itinerary
DAY 1
GILGIT
Departure for Gilgit by Air early morning and transfer to Sareena Hotel . Evening free to explore the markets of Gilgit or optional visit to Kargah Buddha an archaeological site located 9 kms from here. There is a carved image of a large standing Buddha in the cliff facing Kargha nullha dated back to 7th century. From 3rd century to 11th century it was a Buddhist center and few meters upstream a Buddhist monastery and three stupas containing Sanskrit manuscripts were excavated in 1931. Gilgit is an oldest city of some 2000 years BC, been an important trading post for centuries because of its location on the silk route. There are more than 50000 pieces of rock art petro glyphs all along Karakoram Highway and some sites are found here. These are left by various invaders, traders and pilgrims who passed along the trade route dated back to 5000 and 1000 BCE. Marco Polo visited this area around 1280AD on way to China and commented that valley is ringing with kingdoms.
DAY 2
HUNZA
Departure for Hunza and in the way see the thousands of years old Silk Route clinging to the mountain. Shepherds still use this route to go their pasture lands. A convergent boundary between Eurasian Plate and the Indian Plate can be seen near Chalt which is 58 kms from Gilgit from the road side. The Himalayan mountains range and Tibetan plateau have formed as a result of the collision which began 50 million years ago and continues till today by rise of one cm per year. Rakaposhi mountain on the right which is 21st highest and is the steepest mountain of the planet which changes color with the sun light. Hunza was a former princely state for about 900 years and surrounded by four peaks above 7000 meters i.e., Rakaposhi, Diran, Golden and Ultar no where in the world. Transfer to the hotel Darbar e Hunza . Evening visit to impressive Altit and Bultit forts built by the rulers of Hunza from wood, rocks and mud 700 years ago. The bazaar of Karimabad is colorful and items of interest includes local handicraft, souvenirs, hand woven rugs, embroidered caps, shawls, hand woven cloth known as paffu and gemstones.
DAY 3
KHUNJARAB – HUNZA.
Departure for full day excursion to the Khunjarab Pass after breakfast . It is high mountain pass on the Northern border of Pakistan with China at an elevation of 4,733 meters above sea level thus making it highest crossing in the World. Soon after crossing the Upper Hunza where Passu Glacier can be seen touching the road . It is 56 kms and fifth longest non polar glacier of the world. The region beyond Dhee is declared as Khunjerab National Park and while driving through it one can see grazing wild asses, yaks, marmots and ibex. The sight of Marco Polo sheep, urial and snow leopard is rare. The friendship gate between Pakistan and China is just on the top with hundred of Chinese tourists visit on other side. Move back to hotel for overnight stay.
DAY 4
GILGIT
Departure for Gilgit and will visit Attabad lake 14 kms upstream of Karimabad created by massive slide in January 2010 and thus blocking Hunza River for five months. The 24 kms of road was also washed away and rebuilt in 2015 with five tunnels to restore the Pakistan China trade route. The lake length is 21 kms with 1000 meters depth and fed by five rivers. The lake provide many entertainments for enjoyment includes boating, jet-skiing, water scooter, and other recreational activities at the lake. The amazing views of the lake freshen one’s mind. Transfer to hotel Serena for night stay.
DAY 5
ISLAMABAD
Departure to Gilgit Airport to fly back to Islamabad.
