RUSH LAKE RAKAPOSHI TREK

PACKAGE Valid till December 31, 2008

No. of People	Price
04-06 Persons	US $ 1050.00 Per Person
07-09 Persons	US $ 985.00 Per Person
10 + Persons	US $ 855.00 Per Person

Rush Lake Rakaposhi Trek with the Kingdom of Hunza & Nagar

(14-Days / 13-Nights)

ITINERARY:

DAY – 01

Arrival at Islamabad International Airport and transfer to the Hotel. Day free at Islamabad for shopping and relax. Overnight at Islamabad.

DAY – 02

Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for the spectacular flight (subject to weather) across the mountains to Gilgit. If the flight does not operate due to bad weather, we will drive to Gilgit from Rawalpindi, a long and tiring journey with an overnight stop normally at Besham. Rest of the day free at hotel.

Day - 03

If we have not flown due to bad weather, we will continue our drive to Gilgit. If we have flown, we will cross the Gilgit river and enter the Hunza Valley dominated by the great peak of Rakaposhi at 7,788 meters. This beautiful valley lies at 2,500 meters above sea level and its green wheat fields and shimmering poplars are set against a majestic backdrop of snow covered mountains. In the afternoon we walk to the small fort of Altit, perched on the edge of a sheer cliff that falls to the river over 100 meters below. This and the older fort at Baltit, now being restored by the Aga Khan, were once the palaces and strongholds of the Mir of Hunza from where he governed his kingdom and controlled the trade of the Silk Road. Both forts were built in Tibetan style by workers from Baltistan. Evening in the hotel.

DAY – 04

Using a narrow jeep track we cross a long suspension bridge and our trekking journey starts into the Karakoram Range. This side of the river is the kingdom of Nagar, historically the enemies of Hunza. We drive through the green fields and orchards along with traditionally dressed men and women going about their daily chores. As we drive through Nagar villages, we cross the old polo ground, a narrow strip of grass surrounded by stone walls where the local version, a rough and dangerous game, used to be played. Our drive ends at Hoper, a small village situated in a spectacular spot beside the Bualtar glacier. There is ample time in the afternoon to explore the area and climb a small ridge behind the village. Camping in the night.

DAY – 05

Leaving Hoper early in the morning as we cross the glacier by a small path remade by the villagers every spring. The glacier has been one of the fastest moving glacier in the world, recorded in 1989 as advancing 22 meters per day. Now its progress has slowed considerably and the trial is fairly obvious. We climb onto a small plateau sand-witched between glaciers and climb through a small arid gully to the edge of a second glacier, the Barpu glacier. We cross this on a path marked by shepherds from Hoper village and our campsite is near one of the settlements (3000 meters). Camping in the night.

DAY – 06

The day starts with a steep climb to the top of the ridge behind but is rewarded with some fine views of the lesser known peaks in the area; Lupghuir and Trievor, both over 7,000 meters. Walking along the ridge with long views on both sides we come to the summer settlement of Gutens, with its population of shepherds and sheep and camp nearby. Camping in the night.

DAY – 07

The day starts with trekking following the ridge through a shallow valley. We emerge onto the plateau that holds the magnificent and beautiful Rash Lake. At the campsite on its shores, there is time to relax and enjoy the tranquility and scenery overlooking the Hispar Glacier, the only route from this area into Baltistan and Concordia (4756 meters). Camping in the night.

DAY – 08

Early in the morning, we begin our climbing expedition to Rash Peak (5098 meters), situated on the ridge behind the campsite. From this summit, we have one of the finest views of the Karakoram, a 360 degree jumble of mountains too numerous to mention including all the peaks of the Hunza and Nagar as well as Golden Peak and the huge peaks of the central Karakoram. Camping in the night.

DAY – 09

We will begin our descent, a steep path taking us down to the Barpu Glacier below. The descent takes about four to five hours but we will have plenty of time to rest and enjoy the vies of the Rakaposhi range. We camp at the glacier (3384 meters). Camping in the night.

DAY – 10

Crossing through both the Barpu and Miar Glaciers, we walk along the trial that winds its way through the lateral moraine, in one place carved from the rock beside the glacier. Finally we will reach Hoper where we transfer by jeep to the village of Karimabad in Hunza. Overnight at hotel.

DAY – 11

Karimabad Exploration

Morning trekking to Karimabad, Hunza Valley, long renowned as the original Shangri-La. The people here are famous for their long life. In the afternoon, we visit Karimabad, center of the valley and the capital of Hunza. From Karimabad we have a magnificent view of the whole Hunza valley laid out below us and surrounded on all sides by the snow capped peaks of the Karakoram. We will visit Baltit Fort, perched on cliffs guarding the valley. Behind the 600 year old fort looms the Ultar Glacier. In the afternoon we transfer to Gilgit. Overnight at hotel.

DAY – 12

If weather permit, we will take the spectacular flight past Nanga Parbat to Islamabad. If it is cancelled, we take a private bus or minibus and drive down the Karakoram Highway to Besham. Evening in the hotel.

DAY – 13

The day will be free in Islamabad. Explore the modern capital, its bazaars or relax by the hotel pool. If flight cancelled due to bad weather, we continue our journey down the highway, arriving late in the afternoon. Evening in the hotel.

DAY – 14

Transfer to the airport for the morning flight to destination arriving later on the same day. Those not traveling with the group will leave us in Rawalpindi in the morning.

RUSH LAKE RAKAPOSHI TREK WITH THE KINDGOM OF HUNZA & NAGAR (14 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 air fare.

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