Let’s explore a land full of many mysterious stories and beauty. China and the neighboring northern areas of Pakistan have close relations due to the Silk Road going back in time. To explore the unexplored part of china Hunza Adventure Tours offers the chance to experience traveling to these less known and untraveled parts of china. This exploration will give you the opportunity to visit the historical places and monuments in china as well as knowing about the minority communities of these places for instance the Uiygur, Kirghiz, and the Mongolians.
There are thousands of Buddha caves along the Silk Road two of which are the Bizaklik and kezil. All the local Elite and the traders and travelers contributed to the beautification of the area. They donated money to these scenic refugees in appreciation for overcoming the dangers of the journey and finding divine safety and encouragement for the next stage. The caves are decorated with Artwork and statues that add to the beauty of the caves. These caves are representative of an architectural style called Gandharan by scholars. At Turpan, the most notable abandoned cities are Gaochang and Jiaohe. The old mud-brick walls are scripted in various languages in 17th Century AD and were built in 1st century AD it represents the trade and culture of the area.
Xian is the home to the terracotta warriors of the 1st Emperor of Qin. They guarded the city for more than two hundred years. This city is situated at the eastern end of the Silk Road. The terracotta army was discovered by the farmers in 1974 while searching for water. The emperor comprises 1.5 meter high archers, cavalry, and war horses.
The historical Silk Road was lying unexplored it has a mysterious story of the past. The Silk Road leads toward the city of Kashgar China towards Karakoram Highway KKHand the Khunjerab pass.
The Khunjerab pass is more revered for the grazing land than the transit in the annals of history.
The Karakoram Highway has a historical connection with the Silk Road as it connects the cities of china with the northern areas of Pakistan. Karakoram Highway is a 1300 km long highway that connects the regions of China with the capital of Pakistan. The connecting cities are kasghar, kohtan and yarkand China with Khunjerab pass towards the valley of Hunza and heading towards Islamabad the capital of Pakistan.
Khunjerab pass is located at the height of 4733m it is considered as the zero points and was first opened on first May 1986 connecting with pirali china but later the connecting point to china was shifted to tashkuran and the entering point into Pakistan is Sost port which is located 86km away from Khunjerab pass.
This distinctive journey takes us to explore the western part of the Silk Road towards the kashgar famous bazaar known as the yakshambe bazaar in china and we will travel across the beautiful northern Pakistan mountainous areas to the calm foothills of the Himalayas.
We will get the opportunity to drive on the well-known Karakorum highway where the traders, poets, and pilgrims traveled for a long time in the century. This is also known as the eight wonders of the world. This journey will take us to the beautiful Hunza Valley, Fairy Meadows, and then towards Islamabad or Lahore, enjoying the calm environment of the region surrounded by mountains and lakes. The Silk Road plays a vital role in linking the culture and economies as many traders, poets, and wondering armies traveled through this route leaving behind any evidence of the Ancient people, places, ideas, and goods to explore. In 206 BCE- 220-CE this route served asan internet connecting Asia to Europe and Africa.
The Name Silk Road was first used by German Photographer Ferdinand von Richthofen in 19th century from the word Seidenstraße this route connects china with Antioch, Syria and many other points pass over by caravan and vessels. It is a set of interconnected routes.
This route not only flourished trading but also served as the mean of transfer of ideas changing the Chinese world. Traders and pilgrims carried the new idea of Buddhism to China and they traveled from Ghandara towards Taxila Pakistan and further towards the Karakorum highway and into the glacier-fed Refuges of today’s Xinjiang.
The Silk Road has various historical events like the pilgrims taking Buddhism, the armies of the great Alexender, the caravans of spiece, and the traders of silk as well as the mysterious explorers. The great game of imperial competition between Russia and the British Empire also marks history. The exploration and traveling in these areas have changed the traveler’s way of thinking and ideas.
Owing to remoteness, the slow change cycle in the Northern Areas of Pakistan unexpectedly accelerated with the conversion of this historic route into Karakoram highway KKH in the early 1980s.
At the initial time period, KKH linking Pakistan with china bought hope and a sense of transparency, connectivity, optimism, and opportunities in the region. But the true potential of this connectivity has not yet realized.
Few places can match the beautiful landscape through which the Karakorum highway which passes. Karakorum Highways is the passage along with the Batura Glacier, Valued as the seventh largest glacier throughout the world. It passes through the khunjarab passand the Mintaka pass lies in the historical silk route this pass connects Europe and Asia. This travel experience will remain with you for a very long time.
Kashgar to Islamabad
You will be greeted by the team of Hunza Adventure Tours at Kashgar International airport then transfer along with your luggage to a centrally located hotel in Kashgar.
This day is planned to coincide with the famous Sunday market in Kashgar where everything from carpets, blankets, foods, horses, donkeys, sheep, and even camels are for sale. The population of the town swells by 100,000 and is truly one of the most incredible bazaars in Asia; and a photographer’s paradise! After the market, we visit the Eidgah Mosque, Abakh Hoja Tomb, and the old town. Overnight stay in Kashgar.
Today we drive on the famous Karakorum highway to Karakul Lake for a stunning view of Mustaghata Mountain arrival at Karakul lake rest of the time free for photography than in the evening drive to Tashkurgan. Overnight stay in Tashkurgan.
After custom and Immigration formalities we will be driving to Sost over the highest border crossing pass
in the world (Khunjerab pass 4750 m). On arrival at Sost meet our Pakistani guide later will drive to
Gulmit arrival in Gulmit check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay in Gulmit Upper Hunza Valley.
This day is very interesting, as in the first nearly half an hour we will drive to Hussaini Village and we will visit Hussaini suspension bridges, then we will drive up to Upper Borith walking up to the viewpoint of Passu white glacier then drive to Passu village after lunch then we will have a village visit after completing the visit then we will drive back to Gulmit. Overnight Stay in Gulmit Upper Hunza Valley.
This whole day we will explore Chapursan Valley, doing horse and yak riding, and watch polo match the freestyle polo match with no rules and regulations. Which is only played in the north part of Pakistan no one else in the world. If there will be the match held on the day we visit return back to the hotel. Overnight stay in Gulmit.
In the morning after breakfast, we will visit the sites in Gulmit the Old house 700 years old, the cultural museum, Gulmit Old town, and the Community based school and in the evening we will visit the Local traditional house of Upper Hunza Valley the local dinner. Overnight Stay in Gulmit Upper Hunza
In the morning after breakfast, we will drive to Attabad Lake boating in Attabad Lake then further drive to Hopper Valley hike up to Hopper glacier and after lunch drive to Karimabad Hunza Valley. Overnight stay in Karimabad Hunza Valley.
In the morning after breakfast, we will visit the historical Baltit and Altit Forts and in the afternoon we will do the water channel walk and then in the evening, we will visit the local bazaar for shopping. Overnight stay in Karimabad Hunza.
After breakfast drive to Gilgit en-route short stop at Rakaposhi viewpoint for photography then further drive to Gilgit, we will visit the bazaar in order to familiarize ourselves with the customs of the Gilgit’s, a stop at the cooperative store, where Chinese goods are bought on the barter system will allow us to glance at Chinese treasure, we will then take a hair raising drive across Asia’s longest suspension bridge – 600 feet long and wide enough only for one car at a time arrival in Gilgit check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay in Gilgit.
Departure for Fairy Meadows, we will transfer to the mountain jeep at Raikot Bridge for further drive to Tatto village on the narrow Jeep track. Arrive in Tatto village and start trek to Fairy Meadows, Arrive at Fairy Meadows check-in at the hut and after a short rest we will do some short walking around; overnight stay in the local style wooden huts.
In the morning after breakfast drive to Naran en-route, we stop for lunch and photography then further drive to Naran, arrival in Naran check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay in Naran.
In the morning after breakfast then we will drive to Islamabad en-route visit the Taxila museum then drive to Islamabad, arrive in Islamabad check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay in Islamabad.
In the morning after breakfast then we will do the sightseeing tour of Islamabad city. We will visit Shah
Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, and Daman – e – Koh after farewell dinner party then we will drop
you at the airport to catch the flight back home.
Hunza Adventure Tours promulgates its terms and conditions for any kind of trip, trekking, mountaineering, hiking, rafting, wild safaris and other services being operated so far by the company. The terms and conditions set forth will bring forward its limitations before any interested visitor advances for the programs alluded.
ALFALAH BANK PAKISTAN
Account Title: HUNZA ADVENTURE TOURS.
Account # 1006067881.
Branch Code : 0407.
Swift Code. ALFHPKKA.
IBAN: PK09ALFH0407001001006067881.
Branch: Alfalah Bank Pakistan,stock exchange ISE Tower,
Jinnah Avenue, Blue Area Islamabad Pakistan.
1: REFUND:
No refund will be made for 50% deposit amount in case of cancellation of trip for any other else reason. Having paid full amount of any trip, you’re entitled to incur refund in case if you want to cancel your trip. Still, cancellation charge is invoiced to you. Written notification of your cancellation should be made to cancel any trip. Nevertheless, you’re imposed cancellation charge as advised below: –
2: SUPPLEMENT CHARGE:
On our holidays tour / trek packages, rooms or tents are provided in twin sharing basis. Thus, single room supplement charge will be imposed to client who does not have another tour participant to share room / tent with.
3: INCOMPLETE TOUR:
No refund will be made to clients who drop out from the journey regardless of whatever portions remain unused in the itinerary.
4: CLIENTS’ RESPONSIBLE:
A tour / trek guide who represents Hunza Adventure Tours deserves all authority during your tours. If you commit any unlawful act, you are compelled to leave the tour. No refund will be made in such case.
5: IMPACT ON YOUR JOURNEY:
We put our every effort to ensure comfortable traveling of yours,but it is must to understand that what you might be accustomed to in the western affluent countries, the Asian countries can’t afford such facilities. Weather is another factor that directly impact on your journey. Hence, patience in mind, enthusiasm and proper preparation before head is must to venture into journey.
6: TRAVEL INSURANCE:
You must purchase comprehensive travel insurance package against medical, natural calamity, helicopter evacuation, personal accident, trip cancellation etc. This is suggested to all our esteemed clients.
7: TOUR AMENDMENT:
To make alterations of any trek / tour itinerary, prior notice is requested. You’re advised to stay in touch with us thus. But occasionally, you may be obliged to do so en route under certain circumstance for instance bad weather etc.
8: PAPERS AND DOCUMENTS:
All necessary documents should be presented in sequence for example to issue visa, necessary permits etc. We’re not accountable in case of any trip formality not completed in time before the trip departs on the absent of essential papers and documents.
9: RISK AND RESPONSIBILITY:
Your safety and enjoyment is our prime concern. We therefore carry out our responsibility honestly & sincerely to ensure your holiday trouble–free as well as you have desired. Nevertheless, unless stated otherwise, trip may be change under uncertain and inherent circumstances such as land-slides, road blockage, flood, snow political unrest, cancellation of flight, delay arrival, sickness or accidents etc. Any extra cost incurring there is your personal responsibility and should be borne on the spot.
10: FLIGHT DELAY / CANCELLATION:
There is virtually possibility of flight delay or postponement for notorious weather in Karakoram & Himalayan Mountain regions of Pakistan which could be happened, especially during off season, you’re highly advised to reserve extra days to prepare with some delays and avoid frustrating consequence. In case of flight cancellation pre-tour/post-tour, you need to meet your accommodation and food costs yourself.
Hunza Adventure Tours puts every effort to ensure your comfortable traveling, but it is must to understand that what you might be accustomed to in the other affluent countries, the Asian countries can’t afford such facilities. Weather is another factor that directly impacts your journey. Hence, patience in mind, enthusiasm and proper preparation before beginning is must to venture into journey.
We loves to customize personal trips for you, your friends, or organization. Our published land costs are typically based on number of individuals, so the number in your party may affect your land costs. Just give us a call/contact us and let us know what you’re interested in, and we’ll do our best to Make It Happen.
We are happy to help you arrange accommodations before and after your trip. We can recommend side excursions and restaurants for the extra time.
Our guide or representative will pick you up at the airport on the scheduled arrival date. We can help you arrange accommodations if you arrive earlier, and we are happy to make suggestions for transportation, restaurants and sightseeing.
You will be greeted by our representative at airport on your arrival. He shall be holding a placard of your name for identification. We shall also provide you list of emergency 24 hours contact numbers for any emergency.
All of our guides are highly skilled experienced professionals who have been selected based on their careful judgment, local knowledge, understanding of our client’s needs, patience and supportive guiding styles, and great personalities. In addition to their impressive personal achievements in the field, our guides bring a wealth of natural history, cultural anthropology and linguistic knowledge for their group’s enlightenment. Our international guides and staff surpass the needs of our clientele and make the trip enjoyable beyond expectations.
There is no way to know how quickly our trips are going to fill up. Many of our trips fill up months in advance. So send in your application and a deposit as soon as you have decided which trip date you want.
This must be obtained before arrival and we recommend that you contact your local Pakistani embassy or consulate when planning your trip.
Gilgit Baltistan is a beautiful destination. So much so, that one should definitely plan a visit. With beautiful lakes and treks to offer, Gilgit Baltistan is a must-visit place to go to. In winter, the temperature in Gilgit Baltistan drops down severely and becomes even more picturesque. One can visit the frozen lakes , if not the Baltoro trek, one can do the trek in Hunza Valley, visit Gilgit Baltistan festivals that help you interact with the locals as well.
A complete clothing and equipment list specific to your trip will be sent to you in a dossier. Every year, after assessing feedback from our clients and guides, we review and update our lists so they are as complete and up-to-date as possible. Every list has a description of each item, however feel free to call us if you have questions or need help locating any of the items on the list. It is extremely important that you adhere strictly to the equipment list.
All accommodations are based on double or triple occupancy. If you are traveling solo and wish to share accommodations, we will pair you with another traveler of same gender. If you request single accommodations or a roommate cannot be assigned, you will be responsible for paying the single supplement fee.
Pakistani people love to take pictures and photograph themselves !
Do not forget your camera !
Photography is a great fun in Pakistan as you will have enough sunlight most of the time. In some of the monuments one has to pay fee for the photography. Our guide will suggest you where it is worth to photograph and where not. At some of the locations photography is not allowed. It is prohibited to photograph military installations, which can include some the train stations, bridges and airports also.Do not photograph these objects otherwise your film can be confiscated.
Tipping is always a personal choice, but is greatly appreciated by your guides. Check your departure packet for details.
You can sign up for the trip directly on our website. To secure your place on this trip, please click on the BOOK NOW button at the side of the page, or the dates tab to the right. You will also need to have the below information to hand:
• Name as per Passport
• Home Address
• Email Address
• Telephone Number
• Date of Birth
Before you embark on your trip, it is essential that we receive your passport, travel insurance, next of kin, medical details and dietary requirements (if applicable). If you have any medical conditions to declare or are over the age of 65, you will be required to complete a medical declaration form, signed and stamped by your GP. If you don’t have all this information to hand, you can still register your place today, and then re-log into the form before you depart by using your email address and the password you create upon registration.
For the trip confirmation you need to pay us the 40% payment in advance and the remaining 60% payment on arrival in Pakistan and for an
application alone won’t reserve a space.
If we cancels a trip due to any reason, you will receive a full refund.
The incidence of personal violent crime is certainly almost none despite sensational headlines and occasional saber rattling. The Karakorum region is known for centuries of peaceful coexistence.
The incidence of personal violent crime is certainly almost none than in anywhere in the world despite sensational headlines and occasional saber rattling. The Karakorum region is known for centuries of peaceful coexistence.
we have continued to operate trips in the region each year and we are confident that these regions remains one of the most beautiful, compelling and welcoming places on earth.
The major concentrations of troubles are in the western parts of Pakistan and 100s of miles to the Islamabad. Their major concentrations are in areas which have had little or no tourism (investment, hard currency, etc) which is one of the reasons that their message has played well in these very poor districts. By comparison, the K2 Region is a very well and worldly part of Pakistan.
That said, whenever you travel in Pakistan (or anywhere in the world for that matter), you should definitely use personal caution. We avoid any known dangerous situations. We monitor political situations posted by the government Office and ground reports from our staff and network of contacts. As when traveling in any region, make sure to keep an eye on your possessions and take certain common-sense measures to prevent theft or dangerous situations.
The first rule of trekking K2 Base Camp is to step to the wall side when you meet a mule, since otherwise you can be knocked off the edge.
The main danger for most people doing the straight-in, straight-out route is altitude sickness(AKA Acute Mountain Sickness or AMS). For most people, this can be avoided by sleeping no more than 300 metres higher than you did the night before and taking an acclimatisation day every 1000 metres. Serious AMS is more common in folk doing group tours than in independent trekkers.
Other common injuries are twisted ankles and sprains. Rock falls, moraine and glacier crossings add significant risk to longer treks involving crossing high passes such as the Gondogoro-La. As always, it’s unwise to trek solo in case you fall and can’t extricate yourself: Do note, that it is illegal to trek solo.
There is no specific age of USD bills, however, we recommend the guests to carry new crisp bills when traveling. All denominations are acceptable, however, it is easier if you have smaller denominations of 5’s, 10’s and 20’s.
Pakistani tap water is not safe to drink. Bring water purifying tablets or a water purifying stickto save money and the environment. Note that at higher elevations during the coldest times of year the water will freeze, so you’ll need to use boiled water.Buy a decent thermos flask or plastic water container, so that you can top up with hot, boiled water at the beginning of the day – starting with hot water will stop it freezing.
Yes why not stay on and explore more of what Pakistan has to offer! We can request with to change your return date with the airline. Places are limited and all arrangements are subject to availability.
Our unique style of off the beaten track, face-to-face travel is the only way to really experience a destination, but it also serves to keep the costs down. We spend your money providing an authentic experience, instead of on lavish hotels and expensive western-style meals. We pass these savings on to you with our low prices. Another thing you’ll notice are the inclusions. While we don’t include everything, we do throw in the major highlights of a destination, the things that everyone goes to see. On every trip page we show you the ‘Included Highlights’ of your trip, things that many other companies charge locally for. We leave many other activities as options, to provide you the freedom and flexibility to choose what you want to do on a daily basis.
In brief a customized itinerary is an itinerary prepared according to your personal needs. After all, you would have requested this to us as part of the process of customization. Your specific interest, preferences and needs are weighted with our knowledge of logistics and highlights of the area.
The Pakistani currency is the rupee, which is made of 100 paisa. Major currencies such as US dollars, British pounds and Euros are easily exchanged throughout Pakistan. Most international airports of the country have the money exchange counters, and also some selected larger hotels and resorts have this facility to their customer
Of course the most regularly used cards are Visa and MasterCard, but neither American Express nor Dinner’s Club are broadly accepted in Pakistan. While you are going out of the main cities to the small places, it is recommended that you carry enough Pakistani currency for purchasing and tipping purpose.
With its many diverse landscapes and attractions, Pakistan is an admirable destination for the family traveler. Some of the good options are beach holidays and wildlife adventures in the national parks, while many monuments have sight and light shows that will capture children’s imagination. For teenagers, the many outdoor activities, such as camel safari and trekking, are an illustrative card. Without the second thinking, the big challenge for families travelling in this country might be the distances that need to be covered between cities. Air travel and railway journeys are usually the most comfortable forms of traveling, and are strongly recommended to those with the young children.
Pakistani cuisine has several variations, with each region famous for its own techniques, ingredients and spices. In northern regions, meat dishes are very popular, which are usually made with chicken, mutton or lamb whereas in southern part vegetarian cuisine is most favored. In addition, seafood is also readily available, particularly at the coast. While Pakistani cuisine tends to be spicy, most restaurants will gladly prepare a milder variation of the meals on the request of their customer.
We have English speaking guides all over Pakistan. At many places , we also have french , German , Spanish ,Italian and Japanese and other language speaking guides. We can also provide accompanying foreign language speaking tourist guides for individuals and groups. The availability of foreign language speaking guides can be confirmed at the time of reservation.
Every year hundreds of women travel alone into the remote valleys of Pakistan. Many of them can be seen in the streets of Hunza, Gilgit and Baltistan. To take a safer holidays in Pakistan we advise you to wear modest dress which cover whole of their body. Secondly before starting a trek or tour with local guide in the wilderness, please report about your program to the nearest police station or to your embassy with the identity/contact of your local guide/company.
English is Pakistan’s official language and widely spoken throughout Pakistan. Most of the signboards are in English. All our drivers, guides and even peoples in the remote valley can understand and speak English.
The weather report can be obtained online from internet you can seach the destinations where you will be going.
Normally it takes 15-30 minutes from the Islamabad International Airport to the city hotels. However it depends upon the condition of the traffic at the time of the day. The distance varies from 15 to 30 kilometers.
Hunza Adventure Tours will provide all necessary accommodation, meal and transportation requirements outlined in the specific tour itineraries (exceptions will be notified). For our trekking and climbing programs, trekkers will be requested to provide personal equipment, appropriate mountain attire and medical supplies.
Our local agent or their representative or the guides will inform the guest’s of their further program at the destinations on daily basis mostly in the evening about the next day’s program.
Tips are dependent of the services provided. A small amount of money can be given at each service to insure prompt and reliable service. For guides it depends on how informative, knowledgeable, helpful they are.
Some of the restaurants are cheaper and frequently visited by the local people. So sometimes yes, it is a good experience to eat outside the hotels and get to meet the local population.
We offer alternative arrangements in case the flight tickets are not confirmed nor have no chances of getting confirmed. Railway Journey or by surface. We always look at various factors such as the condition of the roads, time of travel and the time taken to cover the distance, comfort and offer the best possible option with consultation, acceptance and agreement with the guest.
Bank Processing charges are levied on the payment collected on or through the credit cards. It is usually 3.5% of the total amount to be collected or of the invoice raised by us.
In case a bag is lost in transit by the airlines. We file a lost baggage report with the airlines. If the guest continues with the journey, we collect the baggage from the airlines for the guest. For the collection of a lost baggage we need the following: We need an authorization from the guest authorizing Hunza Adventure Tours, and their representative to collect the baggage on their behalf.
A photocopy of the passport of the guest, a letter addressed to the Superintendent customs. The keys of the lost bag for custom clearance.
The original copy of the lost baggage report lodged with the airlines. We will deliver the bag at the doorstep and bill the guest for the services provided. The amount of the invoice can be collected from the airlines at home.
Yes, the airlines pay an inconvenience allowance to buy personal effects. They even offer the baggage delivery charges or sometimes offer to deliver the baggage by themselves at the doorstep.
We take the guest to the office of the airlines and the amount is given to the guest upon presenting the original lost baggage report.