Board an afternoon flight from Kuala Lumpur to Pakistan capital Islamabad via Bangkok. Arrival in late night, transfer to hotel, retire early to bed in preparation for the exciting journey ahead.
Early morning transfer to airport, take a domestic flight to Gilgit. After landing, transfer to Karimabad; en-route stop at viewpoint of Rakaposhi Mountain. Upon arrival in Karimabad (2500m), check into hotel and refreshed. Later, explore the local bazaar and have a walk along the elaborate network of water channels based on gravity system to draw melted glacier snow for farming. During sunset, visit “Eagle Nest” to admire twilight from a high point.
Morning visit Altit Fort (11th century) and Baltit Fort (14th century) perched on hilltops, once home to Hunza rulers. Later, drive to Hopper Valley and trek for an hour to the “moving” Hopper Glacier. After lunch, visit Attabad Lake, which was formed after an earthquake in 2010 and now a popular scenic tourist spot; enjoy boating on the lake. Evening arrive in Gulmit (2500m), the base for next 3 nights.
Day trip to Passu, first stopover is Hussaini Village and the Hussaini suspension bridge that straddles two villages on the banks of Hunza River, take a suspenseful walk on the bridge swaying between high mountains. Next, drive up to Upper Borith to the view point of Passu white glacier. Later arrive in Passu village for lunch, afterwards explore the village, observe local life up-close and mingle with villagers. Evening back in Gulmit for dinner and stay.
Today take a scenic drive up north along Karakoram Highway till Khunjerab Pass that borders Pakistan and China (Xinjiang). Set at an altitude of 4733m, Khunjerab pass has always been an important route linking Central Asia, China, and India since the Silk Road days. Admire impressive Karakoram mountains view, if lucky, one might spot wild animals like Marcopolo sheep, snow leopard, or Himalayan Ibexes. Evening return to Gulmit for stay.
Today journey to Gupis Valley located by the west bank of Gilgit River. The scenic valley offers view of farmland sandwiched between high mountains, traditional villages scattered here and there, with crystal clear river oozing by. Lots of photo opportunities along the way. Upon arrival at accommodation nestled in the valley, visit the nearby Khalti Lake, famed for its trout fish, with a glacier nearby. The turquoise blue lake is a popular fishing and leisure spot for locals.
Today explore the picturesque Phander Valley, crops of various hues covered the flat land by riverbanks, surrounded by tall mountain ranges and snow-capped peaks, and bluish river snaking through the valley. Embrace the nature and fresh air, enjoy hospitality of the locals, and feel as if being in the other-worldly Shangri-la. Lots of photo stops along the way. Evening return to Gupis for stay.
Drive to Chilas, en route stop at the viewpoint of Nanga Parbat, known as the world’s ninth-highest mountain, its summit at 8,126 m above sea level. Later, another stop at the junction point of the world’s three highest mountain ranges – Karakorom, Himalaya, Hindukush – where they meet at one point. Evening arrive in Chilas for stay.
A day of long drive through winding mountain road back to Pakistan’s capital city, Islamabad. Photo stops and lunch break along the way. Late evening arrival in capital for dinner and stay.
After breakfast, undergo PCR test needed for boarding departure flight. Later, city sightseeing, places of interest include the Fasial Mosque, Pakistan Monument and Museum, Saidpur Village. After dinner, transfer to airport for the late-night flight back home via a transit in Bangkok.
Around noon arrival in Kuala Lumpur. End of tour.
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Lam Yuet is an avid traveler, leaving her trails in four continents of the world. She had once spent two years making an Asia-Europe overland journey. Her tales from the road have been published under three titles – The Grand Overland Voyage, A State Called Home, and My Private Map.
She was a feature journalist, specialized in travel writing. As her former job involved lots of oversea assignments, she had experienced luxurious business tour as well as travel on a shoestring. Backpacking is still her preferred choice.
