Embark on an unforgettable journey along the historic Silk Road with the expert team of Hunza Explorers, as we take you from Kashgar to Islamabad, traversing through some of the most fascinating and awe-inspiring landscapes and cultural destinations in the world.
The Silk Road Explorer Tour starting in Kashgar, China and ending in Islamabad, Pakistan is an epic journey through the ancient trade routes that once connected the East and the West. This tour provides an opportunity to explore the rich cultural and historical heritage of the countries along the Silk Road, and experience the scenic beauty of the region’s northern regions.
The tour typically begins in Kashgar, a historic city located in the western part of China and a former hub of trade and commerce along the Silk Road. From there, you’ll travel through the rugged Pamir Mountains, visiting ancient fortresses and caravanserais, and experiencing the stunning natural beauty of the region.
The tour continues through the Tajik county, a place known for its stunning mountain scenery and vibrant culture. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to have the best view of Mustagata mountain, visit Karkul lake, traditional villages, and learn about the unique customs and traditions of the local people.
Next, the tour crosses into Pakistan, traveling through the scenic Northern Areas of the country, including the Hunza Valley, and the Swat Valley. These areas are known for their picturesque landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique local cultures, and offer a glimpse into the diverse and fascinating history of the Silk Road.
Finally, the tour ends in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit historic sites and monuments, explore the bustling bazaars, and experience the rich cultural heritage of the city.
Overall, the Silk Road Explorer Tour starting in Kashgar and ending in Islamabad is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that provides an in-depth look at the countries and cultures along the ancient Silk Road trade routes.
Itinerary:
Day 01: Kashgar (China) – Tashkurgan (China)
Meet and greet in Kashgar with our guide and driver upon your arrival at the airport, bus/train station or the hotel you are staying and drive to Tashkurgan, it is approx 4 hours drive. On our way to Tashkurgan we will stop at Karakul Lake to take photo of this amazingly beautiful lake with the gergious view of mount Muztagata which is the second highest (7509 metres) of the mountains which form the northern edge of the Tibetan Plateau (not the second highest of the mountains of the Tibetan Plateau). It is sometimes regarded as being part of the Kunlun Mountains, although physically it is more closely connected to the Pamirs. It is also one of the relatively easier 7,000 m peaks in the world to climb, due to its gentle western slope and the comparatively drier weather of Xinjiang, though a thorough acclimatization period and a very strong physical condition are crucial for success. Arrive in Tasgkurgan and transfer to the hotel.
Day 02: Tashkurgan (China)
Day to explore Tashkurgan (boarder town of China). Tashkurgan has a long history as a stop on the Silk Road. Major caravan routes converged here leading to Kashgar in the north, Karghalik to the east, Badakhshan and Wakhan to the west, and Chitral and Hunza to the southwest in Gilgit Baltistan of today’s Pakistan.
About 2,000 years ago, during the Han Dynasty Tashkurgan was the main centre of the Kingdom of Puli and is mentioned in the Hanshu and the later Hou Hanshu. Later it became known as Varshadeh. Mentions in the Weilüe of the Kingdom of Manli probably also refer to Tashkurgan.
Today we will visit Shitou City Ruins, Tashkurgan Fort, Upal Village and explore the local bazaar (markets).
Day 03: Tashkurgan (China) – Sost (Pakistan) – Ghulkin/Gulmit/Passu (Gojal, upper Hunza)
Today we will start our journey toward Pakistan. After passing from the immigration process in Tashkurgan, we will continue driving to Pakistan through the world highest overland pass Khunjerab (Khunzhrav) 4693m (15397 feet) above sea level. We will stop at the zero point (The border between Pakistan and China) for a short time to take photographs and continue drive to Sost, en-route to Sost we will pass through the Khunjerab National Park where one can see Ibex if the luck workd! Arrive at the immigration at Sost in Pakistan, after passing through the process we will continue drive to Ghulkin/Gulmit/Passu after a short rest at Sost. Arrive and transfer to the hotel.
Day 04: Ghulkin/Gulmit/Passu (Gojal, upper Hunza)
Today we will explore the beautiful small village along the Silk Route, after breakfast drive to Borth village to see the Passu white glacier, We will hike to the moraine of the glacier which is 30 – 40 minutes hike, this short hike gives the moraine of the glacier will give the best view of Passu glacier, Passu peak and Shisper peak (7611m). On our way back from the glacier we will stop at Borith Lake, This is one of the most beautiful lakes in Pakistan, Its water is warm to swim one can swim here if interested! After spending sometime at Borth village will hike to Ghulkin village via the Ghulkin glacier, it takes 2 hours. Ghulkin is the another beautiful village, Here we will visit some traditional houses/Families to see the culture, after spending some time with the local families we will go to Gulmit to visit the 900 years Old house and some other places. In the evening we will go to our hotel Gulmit.
Day 05: Ghulkin/Gulmit/Passu (Gojal, upper Hunza) – Karimabad (central Hunza)
Drive to Karimabad. En route we will stop at Attabad Lake, Sacred rocks of Hunza and drive to Hoper valley to explore the valley and visit Hopper glacier, after exploring this beautiful valley we ill drive back to Karimabad, before we reach Karimabad we will stop at one of the oldest village of Hunza “Ganish” to see the old buildings and the old village. Later drive to the hotel in Karimabad.
Day 06: Karimabad (central Hunza)
Day to explore around. Today we will visit Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, Royal garden at Altit, Local bazzar of Karimabad and in the evening we will drive to Duiker to see the sunset, Dukier offers the best view the central Hunza and Nagar valley and the beautiful snow-capped mountains in its surrounding.
Day 07: Karimabad (central Hunza) – Gilgit
Drive to Gilgit, en route we will stop at Rakaposhi viewpoint (7788m), remaining of Old Silk Road/Route at Chalt and Chinese graveyard at Danyor. Arrive in Gilgit and explore the city, in Gilgit we will visit Kargah Buddha and the local markets.
Day 08: Gilgit – Besham
Drive Besham via Karakorum Highway, en-route we will stop at the junction point of the three great mountain ranges (Karakorum, Himalaya and Hindukush), viewpoint of Nanga parbat (8126m), at Shityal/Chilas to see the sacred rocks of Shityal. Arrive in Besham and transfer to the hotel.
Day 09: Besham – Swat Valley
Drive to Swat valley via Shangla Pass. Arrive in Swat and explore the city.
Day 10: Swat Valley
Day to explore 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 valley – Peshawar
Today we will drive to Peshawar on the Grand Trunk, en route we will visit the Buddhist monastic complex of Takht-i-Bahi (UNESCO heritage list), which was founded in the early 1st century. Owing to its location on the crest of a high hill, it escaped successive invasions and is still exceptionally well preserved. We will also visit the nearby ruins of Sahr-i-Bahlol, a small fortified city dating from the same period. Later drive to Peshawar, if time allows we will visit Bala Hissar, Peshawar Museum, Mahabat Khan Mosque, Cunningham Clock Tower, Chowk Yadgar and explore the old bazaars of Peshawar.
Day 12: Peshawar – 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.
Day 13: Islamabad
Full day to explore the twin city “Rawalpindi and Islamabad”. We will visit Faisal mosque, Pakistan monument, Lok Virsa museum and Raja bazaar in Rawalpindi. In the evening we will drive to Margalla hills. This hills offers better view of the twin cities. We will have diner at one of the restaurant on Margalla hills and after the diner we will drive back to the hotel in Islamabad.
Day 14: Islamabad – Fly to destination!
Depending on your flight time, if it is in the evening/night we will explore the markets of Islamabad. In the evening/night we will drive to the airport. Our service ends here and you will fly to destination.
