Day by day itinerary
Day 01: Kashgar Arrival (Saturday)
Upon arrival at Kashgar airport you will be met by our guide and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight in Qini Bagh Hotel new building (BD)
Day 02: Kashgar Sunday Market
This day is planned to coincide with the famous Sunday market in Kashgar where everything from carpets, blankets, foods, horses, donkeys, sheep and even camels are for sale. The population of the town swells by 100,000 and is truly one of the most incredible bazaars in Asia; and a photographer’s paradise! After the market, we visit the Eidgah Mosque, Abakh Hoja Tomb and the old town.
Overnight in Qini Bagh Hotel new building (BD)
Day 03: Tashkurgan
Today we drive to Karakul Lake along the famous Karakorum highway. The scenery along the way is breath taking. We will be stopping at the lake where you can enjoy the view of Muztagh-ata mountains. Optional camel ride or walk around the lake. Later we continue to Tashkurgan the last Tajik Chinese town between China and Pakistan.
Overnight in Kay 2 Hotel (BD)
Day 04: Khunjerab pass- Passu (Pakistan)
After border formalities, we drive to the world’s highest paved border crossing, the Khunjerab pass (4750 m) between Pakistan and China. On the way, you will view the awesome mountain ranges of the Karakorum and Kunlun mountains. Upon arrival at Sost you will be met by our local Hunza guide and transfer to Passu Village. Welcome dinner at a local family home.
Overnight in the Ambassador hotel (BD)
Day 05: Gulmit- Borith Lake – Passu Glacier hike
This morning we visit Passu village and later drive Borith Lake where we enjoy the beautiful scenery. After lunch enjoy a hike to the Passu glacier.
Overnight Borith Lake Guest house (BD)
Day 06: Gulmit
A morning drive to Gulmit or hike over Ghulkin glacier to Gulmit.
Afternoon visit to the local community school, an opportunity to observe local ladies making handicraft and carpets.
Overnight in Hunza Marco Polo inn (BD)
Day 07: Gulmit – Gilgit
In the morning, we board on boats with our jeep toward Karimabad. Midway we drive to Gilgit.
Gilgit is the administrative capital of Gilgit Baltistan. Here the world’s three mightiest mountain ranges, the Karakoram, Hindu Kush and the Himalayas meet. The Gilgit Baltistan region is a paradise for mountaineers, trekkers and adventure lovers. The area has a rich cultural heritage and variety of rare fauna and flora. Historically, the region was a flash point of political and military rivalries amongst the Russian, British and Chinese empires. Immediately after the end of British rule in the sub-continent in 1947, the people of this region decided to join Pakistan through a popular local revolt against the government of Maharaja of Kashmir.
After lunch visit the Kargah Buddha carved on the rock dated from 7th century AD.
Overnight in Riveria Hotel (BD)
Day 08: Gilgit-Fairy Meadow
Drive along the Karakorum to Raikot bridge where we transfer into 4×4 wheel and continue to Tato. From there we will start short trek to the lush green area of Fairy Meadows.
Overnight in Huts at Fairy Meadow (BD)
Day 09: Fairy Meadow
Today you have an opportunity to hike through the pine forest toward Bayal base camp or you can just relax at Fair Meadow and enjoy the beautiful view of Nanga Parbat mountain rage.
Overnight in Huts at Fairy Meadow (BD)
Day 10: Rama Astore valley
In the morning hike down to Tato where you board our jeeps and drive to Rama lake; a scenic afternoon walk around the area.
Overnight at PTDC Motel. (BD)
Day 11: Rama – Deosai National Park – Skardu – Shigar
In the morning we set off to Deosai National Park. It is one of the highest plateaus in the world with height over 4,000 metres above the sea level, covering an area of about 3,000 square kilo meters. It is snow-bound from November to May. This pass is only accessible from June to September. It is well known for its rich flora and fauna of the Karakoram-West Tibetan Plateau alpine steppe ecoregion. In the spring season it is covered by sweeps wildflowers and a wide variety of butterflies.
Later continue driving to Shigar valley; the gateway to the world’s highest mountains including K2’s 8611 peak, the world’s second highest.
The highlight of tonight is a stay at the Shigar fort residence. This fort palace is standing on the bank of the Shigar stream, built upon a massive rock. This 350 years old fort has been renovated by the Agha Khan Trust for Culture and is the only one of its kind in Pakistan.
Overnight in Shigar Fort Residence (BD)
Day 12: Shigar – Khaplu
In the morning we drive to another beautiful valley of Khaplu, beautiful town on the bank of Indus river. Visit the old Fort and Mosque built by in Tibetan architectural style.
Overnight in PTDC Motel. (BD)
Day 13: Skardu
In the morning drive to Skardu. Skardu is the capital of Baltistan is perched 2,438 metres above sea level and is surrounded by the great peaks of the Karakoram’s. Balti people are a mixture of Tibetan and Caucasian stock and speak Balti, an ancient form of Tibetan. Due to the similarity of its culture, lifestyle and architecture with Tibet, Baltistan is also known as the “Tibet-e-Khurd” (Little Tibet).
Today you will visit Kharpocho Fort: Kharpocho Fort (King of Forts) situated on a hill overlooking the town. It was constructed by Ali Sher Khan Anchan, who ruled over Baltistan till the end of the 16th century. The mighty Indus snaking along just a few yards beneath your feet among the silvery white sands is an awesome sight. Afternoon walk through the local market.
Overnight in Concordia Hotel (BD)
Day 14: Skardu – Karimabad-Duiker (Hunza)
In the morning we drive along the Indus River and join the Karakorum highway, continue driving to Duiker.
Duiker village, just above Karimabad village, has a stunning view of Karimabad and surrounding peaks
Overnight in Eagles Nest hotel (BD)
Day 15: Duiker Free day or Hike toward Ultar glacier
Early morning wake up enjoy the stunning sunrise over the snow-capped mountains of Ultar (7388m), Rakaposhi (7788m) and Diran (7266m) and other peaks.
Afternoon free at leisure or if you are energetic hike up toward Ular glacier.
Overnight in Eagles Nest hotel (BD)
Day 16: Karimabad
In the morning drive down to Karimabad en-route visit Altit village and Altilt fort. Later visit Baltit Fort which is 700 years, but there have been rebuilds and alterations over the centuries. In the 16th century the Mir (king) married a princess from Baltistan who brought master Balti craftsmen to renovate the building as part of her dowry. The architectural style is a clear indication of Tibetan influence in Baltistan at the time. The rest of the day is free time at leisure for shopping.
Overnight in Hill Top Hotel (BD)
Day 17: Karimabad-Gulmit Gojal
Free morning for shopping and visit, later in the afternoon transfer to Attabad Lake, where we board on boat to Gulmit.
Overnight in Marco Polo Inn (BD)
Day 18: Tashkurgan (China)
In the morning we drive to Sost which is the last border village with China, after border formalities, we will drive by private transport to Tashkurgan where you will meet our Chinese guide and transfer to you hotel
Overnight in Kay 2 Hotel (BD)
Day 19: Tashkurgan – Kashgar
In the morning, we visit Tashkurgan Fort, dating back to the 14th century. You can enjoy an impressive view of the surrounding fields, mountains, and military complexes from the old walls. Afterwards we continue driving to Kashgar.
Overnight in Qini Bagh Hotel new building (BD)
Day 20: Kashgar
In the morning transfer to the airport for China Southern Air flight CZ6885 EDT 11:15 am. (B)
Notes will be coming soon.
Map will be coming soon.