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The amazing North(1)
The Amazing North
A vista of mesmerizing mountain scenery and exotic culture

 

Pakistan’s northern region is home to towering mountains and stunning valleys rich in culture, where the people are warm-hearted, with smiling faces and welcoming attitudes. These communities are nestled in mountain gorges along majestic rivers, creating a captivating landscape perfect for thrilling road trips. With breathtaking mountain views and exhilarating routes by the rivers, this extraordinary journey is designed to both inspire and enchant you. We will begin our adventure in Islamabad, the political and administrative capital of Pakistan. Our first stop is Taxila, a glimpse into ancient Buddhist civilization, filled with historical wonders. We will then drive through Naran Valley, a picturesque route that leads to the heart of the mountains. Here, you’ll discover the enchanting Fairy Meadows, situated at an elevation of
3,310 meters amidst lush coniferous forests. Prepare to be awed by the panoramic views of Nanga Parbat, which stands at 8,125 meters — the second-highest peak in Pakistan and the ninth highest in the world.

 

Baltistan is a breathtaking marvel, showcasing the perfect blend of beauty, tranquility, and untamed wilderness. Set against a stunning backdrop of towering mountains and deep gorges, it boasts cascading waterfalls, majestic glaciers, and serene lakes, all of which come together to create an awe-inspiring landscape. The heart-shaped Kachura Lake, framed by lush orchards bursting with fruit and vibrant gardens in full bloom, envelops visitors in an almost ethereal atmosphere. Commanding the hills, the historic Kharpocho Fort offers panoramic views, while the crystal-clear waters of Satpara Lake invite exploration. The striking Shigar and Khapulo Forts stand as testaments to the region’s rich history, and the Deosai Plains, the second-highest plateau in the world, add yet another layer of magnificence. Baltistan is not just a destination; it is an experience that captivates the heart and soul.


The smiling, welcoming and friendly inhabitants of Hunza valley truly make your stay at home. Views from fairy tales like Baltit Fort, the old residence of Mirs of Hunza standing atop Karimabad, the former capital of Hunza Valley, are incredibly beautiful. A walk along the Barbar irrigation channel with striking views of the Karakoram Mountains adds more essence to the journey. The beautiful Attabad Lake, with its
blue colour, Gulmit village surrounded by high mountains and glaciers, and the most scenic Phander Valley, along with its mesmerizing Phander Lake, is the experience of a lifetime. Crossing Shandur Pass, the highest polo-ground in the world, we will reach Mastuj and then Chitral. Chitral with the unique Kailash Valley (known as themWearers of Black Robes) – a remaining minority of approximately 3500 people living in three isolated but beautiful valleys known as Bumburet, Rambur and Berir. The people of Kailash have a rich culture and are very headstrong about their identity. These people stand out from the remaining tribes, cultures and communities due to their distinct traditions, religious practices and festivals. After visiting Swat and Peshawar, our trip will conclude in Islamabad.

 

Trip Facts

Trip Code: ATP-AMN-01

Route: Islamabad-Naran-Chilas-Fairy Meadows- Gilgit-Karimabad Hunza-Atta Abad – Gulmit-Passu-Borith Lake- Gilgit Phander-Shandur Pass-Chitral-Kailash-Swat-Peshawar Islamabad.

Gulmit-Passu-Borith Lake- Gilgit Phandar-Shandur Pass-Chitral-Kailash-Swat-Peshawar Islamabad

Best time: May to October 

Duration: 19 days/ 18 nights (shorter & longer trip itineraries available)

Standard Itinerary

(Shorter & Longer Itineraries Available)

DAY-1: ISLAMABAD

  • Arrival in Islamabad, transfer to hotel. Half day city tour of Islamabad.
    Overnight stay in Islamabad.
  • KEY ATTRACTIONS
    Shah Faisal Mosque – the largest mosque in Pakistan
    Lok Virsa (Folk Heritage) Museum
    Pakistan National Monument
    Daman-e-Koh (Islamabad Viewpoint)
    Golra Sharif Rail Museum or Pakistan Railways Heritage Museum
    External view of Parliament House, President House, Prime Minister
    House & Supreme Court of Pakistan

DAY-2: ISLAMABAD – NARAN

  • Islamabad-Taxila-Naran: 32 kms/45 minutes’ drive
  • Islamabad – Besham- Chilas: 225 kms/ 5.5 hours’ drive
  • Drive to Naran visiting Taxila en-route.
  • KEY ATTRACTIONS
    Taxila Museum-showcasing antiques and artifacts of Gandhara civilization
    Julian Buddhist Stupa & Monastery
    Dharmarajika complex and Stupa

DAY-3: NARAN-FAIRY MEADOWS

  • Naran – Raikot Bridge: 155 kms /4.5 hours’ drive
  • Raikot Bridge-Tato: 12 kms/1.5 hours’ drive
  • Tato-Fairy Meadows: 9 kms/2-3 hours’ hike
  • Altitude
  • Tato: 2560M/8448F
    Fairy Meadows: 3310M/10800F
    Drive to Raikot Bridge via Babusar Pass, change vehicle and take jeeps to Tato
    Village, a 3 hours’ hike will take us to Fairy Meadows.

  • KEY ATTRACTIONS
    Babusar Pass
    Fairy Meadows

DAY-4: FAIRY MEADOWS

  • Beyal Camp: 3500M/11650F
  • Nanga Parbat Base Camp: 4000M/13135F
  • The day is available for exploring the surroundings of the fairytale meadow. A
    nice hike takes you closer to the ice giants in the direction of Nanga-Parbat
    base camp if conditions (little or no snow) allow. If you don’t feel like hiking,
    stay on the fairytale meadow and enjoy the day at the foot of the ninth highest
    peak on earth. Overnight stay as the day before.

DAY-5: FAIRY MEADOWS-ASTORE

  • Fairy Meadows-Tato: 2 hours
    Tato-Raikot Bridge: 1 hour
    Raikot- Astore: 65 kms/2.5 hour
    Trek down to Tato and drive to Astore

  • KEY ATTRACTIONS
    Stop at Thalichi – The Nanga Parbat Viewpoint

DAY-6: ASTORE- DEOSAI PLATEAU –SKARDU

  • Astore- Skardu: 160 kms/7 hours’ drive
    Drive to Skardu via Deosai Plateau.

  • KEY ATTRACTIONS
    Sheosar Lake
    Bara Pani
    Deosai plateau
    Chota Pani
    Great spot for photography of flora and fauna
    Sadpara Lake
    Manthal Buddha (optional)

DAY-7: SKARDU

  • Full day tour of Skardu. Overnight stay in Skardu

  • KEY ATTRACTIONS
    Upper Kachura Lake
    Kachura Choq
    Visit Katpana Desert
    Kharpocho Fort
    Sarfaranga Cold Desert

DAY-8: SKARDU-KARIMABAD HUNZA

  • Skardu – Karimabad Hunza: 290 kms/6.5 hours’ drive
    Drive from Skardu to Karimabad Hunza.

  • KEY ATTRACTIONS
    Drive along the River Indus
    Nanga Parbat viewpoint
    Visit the unique place near Juglot, where three great Mountain ranges;
    the Karakoram, the Himalaya & Hindukush meet
    Rakaposhi Viewpoint Ghulmet

DAY-9: CENTRAL HUNZA

  • Full day tour of central Hunza. Overnight in Karimabad Hunza.

  • KEY ATTRACTIONS
    Baltit Fort
    Karimabad Bazaar
    Walk Along Barbar Water Channel
    Altit Fort
    Altit Cluster/Altit Village
    Sunset from the Eagle’s Nest Viewpoint in Duiker

DAY-10: NAGAR & UPPER HUNZA

  • Karimabad – Hoper: 23 kms/45 minutes’ drive
    Hoper – Atta Abad Lake: 36 kms/1.5 hours’ drive
    In the morning visit Ganish, the oldest settlement of Hunza Valley followed by
    Nagar and then proceed towards upper Hunza. Overnight at Atta Abad Lake.

  • KEY ATTRACTIONS
    Ganish Cluster- the oldest settlement in Hunza
    Hoper Nagar Valley
    Stop at Ultar & Lady Finger Viewpoint
    Dong Rock Inscriptions
    Atta Abad Lake
    Gulmit Village
    Hussaini Bridge
    Passu Cones/Passu Cathedrals viewpoint

DAY-11: UPPER HUNZA – GILGIT-GUPIS

  • Atta Abad Lake – Gilgit: 115 kms/2.5 hours’ drive
    Gilgit-Gupis: 109 kms/6 hours’ drive
    Drive from Atta Abad Lake to Gupis via Gilgit.

  • KEY ATTRACTIONS
    Kargah Buddha
    Drive to along Ghizer river
    Beautiful villages along the road

DAY-12: GUPIS-MASTUJ

  • Gupis – Mastuj: 150 kms/7 hours’ drive
    Drive to Mastuj via Phander & Shandur Pass.

  • KEY ATTRACTIONS
    Phander Valley
    Phander Lake
    Shandur Pass- the highest polo ground in the world

DAY-13: MASTUJ – CHITRAL

  • Mastuj- Chitral: 120 kms/4 hours’ drive
    Drive from Mastuj to Chitral enjoying the beautiful s scenery of Hindu Kush
    mountains and valleys. Upon arrival transfer to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

DAY-14: CHITRAL-KAILASH

  • Chitral – Bumburet Kailash: 22 kms/1 hour’s drive
    In the morning visit Chitral town. After lunch drive to Bumburet via Rambur.

  • KEY ATTRACTIONS
    Chitral Bazaar
    Shahi Mosque
    Tirich Mir Viewpoint
    Rambur Valley Kailash

DAY-15: KAILASH VALLEY

  • Full day for exploring the unique of Kailash Valley and its people. Short walks in
    the valley.

  • KEY ATTRACTIONS
    Kailash Museum
    Traditional House to explore the way of life
    Sacred places

DAY-16: KAILASH –MINGORA SWAT

  • Bumburet Kailash – Mingora Swat: 246 kms/7 hours’ drive
    Drive from Kailash to Swat.

  • KEY ATTRACTIONS
    Lowari Tunnel
    Dir Valley
    Barikot Archaeological stie

DAY-17: MINGORA SWAT –TAKHT-E-BHAI- PESHAWAR

  • Swat- Takht-e-Bhai-Peshawar: 184 kms/4 hours’ drive
    Half day to explore attractions/places of interest around Swat valley and then
    drive to Peshawar visiting Takht-e-Bhai on the way.

  • KEY ATTRACTIONS
    Swat Museum-showcasing collections of Gandhara Art
    The Buddhist sacred Area of Budkara
    Buddhist Monastery in Takht Bhai

DAY-18: PESHAWAR – ISLAMABAD

  • Peshawar- Islamabad: 186 kms/2.5 hours’ drive
    Half day to explore Peshawar. Late afternoon drive to Islamabad.

  • KEY ATTRACTIONS
    Peshawar Museum-collection of Buddhist artwork
    Mahabat Khan Mosque built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan
    Qissa Khawani Bazar (The bazar of story tellers)
  • Saithi House -The Mughal Central Asian Architecture

DAY-19: DEPARTURE 


  • Transfer to the airport for home bound flight
WILL BE UPDATED SOON
WILL BE UPDATED SOON
WILL BE UPDATED SOON
WILL BE UPDATED SOON