Highways of the Himalayas
Tour Highlights
- Discover the wonders of Pakistan in our Highways of the Himalayas tour
- Explore the lush green capital city, of Islamabad, Pakistan
- Drive along the Indus River on Karakoram Highway
- Visit medieval Altit and Baltit Forts
- Experience the Khunjerab Pass (4,693 m)
- Sneak peek of Nanga Parbat (8,126 m) and Rakaposhi (7,788 m) from KKH
Tour Overview
Highways of the Himalayas tour takes you to the lush green mountainous valleys in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. The tour starts in the extreme northern part of Pakistan, bordering the Xinjiang region of China. The natural splendour of the region, along with its position on the Central Asian Silk Route, has attracted travellers, merchants, and mountaineers for centuries. Beyond its iconic glaciers, fertile apricot farms, and turquoise lakes, the region also boasts a rich cultural heritage. The Highways of the Himalayas tour allows you to immerse in the local culture, savour traditional foods, and witness history firsthand. These elements will turn you from a tourist into a true traveller.
This is one of the best tours in the world, where you will experience the Khunjerab Pass, explore the Ancient Silk Route, visit Baltit & Altit Forts, Fairy Meadows, and get a glimpse of the world-famous mountains Nanga Parbat and Rakaposhi.
For years, Trango Adventure has been offering services to Highways of the Himalayas tour enthusiasts from around the world. Our 11-13 day Highways of the Himalayas tour covers the lush green valleys of Hunza, with the duration adjusted to your preferences, ability, and available time.
The tour begins in Islamabad. Your guide will meet and greet you at Islamabad International Airport, followed by a transfer to your hotel to rest. In the afternoon, you will be briefed about the tour. The next day, your journey to the north begins on the famous Karakoram Highway to reach Chilas.
Chilas, an “oasis in a desert,” is surrounded by the world’s highest mountain ranges: the Karakoram in the north, the Himalayas in the east, and the Hindu Kush in the west. Chilas is also the gateway to Nanga Parbat (8,126 m). After spending the night in Chilas, the tour continues along the Karakoram Highway with the spectacular backdrop of Nanga Parbat as you head to Karimabad.
Karimabad, the capital of Hunza Valley, is nestled amidst the mighty Karakoram mountains. After a restful night, you will wake up to an extraordinary sunrise over Rakaposhi. After breakfast, explore the ancient Altit Fort (1,000 years old) and Baltit Fort (700 years old). You’ll then drive to Eagle’s Nest for an overnight stay, a prime location offering panoramic views of Hunza Valley and breathtaking sunsets.
From Eagle’s Nest, drive along the Karakoram Highway towards the Khunjerab Pass. Located at a high altitude, Khunjerab Pass marks the border between Pakistan and China. The route to Khunjerab is surrounded by stunning landscapes, providing the perfect ending to your journey before returning to Islamabad via Fairy Meadows, the base camp of Nanga Parbat.
Fairy Meadows offers an ideal setting to relax and enjoy the views of Nanga Parbat, watch the clouds drift past the peak, and explore the surrounding cool woods. There is also an optional trek around Nanga Parbat before heading back to Islamabad. After spending the night in Islamabad, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight back home. We believe that our “Highways of the Himalayas” tour will create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
Highways of the Himalayas tour, on the Trango Adventure YouTube channel.
Click here to read our Trip Advisor reviews for our Highways of the Himalayas tour.
Highways of the Himalayas tour, on the Trango Adventure YouTube channel.
Click here to read our Trip Advisor reviews for our Highways of the Himalayas tour.
Brief Tour Itinerary
ARRIVAL DAY, LAHORE, (217 meters above sea level)
EXPLORING LAHORE
LAHORE'S HISTORICAL TREASURES
LAHORE – KHEWRA SALT MINE – ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD – SKARDU – KHAPLU
KHAPLU – MACHULU – KHAPLU
KHAPLU – SHIGAR
SHIGAR
SHIGAR – SKARDU – GILGIT- (6 to 7 Hours)
GILGIT – KARIMABAD, 3 HOURS
KARIMABAD – HOPER – KARIMABAD
SUNRISE VIEWS, SCENIC WALKS- KARIMABAD- (2 to 3 Hours)
KARIMABAD – SOST – TASHKURGAN, CHINA-(6 to 7.5 Hours)
Additional information
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Map and Itinerary of Highways of the Himalayas
Introduction
Trango Adventure has a long and successful history of offering the Highways of the Himalayas tour in Pakistan. With over 40 years of experience, we’ve designed an itinerary that prioritizes acclimatization, safety, and enjoyment for all our travellers.
Our itinerary is structured day-by-day, but please note there may be some flexibility due to local conditions or factors beyond our control. In such cases, the trek leader will make every effort to adjust the itinerary, ensuring minimal disruption to your experience.
The Highways of the Himalayas tour requires an open and adaptable mindset. You may encounter extreme conditions, unpredictable weather, and last-minute changes that are beyond our control. The ability to work as a team is essential for a successful and enjoyable trip.
Detailed Tour Itinerary
ARRIVAL DAY, LAHORE (217 meters above sea level)
Arrive at Wagha-Attari Border from Amritsar and after border formalities, continue to Lahore for 30 minutes where we will check-in at Pearl Continental Hotel Lahore. Stay at the hotel for lunch and refreshments till 4:00 pm, then drive by Coaster to witness the flag ceremony at Wagha Border. The colourful and engrossing lowering of the flags ceremony by Pakistan Rangers (on the Pakistani side of the border) and Indian Border Security Force (on the Indian side) at the Wagah – Attari border at sunset is a daily military practice jointly displayed by the two countries since 1959. The drill is witnessed by a great number of spectators both locals and foreigners from both sides and is characterized by elaborate and rapid dance-like maneuvers and raising legs as high as possible, which is both a symbol of the two countries’ rivalry as well as a display of brotherhood and cooperation between the two nations.
Dinner at Haveli Restaurant, famous for Pakistani cuisine, located in the historic Haveli Khalil Khan, which is an architectural landmark of the Fort Road Food Street Lahore with incomparable and outstanding views of the famous Badshahi Mosque.
- Dinner & overnight stay at Pearl Continental Hotel Lahore.
EXPLORING LAHORE
In the morning, leave the hotel to visit the Lahore Museum, one of the oldest cultural institutions of Pakistan, which houses approximately 60,000 artefacts of historical, cultural, and artistic value. These objects represent Pakistan’s ancient and contemporary heritage and are inclusive of Islamic, Buddhist, Sikh, Hindu, and Jain histories. The museum presents to its visitors works from its collection of Gandharan sculptures, Islamic decorative arts, miniature paintings, and rare manuscripts, as well as Indus seals, ancient coins, ethnographic works, and paintings from the Colonial and Modern periods.
After a short coffee break, visit the Shalimar Gardens (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Shalimar Gardens, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1641 AD, also known as “the lost paradise,” showcases a fiesta of colour, reflecting pools, and pavilions, all displaying the grand ambitions of Mughal architecture.
Lunch at Lahore Monal restaurant that serves Pakistani and Continental Cuisine. Return to the hotel for relaxation till 5:00 pm.
Leave the hotel at 5:30 pm for dinner at Haveli Restaurant, famous for Pakistani cuisine, located in the historic Haveli Khalil Khan, which is an architectural landmark of the Fort Road Food Street Lahore with incomparable and outstanding views of the famous Badshahi Mosque.
After dinner, witness the Tourism Night, celebrated by the Walled City of Lahore on every Saturday evening from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm, displaying the history of Lahore’s Mughal Era. The event features Classical music performances, costumed guides & Mughal era characters, and serves traditional refreshments at the Grand Lahore Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
- Overnight stay at Pearl Continental Hotel Lahore.
Morning visit again the Walled City of Lahore. The Walled City of Lahore is recognized as the heart of the cultural heritage of Lahore, home to many tourist attractions like Lahore Fort, Badshahi Masjid, Wazir Khan Masjid, Shahi Hammam, and many of the contemporary bazaars and Pakistani food dhabas/restaurants.
One of today’s attractions is the Rangeela Rikshaw ride, which is a local ride known as Rickshaw, prepared in traditional truck art design. It became popular among the masses as the Rangeela Rickshaw. The tourist avails this ride for touring inside the walled city. This ride starts from Akbari Gate, passing through the traditional & oldest Spice Bazar, making its way through the old Mohallas (towns) of the Old City, and then reaches the Dehli Gate. The ride further covers the Royal Bath, also known as the Shahi Hammam, Wazir Khan Mosque, Lahore Fort, Akbar’s Court, Shah Jahan’s Palace, Royal Court, and Badshahi Mosque.
The mighty Lahore Fort: The Lahore Fort, also known as SHAHI QILA, is a reflection of many centuries. Located in the north-western corner of the walled city of Lahore, it measures about 427 meters east-west and 335 meters north-south, excluding the fortification wall. The earliest reference to the fort comes in a history of Lahore compiled by Al-Biruni, noting a fort constructed in the early 11th century. Mughal emperor Akbar demolished the earlier mud fort and rebuilt it in burnt brick in 1566. Successive Mughal emperors added several buildings to the fort. It is the only monument in Pakistan representing the complete history of Mughal architecture and subsequent eras.
Lahore Fort was listed among the World Heritage Sites in 1981 by UNESCO.
The Splendid Badshahi Mosque: Constructed between 1671 and 1673 under the supervision of Fida’i Khan Koka, Badshahi Mosque was initially planned as a place to guard a strand of the last Prophet’s (PBHU) hair. Its design is influenced by the Jama Mosque of Delhi. The mosque was constructed just a few hundred meters west of Lahore Fort, with the River Ravi nearby.
The Historic Wazir Khan Mosque: Built-in 1634-35 AD by Hakim Shaikh Ilm-ud-Din Ansari, the Governor of Punjab during Emperor Shah Jahan’s reign. The mosque sits astride the historic route used by Mughal nobility as they entered the city and made their way to the royal residence in Lahore Fort. The mosque has a prayer chamber and a large courtyard surrounded by hujras and two pavilions, with four minars marking the corners.
The Shahi Hammam: A Persian-style bath built during Emperor Shah Jahan’s reign in 1635 CE. It is also known as the Wazir Khan Hammam.
Tomb of Emperor Jahangir: After lunch at Spice Bazar located at M M Alam Road Lahore, visit the tomb of Emperor Jahangir (1569-1627 AD), built in the middle of a vast garden on the right bank of River Ravi in Shahdara. Jahangir’s tomb took ten years to complete and was likely the vision of his wife, Noor Jahan.
- Dinner at Andaaz Restaurant.
- Overnight stay at Pearl Continental Hotel Lahore.
LAHORE – KHEWRA SALT MINE – ISLAMABAD
Morning check out from the hotel and leave for Islamabad. The drive to Islamabad from Lahore takes four to five hours on an excellent road. As we near the Pakistan capital, we branch off to visit Khewra Salt Mine, the second largest in the world and believed to have been discovered by the horse of Alexander the Great in 320 BC. The Khewra salt mines cover an area of 110 sq. km and consist of 11 stories, with over 40 kilometres of tunnels. Only fifty per cent of the salt is mined to support the structure of the mine. We explore the mine with a narrow gauge electric railway which has been running since the 1930s.
Upon arrival, check in at Serena Islamabad Hotel. After some rest and refreshment, leave for Monal Restaurant, a 45-minute uphill drive offering a stunning view of the Margala Hills for dinner.
- Overnight stay at Islamabad Serena Hotel.
ISLAMABAD (1 to 1.5 Hours)
After breakfast, a city tour of the twin cities of Islamabad & Rawalpindi, starting with the famous Faisal Mosque, followed by a visit to the picturesque Shakarparian Hills and the Pakistan Monument, which commemorates the martyrs of the country. Next, visit the Lok Virsa Museum, Pakistan’s first state museum of ethnology showcasing the country’s history and living traditions.
After lunch at Kabul Restaurant, visit Raja Bazar & Moti Bazar in Rawalpindi to explore the local lifestyle. Evening dinner at Khyber Dodai in Islamabad for Peshawari Namkeen Gosht.
- Overnight stay at Islamabad Serena Hotel.
ISLAMABAD – SKARDU – KHAPLU (4 to 5 Hours)
Early morning flight to Skardu, enjoying views of K2, Nanga Parbat, and other high peaks. Upon arrival, drive to Kachura village, where we visit Upper Kachura Lake and have lunch at Shangrilla Resort. After lunch, continue the 3-hour journey to Khaplu, a village nestled in the mountains.
Upon arrival, check-in at Serena Khaplu Palace, a unique 300-year-old castle. Later, visit the old Raja’s Palace, now being preserved by Aga Khan Cultural Service. Enjoy dinner in the gardens of Serena Khaplu Palace.
- Overnight stay at Serena Khaplu Palace.
KHAPLU – MACHULU – KHAPLU-(5.5 to 7 Hours)
Early morning hike to a lush-green plateau above Khaplu for panoramic views of the surrounding villages and snow-capped peaks, including the Saltoro and Mashabrum mountain ranges. Visit the remains of Thoqsi Khar, a 15th-century fort built by Raja Saleem Aldey.
After breakfast, drive to Saling & Machulu villages to explore village life and enjoy the views of Mashabrum Peak. Lunch at Saling Fish Farm followed by a return to Khaplu.
- Dinner at Serena Khaplu Palace.
- Overnight stay at Serena Khaplu Palace.
KHAPLU – SHIGAR-(3.5 to 4.5 Hours)
Check out from Khaplu and visit the village of Chaqchan with its centuries-old Noorbakshi mosque. Continue the journey to Shigar, stopping for lunch at Gwardi Garden Restaurant and visiting the dunes of Sarafanga Cold Desert and the Shigar Viewpoint.
Upon arrival at Shigar, check in at Serena Shigar Fort Residence, a 350-year-old fort renovated by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.
- Dinner and overnight stay at Serena Shigar Fort Residence.
SHIGAR-(4 to 5 Hours)
Morning stroll through Shigar village, visit the Khanqa-e-Moallah Mosque and the 14th-century Amburiq Mosque. After lunch, enjoy free time before attending a Polo match at the Shigar Polo Ground in the afternoon.
- Dinner and overnight stay at Serena Shigar Fort Residence.
SHIGAR – SKARDU – GILGIT- (6 to 7 Hours)
After breakfast, drive to Skardu and visit the local bazaar before hiking to Kharphocho Fort, offering panoramic views of the surrounding areas. Lunch at Shahi Dewan in Skardu, then drive to Gilgit via the newly reconstructed Juglot-Skardu road, passing through picturesque landscapes and gemstone mining areas. Stop at the confluence of the Karakoram, Himalaya, and Hindukush ranges.
- Arrive at Gilgit and check in at Gilgit Serena Hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
GILGIT – KARIMABAD-(5 to 6 Hours)
Morning visit to the 100-year-old Buddha Rock at Kargha Nala, followed by a visit to the Gilgit Bazaar and suspension bridge. Then, drive on the Karakoram Highway to Karimabad (Hunza). En route, pass the remains of the ancient Silk Road and enjoy a view of Rakaposhi Mountain. After lunch at Rakaposhi View Point restaurant, continue to Karimabad and check in at Serena Altit Fort Residence.
- Late afternoon stroll through Altit village and visit the Altit Fort.
- Dinner and overnight stay at Serena Altit Fort Residence.
KARIMABAD – HOPER – KARIMABAD-(5 to 6 Hours)
After breakfast, visit Baltit Fort and enjoy breathtaking views of the Hunza and Nagar valleys. Around 11 am, leave for Hoper Valley, where lunch is served at Hoper Restaurant. Explore the village, view the Hoper Glacier, and enjoy a walk down the glacier.
- Late afternoon return to Karimabad for dinner and overnight stay at Serena Altit Fort Residence.
SUNRISE VIEWS, SCENIC WALKS- KARIMABAD- (2 to 3 Hours)
Early morning drive to Duiker Eagle’s Nest Hotel for sunrise views over the Hunza and Nagar valleys and surrounding peaks such as Rakaposhi and Diran Peak. After lunch at Eagle’s Nest restaurant, enjoy a short walk downhill towards Karimabad, with a pick-up along the way.
In the afternoon, visit Karimabad Bazaar, followed by a traditional Hunza music program in the evening.
- Dinner and overnight stay at Serena Altit Fort Residence.
KARIMABAD – SOST – TASHKURGAN, CHINA-(6 to 7.5 Hours)
Early morning departure for Sost. After immigration formalities and lunch at Tibet Hotel in Sost, drive towards Tashkurgan, China, via Khunjerab Pass, the highest international border crossing in the world at 4,730m (15,372ft).
- End of the Pakistan portion of the trip.
Highways of the Himalayas Tour Cost and Dates 2025-26
Private Groups – Choose your Dates.
Highways of the Himalayas Tour.
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Our Highways of the Himalayas tour prices are on a full-board basis. The tour dates and prices are for the itinerary from Islamabad to Islamabad. We offer great discounts for couples, families, and groups, so please get in touch with us before booking to secure the best rates. International flights from most cities arrive in Islamabad in the morning, and return flights will depart from Islamabad International Airport on the last day of the itinerary. Our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.
Please be aware that there are often only a limited number of seats available at the advertised price. To secure your spot, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially during peak seasons. If we are unable to secure seats at the advertised price, we will contact you with an alternative quote.
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE – NO SURCHARGE GUARANTEE:
The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, Trango Adventure have undertaken to guarantee the price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best prices and take advantage of our ‘No Surcharge Guarantee’. Trango Adventure is a Government-licensed and bonded tour operator to follows the strict Regulations set by the Tourism Department of Pakistan.
We accept Cash on arrival, Bank Transfers, PayPal, and all major Credit & debit Cards.
Highways of the Himalayas Tour 2025-26 Information
What’s Included
- Professional Culture Guide
- Airport transfers for both Domestic & International flights
- Internal flights and associated airport transfers
- All land transport involved in the itinerary
- Accommodation as described
- All meals throughout the tour
- All permit fees
What’s Not Included
- Travel Insurance
- Pakistan Visa Fee
- Tips for local guides and support staff
- Miscellaneous expenses (e.g., mineral waters, souvenirs, etc.)
Meal Plan
Fully inclusive of all meals throughout the tour, from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on the last day of the Highways of the Himalayas tour.
Accommodation
During the tour, the group will stay in good international tourist standard hotels (3-star). Accommodation is based on twin-sharing with en-suite facilities. If you’re travelling solo, you’ll be paired with another guest of the same gender. Single-room accommodations can be arranged for an additional cost. Additional hotel nights in Islamabad are available upon request. Hotel prices and single supplement costs are provided on the dates and prices page of our website. Hotels are subject to availability and prices may vary.
Health & Vaccination
Contact your doctor or travel clinic to check if you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Recommended vaccinations include diphtheria-tetanus-polio, measles-mumps-rubella, hepatitis A, and typhoid. Malaria prophylaxis is discretionary as malaria is present in the Islamabad area but with low risk. Dengue fever is also a risk, so take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Insurance
It is highly recommended to have adequate travel insurance that covers your activities during the tour. Ensure your insurer is aware of your itinerary with Trango Adventure and the activities included in the Highways of the Himalayas tour. Travel insurance with cancellation coverage is strongly recommended.
Suggested insurance companies:
- HCC Medical Insurance Services LLC
- Travelex Insurance Services
- True Traveller Insurance
- Snowcard
- World Nomads (up to 6000m)
Culture Guide & Supporting Staff
The Highways of the Himalayas tour will be led by an experienced Culture Guide, accompanied by a full support crew throughout the journey.
Altitude
The tour involves travelling to high altitudes, with some days above 2000 meters. Proper acclimatization procedures are followed to ensure safety. If you’re new to high-altitude tours, we suggest seeking some basic advice on how to manage altitude.
Climate
From June to August, temperatures can reach up to 35°C in Islamabad, Naran, and Gilgit. The weather in the Gilgit and Hunza regions is typically around 30°C. However, the mountainous areas can experience unpredictable weather, with occasional storms.
Books
- Trekking in Pakistan by Isobel Shaw
- Karakoram Highway by King
- In the Throne Room of the Mountain Gods by Galen Rowell
- K2 Triumph and Tragedy by Jim Curran
Passport & Visas
A passport with at least 6 months of validity beyond your stay is required. All nationalities require a visa to visit Pakistan. The visa fee is approximately GBP 35. Trango Adventure will provide you with a letter of introduction to help with the visa process. For more information on visa procedures, please refer to our website’s Blog and News section.
Equipment List
We will send you a detailed list of recommended items closer to your departure date. Ensure your total bag weight does not exceed 27 kg. Items not needed on the tour can be left at the hotel in Islamabad.
For more information, email us at [email protected] regarding the Highways of the Himalayas tour.
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