Tour Overview
Gilgit Baltistan tour combines the thrills of touring in the glacial mountains of the Himalayas and Karakoram region with the pleasure of exploring the ancient cultures, traditions and colourful Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu and the neighbouring valleys. Gilgit Baltistan tour is one of the best tours in the world, where you will experience the world best climbing and trekking routes, explore the ancient silk route (kkh) and the Himalayan kingdom of Baltistan and Hunza valley. Gilgit Baltistan is situated in the extreme northern part of Pakistan bordering with the Xinjiang region of China and Kargil Ladakh region of India. Gilgit Baltistan is home for some of the world famous mountain k2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum i, Gasherbrum ii, Masherbrum, Spantik, Hispar Glacier, Trango Towers, Baltoro Glacier and many other peaks.
In Skardu, explore the long Bazar, walk to Kharpocho Fort and experience a wild ancient style Polo match. After Spending Two nights in Skardu, you will follow the Indus then Shyok river to Khaplu valley. Khaplu is one of the biggest and beautiful towns of Baltistan which lies along the Shyok river. You will be staying at the ex-residency of local Royal family. The ex-royal palace is now a hotel and museum operated by Serena. Khaplu is an old Balti town, visit the local bazar, explore the narrow streets and historical Chaqchan mosque dating 1370. After visiting Khaplu, you will head back to Skardu via Shigar valley. You will have lunch in Shigar Fort (Serena Hotel) then drive to Skardu for the night stay. From Skardu you will continue your Gilgit Baltistan Tour on the to Astore via Deosai Plain. Deosai is the world second highest Plateau and home to Himalayan brown bear. Night stay in Astore then to the Islamabad. Next day you will be transfer to Islamabad international’s Airport for your flight back home. Please make sure to book your return flight on the last day of the itinerary from Islamabad. We strongly believe that “Gilgit Baltistan Tour” is a once in a life time experience.
Tour Plans
Day – 1 ARRIVAL DAY IN ISLAMABAD:
Most of the international flights arrives at Islamabad International Airport in the mornings. Your Guide will meet and greet you at the airport, then you will be transfer to the hotel. Rest of the days is free to recover from your journey. Later in the day, when everyone has arrived, we will have a group briefing about the Kalash festival Tour. Depending on the time available to us, there may be an option to do some sightseeing in Islamabad, A purpose-built City in 1961 as the new capital of Pakistan.
Day – 2 ISLAMABAD TO CHILLAS/NARAN (4,61km) 8-9 HOURS
After breakfast you will leave the purpose-built capital city Islamabad behind and start your Gilgit Baltistan tour towards the North on the Karakoram Highway. You will pass through many historical towns and lush green valley of Naran and Kaghan to a luxury hotel in Naran/Chillas town. Chilas is a small town along the Indus River and it is the getaway to Nanga Parbat 8,126 meter.
Day – 3 DRIVE TO GILGIT, (134 km) 6 HOURS:
In the morning you will start your journey Towards Gilgit on the Karakoram Highway along the mighty Indus and Hunza River. The real attractions of Pakistan are in the Gilgit Baltistan and to get there you need to travel along the world’s highest paved road, The Karakoram Highway. Driving along The Karakoram Highway is an unforgettable experience; you will see magnificent peaks and valleys, rivers and glaciers. Twenty-one of the world’s one hundred highest peaks are visible from the KKH and the journey is a great introduction to the mountains as civilization slips away behind us.
Day – 4 DRIVE TO KARIMABAD (102 km) 3 HOURS:
We rejoin Karakoram Highway to Travel towards Hunza Valley. We pass through beautiful small villages with many happy faces. We will have quick stops and tea breaks along the way. Rakaposhi view point on the side of the kkh will be the highlight of day. We will arrive in Karimabad around lunch time, rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore the beautiful Karimabad town.
Day – 5 SIGHTSEEING IN KARIMABAD (2,440 m):
Rise and shine early to experience a spectacular sunrise view above Rakaposhi peak. Karimabad is the ancient capital of Hunza valley, it is the gateway to mountain valleys and a great place to unwind for a day. Wander the cobblestone streets, bargain for rubies and handicrafts, feast on Hunza cuisine, get to grips with the dark history of 700 years old UNESCO listed Baltit Fort, take a peek at the Silk Road from Baltit Fort and watch the sun set over the river below.
Day – 6 DRIVE TO KHUNJERAB PASS (4,880m) 3-4 HOURS:
Today, we are off on an epic adventure. Travelling by minibus/Jeep, we will head up towards Khunjerab Pass. The scenery from the road is truly incredible and we will make frequent stops for photos and chai. We will make our way up towards the Pakistan-China trade border, which is the highest trade border in the world. Set in a craggy bowl of mountains and surrounded by glaciers, this is a truly breathtaking landscape steeped in history. We will spend the night in a comfortable hotel in Passu.
Day – 7 HUNZA TO SKARDU (286 km) 7 HOURS
After breakfast you will continue your Gilgit Baltistan tour by following Karakoram Highway with the view of Rakaposhi in the background. The road gradually gains height but one does not feel it until you reach Alam Bridge. After 3 hours’ drive, at Alam Bridge you will leave Karakoram Highway behind and follow the Indus River to reach Skardu. Along the Indus river there are many small villages which are laden with fruits like apricot, cherries and apple trees. You will be doing few stops along the way for tea breaks and purchase some fresh fruits from the locals. Night stay in Skardu.
Day – 8 SKARDU TOUR (2,230 m):
Skardu is the administrative capital of Baltistan Valley. Baltistan was one of the oldest Himalayan kingdoms before being incorporated into Pakistan. After breakfast your Skardu tour will begin by a half an hour drive to Sadpara Lake to enjoy the breath-taking scenery. After Sadpara Lake, you will visit the Manthal Buddha Rock, it is a large granite rock on which picture of Buddha has engraved which probably dates back to 8th centuries. On the way back you will head towards Kachura Lakes. The Kachura lakes are two lakes, Upper Kachura lake and lower Kachura lake. The latter is also known as Shangrila lake and is within a tourist resort named Shangrila resort. You will have lunch at one of the chosen lakes then drive back to Skardu town. In the town you will have some free time to explore the local markets before dinner at your hotel.
Day – 9 DRIVE FROM SKARDU TO KHAPLU, (103km) 2-3 HOURS
Today you will continue your Gilgit Baltistan tour towards Khaplu along the Indus then Shyok river. You will pass through some lush green balti villages to arrive in Khaplu. Khapulu was the second-largest kingdom in old Baltistan of the Yabgo dynasty. It guarded the trade route to Ladakh along the Shyok River. In Khaplu you will be staying at the ex royal palace (now Serena Hotel). The ex Royal Palace, Khaplu fort has now turned into a Luxury Hotel.
Day 10 – SIGHTSEEING IN KHAPLU (2,600 m):
After spending the night in the ex royal palace, Khaplu fort, you will head out to visit the local bazar, explore the town and see the 700 years old Chaqchan Mosque. Chaqchan Mosque, dating back to 1,370, is one of the oldest in the region, it dates from the time when the area’s populace converted en mass from Buddhism to Islam. Chaqchan Mosque remains open (except friday prayer time) 24 hours and seven days a week.
DAY 11 – DRIVE TO SKARDU VIA SHIGAR 2-3 HOURS:
Follow the Shyok, Indus than Shigar River to reach Shigar. Shigar is a lush green Valley and it is the getaway to K2 and many famous treks and peaks. In Shigar, you will visit the historical Shigar fort, which is now turn into a museum and Luxury hotel (Serena Hotel). It belongs to the same brand of Khaplu Palace hotel. You will have a nice lunch here before driving to Skardu. You will have the option to spend the night in Shigar for or in the same hotel in Skardu.
Day 12 – DRIVE TO CHILLAS (265 km) 7 HOURS:
We will be exploring Deosai plains on the way to Astore. Deosai is the world second highest Plateau which is home to Himalayan brown bear and snow loepards. Spot a brown bear and other species along the way.
Day 13 – DRIVE TO ISLAMABAD (461 km) 9 HOURS:
We will rejoin Karakoram highway then turn left to take Naran Road towards Naran and Kaghan Valley. Pass via some culturally rich and historical towns, Mansehra, Abbottabbad, Hasan Abdal and Taxila. Taxila is an important archaeological site of ancient India, situated about 32 km north-west of Islamabad. The origin of Taxila as a city goes back to c.1000 BCE. Some ruins at Taxila date to the time of the achaemenid Empire in the 6th century BCE.
Day 14– DEPARTURE DAY-FLY BACK HOME:
We will transfer you to Islamabad International Airport for your flight back home – End of “Gilgit Baltistan Tour”
Tour Highlights
- Spectacular Mountains Vistas of the Karakoram Range, Pakistan.
- Sneaky view of Nanga Parbat (8,126 m) from KKH.
- See medieval Altit, Baltit, Shigar and Khaplu Forts
- Experience the Khunjerab Pass (4,693 m)
- Discover the ancient culture of Gilgit Baltistan Region
- Drive on the famous Karakoram Highway, Pakistan
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Professional Culture Guide (Government requirement)
- Airport transfers for international flights.
- All land transport involved in the itinerary
- Accommodation as described
- All meals
- All permit fees, road tax etc
WHATS’S NOT INCLUDED
- Travel insurance
- Pakistan Visa Fee
- Tips for local guides and support staff
- Miscellaneous expenses11
- Souvenirs etc
PLEASE NOTE: an airport departure tax of Rs1500 is sometimes payable
Tour Details
| Package | Standard |
| Price | $ 2,500 per person |
| Discount | for Groups min 10 PAX |
| Hotel | 3 Star |
| Days | 15 |
| Nights | 14 |
| Insurance | Not Included |
| Medical | First Aid Medical available |
| Five Star Packages Availability | Yes |
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