Hunza & Skardu Cultural Tour – The Karakoram Experience

Upon arrival at Islamabad International Airport, our guide will greet you and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. Participants can use free time to relax and recover from the journey. Following lunch at the hotel, a tour briefing will be conducted. Later in the day, there will be a visit to the market for essential shopping and currency exchange. The itinerary also includes visits to the Lok Virsa Museum and the Shah Faisal Mosque.

Today, our journey begins with an exciting 01 scenic flight, where you can enjoy amazing views of the mighty Nanga Parbat and other mountain peaks. Once we land, we’ll be transferred into a local vehicle and travel to Khaplu (3 hours) through charming Baltistan villages. Get ready to be amazed by the beautiful mountains and rivers like Indus and Shyok on our way to the captivating Ghanche district. Our route boasts captivating highlights, including brief stops at Thorgo Pari (10 minutes), the attractive Shayok River and Indus River meeting point (20 minutes), and a delightful 10-20 minute walk across a suspension bridge at Keris.

Once we reach Yugo village, our local guide will lead us through the agricultural sites and the residential area, offering a unique opportunity to engage with their way of life. This village visit will take approximately 2 hours. It will encompass activities like picking fresh fruits, observing the local organic farming methods, and conversing with local people, artisans, and elders to gain insights into their daily routines. We’ll then explore the settlement area and visit a traditional water flour mill. We’ll enjoy some healthy Balti cuisine prepared by local women for our lunch.

As the day unfolds, our journey continues to Khaplu, where we check into our hotel. Later, we drive to Hanjore Broq to witness a mesmerizing sunset, a 30-minute drive followed by a 30-40 minute hike.

OR

In case of flight cancellation due to weather, drive from Islamabad to Chilas (10 – 12 hours) via Karakoram Highway with short stops.

After breakfast, we will drive to Hushey (2 hours one-way drive), passing through Saling, Machulo, and several small villages. This scenic drive lets us experience the breathtaking mountain and valley views and witness how the local Balti people live.

Hushey is the starting point for thrilling adventure activities such as trekking, climbing, and hiking, with several renowned mountain peaks, including the mighty Masherbrum, nearby. Trekkers can also embark on the famed Ghondogoro La trek and approach the K2 base camp. Following a stop at a local restaurant for refreshments, we’ll embark on a pleasant and straightforward hike to Dumsum, a journey that takes about 3-4 hours round trip. The trail begins in Hushey village, meandering through crop fields with stunning mountain views, offering glimpses of the Masherbrum glacier and the Aling Valley. Enjoy leisure time and hike back to Hushey.

To observe the daily life in the last settlement of the region, we’ll stroll through the village streets, interact with residents, and engage with shepherds and climbers to hear their stories. We’ll also visit Hushey Khanqa to gain insights into the village’s religious practices. Later, we’ll drive back to Khaplu for an overnight stay.

Thoqsi Khar, locally known as Yabgo Khar, translates to “The fort on the roof,” an ancient Khaplu fortress. The breathtaking view from this location includes the meeting point of the Shyok, Hushe, and Saltoro rivers, the surrounding mountains, and the stunning valley. We’ll hike to this beautiful spot early in the morning to soak in its remarkable beauty (1.5 hours round trip).

Following breakfast, we’ll have the chance to visit Khanqa Mulla Bala and walk through the village streets of Banpi and Hundli to experience local village life. Additionally, we’ll explore the UNESCO-awarded Astana Mir Muhammad, spending about an hour in this fascinating location.

Kharko, a scenic village situated 45 km away from Khaplu, awaits our visit. We’ll reach this stunning destination in about an hour’s drive, passing through the scenic Saling and Sogha villages. Upon arrival, we’ll have the opportunity to connect with a host family, where we’ll savor local cuisine served in the traditional style by the hospitable Balti people.

Known for its agricultural activities, particularly buckwheat cultivation, Kharko offers a firsthand chance to witness these activities. As we walk through the village’s crop fields, we’ll have the opportunity to interact with the friendly locals. Then, drive to Shigar through the Skardu Khaplu road (3 hours).

Sarfaranga Cold Desert stands among the world’s highest cold deserts, offering breathtaking views of overwhelming dunes and mountains, especially during sunset. We’ll have the chance to witness and revel in the beauty of the setting sun. Leisure time in the desert allows us to walk across these fascinating dunes before driving to Shigar and checking into a hotel for an overnight stay.

After a satisfying breakfast, spend some leisurely time in the serene garden of Shigar Fort. Explore the Fort Museum and the renowned Ambriq Mosque, the oldest mosque in the region. Following this, we will continue a scenic drive to Chutron Hot Spring, passing through charming and secluded villages like Gulabpur, Tisar, and Basha (4-5 hours).

Take your time in Basha village to absorb the local culture, interact with village mountaineers, and engage with elders. Later, relax at Chutron Hot Spring, relishing a relaxing hot spring bath against the backdrop of the stunning Khusar Gang peak. Conclude the day with a drive back to Shigar for a comfortable overnight stay.

We will spend the whole day in Skardu. Starting from Shigar, we’ll drive to Skardu in the morning, followed by a 40-minute hike to Kharpocho Fort, allowing us leisure time to appreciate the panoramic views of Skardu Valley and the Indus River.

Next, our journey takes us to Upper Kachura, where we’ll walk through local houses, fields, and trees. A scenic 20-minute walk brings us to Upper Kachura Lake, offering free time to explore the area and enjoy boating. We then drive to Soq Valley, near Upper Kachura, for an afternoon of fishing and lunch.

Returning to Skardu, we will do a 50-minute walk to Nansoq village, the first organic village in Baltistan with a rich history, having been visited by King Charles and Prince Aga Khan IV. This peaceful settlement with 11 homes and 92 inhabitants provides a serene atmosphere. Explore the area, spend leisure time with a host family, and hike back to Skardu (50 minutes).

Before returning to Shigar overnight, we’ll visit Skardu Bazar for local shopping, including handicrafts, jewelry, and carpets.

Drive from Shigar to Hunza. First, we’ll take the Skardu-Juglot road, then continue our drive on the Karakoram Highway to Hunza. Along the journey, we’ll make quick stops at Astaq Nala and the Junction point of the three highest mountain ranges. Once we reach Gilgit, we’ll head to Karga Valley (30-minute drive) to explore an ancient rock Buddha dating back to the 7th century AD. Afterward, our journey continues to Hunza via the famous Karakoram Highway.

En route to Hunza, make a brief stop to visit the historic Berano suspension bridge (30 minutes), recognized as one of the oldest in the region, and the Danyor tunnel. Additionally, take quick pauses for photography at notable sites, including the collision point of two tectonic plates, the ancient Silk Route viewpoint, and the Rakaposhi viewpoint, capturing the essence of the scenic surroundings.

Hunza is divided into three distinct parts: Lower Hunza, Central Hunza, and Upper Hunza. On our journey to Karimabad, we will explore the oldest settlement (Nasirabad) in Lower Hunza (2-3 hours). Walking along the village water channel, known as Bari Yap, which winds through traditional houses, we’ll have the chance to meet local storytellers and village elders. Additionally, we can pick organic fruits from farmers’ orchards and witness the authentic way of traditional village life. After engaging with a host family and gaining insights into their daily life, we will proceed to the Rakaposhi/Diran Peak viewpoint to relish the breathtaking views. Following these explorations, we’ll drive to Karimabad for an overnight stay in a hotel.

We will spend a full day in Central Hunza, and our morning begins with a delightful walk along Samarqand Kohl, a scenic water channel that passes through local houses and fields (1 hour). We then visit the historic 800-year-old Baltit Fort; it will take around 2 hours with a 30-minute walk.

Our exploration continues with a visit to Ganish village, the oldest settlement in Hunza (40 minutes). A drive to Altit follows, where a delicious lunch at Kha Basi Café, owned by Serena Hotels and run by local women, awaits us. Post-lunch activities include visiting the music school in Altit (if it is open), which provides an opportunity to observe local children learning and playing traditional music. Guests are also welcome to try playing regional musical instruments.

Altit Fort, with a history spanning 900 years, is our next destination, offering a unique chance to explore this iconic structure (1 hour). Subsequently, we drive to Duikar at 2800 m for an unparalleled sunset view. A beautiful 15-minute hike brings us to one of the world’s best sunset viewpoints, providing a panoramic view of the Hunza and Nagar valleys and splendid views of seven mountain peaks above 7000m. We then returned to our hotel in Karimabad for leisure time till dinner. Following this, a visit to Karimabad Bazar for dinner in a local restaurant and shopping featuring handicrafts, gemstones, and dry fruits.

OR

In the event of a flight cancellation, proceed with a 7-8 hour drive from Naran/Besham to Hunza, making several brief stops along the way.

Today’s itinerary involves driving to Passu through various small villages in upper Hunza. After a stop at the Haldikish rock carvings for a briefing on their historical significance, we will proceed to Atabad Lake for a boating experience. Upon reaching Gulmit village, we’ll explore an old house, visit a local carpet center (meeting local women entrepreneurs), and visit a music school (Bulbulik Music School – if it is open). Following this, we will do a hike featuring Pakistan’s one of the highest and longest stairs, leading to Ondra Fort (a community-based tourism initiative in Gulmit village of Gojal Valley) – 1-hour hike. You’ll have free time to relish the beautiful views of Passu cones and upper Hunza.

Later, we’ll drive to Borith Lake, a beautiful lake in upper Hunza renowned for migrating birds, and embark on a scenic hike to Passu Glacier, an easy one-hour hike. We’ll continue our journey to Passu to enjoy a leisurely afternoon. Passu, one of the picturesque villages in the area, invites us for a village walk, allowing us to visit a local host family and engage with local elders.

As the day unfolds, we’ll relish the sunset from Glacier Breeze Restaurant, accompanied by a cup of tea or coffee and the famous apricot cake. If time matches/permits, we might have the opportunity to participate in a cultural event in upper Hunza. Yalk Grill, a renowned local restaurant specializing in Yalk dishes, offers unique culinary experiences that we may enjoy. Finally, we’ll drive back to our hotel in Karimabad for an overnight stay.