ITINERARY
DAY 01:   ISLAMABAD / RAWALPINDI  
Upon arrival at Islamabad airport by _____ group will be received and transfer to hotel in Rawalpindi.

DAY 02:   RAWALPINDI / TAXILA / PESHAWAR
Morning departure for Peshawar. Driving over the "Grand Trunk Road" we break our journey to visit the ancient  renowned Gandhara art Centre of Taxila, which dates from 5th century BC to 455 AD Taxila is situated 35 miles from Rawalpindi, Taxila was once the seat of oriental culture. It was first mentioned as a satrapy of Arcaemenian Empire in 6th century BC It was invaded by the Alexander the Great and passed along to other rulers until finally reaching the hands of Ashoka the Great, who molded the city into the Center of philosophy, art and education. The creative Gandhara period followed shortly thereafter and Taxila remained a prosperous city. It came to disastrous end when sacked by white Huns. Today Taxila is an archeologist's paradise. Here a well maintained Museum and eight excavated sites in a short radius of eight miles. Among best preserved are Sirkap, Julian, Mohra Maraadu, and Birmond. First we will visit the Taxila Museum with its wealth of priceless relics and then the sites of Sirkap, Julian, Mohra Maraadu and Birmond. After taking full time at Museum and sites drive to Peshawar. PM leisure at hotel. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Peshawar.

DAY 03:   PESHAWAR
After having breakfast we then proceed for sightseeing of Peshawar, the Capital of the North west frontier province, strategically situated at the mouth of the Khyber passes. Known as the ancient and historical city of Central Asia, Peshawar is a city of many secrets. Its story is the story of many cultures, peoples, traditions, and customs, it has seen countless epochs of invaders, conquerors and emperors. The inhabitants of this city- The legendary pathans- have thus evolved into a daring and fearless race. The bazaar is known as the Qissa Khawani (storytellers): years ago, caravans used to travel from Russia and China into Persia, and Peshawar used to be the Gateway. Different races of people used to meet here and exchange stories and brags about their exploits - hence the name. Until the mid -fifties, Peshawar was enclosed within walls having sixteen gates. On eastern approach to the city lies the mighty Bala Hisar Fort, built by Babar the first of Moguls. On the eastern approach. lies the somber Jamrud fort, Which today still is used as part of the second defense perimeter. In the heart of the city lies the Mahabat Khan mosque, built in 1680 by Mahabat Khan, the then Governor of the province. The architect attempted to copy the mighty Badshahi Mosque of Lahore, and constructed six small minarets .In between two huge minarets towering 110 feet into air. We Begin by visiting the rich Museum of Peshawar, which houses treasures of the Gandhara period. Proceed to the old city through Kabuli Gate - one of the Sixteen - to the Qissa Khawani bazaar," the street of story teller", and witness unusual and unforgettable sights. We will also visit the coppersmith’s bazaar, which flourished from the 1st century BC to the 5th Century AD Then passing through the narrow goldsmith's street we will then visit Mahabat Khan's Mosque. We will then walk through again to he main Street of Qissa Khawani bazaar from where we will take our coach And drive back to the hotel passing through the fort Bala Hisar.

DAY 04:   PESHAWAR / SWAT
Morning departure for Swat Valley via Malakand pass. Today en route to Swat we will also visit Takht-I-Bahi which are most complete of all Gahdhara's ruins of the 1st to 7th century AD Buddhist monastery, spectacularly placed on a rocky hill 15 km. northwest of Mardan. It was excavated from 1907 to 1913, and later reconstructed. You will first enter a courtyard, which at one time held at least 35 stupas and 30 little chapels with Buddha statues. Up the stairs to the left (south) is the base of huge stupa and more chapels; up to the right a cloister surrounded by monks' cells and a refectory and kitchen. Beyond the central courtyard is a double row of sunken chambers, possibly for meditation.  
SWAT   The Greek fought for its beauty, the Buddhist inhabited it because of its eternal beauty and peace, the Moguls envied its lush green valleys and fast flowing rivers and today it is coveted by the pathans, the Kohistanis and the Gujars. Over two thousand years ago, this prosperous valley of Swat originally known, as Udyan was the home of well-settled people, living with magnificently planned towns. In 327 BC, Alexander the Great fought his way to Udigram and Barikot and settled a good part of his army here. Later, the Buddhists came, they preached, converted, fought and stayed to worship. Graphic remains of Buddhist culture date back to the 2nd century. In the 11th century Muhmud of Ghazni invaded Swat after having advanced through Dir, and defeated Gira, the local ruler, near Udigram. After him followed Moguls, under Babar and his grand son Akbar, yet they were unable to conquer the valley. There is evidence that by then the Yusufzai pathans - fierce, proud and resolute warriors - defended their soil against all invaders, including the British. Winston filled slopes, meandering rivers, and tumbling streams and is surrounded by the mighty ranges of the Hindukush and the Karakurams. The valley is 3250 feet above sea level and Saidu Sharif and Maingora are the towns that form the twin capital of this area. On arrival transfer to hotel in Saidu Sharif. PM proceed for sightseeing tour of Swat. You will visit Swat Museum, Butkara and Maingora Bazaar. The Museum in Saidu Shariff has a large collection of Gandhara sculptures collected from some of the Buddhist sites in Swat. In the ethnographic section there is some local embroidery, carved wood and tribal Jewelry. There are also a few coins on display. Butkara- the remains of one of the most important Buddhist shrines in the valley. This site consists of a main stupa around which jostle 215 votive stupas in apparently glorious disarray. The main stupa was believed to contain some ashes of Lord Buddha and to have been built by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka. It is difficult to imagine it, as it must have been once, all painted and gilded and topped by stone umbrellas. You can still see the statues of lions crouching on the tall columns, which once stood near the stupa. You will the visit the Mingora Bazaar, which is the commercial Centre well worth visiting, for there you will find Swat emeralds for which Swat is also famous. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 05:   SWAT / GILGIT
After an early breakfast departure for Gilgit via Shangla pass. (2120 meters). The black top road passes through the town Khawazakhela, a commercial Centre and junction of all roads connecting Kohistan, Hazara and Gilgit. At the entrance to Khawazakhela the Gilgit road leads off to Shangla pass in the east and there on to the Indus at Besham, a small town which is about 100 kilometers from Maingora Swat and takes about three hours. Then the drive begins at Karakuram highway and passing many small towns along Karakuram highway we will then enter to the mystic valley of Chilas. (193 kilometers from Besham and 884 meters at elevation) We will continue the drive to Gilgit for another three hours maximum. Transfer to hotel. Meals and over night included. 

DAY 06: GILGIT/KARIMABAD

KARIMABAD Gilgit is an old tribal town that acted as a rest stop for weary travelers on the silk route- the famous road from China to the Arabian Sea. It has flourished over centuries, lying practically unmolested by the teeming herds of conquerors. Gilgit is located in the heart of Karakuram range, surrounded by lofty peaks, the most majestic being Rakaposhi, 7,788 meters (25,550 ft.) Gilgit town is situated on the bank of Gilgit River. Its strategic location has played a vital role in the history of subcontinent. In the words of John keay, Gilgit "is the hub, the crow's nest and fulcrum of Asia". At present, it serves as head quarter for the Northern Area's administration. The main attractions we will visit including Buddha's statue at Karga Nalla, memorial of war of liberation at Chinar Bagh and Gilgit bazaar where traditional souvenirs, antiques and Chinese good slike crockery and silk are sold like hot cakes. We will then return to hotel for lunch. After lunch proceed for Hunza valley. One hundred kilometers and maximum three hours journey. The Hunza valley lies on a branch of the Silk Road from Kashgar to Kashmir. The origins of Hunza kingdom is lost in legend, and it is also called "The legendary Hunza". Baltit has always been the capital of Hunza. It consists mostly of Baltit fort and a compact village at its feet. The fort was the royal palace until the 1940s, when new palace was built in Karimabad, just below. Karimabad is just a latter-day extension where now there is bazaar and hotels are built. P.M leisure at hotel or busy yourself in photography and get the best views of sunset on mount Rakaposhi and other surrounding peaks including Ultar glacier and peak, Diran peak, and Golden peak etc. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Karimabad Hunza.

DAY 07:   KARIMABAD

Karimabad is located at an elevation of 2,400 meters (8000 feet) the kingdom in Hunza was demolished in 1974 by law and order by Govt. of Pakistan and took the administrative control and now it is sub district of Gilgit. Adjacent to Karimabad is the Baltit village where the mir of Hunza's old palace"Baltit fort" is built on a hilltop at the entrance of Ultar Gorge. The fort is believed to be 600 years old and recently opened to tourist after remaining closed for few years for renovation. It has been renovated by the Aga Khans funds and now converted into a museum and worth to visit. The Altit fort is about a mile far from Karimabad and believed to be older than the Baltit fort but it is in bad shape however worth to visit. Morning half day excursion to hopper valley. The jeep road to Hopar begins at the KKH just beyond Ganish Bridge and then about five kilometers it goes on a dry and dusty road but the rest of road is through tiny villages. At Hopar there is a ridge at the end of village from where there are magnificent views of Hoper Glacier which is known as`Bualtar Glacier. Having some time spent there return to Karimabad for lunch. After lunch we will visit Baltit and Altit forts. P.M free in Karimabad bazaar for shopping. Overnight at hotel in Karimabad. All meals included.

DAY 08:   KARIMABAD / GULMIT
Early morning drive to Gulmit. Transfer to hotel. After having check in to the hotel and leaving luggage in your rooms we will then proceed on for Khunjerab excursion. At 4730 meters, the Road over Khunjerab pass is said to be the highest public highway in the world. Khunjerab is Wakhi word, which means the valley of Blood. One can still find the human skulls in the Khujerab valley and reminds back centuries ago the Changez Khan's barbarism with humanity where it is believed that he erected a minaret of human skulls with his cruel mind. Once we left Gulmit we will drive through scenic valleys and tiny villages of upper Hunza, which includes the great views of Passu glacier and peak, Passu cathedrals, Batura glacier and several. The last inhabited village of this valley is Sost where there is check post for immigration and customs for those travelling to China overland. We will stop few minutes on the top of Khunjerab pass and continue our return journey. You may sometime able to see wild sheep called Marcopolo sheep and goat Ibex in Khunjerab valley. Yaks are widely seen during their grazing. On return to Sost we will have lunch here. Drive back to Gulmit for dinner and overnight.

(A) land Cost Silk Road Pakistan side.

4-6 persons 9 days full board --- US$ 780/- per person.
7 to 10 person --- US$ 695/- per person.
11 to 15 person --- US$ 585/- per person.
Single supplement charges: --- US$ 225/-

DAY 09:   TASHGORGEN
After breakfast drive to Sost the border check post. After immigration and customs Clarence we will continue our drive to Tashgorgen through Khunjerab pass. We will stop few minutes at Khunjerab pass for scenic photography. It will take four to five hours to reach Tashgorgen the border valley of Xinjiang China. Transfer to Pamir hotel in Tashgorgen.

DAY 10:   KASHGAR
Morning drive to Kashgar. 4 to 5 hours. Transfer to See man hotel in Kashgar. PM sightseeing of Eidgah mosque and bazaar. Over night at Seeman hotel.

DAY 11:   KASHGAR
Morning proceed to visit Sunday market. After lunch city tour of Kashgar. Over night at See man hotel in Kashgar.



(B) Land cost Chinese part

02 to 05 pax --- US$ 530/- per person.
06 to 09 pax --- US$ 400/- per person.
Over 10 pax --- US$ 350/-
Cost include Guide, transport, hotel accommodation with meals, porterage, and hotel tips etc.

C) Land cost 15 Days Central Asia

20-26 + 1 PAX -- US$ 958 per person on half twin with breakfast.
15-19 + 1 PAX -- US$ 1023 per person on half twin with breakfast.
10-14 + 1 PAX -- US$ 1176 per person half twin with breakfast.
----- Single supplement US4 351      Full board supplement - US$ 293
 {(Form dinner (D-1) till dinner (D-14)}

• Airfare: Tashkent - Urgench - US$ 85 per person.
• Folk show if desired - US$ 15 p/p (in Bukhara or Samarkand).
• Uzbekistan visa will be available at Uzbekistan Embassy in clients' home country.
• Kazakhistan visa will be available at Kazakhstan Embassy in client' home country. (Please note that according to termination of the agreement between Central Asian countries, commencing from january of 2000 regulation about visa-free transit cancelled).
• Kyrghyzstan visa will be available at Kyrgyzstan / Kazakhstan Embassy in clients; home country.

SERVICES ARE INCLUDED

1. Hotels as mentioned above.
2. Meals on B/B.
3. Portages at airport / hotels.
4. Entrance fee.
5. All transfer / Exc.
6. English speaking guide.
7. Transport (A/C) (Non-A/C for Torgart - Bishkek portion).

Please note airfare, full board, single and other supplements, tips to drive and guide, health insurance, delays in flight, lost of baggage or any other personal belonging are not included in cost.