The 12 Days Silk Road & Karakoram Highway Tour follows one of the most legendary trade routes in human history. For centuries, caravans traveled through these mountain passes connecting China, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent.
Today, the modern Karakoram Highway retraces much of this ancient Silk Road, offering travelers an unforgettable journey through some of the world’s most spectacular mountain landscapes, cultural regions, and historic trading routes.
This tour takes you from Islamabad into the heart of the Karakoram Mountains, exploring Gilgit, Hunza Valley, Attabad Lake, Passu, and the high-altitude Khunjerab Pass at the China border.
Tour Highlights
- Travel along the legendary Karakoram Highway (Silk Road section)
- Explore Gilgit, ancient Silk Road trading hub
- Visit Hunza Valley and historic mountain forts
- See Attabad Lake and Passu Cones
- Cross scenic valleys of Upper Hunza
- Visit Khunjerab Pass on Pakistan–China border
- Experience ancient caravan routes and cultural heritage
- Photograph glaciers, rivers, and high mountain deserts
- Learn Silk Road history and regional trade culture
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Islamabad
Arrival at Islamabad International Airport. Meet and transfer to hotel. Tour briefing and preparation.
Day 2 – Drive to Besham / Chilas
Begin journey along the Karakoram Highway following the Indus River, passing through historic Silk Road valleys.
Day 3 – Chilas to Gilgit
Continue along ancient trade routes to Gilgit, a key Silk Road junction city.
Day 4 – Gilgit Exploration
Visit Gilgit Bazaar, Buddha Rock Carvings and surrounding valleys.
Day 5 – Gilgit to Hunza
Drive to Hunza Valley with scenic stops at Rakaposhi viewpoint.
Day 6 – Hunza Cultural Tour
Visit Baltit Fort, Altit Fort and Karimabad village exploring Silk Road heritage.
Day 7 – Attabad Lake & Upper Hunza
Explore Attabad Lake, Gulmit village, Passu Cones and ancient caravan routes.
Day 8 – Khunjerab Pass Excursion
Travel to Khunjerab Pass at 4,693m, the highest paved border crossing in the world.
Day 9 – Return to Hunza
Relax and explore local culture, markets and mountain scenery.
Day 10 – Hunza to Gilgit
Drive back to Gilgit with stops at historic Silk Road viewpoints.
Day 11 – Gilgit to Islamabad
Return journey via Karakoram Highway to Islamabad.
Day 12 – Departure
Transfer to airport for onward flight.
Silk Road Heritage
The Silk Road was not a single road but a network of trade routes that connected East and West for over 1,500 years. Northern Pakistan played a crucial role in this system, acting as a gateway between China, Central Asia, and South Asia.
Caravans once carried silk, spices, gemstones, and ideas through these same valleys now traveled by the Karakoram Highway.
What’s Included
- Private transport throughout the tour
- Hotel accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Professional guide service
- Fuel, tolls and driver expenses
- Tour coordination support
What’s Not Included
- International airfare
- Visa fees
- Lunches and dinners
- Travel insurance
- Entry tickets
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
Best Time to Travel
Best time for Silk Road travel in Pakistan is from May to October when mountain passes are open and weather conditions are stable.
Why Choose This Tour?
- Follows authentic Silk Road routes
- Combines history, culture and mountains
- Includes Hunza and Khunjerab Pass
- Ideal for history and adventure travelers
- One of the most iconic road journeys in Asia
Tour Price
Starting from USD 1,795 per person
Book This Tour
Experience the living history of the Silk Road with Hindukush Tours and Travel.
Hindukush Tours and Travel
Islamabad, Pakistan
Website: https://hindukush.com.pk