Plan Trip Subscribe Contact
Home > Pakistan > 13 DAYS UNVEILING THE MYSTERIES OF PAKISTAN & THE SILK ROAD

13 DAYS UNVEILING THE MYSTERIES OF PAKISTAN & THE SILK ROAD

Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Swat, Chilas, Hunza Valley, Gilgit

Outdoor & Adventure, History & Culture, Off the Beaten

Highlights

  • Embark on a scenic road trip along the dramatic Karakoram Highway, following parts of the ancient Silk Road, and Khunjerab Pass, the world’s highest paved international border crossing
  • Discover Pakistan’s most enchanting valley – Hunza Valley – and visit the confluence of Pakistan’s three mightiest mountain ranges
  • Enjoy a bespoke private outdoor lunch set up with spectacular views of the Himalayas
  • Tour Pakistan’s largest museum – the Lahore Museum
  • Visit a UNESCO listed Buddhist Centre of Learning from the 5th Century BC and other sites that offer deep insight into the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan

Embark on a 13-day odyssey through northern Pakistan, tracing parts of the ancient Silk Road amidst breathtaking Himalayan landscapes and some of the most scenic mountain passes in the world.

Uncover the mysteries of this storied land and discover its long history by visiting UNESCO-listed archaeological sites and museums with well-preserved artefacts from the ancient Indus Valley civilisation, the Gandhara Civilization, and the Mughal Empire, and explore its vibrant and colourful bazaars.

From

SGD 8,885 Per Person

13 Days 12 Nights

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 01 ARRIVAL IN LAHORE

Lahore
Nil

Arrival in Lahore

Upon arrival in Lahore, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

 

 

Day 02 LAHORE

Lahore
Breakfast included

Lahore City Tour

Explore Lahore, the second largest city of Pakistan, also known as the “Gardens of the Mughals” owing to its rich cultural heritage of the Mughal Empire (1526-1761).

Visit the iconic Badshahi Mosque, the largest congregational mosque built in 1673 by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Then, head over to the magnificent Lahore Fort, a historical walled complex containing numerous monuments.

Lahore Museum 

Visit Pakistan’s largest museum, offering unique insight into the country’s massive collection of treasures. Opened since 1894, the exhibits span ancient artifacts, Buddhist sculptures, coins, armaments, as well as miniature and contemporary paintings.

Shalimar Gardens and Wagah Border Flag Lowering Ceremony

Take a stroll through the Shalimar Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising charming Mughal architecture and three massive garden terraces.

Later, head eastward of Lahore to the Wagah Border, straddling Pakistan and India, to witness the daily Flag Lowering Ceremony and the synchronized movements of the soldiers lowering both nations’ flags.

Day 03 LAHORE

Lahore
Breakfast included

Archaeological Site of Harappa

After breakfast, set out on an excursion to the archaeological site of Harappa and travel back in time to as early as the 4th millennium BC. This was also known as the Indus Valley Civilisation, or the Bronze Age Harappan Civilisation.

Visit the Harappa Museum to observe various ancient artifacts that were excavated from the sacred Indus Valley.

Day 04 LAHORE / ISLAMABAD

Islamabad
Breakfast included

Transfer: Lahore to Islamabad

Today, we leave Lahore and travel about 420km (~7 hours) to Islamabad, with breaks along the way.

Khewra Salt Mines

Enroute, visit the Khewra Salt Mines, the second largest salt mine in the world and Pakistan’s oldest and largest with a staggering 18 levels. Hop onto an electric train, which will take you through the tunnel to locations where the famous pink Khewra salt, more commonly known as the Himalayan salt, are formed.

Day 05 ISLAMABAD / PESHAWAR

Peshawar
Breakfast included

Exploring Taxila

Head to Taxila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which used to be a Buddhist Centre of Learning from 5th century BC to 2nd century AD. Visit the Taxila Museum, offering great collections of artifacts from the Gandhara Civilization, before discovering various important archaeological sites including the Dharmarajika Stupa, Jaulian Buddhist Monastery, and Sirkap city ruins.

Transfer: Taxila to Peshawar

After lunch, we drive about 2½ hours to Peshawar, the oldest city of Pakistan. 

Peshawar Bazaar Experience 

Stroll through the bustling Qissa Khwani, also known as the Storytellers Bazaar, a key trade and cultural centre where international merchants of subcontinent and Central Asia mingle in traditional tea houses. Peruse Peshawari cultural items, fabrics, dried fruits, spices and more.

Day 06 PESHAWAR / SWAT

Swat
Breakfast included

Peshawar Museum

Visit Peshawar Museum, which showcases one of the most extensive collections of Gautama Buddha artifacts from all periods of Pakistani history. The museum also houses a unique collection of ancient Gandharan art, recovered from excavation sites in the Peshawar Valley.

The Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi

Proceed to the UNESCO-listed Takht-i-Bahi, which translates to the Throne of Bahi, a well-preserved archaeological site of a Buddhist monastic complex from the early 1st century AD. The monastic complex is spectacularly located across various hilltops.

Journey to Swat

Drive about 3 hours to Mingora, the largest city in the Swat district, and visit the Shingardar Stupa, one of the most important ancient monuments in Swat Valley and the Ghaligai Buddha rock carving. 

Day 07 SWAT / CHILAS

Chilas
Breakfast included

Transfer: Swat to Chilas

We travel from Swat to Chilas by transferring to a Toyota Land Cruiser/SUV 2018 Model for your onwards journey towards the more mountainous northern Pakistan.

Scenic Road Trip: Shangla Pass and Karakoram Highway

Embark on a picturesque road trip across Shangla Pass (Elevation: ~2,300m) and the well-known Karakoram Highway, one of the highest paved roads in the world. The 1,300km-long Karakoram Highway was co-built by Pakistan and China for over 20 years and passes through deep gorges, narrow rivers and valleys, offering spectacular views of the Karakoram mountain ranges and Pakistan’s Himalayas.

Travel along the mighty Indus River and pass by remote valleys in Kohistan. We will make a stop at the Shatial Rock Art site to admire the petroglyphs.

Day 08 CHILAS / HUNZA VALLEY

Hunza Valley
Breakfast included

Panoramic Road Trip to Hunza Valley

Head to the Chilas Rock Carving site where there are thousands of Thalpan petroglyphs. Afterwards, stop at Thalichi and soak in spectacular views of three majestic Himalaya peaks: Nanga Parbat (Elevation: ~8,126m), Haramosh (Elevation: ~7,409m) and Rakaposhi (Elevation: ~7,788m).

Proceed to the Indus-Gilgit confluence of Pakistan’s three mightiest mountain ranges, and be awed by views of the Karakoram, the Himalayas, and the Hindu Kush. In addition, enjoy stunning views of the beautiful Gilgit and Hunza Rivers.

Hunza Folk Music Show

Immerse yourself in folk music performed by the locals in Hunza while enjoying a scrumptious dinner.

Day 09 HUNZA VALLEY

Hunza Valley
Breakfast included

Discover Hunza Valley

Explore Hunza (Elevation: ~2,438m), the country’s most enchanting valley, especially during spring and autumn. Enjoy a scenic drive to Hoper Valley and stop enroute at the confluence of the Hunza and Nagar Rivers. Feast your eyes on magnificent views of more Himalaya mountains: Ulter Peak (Elevation: ~7,388m), Lady Figure Peak (Elevation: ~6,000m), and Golden Peak (Elevation: ~7,027m).

Private Outdoor Lunch

Enjoy a private outdoor lunch with traditional local and Pakistani food, while indulging in captivating views of the surrounding Himalaya mountains.

Hoper Valley Village Walk or Hike to Glacier

Choose between a 1-hour village walk along one of Hoper Valley’s irrigation channels or consider hiking to the nearby glacier if you are more adventurous.

Time permitting, we ascend to the 700-year-old Baltit Fort, which is situated on a hilltop, and explore Karimabad Bazaar.

Day 10 HUNZA VALLEY

Hunza Valley
Breakfast included

Excursion to Khunjerab Pass

We embark on a breathtaking excursion (~4 hours drive) to Khunjerab Pass (Elevation: ~4,733m), the highest paved international border crossing, between Pakistan and China.

Enroute, we stop at gorgeous Attabad Lake, the Hussaini Suspension Bridge, and other scenic viewpoints of the Passu Glacier and Batura Glacier, before reaching Khunjerab Pass, also known as the “Gateway to China”. The pass holds deep cultural significance as it lies on the ancient Silk Road.

Day 11 HUNZA VALLEY / GILGIT

Gilgit
Breakfast included

Transfer: Hunza to Gilgit

We drive about 3 hours from Hunza to Gilgit with sightseeing along the way.

Gilgit – Ancient Silk Road

Uncover stories behind culturally significant sites in the Gilgit region, including the Old Silk Road, the Collision Point of Continental Plates, and the 7th-century Kargah Buddha rock carving. We will also visit Gilgit Bazaar and an old rope suspension bridge.

Day 12 GILGIT / ISLAMABAD

Islamabad
Breakfast included

Transfer: To Airport

Transfer to Gilgit Airport for your flight to Islamabad.

In the event of flight cancellation such as due to weather condition, we will drive to Besham for an overnight stay (Note: there are only basic accommodations in Besham).

Flight: Gilgit to Islamabad

We take a short ~1 hour 15 minutes flight to Islamabad.

Upon arriving in the capital of Pakistan, the rest of the day is yours to relax and recharge.

Day 13 ISLAMABAD

Nil
Breakfast included

Islamabad City Discovery Tour

Head to the splendid Faisal Mosque, Pakistan’s national mosque and the largest in the country. Then, visit Saidpur Village from the Mughal Era. Proceed to Daman-e-Koh, a hilltop garden situated in the middle of Margalla Hills, for a panoramic view of Islamabad.

Transfer to Islamabad Airport

After dinner, transfer to Islamabad airport for your flight home.

 

Hotels & Tour Price

Category 1

Indicative Cost Per Person (SGD)

2 Pax S$ 8,885

Pearl Continental Hotel Lahore •  Islamabad Serena Hotel • Peshawar Serena Hotel • Swat Serena Hotel • Shangrila Hotel Chilas • Serena Altit Fort Residence • Gilgit Serena Hotel 

Lahore

Lahore

Pearl Continental Hotel Lahore - Standard Room

An upmarket hotel located within Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam (The Mall) with classic room designs, Pearl Continental offers spa services, gym facilities and an outdoor swimming pool. (Renovated in 2005; Rooms: 605)

View More
Islamabad

Islamabad

Islamabad Serena Hotel - Deluxe Room

A luxury hotel tucked in a peaceful, 14-acre garden setting between the Margalla Hills and Rawal Lake, framed by Islamic-Moorish architecture and al fresco terraces and pavilions. (Renovated in 2022; Rooms: 378)

View More
Peshawar

Peshawar

Peshawar Serena Hotel - Deluxe Room

Situated in the heart of the historical city, this colonial style building overlooks the lavish Peshawar Golf Course and the historic Bala Hisar Fort, offering a mix of tradition, culture with modern facilities, and exceptional service. (Renovated in 2022, Rooms: 56)

View More
Swat

Swat

Swat Serena Hotel - Standard Room

A secure and harmonious retreat nestled among six acres of meticulously cultivated gardens in the Saidu Sharif valley, this hotel is designed with a unique blend of local and colonial architecture, capturing the region’s rich cultural heritage and beauty while offering modern comfort. (Renovated in 2015; Rooms: 49)

View More
Chilas

Chilas

Shangrila Hotel Chilas - VIP Room

A uniquely designed hotel with basic facilities, Shangrila Hotel Chilas is beautifully situated by the Indus River and surrounded with majestic views of the mountains. [Note: Bring your own toiletries and hairdryer.] (Renovated in 2014; Rooms: 74)

View More
Hunza Valley

Hunza Valley

Serena Altit Fort Residence - Valley View Hut

Situated at the footsteps of the 1,100 years old Altit Fort, this unique accommodation is surrounded by the Royal Garden and medieval village of Altit-Khun, which has been restored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture through its Historical Cities Programme. (Opened in 2018; Rooms: 16)

View More
Gilgit

Gilgit

Gilgit Serena Hotel - Standard Room

Designed tastefully with Pakistani wooden carvings, this hotel offers breathtaking views of the Karakoram mountains. (Renovated in 2022; Rooms: 42)

View More

COST INCLUDES:

  • Domestic Flight on Economy Class: Gilgit to Islamabad
  • Accommodation as stated on twin sharing basis, on bed & breakfast basis
  • Meals as stated
  • All transportations and transfers as stated on an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Tours as stated in private basis by English-speaking guide
  • All entrance fees of sites and museums as stated

COST EXCLUDES:

  • International airfare and airport taxes
  • Beverages where meals are included
  • Visa and entry taxes (if required)
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses such as telephone, spa, laundry, bar bills, and gratuities etc

ENQUIRE NOW

Kindly call us at (65) 6219 1359 if you require any immediate assistance.

Personal Particulars

    Travel Details


    GET STARTED WITH YOUR PERSONALISED UNIQUE JOURNEY

    Call us at +65 6219 1359 or email us at enquiry@intriqjourney.com to start planning for a holiday that is completely tailored to your preferences.

    Contact Us
    WhatsApp us