Blossom in Gilgit-Baltistan

Morning, drive from Rawalpindi/Islamabad to Besham, en route visit Taxila – one of the six UNESCO World Heritage sites in Pakistan. Enjoy the journey along the scenic Hazara Motorway and tunnels. Overnight stay at Besham by the Indus River.

Driving along the KKH and the Indus River to Gilgit will take (10-12 hours). En route, stopover at the Nanga Parbat view point and at the Junction point of three mighty mountain ranges about 45km short of Gilgit. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Explore Gilgit town in the morning and proceed to Hunza along the KKH with stopovers at the Chinese Graveyard, Memorial monument, Collision point of continental plates, Rakaposhi view point and several other scenic points on the way. Although it is a 3-4 hrs journey to Hunza but with number of picturesque spots on the way may cause to take short breaks; it may take almost most of the day to reach Hunza.
Upon arrival, transfer to hotel in Hunza for overnight stay.

Visit the two ancient forts – Baltit Fort (700 years old fort with commanding view of entire Hunza and Nagar Valleys) and Altit Fort (800 years old poised on the edge of Altit valley), and explore local market. Overnight stay at hotel in Hunza.

Early morning drive up to Duikar sunrise point. Surrounded by snow-crowned mountains of 7000+ height, Duikar provides scenic bird’s eye view of entire Hunza and Nagar valleys. Return to hotel for breakfast and drive to Gulmit & Passu valleys for half day excursion. On the way back, visit Hoper valley in Nagar, across Hunza valley, in the afternoon. Hoper is famous for its apricot orchard, lush green fields, views of Golden Peak & Kepal Peak, and for views of glaciers and mountain peaks in Hunza valley. On the way back, explore the ancient mosques and section of Silk Route at 1000 years old Ganish old settlements. Return to Hunza for overnight stay.

Morning, drive from Hunza to Skardu. After about 140km journey along the KKH, about 5 km short of the junction point at the confluence of Gilgit River and Indu River, diverge to the adventurous road to Skardu through a narrow gorge which opens up wide after Ayub Bridge. Upon arrival in Skardu, transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Explore Skardu town. Visit the Kachura valley and lakes, Kharpocho Fort, Manthal Buddha Rock and Sadpara Lake. Afternoon explore the market and return to hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, start for the Shigar valley located about 35km from main town of Skardu. Once a princely state ruled by local prince family, the Shigar valley now serves as a hot tourist attraction. Major attractions to explore include the cold desert, the stretch of the valley and its unique architecture, the blind lake, Ambuiq Mosque, and Shigar Fort which has been renovated and turned into the Serena Fort Palace. There are some good places to eat out in Shigar including the Serena itself. Afternoon, return to Skardu for overnight stay. 

Khaplu valley, located about 102 km from Skardu, is another princely state of the time ruled by the local princes. Major attractions include the Khaplu valley, Chaqchan mosque dating from 1370, and the Khaplu Fort – once the palace of the local prince now turned into Serena hotel. Return to hotel in Skardu for overnight stay.

Drive from Skardu to Chilas for an overnight stay. It will be about 6-8 hours journey with scenic views.

Proceed to Rawalpindi/Islamabad with lunch at Besham.
End of services.