Tour Date : 3/4 – 13/4/2023 (11 days)
Tour Fee : RM 6,300
Booking deadline : 10/01/2023
Travel style : Road Trip
Tour status : Fully booked
Group size : min 11 pax, max 17 pax
For centuries, life in Hunza Valley tucked in the Himalayas was isolated, calm, and simple; its beauty and serenity was unknown to the outside world until the opening of Karakorom Highway. Hunza Valley is ringed by towering ranges, where snow peaks puncturing the skyline, highland lakes dotted the landscape, tranquil hill villages overlooking terrace fields, glacier-fed rivers flowing by, and its residents go about in an unhurried pace. In spring, the valley is carpeted by blossoming cherry and apricot flowers, an amazing visual feast. The remote valley seems other-worldly, a trip there would rid your stereotypical impression of Pakistan.
Board an afternoon flight from Kuala Lumpur to Pakistan capital Islamabad. Arrival in late afternoon, transfer to hotel.
Early morning transfer to airport, take a domestic flight to Gilgit. After landing, transfer to Karimabad, en-route stop at the viewpoint of Rakaposhi Mountain (7788 m) before continuing the journey to Hunza Valley. In spring, Karimabad is surrounded by blooming cherry and apricot trees, scenic views abound. Afternoon, walk along the elaborate network of water channels based on gravity system to draw melted glacier snow for farming.
Visit Altit Fort (11th century) and Baltit Fort (14th century), once home to Hunza rulers. Both fortresses sit on nearby hilltops, a strategic position for defense and control over the trans-Karakoram trade route between South and Central Asia. From the fort, vista view of the sea of flowers beneath. After lunch, explore the local bazaar. Later, visit “Eagle’s Nest Point” to admire sunset.
Transfer to Hopper Valley and trek for an hour to Hopper Glacier, which is claimed to be the world’s fastest moving glacier, and that it moves a few cm per day. 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 Upper Hunza Valley Gulmit (2500m), the base for next three days.
Day trip to Passu, first stop in 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 viewpoint of Passu 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 view of Pamir ranges along the way, if lucky, one might spot wild animals like Marcopolo sheep, snow leopard, or Himalayan Ibexes. Evening return to Gulmit for stay.
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 the accommodation nestled in the valley, take a short walk to 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 ranges and snow-capped peaks, and turquoise blue 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.
Drive to Chilas, en route visit Kargah Buddha, a standing Buddha statue carved into cliff-face. Continue driving, 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 arrival 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, dinner in city center, followed by sightseeing of Islamabad night scenery. Drop-off at the international airport in late night.
Board a flight departing at wee hours back to Kuala Lumpur, arrival in late morning. End of tour.
A *security deposit of RM 1,500 is payable to secure booking. Balance fee RM 4,800 to be collected upon booking deadline or when the tour is fully booked.
Full terms & conditions (eg: cancellation policy) please click here.
A passionate globetrotter, Lam Li once spent two years on an overland journey from Asia to Europe, and another half a year tramping along the ancient Silk Road in Central Asia. A former journalist, Lam Li is keen on collecting local tales while on the road, and she strives to understand the social and political fabrics of places she visited. She has lived and worked in Beijing for six years, and has published a book in Chinese entitled “The Wall Street Diary: US under Financial Storm” . She has also recorded her travelogue on film, and directed a feature-length documentary named “Surviving Beijing”.
