Sunday 31st August – Islamabad – Rawalpindi, Pakistan

• Arrival at your convenience in the city of Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital city with great flights connecting from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
• The driver will meet you at the airport and take you to our hotel.
• A pre-tour meeting will be held at 5:00pm in the hotel lobby to discuss the tour itinerary and to meet your fellow travelers and YPT guide.
• We’ll out for dinner to get to know your fellow traveling companions and guides.
• Overnight stay in Rawalpindi.

Monday 1st September – Rawalpindi – Islamabad

Morning

• Early morning starts with breakfast at the hotel before we discover the beauty of Pakistani artistic culture.
• We’ll head off to the truck yard where Pakistani trucks, vans, and anything that moves is painted with vibrant and bedazzled works of art. The traditional artwork not only displays the trucker’s way of life but celebrates it!
• Next, we’ll visit the Faisal Mosque – the national Mosque of Pakistan can hold up to 300,000 worshippers making it the largest Mosque within South Asia and the 5th in the world.

Afternoon

• Islamabad is famous for its cuisines, for lunch, we’ll head to a local restaurant. We recommend trying Niharia’s delicious meat stew or daal for a vegetarian option both served with roti and rice.
• Pakistan has had a turbulent history ever since its foundation. We’ll visit the Pakistan Monument which was constructed to symbolize the unity of the Pakistani people, particularly for those who sacrificed their “today” for a better “tomorrow”.
• We head to the top of Daman-e-Koh, a beautiful hilltop garden overlooking Islamabad just in time to capture a spectacular sunset. It’s also a perfect opportunity to capture daily life in Islamabad and to interact with the friendly residents.
• Dinner at a local restaurant followed by an evening walk and dessert from a popular street stall.
• Overnight stay in Islamabad.

Tuesday 2nd September – Rawalpindi – Abbottabad – Naran

Morning

• Early morning starts with breakfast in the hotel before your epic adventure begins along the Karakoram Highway.
• Our journey will take us through Abbottabad, a city that unknowingly sheltered Osama Bin Laden – the founder and first general of al-Qaeda and mastermind behind the September 11 attacks.

Afternoon

• We’ll take a rest stop here and enjoy some tea and a light lunch taking in the scenery.
• Once we’re ready, we’ll continue along the Karakoram Highway, we’ll take a slight detour to see an even more impressive part of the region.
• On your journey along the disputed border with Indian Kashmir, passing along incredible mountain peaks, we’ll make many stops to appreciate the spectacular scenery.
• On arrival to Naran, we’ll check into our hotel relax, and freshen up before heading out to explore the town.
• Dinner at a local restaurant with the optional evening walk around town.
• Overnight stay in Naran.

Wednesday 3rd September – Naran – Fairy Meadows 

Morning

• Early morning starts with breakfast at our hotel before we set out for today’s adventure.
• Once we’re ready we’ll continue on our scenic journey along the Kunhar River to the beautiful Lulusar. We’ll take a moment to enjoy the natural scenery and for photo opportunities.
• We’ll continue a journey toward Babusar Pass, at 4173m it’s the highest point accessible by vehicle on the Kaghan Valley. The panoramic views of the west Himalayas and Hindukush are breathtaking.
• We’ll continue our journey and descend to Chilas and join the Karakoram Highway to Raikot Bridge. To make the most of the region, we’ll change our transport to 4WD Jeeps to experience one of the hair-raising adventure journeys to Jhel village. Along the journey, we’ll make rest stops and appreciate the stunning views.

Afternoon

• After a picturesque morning, we’ll settle down for lunch and a cup of chai while having the opportunity to interact with the friendly residents.
• Once we’re ready, we’ll continue on a 3-hour hike to Fairy Meadows – fondly named by a German explorer for its natural beauty. Locally the National Park is referred to as Joot. For those wishing to take in the scenery can journey along horseback for an additional fee.
• Fairy Meadows is located at the base of majestic Nanga Parbat, which translates to “Naked Mountain” – with a peak of 8126m making it the second-highest mountain in Pakistan and the ninth in the world ranking. This is one of the most beautiful parts of northern Pakistan, and a must-visit place.
• On arrival, we’ll settle down in our huts before having dinner. With little light pollution, the remote location and small populations make it a perfect place to go stargazing.
• Overnight stay in Fairy Meadows.

Thursday 4th September – Fairy Meadows – Raikot Glacier – Nanga Parbat

Morning

• A leisurely morning starts with breakfast before we discuss our options for today’s itinerary.
• We’ll have a full day around Fairy Meadows to explore the magnificent sights of west Himalayas & Karakorams. It offers plenty of options, you may want to rest and explore the surroundings with mesmerizing views or hike further upfield.
• For those keen hikers, it’s possible to go to the viewpoint located next to Raikot Glacier or hike further to Base Camp and then return to Fairy Meadows later in the afternoon.

Afternoon

• Lunch at your choice depending on the activity you choose.
• Dinner at Fairy Meadows while enjoying our final night at the National Park.
• Overnight stay in Fairy Meadows.

Friday 5th September – Fairy Meadows – Hunza Valley

Morning

• Early morning starts with breakfast before we pack our belongings and hike back to our 4WD.
• Along the hike, we’ll be able to take rest stops and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. On arrival to our 4WD, we’ll continue on our journey until we reach our minivan and continue along the Karakoram Highway to Hunza Valley.
• Your journey will take you to the greatest mountain ranges, where the Hindu Kush, Karakorum, and the Himalayas meet.
• We’ll continue along the journey taking us through Gilgit, a disrupted Kashmiri region. The region has a long history of trade through the Silk Roads and is a vital center for Buddhism.

Afternoon

• For lunch, we’ll visit a local girls’ school in Gilgit, and we’ll have the opportunity to meet students hear about their ambitions, and answer their questions.
• Once we’re ready, we’ll continue north to the Hunza Valley, making stops along the way to enjoy mountainous views.
• On arrival at Hunza Valley, we’ll check into our hotel, freshen up, and head out for dinner.
• Overnight stay in Hunza Valley.

 Saturday 6th September – Hunza Valley

Morning

• Breakfast at our hotel before we explore Hunza Valley and the surrounding area.
• Hunza Valley has its own unique culture, traditions, and languages. We’ll make the most of our time here and capture the daily life in the mountainous region.
• We’ll visit the ancient forts of Baltit and Altit, both are recognized by UNESCO. These forts were pivotal throughout the history of the region with Altit Fort having a darker past. Baltit Fort used to be the residence of the Mir of Hunza until 1945.

Afternoon

• For lunch, we’ll head to a popular restaurant that serves local cuisine. We recommend trying chapshuro, a delicious pie filled with meat, onions, and spices. There are vegetarian options available also.
• Once we’re ready, we’ll walk on the high irrigation channels carved into the rock for its spectacular views. We’ll have the opportunity to relax and take in the scenery.
• For dinner, we’ll head to our favorite restaurant followed by chai and an evening walk.
• Overnight stay in Hunza Valley

 Sunday 7th September – Hunza – Passu – Sost

Morning

• Breakfast at our hotel before we continue along the Karakoram Highway.
• Our journey takes us to the newly formed Attabad Lake, the 20 km long lake that was only formed in 2010 after a massive landslide that submerged a section of the Karakoram Highway. Barges were used to transport vehicles until a new road tunnel was constructed in 2015.
• We’ll continue to Passu, a small village famous for its snow-topped mountainous peaks and greenery. We’ll have the opportunity to explore the village and cross the incredible rope bridge to the neighboring village of Husseini.

Afternoon

• We’ll have lunch at the local village with time to explore, a perfect spot to capture some amazing pictures.
• Along the journey, we’ll pass Borith Lake where we can relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery before continuing onwards to Passu Glacier.
• Our journey will take us to Sost also referred to as Sust – the village is not only famous for its 2800m elevation but for being the last major settlement along the Karakoram Highway within Pakistan.
• On arrival to Sost, we’ll check into our hotel before heading out for dinner and celebrate our final night in Pakistan.
• Overnight stay in Sost.

Monday 8th September – Sost – Tashkurgan, China

Morning

• Early morning starts with breakfast at our hotel, before we depart onwards to China.
• Our route will take us through Khunjerab National Park, the park was specially designed to protect Marco Polo sheep and snow leopards. Hopefully, we’ll be able to see these majestic animals whose populations are sadly decreasing.
• Next, we’ll be entering the Khunjerab Pass making our way to the Chinese border.

Afternoon

• We’ll have lunch at the border where we can use our Pakistani rupees. Leftover currency can be exchanged.
• Border formalities as we depart Pakistan and enter China. You’ll notice the uniqueness of Xinjiang with its large population of Uyghur people who follow the Islamic faith.
• On arrival to Tashkurgan which means “Stone Fortress”, we’ll check into our hotel before heading out to enjoy a much-deserved beer and baijiu.
• Dinner at a local restaurant, which serves cuisines distant from the Xinjiang region.
• Overnight stay in Tashkurgan.

 Tuesday 9th September – Tashkurgan – Karakul Lake – Kashgar

Morning

• Breakfast at our hotel before we head out to explore Tashkurgan. The ancient town was a vital stop for weary travelers on the Silk Road.
• We’ll explore the town visiting key sites before grabbing a tea while enjoying the daily life of Tashkurgan.
• Once we’re ready, we’ll continue to Karakul Lake, at 3600m it’s the highest lake on the Pamir plateau. However, the lake is renowned for its dark green to light blue appearance.
• We’ll make the most of our time at Karakul Lake to capture some amazing pictures and enjoy the incredible scenery.

Afternoon

• Once we’re ready, we’ll continue along the journey and stop for lunch at a local restaurant.
• Our journey continues for the final part of the Karakoram Highway, we’ll have the opportunity to along the journey for photo opportunities before the route becomes more modern.
• On arrival at Kashgar, China’s most westernmost city and terminus for the Karakoram Highway. There have been major developments in the city as it’s a vital link for the China–Pakistan economic corridor.
• We’ll check into our hotel where we can relax and freshen up before having an evening walk around the city.
• Dinner at a local restaurant, for those inclined to a few drinks to celebrate our journey along the Karakoram Highway.

Wednesday 10th September – Kashgar

Morning

• Leisurely morning starts with breakfast at our hotel, before we discover the hidden gems of Kashgar.
• Once we’re ready, we’ll visit Kashgar Livestock Market where you can experience locals trading sheep, goats, camels, and even horses! The lively atmosphere with give a glimpse of traders from a tradition that dates back thousands of years.
• Next, we’ll visit Haohan Village which has the holiest site for Muslims in the region, the resting place of Afaq Khoja – regarded as the most important figure for the Uyghur people. The mausoleum is a perfect example of Islamic architecture, influenced by Central Asian colorful tiled minarets.

Afternoon

• For lunch, we’ll visit a small establishment to enjoy the freshly locally produced cuisines.
• Once we’re ready, we’ll drive North of Kashgar to visit the oldest surviving Buddhist caves in Western China. You’ll learn about the spread of Buddhist teachings along the Silk Road.
• After a busy day, we’ll return to Kashgar and head straight out for dinner.
• Overnight stay in Kashgar.

Thursday 11th September – Kashgar

Morning

• Early morning starts with breakfast at our hotel before we explore and learn about the ancient and modern history of Kashgar.
• We’ll begin with a visit to the People’s Square which has an impressively large Chairman Mao statue, the founder of the People’s Republic of China.
• Next, we’ll continue to the beautiful Kashgar old town, where we can explore the streets. Kashgar is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
• You’ll have the opportunity to explore the old town at your own pace, purchase gifts, take photos, or simply enjoy some tea while observing daily life.

Afternoon

• For lunch, we’ll head to a local restaurant located in the old town.
• Once we’re ready, we’ll take the narrow lanes where the residents reside until we reach Id Kah Mosque.
• We’ll then continue to one of the biggest bazaars in Asia, where you’ll have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs. The markets continued to thrive which was historically a trading point during the Silk Road.
• For dinner, we’ll explore the night markets where there’s a selection of street food. This is the perfect place to sample the delicious local cuisines. As it’s our final night, we’ll celebrate our journey along the Karakoram Highway with a few drinks.
• Overnight stay in Kashgar.

Friday 12th September – Kashgar

Morning

• A leisurely morning starts with breakfast at the hotel.
• We’ll head to Sary-Tash. Along the journey, you’ll learn more about the historical significance of Osh.
• We’ll make a stop at a local restaurant for a lunch break and enjoy the natural scenery.

Afternoon

• On arrival to Sary-Tash, meet your fellow group members and the YPT guide for a pre-tour meeting and dinner.
• Sary-Tash is a remote village that lies at the crossroads of China, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, we’ll have the opportunity to explore the remote village.
• Overnight stay in Sary-Tash.

Saturday 13th September – Sary-Tash – Lake Karakul (Tajikistan) – Murghob

Morning

• Early morning starts with breakfast at our guesthouse before we begin our road trip to the Kyrgyz-Tajik border.
• Along our journey, we’ll see Lenin Peak, locally known as Ibn Sina Peak. At 7134m it’s the highest mountain on the Pamir Mountains range.
• The scenic journey will take us along the industrial ghost towns of now-abandoned Soviet-era settlements. During the peak of the Soviet Union, these towns used to flourish bringing citizens from all over the republics together. Unfortunately, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, these once-thriving towns have now fallen into disrepair.

Afternoon

• On arrival at the Kyrgyz-Tajik border, we’ll stop for lunch. We’ll have the opportunity to use up your Kyrgystani Som and/or exchange it for Tajikistani Somoni.
• Once we’re ready, we’ll continue with the border formalities. A special committee was assembled to disguise the Kyrgyz-Tajik border, based on ethnicity. There have been many border clashes between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan since independence.
• We’ll continue along the Ak-Baital mountain pass, at 4,655m, making it the highest section of the Pamir Highway. We’ll make stops to take in the barren landscape with snow-topped peaks.
• Next, we’ll visit Lake Karakul, meaning “black Lake” which was created by an impacted crater. The lake is home to a number of bird species, we’ll take a rest stop here and enjoy the beautiful scenery and photo opportunities.
• Arriving in the evening, we’ll check in to our hotel in Murghob before heading out to explore the local markets and the Lenin statue. Murghob is the highest town in Tajikistan and the former Soviet Union, surrounded by mountains, it is remarkable how there’s an active population here.
• For dinner, we’ll head to a local restaurant which serves plov, the national dish.
• Overnight stay in Murghob.

Sunday 14th September – Murghab – Langar

Morning

• Early morning starts with breakfast before we continue along the Pamir Highway.
• Our journey will take on another natural geographic wonder, as we leave behind the barren rocky landscape for the green flora scenery of the Wakhan Corridor.
• There’s something spectacular about the Wakhan Valley, which you’ll experience. The narrow strip is arguably the best place to visit in Central Asia. The mountainous region divides the Pamir Mountains from the Hindu Kush.
• Historically the Wakhan Valley served as a vital route for the ancient Silk Road, it’s also the path that Marco Polo took. We’ll take advantage of the views and make stops to capture the natural beauty.
• No journey is complete without visiting Bulunkul and Yashilkul Lakes which support various endangered bird species. It’s also a perfect opportunity for those keen photographers to capture the green lake.

Afternoon

• Along the scenic journey, we’ll stop at a local restaurant for lunch and a rest break.
• We’ll continue along the Khargush Pass, which reaches an altitude of 4344m. Across the border, you’ll witness one of the most remote regions of Afghanistan, where the local communities have not only adapted to the difficult terrain but also the political situation.
• Once we arrive at Langer, you’ll notice its natural beauty is located at the end at the tip of the Wakhan Valley where the Wakhan and Pamir rivers combine to make the Panj.
• We’ll check into our guesthouse before heading out for dinner and exploring the village.
• Overnight stay in Langar.

Monday 15th September – Langar – Vrang – Ishkashim

Morning

• Early morning starts with breakfast at the hotel, for those early risers it’s a great opportunity to explore and appreciate the breath-taking scenery.
• Once we’re ready, we’ll check out of the guesthouse and continue along the border with Afghanistan and the Panj. There are a number of bridges constructed over the Panj connecting the two countries which were financed by the US during their occupation of Afghanistan – this is the perfect opportunity to see what life is like across the border.
• During the Silk Road, alongside trade, religious practices were also spread particularly Buddhism. The rich, diverse teachings of Buddhism flourished with monasteries, temples, and caves, however with the spread of Islam these sites were abandoned. We’ll visit the remnants of the Buddhist complex and learn about the lifestyle and practices of the monks who once lived here.
• We’ll stop by a museum dedicated to Mubarak Kadam Wakhani, the Sufi, astronomer and musician who can be credited for the solar calendar. The Sufi literature was hidden during Stalin’s purge and now can be freely appreciated.

Afternoon

• For lunch, we’ll head into the village and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, it’s also a great place to enjoy some Tajik tea.
• Once we’re ready we’ll visit Khahkha Fortress, although there’s no historical record of its origins. It’s known to have been used during the Kushan Empire for weary travelers along the Great Silk Road. The fortress also provides us with a great vantage point to peer into Afghanistan.
• Next, we’ll not only visit a natural wonder but also an auspicious site for followers of the Islamic faith – Bibi Fatima hot springs, named after the prophet Mohammed’s daughter it’s believed to improve the fertility of women.
• We’ll continue to Yamchun Fort, the impressive fortification that is miraculously still standing in the Wakhan Valley. Used as an outpost, the remote ruins used to house a Zoroastrian fire temple.
• After a busy day, we’ll check in to our hotel before heading out for dinner.
• Overnight stay in Ishkashim.

Tuesday 16th September – Ishkoshim – Khorog

Morning

• The leisurely morning starts with breakfast before we check out of the hotel.
• Once we’re ready, we’ll learn more about Ishkoshim – the border town is directly opposite an Afghanistan town that shares the same name. The twin towns are connected by a bridge used frequently to trade goods.
• We’ll continue along the Wakhan Corridor following the Panj where you can witness the quality of life between the two countries. We’ll take advantage of the route and make stops to interact with the locals and for photo opportunities.

Afternoon

• Along the journey, we’ll have lunch at a local restaurant, and we’ll have some time to explore the village and interact with the locals.
• Your journey will include reminders of the once mighty Soviet Union, we’ll stop at various Soviet Bus stops for photo opportunities.
• We’ll continue along the scenic journey to Khorog, the capital of Gorno-Badakshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO). Historically the region was disputed between Bukhara, Afghanistan, Russia, and Britain during the Great Game.
• Once we arrive in Khorog, we’ll check in to our hotel before heading out for dinner and tea.
• Overnight stay in Khorog.

Wednesday 17th September – Khorog – Kalaikhumb

Morning

• Early morning starts with breakfast at our hotel, before check out you’ll have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs.
• Once we’re ready, we’ll continue along our journey to Kalaikhumb which follows the border of Afghanistan.
• One of the most striking scenery along the Pamir Highway is the Kotezek Pass. Reaching the altitude of 4272m, the lunar-like desert scenery is incredible, taking us on the beaten path of the potholed route is all part of the experience.
• Originally, this route was just a trail for residents, mainly used by herders. During the Soviet era saw the major construction of the highway, the complex terrain was overcome by exploding granite cliff walls and using the material to build roads over the Panj all while not crossing into Afghanistan’s territory.

Afternoon

• For lunch, we’ll stop at a small village and enjoy the local cuisines.
• We’ll continue along the scenic journey towards Kalaikhumb, locally referred to as Qal’ai Khumb which means “fortress on the banks of the river of Khumb”. Historically it was the capital of Darvaz a principality that was ruled by Mir until 1878.
• Once we arrive in Kalaikhumb, we’ll check into our hotel before heading out to explore the town. It’s here, where the Pamir Highway meets the Panj and across the river, you can easily peer into Afghanistan’s neighbouring town.
• Dinner at a local restaurant, followed by an evening walk.
• Overnight stay in Kalaikhumb.

Thursday 18th September – Kalaikhumb – Dushanbe

Morning

• Early morning starts with breakfast at our hotel before we depart the Pamirs.
• We’ll take the scenic route towards Kulob, locally referred to as Kulyab. The journey follows the Afghanistan border and the Panj. We’ll continue along the lower Shurabad Pass which reaches the altitude of 2200m.
• As we take the journey, you’ll notice more and more frequent settlements, we’ll stop at these small villages to pick up supplies and for photo opportunities.

Afternoon

• We’ll take a lunch break along the scenic journey where we can enjoy the views.
• Once we’re ready, we’ll continue to Hulbuk fortress, the city was the largest in Central Asia until the 12th century. Soviet archaeologists discovered the site had deep roots in the Zoroastrian faith.
• Along the journey, we’ll visit the memorial dedicated to the 2018 Tajikistan tourist attack. A group of cyclists were viciously run over and then attacked by IS members.
• On arrival to Dushanbe, the largest and capital city of Tajikistan we’ll check in to our hotel before heading out to discover the vibrant city.
• We’ll head to our favourite restaurant in Dushanbe followed by an evening walk of the capital city.
• Overnight stay in Dushanbe.

Friday 19th September – Dushanbe

Morning

• Early morning starts with breakfast at the hotel before we discover Dushanbe.
• We’ll visit the beautiful botanical garden which houses plants and trees from all over the world. It’s also a popular spot for locals to socialize and take walks.
• Next, we’ll head towards the mountainous part of the capital to Victory Park where we can capture the impressive views of the city. The park was created to honour Tajik soldiers who fought in the Great Patriotic War.
• We’ll continue our city tour which includes Victory Square, Rudaki Street, Central Park, and the monument of Ismoil Somoni – the national hero of Tajikistan.

Afternoon

• For lunch, we’ll head to a local restaurant to enjoy the local cuisine.
• Our tour will also include Nowruz palace, the largest tea house in the world before visiting Dushanbe’s flagpole – which has the record of the tallest freestanding flagpole from 2011 to 2014.
• We’ll continue to the Ismaili Centre, dedicated to the Ismaili people. The centre is one of six and highlights the cultural identity of the Shia Ismaili minority group.
• As it’s our final night, for dinner to celebrate our journey along the Pamir Highway. For those inclined, we’ll head out for a few drinks and experience the nightlife in Dushanbe.
• Overnight stay in Dushanbe.

Saturday 20th September – Dushanbe

• A leisurely morning starts with breakfast at the hotel.
• At the end of the tour depart at your convenience. YPT can arrange additional nights in Dushanbe and airport drop-off for a fee, we are more than happy to provide advice for ongoing flights.

Read More