Tour to Hunza Karimabad Valley Khunjerab pass.
| Activity type: | Safari |
| Activity level: | Easy/ Moderate |
| Availability: |
22 Oct 2019 - 23 Oct 2019 |
| Duration: | 8 Day(s) / Tour with flexible start dates |
| Price: | from $800 / Negotiable |
Full description
Eight-day Journey Along the Karakoram Highway To Hunza Valley With Day Treks, Seven Nights Hotels
The 800-year-old Baltit Fort in Hunza
Experience the confluence of the highest mountain ranges of the world: Karakoram, Himalayas and Hindu Kush as you travel along the Karakoram Highway, reputed as the 8th wonder of the world, through the dramatic, deep gorges of the Indus: the Lion River.
Spend a few days in Hunza, a region inhabited by Ismaili Muslims and renowned for the longevity of its inhabitants. Walk to the glaciers flowing down from the soaring peaks.
The Geography:
Hunza is divided into 3 geographic sub-divisions:
Upper Hunza
Gojal Upper Gojal
Central Hunza
The Mountain Peaks:
Rakaposhi 7,788 metres (25,551 feet)
Ultar Sar 7,388 metres (24,239 feet)
Bojahagur Duanasir II 7,329 metres (24,045 feet)
Ghenta Sar 7,090 metres (23,261 feet)
Hunza Peak 6,270 metres (20,571 feet)
Darmyani Peak 6,090 metres (19,980 feet)
Bublimating (Ladyfinger Peak) 6,000 metres (19,685 feet).
The Plan:
The basic purpose of an itinerary plan to any place is to enjoy the tour with energetic and adventurous journeying around. The three basic rules are to be followed for an excellent, exploring and soulful tour planning are:
Discover
Plan
Enjoy
Once you have decided your utmost destination (in this case, the Hunza Valley), it’s time to make all the fiscal arrangements and a befitting packing plan. Let me try to chalk out all the pre-requisites for the tour to the Hunza Valley, Pakistan.
Suppose it is a six-day visit to the Valley that would be full of adventures, spontaneous events and exploring the nature. In this context you must have well-scheduled information under your belt regarding the tourist season, accommodation facilities, climate, weather forecasts (the tourist season starts from May to October) and last but not the least about the most suitable clothing. It is suggested to you to consult a competent tour-planner because he would make all the arrangements according to your budget, with his best expertise and better amenities.
Price includes
- Air conditioned transport on Karakoram Highway, soft top 4x4 jeeps for Hunza excursions; tips & Portage at airport & hotels; entrance fees at sites & museums; English-speaking guide.
Not included in price
- Domestic/International airfares and airport taxes; any expenses due to cancellation of flights, landslides, other natural calamities or acts of God beyond the control of Rock Valley Tourss, their staff and suppliers; any expenses of a personal nature not mentioned above.
Guide
51 years, Pakistan
Guide
0
Mountaineering, Hiking, Rock Climbing, Ice Climbing, Backcountry Skiing
Verified Profile
- Email address
- Phone number
The Journey Thus Far…Inayat Ullah Baig and his brainchild commenced his journey in 1994 as a small time porter assisting the trekkers in the northern area of Gilgit Baltistan. At that time there was very little local awareness of outdoor activities in Pakistan. The influx of foreigners visiting Pakistan at that time was pretty appreciable.Located in the picturesque valley of Shimshal, Inayat and his band of brothers developed the idea to cater for equipment needed to undertake such tours, treks and expeditions. Initially, he was working as an employee for assorted travel companies.Belonging to a family of mountaineers, he had the best possible teachers available to him. He credits the Late Mr. Rajab Shah and Mr. Meherban Shah as his mentors. They were the top climbers in those days. Both of whom have to their credit, the conquests of 8000m plus peaks.The first expedition he undertook, was in 1998. This was the Japanese Alpine Club expedition. From there on the floodgates opened. So much so, that he found it virtually impossible to cater to the needs of all and sundry. To address this issue, he formed his own travel and tour company which is based in Lahore.From travel groups to corporates, everyone started utilizing his services. With 20 years of experience behind him, he has managed to form a team that is second to none in Pakistan at present. Moreover, he also managed to build up his inventory, so much so, that he and his team are now equipped to handle very large groups on their own in terms of equipment required. From Karachi to Khunjerab, he has the best exposure in terms of knowledge about local customs, local culture, and local cuisine. To date, he has serviced 12000 plus personnel. The journey continues…
www.rockvalleytours.com
Location
Pakistan, Karimabad
Day 06
Hunza Karimabad Valley & Gojal Khunierab Pass
Day 01 Arrive Islamabad – Besham / Narran
Morning flight to Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital city. At the airport you will be met by a “Tour Guide ” and begin the 28km drive to Taxila, the ancient capital of Buddhist Gandhara civilization which is regarded as one of the most important archaeological sites on the sub-continent. Here we will visit the ruins of a former city (Sirkup), a hill-top former monastery (Julian) and the splendid site museum that contains artifacts excavated from the sites. Among these are gold and silver coins from the time of Alexander the Great (326 BC). After lunch we head towards the Karakoram Highway (KKH) via the beautiful lush green valleys of Mansehra District. The highway was a joint project between Pakistan and China and took 20 years to complete. During its construction 300 Chinese and 600 Pakistani workers lost their lives. Overnight at motel. (4-5 hour drive, 200 km)
Day 02 Sharkul - Gilgit (Meet the Indus River)
Early morning drive to Gilgit, the capital of Pakistan’s Northern Areas. At Thakot, we cross a Chinese-made bridge and enter the Indus River gorge. For centuries this branch of the Silk Route was used by the traders and Buddhist missionaries. There are many rock carving sites dating back to that time, including the carvings at Shatial. After lunch at Chilas, we stop at Thalichi, the best view point of Nanga Parbat (8125m) the 9th highest peak in the world and the second highest in Pakistan after K2 , which is also known as the Killer Mountain. There are also spectacular views of Rakaposhi (7788m) and the Haramosh Range from the same spot. As we drive north we reach the meeting point of the world’s three highest mountain ranges – the Karakoram , Himalayas and the Hindukush. At this amazing place the Gilgit River also joins the mighty Indus. We follow the Gilgit River to Gilgit and overnight at a hotel. (9-10 hours, 320 km)
Day 03 Gilgit - Hunza (Karimabad)
After crossing a suspension bridge of the river we reach Kargah and visit the 7th century Buddha carved into the rock. In ancient times the Kargah Valley was used by Buddhist monks as a route to and from Taxila. Our tour continues along the breathtaking Hunza Valley where we will be able to see the original Silk Route used by both traders and monks. En route we will make a short stop at the Rakaposhi (7788m) viewpoint before arriving at Karimabad, the capital of the Hunza Valley. Overnight at Hotel. (2-3 hour drive, 110 km)
Day 04 Hunza
A free day in Karimabad with time for short walks to the Altit and Baltit forts, and for more exploration of the Hunza Valley. There are superb views of the Karakoram Range from here - Rakaposhi 7788m, Diran 7266m, Ultar 7400m, Golden Peak 7027m, along with glimpses of the Nagar Valley on the other side of the river. The friendly, long-lived people of the Hunza are almost self-sufficient, growing wheat, maize, apricots and walnuts and making their own clothes, shoes, and wooden and stone bowls. In the afternoon there will be time to walk to the Ultar Glacier by following the irrigation channel through the village, or to stroll through the single-lane bazaar to enjoy more spectacular views of the mountain peaks soaring around you. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 05 Karimabad - Passu (Upper Hunza Valley)
Today we take a short drive into the heart of Karakorams. We will stop at the village of Gulmit, in the shadow of the unclimbed Gulmit Tower and walk through the village fields to visit the polo ground and historic houses and later take a short trek to the Gulkin glaciers and Borit Lake. Our transport will meet us near Borit Lake to take us the 15km to Passu. Passu is a charming village set against a backdrop of the soaring Passu Cones, and the Passu and Batura glaciers within short walking distance. About 70 years ago Passu was the second largest settlement in Hunza after Karimabad. However, the glacier upstream on the Hunza River began to advance, creating a dam which later broke, washing away houses and fertile fields. Now the river occupies the major share of the valley. There will be time for a walk through the village before overnight at a lodge. (1 hour, 50 km)
Day 06 Passu (Full-day excursion)
Morning walk to the Passu Glacier and Passu Lake (45 minutes one-way). From the snout of the glacier there are spectacular views of Shispar ( 7611m) and Passu Peak (7478m). Walk back to Lodge for lunch and afterwards visit the famous suspension bridges of Passu. These 800 feet long bridges over the Hunza River are still used by the local people. Overnight at lodge.
Day 07 Passu - Chilas
Drive back along the KKH following the Hunza River enjoying more amazing views of the Karakorams. We spend the night at Chilas on the banks of the Indus River. (6-7-hour drive, 260km)
Day 08 Chilas - Islamabad - Departure
We start early for the 12-hour drive along the KKH to Islamabad, with a short stop at Besham for lunch. Transfer to airport for the flight to home destination. ( 11-12-hours drive, 500 km)
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Last update: Inayat Ullah Shimshali
(24 Oct 2019)