Silk Route trip through the Khunjerab Pass
China to Pakistan: Following the Ancient Silk Route
Overview
Embark on an extraordinary journey along one of the world’s most legendary trade routes, traveling from China into Pakistan through the spectacular Khunjerab Pass and continuing through the historic valleys and cultural landscapes of northern and western Pakistan.
Beginning in Tashkurgan, China, the journey crosses the high Karakoram into Pakistan at Sost, opening the door to the magnificent Hunza Valley. Travel along the Karakoram Highway through dramatic mountain scenery, glaciers and ancient settlements, visiting Passu, Attabad Lake, Gulmit, Karimabad, Altit Fort, Baltit Fort and Ganish.
The journey continues through Gilgit-Baltistan, with an excursion to Skardu and Shigar, before heading south and west toward the lush valleys of Swat, the historic city of Peshawar, and the ancient archaeological center of Taxila.
Along the way, discover the fascinating legacy of the Silk Route and Gandhara civilization, including Buddhist heritage sites such as Butkara, Saidu Stupa and Takht-i-Bahi, before concluding in Islamabad.
This journey combines spectacular mountain scenery, ancient Silk Route heritage, living cultures, archaeological treasures and the diverse landscapes of Pakistan into one unforgettable overland adventure.
Highlights
🏔️ Cross the Khunjerab Pass
Cross one of the world’s great high-altitude mountain passes, traveling from Tashkurgan in China into Sost, Pakistan, surrounded by the dramatic peaks and glaciers of the Karakoram. Draft Itinary
🐏 Wildlife & Karakoram Landscapes
Travel through spectacular mountain country where Marco Polo sheep, Snow Leopard and Himalayan Ibex inhabit the surrounding wilderness. Draft Itinary
🏞️ Discover Hunza Valley
Explore the legendary Hunza Valley, including Passu, Gulmit, Attabad Lake and Karimabad. Draft Itinary
🏰 Altit & Baltit Forts
Visit the historic Altit and Baltit Forts, former residences of the ruling family of Hunza, with architecture reflecting centuries of regional cultural influences. Draft Itinary
🐫 Walk Through an Ancient Silk Route Settlement
Visit Ganish, one of the historic settlements associated with the ancient Silk Route, and experience a living heritage site. Draft Itinary
🏔️ Skardu & Shigar
Travel into the spectacular landscapes of Baltistan, surrounded by some of the world’s highest mountains, and stay at historic Shigar Fort. Draft Itinary
☸️ Explore Gandhara Buddhist Heritage
Discover the rich Buddhist heritage of Swat and Gandhara, including the Swat Museum, Saidu Stupa and Butkara. Draft Itinary
🏛️ Visit Takht-i-Bahi
Explore Takht-i-Bahi, an ancient Buddhist monastery and UNESCO World Heritage Site near Mardan. Draft Itinary
🕌 Discover Historic Peshawar
Explore the historic streets and bazaars of Peshawar, including Qissa Khawani Bazaar, Mohbat Khan Mosque and the old city. Draft Itinary
🏺 Explore Ancient Taxila
Visit Taxila and the Taxila National Museum, home to important archaeological remains and Gandharan art. Draft Itinary
🌍 Finish in Islamabad
Complete the journey in Islamabad, after traveling from the Chinese Silk Route through the Karakoram and into the ancient cultural heartlands of Pakistan.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Tashkurgan, China → Sost, Pakistan
Crossing the Khunjerab Pass
After Chinese immigration and customs formalities, begin the spectacular journey toward the Khunjerab Pass. Travel through dramatic high-altitude landscapes, with opportunities for photography and wildlife observation. The route passes through the habitat of Marco Polo sheep, Snow Leopard and Himalayan Ibex before descending into Sost, where you officially enter Pakistan.
Overnight: Sost
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Draft Itinary
Day 2 – Sost → Hunza
Continue toward Karimabad, Hunza, stopping to admire Batura Glacier and the dramatic landscapes around Passu. Continue through Gulmit and cross Attabad Lake by boat before arriving in Karimabad.
Overnight: Karimabad, Hunza
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Draft Itinary
Day 3 – Explore Hunza
Visit the historic Altit Fort and settlement, followed by Baltit Fort, former residences of the rulers of Hunza. Discover the region’s unique architecture and history before exploring Karimabad Bazaar.
Overnight: Karimabad, Hunza
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Draft Itinary
Day 4 – Nagar Valley Excursion
Visit Ganish, one of the region’s historic Silk Route settlements, before crossing into Nagar Valley. Enjoy the spectacular glacier landscapes and a walk through the valley. Continue to Duikar, the highest overnight point of the tour, offering magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
Overnight: Eagle’s Nest, Duikar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Draft Itinary
Day 5 – Hunza → Gilgit
Leave Hunza and travel toward Gilgit, a historic center of the region. Along the way, have the opportunity to see the Gandharan Buddha, an important relic reflecting the area’s ancient Buddhist heritage.
Overnight: Gilgit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Draft Itinary
Day 6 – Gilgit → Skardu → Shigar
Travel toward Skardu and Shigar, following the Indus River and entering the spectacular landscapes of Baltistan. Enjoy views of Nanga Parbat, the dramatic cold desert landscape near Shigar and the surrounding high mountains.
Visit historic Shigar Fort, an award-winning restoration project and gateway to the great Karakoram mountains.
Overnight: Shigar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Draft Itinary
Day 7 – Skardu → Islamabad → Swat
Transfer to Skardu airport and fly toward Islamabad, enjoying spectacular mountain views during the flight. Continue by road to Swat Valley, historically known as Suwastu.
Visit the Swat Museum, renowned for its collection of Gandharan Buddhist art.
Overnight: Serena Swat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Draft Itinary
Day 8 – Explore Swat Valley
Explore the Buddhist heritage of Swat, including Saidu Stupa and Butkara, an ancient Buddhist monastery associated with the historic Gandhara region.
Later, visit Mingora Bazaar, known for its crafts and traditional shawls.
Overnight: Swat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Draft Itinary
Day 9 – Swat → Peshawar
Drive toward Peshawar, an important center of the ancient Gandharan civilization.
En route, visit Takht-i-Bahi, the spectacular remains of an ancient Buddhist monastery and UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by Shahbaz Garhi.
Continue to Peshawar.
Overnight: Peshawar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Draft Itinary
Day 10 – Explore Peshawar
Discover historic Peshawar, including its old city, Bala Hissar, Namak Mandi, Khayber Bazaar, Qissa Khawani Bazaar, Chowk Yadgar, Androon-shehar Bazaar and Mohbat Khan Mosque.
Experience the atmosphere, history, architecture and traditional culture of this ancient frontier city.
Overnight: Peshawar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Draft Itinary
Day 11 – Peshawar → Taxila → Islamabad
Travel toward Islamabad along the historic Grand Trunk Road, passing the strategic Attock Fort and its surrounding heritage.
Continue to Taxila, one of the most important archaeological sites of the ancient Gandhara region. Visit the Taxila National Museum and explore its remarkable collection of Gandharan art and archaeological treasures.
Continue to Islamabad for your final overnight stay.
Overnight: Islamabad
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Draft Itinary
Day 12 – Islamabad → Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your onward flight, bringing your extraordinary journey from China through the ancient Silk Route and the cultural heritage of Pakistan to an end.
Meals: Breakfast
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Moments from the China to Pakistan – Following the Ancient Silk Route Trip
Cost Included the following mentioned services.
– 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.
