8 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 SEISKO

Today after breakfast drive to the beautiful valley of Shigar vally, which encompasses trail heads of world top five  walks. After a small break at Gulab pur  we explore through several small villages to Choutron (hot spring).Our final destination is a very remote and a typical balti village Seissko Bisil, a vibrant 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: Guest House

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 -EXCURSION

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 historical sites to visit.

Distance:80 Km Drive: 03-04 hrs.

Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Guest House 

DAY 08:    SKARDU - ISLAMABAD / BESHAM

Today early morning departure flight for Islamabad. Early in the morning fly to Islamabad,. With clear skies we will be able to board a plane and be back at our hotel in Islamabad in 45 minutes. If the weather is not so favorable and the flight doesn’t come, then we will have to drive the Karakoram Highway to Rawalpindi through the narrow gorge of the Indus River . The outcome is in the lap of the Gods, so we will be praying that they’re on our side! If we are able to fly down, for those who want to escape the heat of the city a very pleasant excursion is up to the former British hill station at Murree. The faded remnants of the town’s colonial past can be seen in its gable-roofed buildings and small Anglican churchyard. This excursion is not included in the trip price but if several members of the group wish to make this journey a private vehicle and driver can be hired locally for a very modest sum.

Drive: 10-12 hrs.

Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Marriott Hotel, Pearl Continental Hotel, Sunrise Hotel, Civic Hotel, Regency Hotel /Besham Continental, Midway

DAY 09   RAWALPINDI

Upon arrival transfer to your hotel in Rawalpindi. Evening sightseeing. If unable to fly on day 8th. this day will be use to transfer from Skardu to Islamabad by road.

Drive: 10-12 hrs

Meals provided: Breakfast,
Accommodation: None