Karachi To Khunjerab Pass Tour.

Most of the International flights arrive in Karachi. We will meet you at the airport then transfer you to the hotel to check inn. After freshen up, in the late afternoon there is an option to do one of the sightseeings. Karachi is a City which does not sleep, all the shops, restaurant, and all the tourist attraction points remain opens till very late in the evening.

Karachi is also the ex capital of Pakistan. Being Situated on the side of Arabian Sea, it has Beautiful Sandy Beache. We will visit the famous Clifton Sea front. Other Attraction are, Tomb of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founders of Pakistan, Culturally rich and Historical Sadar Bazar, Karachi Museum, Mohatta Palace, Frere Hall.

Karachi is also the ex capital of Pakistan. Being Situated on the side of Arabian Sea, it has Beautiful Sandy Beache. We will visit the famous Clifton Sea front. Other Attraction are, Tomb of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founders of Pakistan, Culturally rich and Historical Sadar Bazar, Karachi Museum, Mohatta Palace, Frere Hall.

The Journey will be in the First class Cabins and they are Air Conditions and has Lcd TV. Cabins has 6 seats and 6 comfortable beds. Dinner will be served on Board. We will arrive in Multan in the early mornings to have the traditional Multani Breakfast.

It has seen a lot of warfare because of its location on a major invasion route between south Asia and central Asia. Multan was ruled by the various native empires before the invasion of Alexander the Great. During the early period, Multan was known as the city of gold for its large and wealthy temples. It is famous for its Sufi shrines, Tomb of Shah Rukne Alam, Tomb of Bhahudin Zkiria, fort Khona, Dehli Gate and many other sufi Tombs. All these Tombs stays open till 8pm and seven days a week. Thursday and Fridays are the busiest time. We will do some sightseeing on the Arrival day

It has seen a lot of warfare because of its location on a major invasion route between south Asia and central Asia. Multan was ruled by the various native empires before the invasion of Alexander the Great. During the early period, Multan was known as the city of gold for its large and wealthy temples. It is famous for its Sufi shrines, Tomb of Shah Rukne Alam, Tomb of Bhahudin Zkiria, fort Khona, Dehli Gate and many other sufi Tombs. All these Tombs stays open till 8pm and seven days a week. Thursday and Fridays are the busiest time. We will do some sightseeing on the Arrival day from Karachi and some next day.Multan is one of the oldest cities in South Asia. It has seen a lot of warfare because of its location on a major invasion route between south Asia and central Asia. Multan was ruled by the various native empires before the invasion of Alexander the Great. During the early period, Multan was known as the city of gold for its large and wealthy temples. It is famous for its Sufi shrines, Tomb of Shah Rukne Alam, Tomb of Bhahudin Zkiria, fort Khona, Dehli Gate and many other sufi Tombs. All these Tombs stays open till 8pm and seven days a week. Thursday and Fridays are the busiest time. We will do some sightseeing on the Arrival day from Karachi and some next day.

Our journey will be mainly on the Highway passing through some of the Punjab main cities. The main Cities which we will pass through will be Okara, Chicha watani, Sahiwal, Khaniwal, Mianchanu and Khaniwal. We will do few stops along the highway for tea breaks, visit mango fields and handicraft shops. It is a pleasant Journey with beautiful landscapes

We will arrive in Lahore in the afternoon. Will check in the Hotel. Later in the evening, when everyone has freshen up, we will Take you for a Traditional Lahore dinner in a very traditional restaurant. Lahore is the second biggest city of Pakistan and it is the Capital of Punjab Province. It is the cultural capital and the heart of modern-day Pakistan. It has evolved through history, starting from The Jain religion, Hindu, Buddhist, Greek and Muslim Then the British Colony. There are so much to see in Lahore, the main Attractions are, Badshahi Mosque, Wazir Khan Mosque, Lahore Fort, Lahore Museum, Pak & India Border (wahga border) where the famous flag ceremony take place. Wahga Border is one and half hour drive from the main Lahore City. The flag ceremony starts at 4pm and finish at 5pm.It take place everyday, weekends are more crowded and busier. All the above attractions stays open til 8pm.

Will check in the Hotel. Later in the evening, when everyone has freshen up, we will Take you for a Traditional Lahore dinner in a very traditional restaurant. Lahore is the second biggest city of Pakistan and it is the Capital of Punjab Province. It is the cultural capital and the heart of modern-day Pakistan. It has evolved through history, starting from The Jain religion, Hindu, Buddhist, Greek and Muslim Then the British Colony. There are so much to see in Lahore, the main Attractions are, Badshahi Mosque, Wazir Khan Mosque, Lahore Fort, Lahore Museum, Pak & India Border (wahga border) where the famous flag ceremony take place. Wahga Border is one and half hour drive from the main Lahore City. The flag ceremony starts at 4pm and finish at 5pm.It take place everyday, weekends are more crowded and busier. All the above attractions stays open til 8pm.

It is quite a scenic journey as we will be passing through many villages of Punjab with the Kino fields (this region produces among the best citrus fruits in the world). we will do few stop along the route to buy some fresh Kenus. visiting the kenu field is a possibility but depending on the available time. On the way we will visit the world-famous Kheora Salt mines. Pakistan has the World’s second largest and oldest salt mines. The salt mine were discovered by the troops of ALEXANDER the great in 320 BC. Kheora Salt mine is a major Tourist Attraction,with around 25,0000 visitor every year. Visitors are taken into the Salt mine on a mini train for a tour. Inside the mine, there are the sculpture of Badshahi Mosque, Great wall of china, and many other famous personalities of pakistan. All the sculpture are made of Salt rocks with beautiful lightning. There is also a shop which sells Salt rock lamps and other Salt rock products. It has a coffee shop as well. Kheora salt lamps are sold around the world under the name of Himalayan Salt lamp. After the Kheora salt mountains we will be passing through the green Kalar Kahar valley with a lake. We will not stop at the lake as we still have few hours of driving to do before Arriving Islamabad.

Islamabad is a purpose-built City, which was built-in 1961 as the new capital of Pakistan. It is a lush green city surrounded by the Marghala hill. Faisal Mosque and Marghala Hills and the local Bazar are the main attraction. These attraction remains open seven days a week 24 hours. Parliament house and other main buildings can only be viewed from outside. In the morning we will visit the Faisal mosque and local Markets then heads toward Marghala hill in the afternoon.

Today we will start our Epic Journey towards Karakoram Highway. We will stop over in Taxila for few hour to explore the culture and the history of Taxila City. Taxila is an important archaeological site of ancient India, situated about 32 km north-west of Islamabad. The origin of Taxila as a city goes back to c.1000 BCE. Some ruins at Taxila date to the time of the Achaemenid Empire in the 6th century BCE. We will pass through some other culturally rich and historical Towns, Hassan Abdal, Hari Pur, Abbot Abbad then Besham. We will do few stops along the ways for tea breaks. KKH takes off from Hasan Abdal. Besham is a nice town to stay. It has a nice bazar and good standard Hotels. There is no Tourist attractions in Besham.

The road follows every twist and turn off the Indus River. About 190 km after Besham, the road meets Chillas which appears to be a ‘oasis in a desert’. Chillas has a unique charm. Here we will have a magnificent view of the three World highest Mountain ranges: Karakoram in the north, Himalayas in east and Hindu Kush in west. Chillas is the getaway to Nanga Parbat (8126m). Nanga Parbat is the ninth world highest mountain, which is one of the hardest mountain to climb. It has a nick name of Killer Mountain. In Chillas there are no Tourist attractions.

Along the KKH there are many attractions like a beautiful rock carving of Buddha, also dotted with villages which are on a very steep grassy slope. After 2 hours drive we will leave KKH behind and follow the Indus River to Skardu. The area is laden with fruits like apricot, cherries and apple trees. We will be doing few stops along the way for tea breaks and buy fresh fruit from the locals.

Skardu is the Capital of Baltistan Valley. Baltistan was one of the oldest Himalayan kingdoms before being incorporated into Pakistan. It lies along the Indus River in the very heart of the Karakoram mountains,comprising the northern edge of the Himalayas and nearly the entire Karakoram Range. The Balti people speak an ancient form of Tibetan and have a strong and fascinating culture. after breakfast we will visit the Sadpara Lake, have a tea there and enjoy the breath-taking scenery. We will head back to Skardu town for lunch. after lunch we will visit the Famous Organic Village, where everything grows organically. Dinner will be serve in the hotel.

We will pass through some lush green Balti Villages to arrive in Khapulu. Khapulu was the second-largest kingdom in old Baltistan of the Yabgo dynasty. It guarded the trade route to Ladakh along the Shyok River. The Main Attraction in Khaplu are the Chaqchan Mosque, local village, Bazar and the ex Khapulu Royal Palace.The Ex Royal palace considered an architectural heritage, it was built-in the mid 19th century. The ex Royal Palace has now turned into a Luxury Hotel, we will be staying here for the night. We will have lunch in the Royal Palace then heads out to visit the local village, Bazar and Chaqchan. Chaqchan Mosque, Dating from 1370, is one of the oldest in the region, it dates from the time when the area’s populace converted en mass from Buddhism to Islam. Chaqchan Mosque remains open (except friday prayer time) 24 hours and seven days a week.

eturn drive to Shigar through the lush green villages of Khapulu Valley. We have a faster, smoother journey on a paved road following the great Indus River into Shigar Valley. Shigar is the getaway to K2 and many other famous treks and peaks. In Shigar, we will visit the historical fort, which is now turn into a museum and Luxury hotel. It is belong to the same brand of Khapulu Palace hotel. We will have lunch here then drive to Skardu. Shigar fort remains open 24 hours and 7 days a week. Along the way we will make few stops to buy fresh fruits from the locals and visit agriculture fields.

A full day to explore Skardu. Skardu is the Capital of Baltistan and it is the getaway to K2, Deosai Plato, Masherbrum Peaks and many other famous Karakoram Peaks. In Skardu, Trekkers and climber usually do their Finale purchasing and top ups for their journey. It is a historical and culturally rich Town so it has so much to offer. After breakfast we will visit the nearly 300 years old Kharpocho fort. The view of Skardu town and Indus River from the fort is spectacular. After visiting the fort we will Heads towards the Upper Kachura Lake and its village. We will have lunch on the side of the lake and visit the local village. Later in the afternoon we will head back to the local bazar of Skardu. The fort and local bazar remains open till very late in the evening.

After Breakfast we will head towards Gilgit. We will continue our journey along the Indus River until the junction of Gilgit River, then follow Gilgit river on the Karakoram Highway to Gilgit city. Gilgit is the Capital of Gilgit & Baltistan Region. It is mainly an administrative city with Government offices and a lot of shops and markets. Gilgit was an important city on the ancient Silk Route. It was considered as a Buddhism corridor from which many Chinese monks came to Kashmir to learn and preach Buddhism. There is no Tourist Attraction in Gilgit. Depending on the time available, perhaps we visit the local Bazar in the afternoon. We will stay in Gilgit for the night. Along the way we will do few stop for tea breaks and lunch.

From Gilgit we will drive Further up about 52 km to rejoin the Karakoram Highway. After joining the KKH, we will cross the Gilgit river and enters into Hunza Valley. This area is the most beautiful section of the KKH. It is the right place to breathe the crystalline air. One is overwhelmed by the fragrant breeze coming from poplar trees and orchids of apricots, peaches, pears and grapes. We will stop over for a tea break at the Famous Rakaposhi Mountain (7788m) View point.

Karimabad is the Capital of the ancient Hunza Valley, It has adequate tourist infra-structure as it has plenty of café, hotels, motels, guesthouses, bookshops. In Hunza you will notice that they speak different language. In Karimabad, we will visit the famous Baltit and Altit Forts, local Bazar and drive up to Eagle nest. After Breakfast we will walk along the loca small Bazar (15-20 min walk) towards the famous Baltit Fort, Founded in the 8th CE, it is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Once the former seat of the Hunza kingdom, majestic Baltit Fort is on a hill, which gives the best view of whole Hunza Valley. After visiting the Baltit fort, we will drive (15 min drive) to Altit Fort. We use jeeps to drive to the spectacular Eagles Nest at 2850m, surrounded by 7000m peaks.

As we moves further up, the Karakoram Highway becomes more spectacular. It rides high on the eastern side of the Hunza river. We will drive on KKH to Atta Abad Lake. Atta Abad Lake was created in January 2010 by a huge landslide. It is a 2 hours Boat ride to the other side of lake. From the other side we continue our drive to Gulmit. Gulmit is a centuries-old historic Village, surrounded by Pillars of mountain peaks and glaciers. It was the summer Capital of Ancient Hunza Valley. We will visit the old Summer Palace of King of Hunza, which stands at the northern edge of Gulmit’s historic Polo Ground. Gulmit is a very small Village, we will visit the local Bazar, the village, and Old places of worships, now used as libraries, also adorn the Gulmit valley.

We start early To reach Khunjerab Pass. We will pass through some beautiful landscape and villages; Passu, in the backdrop Karakoram Cones. View of Passu Glacier is spectacular, also see the famous suspension bridge on Hunza River at hussani. One of the prominent town on the way is “Passu”. Its location is ideal for being at the junction of several waters. It has nice hotels and infra-structure for tourists and trekkers. Sost is the last town inside Pakistan. It is border post, 88 km before Khunjerab Pass. It is an immigration and custom checkpoint. Buses for China also originate here. We will see dust-laden buses returning from China. Beyond Sost, there are no villages or human settlements on the way. From Khunjerab Pass you enter into China to reach Chinese town of Tashgurghan. A major Chinese city is Kashgar about 420 km away. PLEASE NOTE. THE KHUNJERAB PASS IS CLOSED AT THE WEEKEND.

DRIVE & BOAT TO KARIMABAD

DRIVE TO GILGIT

Drive to Islamabad