Swat, Gilgit-Hunza and Kaghan-Mountain Valley (9 Days)

Begin the sightseeing tour of Swat with the Swat Museum, established in 1959 by the Wali-e-Swat.  Its display was redesigned in the early 1990s by the Japanese and is one of the finest examples of Buddhist art in the country. Beside Buddhist Art, the museum also houses an ethnological collection. After the museum, we will first visit the Saidu Baba Mosque which was built in memory of the former King of Swat and then visit famous archaeological sites of Butkara I, and SaiduStupa. Another 4 km away one reaches Ghaligai Rock Buddhas, facing the river Swat. In the afternoon we will visit Mingora Bazaar, which is the commercial center worth visiting as Swat is famous for its embroidered textiles, wood work and for its semi-precious stones, such as emeralds and rubies. Then continue to Murghazar, the old white palace constructed from white marble and adorned with ornate carvings before returning to the hotel.

Today will be an exciting but long 12/13 hour drive on the Karakoram Highway (KKH-some say it is the 8th wonder of the world), also known as the Sharah-e-Resham (Silk Road). On the way we will pass the famous Nanga Parbat (at 8126m the 9th highest peak in the world). We will also pass by the confluence of the Indus and Gilgit Rivers, as well as see the point where the 3 highest mountain ranges in the world (Himalayas, Karakoram and Hindu Kush) meet. Lunch will be had on one of the busy towns servicing the KKH. Growing rapidly with Chinese trade activities, Gilgit (elevation 1545 m) is a bustling town and important staging point due to its position on the Old Silk Road. Upon arrival, check into the hotel.

After breakfast drive to Kargah Buddha rock carving which was etched in the 7th century. There was a monastery and three stupas here as this served as a rest stop for Buddhist pilgrims travelling from China to the Buddhist monasteries located in the Swat Valley. From here we will go to the Gilgit Bazaar with its kaleidoscopically arrayed shops, and then on to the ChinarBagh (Garden) with its memorial to those who fought for independence. Next continue on to the Chinese cemetery, the final resting place for the scores of Chinese workers and engineers who died during the construction of the Karakoram Highway in the 1970’s. We then set out on a scenic drive on the Karakorum Highway to Hunza. Enroute pause at Rakaposhi view point for a cup of tea. The view of this North Face of Rakaposhi allow one to see the longest uninterrupted mountain flank on earth (6000m). Continue the drive to Karimabad and check in to the hotel. After lunch visit the 800 year old Baltit Fort, once the stronghold of the Ayasho Dynasty, and today a wonderfully restored museum that has won many awards including awards from UNESCO and British Airways. We will then drive to neighboring ‘twin’ village of Altit. Here we will visit the Altit Fort (restored by the Aga Khan Cultural Services, Pakistan--AKCSP) and the women’s work shop, established by the AKCSP, where they make wooden furniture and handicrafts. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Today wake up early at dawn in order to have a breath taking view of sun rise over the lofty peaks of Hunza from Duiker summer Village (Optional). Return to our hotel for breakfast. Continue to Hopper Village in Nagar across the Hunza Valley and enjoy the views of Buwaltar Glacier and if you are feeling adventurous take a short walk on the glacier. We then continue to Ganish, Hunza, which is reputedly the oldest settlement of Hunza, and painstakingly restored by the Aga Khan Cultural Services. Return to Karimabad and spend time wandering around the bazaars, enjoying some cake and coffee at the renown “Café d’Hunza”. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast drive to Ganish Historical town, believed to be the oldest settlement in Hunza where traditional mosques and religious centers have been meticulously restored. We then drive to Gulmit, in Upper Hunza, along the banks of the newly, but tragically formed Attabad Lake, a significant addition to the natural beauty of Hunza. The road link has been recently restored by a 7.9 km long tunnel system. Gulmit is a peaceful and serene village that formerly served as winter capital of the Hunza Kingdom. Here one will walk through the village and see local women weaving carpets and making several other traditional handicrafts.  After lunch at the Marco Polo Inn managed by the former Raja’s family, drive to Kamaris Village and commence a traversing hike to Borit Lake, across the  Gulkin glacier (approximately 3 hours). Or for those who prefer not to do the hike just enjoy the view at Borit Lake. From the Lake one will be picked by your vehicle that will bring one back to Gulmit where we will check in to the hotel for overnight.

After breakfast proceed on the Karakorum Highway to Khunjerab, the Pak-China border. We will pass by Passu Village, enjoying fabulous views of TupupdanSar, Passu Peaks, Shispare and Boyohagur, all exceeding 7000 meters.  We then come to the border crossing town of Sust, and after completing formalities continue on to enter the Khunjerab National Park before arriving at the Khunjerab Pass at an elevation 4,693 metres or 15,397 feet and the actual border line. Khunjerab derives its name from two words of the local Wakhi language: 'Khun' means Home and 'Jerav' means a creek coming from spring water/water falling. Here in this National Park reside, amongst other animals, the snow leopard, Himalayan Ibex, Marco Polo sheep and the pesky Golden Marmot. After enjoying the vistas, return to Sust for a short stop, and then take the return drive to Gilgit and check into the hotel in the late afternoon to enjoy the stunning views. Overnight at the hotel.

Leaving for Naran early this morning, we would continue on the fabled Shahrah-e-Resham towards Chilas (driving time of approx. 2 to 3 hours), passing  the meeting point of the greatest mountain ranges on Earth, the Karakoram, the Himalaya and the Hindu Kush, the Nanga Parbat viewing point and the meeting point of River Indus and River Gilgit. At Chilas there are world famous petroglyphs (rock carvings) left by Buddhist Monks on their way to China. Continue on to cross the Babusar Pass (4173m) and arrive at the spectacular Kaghan Valley. We will pass alpine lakes before coming to the main town of Naran (3 to 4 hour drive). Transfer to the hotel.

Note: Alternate Program Given Below Will Be Followed In Case The Babusar Pass Is Closed.

Day 08 Gilgit – Besham: Today will be a long 10 hour driving. By evening reach Besham where you will check in to the hotel. Day 09 Besham—Taxila—Islamabad: From Besham resume the road journey to Islamabad along the Indus (5 hours). On the way visit the historical city of Taxila excavated between 1913 & 1939. Most popular sites are Taxila Museum, DharmarajikaStupa from King Ashok period and the Julian Buddhist Monastery remains. After Taxila, return to  Rawalpindi-Islamabad

After an early breakfast leave for a 6-7 hour road journey for Islamabad. On the way we pass Balakot Village near the Kunhar River, which is the gateway to Kaghan. From here we continue through Mansehra and drive on the newly built Hazara Motorway, on the way visiting the historical city of Taxila which was excavated between 1913 & 1939. Taxila is known as an archeological gem of the Buddhist period, which includes three city remains, Buddhist monasteries and Stupas. Most popular sites are Taxila Museum, DharmarajikaStupa from King Ashok period and the Julian Buddhist Monastery remains. After Taxila, return to the twin cities of Rawalpindi-Islamabad.  

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