General
Old Silk Road Hunza Tour (2024-25)
The Old Silk Road Hunza Tour takes you on a spectacular tour into the heart of northern Pakistan, following the ancient Silk Road’s historical trading routes. Discover the breathtaking scenery of the Karakoram Highway, the cultural legacy of the Hunza Valley, and the region’s medieval forts, turquoise lakes, and towering peaks. This tour offers a unique combination of history, culture, and natural beauty, taking you on a memorable journey down one of the world’s most famous roads.
Itinerary – Old Silk Road Hunza Tour
The itinerary for the Old Silk Road Hunza Tour is given below.
Day 02: Drive to Taxila - Besham
On this Day
This morning, we will begin our journey (a 5-6 hours drive) to the mountain kingdom of North Pakistan via the famed Karakorum Highway/Old Silk Route. Visit the Taxila Museum (1-hour drive). Taxila is a modern town located 35 kilometers from Islamabad. Most of Taxila's archaeological sites (600 B.C.-500 A.D.) are concentrated around the Taxila Museum. Taxila has been known for nearly 1000 years as a center of learning in the Gandhara Art of Sculpture, education, and Buddhism throughout the Buddhist Golden Age. After the visit, you'll continue driving to Besham and stop for a cup of Pakistani tea along the way. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 03: Drive to Chilas - Gilgit
On this Day
It's a lengthy drive (12 hours), but the landscape along the way more than compensates. Before arriving in Gilgit, we will make some interesting photo stops, including the prehistoric rock carving inscription at Shatial, the rocks with ancient graffiti at Chilas, the viewpoint of Nanga Parbat (9th highest peak in the world), which offers a breathtaking panorama in the background, the unique point where three mountain ranges, Karakorum, Himalayas, and Hindukush meet, and the confluence of the River Indus and Gilgit.
Day 04: Full-day sightseeing in Gilgit town
On this Day
The tour includes a visit to the famous Gilgit Mountain Bazaar, suspension bridges, Kargha Buddha, and a walk along the Gilgit River. After lunch, we will recover before watching "The Wild Polo" at Shahi Polo Ground in Gilgit. O/N stay at the hotel.
Day 05: Drive to Karimabad, Hunza
On this Day
We will spend half a day driving down the picturesque Hunza River, one of Pakistan's most unique landscapes, stopping at the Chinese graveyard, monuments, and Rakaposhi vistas. As we approach Karimabad, the mountain Rakaposhi (7788m) dominates the eastern skyline. Above Hunza is the notable rock spire Bublimating 6000m and the impressive Ultar peaks. We'll have time to tour the stores and city of Karimabad. Overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 06: Hunza Valley tour
On this Day
Participants will meet locals and learn about their longevity. They will also see historical monuments such as the freshly rebuilt Baltit Fort and Altit Fort.
Day 07: Explore Hopar Valley
On this Day
This morning, we will go by 4x4 jeeps to Hopar settlement (Nagar Valley) on the opposite bank of the River Hunza to hike on the Hopar Glacier. After lunch in Hopar, we will return to Duikar (Central Hunza's highest settlement) to photograph sunset and sunrise.
Day 08: Explore Passu valley
On this Day
After a short hour of traveling on KKH beside the river with towering peaks all around, we will arrive at Passu. But before reaching Passu, we shall stop en route at Ganesh, (ancient village): The general assumption, however, is that the original people are ancestors of Alexander the Great's warriors. Continue driving to Gulkin village and walk on the glacier from Gulkin to Borit Lake, then climb down to KKH and pass the Passu suspension bridge. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 09: Visit the famed Khunjarab Pass
On this Day
After breakfast, drive to Khunjarab Top (China Border). This journey is scenic, with views of the high mountains of the Karakoram and the distant Pamir Mountain Ranges. We will stop for an hour in Khunjerab, which has recently been designated as a national park, to witness Marco Polo Sheep (ovis ammon poli). Return to Passu for an overnight stay.
Day 10: Drive back to Islamabad
On this Day
After breakfast, we will return to Chilas/ Narran for sightseeing and photography on the way back to the Karakorum Highway. Arrive in Besham for an overnight stay at the Hotel Besham.
Day 11: Drive to Islamabad
On this Day
After breakfast, shall return to Islamabad. Visit Abbottabad and Murree on the way back to Islamabad. Reach Islamabad for an overnight stay.
Dates & Cost – Old Silk Road Hunza Tour
All seasons are considered good for the Old Silk Road Hunza Tour. Considering the inflow of tourists all year round, our dates are open throughout the year and your bookings will be 100% guaranteed even if you are a single traveler. Our prices and dates for this tour (all seasons) are given below.
| Season | Months | Tour Start Date | Price Per Person (USD) | Minimum Travellers Required | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | Mid-November to February, 2025 | Daily | 1600 | 1 pax | BOOK NOW |
| Spring | March to May, 2025 | Daily | 1600 | 1 pax | BOOK NOW |
| Summer | June to Mid- September, 2025 | Daily | 1600 | 1 pax | BOOK NOW |
| Autumn | Mid-September to Mid November, 2025 | Daily | 1600 | 1 pax | BOOK NOW |
| Season | Months | Tour Start Date | Price Per Person (USD) | Minimum Travellers Required | Register |
Holiday Information
- Pickup from hotel or vacation rental before sightseeing
- Drop at hotel or vacation rental after sightseeing
- Guided sightseeing tour according to itinerary above
- Map (hard copy)
- Licensed professional guide (english speaking)
- SUV/mini-van/car (depending on number of people)
- Driver
- All entry/admission tickets
- Bottled water in car (fair usage policy)
- Toll & parking fees
- Drop after 10 pm (Drivers & Guide's working hours end at 10pm)
- Gratuities/tips for guides/drivers, etc
- Meals, snacks and drinks (our guide will make recommendations after consultation with guests)
- Accommodation (can be arranged at additional cost according to your budget)
- Personal travel insurance (Recommendation/Rescue Partners: Global Rescue)
- Visa to Pakistan (supporting documents can be offered if requested for multiday tours)
- Refunds in case of early tour windup/closure due to any reason
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions
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Overview – Old Silk Road Hunza Tour
The tour is a mesmerizing journey along the Silk Road’s old trade routes, connecting northern Pakistan’s cultural and historical treasures. The tour begins in Islamabad and follows the famous Karakoram Highway, a modern-day parallel to the ancient Silk Road. As you drive north, you will experience a variety of scenery, ranging from rich plains near the city to steep mountains and deep valleys that define the northern borders.
The journey’s highlight is the Hunza Valley, a breathtaking destination encircled by the Karakoram range’s peaks. In Karimabad, you’ll see historical monuments such as the Baltit and Altit Forts. These provide insights into the valley’s rich history and traditional architecture while offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including Rakaposhi. The voyage also includes the turquoise waters of Attabad Lake, which was produced by a landslide in 2010, and boating among magnificent peaks adds a memorable touch.
One of the tour’s standout features is the excursion to the confluence of the Karakoram, Hindu Kush, and Himalayas, a geographical and cultural landmark. This excursion is more than just scenery; it’s a journey through the history of the Silk Road, where trade and cultural interchange changed local communities. The tour perfectly combines nature, culture, and history, providing an enriching experience for all guests.
