Gilgit-Hunza Cultural Tour

Hunza Valley  is located in the extreme north of Pakistan in Gilgit-Baltistan (Northern Areas), fortified by the gaint mountain ranges of Karakoram, Himalayas, Hindu-kush and Pamirs through the Wakhan Corridor and further north neighbored by the heavenly mountains of Tianshan and Kunlunsun and historic city of Kashgar. The legendary land of Hunza is most majesticlly placed on the roof of the world. It falls on a junction of old silk route, now replaced by the KKH, Karakoram Highway, “8th wonder of the world” snaking into the people’s Republic of China through the Khunjerab Pass 4733M, between Oxus and Indus. It is no doubt the SHANGRI LA, Heaven on earth.

Hunza had been an independent state till 1974, ruled by the king,” tham”. Known for its far crag mountains, glaciers, men made oasis and fairy lands and reknown for bravery, hard work, longevity, hospitality and distinct cultural heritage, the people of Hunza have kept their autonomy for centuries and championed the ideals of freedom, equality and peace in the region.

Tour of Hunza commences with visit of famous Baltit Fort 800 years old that has been restored by the Aga Khan Cultural Services. Altit Fort 900 years old that is located on the top of ruby marble rock cliff. The architure is clear indication of the Tibetan influence. This fort was built by the craftmen from Baltistan when the ruler of Hunza was married with princess of Baltistan who bought with her many Balti craftmen as part of her dowery to construct this fort. Ganish Fort is also worth to see that has been also restored recently. In Gulmit Village there is local museum in local traditional house with unique collection of Hunza history, maps, utensils, musical instruments, a stuffed snow leopard, gems etc on display. You may visit to Rock carving at Donaydas that is called Hunza scared rocks and ruby mine. You can have boat safari at newly formed lake (Attabad Lake) due to huge landslide that blocked the Hunza River.

The ancient “Silk Road” was lying buried in the history, mystery legends in some of the unbelievable terrible tales of the past. It is however possible to travel on Silk Road and visit the legendary city of Kashgar-China via Karakorum Highway (KKH) and Khunjerab Pass. In the annals of history the Khunjerab Pass and  admired for pastures rather than passage.

The border with China, Khunjerab Pass was formally declared open on May 1st, 1986 and Pirali was declared as entering point in China but now shifted to Tashkuran and Sost pot of entry in Pakistan. The zero point is located at the top of Khunjerab Pass 4733m that is 86 km from Sost.

Facts

Duration:                   10-12 Days

Altitude:                     Min 610m - Max 4733m

Zone:                          Open

Trip Nature:              Soft Adventure

Best Time:                  May - September

I T I N E R A R Y
Day 1	Arrival Islamabad (Hotel).
Day 2	Drive to Besham, overnight. (Hotel) (Hotel)
Day 3	Drive to Gilgit, visit Kargah Buddha and local Bazar. (Hotel)
Day 4	Drive to Hunza, visit Altit Fort & Baltit Fort in Hunza. Afternoon to Hoper valley in Nagar and back. (Hotel)
Day 5	Drive to Sust from Tashkurgan, transfer to Gulmit. (Hotel)
Day 6	Drive to Khunjarab Top. Sightseeing, overnight (Hotel)
Day 7	Drive Back to Karimabad (Hotel)
Day 8	Drive to Besham, overnight. (Hotel)
Day 9	Drive to Islamabad, En route visit Taxila. (Hotel)
Day 10	Fly to homeland, end of Tour.