North Pakistan, Gilgit – Baltistan 09 Days Tour

Karimabad, the capital of Hunza Valley that formed the inspiration for the Novel Lost Horizons. We move on with majestic sceneries and cultural experiences till we reach the ancient silk route town of Karimabad which serves as our base for exploring the green terraces of the Hunza Valley. En-route photo stop at Rakaposhi view point Nagar and enjoy the fresh breeze to Rakaposhi Glacier. From here we can have a close and wonderful view of Rakaposhi Peak (7788m). Lunch on the way at local restaurant.  

Upon arrival at Karimabad, visit bazaar and 774 years old Baltit Fort.

Baltit Fort was originally built by the Balti Artisans, when a princess of Baltistan married to a Prince of Hunza, the father of princess sent artisans from Baltistan to build this fort in her dowry. The Fort has been restored by ‘Agha Khan Trust for Culture’ as a historical asset a decade ago. This castle was rebuilt a number of times during the 800 years regime of the Mirs of Hunza. The present structure was constructed some 774 years around; the architecture reflects a marked Tibetan influence. We can also have breath taking view of Hunza and Nagar valleys from the Fort. While we visit the Forts, we have the opportunity to meet and speak with the local ‘Hunzakuts’ and explore the charm and mystery of the people of Hunza.

 After visit continue drive to Duiker. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight. OR complete road journey from Besham to Duiker.  

Lunch, dinner & overnight at the hotel

After breakfast drive to Skardu.  

Skardu is the capital of Baltistan and is the gateway to the world’s famous mountains and glacial system and hundreds of beautiful trekking routes in the Karakorum mountain range. Skardu is also known as “Little Tibet” and the local language is called Balti which is spoken in the entire Baltistan, Kargil and Ladakh regions. Lunch will be served on the way at Local Restaurant. After lunch continue drive to Skardu.  Arrive and transfer to hotel for dinner and overnight

Excursion

Shigar Fort – at an altitude of 2250 meters, a fort palace standing on the bank of Shigar stream is built upon a massive rock. This 350-years old Fort has been renovated by the “Agha Khan Trust for Culture” and is the only one of its kind in Pakistan. Recently the property has taken over by the management of Serena Hotel.

Shigar Village, see the 14th century Amburiq Mosque (One of the most ancient mosques in the Shigar Valley) built by the Amir Kabir Syed Ali Hamdani, the first Islamic preacher in Baltistan who converted the majority of mass into Islam.  

Drive back to Skardu and visit to Sadpara Lake. 

Sadpara Lake is Skardu Valley’s main lake. In 2002, the Government of Pakistan had decided to build a dam on the Sadpara Lake allocating $10 million to the Sadpara Dam project, two years later in 2004. Progress on the project was, however, been slow. Sadpara Lake is 6 miles (9.7 km) from Skardu. Sadpara Lake is one of the largest fresh water lakes in the countryside offering trout fishing, and row boating. This lake is also the source of Skardu’s drinking water.  Return to hotel for dinner and overnight

After lunch proceed for Islamabad & Rawalpindi city tour.  

We will start Islamabad sightseeing by visiting the Faisal Mosque, the largest mosque in South Asia and the fourth largest mosque in the world, Shakar Parian, “Sweet Hills” to catch a bird’s eye view of Islamabad. It is the capital of Pakistan and the ninth largest city in the country. We will visit Pakistan Monument and Museum at Shakar Parian, Rawal Lake also.  Lunch at Local Restaurant. 

In Rawalpindi   the famous places to look are Raja (King) Bazaar, Silver and Gold bazaars will allow us to catch traditional craftsmen at work.  

Lunch, dinner & overnight at the hotel. 

OR in case flight does not operate, drive to Chilas.  Upon arrival transfer to the hotel for dinner & overnight.

OR in case flight gets cancelled, drive from Chilas to Islamabad, overnight at the hotel  

After visit drive back to Islamabad and early dinner at local restaurant.

After visit, transfer to Islamabad airport for your international return flight