From the Silk Route to the Himalayas
Trip from China to Islamabad
Tour Overview
This extraordinary cultural and mountain journey through northern Pakistan combines breathtaking landscapes, ancient Silk Route history, Gandharan Buddhist heritage, vibrant bazaars, and spectacular mountain scenery. Beginning from the high-altitude border town of Sost after crossing the legendary Khunjerab Pass, the journey explores the beautiful valleys of Hunza Valley, Shigar, and Swat Valley before continuing to the historic frontier city of Peshawar and the ancient archaeological treasures of Taxila.
Travelers will experience dramatic glaciers, alpine lakes, traditional villages, Buddhist monasteries, historic forts, local cultures, and scenic mountain roads through the Karakoram and Hindu Kush ranges. The journey offers a unique blend of history, culture, adventure, and hospitality.
 Tour Highlights
- Cross the world’s highest paved border crossing at Khunjerab Pass
- Explore the spectacular landscapes of Hunza Valley
- Visit ancient Altit Fort and Baltit Fort
- Boat ride on the stunning Attabad Lake
- Scenic drive through the Karakoram mountains to Shigar
- Stay at the award-winning historic Shigar Fort
- Experience the Buddhist heritage of Swat Valley
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage Site Takht-i-Bahi
- Explore the colorful bazaars and old city of Peshawar
- Discover the ancient Gandharan civilization at Taxila
- Drive along the historic Grand Trunk Road
- Enjoy local hospitality, mountain culture, and traditional cuisine
 Sketch Itinerary
| Day | Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Sost | Cross Khunjerab Pass and enter Pakistan |
| Day 02 | Karimabad | Batura Glacier, Attabad Lake, Passu |
| Day 03 | Hunza | Visit Altit Fort, Baltit Fort & Karimabad Bazaar |
| Day 04 | Nagar Valley / Duikar | Ganish village, glaciers and panoramic views |
| Day 05 | Gilgit | Scenic drive and Kargah Buddha |
| Day 06 | Shigar | Drive via Skardu and Shigar Valley |
| Day 07 | Swat Valley | Flight to Islamabad and drive to Swat |
| Day 08 | Swat Valley | Swat Museum, Saidu Stupa and Mingora Bazaar |
| Day 09 | Peshawar | Takht-i-Bahi and Shahbaz Garhi |
| Day 10 | Peshawar | Bala Hissar, Qissa Khawani Bazaar, Mohabbat Khan Mosque |
| Day 11 | Islamabad | Taxila Museum, Raja Bazaar and Islamabad |
| Day 12 | Departure | Transfer to airport |
Some pictures from our previous trips
Cost Included the following mentioned services.
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Pakistani Visa assistance and Airport transfers
–          Transportation from arrival at Islamabad to departure with following settings.
Transport at Islamabad and road transfers, for group size 4-5 members, Toyota air-condition van (hi-ace) and for group size 6 +T/L and above will be Toyota air-condition Mini Bus (Toyota Coaster.
Transport in the North by 4 x4 Air -conditioned land cruiser (Toyota Land cruiser-Prado TX and TZ, Passengers each vehicle.
- Domestic airfare as per itinerary plus road transfers incase of flight cancelation.
- Accommodation: As specified in the cost for each town. Best available Hotels in town, on double (sharing) occupancy basis.
- Meals: American Breakfast – Lunch- Dinner- One (short break) for tea/coffee between 10 -11 AM and evening Tea/ coffee break between 4-5 PM. Mineral water (Nestle or Aquaphina )during Lunch and Dinner time. Mineral water as specified above all daylong including for rooms and all day during the site seeing or travel on the road. A picnic box will be carried during the long travel days, with enough snacks , dry fruits, nuts, soft drinks and mineral water.
- All entry fees to Museums, forts and National Park Areas or any tool taxes, and any other applicable taxes on any service.
- Service of Gov’t licenced, experienced and English speaking guides drivers, any porters needed, any support staff, during the trip.
- Gratitude at hotels, restaurants and at other places during the trip.
- Free Accommodation, meals, transport and other above mention service for one Tour leader .
- Cost for Covid -19 PCR tests and other required documentation for return journey.
Not Included in Trip Cost:
- Personal Insurance, medication & clothing.
- International airfare.
- Pakistan visa fees.
- En route hotels, meals, ground arrangements and services not noted in the itinerary.
- Meals not noted in the itinerary.
- Items of a personal nature including but not limited to bottled water in hotels, additional beverages, laundry, room service, and telecommunication, etc.
- Customary end of trip gratuities.
- Additional expenses incurred as a result of delays beyond the control.
- Any ground arrangements and services not mentioned in the itinerary
and list of services included.
