KARAKORAM HIGHWAY – FAIRY MEADOWS

PACKAGE Valid till December 31, 2008

No. of People	Price
04-06 Persons	US $ 1050.00 Per Person
07-09 Persons	US $ 935.00 Per Person
10 + Persons	US $ 765.00 Per Person

HUNZA & SWAT VALLEYS (13 DAYS – 12 NIGHTS)

Fairy Meadows, so named because of local superstition that fairies inhabit this spectacularly forested alpine meadow, is a wonderful setting to explore Nanga Parbat. One will drive from Chilas to Tato and walk few hours to the Fairy Meadows. Shepherds huts are scattered around the area, and clear water is plentiful coupled with the pine forests and the looming north face of Nanga Parbat. One can readily believe that fairies really do live in this alpine meadow. Walk down to Tato and drive to Gilgit and then onto Karimabad to visit the forts of Altit and Baltit and off course to see some beautiful peaks over 7000 meters. In the end one can compare the contrast of the Swat valley with Hunza.

As you travel on the great Karakoram Highway, reputed as the Eighth wonder of the world, you enjoy fascinating views of the challenging peaks rising above 7000 meters. Nanga Parbat at 8125 meters is the highest of all peaks we will see during our journey. We than arrive at the meeting place of the three highest mountain ranges of the world, the Karakoram, Himalaya and Hindokush. As we arrive at Khunjerab Pass at 4733 meters, you are on the border of not only China and Pakistan, but also of Pamir and Karakoram ranges. A trip to Swat will introduce you to the historic Gandhara Buddhist heritage and traditions of Pathan culture with beautiful green valleys of Kalam and Miadam.

ITINERARY:

DAY – 01, ISLAMABAD – CHILAS:

We drive along the Karakoram Highway to Chilas through Taxila, the capital of Buddhist Gandhara civilization. It is reputed as one of the most important archeological sites of the subcontinent. We proceed our drive towards the Karakoram Highway passing through the lush green valleys of the Mansehra district enjoying the beautiful landscapes of the valley. Karakoram highway is the joint effort of Pakistan and China. It completion took around 20 years. 300 Chinese and 600 Pakistani sacrificed their lives during the completion period of the road. At Thakot, we cross the Chinese made bridge to enter the gorge of the great Indus River. It will take around 12-13 hours to reach Chilas. Overnight stay at Hotel.

DAY – 02, CHILAS / FAIRY MEADOWS:

Morning drive to the Raikot bridge. From here we drive in a 4x4 jeep to Tato and further trek for two hours to the Fairy Meadows. Overnight at Camp.

DAY – 03, FAIRY MEADOWS:

Excursions around Fairy Meadows. What a spot on Earth to discover and enjoy.

DAY – 04, FAIRY MEADOWS / GILGIT:

Trekking down to Tato and further drive by jeep to Raikot and then drive to Gilgit hotel. Overnight at Gilgit Hotel.

DAY – 05, GILGIT – HUNZA (KARIMABAD)

We drive out from Gilgit to re-enter the town from the historic route crossing a suspension bridge over the running river. At Kargah, we visit the rock-carved Buddha from the 7th century AD. In the ancient times the Kargah valley used to be the traveling route of the Buddhist monks to go to Taxila. Stroll down the colorful bazaars of Gilgit. The tour will continue to the beautiful and breathtaking Hunza Valley through the scenic route. On our way we see the old Silk Route used by the Buddhist monks and traders. En route short stay at Rakaposhi (7788 meters). We enter the Hunza valley and arrive at the capital Karimabad. Overnight stay at the Hunza View Hotel.

DAY – 06, HUNZA (FULL DAY EXCURSION)

The day is free in Karimabad for short walks to Altit and Baltit forts and other interesting explorations in Hunza Valley. The people of Hunza are famous for their long lives. You can also see some beautiful peaks of the Karakoram range from Karimabad like Rakaposhi, Diran, Ultar, Golden Peak and not to forget the view of Nagar valley on the left bank of Hunza River. In Hunza, each family grows enough wheat, maize, apricots and walnuts for their own use. The people are mostly self sufficient making their own clothes, shoes, wooden & stone bowls and growing food for their own consumption. The people are very friendly and cheerful. In the afternoon you can walk to Ultar glacier following the irrigation channel through the village or stroll through the single lane bazaar for a better view of the soaring peaks around you. Overnight at Hunza View Hotel.

DAY – 07, KARIMABAD – PASSU (UPPER HUNZA VALLEY)

Passu used to be the second largest settlement in Hunza after Karimabad. The glacier upstream on Hunza river moved down to create a large dam, that later broke and destroyed the fertile fields and houses. Now the river occupies the major share of the valley with the village on its right bank. Morning walk to the Passu glacier and Passu lake (45 minutes one way). From the snout of the glacier you have the fascinating views of Shispare (7611 meters) and Passu Peak (7478 meters). We walk back to lodge for lunch. In the afternoon visit to the 800 feet long suspension bridges of Passu which is still being used by the local people. Overnight at the lodge.

DAY – 08, PASSU (FULL DAY EXCURSION TO THE KHUNJERAB PASS)

Drive overland to the highest border crossing in the world at 4733 meters. We stop first at Sust, the last check post of Pakistan for customs and immigration formalities. We drive on Karakoram Highway along the Khunjerab River, passing through a museum of landscape. The Khunjerab National Park, where some times back one can see the Ibex, Marcopolo sheep, snow Leopards and big brown Rats (Mermaids) starts from Dhee. Khunjerab Pass (4733 meters) is the border between Pakistan and China and it is the point where Karakoram mountain range ends and Pamir range starts. After a short stay at Khunjerab Pass, we will drive back to Passu. Overnight at Lodge.

DAY – 09, PASSU – CHILAS:

We drive along the bank of Hunza River on the Karakoram Highway enjoying fascinating views of Karakoram peaks from a different angle. We might stop at Gilgit town for lunch. We arrive at Chilas on the bank of Indus River. Overnight at Panorama Hotel Chilas.

DAY – 10, CHILAS – SWAT (MIADAM):

On our way back to the Karakoram Highway, we turn right from Besham towards Swat through the Shangla Pass. Swat, a land that shines with fruit laden orchards, flower filled slopes, meandering rivers, rumbling streams and is surrounded by the mighty ranges of the Hindu Kush and Karakoram. The valley is 3250 feet above sea level. Overnight at Maidam Hotel.

DAY – 11, MAIDAM – KALAM:

Morning free in Maidam. In the afternoon we drive to Kalam passing through Magyan and Bahrain. Kalam in 80 km from Bahrain and about 2000 meters above sea level. Overnight stay in hotel at Kalam.

DAY – 12, KALAM – MALAM JABBA – MINGORA:

We drive to Malam Jabba in the morning and drive to Mangora in the afternoon. Saidu Sharif and Mingora are the towns that form the twin capital of this area. Arrival at Mingora and transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

DAY – 13, MINGORA – ISLAMABAD:

First we drive to Malakand Pass through the main towns of Chakdara and Batkhela. From the Malakand Pass one can see bird eye view of Mardan and Charsadda. We will reach the Peshawar/Rawalpindi road which is called the Grand Trunk Road laid down by the Pathan emperor of the United Indian Empier, Sher Shah Suri, and cross the Indus River at Attock. We may stop at the meeting point of Indus & Kabul Rivers just beyond Attock Bridge to take photographs. We arrive at Islamabad and this will end our trip to the Northern areas of Pakistan.

USH LAKE RAKAPOSHI TREK WITH THE KINDGOM OF HUNZA & SWAT (13 DAYS)

The package price includes:

• Stay at Tourist Class Hotels on (B/B) basis
• An English Speaking Guide for the whole journey
• Air-Conditioned transport with fuel and all necessities for the whole journey
• All Communal Camping and Kitchen Equipment
• Wages of Guides, Cook and Porters with their Insurance
• Jeep for remote areas
• Airport Transfers

The package price does not include:

• Airfare
• Any expense of personal nature
• Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

Note: The above tour package is only available with PIA Special discounted airfare.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. The PIA Holidays “Karakoram Highway – Fairy Meadows Package”. Any passenger or group of passengers traveling on Pakistan International Airlines via/to Pakistan as described in this brochure may purchase the Package.
2. 15 days prior to departure, no cancellation charges.
   Between 5 & 15 days, 25% cancellation charges.
   Between 1& 4 days, 50% cancellation charges.
   Within 24 Hours or No show, 100% cancellation charges.
   
3. Passengers changing their dates of travel must contact Local Sales Agent of Pakistan International Airlines prior to departure and have their Package / Tickets re-issued with new dates of travel. The Passenger should pay for any cancellation charges (as stipulated herein) and / or other charges applicable to the changes at the time of re-issuance.
4. The duration of each Package purchased by a passenger or group will be valid only for the period stipulated in the tariff. Any extensions beyond the time stipulated in the tariff will be subject to the passenger or group paying all applicable charges, costs, fines etc. in respect of such extension.
5. Accommodation will be provided as specified in the tour plan. In case of non-availability of hotel, alternative hotel of same category may be provided.
6. Pakistan International Airlines reserves the right to: (a) change the published Package Price(s) without notice due to currency fluctuation or other reasons; (b) make ad-hoc changes to the Package; and /or (c) terminate this Package. A variation /termination made will not apply to a package already purchased.
7. The Passenger will be responsible for obtaining a valid passport, visas and other travel documents.
8. Pakistan International Airlines, any of its subsidiaries, affiliate companies, agents or employees shall not be liable or responsible for; (a) Any act, omission, damage or delay whatsoever during the time the Passenger is not on board its aircraft and during the time before boarding or after disembarking. (b) Loss or damage suffered as a result of a variation to or termination of this Package; and /or (c) The death of or injury to any person or loss, delay or damage to any property, additional expenses or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by any service provider or by "Force Majeure”, or other events beyond the Airline's control including, but not limited to war, civil disturbance, pilferage, delays, severe weather, Acts of God, Acts of Government, accidents to or failure to machinery, equipment, vehicles or industrial disputes.
9. Any complaints arising out of this Package must be made in writing within 14 days from the date of return. No responsibility is accepted in respect of any complaints, which are made after 14 days of return.
10. Payments: Initial payment of 25% will be made at the time of booking. Balance 75% of the payment will be paid at the time of confirmation of the booking and tour.
11. Above prices are not valid during any special event / festivals.
12. All the above prices are in US Dollar net and non-commissionable.
13. The prices are valid till 31st December, 2008
14. Package and Prices are subject to change without prior notice

For more details contact:

PIA Group Tours & Charters
Karachi Airport, Karachi
Tel: (92-21) 9074748/9044448
Email: khisjpk@piac.aero