10 DAYS OVERLAND TOUR China-Pakistan

Experience the confluence of the highest mountain ranges of the world: Karakoram, Himalayas and Hindukush.

Travel overland on Karakoram Highway, reputed as 8th wonder of the world, through the dramatic, deep gorge of Indus: The Lion River. Spend a few days in Hunza inhabited by Ismaili Muslims and known for longevity of its inhabitants. Walk to the glaciers flowing down from the soaring peaks. Cross Shangla Pass to enter Mingora in Swat Valley. From Swat drive down to Peshawar and then travel on historic Grand Trunk Road, build in Moguls period, leading to Khyber Pass. The border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. After visiting Khyber Pass drive to Islamabad the capital of Pakistan. Spend one day in the capital.

OVERVIEW

(April – Nov)

Day To Mode Time Distance Stay

Hour’s km

1 Arr. Sost Bus 1 40 Hotel

2 -Karimabad Bus 2 50 Hotel

3 Karimabad Bus/Jeeps Hotel

4 -Gilgit Bus 3/4 110 Hotel

5 - Chilas Bus 3 110 Hotel

6 -Swat Bus 8/9 305 Hotel

7 -Peshawar Bus 3/4 140 Hotel

8 -Islamabad Bus 3/ 4 180 Hotel

9 Islamabad Bus Hotel

10 Departure

DETAIL ITINERARY:

Day 01 Arrive at Sost /Hunza

First Pakistani Custom and immigration post after Khunjerab Pass border. Here you will complete the border formalities and say good bye to your Chinese Guide and Driver. Transfer to the Pakistani bus with Pakistani Guide. After lunch at Sost we start our drive to Passu. As we drive South from Sost the museum of landscape starts unfolding its secrets. Karakoram, meaning black - rock, gets very little rain fall and is dry. Stop at the charming village of Passu in the backdrop of Karakoram cones. Enjoying thrilling views of challenging Peaks rising 7000 meters and above. Overnight in Passu Tourist Lodge. (40 km,1hr drive )

Day 02, Passu -Karimabad (Hunza)

Drive to Karimabad the capital of Hunza, with beautiful views over Passu peak, Shisper Peak and Virgin Gulmit Tower. Stop in Gulmit village to visit the local museum of Gulmit, experience the Suspension bridge over Hunza river, visit the Sacred Rocks of Ganish near Ganish village the early settlement in Hunza valley .While in Hunza we are never short of views of soaring peaks. Small patches of sharp green fields irrigated by water from glaciers, provide a very sharp contrast to the mountains. Rakaposhi, (7,788m) greets us as we enter this Shangri-La on earth. Arrive Karimabad and transfer to hotel for fresh ups and lunch. Afternoon visit of Altit & Baltit forts. Overnight stay in hotel. (50 km 2 hours drive )

Day 03 Explore Nagar Valley

Board on 4x4 soft top jeeps in the morning and drive to Hoper valley to see the most fast moving Glacier of the world .The beauty of Golden Peak (7027 meters) Lady finger and Ultar peaks around you .The fascinating view of the Nagar village. The former independent kingdom of Hunza valley. The beauty of fields and terraces will definitely fascinate you. Lunch in hotel and afternoon leisure in Hunza .

Day 04 Hunza - Gilgit

Morning drive towards Gilgit. Search for some precious stones along the Road near the last village of Hunza, as the area is famous for its precious stones production. Enjoy the closest view from the Karakoram Highway of Rakaposhi 7788m. See the clear impact of continental collision near Chalt. Arrive Gilgit (1600m) for lunch. Visit Gilgit, its suspension bridge, the rock carving Kargha Buddha and stroll down its bazaars filled with people from remote mountain valleys. Gilgit is a big market these days of Chinese and Paksitani goods. Overnight hotel (110 km ,3 hours drive ).

Day 05 Nanga Parbat

Morning leisure at Gilgit. After lunch drive to Chilas. The view of Haramosh Peak 7409m from Karakoram Highway. Arrive at the meeting place of the world’s three highest mountain ranges: Karakoram in north, Himalayas in east and Hindokush in west. It is also the meeting point of Lion river Indus with Gilgit river, enjoy thrilling views from this unique place of Nanga Parbat (8,125 M). Nanga Parbat is the 9th highest mountain in the world and second to K2 in Pakistan .The most beautiful view over Nanga Parbat in the South, Stop at Chilas rock carvings from the Buddhist period .Overnight in hotel (130km 3hr Drive ).

Day 06 Chilas -Swat Valley

Today we will leave the Karakoram Highway and enter into Swat valley. Karakoram Highway is reputed as the 8th wonder of the world and this vital connection to North Pakistan & China cost 850 lives and took 20 years to complete. Driving along the Indus river through the Indus Gorge first we will stop near Chilas to visit the centuries old rock carvings of Buddhist period. After that stop at Besham for lunch and from Besham turn west and ascend to cross over Shangla Pass (2100m) leading to Swat Valley. We pass through the alpine landscape of Swat, with snow covered peaks, rice & barley fields perched along the steep slopes and arrive the twin capital cities of Swat Valley Mingora and Saidu Sharif. Arrive and transfer to hotel for meals and overnight stay. (305 km, 8/9 hours drive)

Day 07 Swat - Peshawar

Morning visit Swat museum with a very good collection of Gandhara period. Swat valley is the part of Gandhara Buddhist civilization for us during this tour. Visit Butkara excavation site with its interesting Stupa near the museum. Drive to Peshawar, en route stop at Takht-e-Bahi monastery the best preserved monastery from Gandhara Buddhist times in Pakistan. Continue drive to Peshawar centuries old town lies at confluence of Indian subcontinent with central Asia, currently capital of Frontier Province of Pakistan. Evening visit the Peshawar museum, the color full Bazaar of Peshawar. Mahabat Khan Mosque, Karavan Sarai, Qissa Kowani bazaar (Bazaar of story tellers) and the bazaar of Gold and Silver (Kasera bazaar). Overnight Hotel. (140 km,5/6 hours drive)

Day 08 Peshawar -Islamabad

Morning Excursion to Khyber Pass, border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the most important historic and strategic land route leading to Indian sub-continent. All the historic invaders including Alexander, the Macedonian, had used this (Grand Trunk Road) route to explore the wonders of fertile land that lies south of this Pass. Lunch at Peshawar. Later drive to Islamabad. En route visit Taxila, former center of Gandhara Buddhist civilization. The splendid site museum and archeological site of former cities & monasteries. Provide an impressive insight to this civilization. Arrive Islamabad and transfer to hotel for dinner and overnight stay. (180 km 3/ 4 hours Drive )

Day 9 Twin Cities

Full day city tour of the twin cities Rawalpindi & Islamabad. Visit Lok Virsa museum in the federal Capital of Pakistan. Raja bazaar in Rawalpindi an interesting place to visit. Shakar Parian and Damn-e-Koh the view points of Islamabad. Overnight hotel.

Day 10 International Departure

Back, home sweet Home

Cost Includes:

Accommodation: on twin sharing basis at standard category hotels in towns.

Meals: half board.

Transport: Air conditioned transport on Karakoram Highway, soft top 4x4 jeeps for Hunza.

Tips & Portage at airport & hotels, entrance fees at sites & museums.

English speaking Guide.

Cost Does Not Include

Domestic/International airfare and airport taxes. Any expense due to forced measures, cancellation of flight, landslides, natural calamities, acts of God, forced majeurs: beyond the control of Rock Valley Tours s, their staff and suppliers. Any expense of personal nature not mentioned above.