Highway Expedition: 14-Day trip through Pakistan and China

14-Day road trip through Pakistan and China

Journey on an unforgettable 14-day road adventure, through the Karakoram Highway discovering the gems of China and Pakistan. Explore iconic landmarks from Islamabad's streets to the Mountain peaks in Hunza and Skardu. Experience the cultural diversity in each destination, including a glimpse of China's Kashgar. Tour through ancient cities, modern highways, and the historic Silk Road, immersing yourself in the rich and unique experience that the journey offers.

Day 3: Hunza 

• The trip continues via Hunza. The place is one of the most visited destinations due to its location and climate. Several high peaks rise above 7,000 m in the surroundings of Hunza Valley. The valley provides views of several mountains, including the Rakaposhi, Ultar Sar, and Hunza Peak to name a few.
• The road trippers shall also visit Gojal, popularly known as Upper Hunza. The valley is famous for its rich natural wealth, landscape, picturesque locations, wildlife, glaciers, meadows, and pastures.
• Overnight stay at the Luxus Hunza Attabad.

Day 4: Hunza

• The 4th day tour continues through the Hunza District of Pakistan.
• The road trippers visit the Attabad Lake located in the Gojal region of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. It's located about half an hour east of Karimabad, the capital of the Hunza District. This 20.9 km long lake is a popular tourist attraction that offers boating, jet-skiing, fishing, and other recreational activities.
• Our next tour destination is the Khunjerab Pass. It is a high mountain pass in the Karakoram Mountains that sits on the border of Pakistan and China. Considered to be the world's highest border crossing, the Pass serves as a vital gateway between the two countries.
• The Karakoram Highway (Silk Route) crosses the pass into China, and trade between the two countries is mainly carried through it.
• Overnight at hotel- luxus Hunza Attabad.

Day 5- Khanjrab Border

• Drive to the Tibet Mote via the Karakorum Highway. The place is located at Sost Valley Gojal Hunza on the way to the Khunjerab Pak-China border.
• The Khunjerab Pass is the only modern border crossing between China and Pakistan.
• The place has historical and strategic significance as it was a vital part of the ancient Silk Road, connecting China, Central Asia, and South Asia.
• Overnight stay at Hotel Tibat Hotal Sust.
  

Day 6- Explore the Chinese city of Tashkurgan

• On the sixth day of this road trip, the tourists cross the Chinese border and proceed to their next tour destination.
• They explore the city of Tashkurgan, historically known as Sarikol and Shitoucheng. It is the seat of Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County, in the autonomous region of Xinjiang.
• The Tourists can interact with the Chinese Tajiks – ethnic Pamiris who live in the Pamir Mountains of Xinjiang.
• This tourist destination serves as a significant stop on the Silk Road, with roads leading to major centers of trade such as Kashgar. Formerly, it also served as the capital of several ancient and pre-modern kingdoms.
• The day ends with a night stay at Tashkurgan

Day 7- Kashgar

• On our second day in China, the tourists visit the Pamir Mountains. 
• Also known as the Chinese Pamir or Kashgar Mountains, they are a central mountain knot in China and Central Asia. This mountain range is also known as "The Roof of the World" because most of the mountains are over 4,000 meters tall. 
• Home to a diverse range of wildlife the mountains have a diverse terrain, including peaks, desert plains, and climate conditions. The region is home to several different cultures, peoples, and languages. Both the nature and culture of the region are unique and make for a one-of-a-kind travel experience.
• The tourists can also get a taste of the local cultural traditions by interacting with the Pamiri people.
• After the long day, the tourists shall stay in Kashgar itself.

Day 8- Kashgar

• On our third day in China, the tour commences with a visit to the Kongur Tagh Mountains.
• It's the highest peak in the Pamir Mountains and in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.
• The Karakorum Highway running from Pakistan to China, has made these mountain ranges more accessible.
• Once the visitors have completed touring the mountains of Pamir, they move towards the village of Bulunkul.
• Categorized as the coldest town in Central Asia, what Bulunkul provides is a separate feeling entirely.
• Tourists can also visit the Yashilkul lake, where they can take a dip in the ‘warm’ spring.
• For travelers looking to slow down on this action-packed tour, Bulunkul is an ideal place to gain perspective.
• Night stay at the city of Kashgar itself.

Day 9 -Hunza 

• Moving on, the road trippers visit the city of Karimabad. Formerly known as Baltit, it is the capital of the Hunza District in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan.
• The city is situated in the northern area of Pakistan, on the western bank of the Hunza River, at an elevation of 8,200 feet above sea level. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks, vast glaciers, and deep gorges.
• This region serves as the home to many world-known mountain peaks, such as the Rakaposhi, Nanga Parbat, Ulter Sar, Diran, Passu Sar, and Batura. The area abounds of wild roses, pansies, lilies, zinnias, and cosmos, as well as willow, fir, and poplar trees for the tourists to catch sight of.
• The Tourists also get the chance to enjoy the scenic viewpoint that the Nanga Parbat View Point he got up offer. Locally known as Diamer the Nanga Parbat is the ninth-highest mountain on Earth. It is the westernmost major peak of the Himalayas. Tourists visiting it are sure to enjoy the unfiltered view of the Himalayas, bounded by the Indus and Yarlung Tsangpo/Brahmaputra rivers.
• Next, the trippers drive up to Juglot - the place of the 3 Mountain Junction. This place of interest is the unique venue where three great mountain ranges of the world make a knot. Himalayas, Karakoram, and the Hindu Kush, with their famous peaks- Nanga Parbat, K-2, and Trich Mir.
• If time permits tourists can also visit the nearby place where the River Indus meets with River Gilgit, one of its main tributaries.
• Followed by the visit to the 3 Mountain Junction, the tourists head up to the city of Chilas on the Karakoram Highway.
• This is followed by a visit to the village area of Passu and Sost.
• Tourists can indulge in an adventurous trek across the Passu suspension bridge.
• The bridge is considered to be the the most thrilling and longest bridge in Gilgit Baltistan mainly constructed for a short walk to the Passu village.
• Wrap up the day's tour with an overnight stay at the scenic Serena Gilgit.

Day 10- Skardu 

• Our trip continues to the city of Skardu in Gilgit-Baltistan.
• Situated at an elevation of 2,500 meters, the city serves as the capital of the Skardu District and the Baltistan Division. The tourists shall take a tour of Satpara Sar Lake in this area. It is a natural lake near Skardu boasting a diverse number of aqua organisms.
• Up next the trippers move out 34 kilometres from the city of Gilgit to the Naltar Valley.
• It is a forested area distinguished by its three lakes, Strangi Lake, Blue Lake, and Bodlok Lake. The tourists shall venture out on a 4x4 Jeep to explore the mountainous landscapes and other forest attractions.
• People can also visit the Naltar Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Overnight stay at the Byarsa Hotel or the Shangrla Resort Kachora Skardu.

Day 11- Skardu

• On the 11th day of our tour, the day begins in the Basho Valley. It is located in the Roundu Division of Skardu District, Gilgit Baltistan. The Basho Valley, with its extreme beauty, majestic snow-capped mountains, and primitive charm, is one of the favorite places to visit in Skardu, the Northern area of Pakistan.
• The tourists are provided with the services of a 4x4 Jeep so that they can venture deeper into the valley and enjoy its beauty.
• Driving 80 kilometers from Skardu, they visit the 180-foot-tall Manthokha Waterfall. It is a natural waterfall situated in the Kharmang Valley.
• Other notable places that they visit in Skardu include the Shigar Fort and the Shigar Valley.
• The overnight stay destination is either the Serena Shigar or the Khoj Resort Shigar.

Day 12- Skardu

• On our second day at Skardu, the day's tour shall begin with a drive to the Upper Kachura Lake. It is one of three lakes in the Skardu District of Gilgit-Baltistan, northern Pakistan. This lake is situated at an elevation of 2,500 meters and is known for its natural beauty. They shall also visit the Lower Kachura Lake, also known as Shangrila Lake.
• Rakaposhi is another mountain in the Karakoram mountain range in the Gilgit-Baltistan territory that the trippers pay a visit to. Situated on the northern side of the city of Gilgit, it is the 27th-highest mountain in the world. Also known as Dumani, the mountain rises over the Nagar Valley. It is home to several endangered species such as the Marco Polo sheep, snow leopard, brown bear, and wolves.
• Tourists will get the services of a 4x4 Jeep to explore the Deosai Plains. Situated at an elevation of 4,114 meters above sea level, it is the second-highest plateau in the world. The Plains offer a unique look in every season, making it look amazing in every season.
• Overnight stay at the Serena Shigar or the Khoj Resort Shigar.
  

Day 13- Skardu 

• On the 4th day at Skardu, the tourists shall visit the Shigar Fort. Also known as ‘The Fort on Rock’, it is one of the oldest forts in Baltistan, Shigar. Built in the 17th century by the Raja of Amacha Dynasty the Fort is a sight to behold for every tourist.
• Next up, the trippers visit the Katpana Desert also known as Desert Skardu or Cold Desert. This high-altitude desert contains large dunes that are sometimes covered in snow during the winter. The tourists can also enjoy themselves by indulging in activities like Paragliding and Jeep Safari through the desert.
• Our day's tour continues with a visit to another Cold Desert, the Sarfaranga desert. Situated at a height of 7,500 feet, the desert captivates tourists with its biting cold breezes and captivating sunset scenes. The tourists shall embark on a safari that shall take them deep into the heart of the Desert. They can also indulge themselves in other activities like Paragliding through the desert sands.
• Overnight stay at the Shangri-la Resort Skardu.

Day 14- Return to Islamabad and Departure

• The last day of our tour is scheduled to be in Islamabad.
• The tourists reach Serena Islamabad from Skardu in the early hours of the morning. The tourists can have the morning to themselves where they can partake in activities of their liking.
• Departure in the evening from the hotel. Our tour ends here.
  
  Includes:
  
  
• Luxury Accommodation 
• 14  buffet Breakfast 
• 13 Dinners (respective hotels max 2 or 3 dishes or buffets if available) 
• 4x4 Jeep for Naltar Valley, Basho Valley & Deosai Plains 
• Driver Expenses 
• Fuel and Road taxes 
• Honda BRV /TZ 
• Total Rooms: 2 rooms daily
• Transport: Honda BRV or TZ
  

• Luxury: Pakistani Standard
  
  Extra Services included in this Customized Trip for special guests:
  

• Bonfire
• Zipline 
• Paragliding at Sarfaranga could Desert Skardu (the World's Highest Desert) 
• Jeep Safari at Sarfaranga could Desert Skardu,
• Boating
• Live BBQ and Local Trout Fish dinner at XOOQ Safari Resort (famous fish in Pakistan)
• Taste of Local Food & Fruit (Depends on availability)
• Mineral water and some bakery items will be available every time during Travel,
• First aid kit during Traveling shall be provided
• Assistance with [Double Entry] Pakistan Visa, and with Chinese Tourist Visa.
  
  Excludes:
  
• Personal Clothing etc
• Extras at hotels like drinks, laundry, and phone calls.
  
• Insurance liability medical aid, rescue etc.
  
• Anything not mentioned in the Includes section.