SHANGRI-LA VALLEYS OF PAKISTAN
13 NIGHTS / 14 DAYS

Day 01: Lahore
Arrival at Lahore. Meet & assist, and transfer to the hotel.
Afternoon proceed for half day city sightseeing of Lahore.
Our tour includes visit to Lahore Fort , a marvel of Moghal architecture begun in the 11th century and completed finally by the end of the 16th century. Amongst the Emperors who contributed to its splendor are Emperors Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan. We will visit the beautiful palace of mirrors , Shah Jahan’s Quadrangle and the Pearl Mosque. Overlooking the Fort is the Badshahi mosque – the world’s largest – and it is our next stop . It was constructed during the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb. Pakistan’s famous poet-philosopher, Dr. Mohammad Iqbal, lies buried outside the mosque. We will also visit the Mughal Emperor Jehangir’s Tomb.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02: Lahore – Islamabad
After breakfast proceed for halfday city sightseeing of Lahore.
LAHORE MUSEUM : On the far side of Zam – zama is the Lahore Museum, built in Moghal Gothic style and opened in 1894 is the best museum in Pakistan with a superb collection of relic of the rich cultural heritage of Lahore. The rare collection of Mughal paintings, statues of the Buddha in various attitudes including the priceless “Fasting Buddha” also other examples of Gandhara sculpture and evidences reflecting the successive stage of the oriental civilization, miniature paintings, manuscripts are on display. A visit to Lahore museum will prove to be a rewarding experience. Next we proceed to the Anarkali Bazaar, named after a pretty dancer named Anarkali who was put to death by Emperor Akbar for having an affair with Prince Salim, who later became Emperor Jehangir. We will also visit Wazir Khan’s Mosque , constructed under the stewardship of the Governor in 1643. In the afternoon drive to Islamabad.
Upon arrival transfer to hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03: Islamabad – Besham
After breakfast proceed for halfday city sightseeing of Islamabad.
We will begin our sightseeing tour from Damn-e-Koh passing through Constitution Avenue and Margallah Road. Damn-e-Koh is situated at an altitude of 1100 meters which provides bird’s eye view of Islamabad, the beautiful capital of Pakistan. Then we will drive to Shah Faisal Mosque. Our next stop will be at the Shakar Parian, ” Sweet Hills ” to catch a bird’s eye view of Islamabad from eastern side, before returning to the hotel. Later drive to Besham .Upon arrival transfer to hotel.
Arriving at Besham we are at the bottom edge of Indus valley with alluring view of the lion river and the famous road known as the Karakoram Highway(KKH)which also is dubbed as the eighth wonder of the world. The stretch of our journey from Besham to Thakot is just a little glimpse of the wonders and awe inspiring values that this road has in store for its travelers who take their journey with it on upstream direction.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04: Besham – Gilgit
After breakfast drive to Gilgit. Upon arrival transfer to hotel.
GILGIT: For the adventure- loving tourist, be he a hiker, angle r, art lover, mountaineer or polo enthusiast , or be he merely interested in exotic people and their lifestyles, there are a few places in the world that can be compared to Gilgit. Gilgit is an old tribal town that acted as a rest stop for weary travelers on the Silk Route – the famous road from China to the Arabian sea. It has flourished over the centuries, lying practically unmolested by the teeming herds of conquerors. Gilgit is located in the heart of the Karakoram range, surrounded by lofty peaks, the most majestic being Rakaposhi. Gilgit is both accessible by road and by air; the road, newly constructed along the path of the ancient Silk Route, is an unforgettable journey through winding valleys and tumbling waterfalls. By air, the PIA flight follows the Kunhar river as it winds through the Kaghan valley, and beyond that it follows a narrow cleft in the mountains before alighting at Gilgit.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 05: Gilgit – Karimabad
Breakfast at the hotel. Half day Baghrot excursion
The unspoiled valley of Baghrot lies 35 kilometers from Gilgit, and is one of the ancient villages of the valley where the culture of the Shina people remains as pure as the climate of majestic Karakorum. The village itself is situated near a marvelous glacier which links Bagrot mountains with Rakaposhi (mother of the mountains).The local people and some historians say that the culture of Gilgit originated here and then spread to other parts of the Gilgit valley. The people of
Bagrot are simple village folk who welcome any and all visitors with traditional hospitality. PM drive to Karimabad (Hunza).Upon arrival transfer to hotel. Karimabad is the delightful old capital of the Hunza Kingdom. From Karimabad, with its souvenir shop, post office and tea shop, you can obtain a magnificent view of the valley laid out below you and of the peaks behind. The Aliabad / Karimabad area is sprinkled with wild flowers and blossoming fruit orchards. We will spend half our day in these two towns enjoying the greenery and delighting in the sound of babbling
brooks.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 06: Karimabad
Before sunrise drive by jeep to the view point called Duikar for a panoramic view of the Hunza Valley at Sunrise. Duikar is a small village situated above Altit Village at a height of approximately 3000 meters. from where you can get a beautiful view of the whole Hunza valley and all surrounding peaks as well as Hoper Glacier. Its distance from Karimabad is about 8
Kms, which is approximately a half an hour drive. Have breakfast up there and drive back to Karimabad. Later proceed for city sightseeing of Karimabad. BALTIT: Baltit fort was the old palace of the Mirs of Hunza and was inhabited until 1960. It is about 400 years old. Baltit is a curious rambling old place, four stories high, sturdily built of stones, sun – dried mud and timber. Baltit is built on a cliff edge;behind it is a ravine and then the Ultar glacier glinting in the sunshine. The
architecture here, as at Altit Fort, reflects a Tibetan influence . The local people say that a Princess of Baltistan married a reigning Mir and brought with her Balti masons, carpenters and craftsmen to build Baltit and Altit as part of her dowry. In the ‘museum room’ are coats of mail, weapons and the warning drums that sounded the alarm in an attack. The view from the top of the fort is well worth the climb.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 07: Karimabad – Khunjrab Pass – Karimabad
After breakfast proceed for fullday excursion to Khunjarab Pass enroute see Gulmit,
Passu, Sust and miles of unforgattable Karakuram scenery. The journey is along the famous Silk Road. Our drive along the Karakorum Highway gives us a view of the glacier Passu and its surrounding lush green fields; onwards to the Khunjerab Pass (Approx. 4800 Mtr) the gateway to China. Here you will take a glimpse of the Chinese territory.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08: Karimabad – Chilas
After breakfast drive to Chilas.
Upon arrival transfer to the ho tel.
CHILAS: Chilas was on the ancient caravan trail over the Babusar Pass into India and on the Indus trail of Besham, and many rock engravings were left by travelers in this area. Chilas is standing under the shadow of world famous Nanga Parbat. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 09: Chilas – Swat
After breakfast drive to Swat.
Upon arrival transfer to the hotel.
The Greeks fought for its beauty , the Buddhist inhabited it because of its eternal beauty and peace, the Moghals envied its lush green valleys and fast flowing rivers and today it is coveted by the Pathans , the Kohistanis and the Gujars . Over two thousand years ago, this prosperous valley of Swat – originally known as Udyan – was the home of well – settled people, living within magnificently planned towns. In 327 B.C., Alexander the Great fought his way to Udigram and Barikot and settled a good part of his army here. Later, the Buddhists came, they preached, converted, fought and stayed for worship. Graphic remains of the Buddhist culture date back to the 2nd century. In the 11 th century Mahmud of Ghazni invaded Swat after having advanced
through Dir, and defeated Gira, the local ruler, near Udigram. After him followed the Moghals, under Babar and his grandson Akbar, yet they were unable to conquer the valley. There is evidence that by then the Yusufzai Pathans – fierce, proud and resolute warriors – defended their soil against all invaders , including the British. Winston Spencer Churchill, in his account of the Malakand campaign, narrates a colorful tale. Swat, a land that shines with fruit – laden orchards, flower- filled slopes, meandering rivers, tumbling streams and is surrounded by the mighty ranges of the Hindu Kush and the Karakoram. The valley is 3250 feet above sea level and Saidu Sharif and
Mingora are the towns that form the twin capital of this area. Kalam, 64 miles from Saidu Sharif, is the last town accessible by road. It is at a height of 6800 feet, and is surrounded on all sides by the snow – covered peaks of the Hindu Kush, dense forests of pine , fir deodar and wild flowers, dotted with orchards of walnut and borders the Ushoo stream.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Swat – Madian / Behrain – Swat
Breakfast at the hotel. AM Visit Jahanabad and Madyan/ Bahrain.
35 miles north of Saidu Sharif is the charming town of Madyan, lying at an elevation of 4336 ft. The town borders the Swat river and trout fishing is a favorite pastime. 6 miles further north is the town of Bahrain, whose precarious wire bridge and fabulous woodcarving makes it a must.
PM visit Butkara/ Saidu stupas/ Museum and Bazzar. Butkara – the remains of one of the most important Buddhist shrines in the valley. This site consists of a main stupa around which jostle 215 votive stupas in apparently glorious disarray. The main stupa was believed to contain some ashes of Lord Buddha and to have been built by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka. It is difficult to imagine it as it must have been once, all painted and gilded and topped by stone umbrellas. You
can still see the statue of lions crouching on their haunches. They probably fell off the tops of the tall columns which once stood near the stupa. Then you will visit Mingora Bazaar, which is the commercial center well – worth visiting, for there you will find emeralds for which Swat is famous. Then continue to Murghazar where you will behold the old white palace constructed from white marble and adorned with ornate carvings.The Museum in Saidu Sharif has a large collection of Gandharan sculptures collected from some of the buddhist sites in Swat.In the ethnographic section there is some local embroidery , carved wood and tribal jewellery. There are also a few coins on
display.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Swat – Takht – e – Bhai – Peshawar
After breakfast drive to Peshawar over the Malakand Pass. Enroute visit Takht-e-Bahi the Buddhist Monastery. Takh – Bahi, situated 500 feet high on a rocky spur. This site, dating back to 45 A.D. has produced sculptures in stone and stucco that are uniquely arranged on small shrines
that surround the main stupa.Upon arrival transfer to the hotel.Peshawar is the capital of the North West Frontier Province, strategically situated at the mouth of the Khyber Pass. Known as the ancient and historical city of Central Asia, Peshawar is a city of many secrets. Her story is the story of many cultures, people, traditions, and customs. It has seen countless epochs of invaders, conquerors and emperors. The inhabitants of this city – the legendary Pathans – have thus evolved into a daring and fearless race. The bazaar is known as the Qissa Khawani (Story Tellers)
bazaar: Years ago, caravans used to travel from Russia and China into Persia, and Peshawar used to be the Gateway. All kinds of people used to meet and exchange stories and brag about their exploits – hence the name. Until the mid – fifties ,Peshawar was enclosed within walls having sixteen gates. On the Eastern approach to the city lies the mighty Bala Hisar fort, built by Babar, the first of the Moghals. On the Eastern approach, lies the Sombre Jamrud fort, which is still used as part of the second defense perimeter. In the heart of the city lies the Mahabat Khan mosque, built in 1680 by Mahabat Khan, the then Governor of the province. The architect attempted
to copy the mighty Badshahi Mosque of Lahore, and constructed six small minarets in between two huge minarets towering 110 feet into the air.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12: Peshawar
After breakfast proceed for half day excursion to Khyber Pass.
[PLS NOTE THAT KHYBER PASS EXCURSION IS SUBJECT TO
GOVERNMENT ‘ S PERMISSION AND WE NEED FULL PASSPORT DETAILS
ATLEAST 21 DAYS BEFORE ARRIVAL TO APPLY FOR PERMIT]
This famous pass has been a silent witness to the countless number of invaders , pleasure seekers , adventures and soothsayers that have filtered through its narrow gateway over the centuries. The historic Khyber Pass begins at a distance 15 miles west of Peshawar at the Babi – Khyber watchtower, which acts as a gateway to the Pass. You then begin a winding journey through a tribal area, passing the Jamrud Fort ,and for 36 miles are another `invader`, witnessing the stark and severe beauty of this passage hewn through great rocks. The pass ends at the Torkham Border,passing the smugglers`bazaar, Landikotal, which at a height of 3518 feet straddles the top of this historical passageway.At Torkham the Durand line separates Pakistan from Afghanistan.
After a short rest proceed for city sightseeing of Peshawar. We begin by visiting the rich museum of Peshawar , which houses treasures of the Gandhara period. Proceed to old Peshawar through the Kabuli Gate – one of the sixteen – to the Qissa Khawani bazaar, ” the street of story tellers”, and witness unusual and unforgettable sights . We will also visit the coppersmith’s bazaar, which
flourished from the 1st century B.C. to the 5th century A.D. Continue to Mahabat Khan’s mosque, built in 1670 by the Governor of Peshawar under Moghal Emperor Shah Jahan. Our tour will pass by Bala r Hisar Fort, built by Babar in 1526 – 30, and rebuilt by Hari Singh Nalva, under the guidance of French engineers in 1830.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13: Peshawar – Taxila – Islamabad
After breakfast drive to Islamabad.
Upon arrival transfer to the hotel.
Farewell dinner after all the fun and excitement. Its time to say good bye to each other with a wish to meeting again at some other Walji’s tour program in future.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 14: Islamabad
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your home bound flight.

Cost depending on group size for example if you are 3 to 5 people the cost will be US$ 1550 per person

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