Hunza and Swat Valley are two of the most beautiful and popular tourist destinations in Pakistan. Hunza, located at an elevation of 2,438 meters (7,999 feet), consists of three regions – Upper Hunza, Central Hunza and Lower Hunza – each with its unique attractions. As a tour operator, we at Hunza Explorers, will take you on a sightseeing tour of Hunza valley, covering all the famous tourist spots. After exploring the beauty of Hunza valley, we will then drive towards Swat, a region that was once the center of early Buddhism under the ancient kingdom of Gandhara. Swat has a strong presence of Buddhist cultural influence that still exists in the region. Later, the area predominantly came under Muslim control and Islamic influence. Our experienced tour guides will ensure you have a memorable journey as we explore the history, culture, and natural beauty of these stunning valleys.
Itinerary:
Day 01: Islamabad
Arrival in Islamabad, our guide and driver will meet you upon arrival at the airport, after meeting and greeting by our staff they will take you to your hotel in Islamabad.
Day 02: Islamabad – Chilas
Drive to Chilas via Karakoram Highway OR Babusar Pass (via Naran valley) if the pass is open. Arrive in Chilas and transfer to the hotel.
Day 03: Chilas – Ghulkin/Gulmit/Passu (Gojal, upper Hunza
Drive to Gulmit, en route we will stop at viewpoint of Nanga Parbat (8126m), junction point of three great mountain ranges, Remaining of Old Silk Road at Chalt and for lunch at Rakaposhi (7788m) Viewpoint. After lunch we will continue the drive to Ghulkin/Gulmit/Passu. Arrive and transfer to the guesthouse/hotel.
Day 04: Ghulkin/Gulmit/Passu (Gojal, upper Hunza)
Day to explore around, today we will visit Gulmit old house, Passu glacier, Borith lake, Passu suspension bridge and explore Ghulkin village.
Day 05: Khunjerab Pass (4693m) (Gojal, upper Hunza)
Day excursion to Khunjerab Pass, after spending some time on the pass and Khunerab National Park we will drive back to Ghulkin/Gulmit/Passu, on our way back we will stop and explore the villages of upper Gojal valley. Arrive and transfer to the guesthouse/hotel.
Day 06: Ghulkin/Gulmit/Passu – Karimabad (central Hunza)
Drive to Karimabad, en route we will stop at Attabad Lake, Hunza sacred rocks, Visit hopper valley and glacier, later we will drive to Karimabad, before we reach Karimabad we will stop at Ghanish village.
Day 07: Karimabad (central Hunza)
Day to explore around, today we will visit the more than 900 years old Baltit Fort, Royal garden, Altit Fort, Karimabad Local bazaar and if time allows we will walk through the water channel passing from the center of Karimabad. In the evening we will drive to Duiker to see sunset. After sunset we will drive back to the hotel in Karimabad.
Day 08: Karimabad – Besham
Drive back to Besham via the 8th wonder of the world “Karakoram Highway”. We will make some sort stops on the way for lunch and photography. Arrive in Besham and transfer to the hotel.
Day 09: Besham – Saidu Sharif (Swat valley)
Drive to swat via Shangla pass, en route we will stop for photography at the Pass. Arrive in Swat and check in at hotel. Rest of the day is to explore Marghazar. We will visit the White Palace and after some photography we will move back to Saidu Sharif and stay there for night.
Day 10: Swat valley
Today we will explore the beautiful Swat valley (commonly called Switzerland in Pakistan) with many Buddhist heritage sites, including Butkara stupa (2nd century BCE), Shingardar Stupa, Nemogram (2nd–3rd century A.D), Amluk Dara Stupa (2nd–3rd century A.D), Najigram Stupa & Monastery and if time allows we will visit more Heritage sites.
Day 11: Swat – Islamabad
Today we will drive to Islamabad, arrive in Islamabad and visit Faisal mosque, Pakistan monument and if time allows we will visit Margalla Hills for the better view of the all Islamabad and Rawalpindi city. In the evening drive to the airport and fly to your destination.
