Country(ies): Pakistan
Tour type: Small Group
Group size: Min: 2 | Max: 16
Accommodation: Comfortable hotels, hostels, cabins
Meals:
Transport: 4x4 jeep
Highlights: Karakorum Highway; Hikes to Fairy Meadows, Beyal Camp, Nanga Parbat BC (optional), Herrlikoffer BC & Passu Glacier; Deosai Plains; Shigar Valley; Khorpocho, Baltit & Altit Forts; Borith Lake; Hussaini hanging bridge; Sunset at Duikar viewpoint.
This two week tour through the spectacular mountains of northern Pakistan lets the landscape and culture speak for itself. We travel in open top jeeps where possible with experienced local guides, and journey from Islamabad north along the famous Karakorum Highway. Our travels take us through the striking mountain ranges of the Himalaya, Karakorum and Hindu Kush, and at times we leave the main road behind us and take to narrow gravel tracks with jaw dropping vistas.
There are several day hikes built into the trip which you can customise depending on your fitness, including several options approaching the Base Camps for the peak of Nanga Parbat. We'll also hike to salty mountain lakes and the Passu Glacier, as well as visiting ancient Forts and religious sites. Accommodation is in comfortable tourist class hotels in Islamabad, but simpler guesthouses and hotels higher up. Nearly all meals are included so you get a taste of the different cuisines as you travel. Don't forget to also try the famous local apricots in the Hunza Valley.
After returning back down to the lowland plains, we'll explore the bustling craft markets of Rawalpindi before the tour ends. Extensions are available to visit Lahore or just add more time in Islamabad or Rawalpindi.
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Note: Chilas-Besham-Mahsehra route
Our preferred route on our return from Karimabad to Islamabad is to follow the section of the classic Karakorum Highway on the N35 road from Chilas to Besham and on to Mansehra. However, subject to the current weather, road, and local security conditions, we may return from Chilas to Islamabad on the N15 road via the Barbusar Pass and Naran.
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Due to the heavy snow and poor road conditions in winter, this tour is only available in the summer months of June to October. Group departure dates are given below, with private departures also available on any other dates through the season.
The hotels and accommodations listed below are the ones we most often use on this tour. From time to time we may exchange these for similar properties at the same level. In general, specific hotels cannot be guaranteed on our group tours, but you may select your preferred options if you are booking a tailor-made trip.
Our tours are designed to include all that you need to enjoy a really special time in the destination youre visiting. However, we do also offer some extra options to complement the tour and add some additional sightseeing or activities, or some extra time at either end of the tour.
All accommodation based options (e.g. Single supplements, extra nights, cruise upgrades) should be booked and paid for in advance so that we can make the appropriate arrangements. Other options may either be booked and paid for in advance or while you are on the tour, though we recommend booking in advance to ensure there are no issues with availability.
Many options are priced the same throughout the year, but some may incur single or high season supplements - full details are given on the tour reservation form or on request.
The detailed Tour Notes below have been written to give you some more detailed information about how the tour runs, what to expect, and how to prepare for your holiday. We recommend downloading an up to date copy of these shortly before you travel in case of any changes.
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