Himalayas: Touching the Western Anchor
Duration:
14 days
Next Departure:
April 2022
Airport:
Islamabad
Reference:
CH236A
Summary:
Trek in Northern Pakistan, the land where the Himalayas, Karakorum, Hindu Kush and Pamirs meet. It is the most glaciated region outside the polar continent and has the highest concentration of mountains in the world. Experience mystical villages that used to be caravan stops along the Silk Route.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arriving in ISLAMABAD
Upon arrival will be received and and transferred to the hotel.
Day 2: ISLAMABAD - BESHAM
A 30min drive brings us to Taxila, an UNESCO world heritage site and the most important site of the Ghandara cultures some 2000 years ago. Visit the museum with a rich collection of artifacts and statues of Buddha dating back to pre-Christian era. After lunch, drive up terraced valleys and make a brief stop to visit the vibrant bazaar at Shinkiari. Take a 4 hours drive to Besham.
Day 3: BESHAM - GILGIT
Continue along the Indus River and the landscape changed dramatically as we entered the high altitude desert at Kohistan to Chilas where we visit a local bazaar at the riverbank and enjoy some snack of tea and fried fish freshly caught from the steams. Continue along the Indus River and arrive at Gilgit, the capital of the mountain province, which offers excellent views of Himalayas. A long day of about 9 hours on the road.
Day 4: GILGIT - GULMIT
The 4 hour drive Jeep drive is probably the loveliest along Hunza River, passing by picturesque quaint villages with apricot, mulberry, apple and peach orchards and tiers of poplar trees. Arrive at Gulmit, a quaint little village along Hunza River and nestled amidst spectacular mountains with excellent day hike opportunities.This afternoon, enjoy tea with a local family. Thereafter, you may have a hand on the “ropeway” across River Indus.
Day 5: GULMIT - KHUNJERAB PASS - DUIKAR
Expect one of the most spectacular journeys on an excursion to Khunjerab Pass. The road goes through the awesome jagged mountains of Upper Hunza climbing up to 4,746m. Spend the night in the Chinese border town of Tashkurghan on the Pamir Plateau. On a clear day, Ibex mountain goats may be spotted. We retreat to Hunza after a picnic lunch by the Indus River and overnight in Duikar, surrounded by an amphitheatre of the Himalayan peaks and offers unrivalled sunrise and sunset views of Rakaposhi and Spantik across the river in Nagar.
Day 6: DUIKAR - HUNZA
Wake up early for a spectacular sunrise before a leisurely breakfast beneath the mountain peaks. Embark on a 2-hours hike from Duikar to Hunza, the centerpiece for pristine natural beauty along the Karakorum and Silk Route.En route, visit the smaller and charming village of Altit and be warmed by the hospitality of the locals.
Day 7: HUNZA - OLD GANESH - GILGIT
Spend the morning strolling along the water and visit the 800-year old Baltit Fort that was the old palace of the mirs of Hunza. Take some free time to explore the bazaar or simply enjoy a cup of tea and soak in the ambience! This afternoon, visit one of Central Hunza’s best kept secrets – Old Ganesh. The ancient heart of this old settlement has been restored and refurbished and won an ‘Award of Distinction’ by UNESCO. Drive along the Karakorum Highway back to Gilgit.
Day 8 to 12: GILGIT - FAIRY MEADOW Trek
This trek is graded moderate and best undertaken from May to early October.From Gilgit,we take a spectacular jeep drive about 4 hours to Jail, the starting point of your trek. Today is an easy trek for about 3 hours to Fairy meadow - is set in alpine pastures on the northern slopes of Nanga Parbat (8,125m) with breathtaking views of the snow-clad north face above.
Spend the second day taking easy stroll through the meadows and pine forest to Beyal (3,500m), our base for the next 3 nights. Third day, make a day excursion to the western corner of Himalayas towards Nanga Parbat Base Camp (3,970m) for its stunning scenery. The forth day would be spent enjoying interesting walks around Fairy Meadow with commanding view.
For the adventurous, you may attempt a non-technical climb to the summit of South Jalipur Peak at 5210m. On the last day, retrace your steps back to Jail and drive to Chilas.
Day 13: CHILAS - ISLAMABAD
Detour off Karakorum Highway on our return journey via Kaghan - a valley of greenery and Himalayan scenery. Drive about 8 hours and if time permitted will be visiting Lok Virsa Museum , Famous Faisal Mosque and have dinner in Margalla Hills.
Day 14: ISLAMABAD
The tour end today transport will be provided to airport.
Important Information:
The above schedule should be taken as a guide only. Inclement weather may cause delays in our journey, whether we are on foot or travelling by vehicle. Our schedule has been planned to allow for variations and where necessary, spare days will be used to compensate for these changes. Our guide reserves the right to make modifications or alterations to the trip schedule in the best interests and safety of all involved. A flexible approach will allow us to efficiently and effectively achieve trip objectives.