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Shangri-la Hunza

Islamabad - Day 1
After clearing Customs & Immigration, you are met at the exit gate by our representative for the transfer to the hotel. Afternoon tour includes the Shakarparian Garden, which gives us a magnificent view of Islamabad before driving past various modern government buildings, graceful with a touch of Islamic design and architecture. Next visit is to one of the world's largest mosque, named after the lake King Faisal of Saudi Arabia, the mosque also houses an Islamic University specializing in Islamic Philosophy and Law.

Islamabad - Taxila - Peshwar- Day 2
Morning brief tour of the old garrison town of Rawalpindi and the new, planned capital of Islamabad. Visit the ancient village of Saidpur, and stop at the Institute of Folk Heritage, a small, neatly decorated ethnological museum displaying numerous costumes and artifacts from all over Pakistan. Afternoon depart for Taxila, once the seat of oriental culture. It is famous for the rare specimens of stucco from the Gandhara period excavated from Sirkap and various Buddhist Stupas & Monasteries. The museum houses various objects and sculptures dating from the 4th century B.C. to the 5th century A.D. The excations are spread out over and area of 8 km. Continue on to Peshawar.

Peshwar - Day 3
This morning we visit the historic Khyber Pass. The Pass has been the silent witness to countless great events in the history of mankind. It has been conquered by the Greeks, ruled by the Buddhists, destroyed by the Huns, rebuilt by the Brahmins and still later invaded by the great Moghuls. It is reputed that the army of Alexander the Great of Macedonia crossed this pass in 327 B.C. Afternoon enjoy a sightseeing tour of Peshawar. The Peshawar Museum houses a rich treasure of art, sculpture and historical relics dating from the Gandhara period (300 BC to 300 AD) to modern times. After a visit to the museum,we journey to Yadgar Square and visit Mahabat Khan Mosque, a beautiful towering structure with lofty minarets. We then be driven through old Peshawar to the popular Qissa Khawani Bazaar (street of story-tellers), the Peshawar Pottery Works, Bater Bazaar (street of partridge lovers) and Mochi Lara, famous for its exquisitely embroidered sandals. Peshawar is a colorful and cosmopolitan city and many different peoples gather here; afghans, Iranis, Uzbeks, Tajeks, Afridis and Shinwaris all add to the excitement.

Peshwar - Swat - Besham- Day 4
Morning depart for the enchanting Swat Valley and tour Saidu Shariff, the capital city. Itís named after the Moslem divinity, Saidu. Here we will visit the Swat Museum which has a rich collection of Gandhara Art obtained from sites in the region, then Mingora, the commercial centre of Swat. We then continue on to cross the spectacular Shangla Pass to Besham.

Besham - Gilgit - Day 5
Driving on the world famous Karakorum Highway with majestic scenery and cultural experiences till we reach the ancient silk route town of Gilgit, the administrative centre of Northern Pakistan.

Gilgit - Hunza - Day 6
Morning tour of Gilgit, visiting a local school, the home of a Gilgiton and the market. We'll also visit the impressive rock carvings of the Buddha near Kargah. It is likely that a trade route linking southern China with the neighbouring countries once ran along this route. Followed by a spectacular drive to Karimabad, Hunza, long renowned as the original Shangri-la. The people here are famous for their longevity and simple, uncomplicated life.

Hunza - Day 7
Morning visit Altit and Baltit forts before continuing on to the northern Hunza Valley. Along the way are fantastic views of Rakaposhi and the other mountain giants. High snowcapped mountains surround the village of Hoper. Hoper offers a fine view of Ultar Peak and Barpu glacier. A leisurely stroll through the tiny picturesque village will give you an opportunity to observe the everyday life of the countryside. Hoper is another popular trekking spot, offering a natural blend of ruggedness and scenic beauty.

Hunza - Skardu - Day 8
This morning depart for the Baltistan valley. Perched at an elevation of 2,286 m, Skardu is set in a landscape of towering mountains, deep gorges, resounding waterfalls and calm, deep lakes. Skardu is the district headquarters of Baltistan with Xinjiang Provice of China to the north, Kashmir to the south, Gilgit to the west and to the east the district of Ladakh in India.

Skardu - Day 9
Our first visit is to the small shops and markets of Skardu Bazaar. The peaceful, deep blue waters of Lake Katchura lie surrounded by high mountains. Teeming with brown trout, near the lakeside, apple and apricot trees blossom during April. The hills overlooking the lake are dotted with tiny huts and adorned with beautiful flowers. There are many mineral springs at Shigar Valley, which are revered by people as curing waters for skin diseases.

Skardu - Islamabad * - Day 10
This morning you are transferred to the airport for another scenic flight back to Islamabad. Afternoon tour includes the Shakarparian Garden, which gives us a magnificent view of Islamabad before driving past various modern government buildings, graceful with a touch of Islamic design and architecture. Next visit is to one of the worldís largest mosque, named after the lake King Faisal of Saudi Arabia, the mosque also houses an Islamic University specializing in Islamic Philosophy and Law.

Islamabad - Day 11
Morning transfer to the airport for the departure flight.

* Flight Skardu/Islamabad is subject to weather and back load. Should the flight not operate, alternative road transfer will be provided

Note: Prices based on 2 people, dble occ; for single room add single supplement.

Package Includes:

• All land transport
• Accomodations, dble occ, first class category in major cities; best available elsewhere
• Local English speaking guide
• Airport transfers
• Entrance fees to museums and sites
  

Package Does Not Include

• Airport departure taxes
• Tips
• Insurance
• Visa Fees
• Any expenses of a personal nature such as phone, laundry, drinks