Pakistan's Karakoram Highway

Day 1  Islamabad    
Welcome to Pakistan’s capital city. Today you will meet your Leader and fellow travellers.    

Days 2-3  Islamabad to Skardu  
This morning fly to Skardu. After settling in your hotel head out into the Karakoram range by 4WD and explore Shigar Fort and the 400 year old Amboriq Mosque, constructed entirely from wood. On your way back to Skardu take a walk up to 16th Century Kharpocho Fort. Day 3 starts early with a drive to Khaplu Village, sometimes referred to as Pakistan’s “Little Tibet”. After enjoying a traditional Balti dish for lunch continue to Khoburtsa Village to take in the panoramic views of the towering snow-capped Masherbrum Mountains.      

Day 4  Skardu to Tarashing    
Today is a full day of driving up to Deosai Plateau National Park, one of the world’s highest alpine plains. Before reaching Tarashing in the early evening stop en route at Satpura Lake and witness its shimmering turquoise waters.    

Day 5  Tarashing to Girikot  
Start your morning with a drive to the Upper Rupal Valley, where you continue on foot to Herligkoffer Base Camp which offers incredible close-up views of Nanga Parbat and the surrounding western-Himalayan range. Head to Girikot for the night.    

Day 6  Girikot to Gilgit    
Today is an exciting day as you reach the Karakoram Highway at Talichi, regarded as the highest highway in the world. After lunch in Gilgit, set off for a tour of this bustling town and embrace a walk through the bazaar.    

Day 7  Gilgit to Karimabad    
Continue along the Karakoram Highway before reaching the peaceful town of Karimabad. Explore the 700 year old Baltit Fort, which was the former seat of the Kingdom Hunza and enjoy glorious sunset views over the Hunza Valley. This evening join a local Huzakut family for a traditional meal in their home and get a fascinating insight into the way of life for many villagers in the region.    

Day 8  Karimabad to Hunza Valley    
Set off this morning to the Hoper Valley and enjoy a picnic lunch in front of one of the incredible glaciers. In the afternoon continue to Passu to see the Hussaini suspension bridge, built and used by the locals to transport goods across the fast flowing river below.  

Day 9  Hunza Valley to Karimabad    
Today continue north as you head for the Khunjerab pass, the highest point on the Karakoram Highway and highest paved border crossing in the world. After lunch here, head back south to Karimabad for the evening.      

Days 10-11  Karimabad to Fairy Meadows    
Transfer to Raikot Bridge, the gateway to the Fairy Meadows and continue up to Fairy Point, where the road ends and the footpath begins. Tonight, settle in charming log cabins with dramatic views of the surrounding mountains. On Day 11, choose to relax in the beautiful surroundings of the Fairy Meadows or set off to spot the northern face of Nanga Parbat.      

Day 12  Fairy Meadows to Naran    
Start your day with a walk back down to Fairy Point, where from you will be driven to Raikot Bridge and then on to Naran. Once checked in at your hotel, take an orientation tour of the town and its bustling main bazaar.  

Days 13-14  Naran to Islamabad    
This morning continue to drop back down the foothills, travelling through the towns of Mansehra and Abbotabad. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Taxila and the old city of Rawalpindi before arriving in Islamabad. Your adventure finishes after breakfast on day 14.