Karakoram Highway Tour

What's it all about?

Highlights
Where?

Islamabad – Naran – Fairy Meadows – Gilgit Hunza – Passu – Gilgit – Besham – Peshawar – Islamabad

When?

September 2 – 13th, 2023

Visa?

We will apply for a letter of invitation on your behalf and then you can either apply for the visa at the nearest Pakistan embassy or online. 

The Itinerary

Map

Where the Himalaya meets the Karakoram

September 2nd | Islamabad
  • Arrival at your own convenience in Pakistan’s capital city of Islamabad. Airport transfers are provided for all arriving flights.
  • In the afternoon we’ll visit the enormous Shah Faisal Mosque as well as the Pakistan Monument & Museum.
  • Dinner and overnight in Islamabad.
September 3rd | Islamabad - Naran
  • Early start for our drive along the Karakoram Highway.
  • Stop for a tea break near Abbottabad, the city where Osama Bin Laden was killed.
  • We’ll take a detour from the Karakoram Highway, to see an even better part of this specific area. Driving past incredible peaks, right next to Indian Kashmir, we’ll make our way to Naran.
  • Overnight in Naran.
Continue reading
September 4th | Naran - Fairy Meadows
  • After breakfast, we set off for another day of winding roads along the Karakoram highway.
  • En route we’ll see the stunning Nanga Parbat, the 9th highest mountain in the world. 
  • From Railkot bridge, we’ll take an off road jeep to Tatto village where we’ll start the trek towards the famed Fairy Meadows – according to most people the most beautiful part in Pakistan, and maybe even in the world!
  • After arrival we spend the night in a camp (tent or a hut).
September 5th | Fairy Meadows
  • We have a full day around Fairy Meadows to explore the magnificent mountains and do some trekking.
  • Overnight in Fairy Meadows at our camp.

September 6th | Fairy Meadows – Hunza Valley

  • Trek back down to Tato village, take a jeep transfer to Raikot bridge and drive to the Hunza valley via Gilgit,
  • En-route stop at junction point of three great mountain ranges meet, The Korakorum,
    Himalya and the Hindukush.
  • Stop at the Rakaposhi view point.
  • On arrival in Karimabad, Hunza – visit Baltit Fort which overlooks the entire valley
  • Overnight in Karimabad.

September 7th | Hunza Valley

  • We will have a full day in Hunza to explore life in the valley.
  • Visit the ancient Altit fort (900
    years old)
  • Walk on the high irrigation channels cut into the rock which gives amazing views
    over the valley.
  • Evening drive to Duikar to enjoy the sunset over Hunza.
  • Dinner and overnight in Karimabad.

September 8th | Khunjerab - Gilgit

  • After breakfast continue along the Karakoram Highway from Karimabad to Khunjerab.
  • En route visit Attabad Lake – the 30 km
    long lake was only formed in 2010 after a massive landslide dammed the mighty Indus river.
  • Make a stop at Passu where you can cross the famous rope bridge near the village of
    Husseini.
  • Walk from Gulkin village to Borit Lake onto the Gulkin Glacier.
  • Lunch at Borit Lake then drive to the viewpoint of Passu Glacier.
  • Evening drive back to Gilgit and overnight.
September 9th | Gilgit - Besham
  • After breakfast drive from Gilgit to Besham, en route we’ll stop at numourous places for snacks and photo ops.
  • Arrrive in Besham. Dinner and overnight.

September 10th | Besham - Swat - Peshawar

  • Morning drive from Besham along a different section of the highway to Peshawar city.
  • Lunch on the way in the Swat Valley – an area once controlled by the Pakistani Taliban.
  • Continue our drive to Peshawar – a richly Afghan influenced city
  • Photo stop at Bala Hissar Fort.
  • Dinner and overnight in Peshawar.

September 11th | Peshawar

  • After breakfast it’s a full day of sightseeing in Peshawar.
  • Visit to Ghanta Ghar – the iconic clock tower which was presented by Queen Elizabeth.
  • Explore Mahabat Khan Mosque – named after the former governor of Peshawar,  it was built in 1630 AD during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan – the ruler of the
    Mughal Empire in India from 1628 until 1658.
  • Wander the Qissa Khwani Bazaar for lunch.
  • Visit the many street markets and soak up the atmosphere and character of the place.
  • Dinner and overnight in Peshawar.

September 12th | Peshawar - Islamabad

  • Drive from Peshawar to Islamabad.
  • On the way, stop at the Taxila museum, the Sirkap and jualian archeological sites.
  • On arrival in Islamabad, we’ll visit the Fatimah Jinnah Park, Saidpur village, Rawal Lake, Jasmine Gardens as well as the outside view of
    Pakistan Parliament and Presidential house.
  • Final group dinner in the Margallah hills overlooking Islamabad
  • Overnight in Islamabad.

September 13th | Islamabad - Departure

  • Transfer to airport and end of the Karakoram Highway tour.
  • **Optional tour combo** Continue your journey onto Afghanistan on our 10 day epic journey directly following this tour.
What else?
Inclusions
Exclusions
  • Hotels

    Hotel accommodation in twin share.

  • Entrance fees

    All entrance fees included.

  • Guides & Transport

    Both an expert local english speaking guide and Rocky Road Travel tour leader.

  • Visa assistance

    Any invitation letters required.

  • VAT

    All taxes and charges included.

  • Meals Included

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

  • International Fights

    Flights to and from Pakistan.

  • Insurance

    Travel insurance related to this tour.

  • Visa Fee

    Visa & visa fees.

  • Tips

    Tips are encouraged for your local guides.

Tour Notes

You’ll be in the vastly experienced hands of our English speaking local guides & fixer as well as your Rocky Road Travel guide. We visit northern Pakistan regularly, so we know the best spots and have perfected the itinerary accordingly. The itinerary may change slightly, but we will always go above and beyond with added extras to the itinerary such as stops at local cafe-bars, shisha lounges and more. We are also in constant communication with our local partners on the ground who advise the safest routes to take. 

Before the tour we will add you to dedicated WhatsApp group so you can chat about the tour and share photos easily with your travel mates. Just let us know is you want to opt out of this.

To book the Karakoram Highway tour, simply hit the button below and start the conversation today.

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Sept 2 - 13th, 2023

Karakoram Highway Tour

Start & Finish in Islamabad

Optional Afghanistan extension!

Premium hotel

12 Days

The price

$1790