 4 – Gilgit to Gulmit
The 4 hour Jeep drive is probably the loveliest along the Hunza River, as we pass by quaint, picturesque villages surrounded by apricot, mulberry, apple and peach orchards and tiers of popular trees.
We’ll arrive in the centuries-old historic town of Gulmit nestled amidst spectacular mountains with excellent day hike opportunities. This afternoon, you’ll have the chance to enjoy tea with a local family. Afterwards, if you dare, you may have a hand on the exciting “ropeway” across River Indus.
Overnight: Gulmit (hotel TBD)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 – Gulmit / Khunjerab Pass / Duikar
Today you can expect one of the most spectacular journeys on an excursion to the Khunjerab Pass. The road goes through the awesome jagged mountains of Upper Hunza, climbing up to 4746m.
Spend the day in the Chinese border town of Tashkurghan on the Pamir Plateau. On a clear day, Ibex mountain goats may be spotted. We retreat to Hunza after a picnic lunch by the Indus River and overnight in Duikar, surrounded by an amphitheatre of the Himalayan peaks and offers unrivalled sunrise and sunset views of Rakaposhi and Spantik across the river in Nagar.
Overnight Duikar (hotel TBD)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 6 – Duikar to Hunza
Wake up early for a spectacular sunrise before a leisurely breakfast beneath the mountain peaks. We will then embark on a 2-hour hike from Duikar to Hunza, the centerpiece for pristine natural beauty along the Karakorum and Silk Route. En route, visit the smaller and charming village of Altit and be warmed by the hospitality of the locals.
Overnight: PTDC Motel, Hunza or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 – Hunza / Old Ganesh / Gilgit
Spend the morning strolling along the water and visit the 800-year old Baltit Fort that was the old palace of the Mirs of Hunza. Take some free time to explore the bazaar, or simply enjoy a cup of tea and soak in the ambience!
This afternoon, we will visit one of Central Hunza’s best kept secrets – Old Ganesh. The ancient heart of this old settlement has been restored and refurbished and won an ‘Award of Distinction’ by UNESCO. Drive along the Karakorum Highway back to Gilgit.
Overnight: Gilgit (hotel TBD)
Meals: Breakfast
Days 8-10 – Gilgit / Fairy Meadow Trek /Nanga Parbat Base Camp
This trek is graded moderate and best undertaken from May to early October. From Gilgit, we take a spectacular jeep drive about 4 hours to Jail, the starting point of your trek. Today is an easy trek for about 3 hours to Fairy meadow – which is set in alpine pastures on the northern slopes of Nanga Parbat, the ninth-highest mountain in the world at 8125m, with breathtaking views of the snow-clad north face above.
Spend the second day taking easy stroll through the meadows and pine forest to Beyal (3500m), and from Beyal towards Nanga Parbat base camp(3970m). On the last day, retrace your steps back to Jail and drive to Chilas. For the adventurous, you may attempt a non-technical climb to the summit of South Jalipur Peak at 5210m.
Overnight: Jail camp
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 – Chilas to Islamabad
We’ll endure a long drive (approx. 8 hours) back to Islamabad, from the Karakorum Highway. During the drive, we’ll pass through the green valley of Kaghan, and say goodbye to the stunning Himalayan scenery.
If time permits, we’ll have a chance to visit the Lok Virsa Museum and the famous Faisal Mosque, before enjoying a farewell dinner in Margalla Hills.
Overnight: Envoy Continental Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12 – Departure
Today is our last day in Northern Pakistan. After breakfast, you’ll be departure to the Islamabad airport for your departure flight back home.
Meals: Breakfast
[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Sample Hotels” tab_id=”1449289392103-be095264-cb20″][vc_column_text]SUGGESTED HOTELS*
Islamabad – Envoy Continental Hotel
Besham – TBD
Gilgit – TBD
Gulmit – TBD
Duikar – TBD
*Hotels are subject to change due to availability
If you would like to upgrade your hotels, just let us know! Contact us [/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Inclusions” tab_id=”1449208780765-5fd2d40a-5e8d”][vc_column_text]
Trip Inclusions
- Services of an English-speaking guide
- Accommodation in hotels and camps
- All transport
- Daily breakfast, other meals as mentioned
- All domestic fees
- Coffee, Tea, snacks
- Letter of Invitation to Pakistan (for visa)
Trip Exclusions
- International airfare (can be purchased on own or through nicola@finisterra.ca)
- meals and beverages other than those mentioned above
- transfers other than those mentioned above
- mandatory travel insurance and optional cancellation insurance (click HERE for more information)
- items of a personal nature and all what is not included in the above list
- Visa fees
- Tips for guides, porters, restaurant staff, etc.
IMPORTANT NOTES
This trip is not suitable for people with mobility issues
Accommodation availability will be confirmed at the moment of booking
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Dates: Between May to Oct
PRICE: $2095 USD per person based on a minimum of 2 travellers sharing twin/double accommodation
PAYMENT DETAILS
A 20% non-refundable (unless cancelled by us) deposit is required at time of booking to reserve your place. Please contact info@finisterra.ca for more booking information, Terms & Conditions and an invoice.
Final Payment
Full payment is due 60 prior to departure
Important Information
Travel Visa requirements and passports are the responsibility of the participants. Travel, Flight and Health insurance are required and are the responsibility of the participant to research and secure the appropriate coverage. We are happy to send you quotes for cancellation and travel insurance as well as flights.
Passport & Visa Information
Please note that most countries require passports to be valid for 6 months from the date of your return flight. We are not responsible if you are refused entry to a country because you lack the correct passport, visa or other travel documentation.
Once you pay your deposit, you will receive a letter of invitation to facilitate the visa application. More information can be found HERE.
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