 |
|
In 1931 the British writer James Hilton traveled to a remote valley in
North Pakistan and found a place so beautiful, so wild and so remote he
christened it Shangri-La, an earthly paradise. Then in 1967 Chinese
workmen began building a road to connect Pakistan with China, eventually
linking this unique place with the outside world. Way down in the valley
the Hunza river thunders along like a freight train, rising above that
are endless terraces of orchards, maize, tomatoes, pumpkins, all
irrigated by the water from the glaciers that crowd the sides of the
huge mountains towering above us, Ultar, Bubulimoting which is also
known as Lady's Finger which is so sheer that the snow never sticks to
it and the beautiful Rakaposhi.
Hunza is sited at the crossroads of three of the world most stupendous
mountain ranges, the Karakorum, the Himalayas and the Hindu Kush.
Alongside the Karakorum Highway you see glimpses of the old track that
made up the Ancient Silk Route. This old track was once the only way of
entering the Valley, used in ancient times by wary traders from China.
The friendly and smiling people from this beautiful valley are well
known for their longevity. While walking along the road or by the
irrigation water channels you will encounter with many locals either
working in the fields or coming to home or leaving towards their fields
will always give you a smile. And our tour is an excellent combination
of the high roads, unique places with stunning valleys with incredible
people.
DAY 01 ARRIVAL IN ISLAMABAD
After arriving to the capital city you will be transferred to hotel.
By afternoon, after lunch, we will start our sightseeing tour of
Islamabad Rawalpindi with a visit to the old Bazaar of Rawalpindi, the
Raja Bazaar (King Bazaar), after that we will proceed towards the
capital city of Pakistan a modern and well planed city which mostly
resembles with the ancient city of Taxila of Gandaran Civilization.
Overnight stay in hotel.
DAY 02 DRIVE TO CHILAS
Early in the morning we start our journey towards Chilas, the home
of Nanga Parbat also known as the Killer Mountain in the world. About
12-13 hours drive takes us along the Lion River (Indus River) with
panoramic views of lash green valleys up to Besham. We meet Indus River
at Thakot half an hour before the Besham. From here the Rocky Mountains
starts and the road is built in the carved rocks, thats why today the
Karakoram Highway is known is Eighth Wonder of the World. This is a
living miracle of Pak-Chinese engineers. The Karakoram Highway is not
only a miraculous engineered road in the huge rocks of but also reflects
the signs of a Great Friendship between Pakistan and China. If we make
it on time we will also have the opportunity to visit the rock carvings
at Shatial. The legends say, these have been carved by the Pilgrims,
Travelers and Traders on their way to and out of China.
DAY 03 DRIVE TO HUNZA VIA GILGIT
The third day of our tour starts with a visit to rock carving at Chilas
across the bridge to the other side of the Indus River. Another
fantastic drama is Nanga Parbats play with us hide and seek game, but
we have a very clear and breathtaking view at Thalaichi, here is the
place where we see the Unique Place in the World. What makes this
place Unique is, three worlds highest ranges Karakoram, Himalaya and
Hindu Kush meet at this place. The Nanga Parbat was first climbed by
Hermann Buhl, a great mountaineer from Austria who lost his life at
Chogolisa.
Another one and half an hour takes to reach the Gilgit for our lunch,
after lunch we proceed further towards north to legendry Hunza Valley.
On the way you will have a beautiful view of Rakaposhi Peak 7788 meters
high. A short break at the footstep of Rakaposhi Peak is spectacular.
DAY 04 FREE DAY IN KARIMABAD
AT Karimabad, we will have short trek along the water channel of Barbar,
which is a source of watering to fields as well as house hold use. This
trek gives marvelous views of Diran Peak and Golden peak and Rakaposhi
just making them in front of you. You will have a lunch in a traditional
house in central Hunza. You will enjoy the smiles and laughs of people
of Hunza
DAY 05 DRIVE TO HOPER AND EVENING DRIVE TO DUIKAR
After breakfast, we will be boarded on to 4x4 jeeps and start our jeep
caravan towards the Hopper Valley, a pure and untouched culture and the
beauty of glaciers. Meanwhile your lunch is prepared you will have an
opportunity to view of Buwaltar and Barpu glaciers. From here we will go
to Duiker for a spectacular sunrise view.
DAY 06 FREE DAY IN DUIKER
We have a free day away from the down towns to explore and discover the
beauty and have a panoramic view of Hunza Valley just from on the top of
it. Each time and angels give excellent.
DAY 07 DRIVE TO SOST
 After sunrise view at Duiker we proceed towards Sost via Gulmit. The
initial stage of todays drive is arguably the most spectacular of the
entire journey. The road is high on the eastern side of the river,
twisting and turning round the barren foot of the Hisper Range. Between
the villages, Grey screen slithers down to the river and six peaks over
7,000 meters flank the highway. Crossing the Shishkut Bridge, the view
of upstream of the serrated ridge of mountains is truly photogenic! From
here to Tashgurgan in China, the people speak Wakhi. In Gulmit you will
visit to Old Hunza Museum and Suspension bridge over Hunza River.
Stopping frequently en route, we arrive at Sost (3100 meters), primarily
an immigration and customs town, but, boasting grand scenery and Hot
Springs.
DAY 08 DRIVE TO GILGIT
In the morning after break fast drive towards Khunjerab Pass, we will
have pack lunch with us. At the top we will spend sometime and will
drive back to Sost, and from there we will proceed towards Gilgit on
Karakoram Highay. By evening we will be arriving in Gilgit and transfer
to hotel.
DAY 09 DRIVE TO BESHAM
From Gilgit, a 12 hours drive takes us back to the Besham, for an
overnight stay.
DAY 10 DRIVE TO ISLAMABAD
Again driving on Karakoram Highway and say good-bye to the Indus
River and reach Islamabad after hours of drive. Arrival in Islamabad for
overnight stay.
|