SHANGRI-LA HUNZA
A cultural tour of Pakistan

John Hilton's Shangri-la. Hunza is the land of longevity, serenity, towering mountains, lush green terraced valleys, the mighty Indus River, and most importantly, the friendly Hunzakuts. Our 10-day follows the incredible Karakorum Highway into the breathtaking Hunza Valley.

Day 01 (SUN): Arrive Islamabad
As Salaam Aleykoum, the traditional greeting, as we arrive at the capital city of Islamabad. Meet & transfer to the hotel. Check in starts from 1400 hrs.
Overnight: Serena Hotel, Islamabad (1 night) (D)

Day 02 (MON): Islamabad/Peshawar – 175 kms
This morning we visit the old garrison town of Rawalpindi followed by a scene into modernity at Islamabad. Visit Shakarparian (sweet hills) Garden, which gives you a panoramic view of Islamabad before driving past various modern streets and buildings - graceful with a touch of Islamic architecture. Your tour culminates at one of the world’s largest mosque - Shah Faisal Mosque, which also houses a University specializing in Islamic Philosophy and Law. During the tour we will also drive past various Government Buildings, which are blend of modern and traditional Islamic architecture. Continue onto the historic city of Peshawar.
Overnight: Pearl Continental Hotel, Peshawar (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 03 (TUE): Peshawar
A morning tour of Peshawar city includes: The Peshawar Museum that houses a rich treasure of art, sculpture and historical relics dating from the Gandhara period (300 BC to 300 AD) to modern times. Visit to the Yadgar Square and the Mahabat Khan Mosque, a beautiful towering structure with lofty minarets. The Qissa Khawani Bazaar (storyteller’s bazaar), the Peshawar Pottery Works, Bater Bazaar (street of partridge lovers) and Mochi Lara, famous for it’s exquisitely embroidered sandals. Peshawar is a colorful and cosmopolitan city and many different people gather here; Afghans, Iranis, Uzbeks, Tajiks, Afridis and Shinwaris all add to the excitement. (B, D)

Day 04 (WED): Peshawar/Besham – 365 kms
Today we head out for a day’s drive to Besham.
Overnight: PTDC Motel, Besham (1 night) (B, D)

Day 05 (THU): Besham/Gilgit – 360 kms
We continue our way up north to the ancient silk route-trading town of Gilgit, the administrative centre of Northern Pakistan.
Overnight: Serena Hotel, Gilgit (1 night) (B, D)

Day 06 (FRI): Gilgit/Hunza – 105 kms
Our morning tour of Gilgit includes a visit to a local school, the home of a Gilgiton, the popular polo grounds and the very typical mountain bazaar. We'll also visit the impressive rock carvings of the Buddha near Kargah. In the afternoon we head for Karimabad, the capital of the Hunza Valley.
Overnight: Hunza Baltit Inn, Hunza (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 07 (SAT): Hunza
Full day tour of Hunza. Very few places in the world compare with this small mountainous region, which was a semi-autonomous state until very recently but is now fully unified with Pakistan, the ruling dynasty of Hunza having lasted for over 600 years. The scenic beauty of this area, with its greenery and snow-capped mountains, makes it a true paradise. During the summer there is an abundance of apricots, peaches, pears and grapes. Hunza lies on the ancient trade route to Kashgar in the Chinese province of Sinkiang. Today the Karakoram Highway runs along this route with Karimabad being the main town of Hunza. Hunza is probably most famous for the longevity of its people, due to their simplicity and natural diet, along with the unpolluted mountain air. Tibetan traders referred to the beauty of this humble paradise as "Shangri-La". The tour will include meeting with local folks, understanding the secrets of their longevity and also visit some of the important historical sites including the recently renovated, simple yet overpowering, Baltit Fort and the Ganesh watch Tower. Visit to Nagar Valley and Hopper Glacier are also included. Visit to the Baltit Fort is of immense interest. For many years the fort served as an administrative headquarter and home to the former Mirs (rulers) of Hunza. The porters who accompanied the Balti bride for the then Mir of Hunza built it more than 700 years ago. The style of construction originates from Ladakh. A maze of rooms serving as living and administrative offices were added periodically, designed with indigenous woodwork. It is strategically located on a prospect point, which gives it an immense overview of Hunza and neighboring valleys. Currently it serves as a Fort Museum with a good collection of exhibit of artefacts and musical instruments from Hunza. The fort is now administered by the Aga Khan Foundation Cultural Board, which undertook the reconstruction and renovations to its original grandeur. Visit to Hoper offers a fine view of some of the highest peaks in Hunza and Nagar. (B, D)

Day 08 (SUN): Hunza/Gilgit – 105 kms
Check out by 1100 hrs. The rest of the day is free at leisure to enjoy this beautiful town. Afternoon return drive to Gilgit.
Overnight: Serena Hotel, Gilgit (1 night) (B, D)

Day 09 (MON): Gilgit/Islamabad (Flight–subject to weather and backlog)
Early morning transfer to the airport for a flight back to Islamabad. Meet & transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure.
Overnight: Serena Hotel, Islamabad (1 night) (B, D)

Day 10 (TUE): Depart Islamabad
Khuda Hafiz – farewell, departure transfer to the airport for the departure flight.
Check out time is by 1100 hrs. (B)

---

Departure Dates
2010 English Speaking Departures Mar 22, Apr 12, May 17, Jun 21, Jul 05, Sep 20, Oct 11, Nov 08 2011 English Speaking Departures Apr 10, May 08, Jun 26,Sep 18, Oct 09, Nov 13
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Accommodation using Tourist Class Hotels as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes International Airfares Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast) Departure/Airport taxes All sightseeing and transfers Insurance & Visa fees Services of local English speaking guide Beverages/Tips Entrance fees to museums and sites   Necessary visa support
Tour Price
We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.
Season Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement 2010 US $ 1685 US $ 195 2011 US $ 1965 US $ 495
Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour
Canada - West Coast N/A USA - West Coast US $ 1600 Canada - East Coast N/A USA - East Coast US $ 1400
Participants
This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 08 participants.
Notes
Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.