Gilgit-Baltistan 13 Days

Arrive at Islamabad Airport where you will be received by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel. With some flights arriving in the afternoon, guests can get some rest in anticipation of the busy and active itinerary ahead, including the highlights of Gilgit-Baltistan. In the evening, we will have a briefing ahead of the trip during the welcome dinner. Overnight stay in Islamabad.

After breakfast, we will begin our journey towards Naran taking in the scenery from neighbouring towns and passing through the lush green valleys of Kaghan. After checking into the hotel, we will take a jeep ride to Saiful Muluk Lake, fondly coined as the “Lake of Fairies” and sitting at an elevation of over 3,000m above sea level. This piece of heaven is situated under the shadows of the mighty Malika Parbat with its snow-capped peaks and tells an Egyptian fairytale of yesteryears making it as enchanting as it is picturesque. Here, you will find multiple glacial waters meeting and several activities on offer such as boating and horse riding. Overnight stay in Naran.  

Today, we will drive towards Skardu in Gilgit-Baltistan, making a brief stop at the Lulusar Lake to take in the crystal clear waters of this natural unspoilt landscape. Making our way through the lush green valleys of Kaghan, our next stop will be at the elevated Babusar Top which we will reach via one of the most famous hairpinned roads in the world. After a bite to eat, we will check into our hotel in Skardu for the evening. Overnight stay in Skardu.

After breakfast, we will be taking a trip to Shangrila in Gilgit-Baltistan, a resort that encircles a heart-shaped lake with fruit-laden orchards of apples, pears, and cherries set in perfectly manicured gardens. Nestled amongst some of the highest peaks in the world, we will witness the raw beauty of the Lower and Upper Kachura Lakes in Gilgit-Baltistan, which make for some captivating scenes of the rustic surroundings. Next, we will make our way through the Cold Desert in Gilgit-Baltistan, the highest desert in the world and one where temperatures can reach as low as -25°C before reaching the Shigar Fort, a 17th-century restored fortress-palace that was previously home to the Raja of Baltistan. Guests will also have the option of taking a hike to the mighty Kharpocho Fort, which offers stunning views across Skardu and has a history that dates back to the Mughal era. Overnight stay at Shangrila in Gilgit-Baltistan.

This morning, we will set off for Ghanche, a district in Gilgit-Baltistan, which is filled with high summits, flowing blue waters, and beautiful valleys. In the villages below, we will have the opportunity to see the locals firsthand and experience the famous hospitality of Pakistanis. As we leave Khaplu Valley, we will travel across narrow paved roads lined with yellow poplar trees; a welcoming entrance to a region of Gilgit-Baltistan that was previously under the influence of Buddhism, remnants of which can still be found today. Next, we will head to Khaplu Fort, an architectural heritage and tourist attraction in Gilgit-Baltistan, which was once home to the Raja of Khaplu and has now been restored to its former glory. A visit to Chaqchan Mosque is on the itinerary and is one of the oldest mosques in the region of Gilgit-Baltistan with locals claiming that it can be traced back to the 1st century. Perched on a small hill and built in a combination of Persian, Tibetan, and Mughal styles, the silence inside this mosque is delightfully charming. We will be finishing off the day’s events with a final visit to the waterfall at Manthoka in Gilgit-Baltistan, which will prove to be a scenic and refreshing sanctuary. Overnight stay in Skardu.

Departing early, we will make our way to Shigar Valley, which is within easy proximity of the city of Skardu and is a key attraction as it is the gateway to the Karakoram Mountains. With its scenic beauty and enchanting horizons, we will witness stunning views of the mountains and fields of Shigar, rich in the rural and distinct culture of Baltistan. Next, we will pay a visit to Shigar Fort, a 17th century restored fortress-palace that was previously home to the Raja of Baltistan before returning to our hotel for the evening. Overnight stay in Skardu.  

After breakfast, we will head to the main city of Gilgit where we will indulge in some retail therapy by checking out the Northern Light Infantry Market, a favourite haunt amongst the locals and a must-see attraction for those who like to haggle to the get the best bang for their buck (or rupee!) After taking a leisurely stroll through Gilgit Bazaar, we will check in to our hotel to allow for some rest and relaxation after a busy few days. Overnight stay in Gilgit. 

From Gilgit, we will be heading to Naltar Valley, an isolated haven of sheer beauty, which is nestled among snow-capped peaks and towering forests. The road that leads to the valley is a rough jeep path, which is sure to be an unmissable electrifying adventure. Along the way, you will find yourself parallel to a stream of fresh glacial waters on one side and alpine forests on the other. During the colder months, you can hit the ski slopes as Naltar Valley transforms into a winter wonderland and is a popular ski resort amongst youngsters. After spending the day in the valley, we will continue onto Hunza where we will check in to our hotel for the evening. Overnight stay in Karimabad, Hunza Valley.

Today, we will take a trip to Baltit Fort, once the prime seat of power in Hunza and now a UNESCO site with a rich history that can be traced back to over 700 years ago. Next, we will take a private tour of the dungeons at Altit Fort, which is situated in the revered royal gardens of Hunza where lush apricot trees and cherry blossoms are plentiful. This will be followed by a visit to a local women’s workshop where handicrafts are created. Guests will also have the option of trying the popular walnut cake at Café De Hunza as they explore the ancient cobbled streets of Karimabad. Later, we will take a short trek to Duikar’s vantage point to witness the sun set over the magnificent peaks of Karakoram. Overnight stay in Karimabad, Hunza Valley.

After breakfast, we will venture out to try the famous apricot cake of Hunza Valley against the backdrop of the majestic Passu Cones. In the afternoon we will head to Attabad Lake to witness its dizzyingly turquoise waters amidst the spectacular mountain scenery. After crossing through the Wildlife Conservation Area in Khyber, we will make our way to Khunjerab Pass, the highest border-crossing in the world which serves as an enchanting multi-cultural experience that spans Pakistan and China. After spending some time at the international border we will retreat to Sost to check out the local street markets before taking a walk along the Hussaini Suspension Bridge, otherwise known as the most dangerous bridge in the world. Built by the locals and still used today, this bridge is nothing short of an adventure with every step requiring a leap of faith. Overnight stay in Karimabad, Hunza Valley/Gulmit.

Today, we will leave for Besham/Naran. If the route to Naran is clear, we will explore the towns of Haripur, Abbottabad and Mansehra on the way whilst riding parallel to the Indus River on the Karakoram Highway. And if the route to Naran is clear, we will end our tour by exploring the glaciers, lakes and lush green Alpine forest of the Kaghan Valley. Overnight stay in Besham/Naran.

Following breakfast, we will continue the remainder of our journey to Islamabad, taking in the staggering mountain scenery, the rough terrains of the road and the welcoming people in the neighbouring villages. Soon after, we will head into Islamabad to see some of the sights the capital has to offer such as the Faisal Mosque, which is nestled at the foot of the Margalla Hills and inspired by strong Islamic cultural characteristics. In the evening, we will finish the days events by heading to Pir Sohawa to enjoy a farewell dinner at the famous Monal restaurant which offers the finest views of Islamabad from a stunning vantage point. Overnight stay in Islamabad.

After a hearty breakfast and a bittersweet farewell, you will be transferred to Islamabad Airport where our trip will come to an end.