Karakorum Highlights Expedition

On arrival in Islamabad, we greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. After time to settle, we head out in the afternoon to explore the capital’s highlights – the Faisal Mosque, the Pakistan Monument and the Heritage Museum – gaining richer insight into the country’s culture and history.

We leave Islamabad and head north into the hills, with views of the lesser Himalayan range unfolding along the valley. At Jaulian Monastery we wander the Buddhist ruins, imagining monastic life amid ancient meditation and living quarters. We continue through the Taxila region to Sirkup, where we stroll the remains of the Kushan–era city and reflect on its trading past. The road then threads through the Kaghan Valley beside the Kunhar River towards Naran. In the evening we explore Naran Bazaar – you can browse the stalls and sample local snacks if you wish – before settling in.

We wind up to Babusar Pass for sweeping views of surrounding Himalayan peaks, then descend a little to the serene Lalusar Lake to enjoy the crisp alpine air. Continuing north along the Karakoram Highway to Raikot Bridge, the valley narrows and cliffs rise above the Indus. From here we switch to jeeps and ascend a narrow, cliff–hugging track to Tato Village, then hike 2–3 hours up to Fairy Meadows – a steady climb with one shorter steep section – rewarded by superb views of Nanga Parbat.

We take a scenic 2–3 hour forest walk to Beyal Camp for striking vistas of Nanga Parbat, then return to Fairy Meadows. Back at the meadows you can unwind, wander at your own pace and capture the tranquil mountain scenery – keep an eye out for wildlife.

We hike down from Fairy Meadows to Tato Village, savouring the changing alpine scenery, then continue through the forested Astore Valley towards Tarashing along narrow, panoramic roads and remote hamlets. On arrival, the remainder of the day is yours – you might chat with locals or simply relax and absorb everyday mountain life.

We depart Tarashing by jeep into the Rupal Valley and follow glacial moraines to our trailhead. From there we hike past small settlements and along the glacier’s edge to Herrligkoffer Base Camp, rewarded with commanding views of Nanga Parbat’s southern face, before returning to Tarashing. Back in the village you have free time to unwind and observe rural Himalayan life.

We make our way across the Deosai Plains, where steep valleys open to vast, high–altitude meadows home to wildlife such as brown bear and markhor, and we pause to absorb the breadth of these mountain grasslands. We stop at Satpara Lake to admire the surrounding peaks, then visit the ancient Manthal Buddha carved into granite, before continuing to Skardu, the Baltistan capital encircled by dramatic summits.

We set out into the Shigar Valley, following riverbanks and mountain scenery to its orchard–dotted settlements. We explore the valley’s heritage, visiting the historic Amborik Mosque and Shigar Fort – a restored heritage site – for insight into regional culture and royal traditions. Later we hike up to Khorpocho Fort above Skardu for panoramic views of the valley.

We leave Skardu for the tranquil Katchura Lakes, skirting the Indus as cliffs tower above. We linger by the water’s edge amid forest and high peaks before continuing along the Karakoram Highway to Gilgit – a stirring route where the road clings to the mountainside. In Gilgit we visit the old British cemetery and the bustling bazaar for a window into local history and daily life.

We head north into the Hunza Valley with soaring peaks framing the way. From Borith Lake we walk to the Passu Glacier viewpoint for superb vistas of ice and spires, then return to the lakeside.

We follow the Hunza River to Karimabad, savouring dramatic mountain views, then continue downstream from Passu to Gulmit along a road edged by rock spires and terraced fields. We pause at the famed Hussaini Suspension Bridge over the Hunza River – you can choose to venture partway across if you wish.

We wander through Karimabad’s water channels, bazaar and neighbourhoods for an authentic sense of daily mountain life. We explore Altit Fort and its historic village to learn about royal lineage and traditional architecture, then visit CIQAM, a women’s initiative championing heritage crafts and sustainable skills. In late afternoon we ascend to Duikar at around 3,000 m for a renowned sunset – from the viewpoint we enjoy sweeping panoramas as the peaks glow gold, ideal if you would like to capture the scene with your camera.

We begin the long southbound run on the Karakoram Highway, stopping at Shatial to examine remarkable rock inscriptions – ancient petroglyphs left by traders, monks and travellers, with hundreds of carvings and over a thousand inscriptions still visible. We then continue, route dependent on conditions – along the Indus Valley or over Babusar Pass – and overnight in Besham or Naran.

We descend from the mountains to the plains and on to Taxila, a historic centre of learning and governance where we explore evocative ruins reflecting Persian, Greek and Gandharan influence. Later we immerse ourselves in the bustle of Raja Bazaar – lively with gold and silver markets – to observe traditional craftsmanship and local trade, before continuing to nearby Rawalpindi to settle into the hotel for the final night.

You have free time before departure to explore Rawalpindi at your own pace or relax at the hotel. We then make our way from Rawalpindi to Islamabad International Airport for your departing flight – your Pakistan journey concludes as you check in for your onward or homeward flight.