Northern Pakistan

Day 1 ARRIVE ISLAMABAD

Arrive into Islamabad airport, where you will be met by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon, kick off your tour with a visit the Institute of Folk Heritage, known as Lok Versa, a small ethnological museum displaying numerous costumes and artefacts from all over Pakistan, and from here proceed to the Faisal Mosque. When this impressive house of worship was built in the 70s, it was the largest in the world and houses an Islamic university specialising in Philosophy and Law. Finally you can visit the Marghalla Hills to enjoy magnificent views over the city before taking dinner at one of the many restaurants in old Islamabad where Saidpur Village still survives amid the modern planning. Islamabad Serena Hotel

Day 2 ISLAMABAD - NARAN After breakfast leave for the beautiful valley of Kaghan, the drive will take approximately 7 hours. The valley has beautiful green mountains on both sides with the beautiful river flowing in between. Check into the hotel in Naran in the late afternoon and enjoy an evening at leisure. Hotel One Naran

Day 3 NARAN - BABUSAR - RAMA Departing early this morning, you will continue through the forested Kaghan Valley and over the spectacular Babusar Pass, before driving down to the Karakoram Highway and on to Thalachi. Then divert into the 55km long, narrow Astore Gorge, one of the most dramatic and impressive landscapes in the world. Continue on for a few more hours to the alpine meadows of Astore and Rama.

Day 4 RAMA - DEOSAI - SKARDU After an early breakfast you'll take a short drive to Rama Lake before continuing your journey to the amazing Deosai Plateau National Park. Deosai Plain has an average elevation of 4,114m above sea level, making it one of the highest plateaus in the world. The Karakorum-West Tibetan Plateau region is rich in flora and fauna and, in spring, it is abundant in wildflowers and a wide variety of butterflies. In the afternoon, drive back to Skardu and check into hotel. Concordia Motel

Day 5 SKARDU - KHAPLU After enjoying breakfast, you will be driven to Khaplu, taking approximately 3 hours. You will initially follow the Indus east and then the Shyok River all the way to Khaplu. It is a spectacular drive and the contrast of blossom and rugged mountain makes it even more dramatic. After some time at the hotel, take an afternoon walking tour with your guide to Khaplu Palace, the village and the Khanqah (a place of spiritual retreat which also housed journeymen). Serena Khaplu Palace

Day 6 KHAPLU Today you will take a jeep ride to Machulo valley (approximately 1 hour) for spectacular mountain scenery, including a view of the uniquely shaped Masherbrum Peak (7,821m). Enjoy a picnic lunch and wander around the area before returning to the hotel in Khaplu. Serena Khaplu Palace

Day 7 KHAPLU - SHIGAR An early rise this morning sees you travelling around 3 hours to the Shigar Fort Residence, a restored 17th century Raja fort-palace. After tucking into a light lunch, take a guided walking tour of the 14th century Amburiq Mosque that received a UNESCO award for restoration, the quaint maze-like bazaar and the restored Khanqah. Serena Shigar Fort

Day 8 SHIGAR - GILGIT After breakfast drive westwards through the 140km long, spectacular Rondu Gorge of the mighty Indus. Stop en route for lunch before travelling a further few hours to the newly restored Karakorum Highway. The smooth road will bring you to Gilgit, where you will check into your accommodation and enjoy a free evening. Serena Hotel Gilgit

Day 9 GILGIT - HUNZA After breakfast stop off in town to visit the Christian cemetery before yet another amazing drive, past the titanic form of Mount Rakaposhi, takes you on to Hunza. You will have lunch on the way at the Rakaposhi View Restaurant, providing views (weather dependent) of the longest uninterrupted mountain flank on earth (6000m). Arrive into Karimabad and check into your hotel. Later this afternoon, you will visit the 800-year-old Baltit Fort, once the stronghold of the Ayasho Dynasty and now renovated to a very high standard by UNESCO. Finally, explore the local market, including a stop at 'Cafe De Hunza' - famous for delicious walnut cake and a variety of coffees. The Eagle's Nest

Day 10 HUNZA A slower pace today allows you to recover from a busy few days. This morning you will be transferred to the neighbouring 'twin' village of Altit. Here, you will visit the restored Altit Fort and the women's workshop where they make wooden furniture and handicrafts. Enjoy the garden and heavenly orchard annexed to the restored Altit Fort and try the local Hunza cuisine at the Altit Cafe;, cooked by a women's community village organisation. Return to the hotel for the rest of the day at leisure to take in the magnificent views of the valley and Rakaposhi. The Eagle's Nest

Day 11 HUNZA - GILGIT Today you will drive out to Nagar Valley to take a short walk on the Hoper Glacier, followed by a visit to the lake at Attabad. In January 2010 a massive landslide blocked the Hunza River, which submerged 22km of the KKH by forming a beautiful azure lake. Here you can take a boat ride towards the northern shore giving a great opportunity to photograph the famous cathedral peaks. Time permitting, stop en route to visit Ganish Heritage Village - one of the oldest settlements of Hunza which has been very well-preserved by Aga Khan Cultural and Heritage services. Late afternoon, return to Gilgit for the evening. Serena Hotel Gilgit

Day 12 GILGIT - ISLAMABAD Catch a flight this morning to Islamabad (weather permitting). Upon arrival into Islamabad airport, you will be transferred to your hotel and can enjoy some free time to do some last-minute shopping and relax for your final evening. Islamabad Serena Hotel

Day 13 DEPART ISLAMABAD This morning you will be transferred to the airport in time to catch your onward flight.

Hotels

Islamabad Serena Hotel

The Islamabad Serena Hotel stands at the foot of the Northern Hills in six acres of landscaped gardens in the centre of Islamabad. The Moorish and Mughal architecture and interiors have been achieved using indigenous materials such as hand-hewn marble and hand-woven fabrics. The 197 rooms and suites are well furnished in a distinct Punjabi and Swati style and they afford magnificent views of the Margalla Hills and Rawal Lake; all have air-conditioning, internet access and flat screen televisions. Leisure facilities include a fully equipped gymnasium and an outdoor pool. A variety of dining options is offered at the five in-house restaurants accompanied by folk and music shows in the evenings.

Naran Hotel One

The hotel has bad reviews, and the majority of good reviews are self written

Hotel One Naran takes pride in being one of the most affordable yet classic hotels in Naran, offering quality amenities and services. It is ideally located at prime by-pass road. Take in the views of popular nearby attractions as you drive up to the beautiful hotel. Hotel One Naran is in close proximity to famous northern attractions like Lake Saiful Muluk, Babusar Top, Lalazar Valley, River Kunhar, Batakundi Valley, and Ansu Lake

Skardu Concordia Motel

Stay in Concordia Motel in Skardu for some of the best views of Skardu Valley, the Indus River and Kharpocho Fort. Just off the main road, the hotel is built around a courtyard and is right opposite the Kharpocho Fort. Although not the most luxurious hotel, the views, clean rooms and quality of service more than make up for the lack of glamour. Choose to stay in a standard or deluxe room with an en suite bathroom and wake up to views of the Indus River. Soak up the gorgeous scenery on the shared balcony with a cup of tea or take photographs from the rooftop. The restaurant serves hearty Pakistani cuisine to charge hikers who visit the area and the little shop in the courtyard provides clothing and maps.

Khaplu Serena Palace

This 19th Century Fort has recently been restored to its former glory by the Aga Khan Foundation and as such is an excellent escape in this rural area of Baltistan. Located just outside of the town, the combination of idyllic surroundings, beautiful courtyard and gardens as well as wonderfully authentic rooms makes Khaplu Fort a brilliant place to pause if travelling through this area. There are several atmospheric lounges with views over the surrounding countryside while the flat roof also makes for an excellent place to relax with a good book. A little bit of luxury in this remote area which is also just a short distance from the Wild Frontiers supported school at Baylegon.

Shigar Serena Fort

Located in the beautiful province of Baltistan in the Northern Areas of Pakistan, Shigar Fort Residence is the result of a unique heritage conservation project, which offers guests the opportunity to experience the restored original architecture of a 17th century Raja fort-palace. Opened as a guesthouse in 2005, following an intensive six-year restoration undertaken by the Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan, the original 400-year old building was 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 modern guesthouse. There are 20 rooms organised in two buildings; the original old fort palace - where architecture style and features have been meticulously restored - and the new garden house building with rooms newly built using traditional materials and building techniques. Facilities include a gift shop, guest kitchen, overnight laundry service and a restaurant that specialises in local Pakistani dishes, including traditional BBQ and Iftar dinners, featuring organic produce, fish, and meat.

Gilgit Serena Hotel

The Serena Hotel is set in six acres of rugged landscape in Jutial Village and has breathtaking vistas of the snow-capped peaks surrounding the Gilgit Valley. The hotel has 43 simply furnished rooms with stunning views of Mount Rakaposhi and the Jutial Nala and offers all modern comforts and amenities including air-conditioning, telephone and cable TV. The Dumani Restaurant serves Pakistani, Chinese and continental dishes and has a beautiful panoramic view over the Hunza River, Gilgit River and Danyore Valley. The Jutial Lounge serves light cooking gardens of the hotel. The Hotel offers its guests high standards of service in a luxurious, friendly environment in keeping with local culture and traditions.

Hunza Eagles Nest

A two hours' testing yet rewarding walk (or an equally dramatic 30 minute drive) from the village of Karimabad, the Eagle's Nest sits at 2850 metres above sea level with fabulous views of the Hunza Valley, 500 metres below. Traditionally decorated with wood and stone, the hotel meets modern standards. The restaurant serves meals prepared with fresh local ingredients and all water is from a fresh spring and safe to drink. Treks in the area are varied and all have magnificent views, and a visit to the Ultar glacier is certainly a highlight. From a view point just above the hotel you can see six 7,000 metre peaks!

Hill Stations in India & Northen Pakistan