Kyrgyzstan, Kashgar and Hunza Valley Tour

Tour operates: June until September
No. of days: 13 nights 14 days
Destinations: Bishkek, Issyk Kul Lake, Karakol,Altyn Arshan, Kochkur, Song Kul Lake, Tash Rabat, Torugart pass, Kashgar, Tashkurgan, Khunjerab pass, Passu, Borith Lake, Gulmit, Hoper valley, Karimabad, Hunza, Gilgit, Naran, Islamabad.
Transport: Private air-conditioned transport in towns, 4×4 Jeeps, Van for the Pamir Highway, economy class domestic flights
Accommodations: All comfortable class accommodation with private facilities in cities, Guesthouses, Homestays, and Yurt in the remote areas with basic shared facilities.
Guides: Fully escorted by our English speaking guides in each country
Tour starting point: Bishkek (Kyrgystan)
Tour Ending Point: Islamabad (Pakistan)
Guaranteed departure: Daily- Minimum 2 people required

Day by day itinerary
Day 01: Bishkek arrival (Kyrgyzstan)
Upon arrival at Bishkek International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Afternoon city tour of Bishkek to Victory square, Russian Orthodox Church, Osh market, Ala-Too Square, the History Museum, White House, Parliament House, Manas and Lenin statues and Oak Park. Overnight at Madison hotel in Bishkek. (BLD)
Day 02: Bishkek – Issyk Kul Lake – Cholpon-Ata
In the morning, drive to Issyk Kul Lake via Burana Tower (built in the10th century) in ancient Balasagun City. Visit Burana tower of Kharakhanids along with castles and mausoleums. Enjoy lunch at a Buzkashi match (‘goat pulling’ game in which. horse-mounted players attempt to drag a goat/calf carcass to the goals). 
Later, we continue driving to Cholpon-Ata Issyk Kul Lake,which is the second-largest alpine lake after Lake Titicaca in South America. A combination of depth, thermal activity and mild salinity stops the lake from freezing and thus its name `Issyk-Kul’ meaning`warm lake’.
We will visit Cholpon-Ata rock petroglyphs, known for petroglyphs thought to have been created by the tribes of the Neolithic period, and some dated from 3rd century AD to 14th century AD. The images are mainly primitive long-horned ibex, horses, camels, and snow leopards.  The site covers 42 hectares and contains prehistoric monumental structures (stone circles, tombs, the remains of a boundary stone wall) and petroglyphs dating from 500 BC up to 600 AD
Overnight at Three Crown hotel in Cholpon-Ata Issyk Kul Lake. (BLD)
Day 03:  Karakol
Drive to Karakol, one of the first towns of the Russian Cossak settlements in late 19th century. En-route we visit Przevalski’s (a great Russian explorer from the late 19th century) Memorial Museum.  After lunch, sightseeing of Karakol. We visit the museum, Dungan Pagoda type of mosque and Orthodox wooden Church. Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight at Green Yard hotel in Karakol. (BLD)
Day 04: Day trip to Jyrgalan valley
Today we will have a lovely exploration in Jyrgalan valley.Jyrgalanis one of the most amazing mountain valleys located in the eastern part of the Tian-Shan, 60 kilometers northeast of the city of Karakol. This valley surrounded by steep slopes, peaks and valleys. Late afternoon drive back to Karakol. Overnight at Green Yard hotel in Karakol. (BLD)
Day 05: Karakol – Tamga village
In the morning, drive to Tamga village en-route, we stop at Jety Oguz Canyon, where you have chance for some hiking through the beautiful scenery. Overnight at local Guest House in Tamga village. (BLD)
Day 06: Song Kul Lake
Morning, scenic drive to Song Kul Lake. En route, we will visit the local handicraft center, which is run by local communities in Kochkor village.Kochkor is famous for farming and felt-makers. Here you will learn how nomadic Kyrgyz women make Shyrdak and Ala-Kiyiz – a floor covering made by pressing naturally dyed felt of various colours. You will see the process of felt carpet-making and wool-dying.
We will also visit the Altyn Kol Women’s Handicraft Co-operative Centre.
Later continue driving to Song Kol lake, a high alpine lake in the Tian Shan Mountains of Kyrgyzstan. It lies at an altitude of 3016 meters from sea level.It is an important migration point for birds, which flock here for the lake’s rich marshlands. The lake itself is an exquisite gem-coloured turquoise blue, reaching a depth of 14 meters.
In the summer, Song-Kul Lake is surrounded by lush verdant grass, making it a hotspot for nomadic cattle and horse breeders. 
Overnight in Song Kul at Yurt. (BLD)
Day 07: Naryn 
For the first part of the day enjoy a stroll around the Lake and experience the local nomadic life. Optional horse ride.
After lunch, we head to Naryn town via Moldo-Ashu pass. Naryn was once a small fortification on the Great Silk Route;  now the town has a population of approximately 40,000.
Upon arrival in Naryn, dinner and overnight at Khan Tengri Hotel in Naryn.
Day 08: Kashgar (China)
Early in the morning transfer to Tash-Rabat, a Caravan Sarai dated from 11th century which served as a fortress for travelers along the Great Silk Road.  Later drive to the Kyrgyz Chinese border at Torugart. After border formalities, you will be met by our Chinese guide and driver and transferred to Kashgar. 
Overnight at Qini Bagh hotel in Kashgar. (BD)
Day 09: Kashgar Free day
Full free day at leisure in Kashgar.
Overnight at Qini Bagh hotel in Kashgar. (B)
Day 10: 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’s and even camels are for sale. Wonderful assortments of people come from all over the region, and the population of the town swells by 100,000! This is truly one of the most incredible bazaars in Asia, and a photographer’s paradise!
After the market visit, we tour the Eidgah Mosque, Abakh Hoja Tomb and old town. Overnight at Qini Bagh hotel in Kashgar. (BD)
Day 11: 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 at Grassland hotel in Tashkurgan. (BD)
Day 12: Khunjerab pass- Sost – Borith Lake (Hunza 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 Borith Lake. Welcome dinner at a local family home.
Overnight at Borith Lake Hotel and Resort. (BD)
Day 13: Sunday Borith Lake- Passu Glacier hike
In the morning we hike towards the Passu white glacier. Later in the afternoon drive down to Hussaini village, to attempt to cross the hanging bridge, here you have chance to test our fear of heights and wobbly wooden planks whilst be mesmerized by the fast flowing waters of the Hunza river below. We walk through Zarabad summer pasture and pass another bridge to Passu village. Evening local dinner with family.
Overnight at Borith Lake hotel Resort. (BD)
Day 14: Borith Lake- Gulmit
In the morning we hike through Ghulkin glacier to Ghulkin village, after some picnic lunch with local family, we continue our hike via Kamaris village to Gulmit. Gulmit is a peaceful and serene village that formerly served as a summer capital of the Hunza Kingdom. Here one will walk through the village, visit a 400-year-old house, and see local women weaving carpets and making several other traditional handicrafts. Visit local museum and school. Overnight at Borith Lake hotel & Resort. (BD)
Day 15: Tuesday Hoper Nagar valley – Karimabad – Duiker
In the morning we drive to Karimabad, en-route we stop at the recently formed Attabad Lake, a significant addition to the natural beauty of Hunza. We continue to Hoper in Nagar valley. Nagar Valley can be viewed from Duiker, is on the opposite, eastern side of the Hunza River. This is another fertile valley and is predominantly Shia Muslim. One of the world’s fastest moving glaciers is in Hoper. After picnic lunch we drive back toward Karimabad.  We stop at Ganish village where we will visit Ali Gohar House, a 400-year-old architectural masterpiece, formerly used by Hunza’s envoy to Kashgar.
Afternoon walking tour of Karimabad village.
Overnight at Hunza Embassy or Hilltop Hotel in Karimabad. (BD)
Day 16: Duiker – Karimabad
Early morning wake up and short drive to Duiker village, enjoy the stunning sunrise over the snow-capped mountains of Ultar (7388m), Rakaposhi (7788m) and Diran (7266m) and other peaks. Later drive down to Alitit village, visit 900 years old Altit Fort. We also visit Baltit Fort which is 700 years old, but has been rebuilt and altered 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 at Hunza Embassy or Hill Top hotel in Karimabad. (BD)
Day 17:  Karimabad – Gilgit
In the morning, we drive along the Karakorum highway to Gilgit; the administrative capital of Gilgit Baltistan and where the world’s three mightiest mountain ranges, the Karakoram, Hindu Kush and the Himalayas collide. 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.
En-route to Gilgit we stop at Rakaposhi peak (7788 m) view point for photography and Chalt Nagar,the collision point of Indo Pak and Eurasian plate.
After lunch visit the Kargah Buddha carved on the rock dated from 7th century AD. Overnight at Grand Continental or Riveria hotel in Gilgit. (BD)
Day 18: Gilgit – Naran   
In the morning we drive along the KKH toward Chilas, from here we take a scenic route via Babusar Pass to Naran Kagan valley. En-route we stop at the junction point of 3 greatest mountain ranges in the world. This place of interest is the unique venue where three great mountain ranges of world make a knot. Himalayas, Karakoram and Hindu Kush, with their famous highest peaks [in Pakistan, and top 2, 3, & 4th highest in the world], Nanga Parbat, K-2 and Tirich Mir, meet here and at almost on same place River Indus, flowing down from lofty mountains of Skardu, joins with river Gilgit, one its main tributaries.
Overnight at Fire Crest Hotel in Naran. (BD)
Day 19: Naran – Taxila – Islamabad
In the morning we drive to Islamabad, en-route we will stop at Taxila, Taxila has a well-planned museum and many historic sites of the Gandharan Buddhist civilization. The area flourished from the sixth century B.C until the fifth century A.D. Later, continue driving to Islamabad.  Overnight Redison Hotel in Islamabad. (BD)
Day 20: Islamabad and Rawalpindi City Tour
In the afternoon city tour of Islamabad followed by the Damn-E-Koh (viewpoint), which gives us a panoramic view of Islamabad before driving to the Folk Heritage Museum. We continue to one of the world’s largest mosque – Shah Faisal Mosque and later visit Saidpur village. Afternoon visit colorful market of Raja Bazar in Rawalpindi. Evening farewell dinner at local restaurant.  Overnight at Redison hotel in Islamabad. (BD)
Day 21: Depart Islamabad
Our service will end with airport transfer (B)

Notes will be coming soon.
 

Map will be coming soon.

Tour costs and Dates

We guarantee all tour departures for a minimum of 2 passengers. In order to confirm your booking we will need a non-refundable deposit of 400 USD per person. The final invoice will be sent to you 4 weeks before the tour departure, the final cost dependent on the final group size. If the following dates or the described itinerary does not meet your travel needs, please write to us, we can arrange a customized tour for you.

 Tour cost 

Tour departures 2020 – 2021

 

TOUR COST INCLUDES

• All domestic transportation in Private Car, Van, Bus depending on the group size
• Twin sharing accommodation at the hotel mentioned above with private facilities basic communal facilities at Yurt camps.
• Meals For included meals please see key (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinners
• All the sightseeing tours as described in the itinerary and entrance fees
• Fully escorted by our English speaking local guides in each country
• Visa letter support if needed

TOUR COST EXCLUDES

• Visa Fees.
• Expenses in hotels such as laundry, telephone and room service, etc.
• Optional activities• Meals not mention above
• Personal expanses
• Single supplements 
• Tips for Guides and drivers
If you would like to customize your trip please write to us we are more than happy to arrange your trip according to your request