Pakistan’s Hunza Valley

Group | 19 Days | Moderate Touring

A rare opportunity to explore Pakistan’s peaceful northeastern corner
Discover villages, bazaars, and carved wooden mosques of the famed Silk Road
Cross from China into Pakistan along the legendary Karakoram Highway
Engage with Ismaili culture’s hospitality and way of life
Roam the Hindu Kush, the Himalaya, and the Karakoram ranges

Rare is the traveler who knows the allure of Pakistan, a deeply fascinating country with tremendous Silk Road history and sensational natural beauty—particularly in the Hunza Valley. We’ve crafted this one-of-a-kind journey to reveal its multitudinous charms, exploring Pakistan’s northeastern corner along with the westernmost edge of China. From the desert to the snowy Pamirs, we delve into peaceful hidden corners of the old kingdom of Hunza (called “the epitome of mountain grandeur” by Eric Shipton), meet amiable locals, witness polo matches, and drink in galactic Karakoram peaks.

ITINERARY

See Larger Map

One of the best trips EVER.

– Creig H.

Be ready to challenge your preconceived ideas about Pakistan! I am proud to say that Pakistan is now a part of me.

– Eric c.

Day

1–4

Step onto the modern Silk Road in Kashgar, China, a historical junction with a dynamic bazaar The Karakoram Highway leads us across the top of the world into Pakistan, recalling tales of the Great Game.

Day

5–9

Pakistan’s Hunza Valley avails extraordinary vistas: glaciers, clifftop orchards, and crag-perched castles We boat on Lake Attabad, explore Karimabad architecture, see carpet making and the ancient tribal town of Gilgit.

Day

10–14

Cultural explorations continue at a restored, strategic Khaplu village and in Shigar, where we examine a 14th-century mosque built by Kashmiri craftsmen and spend an afternoon watching polo.

Day

15–17

We cross the stunning Deosai Plateau, refuge for Himalayan brown bears Overnight among evergreen forests before continuing through Astor Valley, stopping to view Nanaga Parbat and Buddhist rock inscriptions.

Day

18–19

Get to know Islamabad, Pakistan's pulsing capital city, and the region's cultural heritage Depart for home.

Meet Your Leader: Bill Jones

British-Born Raconteur-Explorer

Bill Jones has led tours in more than 180 countries over the past 40 years. He was one of the first Westerners to travel the Karakoram Highway from Pakistan to Kashgar. Alicia M. writes, "Bill was everything a trip leader should be: he is very knowledgeable, experienced, caring, informative, fun, and more."

Dates & Prices

Dates

8/31/19 – 9/18/19 – Guaranteed*

6/20/20 – 7/8/20

8/29/20 – 9/16/20

*Guaranteed departures will not be cancelled due to low enrollment; you can sign up and be confident that your plans will not change.

Pricing

2019 Group Trips: From $9225 per person

Single Supplement: $1025

2020 Group Trips: From $10,775 per person

Single Supplement: $1225

Inclusions:

Expertise of GeoEx’s travel specialists
Services of GeoEx’s in-house air reservations team
All accommodations
All ground transportation and airport transfers
Sightseeing, events, visits, and entrance fees
Most meals
Bottled water at included meals and while sightseeing
Services of a GeoEx trip leader, local guides, drivers, and other staff
Some gratuities
Emergency evacuation services and secondary medical expense insurance

A Journey Built Just For You

Take customization to the next level on a journey fully tailored to you. GeoEx's destination specialists will gladly tailor this existing itinerary—or build one completely from scratch—to suit your style, interests, and time frame. Contact us to see what's possible.