14-Day Highlight of Karakoram from Islamabad to Kashgar Adventure
- Duration: 14 Days (approx.)
- Product code: PYBENX
Embark on an exhilarating multi-day journey from Islamabad to Kashgar that will take you through some of the most spectacular landscapes and cultural experiences in Pakistan and China!
Go over the challenging yet scenic Karakoram Highway, dubbed as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," beginning in Islamabad and bringing you through towering peaks, gorgeous glaciers, and crystal-clear rivers.
Visit Kashgar's famous Sunday market, drive along the Karakoram Highway, walk to the Passu glacier, and see ancient sites such as Tashkurgan Fort and Baltit Fort. Stay in traditional hotels and visit local communities to learn about local culture and traditions. This tour, with skilled guides and comfortable transportation, provides a one-of-a-kind and spectacular adventure through some of the world's most beautiful landscapes.
Join us on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure from Islamabad to Kashgar and experience the grandeur of the Karakoram Highway like never before!
Itinerary
Day 1 - Islamabad
Arrive at Islamabad International Airport. Your local guide will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel. Take time to freshen up before heading out for a city tour of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, which includes a visit to the famous Faisal Mosque, Shakar Parian, Pakistan Monument, Damen Koh, Rawalpindi Old Bazaar, and so much more.
Day 2 - Islamabad - Naran - Chilas
Begin the day by driving to Naran, then to Chilas through Babusar Pass, the highest point in the Kaghan Valley that connects the Kaghan Valley via ThanNala to Chilas through the Karakoram Highway. It is even considered one of the world's most famous hair-pin highways.
Day 3 - Chilas - Karimabad
Make your way towards Karimabad, stopping at the Thalichi Viewpoint to take in the beautiful scenery of the Indus River. Pass by the picturesque Nanga Parbat, the world's ninth-highest peak, and the Rakaposhi Viewpoint to take in the breathtaking views of the Rakaposhi Mountain Range, along the way.
Day 4 - Karimabad
See Baltit Fort in the morning, which is 700 years old but has been rebuilt and remodeled over the centuries. Admire the architectural style reflecting the Tibetan influence in Baltistan at the period. You will also visit the Altit VIllage in the afternoon and get a chance to meet the women carpenters of Hunza.
Day 5 - Karimabad
Begin the day early with a morning excursion to Hopper Valley, then drive to Hopper Glacier and Hopper Valley, where you will witness the stunning beauty of nature. The glacier is surrounded by beautiful mountains, and the valley is known for its lush greenery and waterfalls. You will have the opportunity to take plenty of pictures and explore the area before making your way to Duiker Valley to enjoy the beautiful sunset from Duiker Viewpoint.
Day 6 - Karimabad - Sost
Travel to Sost after breakfast. Stop along the way at Attabad Lake to appreciate the scenery. Continue the journey to Borith Lake, a stunning high-altitude lake surrounded by mountains. Afterwards, head to Gulkin Village, a historic community noted for its handicrafts and cultural history. You will then proceed to Gulmit Village, the administrative center of Gojal Valley and an excellent spot to learn about local culture. Continue on to Passu and stop at Passu Glacier, one of the region's most magnificent glaciers. Visit Passu Village, a quaint traditional village with beautiful mountain views, then proceed to Hussani Village, a lovely area famed for its apricot fields. Finally, visit the Hussani Suspension Bridge, a well-known bridge with breathtaking views.
Day 7 - Sost - Tashkurgan
Drive through the beautiful Khunjerab Pass, which is the highest paved international border crossing the world. The drive will take about 2 hours, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Spend some time at the Khunjerab Pass, taking in the spectacular scenery and enjoying the fresh mountain air. Continue driving along the Karakoram Highway towards Tashkurgan, passing through beautiful scenic landscapes and traditional villages along the way. You will also have the opportunity to stop and take photos as well as explore some of the local shops and markets.
Day 8 - Tashkurgan - Kashgar
Drive to Karakul Lake. This picturesque high-altitude lake is located on the Karakoram Highway and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Continue your travel to Kashgar along the Karakoram Highway. Stop in Opal Village on route to meet a local Kyrgyz family and learn about their way of life. You may also sample traditional Kyrgyz cuisine and buy souvenirs.
Day 9 - Kashgar
Spend the day discovering Kashgar's historical and cultural landmarks. See the Id Kah Mosque, China's largest mosque, and the Kashgar Old Town, a tangle of small alleyways and traditional courtyard residences. You will also stop by the famed Sunday Bazaar, where you can shop for unique local handicrafts and souvenirs. Following lunch, travel to the old town, a world that is rapidly changing but still has remnants of the historic Silk Road. You will then finish the day with tea on the second floor balcony of one of the antique chaikhanas (tea houses) while watching the bustling street market below.
Day 10 - Kashgar - Tashkurgan
Set of the Southern Branch of the Old Silk Road, passing Karakul Lake and the magnificently high peak Muztagh Ata, the Ice Father, en route to Tashkurgan, as numerous traders have done before. This fascinating frontier town is renowned for its historic stronghold, which you will visit. The scenery along the way is also breathtaking. Stop at the Lake to take in the grandeur of the Muztagh Ata Mountains. Afterwards, head to Tashkurgan, the last Tajik Chinese settlement between China and Pakistan.
Day 11 - Tashkurgan - Karimabad
Cross the border into Pakistan and go through passport control in Tashkurgan before driving through the beautiful Khunjerab Pass to Sost in Pakistan to finish the paperwork. After passing through immigration, make your way to Karimabad through Karakoram Highway along the Hunza River.
Day 12 - Karimabad - Naran
Start early in the morning from Karimabad, taking the Karakoram Highway. En route, stop at the Babusar Pass, which is a high mountain pass that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Continue driving towards Naran, passing through the picturesque Kaghan Valley. There are several small villages, waterfalls, and lovely sights along the route where you can stop and take photos.
Day 13 - Naran - Islamabad
Depart from Naran and head towards Taxila. En route, make a stop at the Taxila Museum, which showcases ancient Gandhara civilization artifacts, including sculptures, coins, pottery, and other archaeological finds. Spend some time exploring the museum and learning about the rich history of the region. Afterwards, continue your journey towards Islamabad where you will spend the night.
Day 14 - Islamabad
Check out from the hotel after breakfast, then make your way to Islamabad International Airport for your journey back home.
Inclusions
Airport Pick Up and Drop Off
13 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (13)
Lunch (12)
Dinner (10)
English-Speaking Local Guide
Transportation as Per Itinerary
Entrance Fees as Per Itinerary
Exclusions
Local and International Flights
Meals and Drinks Not Mentioned
Visas
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Gratuities (Optional)
Additional Information
This experience involves a moderate amount of walking; Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
This experience requires good weather conditions. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Arrival time at each location may vary depending on the season.
If there is insufficient time for all attractions/destinations on the itinerary, the tour guide will adjust the length of time spent at other attractions/destinations.
Delays, shortening of the tours, or omissions to the itinerary due to traffic, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances are not subject to refund.
Itinerary is subject to change and the attractions may be closed due to traffic, weather, and force majeure. An alternative itinerary may also be omitted depending on road conditions.
Please note that on days in which no activities are planned, you are free to explore at your leisure; all activities and purchases will be at your own expense. You will have your tour guide's mobile number in case of emergency.