8- 21 April 2020 (14-days)
Pakistan's Spring Hunza Valley
Rm9380 (per pax for group of 12 pax); Rm9180 (14 pax) RM8930 (16 pax & above)
Update 18 Dec 2019 - Yongo run Pakistan trip several times before @ 2006 and will resume in 2020! :-). We would like to re-promote Pakistan which known one of the beautiful place in the world! Trip costs is based on today's flight fare approximately Rm1900 and will be updated if there is any changes. If fares are higher, group tops up. If lower, overall cost will be lowered. Please register and confirm your seat email rachelheng123@gmail.com
Spring in Pakistan
IMPORTANT NOTICE
This is meant to be a "free and easy" budget trip. Participants should be relatively fit, with a good sense of humour, and above all, have the right attitude for close travel with others through possibly some trying times. Most definitely, this is not a trip for prudes, whiners, fuss-pots, and other similiarly assorted types! Although every effort will be made to stick to the given itinerary, ground conditions may change and case some disruption and/or deviation from the norm. Otherwise, have fun!
Pakistan has much to offer to traveler as evidenced by the comments and observations by our past travelers. The Hunza Valley lays claim to the famed "Shangri-La" with its lofty white peaks and beautiful green valleys. Besides the many wonderful villages visited, we also go up to the Pakistan Chinese border at the top of the famous Karakoram Highway, the highest navigable road in the world.
HUNZA SPRING
Another exicting season in the Hunza Pakistan is the spring: Nature stays longer with its beauty, without any comparison, when this is a blossom in the unbelievable area of God given natural beauty, you can imagine, how it will be the contrast. Blossom season it is cherry, apricot, apple, pears, peaches, and it gives food for the human sole without any interpretation. Among the high snowcapped mountains, beautiful landscape, when there is blossom, there is a paradise and there is people who intend to see these paradise, when there is a folk music in this paradise, it gives you a full of joy and full of entertainment Oh, Yes.Day 1 Islamabad: Meet in KLIA for TG416 KUL to Bangkok 1320/1430hr to connect to TG349 Bangkok to Islamabad 1900/2210hr. Overnight (ON) Islamabad.
Day 2 Islamabad-Peshawar:
Drive to Peshawar 172km after refreshment city tour of Peshawar, which included Dewar Fort, Kissa Khani bazaar, Peshawar Musuem. Overnight Peshawar
Peshawar is the capital of the Pakistani province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and also serves as the administrative center and economic hub for the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. Situated in a broad valley near the eastern end of the historic Khyber Pass, Peshawar's recorded history dates back to at least 539 B.C.E, making it the oldest city in Pakistan and one of the oldest in Sout Asia. Peshawar is the largest city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, and according to the last census is the ninth-largest city of Pakistan.
The city was then conquered by the Kushans, a Central Asian tribe of Tocharian origin. The Kushan King Kanishka the Great, who ruled from AD127, moved the capital from Pushkalavati (present-day Charsadda district, in the Peshawar Valley) to Gandhara (Peshawar City) in the 2nd century AD.
The giant Kanishka stupa at Peshawar, which was one of the tallest buildings in the world at the times, was built by King Kanishka to house Buddist relics just outside the present-day Ganj Gate of the old city of Peshawar. The Kanishka stupa was said to be an imposing structure, as one traveled down from the Hindu Kush Moutains onto the Gandharan plains. The earliest account of the famous building was documented by Faxian, the Chinese Buddhist pilgrim, who was also a monk, who visited the structure in AD 400 and described it as being over 40 chang in height (approximately 120 metres (390 ft) and adorned "with all precious substances". A jeweled casket containing relics of the Gautama Buddha, and an inscription identifying Kanishka as the donor, existed at the ruined base of this giant stupa - the casket was excavated, by a team supervised by Dr D.B Spooner in 1909, from a chamber under the very center of the stupa's base.
Day 3 - Peshawar-Takht-e-Bahi-Besham
Heading to Besham 291km (6-7hours) via Takht-e-Bahi, en route visit well-preserved monastery of Takht-e-Bahi, will cross Shangla Pass. Arrive and transfer to hotel.
The Buddhist Ruins of Takh-i-Bahi and Neighboring City Remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol are one of the most imposing relics of Buddhism in the Gandhara region of Pakistan. The inscribed property is composed of two distinct components both dating from the same era.
The Buddhist Ruins of Takhi-i-Bahi (Throne of Origins) are a monastic complex, founded in the early 1st century A.D., is spectacularly positioned on various hilltops ranging from 36.6 metres to 152.4 metres in height, typical for Buddhist sites. The complexes cover an area of around 33ha.
The Buddhist monastery was in continual use until the 7th century A.D. It is composed of an assemblage of buildings and is the most complete Buddhist monastery in Pakistan. The buildings were constructed of stone in Gandhara patterns (diaper style) using local dressed and semi-dressed stone blocks set in a lime and mud mortar. Today the ruins comprise a main stupa court, votive stupas court, a grou of three stupas, the monastic quadrangle with mediation cells, conference hall, covered stepped passage ways and other secular buildings.
Day 4 - Besham - Karimabad
After breakfast departure for Karimabad 419 km, 9-10 hours on Karakorum highway. En route we stop various view point including famous junction point of three great mountain ranges meet, the Karakorum, Himalaya and Hindukush also at Rakaposhi view pointy. Arrive and transfer to hotel
Karakoram Highway: is the highest smooth international road in the world. This highway is iconic thing in Pakistan and also in word. It’s a 1300 KM long road, which connects the Pakistan and China. It’s also mentioned to as the 8 Wonders of the world, the Wonder Highway is connecting the China’s region name Xinjiang with Pakistan region name Gilgit-Baltistan.
It starts from the Pakistan’s city Hasanabdal which is located in Punjab region Pakistan, and it goes through the huge mountain along way and its ends in Kashgar the city of region Xinjiang, China. In Pakistan Karakoram Highway (KKH) also known as N35
The Karakoram Highway is also called the KKH and it’s also called the Friendship highway, this road on the top of the huge mountain is a big attraction to tourist, it’s famous in all over the world that’s why from all over the world people (tourist) came here to enjoy this adventurous road trip above the clouds.
The great highway was starting to build in 1959, cross through the huge mountains of Karakoram; this 1300 km long road is made by Pakistan’s and China’s government by mutual funds. The world’s most huge mountains series are there in this way Pakistan to china. The Series are HIMALAYA, KARAKORAM AND KO-HINDUKASH.
Another interesting thing is that on that Wonder super highway the huge mountain which is also very famous NANGA PARBAT and RAKAPOSHI can be seen from the Karakoram Highway. NANGA PERBAT is the most dangerous mountain in this world its dangerous more the K-2 Mountain which is located in Pakistan.
Day 5 Hopper- Altit- Baltits Fort-Duiker : Morning drive to Hopper valley 3hrs, visit Barpu and Bualtar glaciers and view of Miar and Sumayar glaciers, after visit Altit and Baltit forts and villages. O/N Duiker.
Hopper Valley is a cluster of villages around a natural bowl at a bend of Bualtar Glacier. Opposite Hopper the white Bualtar is joined by the Barpu Glacier. This is a base camp for treks into the high, glacier-draped peaks called the Hisper Muztagh. Whole population of this valley is Burushaski speakers. Burushaski has always been a mystery for linguists. This valley has many natural resources and natural beauty but ignorance by the government and local politicians contributes to it not being realized for its potential.Baltit fort: One of the high valleys between China and Indian subcontinent. Facing Rakaposhi Peak, one of the highest mountain peaks in the world, Baltit Fort is poised majestically above Karimabad, the present-day capital of Hunza (Baltit was the capital of the old state of Hunza and is now included in the Karimabad settlement area).
Located on the rocky upper level of the Hunza hill and surrounded by Ultar Bar to the east, the Hyderabad Har to the west, Mount Ultar and its subsidiary range to the north, the Fort offers breathtaking views of the magnificent high mountains as well as a bird’s eye view of the villages in the valley. Baltit Fort has great historical, cultural and symbolic value to the local community. Historically, it was the seat of the Mirs of Hunza, a family that ruled the region for centuries. Culturally, with some buildings dating back to 12th century, it is a record of the architectural evolution of the area. The main building is an impressive stone structure with intricately detailed timber features. Its architecture is a significant example of Pakistan’s diverse heritage, reflecting distinct Tibetan influence as seen by the presence of a Tibetan ‘sky-light’ in the roof.
Altit Fort: It has been built on a sheer rock-cliff that falls 300 meters (1000 feet) into the Hunza River and is much older than the Baltit Fort. View of Altit fort, with the central town to the right and below the fort. The extreme gullies, sharp drop-off, and location high above the river made this settlement highly defensible and an older settlement than many in the central valley.
The majestic historical Altit fort is center of attraction due to its architectural design and strategic location. Altit is the birth place of the Hunza Kingdom and Altit fort is the first fort of the region. The fort has been constructed in six different stages by using various natural levels of the rock. The construction has been made right-on the edge of a sheer rock cliff that
drops 1000 feet straight down to the Hunza River.
In the beginning it was built as a palace, soon after the addition of the watch tower a defensive architectural element it transformed to a fort. There is great possibility that different stages of the fort have been constructed during different times because the actual age of the fort is said to be more than 800 years. This fort is said to be around 50-100 years older than Baltit Fort.
Duiker valley called Roof of the world; from the top you have very close scenic view of Lady Finger (6000m) Ultar SAR 7300m, and very nice view of Rakaposhi 7788m, Diran Peak 7200m, Gooden Peak 7027m, and Dastagil SAR.
Day 6 Karimabab/Gulmit : Drive to Passu 1hr, en-route visit Attaabad Lake, arrive and transfer to hotel, after refreshment visit Borith Lake, Gulking village, Gulmit village, Passu Glacier, Passu village, Hussani village and Hussani suspension bridge. O/N Passu
Gulmit used to be the second capital of Hunza kingdom in 960 years. It is one of the most important and center place of the Wakhi inhabitants, which is called Gojal or Upper Hunza. High mountains of 5500m to 7785m, with a unique color of surround Gulmit Brown, green and white, this unique cultural place lies on the Right Bank of Hunza River.
Borith Lake, a large brackish lake that attracts a number of migratory birds in February, June, September and November, from Ghulkin a footpath crosses the grey Ghulkin glacier to Borith Lake, two hours away. It’s a tricky 1.25km across the glacier. Over the years the lake has grown swampy and brackish. Ghulkin villagers have organized themselves to keep hunters from threatening migratory waterfowl, mainly tufted.
Day 7 Excursion to Khunjerab Pass - Karimabad: Full day excursion to Khunjerab Pass 4,733m, en route cross serval small villages, evening drive back to Karimabad for overnight.
Khunjerab Pass elevation (4,733m) is a high mountain pass in the Karakoram Mountains in a strategic position on the northern border of Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region and on the southwest border of the Xinjiang region of China. Its name is derived from Wakhi 'Khun' means Home and 'Jerav' means spring water/water falling. The Khunjerab Pass is the highest paved international border crossing in the world and the highest point on the Karakoram Highway. The road way across the pass was completed in 1982, and has superseded the unpaved Mintaka and Kilik Passes as the primary passage across the Karakoram.
Day 8 - Karimabad - Gupis
Drive to Gupis (210km) 5-6 hrs, en route stop at various view point for photography. (Ghizar District), (6-7 hours) arrive and transfer to hotel.
Ghizar District is northernmost part of the Northern Areas of Pakistan. Its capital is Gakuch. Ghizer is also a contact point between Gilgit District and Chitral District (which are connected via Shandur Pass). Ghizer is a multi-ethnic district and three major languages are spoken. Khowar, Shina and Burushaski are spoken in Ghizer. There are also a few Wakhi speakers in Ishkoman.
This is the land of adventure because it offers a lot of avenues for adventure and fun like: trekking, jeep safari, trophy hunting, water rafting, wind surfing and sightseeing. A large number of tourists come to the District Ghizer each year because all four major valleys are beautiful and easily accessible areas for visitors.
Ghizer has spectacular scenic beauty. The peak tourist season from May to mid-October though the tourist season is round the year. The maximum temperature in May is 32C and minimum 16C in September.
Ghizer is the gateway to Central Asia. District Ghizer is the short way to Tajikistan through BoroghulPamair pass and South West Ghizer meets to Chitral in NFWP. Ghizer District is northernmost part of the Northern Areas of Pakistan. Its capital is Gakuch. Ghizer is also a contact point between Gilgit and Chitral (which are connected via Shandur Pass). Ghizer is a multi-ethnic district and three major languages are spoken. Khowar, Shina and Burushaski are spoken in Ghizer. There are also Wakhi speakers in Ishkoman.
Day 9 Excursion to Phander Valley
Full day excursion to Phander valley, afternoon drive back to Gupis for overnight
Phander valley is one of the most attractive and prominent place of Ghizer District. Phander valley is famous for its most picturesque valley, deep blue lake and River Ghizer that flows through the village. Phander valley is also normally called “Little Kashmir” because of the lush green wide fields, river that flows across the village and breathtaking scenery. Phander valley is almost 61 km away from the valley of Gupis and about 163 km from Gilgit city. The most attractive tourist spot in Phander valley is the magnificent Phander Lake. The deep blue lake at the eastern end of the valley with crystal clear water, greenery, trees and rocky as well as snow-capped mountains offers a marvelous view that makes one adore the nature in its most original form. In short Phander Lake is full of all the colors. The total area of lake is about 3 Km.
The local people of Phander valley are by nature very generous, simple and welcoming. The language spoken by the villagers is Khowar. In Phander Khass, Gulagmauli and Hundarap valleys are also present and are known to be the widest valley of North. Also Phander valley is very much famous for trout fishing along the Gilgit River.
Day 10 Gupis Gilgit (127km, 3hr):
Drive to Chilas (127KM), 3 hrs. afternoon visit Kargha Buddha, suspension bridge, bazar. Transfer to hotel
Gilgit city is situated in the north of Pakistan which is the capital of Gilgit- Baltistan. It is the hometown of beauty, various cultures and numerous languages. Gilgit region has been given many names like Jewel of Pakistan, Asia’s wonderland and Roof of the world, whereas it is considered to be the paradise when it comes to explaining the beauty of this region.Strategically speaking, Gilgit is one of the most important regions of Pakistan as it links Pakistan with China and is only 15 km away from Central Asia. However, despite the efforts of the local government of Gilgit- Baltistan to officially become a part of Pakistan as its 5th province, the Pakistani Government has put in little or no efforts to declare this region Pakistan’s official Province.
Gilgit is a valley town in the region of Gilgit-Baltistan. It covers an area of 72496 sq. km. The population is estimated to be around 180,000 but it is decreasing due to terrorism in the north of Pakistan. The literacy rate is about 48.7% which is the highest rate among other provinces of Pakistan, and this is only due to the work done by Ismailis in the education sector. The Ismailis and Agha Khanis have worked a lot on educational sector in the Gilgit region. The Agha Khan foundation is actively working in the north and especially in the Gilgit for educating the youth and especially women.
Gilgit can be looked at as a mix of various cultures hence providing diverse experience to the tourists. Gilgit is also host of many festivals like Shanduor Mela, Navroz, Jashn-e-Baharan, Babusar Polo Festival and other cultural festivals. Harvest is another festival that is celebrated in Gilgit when crops are fully grown and ready for cutting. This way the locals thank Allah for having a good crop.
There are three types of music that have originated from Gilgit. One is Alghani which is a rhythm. Ajoil and Souse are other types that are played on weddings and especially when Bride and groom departs. Whereas some local dances which are usually performed by men are sword dance, old man dance and cow boy dance.
Borith Lake
Near the top of KKH / Pakistan China Border Stone Marker
Day 11 Gilgit - Besham :
Drive to Besham334km 7-8 hours.Arrive and transfer to hotel
Besham is the largest town and commercial center of the Shangla District in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. Most of the population consists of Pashto-speaking Pashtuns. It is on the Silk Route connecting Pakistan with China
Gilgit River
Day 12 Besham - Islamabad :
Drive to Islamabad 321km 6-7 hours, en route visit Taxila. Taxila, which included Taxila Museum, Jaulian, Mohra, Moradu and Sirkap
Taxila: Most of the archaeological sites of Taxila (600 BC to 500 AD) are located around Taxila museum. For over one thousand-year Taxila remained famous as a center of learning Gandhara art of sculpture, architecture, education and Buddhism in the days of Buddhist glory. There are over 50 archaeological sites scattered in a radius of 30 km around Taxila. In Taxila visit archaeological sites of Jaulian, Mohra Moradu and Sirkap. Later visit.
Taxila museum: A museum comprising various sections with rich archaeological finds of Taxila. It is one of the best and well-maintained site museums of Pakistan.
Taxila is one of the most important archeological sites in the world. It is a city that is very well known for having strong ties and being the centre of Buddhism in the country. Many statues of Buddha depicting the various stages of his life have been excavated and are currently present both at the Taxila museum as well as various stupas in the city however the best of these statues have been taken abroad and are displayed in museums there.
There are 5 small stupas in the city. The first one being the Dharmarajika stupa, which is locate two miles from Taxila museum. Then is the Glen of Giri, which is about three-and-half miles from Dharmarajika stupa, this is atop the highest peak of the range of hills are two stupas and a fortress built in a cleft near a spring of pure, sweet water. Jaulian is another marvelous complex of chapels, stupas and a monastery with assembly hall, store rooms, refectory, kitchen and bathrooms still very well preserved. Two miles west of Jaulian is another well-preserved monastery at Mohra Moradu. In one of the monk’s cells here there was found a stupa with almost all the details intact. At Jandial, a mile-and-a-half from Sirsukh, is an image-less temple in the classic Greek style, with sandstone columns and cornices.
Day 13 Islamabad - Fly Home :
Full day city tour of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, which includes famous Faisal Mosque, Shakar Parian, Pakistan monument, DamenKoh, Lok Versa, Museum, after dinner transfer to Islamabad airport for return flight TG350 @ 2320 to Bangkok arriving next day 0625. O/N Plane
Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan and the ninth largest city in the country. Located within the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), the population of the city has grown from 100,000 in 1951 to 1.43 million as of 2017. The greater Islamabad-Rawalpindi Metropolitan Area is the third largest conurbation in Pakistan with a population of over 3.13 million inhabitants.
Islamabad is a modern city located in the Pothohar Plateau in the northeastern part of the country, within the Islamabad Capital Territory. The region has historically been a part of the crossroads of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Margalla pass acting as the gateway between the two regions. The city was built during the 1960s to replace Karachi as Pakistan’s capital. Islamabad is a well-organized international city divided into several different sectors and zones. It is regarded as the most developed city in Pakistan and is ranked as a Gamma- world city. The city is home to Faisal Mosque, the largest mosque in South Asia and the fourth largest mosque in the world
Day 14 Home : Reached Bangkok @ 0625. Connect flight TG415 @ 0905 back to Kuala Lumpur. Reached home 1215 (21 April 2020)
TERMS AND CONDITIONS