Karakorum Highway Kashgar to Hunza Valley
Karakorum Highway Kashgar to Hunza Valley
About this tour
Starts in Kashgar
Pickup included from anywhere in Kashgar
11 days
For ages 18 to 60
Best suited for the specified ages
Guided in English
Led by experienced local guides
Cancellation options
Refund amount depends on when you cancel before the departure.
Stay connected, start to finish
Ask questions, customize your trip, and sort out details directly with the operator.
Operated by
Hunza Discovery Tours
Details
Begin your breathtaking expedition from the ancient Silk Road city of Kashgar, where bazaars buzz with the scent of spice and the echo of caravans past. Journey along the legendary Karakoram Highway, ...
Places covered
Highlights
Journey on the world's highest paved road - Karakoram Highway
Cross Khunjerab Pass - highest international border crossing
Visit ancient Baltit and Altit Forts in Karimabad
Experience Kashgar's famous Sunday market
Explore stunning Karakol Lake and Attabad Lake
Hike to Passu White Glacier viewpoint
Walk across Hussaini Suspension Bridge
Visit 7th-century Kargah Buddha rock carving
What's Included
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kashgar airport, you will be greeted by our guide and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for leisure, or you can take a walk in the old town of Kashgar.
Today is scheduled to coincide with the famous Sunday market in Kashgar, where everything from carpets and blankets to foods, horses, donkeys, sheep, and even camels are for sale! A wonderful assortment of people from all over the region gathers, swelling the town's population by 100,000. This is truly one of the most incredible bazaars in Asia and a photographer's paradise! After the market, we will visit the Eidgah Mosque, the Abakh Hoja Tomb, and take a walking tour of the old town.
Today, we drive along the famous Karakoram Highway to Tashkurgan. Along the way, we will make several photo stops, including one at the stunning Karakol Lake. The scenery along the route is breathtaking, with a chance to enjoy views of the Muztagh-ata mountains. You may choose to take an optional camel ride or enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake. Later, we continue to Tashkurgan, the last Tajik town on the Chinese side of the border with Pakistan. In the afternoon, we will visit the Tashkurgan Fort, dating back to the 14th century, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding fields, mountains, and military complexes.
Today, we drive to Gojal, Hunza, Pakistan. After completing the border formalities, we continue to the highest paved international border crossing in the world, Khunjerab Pass (4750 m), the highest point on the Karakoram Highway. Along the way, you may have the chance to see wildlife in Khunjerab National Park. Upon arrival in Sost, you will meet our local Hunza guide and transfer to your hotel.
This morning, we hike towards the Passu White Glacier viewpoint for amazing photo opportunities. Then, we take a short drive to Hussaini Village, where you can gingerly walk across the precarious rope bridge straddling the fast-flowing Hunza River. If you prefer a quicker crossing, an optional zipline is available. Lunch today will be a rare treat with yak meat, which is leaner than traditional red meats and even salmon. Afterward, take a walk around Passu Village and photograph the iconic Passu Cones peak.
In the morning, we hike through Ghulkin Glacier to Ghulkin Village. After a picnic lunch with a local family, we continue our hike through Kamaris Village to Gulmit. Gulmit is a peaceful and serene village that once served as the summer capital of the Hunza Kingdom. Here, you can walk through the village, visit a 400-year-old house, and observe local women weaving carpets and crafting other traditional handicrafts. We will also visit a local museum. Note: If you prefer not to hike, you may drive to Ghulkin Village by car.
After breakfast, we drive along the Karakoram Highway to central Hunza, Karimabad. Our first stop will be Attabad Lake for a photography session, or you can take an optional boat ride. Next, we will visit Hopper Valley, a fertile and predominantly Shia Muslim area, known for its rapidly advancing glacier. We will also visit the 400-year-old Ali Gohar House in Ganish Village, which received UNESCO's Heritage Award in 2009. Then, we continue to Karimabad and check in to the hotel, with the afternoon free for leisure.
Today, we explore two ancient forts – Altit Fort and Baltit Fort. Altit Fort, built nearly a thousand years ago, offers stunning views of the Hunza River valley and was strategically located along the Trans-Silk Road trade route. Eventually, it was abandoned in favor of Baltit Fort, a more defensible structure built over 700 years ago. After a traditional Hunza lunch, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Karimabad Bazaar, or take a scenic walk along the water channel to experience the local culture.
In the morning, we drive to Gilgit City, stopping at the Rakaposhi Peak viewpoint (7788 m) to enjoy breathtaking views. We will also visit Chalt Nagar, where the Indo-Pak and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Continuing on to Gilgit, the administrative capital of Gilgit-Baltistan, we will explore its historical significance, particularly its role in the region's post-colonial struggles. Our next stop is the Kargah Buddha, a 7th-century rock carving. Afterward, we return to Karimabad.
Today, we depart early from Karimabad and drive to Sost. After completing the border formalities, we continue to Tashkurgan. You will meet our Chinese representative and transfer to your hotel.
Helpful answers
It's an 11 days trip covering both China and Pakistan.
The minimum age for this tour is 18 years.
Twin sharing accommodation at comfortable hotels with en-suite private facilities is provided.
Only breakfasts and dinners are included. Lunches are excluded from the package.
What to know
- Border formalities required between China and Pakistan
- High altitude locations - Khunjerab Pass at 4750m
- Photography opportunities at multiple scenic locations
- Optional activities available at extra cost
- English-speaking guides provided in both countries
- Those with severe altitude sickness issues
- People with mobility limitations due to hiking activities
- Those uncomfortable with border crossings
- Valid passport and visas for China and Pakistan
- Warm clothing for high altitude locations
- Camera for scenic photography opportunities
- Personal medications and toiletries
- Comfortable hiking shoes for walking tours
Check availability
Questions from travelers
Answers shared directly by the operator
No questions yet
Got something on your mind? Be the first to ask and help fellow travelers!