Karakoram Highway Tour

Day 01:

Arrival – Islamabad Sightseeing
Upon arrival at Islamabad airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Today’s sightseeing begins with Lok Virsa Museum, where traditional art, crafts, and music showcase Pakistan’s heritage. From the scenic Daman-e-Koh viewpoint in the Margalla Hills, enjoy sweeping views of the capital. Stroll through the tranquil Japanese Garden and Shakarparian Park before visiting Rawal Dam for a lakeside walk. Overnight Islamabad.

Day 02:

Islamabad – Taxila – Besham
Departing Islamabad, we drive via Haripur, Abbottabad, and Mansehra, enjoying picturesque valleys along the way. A highlight is Taxila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its Gandharan ruins and Buddhist heritage. Continuing along the legendary Karakoram Highway, we follow the mighty Indus River through dramatic gorges and mountain scenery, pausing for a photo stop at Batagram. By evening, we arrive in Besham, where you’ll settle in and relax. Overnight Besham.

Day 03:

Besham – Gilgit
Today’s journey along the Karakoram Highway takes us deep into the mountains. We stop at Nanga Parbat View Point to marvel at the “Killer Mountain,” before witnessing the unique junction of the Karakoram, Himalaya, and Hindu Kush ranges. A striking sight awaits at the confluence of the Gilgit and Indus Rivers. Along the way, ancient rock carvings tell stories of past civilizations. By evening, we reach the vibrant mountain city of Gilgit. Overnight Gilgit.

Day 04:

Gilgit – Hunza Karimabad
Leaving Gilgit, we follow the Hunza River into one of the world’s most stunning valleys. At Rakaposhi viewpoint, admire the snowcapped 7,788-meter peak in all its grandeur. By afternoon, we reach Karimabad, the cultural heart of Hunza. Once a hub on the ancient Silk Route, Karimabad brims with history, warm hospitality, and breathtaking views of surrounding peaks. Relax into the serene rhythm of this enchanting mountain town. Overnight Hunza Karimabad.

Day 05:

Hunza Valley Sightseeing
A full day of exploration begins with the Hoper Glacier, framed by dramatic peaks including Ultar, Spantik, and Diran. Returning to Karimabad, we visit Baltit Fort, a museum showcasing Hunza’s history and traditions, and Altit Fort, a masterpiece of ancient architecture. Surrounded by orchards and backed by majestic mountains, the forts reveal centuries of cultural heritage. As evening falls, soak in the peaceful atmosphere of Karimabad. Overnight Hunza Karimabad.

Day 06:

Karimabad – Khunjerab Pass – Karimabad
Embark on an unforgettable excursion to Khunjerab Pass, the highest point of the Karakoram Highway at 4,734 meters. Along the way, admire Passu’s iconic peaks, Gulmit village, and the turquoise waters of Attabad Lake. Crossing the suspension Hussiani Bridge adds a touch of adventure. At Khunjerab, take in breathtaking alpine landscapes before returning to Karimabad, enriched by the day’s stunning natural and cultural encounters. Overnight Hunza Karimabad.

Day 07:

Karimabad – Besham
Today we retrace our route along the legendary Karakoram Highway, descending through dramatic mountain valleys and gorges. The Indus River accompanies much of the journey, its powerful flow carving through the landscape and sustaining communities along its banks. The combination of towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and rural villages provides a moving glimpse of life in the high mountains. By evening, we reach Besham for a restful night. Overnight Besham.

Day 08:

Besham – Swat Valley – Peshawar
Driving into the lush Swat Valley, often called the “Switzerland of the East,” we discover a region of rich history and captivating beauty. Once a center of the Gandhara civilization, Swat still reveals traces of its Buddhist past amid snowcapped peaks, orchards, and rivers. Passing terraced fields and alpine meadows, we continue towards Peshawar, a city that blends tradition and history. By nightfall, we arrive and settle in. Overnight Peshawar.

Day 09:

Peshawar Sightseeing
Our exploration of Peshawar begins in Qissa Khawani Bazaar, once famed as the “Bazaar of Storytellers.” At the Peshawar Museum, admire Gandharan sculptures and artifacts reflecting the city’s ancient heritage. A stroll through Sethi Street reveals elegant merchant houses and traditional architecture. On the return journey, we visit Takht-i-Bahi Monastery, a UNESCO site of Buddhist antiquity. The day captures Peshawar’s cultural richness and historical depth. Overnight Peshawar.

Day 10:

Islamabad Sightseeing
We return to Islamabad for a day devoted to its cultural and architectural highlights. Visiting the Faisal Mosque, admire its striking modern design set against the Margalla Hills. At the Pakistan Monument, learn about the nation’s story symbolized in its unique petal-shaped structure. Finally, the Lok Virsa Museum offers further insight into Pakistan’s diverse traditions and crafts. A reflective close to our northern journey, tonight we rest in the capital. Overnight Islamabad.