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Explore the valleys of Hunza, Nagar & Baltistan
Overview
Embark on this spectacular voyage at Islamabad, the political and administrative city of Pakistan. Guarded by Karakoram giants, Hunza Valley nestles itself in the lap of snow-capped mountains which makes it a tourist delight. The enchanting Hunza’s beauty reaches its peak in the apricot and cherry blossom in spring, the valley turns green in summer and leaves change their colours to red, yellow and orange in the autumn season.
The magical Karimabad (Baltit), the formal capital of Hunza Valley has a charm of its own, encircled by breathtakingly beautiful snow-capped peaks, lush green fields, fruit orchards, and the singing Hunza River, the feeling of being here is unmatchable. Views from a fairytale like Baltit Fort, the old residence of the Mirs of Hunza standing atop Karimabad are incredibly beautiful. A walk along the Barbar irrigation channel with striking views of Rakaposhi, Diran Peak and Golden Peak add more essence to your journey. The beautiful Gulmit valley surrounded by high mountains and glaciers, and the Passu village known for Passu Glacier, Batura Glacier and Passu Cones are worth visiting. The smiling, welcoming and friendly inhabitants of Hunza truly make your stay at home.
In the second part of the trip, we will explore Baltistan. In the extreme north of Pakistan, Skardu is an epitome of beauty, serenity, and wilderness. It is located amidst an impressive landscape; towering mountains, deep gorges, cascading waterfalls, creeping glaciers, and quiet lakes constitute this rugged beauty. This tour takes us to heaven on earth. Skardu is the gateway to the world’s highest peaks, which include K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I, Gasherbrum II, and hundreds of peaks over 6000 metres high. Encircling the heart-shaped Kachura Lake is surrounded by fruit-laden orchards and flower-filled gardens, and the breath-taking view presents a heavenly atmosphere. The Kharpocho Fort looking down the hills, the crystal clear water of Satpara Lake, the impressive Shigar and Khapulo Forts, and the Deosai, which is the second highest plateau in the world: let’s explore beautiful Baltistan, also known as “Little Tibet.”
Vista Tour Facts
Tour Name: The Shangri-La and Little Tibet
Tour Code: ATP-SLT-05
Tour Duration: 12 days/11 nights
Route: Islamabad-Gilgit-Karimabad Hunza-Atta Abad–Gulmit-Passu-Borith Lake-Skardu-Deosai Plateau-Khapulo-Skardu-Islamabad.
Best time: Late March to Early Mid November
Colors of Autumn: Mid October to Mid November
Apricot/Cherry Blossom: Late March to Mid April
Tour Grade: Easy
Visa Category: Tourist Visit Visa
Gallery
Tour locations on map
Itinerary
Day 1. Islamabad
Arrival in Islamabad, transfer to hotel. City tour of Islamabad.
Key Attractions:
Shah Faisal Mosque – the largest mosque in Pakistan
Lok Virsa (Folk Heritage) Museum
Pakistan National Monument
Daman-e-Koh (Islamabad View Point)
Golra Sharif Rail Museum or Pakistan Railways Heritage Museum
External view of Parliament House, President House, Prime Minister House & the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
Islamabad-Gilgit: 1 hour’ flight OR drive to Chilas
A morning flight to Gilgit. Upon arrival & transfer of luggage to the hotel, we will take sightseeing of Gilgit.
Key Attractions:
Kargah Buddha
Gilgit Suspension Bridge
British Graveyard (optional).
Gilgit – Karimabad Hunza: 104 kms/2 hours’ drive
Drive from Gilgit to Karimabad Hunza.
Key Attractions:
Rakaposhi View Point Ghulmet
Baltit Fort
Karimabad Bazaar
Walk Along Barbar Water Channel.
Full day for exploring central Hunza & Nagar valleys.
Key Attractions:
Hopar Nagar Valley
Stop at Ultar & Lady Finger View Point
Altit Fort
Altit Cluster/Altit Village
Sunset from the Eagle’s Nest View Point in Duiker.
Karimabad-Atta Abad Lake: 30km/40 minutes’ drive
Drive to Atta Abad Lake. Visit Gulmit, Hussaini Bridge, & Passu.
Key Attractions:
Ganish Cluster-the oldest settlement in Hunza
Dong Rock Inscriptions
Atta Abad Lake
Gulmit Village
Hussaini Bridge
Passu Cones/Passu Cathedrals.
Atta Abad-Skardu: 310 kms/6.5 hours’ drive
Drive to Gilgit along Hunza River and then towards Skardu along the Indus River.
Key Attractions:
visit the unique place in the world where three great mountain ranges; the Himalaya, the Karakoram and Hindu Kush meet.
Stop at Nanga Parbat View Point.
Full-day tour of Skardu with an overnight stay.
Key Attractions:
Upper Kachura Lake
Kachura Choq
Visit Katpana Desert
Kharpocho Fort
Sarfaranga Cold Desert
Day excursion to Deosai Plateau and back to Skardu for overnight stay.
Key Attractions:
Deosai plateau
Sadpara Lake
Chota Pani
Bara Pani
Sheosar Lake
Great spot for photography of flora and fauna.
Skardu-Khapulo (Khaplo): 110 kms/2.5 hours’ drive
Day Excursion to Khapulo. Visit Khapulo Fort, Chaqchan Mosque, Shyok River.
Key Attractions:
Khapulo Fort
Chaqchan Mosque
Indus Shyok rivers meeting point
Flight to Islamabad (1 hr) or drive to Naran (10 hours) or drive to Besham (12 hours). If flight operates, visit Taxila & Raja Bazaar in Rawalpindi.
Key Attractions:
Taxila Museum-showcasing antiques and artifacts of Gandhara civilization
Julian Buddhist Stupa & Monastery
Dharmarajika complex and stupa
Truck Painting in Taxila
Raja Bazaar Rawalpindi.
Full day tour of Peshawar or drive from Naran/Besham to Islamabad if no flight yesterday.
Key Attractions:
Buddhist Monastery in Takht Bhai
Peshawar Museum-collection of Buddhist art work
Mahabat Khan Mosque built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan
Qissa Khawani Bazar (The bazaar of storytellers)
Saithi House -The Mughal Central Asian Architecture
The historic Qila Bala Hissar (Bala Hissar Fort) from outside.
Note: A day trip to Peshawar is subject to Skardu/Islamabad flight operation.
Day 12. Departure from Islamabad/PeshawarTransfer to the Islamabad International Airport for home bound flight. Or transfer to Peshawar airport for the departure flight.
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