Pakistan’s Hunza Valley
Luxury Group Travel | 19 Days
- Riveting views and high adventure on a Karakoram Highway road trip through Hunza Valley
- Small towns tucked into steep valleys inhabited by inviting Ismaili people
- Iconic mountain forts, ancient bazaars, and carved wooden mosques
- Threads of Silk Road history woven into each day’s activities
- Hanging bridges, mountain passes, waterfalls, and alpine lakes
Pakistan’s Hunza Valley lies at the intersection of the Hindu Kush, Himalaya, and Karakoram mountain ranges, with the roaring Indus and Gilgit Rivers at their feet. Embark on one of the world’s most thrilling drives up the famed Karakoram Highway and into Pakistan’s remote northern areas, then wend your way down through some of the rawest mountain scenery imaginable.
From relatively modern Islamabad, trace an ancient artery of the Silk Road, traveling on the Karakoram Highway. Climb into the old kingdom of Hunza, which Eric Shipton called “the epitome of mountain grandeur,” pausing to explore the remnants of past empires, soak in splendid views, and meet the region’s welcoming Ismaili people.
Trip Overview
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.The true star of the trip was the Pakistani people. To say that hospitality is a core value would grossly understate how welcoming everyone was to us.
– DIANE D.
1 – 4
After a brief exploration of Islamabad, step onto the modern Silk Road via the Karakoram Highway Trace river valleys and mountain passes through picturesque Naran and tribal Gilgit, marveling at the scenery and becoming acquainted with the region’s fascinating history.
5 – 9
Hunza Valley reveals glaciers, clifftop orchards, and crag-perched castles Ascend to the dizzying heights of the Khunjerab Pass, enjoy mountain lakes by hanging bridge and boat trip, and visit organizations supporting the local people.
10 – 14
Following the Indus River, descend to Khaplu to explore the oldest mosque in Pakistan, take tea on the ramparts of the fort, and tour the restored homes of Hundulli and Banpi Stop in Shigar to see a restored 14th-century mosque.
15 – 16
Picnic on the high plains of Deosai National Park, home to marmots, red foxes, and Himalayan brown bear Pass through more outstanding scenery on the way to Naran.
17 – 19
Returning to Islamabad, take an excursion to UNESCO-listed Taxila for archaeological evidence of trade route influences in the ruins of a Buddhist monastery and Greek city Depart from Islamabad.
Meet Your Trip 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."
Meet Your Trip Leader
Hermann Kreutzmann
Born in Germany, Hermann has dedicated his life to studying South Asia, first visiting Pakistan in 1977 and building Hunza Valley friendships spanning generations. In addition to guiding in Pakistan, India, Nepal, and Bhutan, he has chaired and taught at universities and written more than 25 books on the region.
Dates & Prices
Dates
08/26/23 – 09/13/23 Led by Bill Jones
09/23/23 – 10/11/23 Led by Hermann Kreutzmann
06/08/24 – 06/26/24 Led by Bill Jones
09/01/24 – 09/19/24 Leader TBA
Custom trips offered May-October
Pricing
Group Trip: From $11,850 per person
based on double occupancy
Inclusions
- All accommodations
- Most meals
- All ground transportation and airport transfers
- Sightseeing, events, visits, and entrance fees
- Services of a GeoEx trip leader, local guides, drivers, and other staff
- Some gratuities
- Expertise of GeoEx’s travel specialists
- Services of GeoEx’s in-house air reservations team
- Bottled or filtered water at included meals and while sightseeing
- 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.
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