Hospitality Beyond Borders
The Karakoram Highway Experience
Tour snapshot
Overview
Undertake one of the world’s most legendary road journeys — the Karakoram Highway Experience — a grand expedition through some of the most awe-inspiring mountain landscapes on Earth. Famously known as the KKH, this remarkable engineering feat stretches over 806 kilometers within Pakistan, connecting Abbottabad to the Khunjerab Pass, the world’s highest paved international border at 4,733 meters. Winding along the ancient Silk Route, the highway traverses the towering Himalaya, Karakoram,...
Show MoreHighlights
- Travel the legendary Karakoram Highway, one of the highest paved roads in the world
- Visit the Junction Point of the Himalaya, Karakoram, and Hindukush ranges
- Marvel at Nanga Parbat, Rakaposhi, Diran, Ultar Sar, and Cathedral Peaks
- Explore the culture and heritage of Gilgit, Hunza, and Nagar
- Discover Baltit and Altit Forts, and stroll through traditional villages and markets
- Take in sunrise from Duikar (Eagle’s Nest) and the glacial beauty of Passu & Attabad
- Day excursion to Khunjerab Pass, the world’s highest border crossing
- Optional visit to scenic Naltar Valley
- Explore ancient Buddhist ruins in Taxila, a former center of Gandhara civilization
What's Included
- All accommodation (hotel) on a twin sharing basis during the tour
- Single supplement as per demand or for single female participant
- Airconditioned transport as per the itinerary
- All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) and coffee/green tea/hot water
- Professional tour guide and support staff
- Personal insurance of all support staff.
- Fresh and packed meals as per itinerary
- Basic First Aid Kit
Exclude
- Personal Insurance of foreign participants
- Visa fee
- International flight ticket
- Personal clothing (shoes, trousers, etc.)
- Personal Equipment can be arranged upon request
- Extra hotel stays
- Tips and gratuities to staff
- Miscellaneous expenses
- Anything not mentioned in the “services included section”
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Islamabad International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel for check-in and rest. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy an introductory tour of Islamabad, a city known for its greenery, calm atmosphere, and modern layout. Visit Faisal Mosque, the largest in South Asia, and enjoy panoramic views from Daman-e-Koh overlooking the city. Overnight stay in Islamabad.
After breakfast, begin your long but scenic drive north on the Karakoram Highway (KKH). Pass through Abbottabad, Mansehra, and Besham, tracing the mighty Indus River as it carves through dramatic gorges and rock walls. Enjoy views of terraced fields and rural life along the way. Arrive in Chilas, a small mountain town that serves as a gateway to the Karakoram. Overnight stay in Chilas.
Depart Chilas early, continuing along the KKH. Stop at the famous Junction Point, where the Karakoram, Hindukush, and Himalaya ranges meet. Further north, explore Gilgit, the regional capital known for its bustling bazaar and ethnic diversity. Continue to Hunza Valley, a paradise surrounded by towering peaks like Rakaposhi and Ultar Sar. Arrive in Karimabad and settle into your hotel with stunning valley views. Overnight stay in Hunza.
Begin your day exploring the historic Baltit Fort, perched on a hilltop with commanding views of the valley. Then visit Altit Fort and the restored Altit village, a fine example of traditional Hunza architecture. Walk through apricot orchards, taste local walnut cake, and meet the hospitable Hunzukutz people. Optional shopping in Karimabad bazaar for handicrafts. Overnight stay in Hunza.
Rise early for sunrise views from Duikar (Eagle’s Nest), offering panoramic views of Rakaposhi and Ladyfinger Peak. After breakfast, drive toward Passu, stopping at the stunning Attabad Lake, created by a landslide in 2010. Visit Gulmit village, explore the Hussaini Suspension Bridge, and marvel at the Passu Cones and Passu Glacier. Overnight stay near Attabad Lake or Passu.
Today, drive north to the Khunjerab Pass (4,733 m), the world’s highest paved international border. En route, watch for marmots, ibex, and yak herds. The views at the pass are majestic, with rolling plateaus and snowcapped peaks stretching into China’s Xinjiang. After soaking in the high-altitude beauty, return to your hotel. Overnight stay in Passu or Attabad.
After breakfast, drive back toward Gilgit, detouring into the verdant Naltar Valley, known for its pine forests, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes. A jeep ride is required to access the lakes, offering opportunities for short walks and photography. After visiting Naltar, continue to Gilgit. Check into your hotel and relax. Overnight stay in Gilgit.
Depart Gilgit and begin the return journey south along the Karakoram Highway. Enjoy views of deep gorges, rocky cliffs, and remote mountain villages. Stop for rest and meals at scenic viewpoints along the Indus River. Arrive in Besham, a lively riverside town that connects the north to Pakistan’s plains. Overnight stay in Besham.
After breakfast, continue the drive back to Islamabad, with a major cultural stop at Taxila, one of South Asia’s most significant archaeological sites. Explore the Taxila Museum, Dharmarajika Stupa, and ancient university ruins from the Gandhara Buddhist civilization. Afterward, proceed to Islamabad. Overnight stay in Islamabad.
Enjoy a leisurely day exploring Islamabad. Visit the Lok Virsa Heritage Museum, stroll through Saidpur Village, and enjoy lunch with a view. Optional visit to Rawalpindi’s Raja Bazaar for local color. In the evening, transfer to the airport for your international departure. End of services.