Description: Embarking on a journey from Islamabad to Gilgit, Hunza, and Skardu, you feel a sense of anticipation as you drive along the Karakoram Highway, venturing into the heart of Pakistan’s northern wonders. The transition from the bustling city to the rugged majesty of the mountains is nothing short of mesmerizing. Your overland expedition begins in Islamabad, tracing the legendary Karakoram Highway—a marvel of engineering that winds through some of the most formidable terrain on Earth. Each turn reveals a new vista, each bend in the road offers a fresh perspective on nature’s grandeur. The sight of towering peaks, their icy summits piercing the cerulean sky, leaves you spellbound. Among these giants stands Nanga Parbat, its sheer walls rising to a dizzying height of 8,125 meters—a testament to the raw power of nature. Its presence looms large as you continue your journey, a constant reminder of the scale and magnificence of the Karakoram Range.
But it’s not just Nanga Parbat that captures your imagination. As you venture further along the Karakoram Highway, you find yourself surrounded by a convergence of mountain ranges—the Karakoram, the Himalayas, and the Hindukush—each distinct yet interconnected, shaping the landscape in its own unique way. Finally, you arrive at Khunjerab Pass, the pinnacle of your expedition both literally and figuratively. At 4,733 meters above sea level, you stand at the border of Pakistan and China, at the meeting point of the Pamir and Karakoram ranges. The air is thin, the sky a vivid shade of blue, and the sense of accomplishment is palpable. Here, amidst this natural amphitheater of peaks and valleys, you can’t help but feel a profound reverence for the forces that have shaped this land over millennia. As you take in the breathtaking panorama before you, you realize that this journey is not just about the destination, but about the awe-inspiring experience of traversing one of the world’s most extraordinary landscapes.
This trip is being organized in the spring to allow participants to experience the magical atmosphere that permeates the valleys when the apricot and almond blossoms bloom and the drab winter months are replaced by lush green fields and fresh fruit. After driving through the entire Hunza valley up to the Chinese border, our journey will continue to Baltistan driving along the spectacular winding mountainous road along the Indus until you arrive at the capital, Skardu. Here you will meet a different ethno-linguistic group which have their own language Balti. You might notice some Tibetan influence in local cultures but the population is Shia. Baltistan is the home of several giant 8,000 meter peaks – K2, the second highest in the world, as well as several others. You will visit several villages and places of natural beauty before taking the flight back to Islamabad.
About the Tour Operator: Adventure Center Pakistan (ACP) is one of the longest serving adventure travel agencies operating in Gilgit-Baltistan. Owned and staffed entirely by locals from the Hunza Valley who speak fluent english, you will experience their unique and joyful way of life in the remotest region of Pakistan. The well developed road and hotel infrastructure renders this trip safe for people of all abilities, as long as you are able to adapt to the higher altitudes of the mountain villages.
Trip Cost: The cost of this two-week adventure will vary from US$2,125 – 2,190 per person depending on the group size (on twin sharing, full board basis). The single supplement for those preferring single occupancy is US$785.
Visas. Tourists to Pakistan can obtain an e-Visa by submitting an application online along with supporting documents that will be provided by ACP upon confirmation and payment of your trip.
The trip will begin and end in Islamabad. To access the full program description click here.
Tour Operator: Adventure Center Pakistan
1818 Trip Coordinator: Anis Dani (adani@1818alumniwbg.org )
