Hospitality Beyond Borders
Retracing the Silk Route
Tour snapshot
9 Days / 8 Nights
Overland Journeys
Summer
Tours
Learn more
Overview
Step back in time and experience by retracing the magic of the ancient Silk Route on this unforgettable journey from China into Pakistan, traveling along the legendary Karakoram Highway — one of the highest and most spectacular roads in the world. This route, once traversed by caravans laden with silk, spices, and stories, still echoes with the grandeur of history, culture, and nature. The adventure begins as you cross the towering Khunjerab Pass (4,693 m), the world’s highest paved border ...
Show MoreHighlights
- Cross the spectacular Khunjerab Pass (4,693 m) — the world’s highest paved border crossing — and enter Pakistan on the ancient Silk Route.
- Travel along the legendary Karakoram Highway, one of the most scenic and highest roads in the world, tracing the footsteps of ancient traders and pilgrims.
- Stay in Passu, a charming village famous for the dramatic Passu Cones, Batura Glacier, and tranquil Karakoram scenery.
- Visit Gulmit village and hike to the peaceful Borith Lake, surrounded by snowy peaks.
- Walk on the thrilling Hussaini suspension bridge, an iconic adventure and photo opportunity.
- Witness the stunning turquoise waters of Attabad Lake, created by a landslide, and enjoy a boat ride on its calm surface.
- Explore the historic heart of Hunza Valley, with its vibrant culture, apricot orchards, and traditional stone houses.
- Tour the ancient Baltit Fort and Altit Fort, perched on cliffs with sweeping valley views.
- Experience breathtaking sunsets from Eagle’s Nest viewpoint, overlooking Hunza’s majestic peaks.
- Visit Gilgit, the regional capital, and discover its bustling markets, the ancient Kargah Buddha, and suspension bridges.
- Enjoy the warm hospitality, organic cuisine, and unique culture of the Hunza and Gilgit communities, who have preserved their Silk Road heritage for centuries.
- Return to China via the same awe-inspiring route, completing a round trip through one of the most beautiful and historic mountain corridors on earth.
What's Included
- Pick up from and drop off at the Sost Customs (arrival and departure station from and to China)
- Hotel accommodations on a twin-sharing basis throughout the trip.
- All ground transportation during the tour, including airport transfers.
- All meals as outlined in the itinerary—breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Light refreshments such as coffee, green tea, cookies, and nuts.
- Bottled water provided throughout the journey.
- Entry tickets and admission fees for all sites and attractions mentioned in the itinerary.
- Services of a professional English-speaking tour guide, with support staff if required.
- Porterage at hotels and airports.
- All applicable tolls, local taxes, and parking charges.
- Basic first aid kit available for emergency use.
- Visa assistance, including the provision of a Letter of Invitation (LoI) for the Pakistan Tourist Visa.
Exclude
- Domestic and international airfare, airport taxes, and visa application fees.
- Personal travel insurance (mandatory for international participants).
- Visa processing costs and related documentation.
- Beverages not mentioned in the itinerary, including soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
- Personal clothing, gear, and equipment (e.g., jackets, footwear, backpacks).
- Additional hotel nights beyond those specified in the itinerary.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, and souvenirs.
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, porters, and support staff.
- Costs arising from delays, cancellations, or unforeseen events beyond human control.
- Any extra services or items not clearly listed under the “Services Included” section.
Itinerary
After crossing the Khunjerab Pass from China, complete immigration at Sost, the border town of Pakistan. Then drive to the beautiful village of Passu, nestled beneath the iconic Passu Cones. Enjoy the evening with views of glaciers and the serene Karakoram landscape.
Spend the day exploring the charming Gojal Valley. Visit the traditional village of Gulmit, hike to Borith Lake, and, for the adventurous, experience the thrilling walk on the Hussaini suspension bridge. Optionally, enjoy a short trek toward the Passu Glacier. Overnight in Passu.
Depart Passu and drive along the Karakoram Highway, stopping at the stunning Attabad Lake — a brilliant turquoise lake formed by a 2010 landslide. Continue to Karimabad, the historic heart of Hunza Valley, surrounded by majestic peaks like Rakaposhi and Ultar.
Discover Hunza’s rich history and culture by visiting the 700-year-old Baltit Fort and the even older Altit Fort, set amid apricot orchards and stone houses. Stroll through the lively bazaar, meet the warm and hospitable locals, and end the day at Eagle’s Nest, with sunset views over the valley. Overnight in Karimabad.
Depart Karimabad and journey further south to Gilgit, the bustling regional capital. Visit the Gilgit Bazaar, the ancient Kargah Buddha carved into a cliff, and the famous suspension bridge over the Gilgit River. Overnight in Gilgit.
Drive back north along the Karakoram Highway, retracing your steps through Hunza and stopping at Attabad Lake for a break or boat ride. Reach Sost, overnight stay.
After breakfast, drive up to the Khunjerab Pass, where you re-enter China, bringing your Silk Route adventure to a memorable conclusion.