Baltistan Cultural Tour

Upon arrival at Islamabad International Airport, our guide will greet you and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. Participants can use free time to relax and recover from the journey. Following lunch at the hotel, a tour briefing will be conducted. Later in the day, there will be a visit to the market for essential shopping and currency exchange. The itinerary also includes visits to the Lok Virsa Museum and the Shah Faisal Mosque.

Accommodation:
Hotel

Altitude:
540m/1770ft

Driving Duration
1-2 hours

Meals Included
Lunch & Dinner

Take a 1-hour scenic flight from Islamabad Airport to Gilgit and enjoy breathtaking mountain views, particularly the majestic Nanga Parbat. Upon arrival in Gilgit, transfer to a local vehicle and drive to Karga Valley (30 minutes), where we will explore the ancient Rock Buddha dating back to the 7th century AD. Following this, we will drive to Hunza via the renowned Karakoram Highway.

 En route to Hunza, make a brief stop to visit the historic Berano suspension bridge (30 minutes), recognized as one of the oldest in the region, and the Danyor tunnel. Additionally, take quick pauses for photography at notable sites, including the collision point of two tectonic plates, the ancient Silk Route viewpoint, and the Rakaposhi viewpoint, capturing the essence of the scenic surroundings.

 Hunza is divided into three distinct parts: Lower Hunza, Central Hunza, and Upper Hunza. On our journey to Karimabad, we will explore the oldest settlement (Nasirabad) in Lower Hunza (2-3 hours). Walking along the village water channel, known as Bari Yap, which winds through traditional houses, we’ll have the chance to meet local storytellers and village elders. Additionally, we can pick organic fruits from farmers’ orchards and witness the authentic way of traditional village life. After engaging with a host family and gaining insights into their daily life, we will proceed to the Rakaposhi/Diran Peak viewpoint to relish the breathtaking views. Following these explorations, we’ll drive to Karimabad for an overnight stay in a hotel.

 OR

 In case of flight cancellation due to weather, drive from Islamabad to Naran/Besham (6 hours) with short stops at various tourist spots.

Accommodation:
Hotel 

Altitude:
2400m/7872ft

Driving Duration
3-4 Hours

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 

We will spend a full day in Central Hunza, and our morning begins with a delightful walk along Samarqand Kohl, a scenic water channel that passes through local houses and fields (1 hour). We then visit the historic 800-year-old Baltit Fort; it will take around 2 hours with a 30-minute walk.

 Our exploration continues with a visit to Ganish village, the oldest settlement in Hunza (40 minutes). A drive to Altit follows, where a delicious lunch at Kha Basi Café, owned by Serena Hotels and run by local women, awaits us. Post-lunch activities include visiting the music school in Altit (if it is open), which provides an opportunity to observe local children learning and playing traditional music. Guests are also welcome to try playing regional musical instruments.

 Altit Fort, with a history spanning 900 years, is our next destination, offering a unique chance to explore this iconic structure (1 hour). Subsequently, we drive to Duikar at 2800 m for an unparalleled sunset view. A beautiful 15-minute hike brings us to one of the world’s best sunset viewpoints, providing a panoramic view of the Hunza and Nagar valleys and splendid views of seven mountain peaks above 7000m. We then returned to our hotel in Karimabad for leisure time till dinner. Following this, a visit to Karimabad Bazar for dinner in a local restaurant and shopping featuring handicrafts, gemstones, and dry fruits.

 OR

 In the event of a flight cancellation, proceed with a 7-8 hour drive from Naran/Besham to Hunza, making several brief stops along the way.

 Accommodation:
Hotel 

Altitude:
2400m/7872ft

Driving Duration
2-3 Hours

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today’s itinerary involves driving to Passu through various small villages in upper Hunza. After a stop at the Haldikish rock carvings for a briefing on their historical significance, we will proceed to Atabad Lake for a boating experience. Upon reaching Gulmit village, we’ll explore an old house, visit a local carpet center (meeting local women entrepreneurs), and visit a music school (Bulbulik Music School – if it is open). Following this, we will do a hike featuring Pakistan’s one of the highest and longest stairs, leading to Ondra Fort (a community-based tourism initiative in Gulmit village of Gojal Valley) – 1-hour hike. You’ll have free time to relish the beautiful views of Passu cones and upper Hunza.

 Later, we’ll drive to Borith Lake, a beautiful lake in upper Hunza renowned for migrating birds, and embark on a scenic hike to Passu Glacier, an easy one-hour hike. We’ll continue our journey to Passu to enjoy a leisurely afternoon. Passu, one of the picturesque villages in the area, invites us for a village walk, allowing us to visit a local host family and engage with local elders.

As the day unfolds, we’ll relish the sunset from Glacier Breeze Restaurant, accompanied by a cup of tea or coffee and the famous apricot cake. If time matches/permits, we might have the opportunity to participate in a cultural event in upper Hunza. Yalk Grill, a renowned local restaurant specializing in Yalk dishes, offers unique culinary experiences that we may enjoy. Finally, we’ll drive back to our hotel in Karimabad for an overnight stay.

Accommodation:
Hotel 

Altitude:
2400m/7872ft

Driving Duration
4-5 Hours

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Nagar is a renowned tourist destination in the region, and Minapin is the gateway to the magnificent Rakaposhi and Diran Peaks. Today, we will drive from Karimabad to Minapin to immerse ourselves in the cultural insights of the valley and savor one of the best views of the mountain peaks and surrounding valleys. Enjoy leisure time in Minapin, engage with a local storyteller, and drive on an adventurous journey to the KHO meadows in a local jeep (2 hours). The jeep road itself is an exciting experience, and upon reaching the viewpoint, the area’s stunning beauty is sure to leave anyone amazed. Spend leisurely time there, enjoying a nature walk and watching the panoramic valley views.

 After a beautiful time, we’ll return to Minapin and relish the delicious local food at Osho Thang, renowned for its Gurkun Karahi. Following this, we’ll drive back to Karimabad via the same route. If time permits, we will visit Haiderabad Khun and KADO Hunar Khun, a unique multipurpose project by a local NGO. Conclude the day with an overnight stay at the hotel.

Accommodation:
Hotel 

Altitude:
2400m/7872ft

Driving Duration
5-6 Hours

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Following an early breakfast, drive to Hoper Valley (1.5 hours and 2800 m). Along the way, stop at the confluence point of the Hunza and Nagar rivers, offering picturesque views. Further, explore Nagar Khas, a village in the Nagar Valley, and engage with locals to experience their unique culture. Continuing the journey, proceed to Hoper village, where a beautiful 2-hour hike to Hoper Glacier awaits. Immerse yourself in the experience of walking on the glacier, surrounded by the region’s natural beauty.

Nagar is renowned for its gemstones, and in Hoper, numerous shops offer gemstones and local handicrafts. You can explore and shop from these local stores, discovering unique and authentic items. Additionally, we will meet locals from Nagar Valley, who will provide insights into the rich cultural narratives of the region.

 Following this, we will drive to Khanabad village in Lower Hunza and immerse ourselves in the local way of life. Spending most of the day here, we will witness village life with a host family and actively participate in the routine activities of the village people. Explore fruit orchards, stroll through the streets, meet locals, including artisans and storytellers, and relish a traditional lunch with a host family.

 In the afternoon, we will drive to Gilgit via the same Karakoram Highway, concluding with an overnight stay at a hotel.

Accommodation:
Hotel 

Altitude:
1500m/4920ft

Driving Duration
5-6 Hours

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 

Take a scenic 1-hour flight from Gilgit to Islamabad. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and enjoy some leisure time. Explore notable attractions such as the Pakistan Monument and Saipur village after lunch. Conclude the day with a delightful dinner at Monal. Drive back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

 OR

 Drive from Gilgit via Karakoram Highway with short stops (in case of flight cancellation)

 Accommodation:
Hotel 

Altitude:
540m/1770ft

Driving Duration
2-3 Hours

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

If flying is impossible due to weather conditions, we will take a road journey from Gilgit to Islamabad. However, if we proceed with the flight, we plan to visit Taxila. We will explore the renowned Taxila Museum and various archaeological sites there, including Dharmarajika and Sirkab. With its rich historical significance, Taxila provides a captivating experience as we delve into these archaeological sites, making the most of our time there.

Accommodation:
Hotel 

Altitude:
540m/1770ft

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Driving Duration
2-3 Hours

After breakfast, transfer from Hotel to the airport for international flights.

 Altitude:
540m/1770ft

Meals Included
Breakfast

Driving Duration
40 Minutes