Adventure Tour- Rafting Pakistan's North Frontiers

The inspiring scenery of the region will stir the soul, and the vigorous trek will exhilarate the body and spirit. This tour includes trekking in Patundas Meadows, as well as rafting in the north along swift running rivers. After braving the northern frontier by foot and by raft, enjoy the well-deserved comfort of Gilgit, the majestic beauty of the mountains, colorful bazaar and warm hospitality. You will view spectacular glaciers and mountains, as well as timeless villages and towns along the way.

Day 1: Islamabad - Arrive in Islamabad. You will be met and then transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, take a Rawalpindi/Islamabad city tour. We will begin at the old city of Rawalpindi, at the Raja (King) Bazaar. A stop in the silver and gold bazaars will allow us to catch traditional craftsmen at work. We will then continue on the main street linking the Twin cities - Murree Road - before arriving at the gleaming new capital. We pass shining new buildings and thousands of park areas - a full 50 percent of the 350 square mile site is set aside for parks. We will then stop at the Shakar Parian, "Sweet Hills" to catch a bird's eye view of Islamabad. Our next stop will be Shah Faisal Mosque which is the landmark of Islamabad. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Chilas - Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast drive to Chilas via Taxila. Chilas was on the ancient caravan trail over the Babusar Pass into India and on the Indus trail of Besham, and many rock engravings were left by travellers in this area. Chilas is standing under the shadow of world famous Nanga Parbat. On arrival transfer to the hotel.

Day 3: Karimabad - Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast drive to Karimabad via Gilgit. Karimabad is the delightful old capital of the Hunza Kingdom. From Karimabad, with its souvenir shop, post office and tea shop, you can obtain a magnificent view of the valley laid out below you and of the peaks behind. The Aliabad/Karimabad area is sprinkled with wild flowers and blossoming fruit orchards. We will spend half our day in these two towns enjoying the greenery and delighting in the sound of the babbling brooks. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Karimabad - After breakfast, we take a full day city tour of Hunza including Baltit Fort and Hoper. (please note that Baltit Fort is now a museum). Baltit Fort was the old palace of the Mirs of Hunza and was inhabited until 1960. It is about 400 years old. Baltit is a curious rambling old place, four storeys high and sturdily built of stones, sun-dried mud and timber. Baltit is built on a cliff edge; behind it is a ravine, and then the Ultar glacier glinting in the sunshine. The architecture here reflects a Tibetan influence. The view from the top of the fort is well worth the climb. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: Borit - After breakfast we drive to Ghulkin and onward take a mini trek to "Borit Lake". The lake site was the duck hunting ground for the Mor of Hunza and is a point surrounded by lofty peaks with excellent panoramic views. Camp by lake side around 2500 metres. Overnight in tents.

Day 6: Luzdhar - After breakfast trek to Luzhdar, a 6-7 hour hike. You will traverse Passu Glacier, taking 3-4 hours through sections of white ice and large boulders. The route follows a trail adjacent to the glacier as we continue the shepherd's route. The "trail "on the glacier is fairly well defined. Luzhdar camp is at the Patundas base meadow and is situated adjacent to the Passu Glacier, with a high shale cliff on its back. Overnight in tents.

Day 7: Patundas - After breakfast trek to Patundas, a 4 hour continuous steep hike on shale, loose rocky paths with switchbacks. Patundas is a meadow at the crest of a small hill with some greenery and shrubs, but mostly barren. This trek takes you to the fascinating area of Upper Hunza, the highlight being Patundas Meadows (4,575 metres), a awesome vantage point which offers views of countless peaks including: Passu group (7284 to 7500m), Batura group (7,500 to 7,785m), Shispar (7611m), Dastagil Sar (7895m), Mohmil Sar (7342m), Rakaposhi (7790m), and many more. Spend the rest day feasting your eyes on the ocean of peaks and awe inspiring views of this enchanted land of Hunza. Overnight in tents.

Day 8: Patundas - Day at leisure. Overnight in tents.

Day 9: KKH-Sost - After breakfast, trek to KKH through a rocky trail and drive to Sost. Upon arrival transfer to the Hotel. Sost, a small village beside the KKH is now designated as the custom and immigration check post. The picturesque town of Gulmit with its lush green orchards and terraced fields falls en route. The arid landscape on the way to Passu is often broken by lush green field and swirling mountain streams (108km - maximum altitude of 2,804m).Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Khyber - After breakfast drive to raft launching point and float till Khyber. Overnight in tents.

Day 11: Gulmit - After breakfast float till Gulmit. Overnight in tents.

Day 12: Sarat - Gilgit - After breakfast, float till Sarat, then take the rafts out and drive to Gilgit. Upon arrival transfer to the Hotel. For the adventure-loving tourist, whether a hiker, angler, art lover, mountaineer, polo enthusiast, or be he merely interested in exotic people and their lifestyles, there are a few places in the world that can be compared to Gilgit. Gilgit is an old tribal town that acted as a rest stop for weary travelers on the Silk Route - the famous road from China to the Arabian Sea. It has flourished over the centuries, lying practically untouched by the teeming herds of conquerors. Gilgit is located in the heart of the Karakoram range, surrounded by lofty peaks, the most majestic being Rakaposhi. Gilgit is both accessible by road and by air; the road, newly constructed along the path of the ancient Silk Route, is an unforgettable journey through winding valleys and tumbling waterfalls. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13: Besham - After breakfast drive to Besham. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. Besham is a little transit village now beginning to assume the features of a modern town and has the trappings of modern civilization - petrol stations, cafes, restaurants, hotels, barber shops and bazaars. It is the junction for Swat Valley via the scenic Shangla Pass into Khawzakhela; and Kaghan Valley via Manshera and Gilgit. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 14: Islamabad - After breakfast drive to Islamabad via Taxila. Upon arrival transfer to the Hotel. Taxila, situated 35 miles from Rawalpindi, was once the seat of Oriental culture. It was first mentioned as a satrapy of the Archemenian empire in 6th century B.C. It was invaded by Alexander the Great and passed along to other rulers until finally reaching the hands of Ashoka the Great, who moulded the city into a centre of learning. The creative Gandhara period followed shortly thereafter and Taxila remained the centre of learning, philosophy and art. It came to a disastrous and pathetic end when sacked by the White Huns. Today, Taxila is an archaeologist's paradise: there is a well-maintained museum here and eight sites scattered around a very short radius. Amongst the best preserved are Sirka, Jaulian (the University) and Mohara Moradu. You will enjoy a farewell dinner after all the adventure and excitement. Its then time to say good bye to each other with a wish to meet again at another Walji's adventure program in future! Overnight at the hotel.

Day 15: Islamabad - After breakfast transfer to the airport.