Start your travel early in the morning at 06:00 am from Islamabad. Drive to Chilas via Babusar pass which is approx. 375 kms. /10-11 hrs drive. On the way you can freshen up and have lunch at Naran. Enroute short stop at Lulusar Lake. Lulusar Lake is at an altitude of 3410 m, and has mirror-like water, reflecting the surrounding snowcapped Lulusar Mountains, making it a natural tourist attraction. From Gittidas east of the lake the Naran-Babusar road goes through the Babusar Pass, which is the highest point in the Kaghan Valley. Pass through Babusar Top. Arrive in Chilas and transfer to the hotel. Chilas was on the ancient caravan trail over the Babusar Pass into India and on the Indus trail of Besham, and travelers in this area left many rock engravings. Chilas is standing under the shadow of world famous Nanga Parbat.
Overnight in Chilas.
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive from Chilas to Skardu (Approx. 274 kms. /6 hrs.). Arrive and transfer to Hotel at Skardu. Rest of the day is at leisure to explore the serenity of the area. Overnight in Skardu.
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Katpana Desert on the way to Shigar, one cannot miss it. Nature unfolds itself with a desert with cold winds surrounded by mountains. The calmness of a desert is at its best. Next in Line is Shigar valley which is 32 kms north of Skardu, a land-scape of gentle, smiling fields dominated by a dreamy wooden village. It is the launch pad for the incredible track to Concordia at the base of K-2. You can also see the Shigar Fort, which has been recently refurbished by Aga Khan Cultural Services Program. In the evening visit the Shangrila Resort (Kachura Lake). Shangri-la resort is named as “Heaven on earth”. This resort has been built around the Kachura Lake; spread over 70 acres, with lush green lawns and fruit laden orchids. The cool breeze coming from Indus side gives you the feeling of truly sitting in heavens. Return back Skardu for overnight stay.
After breakfast at the hotel, drive towards Satpara lake which is about 20 minutes’ drive by jeep. One must not miss a visit to Satpara, a clear water lake surrounded by sky high glacial mountains mirrored in the crystal clear lake. The lake has a fairy tale island easily accessible by boat (optional). There are different huts serving fresh trout caught from the lake and is a must try for those who like to experience the delicacies. Later proceed towards Deosai National Park- the literal personification of Wordsworth’s poetry. It is a high-altitude plain with the word ‘Deosai’ literally translating into ‘The Land of Giants’. The park is spread over approximately 3,000 square kilometres, encompassing a mix of hills, mountains, plains, plateaus, streams, rivers, and lakes. In the evening return back to your hotel in Skardu for overnight stay.
After breakfast drive to Hunza (Approx.300 km/5hrs). Arrive and transfer to Hotel in Karimabad. Karimabad is the delightful old capital of the Hunza Kingdom. From Karimabad, with its souvenir shop, post office and teashop, you can obtain a magnificent view of the valley laid out below you and of the peaks behind. The Aliabad / Karimabad area is sprinkled with wild flowers and blossoming fruit orchards. From May to October the tourist from all around the world comes to when the temperature is moderate with a maximum temperature of approx. 27 degree Centigrade. Overnight at Hunza.
After breakfast, drive towards Passu. Passu Village is between Hunza and Sost, adjacent to Khunjerab Pass from where the border of China is on a distance of a few kilometers. It is the junction of three great mountain ranges of the world, The village looks beautiful with a unique landscape, the highest mountains of the world. Enroute stop at Attabad Lake where you will transfer to Gulmit via boat. Attabad Lake is one such invigorating place where you can enjoy a boat ride. Looking at jaw dropping snow topped mountains and bracing landscapes will turn a simple boat ride into a memorable experience. Later drive towards Khunjerb Pass. Stop at Husseini Bridge & Passu Cones view point. After an adventures day, return back to your hotel in Hunza. Overnight stay in Hunza.
Your day will start a bit early as you have to explore more, visit majestic and historical Altit fort which is center of attraction due to its architectural design and strategic location. Altit is one of the oldest settlements of Hunza valley. Next in line is Ganesh Village – one of the oldest and first settlement on the ancient Silk Road in the Hunza Valley, and is the site of various ancient watch towers, traditional mosques, religious centers, and a reservoir. It is located 90 km and 2.5 hours traveling time from Gilgit. Ganish means gold in Brushaski. The Ali Gohar House in Ganish, is located next to one of the iconic shikari watchtowers of the town. In the afternoon explore the castle of Baltit. This fairytale Baltit Fort, above Karimabad is a landmark of Hunza built about 600 years ago. Stilted on massive legs, its wooden bay windows look out over the valley. Free time for shopping in Karimabad Bazaar. Overnight at Hunza
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Naran via Babusar pass. Naran is situated at the bank of the Kunar River and has an altitude of 2498 m above sea level. At this point the whole valley widens. Naran serves as a base camp for Lake Saif-ul- Maluk, Battakundi, Lalazar plateau, Lake Lalusar and the Babusar Pass. Overnight stay at Naran.
Breakfast at the hotel then proceed for a half day excursion to Lake Saif-ul-Malook situated at a distance of 10 km from Naran at an altitude of 3200 meters above sea level. The lake and its surroundings have a touch of unreal about them and are breathtakingly lovely. The lake offers an inspiring view of Malka Parbat (Queen of Mountains), which is 17,360 feet high. You can either take packed lunch or have it at one of the Khokas serving fresh trout fish. In the afternoon drive towards Islamabad.
End of trip.
