Autumn Tour of Gilgit-Baltistan

Departure from Home country.

Upon arrival in Lahore, our guide will warmly welcome you at the airport and assist with your luggage. During the transfer to your hotel, they’ll provide a brief overview of your itinerary and share insights about Lahore’s rich culture and history, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey.

Explore Lahore’s rich heritage with visits to the Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort, and the historic Shahi Hammam. Wander through the vibrant Walled City and Anarkali Bazaar before discovering artifacts at the Lahore Museum. Conclude with a serene stroll in the Shalimar Gardens, experiencing the city’s timeless beauty.

After breakfast, drive to Islamabad, stopping at the Khewra Salt Mine for a guided tour and the historic Khatas Raj Temples. Arrive in Islamabad by evening for an overnight stay. (Approx. 5–6 hours drive)

After breakfast, transfer to Islamabad International Airport for a scenic 60-minute flight to Gilgit, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Nanga Parbat (8,125m). Upon landing, our buses will take you through picturesque mountain villages to the Rakaposhi Viewpoint. After a brief stop, continue to Hunza, where we’ll explore the historic Altit and Baltit Forts before checking in at the hotel for an overnight stay. (Approx. 1-hour flight and 3-hour drive.)

Start the day with an early drive to Duiker Viewpoint to witness a breathtaking sunrise over Rakaposhi (7,788m), Diran Peak (7,200m), Golden Peak, and the Ultar Group among countless other summits. After breakfast, head to Hopper Village in Nagar Valley to marvel at the vibrant hues of apricot leaves and take a short hike to the stunning Hopper Glacier. Following lunch, return to Karimabad for an overnight stay. (Approx. 2-hour round trip drive.)

In the morning, visit the 800-year-old watchtowers and intricately carved wooden mosques in Ganish Village, along with 4th-century AD rock inscriptions along the ancient Silk Road. Then, drive to Gulmit, a charming village in Upper Hunza. En route, pause at the stunning Attabad Lake and the iconic Hussaini Suspension Bridge. In the afternoon, continue to Borit Lake and enjoy a brief hike to the Gulkin Glacier. Overnight stay at the hotel. (Approx. 3–4 hours drive.)

Enjoy a full-day trip to Khunjerab National Park, driving through picturesque villages beneath towering snow-capped peaks and passing by the majestic Passu and Batura glaciers. Along the way, spot wildlife such as Ibex, Marco Polo sheep, and wild yaks. Stop at the Pak-China border for a walk around the area and take in the views. In the afternoon, return to Gulmit for an overnight stay. (Approx. 6–7 hours drive.)

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive toward Fairy Meadows. En route, we will pause at the confluence of the world’s three highest mountain ranges: the Karakoram, Himalayas, and Hindu Kush. This remarkable junction is also where the Indus and Gilgit Rivers meet. After taking in the breathtaking views, continue the drive to Raikot Bridge (3–4 hours). From Raikot, board a 4×4 jeep for a thrilling 2-hour ride to Tato Village, where we will enjoy lunch.

Following lunch, set off on a 3-hour walk to Fairy Meadows, a lush green expanse surrounded by thick forests, offering unparalleled views of Nanga Parbat—the famed “Killer Mountain.” The area, named Fairy Meadows by German explorers, is a true natural wonder. Upon arrival, settle into your Tibetan-style wooden hut. Enjoy an evening of relaxation in the serene surroundings, followed by dinner and an overnight stay at the huts. (Approx. 5–6 hours of driving and 3 hours of walking.)

Today, enjoy an optional trek to the Nanga Parbat Base Camp (6-7 hours round trip). This hike offers a relatively easy walk, crossing the summer homes of local villagers, before reaching the base camp where you can visit the climbers’ memorial. Alternatively, for a shorter yet equally scenic hike, opt for the Bayal Camp trek (4-5 hours round trip). The trail begins with a gentle 2-hour walk through forested landscapes, crossing several streams. Upon reaching Bayal Camp at 3,500 meters, you can unwind and enjoy the serene meadows or continue a further 30 minutes to reach a breathtaking viewpoint of Nanga Parbat.

We will have lunch during the return journey from Base Camp or Bayal Camp before heading back to Fairy Meadows. Enjoy a restful evening with dinner and an overnight stay in the cozy wooden huts. (Approx. 6-7 hours round trip hike.)

After breakfast, we will begin our trek back to Tato Village, a 2-3 hour journey, where we will board 4×4 jeeps for a 2-hour drive to the Karakoram Highway. Our buses will be waiting there to continue the journey to Gilgit. After approximately 2 hours of scenic driving, we will arrive in Gilgit and check into our hotel.

In the afternoon, we will visit the Kargah Buddha, an important archaeological site located about 8 kilometers outside of Gilgit. The site features a remarkable carved image of a standing Buddha, facing towards the Karghah Nala. This impressive carving, in the style found in Baltistan, is believed to date back to the 7th century.

After exploring the site, we will return to the hotel for an overnight stay. (Approx. 2-3 hours of walking and 4 hours of driving.)

After breakfast, we will depart for Gilgit Airport to board a flight to Islamabad. Upon arrival, we will proceed with a scenic drive to Taxila, an ancient and historically significant archaeological site located in the Punjab province of Pakistan. Situated about 32 km northwest of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Taxila lies adjacent to the famed Grand Trunk Road and offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Indian subcontinent.

In the afternoon, we will return to Islamabad, where we will check in to our hotel for an overnight stay. (Approx. 1-hour flight and 2-hour drive).

After breakfast, we will embark on a comprehensive sightseeing tour of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Our journey begins in Islamabad, a meticulously planned city nestled on the Pothohar Plateau in the northeastern region of Pakistan, within the Islamabad Capital Territory. Historically, it has served as a strategic crossroads between Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with the Margalla Pass acting as a pivotal gateway between the two regions. Established in the 1960s to replace Karachi as the capital, Islamabad is renowned for its urban organization, divided into distinct sectors and zones, and is considered the epitome of modern development in Pakistan. Its status as a Gamma-level global city reflects its international significance.

Our exploration will include a visit to the Faisal Mosque, the fourth-largest mosque in the world, followed by a tour of the Lok Virsa Museum, which offers a captivating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan’s four provinces and highlights the country’s historical interactions with neighboring regions.

In the afternoon, we will proceed to Rawalpindi, a vibrant and dynamic city famous for its bustling streets and colorful bazaars. While Rawalpindi lacks monumental structures, its lively bazaars provide an authentic experience of Pakistan’s cultural vibrancy and offer an immersive insight into everyday life.

To mark the conclusion of our journey, we will enjoy a farewell dinner at Monal Restaurant, perched atop the Margalla Hills, offering panoramic views of Islamabad. This will be a perfect opportunity to reflect on the memories made during our adventure. Overnight stay at the hotel.