Pakistan's Karakoram Highway

14 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
This overland adventure carves through lush valleys, snakes across high mountain passes and travels alongside creaking glaciers. With show-stopping scenery and plenty of walking included, prepare to be inspired by the Karakoram's warm, welcoming people and its rich tapestry of history. Hunza Valley - Explore the forts, castles and bazaars of the ancient King...
19%
$4,859
From$3,950
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Highlights

    • This walking holiday is a great introduction to the pleasures of Himalayan teahouse trekking
    • Relax after the moderate grade 4-day trek in the friendly lakeside town of Pokhara
    • Look out for a wide variety of animal species and the rare one-horned rhino in Chitwan National Park

What's this trip about?

    This overland adventure carves through lush valleys, snakes across high mountain passes and travels alongside creaking glaciers. With show-stopping scenery and plenty of walking included, prepare to be inspired by the Karakoram's warm, welcoming people and its rich tapestry of history. Hunza Valley - Explore the forts, castles and bazaars of the ancient Kingdom of Hunza Nanga Parbat - See this 8,000m+ peak up close on a walk to the base camp Karakoram Range - Travel from Islamabad into the mountains along the iconic Karakoram Highway

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityIslamabad
End CityIslamabad

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • Asia
  • China
  • Japan

Attractions

  • Bar
  • Nara
  • Tibet

Activities

  • Hiking

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Trip starts in Islamabad; afternoon orientation tour of the capital

Our trip starts today in Islamabad, the cultural and financial centre of Pakistan and the nation's capital. A relatively new city - Islamabad was constructed in the 1960's to replace the former coastal capital of Karachi. Islamabad's wide, leafy boulevards and back...

Day 2 Drive into the mountains and onto Naran, in the Kaghan Valley

We set off for the mountains today as we drive to the town of Naran, nestled in the Khagan Valley. As we leave the city and join the main highway, we will likely see a wide variety of colourful trucks transporting goods along the Friendship Highway between Pakistan an...

Day 3 Join the Karakoram Highway and drive into the Astore Valley, crossing Babussar Pass

Leaving Naran behind this morning, we continue north through the high altitude lakes of the Lulusar National Park, before turning onto the Karakoram Highway at Talichi. Officially known as the N35 but often called the 'Friendship Highway', or more simply 'KKH', this a...

Day 4 Drive into the Upper Rupal Valley for a walk up to Nanga Parbat Base Camp (3550m)

We start this morning with a drive to the Upper Rupal Valley, where we continue on foot for the five kilometre walk up to Herligkoffer Base Camp, the eastern-facing base camp on the lower slopes of the towering Nanga Parbat. The walk takes us through a lush meadow as ...

Day 5 Drive up and across the Deosai Plateau to Skardu, stopping at Satpara Buddha and Satpura Lake

Today we have a full but rewarding day of driving ahead as we ascend out of the Astore Valley and up to the Deosai Plateau, which stands at an altitude of 4,100 metres. The plateau was awarded national park status in 1993 to aid protection of a key habitat of the Hima...

Day 6 Full day exploring the towering forts and villages of the Skardu Valley

It's an early start this morning as we set off in our 4WD vehicles, first travelling to Shigar village to explore Shigar Fort and the 400 year old Amboriq Mosque. This incredible and unusual piece of Islamic architecture is constructed entirely from wood and has been ...

Day 7 Re-join the Karakoram Highway and drive to Gilgit, the heart of the Karakoram region

We set off this morning in our familiar 4WD vehicles, driving along the northern loop out of the Skardu Valley, re-joining the Karakoram Highway at Jaglot, before continuing on to Gilgit, a drive of approximately five hours. We arrive in Gilgit for lunchtime, and...

Day 8 Drive to Karimabad, explore the mighty Baltit Fort and take in sunset over the Hunza Valley

Continuing along the KKH, we drive on to the more peaceful town of Karimabad. We stop en-route at a view point that offers a panoramic vista of Rakaposhi, a peak of 7,778 metres which juts out of the landscape and towers over other nearby mountains. Upon reaching Kari...

Day 9 Full day exploring the Hunza Valley with a walk on Hoper Glacier

Setting off early this morning, we head out by four-wheel drive to the Hoper Valley which contains three mighty glaciers - Hoper, Barpu and Mier. We leave behind our vehicles and continue on foot, walking for around an one and a half hours with a stop for a picnic lun...

Day 10 Leave the Karakoram Highway and drive to the small town of Gupis

Leaving Karimabad behind today, we travel along the Karakoram Highway before turning off and joining the main highway linking Chitral and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the west with Gilgit Baltistan in the east. The drive itself is very scenic, full of wide open landscapes fr...

Day 11 Explore the remote Yasin Valley by 4WD and on foot

Today we spend a full day exploring the Yasin Valley. This historic area is linked to a network of valleys that stretch across the north-west frontier of Pakistan and into the Wakhan Corridor region of Afghanistan/Tajikistan. Control of this region has been fought ove...

Day 12 Drive to Naran via the Babusar Pass

Leaving the remote valley area behind today, we head east and join the main highway once again, first crossing Babusar Pass (4,100 metres) and stopping at Lulusar Lake before we descend back down the Kaghan Valley to Naran. After checking into the hotel, there will be time for a short orientation tour of the town and its bustling main bazaar.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 13 Drive back to Islamabad, visiting UNESCO site of Taxila and then explore Rawalpindi

Continuing to lose altitude, we drop back down to the foothills this morning, travelling through the towns of Mansehra and Abbotabad. Along the way back to the capital we will explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Taxila, an ancient city dating back to 3500 BC, an...

Day 14 Trip ends in Islamabad

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Islamabad. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Islamabad at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would l...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,950
Price per day$282
Last Updated: 4/25/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
16 Jun 2024
29 Jun 2024
$3,950
$650
10 spots left
30 Jun 2024
13 Jul 2024
$4,300
$640
7 spots left
18 Aug 2024
31 Aug 2024
$4,100
$650
11 spots left
01 Sep 2024
14 Sep 2024
$4,180
$650
7 spots left
15 Sep 2024
28 Sep 2024
$4,570
$650
1 spots left
15 Jun 2025
28 Jun 2025
$4,470
$670
16 spots left
29 Jun 2025
12 Jul 2025
$4,470
$670
16 spots left
03 Aug 2025
16 Aug 2025
$4,540
$670
16 spots left
17 Aug 2025
30 Aug 2025
$4,710
$670
16 spots left
31 Aug 2025
13 Sep 2025
$4,710
$670
16 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
6,528
Great
2,169
Average
377
Disappointing
116
Terrible
53
A

Alex

Sep 2023

Written on

The Karakorum Highway

There were many highlights. If I could give this trip more than 5 stars I would. The scenery is outstanding. I have travelled extensively but nothing beats the ma...

J

John

Sep 2023

Written on

The Karakorum Highway

The people were really friendly and the scenery was stunning but it was ...

B

Barry

Jul 2023

Written on

The Karakorum Highway

The leader could become grumpy and after he told my wife off and made her cry and refused to apologise, she cried most of the morning, and from then on for the last ...

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
What they’re known for
Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Bus, 4WD, On Foot,

Transportation & flights

Bus, 4WD, On Foot
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Driver(s), Local Guide(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Pakistan: Visas are required for citizens of the UK, Australia, New Zealand, US and Canada and can be obtained in the form of an e-visa. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. Explore will need a copy of your passport no later than 8 weeks before your trip as we'll need to request an invitation letter on your behalf. This letter will be sent to you around a month before departure. The e-visa can then be applied for through the official Pakistan government visa website only https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/ You'll need to upload a scan of your passport, a passport photo and a copy of an invitation letter which Explore will send to you14 . Passports must have at least 6 months validity from the date of arrival in Pakistan. Visa applications will take approximately 10 working days to process. All visa related issues including information for other nationalities should be confirmed with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against Hepatitis A, Polio, Tetanus and Typhoid. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 13
  • Dinner : 13
  • Lunch : 13
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-KKH

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