Tour Overview
Helicopter Safari Pakistan combines the thrill of Touring in the glacial surroundings around Baltoro Glacier with the pleasure of flying over the colourful valleys of Skardu, Shigar and Askole which offers magnificent mountain scenery with glimpses of Paiyu, Trango Towers, Masherbrum, Mitre Peak, Chogolisa, Golden Throne, Broad Peak, K2, Gasherbrums and the entire Baltoro Massif. Helicopter Tour in Pakistan is very popular with people who are short on time and yet want to have a lifetime experience of the thrill of this wonderful flight into the heart of Karakoram and want a short holiday in the mountains with its physical and visual pleasures. Heli tour in Pakistan is one of the best tour in the world, where you will experience the world best climbing and trekking routes, also explore the Ancient Silk Route, Hunza valley, and the old kingdom of Baltistan.
Since many years Atrium Travels and Tours have been offering services to Helicopter Safari Pakistan enthusiasts from around the World. Atrium travels and tours operates a 11-13 day Helicopter Tour to the heart of Karakoram. The duration may be longer or shorter depending on the client’s experience, ability and time.
Our Helicopter Safari Pakistan Tour starts from Islamabad. Your tour guide will Meet and Greet you at Islamabad international Airport then transfer you to the hotel, rest of the day in Islamabad is to recover from the journey. We will meet in the afternoon for a briefing about the Air Safari. Next day (subject to weather) we will catch the spectacular mountains view flights to Skardu, Baltistan. On route you will have the first glimpse of the great Nanga Parbat, K2 and the other stunning Himalayan & Karakoram Mountain Peaks. After checking in to our Hotel, will have a rest and sightseeing in Skardu. Skardu is the Capital City of Baltistan and it is the getaway to the Mighty K2, Deosai Plato, Masherbrum, Gasherbrums, Broad Peak and many other famous Karakoram Peaks. In Skardu, Trekkers and climber usually do their Finale purchasing and top ups for their journey. Following day we will do our first Heli Safari into the heart of Karakoram, Concordia then return to Skardu Town. Over night in the hotel and next day you will do your Helicopter Tour to Khapulu Valley. Khapulu is the Capital of Gangche District of Baltistan. Today will be your last Heli Tour day, if the weather is not pleasant then free day in Skardu to explore the local bazars and surroundings. After few spectacular Helicopter tours, you will drive Through lush green villages along the Indus River to Karakoram Highway, KKH will lead us to the ancient Hunza valley. It is a gateway to China and Central Asia. Over night in Karim Abad then visit the 987 years old Altit Fort, and the 610 years old Restored Unesco listed Baltit fort, the old residence of Royal Family of Hunza. From Hunza we will continue our tour on the Ancient Silk Route (KKH) towards Bisham Village. Along the KKh we will have a fantastic opportunity to view Rakaposhi, the junction of three Amazing Mountain Giants, the Himalaya, Karakoram, Hindukusch and the famous Nanga Parbat. Night in Bisham then Drive Via the historical Taxilla to the Capital Islamabad. Next day you will be transfer to the Airport to fly back home. We believe that Our “Helicopter Safari Pakistan” will create an amazing lifelong memory for you.
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 SPECTACULAR FLIGHT TO SKARDU:
If cancelled Drive KKH to Chilas,Isb to chilas, 461km. 8-9 H-Drive. Today we travel to Islamabad Airport to take a spectacular flight (weather permitting) across the mountains to Skardu, the Capital of Baltisan. It’s a 45 minute flight which offers Spectacular Mountains views of Himalaya & Karakoram mountain range, you can also enjoy the breathtaking views of world’s 9th highest peak, Nanga Parbat (8126m), if weather is clear then we might be able to see K2 and Gondogoro Pass as well. Check in to the Hotel, res of the day will be spent visiting the local Bazar, historical forts, scenic lakes or visiting ancient rock inscriptions, one of which is of 8th century Manthal Lord Buddha Rock that shows traces of Buddhist monks and pilgrims who had influence in the area before Islam.
Day – 3 SIGHTSEEING IN SKARDU:
Skardu is the Capital of Baltistan Valley. Baltistan was one of the oldest Himalayan kingdoms before being incorporated into Pakistan. It lies along the Indus River in the very heart of the Karakoram mountains, comprising the northern edge of the Himalayas and nearly the entire Karakoram Range. The Balti people speak an ancient form of Tibetan and have a strong and fascinating culture. after breakfast we will visit the Sadpara Lake, have a tea there and enjoy the breath-taking scenery. We will head back to Skardu town for lunch. after lunch we will visit the Famous Organic Village, where everything grows organically. Dinner will be serve in the hotel.
Day – 4 HELI TOUR DAY-(1):
Today you will take an epic journey to the heart of the Karakoram Mountains. After breakfast you will be driven to Skardu Airport which is around 30 minutes’ drive from your hotel. Helicopter will be waiting to take you on a once in a life time journey. You will fly all the way to Concordia where the mighty Baltoro glacier, K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum Peak and many other world highest mountains are. Depending on the weather, you will have 2-3 hours Heli Tour and return to Skardu. Overnight at hotel.
We have to cancel the air safari if weather condition is nor suitable for flying. In that case We will visit and discover the Shigar Valley.
Day – 5 HELI TOUR DAY-(2):
After Breakfast you will be transfer to the airport for the second day of Helicopter safari. Today you will continue your Helicopter Safari to Khaplu and neighbouring valleys. Heli will take you to every corner of the Karakoram valleys.
In case of bad weather we will drive towards Khapulu along the Indus River.You will pass through some lush green Balti Villages to arrive in Khapulu. Khapulu was the second-largest kingdom in old Baltistan of the Yabgo dynasty.It guarded the trade route to Ladakh along the Shyok River. The Main Attraction in khaplu are the Chaqchan Mosque, local village, Bazars and the ex Khaplu Royal Palace.The Ex Royal palace considered an architectural heritage, it was built-in the mid 19th century. The ex Royal Palace has now turned into a Luxury Hotel.We will have lunch in the Royal Palace then heads out to visit the local village, Bazar and Chaqchan. Chaqchan Mosque, since from 1370, 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 – 6 HELI TOUR DAY-(3):
Today will be your last day of Heli Tour so make the best of it. After breakfast you will continue your epic journey to the Karakoram mountains.
If the weather condition is bad then in the morning we will walk up to the remains of Kharpocho Fort (build early 1700), which overlooks the town and has a great view of the Indus River. If you are into photography then this is a perfect location to take photos of Skaradu Town at sunrise or sunset. (we can arrange this for you). The afternoon is free to explore. perhaps you would like to take an optional jeep tour to Satpara Lake or explore the bazaar.
Day – 7 DRIVE TO GILGIT(200km) 4 HOURS DRIVE:
After few days of spectacular Heli Tour you will head towards Gilgit. You will continue your journey along the Indus River until the junction of Gilgit River, then follow Gilgit river on the Karakoram Highway to Gilgit city. Gilgit is the Capital of Gilgit & Baltistan Region. It is mainly an administrative city with Government offices and a lot of shops and markets. Gilgit was an important city on the ancient Silk Route. It was considered as a Buddhism corridor from which many Chinese monks came to Kashmir to learn and preach Buddhism. There is no Tourist Attraction in Gilgit. Depending on the time available, perhaps we visit the local Bazar in the afternoon. We will stay in Gilgit for the night. Along the way we will do few stop for tea breaks and lunch.
Day – 8 DRIVE TO KARIMABAD (105 km) 3-HOURS DRIVE:
From Gilgit you will drive further up about 52 km to rejoin the Karakoram Highway. After joining the KKH, you will cross the Gilgit river and enters into Hunza Valley. This area is the most beautiful section of the KKH. It is the right place to breathe the crystalline air. One is overwhelmed by the fragrant breeze coming from poplar trees and orchids of apricots, peaches, pears and grapes. We will stop over for a tea break at the Famous Rakaposhi Mountain (7,788m) View point.
Day 9 – REST DAY & SIGHTSEEING IN KARIMABAD:
Karimabad is the Capital of the ancient Hunza Valley, It has adequate tourist infra-structure as it has plenty of café, hotels, motels, guesthouses, bookshops. In Hunza you will notice that they speak different language. In Karimabad, we will visit the famous Baltit and Altit Forts, local Bazar and drive up to Eagle nest. After Breakfast we will walk along the loca small Bazar (15-20 min walk) towards the famous Baltit Fort, founded in the 8th CE, it is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Once the former seat of the Hunza kingdom, majestic Baltit Fort is on a hill, which gives the best view of whole Hunza Valley. After visiting the Baltit fort, we will drive (15 min drive) to Altit Fort. We use jeeps to drive to the spectacular Eagles Nest at 2850m, surrounded by 7000m peaks.
Day 10 – DRIVE TO BESHAM, (445km) 9-HOURS DRIVE:
Today you will head towards Besham on Karakorum Highway along the Indus, which divides the Karakorum and Himalayas as it enters Pakistan at a place called Marol in Baltistan. We will follow the West Bank of Indus to Besham (altitude 850 m) a small transit village fast becoming a town. It is at Junction of Swat valley. A road goes west via scenic Shangla pass into the Swat valley. There is no Tourist Attraction in Besham. Along the way we will do few stop for tea breaks and lunch.
DAY 11 – DRIVE TO ISLAMABAD VIA TAXILA (275KM) 7 HOURS DRIVE:
Today you will continue your journey on karakoram highway for a while. We will leave the Indus River at Thakot and continue through some culturally rich and historical towns, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Hasan Abdal and Taxila. We will stop over in Taxila for few hours to explore the culture and the history of Taxila City. 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 12 – Departure for Islamabad
Day 13– Fly out
Every good thing has to come to an end. This is the day when we finally bid farewell to our guests and fellow members. The tour ends this day.
Tour Highlights
- Experience the picturesque Chitral & Kailash Valleys of Pakistan.
- Stunning wild and remote scenery of Shandur.
- Meet and explore the Kailash valley and its people.
- Fantastic mountain vistas.
- world’s Highest Polo field.
- Really authentic travel Experience
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 | $ 6,000 per person |
| Discount | for Groups min 5 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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