Silk Route Tour

The Karakoram Highway, built on the ancient Silk Route through the North, one of the wonders of the modern age opened a new outlet for the world. There was a day when desolate natural extremes, daunted to the most experienced travelers. For centuries, the Silk Route remained the sole trail for the caravans of merchants, savage invaders or devoted Buddhist pilgrims for their exoduses.

This dangerous route, for centuries, ever attempted by the most, determined and loin-hearted adventurers became luxurious today by availing the facility of transports and
accommodation all the way. 

 Traveling under the ‘roof of the world’ along the Indus River, enjoying all the way to its fantastic and historic destinations of Peshawar, Swat, Gilgit and Hunza, sighting the fascinating vales and peaks including 8125m Nanga Parbat, 7788M Rakaposhi, the tour will culminate at 4703m Khunjerab pass, the highest paved border-crossing on earth between Pakistan and China.

 Let experience a lifetime journey through bounties of nature and cultural variation of the Northern Pakistan.

 ITINERARY

 Day 1  Islamabad

 Arrive at Islamabad International Airport. Welcome by Blue Sky staff company guide and transfer to Hotel. First we will have lunch and proceed for sightseeing of Islamabad. We will go to Shah Faisal Mosque, Daman-e-Koh for a panoramic view of Islamabad, and markets to see real collection of oriental carpets and others. After a traditional Pakistani dinner we will return to hotel for over night stay.

 Day 2: Drive to Besham

 We will start our 8 hours drive early morning to Besham, the headquarter town and commercial centre of the Shangla District in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province. The town gives very comfortable overnight in modest hotels along the River Indus. Rest of the of the day at leisure.

 Day 3: Drive to Gilgit

 After breakfast we will start 9 hours drive to Gilgit on KKH. Today the journey will take us to the stunning sceneries of Nanga Parbat, Rakaposhi and Haramosh peaks. The day is tiring but also rewarding. We will travel via Patan, Komila, Dassu, and Chilas towns along the Indus River. We will see many rock carvings and inscriptions on KKH today. The Silk Route rock art is just like a guest book of explorers,  merchants, warriors, and pilgrims from prehistoric periods.

 Day 4: Gilgit Sightseeing

 The day will spend on exploring this historically rich city of the mountainous region. Gilgit has an important historical background as it lies on the crossroads of central and southern Asia. The city influenced by Kirghiz. Chinese, Arabs,  and Tibetans. The place was also historical a market place where the Silk Road merchants and travelers barter goods and exchange ideas. In 13th century Marco polo also traveled through the town on his way to China

 After breakfast we will go to Kargah Nala to see the seventh century rock carved Buddha, a monastery and stupas. We have chances to watch the famous polo tournaments at evening. 

 DAY -5 : Drive to Hunza

 Today journey to Hunza Karimabad will experience you by stunning nature and welcoming culture. We will travel and stay with close contact with giant mountain peaks. After breakfast we will take jeep drive to Hunza. At Chalt we will see the the line of collision between Indian subcontinent and Asian geological plates. We will halt for refreshment and photography at the foot of 7788 meters high Rakaposhi peak, 27th highest. We will reach Karimabad at lunch time and will visit to the 400 yeas old Altit and Baltit forts. You will also enjoy the views of great mountains just from the window of your hotel. The town is dominated and surrounded by Passu, Shishpar, Ultar, and Rakaposhi, over 7,000 meters high.

 Day  6  Khunjerab Excursion

 This 5 to 6 hours excursion will start early morning and will go to the Khunjerab Pass (4733m), the highest paved road border crossing in the world. During the whole trip we will enjoy the fascinating and spectacular landscapes and also visit to Borit lake, Passu and Gulkin glaciers snouts. The Ganesh watch tower and rock carvings are also worth places which will be visited today. We will have chances to see wildlife in the Karakoram National Park. Back to hotel for dinner and over night stay.

 Day 7  Free day for just relax or take optional  walks and shops.

 Day 8 Drive back to Chilas.

 Day 9  Drive to Islamabad (9-10 hours)

 Day 10   Transfer to Airport for onward flight.