Into the Frozen Wild with Silk Route Adventures
Snow Leopard Sighting
Overview
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime winter expedition into the remote mountain wilderness of northern Pakistan with Silk Route Adventures. This extraordinary journey takes travelers deep into the spectacular valleys of Hunza Valley, Gojal, and the high-altitude frontier regions near Khunjerab Pass in search of the elusive Snow Leopard — famously known as the “Ghost of the Mountains.”
The expedition combines wildlife tracking, breathtaking winter scenery, mountain culture, and adventure travel through the legendary Karakoram Highway. Travelers experience snow-covered peaks, frozen rivers, alpine villages, glaciers, and dramatic landscapes while exploring one of the world’s most spectacular mountain regions.
Along the journey, visitors also discover the rich cultural heritage of Hunza and Gilgit-Baltistan through visits to historic forts, traditional villages, local bazaars, and ancient Silk Route settlements. The region is also home to Himalayan ibex, Marco Polo sheep, golden eagles, magpies, and other rare mountain wildlife.
This unforgettable adventure offers a rare opportunity to witness Pakistan’s extraordinary winter wilderness while tracking one of the world’s most magnificent and elusive big cats.
Trip Highlights
- Search for the elusive Snow Leopard in its natural habitat
- Explore the winter landscapes of Gilgit-Baltistan
- Scenic journey along the Karakoram Highway
- Visit Hunza Valley and Gojal region
- Excursion to Khunjerab Pass
- Wildlife sightings including Himalayan ibex, Marco Polo sheep, eagles, and wild birds
- Visit historic Altit Fort and Baltit Fort
- Experience the beauty of Attabad Lake and Passu Cones
- Explore ancient Silk Route villages and mountain culture
- Photography opportunities in snow-covered valleys and glaciers
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival in Islamabad
Arrival in Islamabad. Visit:
- Pakistan Monument
- Lok Virsa Museum
- Faisal Mosque
Overnight at Islamabad Serena Hotel.
Day 2 — Islamabad → Skardu → Gilgit
Spectacular mountain flight to Skardu followed by scenic drive to Gilgit along the Indus River. En route views of:
- Nanga Parbat
- Confluence of the Himalaya, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush ranges.
Day 3 — Gilgit → Hunza
Drive to Hunza Valley with panoramic mountain scenery. Visit:
- Altit Fort
- Baltit Fort
- Karimabad Bazaar and KADO handicraft center.
Day 4 — Hunza → Sost
Visit the ancient settlement of Ganish before continuing north through:
- Attabad Lake
- Hussaini Village
- Passu Cones viewpoint
Overnight in Sost.
Days 5–10 — Khunjerab Pass & Snow Leopard Expedition
Daily wildlife excursions through the spectacular mountain wilderness near Khunjerab Pass.
Activities include:
- Snow leopard tracking
- Wildlife observation and photography
- Search for Himalayan ibex, Marco Polo sheep, golden eagles, and other mountain wildlife
- Exploration of frozen valleys, glaciers, and alpine landscapes
- Scenic drives through the high mountains of northern Pakistan.
Day 11 — Return to Gilgit
Drive back to Gilgit with stops at:
- Attabad Lake
- Chinese Graveyard
- Kargah Buddha
- Gilgit Bazaar.
Day 12 — Gilgit / Skardu → Islamabad
Flight back to Islamabad and overnight stay.
Day 13 — Departure
Transfer to airport for onward international departure.
Best Season
December to March — ideal for snow leopard sightings and winter wildlife exploration.
Pictures from our trips
If you are interested we will provide best videos and pictures
Services included:
– Pakistani Visa assistance, Domestic flights and Airport transfers
– Transportation for from arrival to departure with following settings.
For group size 4-6 members, Toyota air-condition van (hi-ace) and for group size 7-12+T/L will be Toyota air-condition Mini Bus (Toyota Coaster & Toyota land cruisers will be in the North.
- Accommodation: As specified in the cost for each town, on double 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 for the group size (6 paying clients and above).
- Not Included in Trip Cost:
- Personal Insurance, medication & clothing.
- Any 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, internet, 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
