SILK ROUTE TOUR
The Karakoram Highway, built on the ancient Silk Route through the North, one of the wonders of the modern age opened a new outlet for the world. There was a day when desolate natural extremes, daunted to the most experienced travellers. For centuries, the Silk Route remained the sole trail for the caravans of merchants, savage invaders or devoted Buddhist pilgrims for their exoduses.
This dangerous route, for centuries, ever attempted by the most, determined and loin-hearted adventurers became luxurious today by availing the facility of transports and
accommodation all the way.
Travelling under the ‘roof of the world’ along the Indus River, enjoying all the way to its fantastic and historic destinations of Peshawar, Swat, Gilgit and Hunza, sighting the fascinating vales and peaks including 8125m Nanga Parbat, 7788M Rakaposhi, the tour will culminate at 4703m Khunjerab Pass, the highest paved border-crossing on earth between Pakistan and China.
Let experience a lifetime journey through bounties of nature and cultural variation of the Northern Pakistan.
ITINERARY
Day 01: Islamabad
Arrive at Islamabad International Airport. Welcome by Blue Sky staff company guide and transfer to Hotel. First we will have lunch and proceed for sightseeing of Islamabad. We will go to Shah Faisal Mosque, Daman-e-Koh for a panoramic view of Islamabad, and markets to see real collection of oriental carpets and others. After a traditional Pakistani dinner we will return to hotel for over night stay.
Day 02: Drive to Besham
We will start our 8 hours drive early morning to Besham, the headquarter town and commercial centre of the Shangla District in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province. The town gives very comfortable overnight in modest hotels along the River Indus. Rest of the of the day at leisure.
Day 03: Drive to Gilgit
After breakfast we will start 9 hours drive to Gilgit on KKH. Today the journey will take us to the stunning sceneries of Nanga Parbat, Rakaposhi and Haramosh peaks. The day is tiring but also rewarding. We will travel via Patan, Komila, Dassu, and Chilas towns along the Indus River. We will see many rock carvings and inscriptions on KKH today. The Silk Route rock art is just like a guest book of explorers, merchants, warriors, and pilgrims from prehistoric periods.
Day 04: Gilgit Sightseeing
The day will spend on exploring this historically rich city of the mountainous region. Gilgit has an important historical background as it lies on the crossroads of central and southern Asia. The city influenced by Kirghiz. Chinese, Arabs, and Tibetans. The place was also historical a market place where the Silk Road merchants and travelers barter goods and exchange ideas. In 13th century Marco polo also travelled through the town on his way to China. After breakfast we will go to Kargah Nala to see the seventh century rock carved Buddha, a monastery and stupas. We have chances to watch the famous polo tournaments at evening.
Day 05 : Drive to Hunza
Today journey to Hunza Karimabad will experience you by stunning nature and welcoming culture. We will travel and stay with close contact with giant mountain peaks. After breakfast we will take jeep drive to Hunza. At Chalt we will see the the line of collision between Indian subcontinent and Asian geological plates. We will halt for refreshment and photography at the foot of 7788 meters high Rakaposhi peak, 27th highest. We will reach Karimabad at lunch time and will visit to the 400 yeas old Altit and Baltit forts. You will also enjoy the views of great mountains just from the window of your hotel. The town is dominated and surrounded by Passu, Shishpar, Ultar, and Rakaposhi, over 7,000 meters high.
Day 06: Khunjerab Excursion
This 5 to 6 hours excursion will start early morning and will go to the Khunjerab Pass (4733m), the highest paved road border crossing in the world. During the whole trip we will enjoy the fascinating and spectacular landscapes and also visit to Borit lake, Passu and Gulkin glaciers snouts. The Ganesh watch tower and rock carvings are also worth places which will be visited today. We will have chances to see wildlife in the Karakoram National Park. Back to hotel for dinner and over night stay.
Day 07: Free day for just relax or take optional walks and shops.
Day 08: Drive back to Chilas.
Day 09: Drive to Islamabad (9–10 hours)
Day 10 Transfer to Airport for onward flight.
SERVICES INCLUDED
1. Transportation Airport Pick and drop
2. Islamabad Local transport
3. Hotel accommodation with bed & breakfast in Islamabad two nights.
4. Transportation from Islamabad/Khunjerab Pass/Islamabad with all luggage.
5. One night in Besham Hotel full board (Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner)
6. Two night in Chilas Hotel full board (Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner)
7. One nights in Gulmit Hotel full board (Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner)
8. Two nights in Gilgit Hotel full board (Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner)
9. Three nights in Karimabad Hotel full board (Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner)
10. Wages, insurance, food of Guide,
SERVICES NOT INCLUDED
1. Personal clothing.
2. Medication, ground evacuation
3. Room services, laundry charges, beverages and items of personal nature.
4. Phone /communication bills.
5. Insurance or liability of any members.
6. Islamabad Hotel Lunch and Dinner.
Terms and Conditions
RESERVATIONS/PAYMENTS:
A non-refundable deposit of $300 or 15% of the tour is required in order to make a reservation with the company. Total balance is due 3 weeks prior to departure. When price once fixed then any extra expenses will be charged to the client.
MODE OF PAYMENT: Bank Transfer:
| Name of the Bank: | Askari Bank Limited Kushu Bagh Branch Skardu |
| Account Title: | Blue Sky Treks & Tours |
| Account No: | PK19 ASCM 0002 1901 0000 4810 |
| Swift Code: | ASCMTKKA |
CANCELLATION & REFUND
Before 3 weeks prior to departure, the deposit is non-refundable. Within 3 weeks, 50%, whichever is less, is non-refundable. once the tour starts 100% is non-refundable. There will be no refund for unused services.
CHANGES TO ITINERARY:
The Blue Sky Treks & Tours have made attempts to make the itineraries accurate but the company has reserved the right to change itinerary under unfavourable conditions. In such circumstances the company will provide similar alternatives. We welcome any changes before final booking.
BAGGAGE:
On treks and safaris 20 kg and on expeditions 50kg will be free.
LIABILITIES:
The Blue Sky Treks & Tours will do its best to make the tours comfortable and secure. However, the company shall not responsible for any kind of injury, damage, death, loss, accident, delays, public disturbances, and all those that beyond our control.
INSURANCE AND TRAVEL RISKS:
It is important for the clients to purchase a travel insurance package in their own country, hence no foreigner will be able to purchase an insurance in Pakistan. Trekking, expedition, tours, safari may involve risks and several other factors that cannot be foretold. Medical emergencies, natural calamities are common in high altitudes and we like to be assured that our clients are insured against helicopter evacuations, trip cancellations, and personal accidents so that they don’t have to suffer.
It is to be noted that the company shall not bear any losses or provide compensation in case the guest’s insurance doesn’t cover any or all aspects of the trip.
FACT SHEET
| No. of Days: | 10 |
| Season: | May – December |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Zone: | Open |
| Region: | Karakoram/Himalaya |
| Max Altitude: | 4733M |