9 Days NORTHERN AREAS HERITAGE TOUR

itinerary

DAY 1

ISLAMABAD - KHAPLU

Departure by PIA Air Bus A320 flight to Skurdu at 0900hrs. A spectacular flight offering dramatic views of the Karakoram, Himalayan and Hindukush mountains ranges highest in the world. In way observe the beautiful view of Nangaparbat the ninth highest and also known as the killer mountain. It is an hour flight and will be received and greeted at Skurdu Airport by our guide who will also present a Gilgiti warm cap with a feather to each visitor. Departure for Manthokha Waterfall which is located in Kharmang Valley 180 feet high and 78 kms from Skurdu. Light refreshment in between and lunch of local delicacies. Than to Khaplu Valley which was second largest kingdom in old Baltistan of Yabgo Dynesty and guarding the silk trade route to Ladakh along the Shyok River. It has a mosque naming Chaqchan 700 years old founded by Ameer Kabeer Syed Ali Hamdani. Drive back to Sarena Khaplu Palace hotel for overnight stay. It is one of the finest surviving examples of a royal residence in Baltistan. The hotel is spiritual sanctuary of five buildings constructed back to 1840.

DAY 2

KHAPLU - SKURDU

Departure for Deosai plain 30 kms from Skurdu after breakfast which is 13,497 feet high above sea level and second highest plateau in the world after Changtang Tibetan Plateau. It is well known for flora and fauna in the world and home of 124 resident and migratory birds. Deosai is also home of Himalayan Brown bear, red fox, golden marmot (very extensively seen around), grey wolf, snow leopard etc. Sheosar Lake at the height of 13,589 feet is one of the world highest lake surrounded by flowers of hundreds of species and to reach this lake depends on weather condition. Move back to Skurdu and in way a stopover at Satpara Lake which is 8,700 feet above sea level and Manthal Buddha Rock carving. This carving was done on granite rock in 8th century when Buddhism was religion of the area. Transfer to Concodia Motel for overnight stay.

DAY 3

SKURDU - SHIGAR

Departure for Chutron Hot Spring after breakfast through the meadows of Shigar which also goes to Golden Mountain Peak Spantic. Taking bath in this natural hot spring has therapeutic value which cure skin diseases and arthritis. The group will take to the houses where centuries old Himalayans culture thriving.( using stone pots for cooking ) to have a taste of their food. Shigar valley split into Basha and Braldu valleys and following Braldu valley goes to Askoli the last village from trekking to World highest peak starts i.e. K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrums etc. Evening move to Sarena Hotel Shigar for overnight stay. This hotel is a Fort located in the town of Shigar built in 17 century by Raja of Amacha Dynesty, renovated following scientific guideline while preserving the cultural and architectural values on one hand presents a through learning of the history and culture and on the other hand offers a comfortable stay in traditional rooms / suites with continental and local food varieties managed by Serena Hotels.

DAY 4

SHIGAR - SKURDU

Move from here to Jurbusso lake which is located in a cold desert or Katpana Desert 7303 feet high, one of the highest in the world and enjoy swimming in warm water stunning with its scenic beauty and the view of this lake is magnificent and exotic. It has beautiful meadows on sides. Afternoon move to Shangri-La Resort which is also known as HEAVEN ON EARTH at 8000 feet nestled amongst some of the world highest peaks. It encircles the heart shaped Kachura lake surrounded by fruit laden orchards and flower filled garden. Optional Hiking or driving to upper Kutura Lake in the evening for taking the panoramic view of surrounding areas. Overnight stay in Shangri la Resort.

DAY 5

SKURDU - GILGIT

Departure for Gilgit by road after breakfast arrival by afternoon 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 6

GILGIT - 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 roadside. 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 nowhere in the world. Transfer to the hotel Darbar e Hunza . Evening visit to impressive Altit and Baltit 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 7

HUNZA – 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 hundreds of Chinese tourists visit on other side. Move back to hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 8

HUNZA - 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 9

GILGIT - ISLAMABAD

Departure to Gilgit Airport to fly back to Islamabad. Note: In case of inclement weather extra expenditure will be borne by the client. Optional: Lunches at some location will be served in the homes of locals residents / roadside restaurants depicting hundreds of years old Himalayan culture. You may also carry your haversack lunch. End of service and Bon Voyage.