Pakistan – a new nation and ancient land, Xinjiang – the age-old cradle of Central Asian Civilization. Between these two territories lies the most exciting stretch of the fabled Silk Route.
This is a legacy of unparalleled treasures meant for adventurous tourists. Since the days of Marco Polo, conquerors and travelers have embarked on this arduous journey on foot, on horse back or on camels. Today, there are modern means; carpeted/paved roads and air-conditioned luxury transport, good quality hotels and all those facilities that a traveler, away from home requires. And this is why, tour operators the world over are selling Silk Route tour packages featuring Pakistan and autonomous region of Xinjiang, China. Your Silk Route Tour awaits you-be it for eight days fifteen days, twenty days or even twenty-one days.
| 1 | Departure/Return Location | International Airport, Islamabad |
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| 2 | Departure Time | Mountain Range: Karakoram/ Hamaliya/ Hindokush |
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| 3 | Elevation: | March to August |
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| 4 | Duration: 10 Days | Zone: Open |
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Day 01IslamabadArrival at Islamabad international airport, transfer to centrally located hotel/guest house.
Day 02Islamabad – Taxila – BeshamThis morning, we will start our journey (5-6 hrs drive) toward the mountain kingdom of North Pakistan on the famous Karakorum Highway/ancient silk route
Day 03Besham – Chilas – GilgitIt is long day 12 hrs drive but the scenery en route more than makes up for it.
Day 04GilgitFull day sightseeing of Gilgit town.Tour includes, visit of famous Gilgit mountain bazaar, suspension bridges, Kargha Buddha and walk along the Gilgit River.
Day 05Gilgit – Karimabad, HunzaFor half a day, we will drive along the beautiful Hunza River, one of the most special parts of Pakistan, en route visit Chinise graveyard, monuments, Rakaposhi viewpoints. As we approach Karimabad the peak Rakaposhi (7788m) dominates the skyline to the east. Above Hunza stands the prominent rock spire Bublimating 6000m and the Impressive Ultar peaks. The former Mir of Hunza now lives in Modern Palace in Karimabad.
Day 06Hunza ValleyThe tour will include meeting with local folks, understanding the secrets of their longevity and also visit some of the important historical sites including the recently renovated, simple yet overpowering, Baltit Fort and the Altit Fort.
Day 07Karimabad, Hunza – HoparThis morning we will drive by 4×4 jeeps to Hopar village (Nagar Valley) on opposite side of River Hunza for a walk on the Hopar Glacier. After lunch at Hopar, we will drive back to Duikar (The top village of Central Hunza) for sunset and sunrise photography.
Day 08Karimabad, Hunza – PassuShort an hour of driving on KKH along the river with the high peaks all around will bring us to Passu. But before reach to Passu we will stop en-route at Ganesh, (old village):
Day 09Passu – Khunjerab Pass –TashgurganLeave for Tashgurgan via Khunjerab Pass (16000 ft) – the first small town on Chinese side. This route is a beautiful drive, with views of the high mountains of the Karakoram and the distant Pamir Mountain Ranges. At Khunjerab, now declared a national park, one can see Marco Polo Sheep (ovis ammon poli) and we will have stop for an hour. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 10Tashgurgan – Karakole Lake – Kashgarleave for Kashgar en route enjoy the sceneries of two historic peaks of Pameer range Muztag Ata and Kongpur. Lunch will be served at Karakole Lake. Arrive at Kashgar (5 hrs drive). End of services.
Services Include:| Hotel Accommodation on twin sharing basis |
| Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
| Air-conditioned luxury transport |
| English speaking tour guide |
| Entry fees |
| toll taxes |
| Domestic flights tickets |
| Tips for baggage handling at airport & at hotels |
| Member international flight tickets |
| Member personal insurance and all personal expenses such as telephone calls, fax, email charges, liquor or soft drinks, |
| Helicopter emergency rescue fees |
| Room service, personal services, items of a purely personal nature any unforeseen expenses (just like road block extra hotel stay) then members will be pay according to the numbers of days basses |
Ancient Silk Road Tour (Pakistan – Kashgar) on Google Maps:
