19 DAYS  ITINERARY (Day by Day)

DAY 01:   ARRIVAL ISLAMABAD          

Arrival Islamabad today. A member of the Vertical Explorers staff will meet you at the airport and escort you to the hotel. Today either you can relax or you can enjoy an exploratory walk in the old part of Rawalpindi; wander past the vegetable and spice markets, beautifully carved old houses and trucks, cows pestering the vegetable vendors, catch traditional craftsmen at work in silver and gold bazaars .You will then continue on the main street linking the Twin cities - Murree Road - before arriving at the gleaming new capital, Islamabad. You pass shining new buildings and thousands of park areas - a full 50 percent of the 350 square mile site is set aside for parks. You will then stop at the Shakar Parian to catch a bird's eye view of Islamabad. Our next stop will be Shah Faisal Mosque which is the landmark of Islamabad.

Meals provided: Welcome Dinner
Accommodation: Marriott Hotel, Pearl Continental Hotel, Sunrise Hotel, Civic Hotel, Regency Hotel

DAY 02:   SKARDU OR CHILAS

We rise early to be at the airport in time for our flight to Skardu. If the weather is good, we'll be treated to one of the finest views available in the world of aviation, as we thread our way up the largest congregation of mountains of Karakoram, Hindukush, Himalaya and Indus River gorges, third longest in Asia  and one of the deepest in the world. To our east is K2 (2^nd highest in the world and Nanga Parbat (killer mountain) and countless peaks and glaciers. It is sometime possible to catch a glimpse of K2 in the distant before our dramatic landing at Skardu. On arrival we are met by our local staff with jeeps and make the short transfer to the hotel. SKARDU is the administrative capital of Baltistan and gateway to the high peaks of Northern Pakistan. We have some time to explore the town and enjoy the hustle and bustle in peak season of tourists here. Sightseeing in Skardu and surrounding areas during the day. For those seeking a good overview of Skardu, or a place from which to photograph the sunset, Kharfocho Fort is an ideal spot.If the flight is unable to operate because of bad weather, we will resort to travel by road on Karakoram Highway (KKH) to Chilas. The drive is compensated by the beautiful scenery along the Karakoram highway and Indus gorges. The journey on the Karakoram Highway is most exciting and thrilling. It is a monument to the engineering feast and one of the most spectacular roads and the world’s highest metalled border crossing. It connects Pakistan and China stretching over a distance of 1300km between Islamabad and Kashgar, winding through three mountain ranges and following the ancient Silk route along the Indus Valley to the Chinese border at Khunjerab Pass. We pass through the historical town of Taxila, beautiful hill station of Abbottabad, quake affected lush green towns of Mansehra, Shinkiari and finally meet the great Indus on Thakot Bridge. From there onward the road snails along the bank of the Indus with contrasting landscape after every two kilometers. We pass through Besham, Dassu, Komila and Shatial to arrive at Chilas with many rocks carving and inscriptions along the way left by Chinese pilgrims and ancient travelers of 5^th century A.D. CHILAS was on the ancient caravan trail over the Babusar Pass into India. The drive through the Indus Gorge is guaranteed to knock your socks off! The view after crossing the Rai kot Bridge of Nanga Parbat is without any parallel. Standing at around 1,000 m. you see a mountain which rises to above 8,000 m! This is the largest land escarpment in the world. This is also where the three greatest mountain ranges meet; Himalaya, Hindukush and Karakoram.

Flight: 45 Minutes Drive: 10-12 hrs.

Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Chilas In Hotel/ Mashabrum Hotel, Karakoram Hotel

DAY 03:   SKARDU / CHILAS – SKARDU

This day may be needed to complete the KKH road journey from Chilas to Skardu.

Drive: 10-12 hrs. 

Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Masha Brum Hotel, Explorers Inn

DAY 04:    SKARDU  - SHIGAR CHOUTRON

Today after breakfast drive to the beautiful valley of Shigar vally, which lies at the trail heads of world five top walks. After a small break at Gulab pur  we explore through several small villages to Choutron (hot spring).

Distance: 120 Km Drive: 06-07 hrs

Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Guest House, Home Stay

DAY 05:  CHOUTRON – FREE DAY

Today is a free day to bath in hot spring and explore the local culture. Hiking or rock climbing in the surroundings is optional. 

Drive:

Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Rest House, Home stay 

DAY 06:     CHOUTRON -- SHIGAR

Drive to Shigar , enroute visit Hashopi Farm.This area is full of apricots, apples, grapes,pears, mulberry, cherries and peaches. It is well known for its sixty four varieties of apricots in the world. Visit Shigar Fort, Khanqah Moalla, Amborik mosque, Kaniskar and Sharba, summer pasture of Shigar and an amazing place having spectacular views of Shigar valley.

Distance:80 Km Drive: 03-04 hrs.

Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Rest House, Home stay 

DAY 07   SHIGAR  - SKARDU

Today morning we will drive back to Skardu. Excursion includes tranquil lakes of Kachura, Foq zhou, Upper Kachura. Kharfochou fort and Budha rock are the archeological sites to visit.

Distance:80 Km Drive: 03-04 hrs.

Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Rest House, Home stay 

DAY 08:    SKARDU - GILGIT

Today early morning departure for Gilgit, drive through Indus Gorge. Enroute short breaks at Taloo and Stak streams.

Drive: 06-07 hrs.

Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Jamal Hotel, Park Hotel, Serena Hotel 

DAY 09   GILGIT – PASSU

Leave for Hunza, driving along the Hunza river on the Karakoram Highway which links China with Pakistan. The valleys of Hunza and Nagar are some of the most beautiful valleys in the northern parts of Pakistan. The people of this area are known for their legendary good health, longevity and hospitality. Rakaposhi accessible only by 4 to 5 hrs. Walk from the road, dominates the whole valley. This area is full of apricots, apples, grapes and peaches. After 4 hours drive through this beautiful valley, we will reach Gulmit Village, a lovely remote village of Hunza.

Drive: 05-06 hrs

Meals provided: Breakfast,
Accommodation: Sarai Silk Route, Marcopolo  

DAY 10: PASSU - KHUNJERAB PASS - KARIMABAD

Today’s drive will take us to Khunjerab Pass, situated at a height of 4,733 is fascinating landscape. You will enjoy a short trip up to Khunjerab Pass on Karakoram Highway; it gives some of spectacular sceneries for photographers. Enroute visit Borit lake, Husaini bridge, Passu Glcaier and Gulkin glacier.

Drive: 04-05 hrs

Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hunza View Hotel, Darbar Hotel

DAY 11:   KARIMABAD - DUIKAR

Today we will visit Baltit and altit fort and then have short trek along the water channel of Barbar, which is a source of watering to fields as well as household use. This trek gives marvelous views of Diran Peak and Golden peak and Rakaposhi just making them in front of you.
Today evening our next destination is a heavenly place, Duiker! Nestles at the top of Central Hunza, Duiker is a beautiful place with marvelous views of Hunza and Nagar Valleys. And the sun set and sunrise are the views one can remember forever.
 

Walk: 05-10 hrs

Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation:Hunza View Hotel, Eagle Nest Hotel, Hunza Darbar Hotel 

DAY 12:   HUNZA  – NALTAR - GILGIT

Day trip to Naltar, 3 hours drive, a lush green valley surrounded by Hindukush range, glaciers and pine trees. This place is known for its wild life like Markhor, Ibex and snow Leopards.

Drive: 06-07 hrs

Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Jamal Hotel, Park Hotel, Serena Hotel 

    DAY 13:    GILGIT  - PHUNDAR

Today morning departure for Phander Lake along the Gilgit river with beautiful scenery of Ghizr valley. Besides it scenic beauty, Phander lake is well known for its trout fishing. This is one of the best fishing spots in Pakistan.

Drive: 08-09 hrs

Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: PTDC Motel ,NAPWD Guest House

DAY 14:  PHUNDAR - FREE DAY

Free day for fishing and hiking.

Meals provided:  Breakfast
Accommodation: PTDC Motel ,NAPWD Guest House

    DAY 15:   PHUNDAR – CHITRAL

Today leave for Chitral via  Langar, Barsat, Shandur Pass, world highest polo ground. At Shandur Pass we will take a tea break and then continue our drive through scenic villages of Laspur, Mustuj and Boni towards Chitral.

Drive: 09-10 hrs

Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation:  Hindukush Heights, Tirch Mir View

DAY 16:   CHITRAL  -  KALASH

After breakfast we visit Chitral Fort, standing on the bank of Kunar River beside a 1000 years old Shahi mosque rounded by many chinaar trees. Leave for Kalash valley, drive to village Bamburet. The people inhabiting these valleys are the primitive Pagan Tribes of Pakistan, who are known as Kafir Kalash. They are known for their own ancient culture and religion. Their ancestry is enveloped in mystery and is the subject of controversy. A legend says that five soldiers of the legions of Alexander of Macedonia settled in Chitral and are the progenitors of the Kafir-Kalash.
The Kalash women wear black gowns of coarse cloth in summer and hand-spun wool dyed in black in winter. Their picturesque headgear is made of woolen black material decked out with cowry shells, buttons and crowned with a large colored feather.You can also visit a typical Kalash house to observe their life style and Kalasha Museum in Bumboret.

Drive: 02-03 hrs 

Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Alexandar post, PTDC Motel,

     DAY 17:     KALASH - CHITRAL

Today is reserved for a day hike over to the other village of Kalash Valley, for our lunch we will be having packed light lunch with us with some juices and biscuits. It’s a magnificent short trek into the beautiful Birr.Morning visit to village Birir, and hiking, etc. Afternoon leave for Chitral.

Drive: 02-03 hrs    

Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hindukush Heights, Tirch Mir View

DAY 18:   CHITRAL  - PESHAWAR

Today morning from Chitral Valley a spectacular flights takes us to Peshawar city. After transfer to hotel and a short break we set off to explore this ancient historical city, which homes to the most hospitable hosts of the world, the Pathans! It’s where Alexander the Great came with his Army, where Buddhists flourished their Buddhism and The great Babur marched through historic Khyber Pass to conquer South Asia in 1526 and set up the Moghal Empire in the Indo-Pakistan subcontinent. We will be visiting the Old City, Qissa Khawani Bazaar, Mosque of Mahabat Khan and Peshawar Museum. In case of flight cancellation we recourse to travel by road via spectcular Lowari and Malakand passes to Peshawar.

Flight: 1 hr,  Drive: 12 hrs   

Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Green Hotel, Hotel Grand 

     DAY 19:     PESHAWAR – KHYBER PASS - ISLAMABAD

     Today after our short visit to authorities in Peshawar, we will continue towards the Great Khyber Pass, the prime attraction in this region is the Khyber Pass situated in the Sulaiman Hills which form the western barrier of Pakistan. The hills dip down here, leaving a passage sometimes as broad as 1 ½ kms (1 mile) and sometimes as narrow as 16 metres (42 feet). The Pass begins near Jamrud Fort 18 kms 11 miles) from Peshawar and extends beyond the border of Pakistan at Torkham 58 kms (36 miles) away. After driving back to Peshawar, we will drive towards Islamabad the Capital City of Pakistan. Overnight stay in hotel.

Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: None

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POSSIBLE      EXTENSION

DAY 20:     PESHAWAR - SWAT

Today Leave for Swat valley. Sightseeing and visit to Museum situated between Mingora and Saidu Sharif. It has a rich collection of Gandhara art.

Drive: 05 hrs 

Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Swat Continental, PTDC Motel

     DAY 21:    SWAT – MIANDAM

Morning departure for Miandam. This is an exciting tourist resort of great natural beauty. On the way visit Madian and Bahrain, with beautiful terraced fields, wild flowers, studded slopes and fruit laden trees.

Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Miandam Guest House 

      DAY 22  MIANDAM - KALAM

Leave for Kalam. The last destination of Swat valley, which is ideal for hiking, trekking and trout fishing.

Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Kalam Hotel 

    DAY 23:  KALAM – SAIDU SHARIF

Departure to Saidu Sharif which is a 4 hours drive.                                                

Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: White Palace Hotel 

      DAY 24:     SAIDU SHARIF – ISLAMABAD

Morning departure for Islamabad, en route visit Takht Bhai, Wah Garden and Taxilla.

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