Detailed Itinerary
Day 01 Arrival Islamabad
Welcome to Pakistan, one of representative from Karakorum Explorers will receive you at Islamabad International Airport and transfer to hotel.
Day 02 Fly to Gilgit or drive to Chilas and visit Kargah Budha
Morning take the 1 hour scenic flight from Islamabad to Gilgit, with breathtaking scenery of the Karakorum, Hindukush, and Himalayan mountain ranges. On arrival take a 10 minutes drive to Serena Hotel. In the afternoon visit Kargah rock-carved Buddha from 7th century AD. In the ancient times the Kargah valley used to be the traveling route of the Buddhist monks, to go to Taxila. Stroll down the colorful Bazaars of Gilgit. If the flight cancelled due to bad wather, we drive along the KKH to Chilas, Hotel.
Day 03 Drive to Karimabad
After breakfast drive to Karimabad either from Gilgit/Chilas. Karimabad is the delightful old capital of the Hunza Kingdom. From Karimabad, with its souvenir shop, post office and tea shop, you can obtain a magnificent view of the valley laid out below you and of the peaks behind. The Aliabad / Karimabad area is sprinkled with wild flowers and blossoming fruit orchards. We will spend half our day in these two towns enjoying the greenery and delighting in the sound of babbling brooks. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel.
Day 04 Drive to Hoper and trek to Barpu
Using a narrow jeep track we cross a long suspension bridge and start Climbing into the Karakorum range. This side of the river is the kingdom Of Nagar, historically the enemies of Hunza. As we drive through the green Fields and orchards we shall see the traditionally dressed men and women going about their daily chores, while the children usually abandon whatever. They are doing and chase the jeeps! As we drive through Nagar villages. We cross the old polo ground, a narrow strip of grass surrounded by Stone walls where the local version, a rough and dangerous game, used to be played. Our drive ends, at Hoper, a small village situated in a Spectacular spot beside the Bualtar Glacier. Soon after arriving Hoper we arrange the porters and start walking to Bapru. Leaving Hoper (2,455 m). as early as possible we cross the glacier by a small Path remade by the villagers every spring. This glacier has been one of the Fastest moving in the world, recorded in 1989 as advancing 22 meters per Day ! Now its progress has slowed considerably and the trail is fairly obvious. We climb onto a small plateau sandwiched between glaciers and climb through A small arid gully to the edge of a second glacier, the Barpu. This we cross on a path marked by shepherds from Hoper village and our campsite is near one of their settlements (3,000 m.) Overnight Camp.
Day 05 Trek to Gutens (4/5 hours)
The day starts with a steep climb to the top of the ridge behind but is rewarded with some fine views of the lesser known peaks in the area:Lupghuir and Trievor, both over 7,000 m., to name but two. Walking along the ridge with long views on both sides we come to the summer settlement of Gutens, with its population of shepherds and sheep, and camp nearby (3,902 m ). Camp.
Day 06 Trek to Rush lake and optional climb of Rush Peak (5098m)
A shorter day but one in which it is nice to have plenty of time to enjoy the Excellent views . The day starts by following the ridge and then, after walking Through a shallow valley, we emerge onto the plateau that holds Rash Lake.at the campsite on its shores there is time to relax and enjoy the tranquility And scenery overlooking the Hispar Glacier, the only route from this area into Baltistan and Concordia (4,756 m.). In the afternoon optional climb of Rash Peak (5,098 m.), situated on the ridge Behind the campsite. From the summit we have one of the finest views in the Karakorum , a 360 jumble of mountains too numerous to mention but including all the peaks of the Hunza and Nagar as well as Golden Peak and the huge peaks of the central Karakorum. Camp.
Day 07 Trek to Hamdar
First we begin our descent, a steep path taking us down to the Barpu glacier and Phai phari. The descent takes about four to five hours but we have allowed all day for its so that there is plenty of time to rest and enjoy the views of the Rakaposhi/Hispar Muztag range. We then cross the miar glacier and camp by the shepherds Hut. (3,284 m.). Camp
Day 08 Trek to Hoper and drive to Gulmit
By crossing Barpu glacier we walk along the trail that winds its way through the lateral moraine, in one place carved from the rock beside the Glacier . Finally we reach Hoper where we transfer by jeep to the village of Atabad from here we travel in a boat over newly formed Hunza river to the village of Gulmit, effective capital of Gojal or Upper Hunza. The people here, famed for their hospitality, are Persian speaking Wakhi who claim descent from Tajiki nomads in Afghanistan. Like their neighbours in Lower Hunza they are followers of the Aga Khan, leader of the Ismaili branch of Islam. Situated on the edge of the old Polo ground, Gulmit is home to a small but interesting museum. There are also opportunities for short walks in the area – in particular on a hill behind the town the ruins of Andra Fort afford good views both up and down the valley, visit local museum and old Hunza House. Over night at Marcopolo Inn Gulimit.
Day 09 Day excursion to Passu and walk along the Passu glacier/Afternoon travel to Karimabad.
Morning drive to Passu and walk to the Passu glacier and Passu Lake. From the snout of the glacier you have fascinating views of Shispare ( 7,611 m) and Passu Peak (7,478 m). Walk back to Lodge for lunch. Afternoon visit to the 800 feet long suspension bridges of Passu, still used by the local people. In the afternoon travel by boat to atabad lake and then drive to Karimabad, Hotel.
Day 10 Visit Baltit Fort and day trip to Duiker (Eagle’s Nest
After breakfast proceed for visit to historical 800 years Baltit Fort. The people of Hunza are famous for their long lives. After fort we walk back to our hotel through one street Karimabad bazaar where we have a chance to see the handicrafts and local embroidery and to buy souvenirs. After lunch we proceed to Duikar (eagle’s Nest), a summer village was established to supplement the food supply of Altit village, and is habited only from April to October. From the crest of the hill which dominates the village, we have panoramic views of lower Hunza Valley, Nagar Valley, Rakaposhi, Hoper Glacier, Ultar II and Bubliting, amongst others. We return to Karimabad and on the way we also stop at Altit Fort 900 years old Fort before getting back to our hotel. Overnight at Hotel
Day 11 Karimabad – Gilgit
Morning leisure in Karimabad, in the afternoon drive to Gilgit. We will have lunch at Rakaposhi view point with a view of Rakaposhi and Ghulmet glaciers. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 12 Fly to Islamabad
Morning transfer to Gilgit airport for flight to Islamabad. If flight is cancelled we drive to Besham, overnight hotel.
Day 13 In Islamabad/Arrive Islamabad
Free day in Islamabad if arrive by flight, or arrive Islamabad if by road. Hotel.
Day 14 Transfer to airport
Transfer to the airport for flight to onward destinations.
