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SHANGRI-LA
HUNZA
A World Heritage Sites Tour of Pakistan |
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John
Hilton's Shangri-la. Hunza is the land of longevity, serenity,
towering mountains, lush green terraced valleys, the mighty
Indus River, and most importantly, the friendly Hunzakuts.
Our 10-day journey begins at the Khyber Pass near Peshawar
and follows the Swat Valley, the incredible Karakorum Highway
into Hunza, Gilgit and Skardu. We then fly to Islamabad,
before ending our journey at Lahore, the first capital of
the Moghuls.
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Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
|
01
|
Peshawar |
|
02
|
Khyber Pass / Peshawar |
| 03 |
Peshawar
/ Swat |
|
04
|
Swat
/ Chilas |
|
05
|
Chilas / Hunza |
|
06
|
Hunza
|
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07
|
Hunza
/ Gilgit |
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08
|
Gilgit
/ Besham |
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09
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Besham
/ Islamabad |
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10
|
Islamabad
|
|
|
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UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
|
World Heritage Sites in Pakistan covered on this tour |
|
Taxila (1980) |
From
the ancient Neolithic tumulus of Saraikala to the ramparts
of Sirkap (2nd century B.C.) and the city of Sirsukh (1st
century A.D.), Taxila illustrates the different stages
in the development of a city on the Indus that was alternately
influenced by Persia, Greece and Central Asia and which,
from the 5th century B.C. to the 2nd century A.D., was
an important Buddhist centre of learning. |
| Buddhist
Ruins at Takht-i-Bahi and Neighboring City Remains at
Sahr-i-Bahlol (1980) |
The
Buddhist monastic complex of Takht-i-Bahi (Throne of Origins)
was founded in the early 1st century. Owing to its location
on the crest of a high hill, it escaped successive invasions
and is still exceptionally well preserved. Nearby are
the ruins of Sahr-i-Bahlol, a small fortified city dating
from the same period. |
| Fort
and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore (1981) |
These
are two masterpieces from the time of the brilliant Mughal
civilization, which reached its height during the reign
of the Emperor Shah Jahan. The fort contains marble palaces
and mosques decorated with mosaics and gilt. Near the
city of Lahore, the elegance of the splendid gardens,
built on three terraces with lodges, waterfalls and large
ornamental ponds, is unequalled. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
Day
01: Arrive Peshawar
We are greeted with As Salaam Aleykoum, the traditional greeting, as we arrive
at the historic city of Peshawar. The drive to the city gives us a glimpse of
the city.
Peshawar is a Central Asian city and a scene from the Arabian Nights.
Overnight Grand / Green's Hotel, Peshawar (2 nights) (B)
Day 02: Khyber Pass and Peshawar
Morning visit to the Khyber Pass is like walking back into history. The Khyber
Pass has been the silent witness to countless great events in the history of
mankind. The historic pass begins 18 km (11 miles) west of Peshawar and runs
up to the Pakistan-Afghanistan border at Torkham, 57 km / 35 miles from Peshawar.
It has been conquered by the Greeks, ruled by the Buddhists, destroyed by the
Huns, rebuilt by the Brahmins and still later invaded by the great Moguls. The
Sikhs and Afghans also left their mark here before the Pass fell to the British.
Today the Khyber Pass is the site of famous forts such as Jamrud and Shangai.
Some of the forts are still occupied by the Khyber Regiment of the Pakistan Army.
The "Smuggler's Bazaar" at Landi Kotal, situated en route to the Khyber Pass,
is also covered in this tour. (Excursion to Khyber Pass is subject to permission
from local authorities.). An afternoon tour of Peshawar city includes: The Peshawar
Museum that houses a rich treasure of art, sculpture and historical relics dating
from the Gandhara period (300 BC to 300 AD) to modern times. Visit to the Yadgar
Square and the Mahabat Khan Mosque, a beautiful towering structure with lofty
minarets. The Qissa Khawani Bazaar (storyteller's bazaar), the Peshawar Pottery
Works, Bater Bazaar (street of partridge lovers) and Mochi Lara, famous for it's
exquisitely embroidered sandals. Peshawar is a colorful and cosmopolitan city
and many different people gather here; Afghans, Iranis, Uzbeks, Tajiks, Afridis
and Shinwaris all add to the excitement. (B)
Day
03: Peshawar / Swat (Drive 159 kms / 98 miles)
Driving along the picturesque Malakand Pass you will first visit the magnificent
ancient Buddhist monastery Takht-i-Bahi dating back to 1st to 7th Century AD.
Takht-e-Bhai consists of numerous chapels and stupas sticking to the high, rocky
spurs. Next continue to the enchanting Swat Valley visiting the famous Churchill's
Picket en route. Later a city tour of Saidu Shariff, the capital of Swat Valley.
You will see the small, but well preserved Swat Museum and Mingora known for
its very colorful bazaar and Marghazar.
Overnight Thames / Swat Continental, Swat (1 night) (B)
Day 04: Swat / Chilas (Drive 308 kms / 190 miles)
In the morning ascending north, you cross the 2134m Shangrila Pass, which gives
a breathtaking and panoramic view of the Swat Valley before getting along side
the Indus River on your way to the Gilgit Valley. Remainder of the day is at
leisure.
Overnight Chilas Inn / Panorama Hotel, Chilas (1 night) (B)
Day 05: Chilas / Hunza (Drive 240 kms / 148 miles)
We enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery on our drive to Hunza; first we get
to see the Himalayas and later the Karakoram ranges. En route we stop at various
scenic spots and local villages. Even the amazing scenery along the way does
not prepare us for the majesty and serenity that the Hunza Valley will present
to us. We are warmly welcomed by the Hunzakuts as we arrive at Karimabad, the
capital of Hunza Valley.
Overnight Hill Top / Hunza Baltit Inn, Hunza (2 nights) (B)
Day
06: Hunza
Full day tour of Hunza. Very few places in the world compare with this small
mountainous region, which was a semi-autonomous state until very recently but
is now fully unified with Pakistan, the ruling dynasty of Hunza having lasted
for over 600 years. The scenic beauty of this area, with its greenery and snow-capped
mountains, makes it a true paradise. During the summer there is an abundance
of apricots, peaches, pears and grapes. Hunza lies on the ancient trade route
to Kashgar in the Chinese province of Sinkiang. Today the Karakoram Highway runs
along this route with Karimabad being the main town of Hunza. Hunza is probably
most famous for the longevity of its people, due to their simplicity and natural
diet, along with the unpolluted mountain air. Tibetan traders referred to the
beauty of this humble paradise as "Shangri-La". The tour will include meeting
with local folks, understanding the secrets of their longevity and also visit
some of the important historical sites including the recently renovated, simple
yet overpowering, Baltit Fort and the Ganesh watch Tower. Visit to Nagar Valley
and Hopper Glacier are also included. Visit to the Baltit Fort is of immense
interest. For many years the fort served as an administrative headquarter and
home to the former Mirs (rulers) of Hunza. The porters who accompanied the Balti
bride for the then Mir of Hunza built it more than 700 years ago. The style of
construction originates from Ladakh. A maze of rooms serving as living and administrative
offices were added periodically, designed with indigenous woodwork. It is strategically
located on a prospect point, which gives it an immense overview of Hunza and
neighboring valleys. Currently it serves as a Fort Museum with a good collection
of exhibit of artifacts and musical instruments from Hunza. The fort is now administered
by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture Foundation, which undertook the reconstruction
and re-establishment to its original grandeur. Visit to Hoper offers a fine view
of some of the highest peaks in Hunza and Nagar. (B)
Day 07: Hunza / Gilgit (Drive 100 kms / 62 miles)
Today we drive southwards reaching the ancient silk route-trading town of Gilgit,
the administrative centre of Northern Pakistan. Our afternoon tour of Gilgit,
includes a visit to a local school, the home of a Gilgiton, the popular polo
grounds and the very typical mountain bazaar. We'll also visit the impressive
rock carvings of the Buddha near Kargah.
Overnight Gilgit Continental / Reveria Hotel, Gilgit (1 night) (B)
Day
08: Gilgit / Besham (Drive 345 kms / 215 miles)
Today we will drive to on KKH to Besham. It is a stopover developing rapidly
into a busy commercial town. Following the down stream course of River Indus,
we will make photo stops at the confluence of River Indus & Gilgit, our next
stop will be at the unique point where three mountain rages, Karakoram, Himalayas
and Hindu Kush meet, Nanga Parbat viewpoint offers breathtaking panorama on behind.
We will also stop at Chilas & Shatial rocks with ancient graffiti's on it before
reaching at Besham.
Overnight Palace / Besham Hotel, Besham (1 night) (B)
Day 09: Besham / Islamabad (Drive 245 kms / 155 miles)
Morning drive to Islamabad with visit to Taxila. A fallen world of glories now,
Taxila was once the seat of oriental culture. Situated only 32 km from Rawalpindi,
Taxila is famous for the rare specimens of stucco from the Gandhara period excavated
from Sirkap, as well as various Buddhist Stupas and Monasteries. Taxila is first
mentioned as a territory of the Great Achaemenian Empire of Persia in the 6th
century BC in inscriptions of Darius the Great at Beghistun. It was invaded by
Alexander the Great to assert his claim over the lost provinces of the Achaemenian
Empire, and then ruled by Mauryas such as Ashoka the Great, Bactrian Greeks,
Scythians, Parthians and the Kushan kings. It came to an undignified end around
450 AD when it was ransacked by hordes of White Huns. The museum here houses
various objects and sculptures dating from the 4th century BC to the 5th century
AD. The excavations are spread out over an area of 8 km.
Once the sightseeing is over then we will drive to Islamabad.
Overnight Regency / Marina Hotel, Islamabad (2 nights) (B)
Day 10: Depart Islamabad
Khuda Hafiz - farewell, departure transfer to the airport for the departure flight. (B) |
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B
= Breakfast
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L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
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Departure Dates |
2008
Mar 13, Apr 03, May 15, Jun 05, Jul 10, Aug 07, Sep 11, Oct
09
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| Prices |
| Season |
Tour
Price US$ / CA$ |
Single
Sup US$ / CA$ |
| 2008 |
1265 |
185 |
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
•
Hotel accommodation as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes
• Meal plan as mentioned (B=Breakfast)
• All sightseeing and transfers
• Entrance Fees to Museums and Sites
• Services of Local English speaking guides
• Visa Support as required |
•
International Airfare / Departure Taxes
• Personal Insurances
• Visa Fees
• Drinks / Beverages with meals
• Tips / Gratuities to Drivers & Guides |
| Domestic
/ Regional Airfare INCLUDED in Tour Price |
| Islamabad/Lahore
(if taking the extension) |
| Estimated
International Airfare(not
included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US $ / CA $
1200 |
| West
Coast |
US $ / CA $
1300 |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 02
and a maximum of 15
participants. |
| Other
Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages |
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased
to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your
individual needs.
Customized tours can be conducted in English, French,
German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted
in the designated language only. |
| Contact
Information |
|
|
Fax:
+1-604-264-7774
|
| 206–8678
Greenall Ave |
Phone:
+1-604-264-7378 |
| Burnaby
B.C., Canada |
Toll
Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844 |
| V5J
3M6 |
Email:
bestway@bestway.com |
|
30
years in small group journeys
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Site
updated April 04, 2008
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