ISLAMABAD to ISLAMABAD (21 days) Karakorum Highlights & Chitral Valley

Welcome in Pakistan at Islamabad airport. We take a rest before driving the Karakorum Highway (KKH) to Naran. This photogenic, 160km long valley embraced by forested peaks of the lesser Himalayan range, is one of the Pakistan's most popular summer holiday spots, and famous for its colourful panorama.

We continue on the KKH and cross the mighty Babussar Pass (4175m) and continue our journey to Chilas, situated on the bank of the Indus River. At Raikot bridge we transfer to purpose built jeeps to tackle the narrow and nerve testing track to Tato village. From here we walk up to Fairy Meadows, well named with unsurpassed views of Nanga Parbat (8125m).

We spend 2 nights in wooden cabins.We have a free day to either relax in your cabin and take in the views or there is the option of trekking to a fabulous viewpoint of Nanga Parbat at 3400m or for the more adventurous, to Nanga Parbat base camp, we are well looked after here with food served in the camp kitchen.

We walk back down the valley to Tato where our jeep will take us back down to Raikot Bridge. We drive on through the Astore Valley, a magnificent pine forested valley reminiscent of Austrian scenes. The roads become smaller and narrower and eventually we reach the remote village of Tarashing on the opposite side of Nanga Parbat. The following day we trek up to Herrlikoffer Base Camp, a day hike which takes us over the glacier, through small settlements and past herds of yaks and cattle. We may meet mountaineers waiting to climb to the summit and if we are lucky with the weather we'll see Nanga Parbat at close proximity. Back at Tarashing, there will be free time in the village to chat to friendly locals and see how life is lived in these remote areas where glacial water supply is vital and ever decreasing.

We enter the area known as Little Tibet (Baltistan) and cross the Deosai Plains - 3800m (second in area and height to the Tibetan Plateau!) During the summer months the wild flowers are truly stunning giving colour to this wild landscape. If we are lucky we may see a fleeting glimpse of Brown Bear, Marmot or Markhor (wild goat). Stopping off for our daily afternoon tea stop, we marvel at the magnificent Satpara Lake and the Buddha image carved in to the rock. Overnight in Skardu on the banks of the Indus River.

Shigar Valley is a very fertile area through which the Indus River flows and where fruit orchards thrive along the banks. We take a trip out to Amborik Mosque and Shigar Fort where we can see the Tibetan influence in the architecture. A short drive away is the stunning Katchura Lake where we can take in the views over the crystal clear water.

The evening is free to explore and maybe take another hike up to Khorpocho Fort (8th Century) where we can get an impressive view over Skardu.

We take an alternative, but equally impressive, route to Gilgit where we spend some time in the lively bazaar. Gilgit is surrounded by lofty peaks, the most impressive being Rakaposhi (7788m). If we are lucky we will see a Polo Match - Pakistan is where it all began!

Back on the KKH we travel north in to the Hunza Valley and the scenic town of Karimabad. It is a fairytale land, surrounded by 7000m plus peaks! We take a guided tour around the forts of Altit and Baltit (700 and 900 years old) which are both perched high up in the mountains. Altit Fort was not only used for defence, but it served as the seat of power before the political centre moved in to modern day Karimabad.

We follow the KKH further north towards the Chinese border and the small town of Passu. We hike up to a stunning viewpoint alongside the huge, icy Passu Glacier before returning to our hotel for hearty meal. Here we get to feast on some of the best food of the trip with both Indian and Chinese influences creating mouth watering dishes!

A short drive and walk brings us to Hussaini Suspension Bridge. A few wooden boards and some wire ropes are all that is between us and the gushing river below. Cross if you dare!

Back in Karimabad we take a guided walking tour of the town, visiting the main channels which divert melt water from the glaciers in order to irrigate crops. We will see life as it really is in this harsh environment and there will be some fantastic photo opportunities of both people and landscapes.

We watch sunset at Duikar View Point, where at 3000m we get stunning vistas of the valley and peaks.

We head south and then west in to the Hindu Kush Mountain Range. The road from Gahkuch to Gupis has breathtaking views along the Gupis valley where people go about their everyday lives farming the fertile land. Our hotel offers an amazing view down the valley to Phander Lake, which is famous for trout fishing

Our journey continues through alpine meadows, weaving our way through turquoise rivers and streams to take us over the mighty Shandur Pass(3720m), which is also home to the highest Polo ground in the world. Here every July, Chitralis and Gilgities fight it out on the Polo field for the coveted trophy. Driving on, we catch a glimpse of snow capped Tirich Mir mountain and reach the quiet village of Mastuj where we spend the night.

After our 2 days' driving we arrive at our main destination, Chitral. Here we have time to look around the old bazaar where traders journey from as far as the Punjab and Afghanistan with semi precious stones, old medals and woven articles.

Today we visit our main point of heading west - the Kalash Rumbur Valley. The exact origin of the people who inhabit this area is lost in antiquity, but some say they are the descendants of Alexander the Great's soldiers, after he retreated from Asia. Whatever the story, they have lived in the area for over 1500 years. The Kalash women wear black gowns of coarse cloth in summer and of hand-spun wool in winter, with picturesque headgear made of woven wool, adorned with cowrie shells and buttons.

We spend two nights in Rumbur Valley where we can explore the village, walk up to the main dance area where festivals are held and visit Bumburet Valley and the impressive Kalash Museum. If we are able to gain permission, we also have the option to take a walk to a Nuristani village.

We take the short drive back to Chitral, where we visit the Summer Palace, situated at a height of 2743m. Here the Mehtar, the former rulers of the region, would stay for the summer season. We also have time to visit the Old Mosque, the construction of which started in the 1800's.

We intend to fly back to Islamabad, but due to the mountainous region, weather may not allow us this luxury. If this is not possible, we shall make the journey by road. Payment for the flight would be made locally if it is available.

Islamabad is a city of many contrasts with green avenues, splendid views of the surrounding hills and busy city life. We have a full day's guided tour around the major sights, including the old city of Rawalpindi, Daman e Koh view point and the huge and impressive structure of Shah Faisal Mosque.

A short drive away is the museum of Taxila and the remains of Jaulian Monastery. We have time to browse in the museum at the artefacts, many dating back over 2000 years.

An early start to the airport ends in a sad farewell to our guide and to Pakistan, but the memories are sure to live on.