The Karakoram Highway Plus

Explore the length of the extraordinary Karakoram Highway and head deeper into remote Baltistan

Fly from Islamabad across the splendid Karakoram Mountains to Gilgit and rub shoulders with local tribesmen in its thronging bazaars. Trek to Rakaposhi base camp then drive onwards to reach the Kingdom of Hunza and sleep in legendary Karimabad below the incredible peaks of Ultar, Diran and Ladyfinger. Take time to explore its fantastic medieval forts and the 1000-year old settlement of Ganesh then follow the mighty Indus river onwards below Passu Cones and through Khunjerab National Park, all the time watching for Karakorum ibex and Marco polo sheep, until reaching the lofty Chinese border right on Khunjerab Pass itself. Explore unfrequented side valleys, such as Chapursan, Misgar and isolated Shimshal, before continuing along the Indus and the Shyok to explore remote regions of Eastern Baltistan, including Skardu, Shigar, Khaplu, and Hushe, and back across the unique high level Deosai Plateau, famous for its wildlife and above all the shy brown bear. Finally trek across exquisite Fairy Meadows under the face of mighty Nanga Parbat before driving through beautiful Kaghan Valley and over dramatic Babausar pass back to the capital of Islamabad.

Fly from Islamabad across the Karakoram mountains to the tribal town of Gilgit, trek to Rakaposhi base camp and then follow the mighty Indus river still higher along the rugged Karakoram Highway and reach the legendry Kingdom of Hunza. Then, watch out for wildlife, including Karakorum ibex and Marco polo sheep, as we head through Khunjerab National Park to reach Khunjerab Pass itself. Venture into remote and rarely visited side valleys to explore traditional villages, before heading through Eastern Baltistan and back across the wild and unique high level Deosai Plateau. Then trek gently across Fairy Meadows and finally head over Babusar Pass back to Islamabad.

Fly from Islamabad, enjoying fabulous birds eye views of both the Karakoram and Himalayan mountain ranges, to reach the tribal bazaars of Gilgit, once a vital trading post on the Old Silk Road. Then follow the mighty Indus river upwards through the splendour of the Karakoram Mountains, along the Hunza valley, passing below beautiful rugged, snow-capped peaks, culminating in the irrepressible, Rakaposhi.

We explore legendry Karimabad, its unique Tibetan-influenced, medieval forts and the 1000-year old settlement of Ganesh, too. We cross the Indus on foot via Hussaini Bridge, pass the magnificent Passu Cones, then onwards, through Khunjerab National Park, all the time looking out for Karakorum Ibex and Marco Polo sheep, until we arrive at Khunjerab Pass and the Chinese border.

We explore villages in remote side valleys, plus the pilgrimage site of Babagundi Ziarat in Chapursan and Kalam Darchi Fort in Misgar, not forgetting the extraordinary Shimshal, which, even 20 years ago, was unconnected to the outside world other than on foot.

Next, we head further eastwards, at first still following the mighty Indus River, later the Shyok, to Skardu, home to Kharpocho Fort, to Shigar, starting point for many mountaineering expeditions to K2, to royal Khaplu, where we visit the palace and its historic mosques, and to the remote, unspoiled Hushe valley.

We then head over the unique high level Deosai Plateau, a protected national park, which provides a haven for a rich and diverse wildlife including the golden marmot, the markhor and the shy brown bear.

We take a short trek below Nanga Parbat to beautiful Fairy Meadows before finally returning south over Babusar Pass and returning to the plains. Here we take a well-earned rest back in the comfortable, modern capital of Islamabad, enjoying the tranquillity of the iconic Shah Faisal Mosque and the romance of Rohtas Fort.

Places To Be Visited

Islamabad – Rawalpindi – Gilgit – Minapin – Rakaposhi Base Camp – Karimabad – Attabad Lake – Borit Lake – Passu – Sost – Khunjerab Pass – Chapursan Valley – Misgar – Shimshal – Skardu – Khaplu – Hushe – Shigar – Katpana Desert – Deosai Plateau – Tarashing – Fairy Meadows – Khagan Valley – Babusar Pass – Lalusar Lake – Naran – Rohtas Fort – Islamabad