Hunza & Skardu Valley Tour

Day 01:

Arrival – Lahore City Tour

Arrive in Lahore and transfer to your hotel. Begin by exploring Lahore Fort, highlighting the Shish Mahal with its mirror work, and the grand Badshahi Mosque, once the largest mosque in the world. Wander through Lahore’s old city, soaking in its bustling bazaars and Mughal-era atmosphere. In the evening, witness the Wagah Border Ceremony, a stirring display of synchronized drills and national pride. Overnight stay in Lahore.

Day 02:

Lahore Sightseeing

Start with Shalimar Garden, a Mughal masterpiece of tiered terraces and flowing fountains. Visit the impressive tomb of Emperor Jahangir, adorned with marble inlay and vibrant mosaics. Continue to the Lahore Museum, housing Gandharan sculptures, manuscripts, and Islamic calligraphy. Stroll through Faletti’s colonial heritage, experiencing the cultural blend of old and new Lahore. The day balances architectural wonders with history, offering insight into Mughal elegance and Sikh influences. Overnight in Lahore.

Day 03:

Lahore to Islamabad via Rohtas Fort

Depart Lahore for Islamabad, stopping at Rohtas Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 1548 by Sher Shah Suri, the fort’s massive defensive walls and 12 monumental gates reflect strategic brilliance. Known for never being conquered, its architecture merges Turkish, Middle Eastern, and South Asian styles. Explore its bastions and courtyards before continuing to Islamabad. Arrive by evening and relax at your hotel. Overnight stay in Islamabad.

Day 04:

Islamabad City Tour

Begin with Lok Virsa Museum, where folk art, handicrafts, and regional heritage are displayed. Drive to Daman-e-Koh for sweeping views over the city and Faisal Mosque’s gleaming white structure. Visit the peaceful Japanese Garden and Shakarparian Park with its national monuments. Conclude at Rawal Dam, a scenic lake offering a tranquil escape. This day provides a refreshing combination of cultural exploration and nature’s serenity. Overnight in Islamabad.

Day 05:

Islamabad to Naran

Journey north through Abbottabad and Mansehra, pausing in Balakot, the gateway to Kaghan Valley. The scenic drive follows rivers and pine-covered hills as altitude gradually increases. Small villages, alpine landscapes, and terraced fields provide glimpses of mountain life. Arrive in Naran, a bustling summer town surrounded by snowcapped peaks. Evening free to stroll the bazaar or relax by the Kunhar River. Overnight stay in Naran.

Day 06:

Naran to Gilgit via Babusar Pass

Drive along the Kunhar River towards Lulusar Lake, reflecting surrounding peaks in turquoise waters. Continue past Gitidas meadows to Babusar Pass, 4,173 meters above sea level, marking entry into Gilgit-Baltistan. Pause to admire sweeping panoramas before descending into the Indus Valley. En route to Gilgit, stop at Nanga Parbat View Point and the junction of three mountain ranges: Karakoram, Himalaya, and Hindu Kush. Arrive in Gilgit by evening. Overnight stay in Gilgit.

Day 07:

Gilgit to Hunza Karimabad

Tour Gilgit city, visiting its bustling bazaar and experiencing local culture. Drive along the Hunza River, stopping at the Rakaposhi viewpoint for breathtaking mountain vistas. Arrive in Karimabad, Hunza’s historic capital, and explore Baltit Fort, restored with Tibetan-influenced architecture, and Altit Fort, surrounded by apricot orchards. Learn about Hunza’s unique heritage and traditions. Evening free for a leisurely walk or shopping in the local bazaar. Overnight stay in Karimabad.

Day 08:

Excursion to Khunjerab Pass

Embark on a full-day trip to Khunjerab Pass, the world’s highest paved border crossing at 4,734 meters. Drive through Gulmit, Passu, and Sost, with stunning views of Passu Cones. Stop at Attabad Lake, formed by a landslide, its turquoise waters captivating visitors. Walk across the thrilling Hussaini Suspension Bridge before continuing to the Pakistan–China border. Return to Karimabad in the evening, filled with extraordinary mountain memories. Overnight stay in Karimabad.

Day 09:

Hunza to Besham

Depart Karimabad, following the Karakoram Highway along the mighty Indus River. The route is framed by rugged cliffs, barren gorges, and glimpses of fertile valleys. Marvel at the engineering wonder of this highway, connecting remote mountain regions to the plains. Pause for photography and tea breaks along the riverbanks before reaching Besham by evening. This transitional day highlights nature’s grandeur and Pakistan’s historic trade routes. Overnight stay in Besham.

Day 10:

Besham to Peshawar via Swat Valley

Journey through the enchanting Swat Valley, once a center of Buddhism and Gandhara civilization. Visit sites reflecting ancient heritage alongside alpine meadows, orchards, and flowing streams. Known as the “Switzerland of the East,” Swat offers both cultural depth and stunning scenery. Continue driving west to Peshawar, a historic frontier city with vibrant bazaars and diverse traditions. Evening at leisure to rest after the long scenic drive. Overnight stay in Peshawar.

Day 11:

Peshawar City Tour

Discover Peshawar’s rich history, beginning with Mohabbat Khan Mosque, famed for Mughal-era frescoes and elegance. Walk through Kissa Khawani Bazaar, alive with colors, spices, and storytelling traditions. Explore Sethi Houses, 19th-century mansions blending Islamic and Central Asian styles. Learn about the city’s strategic importance as a Silk Road crossroads, shaped by traders and invaders alike. Peshawar’s cultural mosaic reflects centuries of Afghan, Persian, and Mughal influences. Overnight stay in Peshawar.

Day 12:

Peshawar to Takht-i-Bahi and Islamabad

Drive to Takht-i-Bahi, an outstanding UNESCO site showcasing the remains of a Buddhist monastic complex dating to the 1st century CE. Perched on a hill, the ruins reveal courtyards, meditation cells, and stupas with intricate carvings. Learn about Gandharan art and Buddhism’s spread in this region. Continue onward to Islamabad, arriving by evening. Relax at your hotel after a rewarding day of cultural discovery. Overnight stay in Islamabad.

Day 13:

Islamabad to Taxila Excursion

Take a short drive to Taxila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and once a great center of Gandhara civilization. Explore Dharmarajika Stupa, Jaulian Monastery, and the Taxila Museum, home to priceless Buddhist sculptures and artifacts. Discover how this region thrived as a hub of learning and culture under Mauryan and Kushan dynasties. Return to Islamabad for the evening, enjoying a relaxed dinner and overnight stay in the city.

Day 14:

Islamabad to Lahore

Travel from Islamabad back to Lahore, retracing the Grand Trunk Road. Pause en route for rest stops and scenic views of the Punjab countryside, with its lush fields and lively roadside towns. Arrive in Lahore by afternoon, with free time for shopping or revisiting favorite landmarks. Evening at leisure to enjoy Lahore’s renowned cuisine and cultural ambiance. Overnight stay in Lahore.

Day 15:

Departure from Lahore

On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Depending on flight timings, you may take a short stroll or do last-minute shopping for handicrafts and souvenirs. Reflect on the remarkable journey through Pakistan’s Mughal monuments, Buddhist heritage, lush valleys, and majestic mountains. Transfer to Lahore airport for your onward flight, carrying unforgettable memories of culture, history, and nature. End of services.