Drive to the feet of the tallest mountains in Pakistan
The Karakorum Jeep Safari covers the great mountain ranges of Pakistan, leading you to the base of the Karakorums and western Himalayas. Dip into the Hunza Valley and dance to the drums of the people who call it home before riding back up to the feet of these mountains, some of which rise over 8100m.
The Hunza Valley is a mountainous valley, situated northwest of the Hunza River. The territory of Hunza is about 7,900 square km (3,100sq mi). Aliabad is the main town, while Baltit and Altit are popular tourist destinations because of the spectacular scenery of the surrounding mountains. Explore this region not normally seen by tourists to get in touch with its natural and cultural riches.
Throughout this overland tour, you’ll marvel at panoramic views of Nanga Parbat at 8126m, Rakaposhi at 7788m, and Diran Peak at 7266m. You’ll camp amidst these mountains between your rides on the famous Karakorum Highway, certainly one of the most magnificent road trips one can take.
Highlights of the Karakorum Jeep Safari
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Karakorum Jeep Safari Itinerary
Day 1 Islamabad and Rawalpindi
Arrive in Islamabad and transfer to the hotel. Today you will visit some of the famous sights of Islamabad including the Faisal Mosque, the largest in Southeast Asia and the 5th largest mosque in the world. You will also take time to visit the Lok Virsa Museum and Pakistan Monument. Islamabad replaced Karachi back in 1967 and is now the political and commercial heart of the country. Leafy green boulevards are home to modern buildings and shopping malls, but it’s also dotted with traditional homes and mosques.
After lunch, proceed to visit Rawalpindi. Rawalpindi is a lively, bustling city with crowded streets and colorful bazaars. The buzzing Rajah Bazaar is a kaleidoscope of people and merchandise spreading in every direction from chaotic Fowara Chowk. You could spend hours exploring the colorful, crowded streets and buy anything from batteries to a new set of teeth. Dotted around are crumbling stone towers marking old Hindu temples.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Islamabad
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 2 Drive to Chilas
This morning, you’ll drive to Naran (6-7 hours, 279km) via Mansehra- Naran-Jalkhad. After lunch, continue the drive to Chilas( 3-4 hours, 113km) via Babusar Pass. Babusar Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,173m (13,691ft). The pass is the highest point in the Kaghan Valley and it’s one of the most famous hairpin roads in the world.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Chilas
Distance: 10-11 hours, 394km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Drive to Tarishing
Drive to Tarishing and transfer to a hotel. Tarishing is situated at an altitude of around 2900m on the southern face of Nanga Parbat, and it is one of the most beautiful villages in Pakistan.
Tarishing village offers a picture-perfect view of the Rupal valley along the majestic Nanga Parbat base camp.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Tarishing
Distance: 120km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Drive to Shoucher Lake and Walking Tour
Today, drive to Shoucer Lake with a panoramic view of Astore valley, which is called little Kashmir. The lake used to be a Dhak bungalow for the ancient Silk traders in the past, and the drive will be totally on the rough Jeep road.
Upon arrival, transfer to the campsite and enjoy a walk around the lake; see a panoramic view of Deosai Plateau and Nanga Parbat as well.
Overnight Location: Camping in Shoucher
Distance: 3-4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 Walk and Drive to Deosai Plateau
Walk and drive tover the high Deosai Plateau (4,114m) at the west end of Himalayas. The Deosai Plateau offers a beautiful view of the Karakoram Mountains. After walking around a bit, you’ll continue to Kala Pani.
Overnight in tents with beautiful surrounding hills and snow-capped mountains. Enjoy and explore the area of Kala Pani.
Overnight Location: Camping in Deosai Plateau
Distance: 2-3 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 Visit Shigar Fort and Katpana Desert
A morning drive to Skardu (65km) starts the day. After refreshments, drive to the Shigar valley (35km), visit the Shigar Fort and The Cold Desert, also known as the Katpana Desert. You’ll take an evening hike to Kharpocho Fort from Skardu city, about an hour.
The Shigar Fort has been open since June 1, 2005 following an intensive six-year restoration undertaken by Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan. Originally known as Fong-Khar, which in the local Balti language means "Palace on the Rock", this 400-year-old Raja fort-palace has been brought back to life following a careful strategy of adaptive re-use and restoration. The result is a combination of authentic original 17th century architecture together with the modern amenities and services of a luxury guesthouse.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Skardu
Distance: 95km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7 Drive to Khaplu Village and Fort and Back to Skardu
Drive to Khaplu village (100km), En route, stop at various viewpoints for photos. After refreshments, visit Khaplu village and Khaplu Fort and enjoy walking and photography from the Khaplu village. In the evening you’ll drive back to Skardu (100km).
Khaplu is a handsome village of timber and stone houses. Painstaking irrigation has made it a shady, fertile oasis. As you climb its twisting track, the icy peaks of the Masherbrum Range rise on the other side of the valley. It’s hard to imagine a more majestic setting near a public road anywhere in Pakistan. The main attractions are the 2600m-high village itself, the old Royal Place and even older Mosque above it at Chakchun, and the heart-stopping views.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Skardu
Distance: 200km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8 Drive to Karimabad
Drive to Gilgit (200km), after lunch in Gilgit visit the Gilgit Bazaar and Kargah Buddha. Next, drive to the Hunza valley (100km), en-route stop at various viewpoints for photography and snacks.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Karimabad
Distance: 340km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9 Baltit – Altit Fort and Duiker Valley Tour
This morning you’ll visit the famous Baltit Fort, recently restored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture to a fantastic standard. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Baltit Fort is in the Hunza valley near the town of Karimabad, in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of northern Pakistan. Founded in the 8th century CE, it has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2004.
In the past, the survival of the feudal regime of Hunza was ensured by the impressive fort, which overlooks Karimabad. The foundations of the fort date back to 700 years ago, with rebuilds and alterations over the centuries. In the 16th century the local prince married a princess from Baltistan who brought master Balti craftsmen to renovate the building as part of her dowry.
Later you will visit Royal Garden, Altit Fort and go for a walk along the water channels around town to absorb the local atmosphere and have a glimpse of the lifestyles of the local people.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Duiker Valley
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10 Lakes and Villages en Route to Passu & Soft
Drive to Passu via Attabad Lake (50km) and visit Borith Lake, Gulkin village, Gulmit village, Passu Glacier, Passu village, Hussani village and the Hussani suspension bridge. You’ll then take an evening drive to Sost for the night (50 km).
Gulmit used to be the second capital of Hunza kingdom in the year 960. It is one of the most important centers of the Wakhi inhabitants. with high mountains of 5500m to 7785m, this unique cultural place lies on the bank of Hunza River.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sost
Distance: 150km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 11 Drive to Khunjerab Pass & Back to Karimabad
Today you’ll enjoy a full day excursion to Khunjerab Pass (4733m). Khunjerab Pass is a high mountain pass in the Karakoram Mountains in a strategic position on the southwest border of the Xinjiang region of China. The Khunjerab Pass is the highest paved international border crossing in the world and the highest point on the Karakoram Highway. The roadway across the pass was completed in 1982, and has superseded the unpaved Mintaka and Kilik Passes as the primary passage across the Karakoram.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Karimabad
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 12 Drive to Karimabad & Walk to Fairy Meadows
Drive from Karimabad to Raikot Bridge, then take a Jeep transfer to Tato village. Here you’ll walk to Fairy Meadows for a spectacular view of Nanga Parbat. Fairy Meadow is a lush green plateau. Many people have called it "Heaven on Earth". These lush green meadows and forests lie at the base of Nanga Parbat at the western edge of the Himalayan range in Pakistan. Fairy Meadows is a very peaceful and relaxing place to enjoy the mountain atmosphere and hospitality of the local people. Hermann Buhl, the Austrian climber who made the first ascent of Nanga Parbat in 1953, named it Fairy Meadow.
Overnight Location: Camping in Fairy Meadows
Distance: 178km driving, 5.5km walking
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 13 Excursion to Nanga Parbat Base Camp
Today you’ll take a full day excursion to Nanga Parbat base camp at 3967m. Enjoy and capture the panoramic views of Nanga Parbat, Raikot Peak, Chongra-I and Ganalo Peak.
Overnight Location: Camping in Fairy Meadows
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 14 Travel to Naran
Head down to Tato village, then take a Jeep to Raikot Bridge and continue to drive to Naran via Babusar Pass at 4173m.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Naran
Distance: 184km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 15 Drive to Islamabad and Taxila Museum
Drive from Naran to Islamabad (279km), and en route, visit the Taxila Museum and some historical sites. Most of the archaeological sites of Taxila (600 BC to 500 AD) are located around the Taxila museum. For over 1000 years, Taxila remained famous as a centre of learning Gandhara art of sculpture, architecture, and Buddhism in the days of Buddhist glory. There are over 50 archaeological sites scattered in a radius of 30km around Taxila.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Islamabad
Distance: 279km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 16 Fly Home
It’s time to head home. Transfer to Islamabad airport for your return flight.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Karakorum Jeep Safari Price and Dates
This tour in Pakistan is always run as a private tour for your group only and the price per person depends on the size of your group.
The prices below are per person:
- Guided Groups of 4: $2,385 USD per person
Please note that the pricing might change depending on the size of your group
Book NowAccommodation on the Karakorum Jeep Safari
This tour is based in hotels and campsites. Hotels on this trip are 2-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Campsites will include tents and other basic equipment.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement of $395 USD to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hill View Hotel ★★
Enjoy modern comforts for your first night in Islamabad at the Hill View Hotel, a simple hotel that offers a hot tub to relax in.
Shangri-La Midway
This rustic hotel enjoys a great location with mountain views. Traditional Pakistani design can be enjoyed throughout the property.
Guesthouse in Tarishing
A guesthouse in Tarishing will be chosen based on availability once your tour is confirmed.
Camping in the Karakorum
Sleep under the stars in a comfy two-person alpine tent. You will be paired with another client of the same sex if you are a single traveler.
Concordia Motel in Skardu
This motel has simple dorm-style rooms with amazing mountain views. You’ll have WiFi and an onsite restaurant.
Darbar Hotel
Spacious rooms, updated bathrooms, and a good restaurant await at the Darbar Hotel. You’ll have internet access as well.
Eagles Nest Hotel in Duiker
The location doesn’t get much better than this! Enjoy being nestled into the mountains at this rustic, simple hotel.
Gems Place Hotel
This hotel has stellar views, comfortable and basic rooms, and accommodating staff.
Darbar Hotel
Spacious rooms, updated bathrooms, and a good restaurant await at the Darbar Hotel. You’ll have internet access as well.
Raikot Sari Camp
This campsite in Fairy Meadows is probably one of the most scenic places you’ll stay while travelling. Enjoy a lake and sweeping mountain views.
Millennium Hotel in Naran
This hotel has had updates done, so you’ll enjoy stylish rooms and lots of space. You’re also close to a nearby bazaar.
Hill View Hotel ★★
Enjoy modern comforts for your first night in Islamabad at the Hill View Hotel, a simple hotel that offers a hot tub to relax in.
What’s Included in the Karakorum Jeep Safari?
Meals
15 breakfasts, 15 lunches, and 15 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 15 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transport for you and your luggage is included in the tour. Air-conditioned transport for airport pick-up and drop off is also included.
Also Included
- D3V sleeping tent
- Toilet tent
- Mess and kitchen tent
- Table, chairs
- Mattresses
- Kitchen equipment
- Road taxes
- All entry fees to fort and sites
- Bridge crossing fees
- Deosai National Park fee
- Khunjerab Pass National Park fee
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Professional cook
- Porters for Fairy Meadows trek
Not included
- Tips for guide and driver
- Optional excursions or deviations from the scheduled tour
- All personal expenses
- Room service, gratuities for personal services
- Sleeping bag or personal gear
- Emergency evacuation
- Flights
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- Meals not previously mentioned
- Anything not mentioned as included
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades where available
Frequently Asked Questions about Karakorum Jeep Safari
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