Similar Tours | Kashgar to Kashmir | Crooked Compass

Kashgar to Kashmir
Similar Tours

[{"title":"Day 1 - Arrival in Kashgar","name":"Kashgar Prefecture","description":"Welcome to China! Upon arrival in Kashgar, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Kashgar is an important trading town in the far west of China, close to the borders with Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan. It has been the epicentre of regional trade and cultural exchange for more than two millennia. The remoteness has helped to preserve the unique character of the city. Explore the streets of the old city centre, which is unfortunately becoming smaller and smaller with the development of new housing. This small section of the ‘real’ Old Town is unlikely to survive for much longer. Despite these changes, the spirit of Kashgar lives on. Uighur craftsmen and artisans still hammer and chisel away as they have done for centuries, traders haggle over deals in the boisterous bazaars and donkey carts still trundle their way through the narrow alleyways. Enjoy dinner tonight at a local restaurant. Meals Dinner Accommodation 2 nights Kashgar Qiniwak Hotel or similar Services Airport transfers Travel time and distances Airport to Kashgar – Approx 30 minutes Note: For those who wish to arrive a day early, we recommend a day trip out to Shipton’s Arch (2.5 hours each way). ","lat":"39.47042","lng":"75.98976"},{"title":"Day 2 - Kashgar","name":"Kashgar Prefecture","description":"Kashgar Bazaar This morning you will have the opportunity to visit the local Bazaar (the animal bazaar is only open on Sundays), the Id Kah Mosque, and the Abakh Khoja Tomb. Kashgar’s bazaar is famous all over China, as many nomads of the region venture here to sell their animals and buy the necessities of daily life. Id Kah Mosque Built in 1442, Id Kah Mosque is the largest Mosque in China. Located in the centre of Kashgar, the complex now occupies nearly 17,000 square metres, surrounded by handicraft streets. Abakh Khoja Tomb Visit Abakh Khoja Tomb of Xiangfei, a Uygur woman who was married as a concubine to one of the emperors of the Qing Dynasty. After she died her body was transferred back to Kashgar and buried in the family tomb, built in 1640 with a very deep affection for Islamic architecture. Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation Kashgar Qinwak Hotel or similar Services Private vehicle and English-speaking guide Sightseeing: Kashgar Bazaar, Id Kah Mosque, Abakh Khoja Tomb Travel time and distances Local exploration (short drives around Kashgar) ","lat":"39.47042","lng":"75.98976"},{"title":"Day 3 - Kashgar - Karakuli Lake - Taxkorgan","name":"Karakul Lake","description":"Karakuli Lake Today you will transfer approx. 200km to Karakuli Lake, the highest alpine lake in the world. Karakul means ‘black lake,’ in reference to the dark colour reflected on the lake’s surface when the sun is hidden by clouds. At an altitude of 3,600m, it is the highest lake of the Pamir Plateau, near the junction of the Pamir, Tianshan, and Kunlun Mountain ranges. The lake has two basins separated by a peninsula in the south and an island in the north. The three highest peaks visible from the lake are the Muztagh Ata (7,546m), Kongur Tagh (7,649m), and Kongur Tiube (7,530m), which remain snow-capped throughout the year. Baisha Lake On the way, we will stop at Baisha Lake, also known as White Sand Lake. This lake is named for its white, sandy shores. It’s a quiet retreat known for its scenic beauty and nature. Tashkurgan (Taxkorgan) After lunch, drive to Tashkurgan, meaning ‘Stone Fortress’ or ‘Stone Tower’ in the Turkic language. The official spelling of the town is Taxkorgan. The stone city is located in the northeast of Taxkorgan, a significant castle ruin on the ancient Silk Road. The old fortress was built on a precipitous hillock. Outside the castle are broken city walls, built with huge rocks stretching for 1,300m around the city. The walls once stood 6m high and between 1-3m wide, and the remains of the four watchtowers are now crumbled on the earth. On the southeast of the city, discover the ruins of a temple where pottery, Tang coins, and silk weavings have been excavated. Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation Overnight Qian Hai International Hotel or similar Services Private Vehicle and English-Speaking Guide Sightseeing: Karakuli Lake, Tashkurgan (Stone Fortress) Travel time and distances Kashgar to Karakuli Lake(200km) approx. 4hr 40min Karakuli Lake to Tashkurgan (100km) approx. 1hr 40 min ","lat":"39.041615","lng":"73.34729"},{"title":"Day 3 - Kashgar - Karakuli Lake - Taxkorgan","name":"Tashkurgan","description":"Karakuli Lake Today you will transfer approx. 200km to Karakuli Lake, the highest alpine lake in the world. Karakul means ‘black lake,’ in reference to the dark colour reflected on the lake’s surface when the sun is hidden by clouds. At an altitude of 3,600m, it is the highest lake of the Pamir Plateau, near the junction of the Pamir, Tianshan, and Kunlun Mountain ranges. The lake has two basins separated by a peninsula in the south and an island in the north. The three highest peaks visible from the lake are the Muztagh Ata (7,546m), Kongur Tagh (7,649m), and Kongur Tiube (7,530m), which remain snow-capped throughout the year. Baisha Lake On the way, we will stop at Baisha Lake, also known as White Sand Lake. This lake is named for its white, sandy shores. It’s a quiet retreat known for its scenic beauty and nature. Tashkurgan (Taxkorgan) After lunch, drive to Tashkurgan, meaning ‘Stone Fortress’ or ‘Stone Tower’ in the Turkic language. The official spelling of the town is Taxkorgan. The stone city is located in the northeast of Taxkorgan, a significant castle ruin on the ancient Silk Road. The old fortress was built on a precipitous hillock. Outside the castle are broken city walls, built with huge rocks stretching for 1,300m around the city. The walls once stood 6m high and between 1-3m wide, and the remains of the four watchtowers are now crumbled on the earth. On the southeast of the city, discover the ruins of a temple where pottery, Tang coins, and silk weavings have been excavated. Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation Overnight Qian Hai International Hotel or similar Services Private Vehicle and English-Speaking Guide Sightseeing: Karakuli Lake, Tashkurgan (Stone Fortress) Travel time and distances Kashgar to Karakuli Lake(200km) approx. 4hr 40min Karakuli Lake to Tashkurgan (100km) approx. 1hr 40 min ","lat":"37.77682","lng":"75.2297"},{"title":"Day 3 - Kashgar - Karakuli Lake - Taxkorgan","name":"Kashgar Prefecture","description":"Karakuli Lake Today you will transfer approx. 200km to Karakuli Lake, the highest alpine lake in the world. Karakul means ‘black lake,’ in reference to the dark colour reflected on the lake’s surface when the sun is hidden by clouds. At an altitude of 3,600m, it is the highest lake of the Pamir Plateau, near the junction of the Pamir, Tianshan, and Kunlun Mountain ranges. The lake has two basins separated by a peninsula in the south and an island in the north. The three highest peaks visible from the lake are the Muztagh Ata (7,546m), Kongur Tagh (7,649m), and Kongur Tiube (7,530m), which remain snow-capped throughout the year. Baisha Lake On the way, we will stop at Baisha Lake, also known as White Sand Lake. This lake is named for its white, sandy shores. It’s a quiet retreat known for its scenic beauty and nature. Tashkurgan (Taxkorgan) After lunch, drive to Tashkurgan, meaning ‘Stone Fortress’ or ‘Stone Tower’ in the Turkic language. The official spelling of the town is Taxkorgan. The stone city is located in the northeast of Taxkorgan, a significant castle ruin on the ancient Silk Road. The old fortress was built on a precipitous hillock. Outside the castle are broken city walls, built with huge rocks stretching for 1,300m around the city. The walls once stood 6m high and between 1-3m wide, and the remains of the four watchtowers are now crumbled on the earth. On the southeast of the city, discover the ruins of a temple where pottery, Tang coins, and silk weavings have been excavated. Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation Overnight Qian Hai International Hotel or similar Services Private Vehicle and English-Speaking Guide Sightseeing: Karakuli Lake, Tashkurgan (Stone Fortress) Travel time and distances Kashgar to Karakuli Lake(200km) approx. 4hr 40min Karakuli Lake to Tashkurgan (100km) approx. 1hr 40 min ","lat":"39.47042","lng":"75.98976"},{"title":"Day 4 - Taxkorgan - Sost - Passu","name":"Passu","description":"Depart China: Taxkorgan to Sost Today, transfer to the border of Taxkorgan where you will farewell China and travel via public bus to Sost, Pakistan. (Driving time about 7-8 hours.) Arrive Pakistan: Sost to Passu On arrival in Pakistan, you will be met and transferred to Passu, with several photo stops en route. One of the oldest settlements in Hunza-Gojal, Passu is said to suffer a kind of geographical curse preventing it from growing into a town. At one time, Passu had extensive orchards, a polo field, and nearly five times its present population. But as glaciers periodically dammed the Shimshal River, which then broke, causing floods that gradually tore away Passu’s riverfront land. A mudslide in 1974 at Shishkut Nala created a lake that submerged parts of the village and choked the valley with sand and gravel. The region today is still beautiful offering spectacular, breathtaking scenery. Meals Breakfast Accommodation2 nights Local hotel in Passu (Danatum/Sara Silk Route ) or similar Services Private vehicle and English-Speaking Guide Public Bus Transfer to Sost, Pakistan Note: There will be no guide for border crossing (via public bus). Your guide and driver will meet you in Sost and then again in Passu. Travel time and distances: Taxkorgan to Sost (200 km, 7-8 hours) Sost to Passu (36km) 35 min Note: On arrival into Pakistan, in the high mountainous areas, if you need to change money, the Pakistanis will only accept USD, and the notes need to be $50 or $100. The $100 must be brand new USD notes with the silver metallic stripe or they will not be accepted. For notes smaller than $50, these can still be used, however the exchange rate will not be favourable. ","lat":"36.460384","lng":"74.894569"},{"title":"Day 4 - Taxkorgan - Sost - Passu","name":"Sost","description":"Depart China: Taxkorgan to Sost Today, transfer to the border of Taxkorgan where you will farewell China and travel via public bus to Sost, Pakistan. (Driving time about 7-8 hours.) Arrive Pakistan: Sost to Passu On arrival in Pakistan, you will be met and transferred to Passu, with several photo stops en route. One of the oldest settlements in Hunza-Gojal, Passu is said to suffer a kind of geographical curse preventing it from growing into a town. At one time, Passu had extensive orchards, a polo field, and nearly five times its present population. But as glaciers periodically dammed the Shimshal River, which then broke, causing floods that gradually tore away Passu’s riverfront land. A mudslide in 1974 at Shishkut Nala created a lake that submerged parts of the village and choked the valley with sand and gravel. The region today is still beautiful offering spectacular, breathtaking scenery. Meals Breakfast Accommodation2 nights Local hotel in Passu (Danatum/Sara Silk Route ) or similar Services Private vehicle and English-Speaking Guide Public Bus Transfer to Sost, Pakistan Note: There will be no guide for border crossing (via public bus). Your guide and driver will meet you in Sost and then again in Passu. Travel time and distances: Taxkorgan to Sost (200 km, 7-8 hours) Sost to Passu (36km) 35 min Note: On arrival into Pakistan, in the high mountainous areas, if you need to change money, the Pakistanis will only accept USD, and the notes need to be $50 or $100. The $100 must be brand new USD notes with the silver metallic stripe or they will not be accepted. For notes smaller than $50, these can still be used, however the exchange rate will not be favourable. ","lat":"36.657204","lng":"74.844865"},{"title":"Day 4 - Taxkorgan - Sost - Passu","name":"Tashkurgan","description":"Depart China: Taxkorgan to Sost Today, transfer to the border of Taxkorgan where you will farewell China and travel via public bus to Sost, Pakistan. (Driving time about 7-8 hours.) Arrive Pakistan: Sost to Passu On arrival in Pakistan, you will be met and transferred to Passu, with several photo stops en route. One of the oldest settlements in Hunza-Gojal, Passu is said to suffer a kind of geographical curse preventing it from growing into a town. At one time, Passu had extensive orchards, a polo field, and nearly five times its present population. But as glaciers periodically dammed the Shimshal River, which then broke, causing floods that gradually tore away Passu’s riverfront land. A mudslide in 1974 at Shishkut Nala created a lake that submerged parts of the village and choked the valley with sand and gravel. The region today is still beautiful offering spectacular, breathtaking scenery. Meals Breakfast Accommodation2 nights Local hotel in Passu (Danatum/Sara Silk Route ) or similar Services Private vehicle and English-Speaking Guide Public Bus Transfer to Sost, Pakistan Note: There will be no guide for border crossing (via public bus). Your guide and driver will meet you in Sost and then again in Passu. Travel time and distances: Taxkorgan to Sost (200 km, 7-8 hours) Sost to Passu (36km) 35 min Note: On arrival into Pakistan, in the high mountainous areas, if you need to change money, the Pakistanis will only accept USD, and the notes need to be $50 or $100. The $100 must be brand new USD notes with the silver metallic stripe or they will not be accepted. For notes smaller than $50, these can still be used, however the exchange rate will not be favourable. ","lat":"37.77682","lng":"75.2297"},{"title":"Day 5 - Passu","name":"Passu","description":"Passu at Leisure Today is yours at leisure to explore the quaint village of Passu and the surrounding region rich with stunning hiking trails. We would suggest a visit to the Passu Glacier, also known as Glacier Breeze. Upon arrival at the Glacier Breeze, you will see stairs stretching uphill that will lead you to the Glacier Breeze Restaurant, famed for serving delicious apricot cakes. It is also a great spot to see the Passu Cones, and the cool breeze from the water of the Passu Glacier is definitely refreshing. If you really want to get your adrenaline rushing, we also suggest that you head to the rope bridge near the town of Husseini, only 10 km away. The local people of Hussaini village, especially the women, often use this dangerous bridge to cross the river to Zarabad, which in itself is another gem for trekking lovers. Known as the most perilous bridge in the world, the Hussaini Suspension Bridge may look dangerous; however, it is a comparatively benign bridge and attracts hikers challenging their nerves as they prudently work their way across. Meals Breakfast AccommodationLocal hotel in Passu (Danatum/Sara Silk Route ) or similar Services Private Vehicle, English-speaking guide (will be available to group if enough people want to do an activity) otherwise own transport Optional sightseeing: hiking, Hussaini suspension bridge, Hike to Glacier or Passu Cones ","lat":"36.460384","lng":"74.894569"},{"title":"Day 6 - Passu to Hunza","name":"Passu","description":"Passu to Hunza Following breakfast, continue your journey toward the Hunza Valley, crossing the newly formed Attabad Lake. This 30 km long lake was only formed in 2010 after a massive landslide dammed the Hunza River completely; its fresh, crystal clear water is mesmerizing. From here, continue onto the Hunza Valley. Often referred to as heaven on earth, this jaw-dropping region is enveloped in the grand Himalayas and the Karakoram Mountain ranges. Meals Breakfast Accommodation Overnight at Eagles Nest or similar Services Private Vehicle and English-Speaking Guide Sightseeing: Attabad Lake, Hunza Valley Travel Time and Distances Travel time from Passu to Hunza: Approx. 2 hours (40 km) Note: This hotel is very basic which is more than made up for by the view. ","lat":"36.460384","lng":"74.894569"},{"title":"Day 6 - Passu to Hunza","name":"Hunza Valley","description":"Passu to Hunza Following breakfast, continue your journey toward the Hunza Valley, crossing the newly formed Attabad Lake. This 30 km long lake was only formed in 2010 after a massive landslide dammed the Hunza River completely; its fresh, crystal clear water is mesmerizing. From here, continue onto the Hunza Valley. Often referred to as heaven on earth, this jaw-dropping region is enveloped in the grand Himalayas and the Karakoram Mountain ranges. Meals Breakfast Accommodation Overnight at Eagles Nest or similar Services Private Vehicle and English-Speaking Guide Sightseeing: Attabad Lake, Hunza Valley Travel Time and Distances Travel time from Passu to Hunza: Approx. 2 hours (40 km) Note: This hotel is very basic which is more than made up for by the view. ","lat":"36.316666","lng":"74.649986"},{"title":"Day 7 & 8 - Hunza Valley","name":"Hunza Valley","description":"Hunza Valley You have two full days in Hunza, with opportunities to explore local life in the valley. You can visit the ancient forts of Baltit and Altit, the traditional residences of the Mirs of Hunza. This can be followed by a walk on the high irrigation channels cut into the rock, offering tremendous views and an insight into how the people of Hunza created their Shangri-La. Ganish Village You may also visit Ganish, one of the oldest villages in Hunza and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ganish is over 1,000 years old, and it’s known for its well-preserved ancient houses, watchtowers, and mosques. The village is an incredible window into Hunza’s past, offering a close-up look at the cultural heritage and architecture of the region’s early settlers. A walk through its narrow alleyways lined with intricately carved wooden structures provides an authentic sense of the area’s history and traditions. Meals Breakfast Accommodation Darbar Hotel/Offto Resort or similar Services Private Vehicle and English-Speaking Guide Sightseeing: Hunza Valley, Baltit and Altit forts, high irrigation, Ganish Travel time and distances Trekking: Easy, 2-3hrs in duration Hunza Valley to Ganish Village: 32 min (14 km) ","lat":"36.316666","lng":"74.649986"},{"title":"Day 10 - Hoper to Fairy Meadows ","name":"Hunza Valley","description":"Transfer to Gilgit The drive to Gilgit can be done in two hours, but with such spectacular scenery, there will be plenty of stops along the way, including the viewpoint at the bottom of Rakaposhi, which sees the mountain hanging 6000 metres above the road. The road from Gilgit to Fairy Meadows will take you through the point where the three great mountain ranges of Karakoram, the Hindu Kush, and the Himalayas meet. Cutting deep through the valleys, the Karakoram Highway crosses the Raikot Bridge, and from there, it is a hair-raising one-hour jeep drive and a two-hour trek to Fairy Meadows – one of the most beautiful places in northern Pakistan. Fairy Meadows At 3300m, Fairy Meadows offers a breathtaking view of Majestic Nanga Parbat (The Killer Mountain). These lush, green meadows and forests lie at the base of Nanga Parbat, at the western edge of the Himalayan range in Pakistan. Named in 1953 by Austrian climber Hermann Buhl due to its mesmerising beauty, many have called this region ‘Heaven on Earth’. Meals Breakfast Accommodation Overnight Wooden log huts (Raikot Sarai) or similar Services Private Vehicle, English-Speaking Guide Sightseeing: Viewpoint at Rakaposhi, Raikot Bridge, Fairy Meadows Fairy Meadows Trekking Travel time and distances Hunza to Gilgit Approx. 2 hours (from Hunza to Gilgit), followed by a one-hour jeep drive and a two-hour trek to Fairy Meadows Trekking: Moderate to tough. 2 hours uphill at altitude. Single file. Some sections are along the edge, which may be difficult if you experience vertigo. Note: For Fairy Meadows Trek you can opt to leave luggage with the main driver or take it all with you via donkey when you hike. The cost is approx. $1 per kg payable locally. While beautiful, Fairy Meadows is becoming more popular with tourists, which has led to a rubbish problem. Please ensure you do your part and dispose of rubbish correctly. ","lat":"36.316666","lng":"74.649986"},{"title":"Day 10 - Hoper to Fairy Meadows ","name":"Hopper Valley","description":"Transfer to Gilgit The drive to Gilgit can be done in two hours, but with such spectacular scenery, there will be plenty of stops along the way, including the viewpoint at the bottom of Rakaposhi, which sees the mountain hanging 6000 metres above the road. The road from Gilgit to Fairy Meadows will take you through the point where the three great mountain ranges of Karakoram, the Hindu Kush, and the Himalayas meet. Cutting deep through the valleys, the Karakoram Highway crosses the Raikot Bridge, and from there, it is a hair-raising one-hour jeep drive and a two-hour trek to Fairy Meadows – one of the most beautiful places in northern Pakistan. Fairy Meadows At 3300m, Fairy Meadows offers a breathtaking view of Majestic Nanga Parbat (The Killer Mountain). These lush, green meadows and forests lie at the base of Nanga Parbat, at the western edge of the Himalayan range in Pakistan. Named in 1953 by Austrian climber Hermann Buhl due to its mesmerising beauty, many have called this region ‘Heaven on Earth’. Meals Breakfast Accommodation Overnight Wooden log huts (Raikot Sarai) or similar Services Private Vehicle, English-Speaking Guide Sightseeing: Viewpoint at Rakaposhi, Raikot Bridge, Fairy Meadows Fairy Meadows Trekking Travel time and distances Hunza to Gilgit Approx. 2 hours (from Hunza to Gilgit), followed by a one-hour jeep drive and a two-hour trek to Fairy Meadows Trekking: Moderate to tough. 2 hours uphill at altitude. Single file. Some sections are along the edge, which may be difficult if you experience vertigo. Note: For Fairy Meadows Trek you can opt to leave luggage with the main driver or take it all with you via donkey when you hike. The cost is approx. $1 per kg payable locally. While beautiful, Fairy Meadows is becoming more popular with tourists, which has led to a rubbish problem. Please ensure you do your part and dispose of rubbish correctly. ","lat":"36.214773","lng":"74.768452"},{"title":"Day 11 - Fairy Meadows ","name":"Hopper Valley","description":"A soft trek of two to three hours, walking through the dense pine forest and later through birch trees and along shallow streams, takes you to Beyal, a summer settlement of shepherds with stunning views of Nanga Parbat – 8125m. Hike to base camp crossing trails of glaciers with well-identified tracks. Enjoy nature at its best before returning to your hut. Meals Breakfast Accommodation Overnight Wooden log huts (Raikot Sarai) or similar Services English-Speaking Guide Sightseeing: Beyal, Nanga Parbat Fairy Meadows Trekking Travel time and distances Trekking: Moderate to tough. 3-4 hours one way – uphill ","lat":"36.214773","lng":"74.768452"},{"title":"Day 11 - Fairy Meadows ","name":"Fairy Meadows","description":"A soft trek of two to three hours, walking through the dense pine forest and later through birch trees and along shallow streams, takes you to Beyal, a summer settlement of shepherds with stunning views of Nanga Parbat – 8125m. Hike to base camp crossing trails of glaciers with well-identified tracks. Enjoy nature at its best before returning to your hut. Meals Breakfast Accommodation Overnight Wooden log huts (Raikot Sarai) or similar Services English-Speaking Guide Sightseeing: Beyal, Nanga Parbat Fairy Meadows Trekking Travel time and distances Trekking: Moderate to tough. 3-4 hours one way – uphill ","lat":"35.387319","lng":"74.578549"},{"title":"Day 12 - Fairy Meadows - Babusar Pass - Naran","name":"Fairy Meadows","description":"Transfer to Chilas via Karakoram Highway This morning, trek back to the jeep and head back to the Karakoram Highway and onto Chilas. Here you will drive over the Babusar Pass and into the scenic Kaghan Valley, a jewel among the many beautiful valleys in the Mansehra District of Hazara. Lofty peaks crown the mountain ranges on either side like turrets, ranging in height from 12,000 to 17,000 feet. Kaghan Valley Encounter the Gujar nomads of the Kaghan Valley. You will find them camped along the road in their traditional tents and moving up and down the valley with their herds of sheep and goats as they take them to higher pastures of the upper Kaghan Valley in spring and bring them down again in autumn. Meals Breakfast Accommodation 2 nights Northern Retreat Naran or similar Services Private Vehicle, English-Speaking Guide Sightseeing: Karakoram Highway and Babusar Pass, Kaghan Valley Trekking from Fairy Meadows Travel time and distances Trekking: Moderate to tough. 2-3 hours one way – downhill (return to jeep) Fairy Meadows to Chilas (70km) approx. 2 hrs Chilas to Kaghan Valley (115km) approx. 3.5 hrs ","lat":"35.387319","lng":"74.578549"},{"title":"Day 13 - Saif-ul-Maluk Lake","name":"Naran","description":"Saif-ul-Maluk Lake This morning, you will visit the legendary lake, Saif-ul-Maluk Lake at 3200m via local jeeps. Malika Parbat (5271m), the highest peak of the valley, towers over the lake and offers incredible photography opportunities. Lalazar is at an elevation of 3,123m (10,246 ft) above sea level, located in the upper Kaghan Valley in the Mansehra District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. It can be found to the southwest of Batakundi. The track is 4.2 km long with incredible landscapes, pine forests, scenic views, and charming weather. It’s a typical Pakistani mountain road, with hills on one side and the Kunhar River on the other side. Meals Breakfast Accommodation Northern Retreat Naran or similar Services Private Vehicle, English-Speaking Guide Sightseeing: Saif-ul-Muluk Lake, Malika Parbat, Lalazar Travel time and distances Naran to Saif-ul-Maluk Lake (12km) approx. 1 hr each way Saif-ul-Maluk Lake to Lalazar (30km) approx. 1.5hrs each way ","lat":"34.909251","lng":"73.650678"},{"title":"Day 13 - Saif-ul-Maluk Lake","name":"Fairy Meadows","description":"Saif-ul-Maluk Lake This morning, you will visit the legendary lake, Saif-ul-Maluk Lake at 3200m via local jeeps. Malika Parbat (5271m), the highest peak of the valley, towers over the lake and offers incredible photography opportunities. Lalazar is at an elevation of 3,123m (10,246 ft) above sea level, located in the upper Kaghan Valley in the Mansehra District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. It can be found to the southwest of Batakundi. The track is 4.2 km long with incredible landscapes, pine forests, scenic views, and charming weather. It’s a typical Pakistani mountain road, with hills on one side and the Kunhar River on the other side. Meals Breakfast Accommodation Northern Retreat Naran or similar Services Private Vehicle, English-Speaking Guide Sightseeing: Saif-ul-Muluk Lake, Malika Parbat, Lalazar Travel time and distances Naran to Saif-ul-Maluk Lake (12km) approx. 1 hr each way Saif-ul-Maluk Lake to Lalazar (30km) approx. 1.5hrs each way ","lat":"35.387319","lng":"74.578549"},{"title":"Day 13 - Saif-ul-Maluk Lake","name":"Babusar Pass","description":"Saif-ul-Maluk Lake This morning, you will visit the legendary lake, Saif-ul-Maluk Lake at 3200m via local jeeps. Malika Parbat (5271m), the highest peak of the valley, towers over the lake and offers incredible photography opportunities. Lalazar is at an elevation of 3,123m (10,246 ft) above sea level, located in the upper Kaghan Valley in the Mansehra District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. It can be found to the southwest of Batakundi. The track is 4.2 km long with incredible landscapes, pine forests, scenic views, and charming weather. It’s a typical Pakistani mountain road, with hills on one side and the Kunhar River on the other side. Meals Breakfast Accommodation Northern Retreat Naran or similar Services Private Vehicle, English-Speaking Guide Sightseeing: Saif-ul-Muluk Lake, Malika Parbat, Lalazar Travel time and distances Naran to Saif-ul-Maluk Lake (12km) approx. 1 hr each way Saif-ul-Maluk Lake to Lalazar (30km) approx. 1.5hrs each way ","lat":"35.146236","lng":"74.048172"},{"title":"Day 14 - Naran to Islamabad","name":"Naran","description":"Transfer to Islamabad (via Karakoram Highway) Today’s drive will continue through the Kaghan Valley and onto the Karakoram Highway, arriving at the capital of Pakistan – Islamabad. A late 20th-century capital city, Islamabad is laid out in straight lines and right angles: a proud metric showcase of government and administration. Meals Breakfast Accommodation Overnight Hill View Hotel/Welcome Hotel or similar Services Private Vehicle, English-Speaking Guide Sightseeing: Kaghan Valley, Karakoram Highway Travel time and distances Naran to Islamabad (270km) Approx. 6-7.5 hrs ","lat":"34.909251","lng":"73.650678"},{"title":"Day 15 - Taxila","name":"Naran","description":"Taxila Today enjoy a day trip to one of South Asia’s richest archaeological sites, Taxila. A fascinating place for those who have an interest in Buddhism and the art of Gandhara. The city excavations, most of which are found around the museum, are open to the public, along with dozens of smaller sites over a 25-sq-km area. Gandhara is the historical name for the Peshawar Plain, and Taxila has always been one of Gandhara’s more important cities. In the 6th century BC, the Achaemenians made Takshashila (Taxila) the Gandharan capital, at a site now called Bhir Mound. In 326 BC Alexander the Great paused here en route to India. The Mauryan emperor Ashoka, a patron of Buddhism, built a university here, to which pilgrims and scholars came from all over Asia. In about 180 BC, Bactrian Greeks developed a ‘new’ Taxila, at the site called Sirkap. In the 1st century AD came the Kushans, building their own city at the Sirsukh site. Until the 3rd century, Taxila was the cultured capital of an empire stretching across the subcontinent and into Central Asia. It was the birthplace of a striking fusion of Greek and Indian art, and also the place from which Buddhism spread into China. The city fell into obscurity after it was destroyed by White Huns in the 5th century. The modern-era excavation of the site was led by Sir John Marshall between the years of 1913 and 1934. Faisal Mosque Upon return to Islamabad, you will have time to visit the Faisal Mosque. Overnight Islamabad. Meals Breakfast Accommodation Overnight in Islamabad Services Private Vehicle, English-Speaking Guide Sightseeing: Taxila, Faisal Mosque Travel time and distances Islamabad to Taxila (32km) Approx. 1 hour each way Note: Taxila is a vast site requiring extensive context behind it – we encourage guests interested in this site to do their own personal research before visiting. ","lat":"34.909251","lng":"73.650678"},{"title":"Day 15 - Taxila","name":"Islamabad","description":"Taxila Today enjoy a day trip to one of South Asia’s richest archaeological sites, Taxila. A fascinating place for those who have an interest in Buddhism and the art of Gandhara. The city excavations, most of which are found around the museum, are open to the public, along with dozens of smaller sites over a 25-sq-km area. Gandhara is the historical name for the Peshawar Plain, and Taxila has always been one of Gandhara’s more important cities. In the 6th century BC, the Achaemenians made Takshashila (Taxila) the Gandharan capital, at a site now called Bhir Mound. In 326 BC Alexander the Great paused here en route to India. The Mauryan emperor Ashoka, a patron of Buddhism, built a university here, to which pilgrims and scholars came from all over Asia. In about 180 BC, Bactrian Greeks developed a ‘new’ Taxila, at the site called Sirkap. In the 1st century AD came the Kushans, building their own city at the Sirsukh site. Until the 3rd century, Taxila was the cultured capital of an empire stretching across the subcontinent and into Central Asia. It was the birthplace of a striking fusion of Greek and Indian art, and also the place from which Buddhism spread into China. The city fell into obscurity after it was destroyed by White Huns in the 5th century. The modern-era excavation of the site was led by Sir John Marshall between the years of 1913 and 1934. Faisal Mosque Upon return to Islamabad, you will have time to visit the Faisal Mosque. Overnight Islamabad. Meals Breakfast Accommodation Overnight in Islamabad Services Private Vehicle, English-Speaking Guide Sightseeing: Taxila, Faisal Mosque Travel time and distances Islamabad to Taxila (32km) Approx. 1 hour each way Note: Taxila is a vast site requiring extensive context behind it – we encourage guests interested in this site to do their own personal research before visiting. ","lat":"33.68442","lng":"73.047885"},{"title":"Day 16 - Islamabad to Lahore","name":"Taxila","description":"Travel to Lahore The drive from Islamabad to Lahore will take approx. 4-6 hours, including a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Rohtas Fort. Lahore at leisure Lahore may not be Pakistan’s capital city, but it is considered the cultural, intellectual and artistic hub of the country. If history and architecture are your passions, there is an interesting mix of formidable Mughal monuments to faded legacies of the British Raj. Even a ramble around the Old City can unfold into a mini adventure. Lahore also has qawwali (Islamic devotional singing) and Sufism (Islamic mysticism) for those in search of spiritual sustenance. Meals Breakfast Accommodation 3 nights at Luxus Grand Hotel or similar Services Private Vehicle, English-Speaking Guide Sightseeing: Rohtas Fort Travel time and distances Islamabad to Lahore (380km) Approx. 4-6 hours, including a visit to Rohtas Fort ","lat":"33.746283","lng":"72.839732"},{"title":"Day 17 & 18 - Lahore","name":"Lahore","description":"With two full days in Lahore and the nearby Punjabi countryside, you will be able to spend time in the narrow alleyways of the old city, including the largest medieval mosque in the world – the awesome Badshahi Mosque. You will also have the option to visit the fort, Shalimar Gardens, and the Lahore Museum. Wagah Border Ceremony In the afternoon, venture out of Lahore to the Indian border at Wagah to witness the Indian and Pakistani border guards lower their flags in the daily flag ceremony. Meals Breakfast Accommodation Luxus Grand Hotel or similar Services Private Vehicle, English-Speaking Guide (for included sightseeing only) Sightseeing: Badshahi Mosque, Wagah Border Travel time and distances Lahore to Wagah (30km) approx. 1 hr (each way) ","lat":"31.52037","lng":"74.358747"},{"title":"Day 17 & 18 - Lahore","name":"Islamabad","description":"With two full days in Lahore and the nearby Punjabi countryside, you will be able to spend time in the narrow alleyways of the old city, including the largest medieval mosque in the world – the awesome Badshahi Mosque. You will also have the option to visit the fort, Shalimar Gardens, and the Lahore Museum. Wagah Border Ceremony In the afternoon, venture out of Lahore to the Indian border at Wagah to witness the Indian and Pakistani border guards lower their flags in the daily flag ceremony. Meals Breakfast Accommodation Luxus Grand Hotel or similar Services Private Vehicle, English-Speaking Guide (for included sightseeing only) Sightseeing: Badshahi Mosque, Wagah Border Travel time and distances Lahore to Wagah (30km) approx. 1 hr (each way) ","lat":"33.68442","lng":"73.047885"},{"title":"Day 19 - Lahore to Wagah","name":"Lahore","description":"Wagah Border Crossing This morning after a leisurely breakfast, you will have one last chance to explore Lahore before transferring to the Wagah border and crossing to India. From here you will be transferred to your hotel. Meals Breakfast, Dinner Accommodation 2 nights Ranjit’s Svaasa or similar Services Private Vehicle, English-Speaking Guide Public bus for the border crossing at Wagah Travel time and distances Approx. 4-6 hours from Lahore to Wagah Note: Wagah Border (Pakistan/India) on the Pakistani side, you can pay approx. 100 PKR for a porter to carry your luggage to the start of ‘no man’s land’. You must then carry your own luggage through ‘no-man’s land’ and join a bus to reach the Indian side where you then walk a little further until you clear security and immigration. ","lat":"31.52037","lng":"74.358747"},{"title":"Day 21 - Srinagar","name":"Wagah","description":"Flight to Srinagar Following breakfast this morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Srinagar, Kashmir. Rimmed by layers of alpine peaks, the 140 km-long Kashmir Valley opens up as a giant, flat upland bowl of lakes and orchards. Tin-roofed villages guard terraced paddy fields, apple groves and pin-straight poplars. Proudly independent-minded Kashmiris mostly follow a Sufi-based Islamic faith, worshipping in distinctive box-shaped mosques with central spires. Some Kashmiris have startlingly green eyes and in winter, Kashmiri men traditionally keep warm by clutching a kangri (wicker fire-pot holder) beneath their flowing grey-brown pheran (woollen capes). Houseboat on Dal Lake Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your houseboat on Dal Lake, the city’s greatest drawcard. A bright array of houseboats form a particularly colourful scene. The famous Mughal gardens are strung out over several kilometres around the lake. Meals Breakfast, Dinner Accommodation 2 nights Bostan Gulistan Houseboat or similar Services Airport transfers English-Speaking Guide Economy airfare from Amritsar to Srinagar Sightseeing: Dal Lake Travel time and distances Flight to Srinagar – 50 min Srinagar Airport to Dal Lake (20km) approx. 1 hr 10min ","lat":"31.601237","lng":"74.55976"},{"title":"Day 21 - Srinagar","name":"Lahore","description":"Flight to Srinagar Following breakfast this morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Srinagar, Kashmir. Rimmed by layers of alpine peaks, the 140 km-long Kashmir Valley opens up as a giant, flat upland bowl of lakes and orchards. Tin-roofed villages guard terraced paddy fields, apple groves and pin-straight poplars. Proudly independent-minded Kashmiris mostly follow a Sufi-based Islamic faith, worshipping in distinctive box-shaped mosques with central spires. Some Kashmiris have startlingly green eyes and in winter, Kashmiri men traditionally keep warm by clutching a kangri (wicker fire-pot holder) beneath their flowing grey-brown pheran (woollen capes). Houseboat on Dal Lake Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your houseboat on Dal Lake, the city’s greatest drawcard. A bright array of houseboats form a particularly colourful scene. The famous Mughal gardens are strung out over several kilometres around the lake. Meals Breakfast, Dinner Accommodation 2 nights Bostan Gulistan Houseboat or similar Services Airport transfers English-Speaking Guide Economy airfare from Amritsar to Srinagar Sightseeing: Dal Lake Travel time and distances Flight to Srinagar – 50 min Srinagar Airport to Dal Lake (20km) approx. 1 hr 10min ","lat":"31.52037","lng":"74.358747"},{"title":"Day 22 - Mughal Gardens and Hari Parbat Fort","name":"Amritsar","description":"Mughal Gardens This morning explore Srinagar’s stunning gardens. Dating back to the Mughal era, most share a similar design with terraced lawns, fountain pools and carefully manicured flowerbeds interspersed with chinar trees, pavilions and mock fortress facades. The most famous garden is Shalimar Bagh, built for Nur Jahan by her husband Jehangir, it lies 10km beyond Nehru Park. With steeper terracing and a lake-facing panorama, Nishat Bagh is also very impressive. Hari Parbat Fort From here, continue on to the Hari Parbat Fort. This prominent hilltop fort was briefly fortified in the 6th century and once again by Emperor Akbar in 1590, but most of what you see today dates from the 1808 constructions of Pathan governor Atta Mohammad Khan. Sunset shikara ride This evening, enjoy a sunset shikara ride on the lake. Dal Lake is famous not only for its beauty but for a lifestyle that is unique to anywhere else in the world. The houseboat and shikara communities have lived for centuries on Dal Lake – some of the locals have never stepped foot on land! Doctors, tailors, and bakers – you’ll see them all in tiny wooden shops on the lake, near picturesque vegetable gardens and acres of lotus gardens. A shikara ride is one of the most soothing, relaxing activities in Kashmir. A shikara is a gondola-type light rowing boat, and the two-hour boat ride takes you on a relaxing sightseeing tour of the interior parts of the calm and placid waters of Dal Lake. While on the shikara, you can often observe white-breasted Kingfishers, large striking birds with robust bills perched on the branches of willow trees. These birds concentrate their efforts on hunting in the floating gardens. These man-made islands comprise reeds, willow rods and aquatic vegetation, held together with mud from the lake bottom. Meals Breakfast, Dinner Accommodation Bostan Gulistan Houseboat or similar Note: Houseboats are permanently docked. Services Private Vehicle, English-Speaking Guide Shikara Ride on Dal Lake Sightseeing: Mughal Gardens, including Shalimar Bagh, Hari Parbat Fort, Dal Lake Travel time and distances Local exploration (short distances) ","lat":"31.633979","lng":"74.872264"},{"title":"Day 23 - Departure","name":"Srinagar","description":"Airport transfer This morning following breakfast, it is time to be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. If you would like to stay on and explore deeper into Kashmir and perhaps Ladakh, we can assist you with your onward travel plans. Meals Breakfast Services Private Vehicle, English-Speaking Guide Travel time and distances Dal Lake to Srinagar (20km) approx. 1 hr Please note: Timings mentioned are approximate and may change due to traffic, weather, or unexpected interruptions. They do not include stops for site visits, photos, lunch, etc. (Only driving time considered) ","lat":"30.224675","lng":"78.798618"}]

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