Heli treks combine the thrill of trekking in the glacial surroundings around Baltoro Glacier with the pleasure of flying over the colorful valleys of Skardu, Shigar and Askole which offers magnificent mountain scenery with glimpses of Paiyu, Trango Towers, Masherbrum, Mitre Peak, Chogolisa, Golden Throne, Broad Peak, K2, Gashabrums and the entire Baltoro Massif. It is very popular with people who are short on time and yet want to have a lifetime experience of the thrill of this wonderful flight into the heart of Karakoram and want a short holiday in the mountains with its physical and visual pleasures.
- Day 01: Islamabad
Arrive Islamabad. Transfer to hotel for overnight.
- Day 02: Skardu/Chilas
Fly to Skardu (1 hr) subject to weather. Transfer to hotel for overnight.
In case of flight cancellation drive to Chilas (13-14 hrs). Overnight at hotel.
- Day 03: Skardu
Free day at Skardu or complete road journey to Skardu.
The town of Skardu (2234) is situated along the south side of the Indus River. It is broad valley about 40km long and 10 km wide. Skardu is the district head quarter and transportation and commercial hub of Baltistan region. Overnight at hotel.
- Day 04: Heli Safari to Concordia and return to Skardu. Overnight at hotel.
In case of cancellation of heli flight due to bad weather then excursion to Shigar valley. Overnight at hotel.
- Day 05: 2nd spare day for heli flight or excursion to Khaplu. Overnight at hotel.
- Day 06: 3rd spare day for heli operation. Overnight at hotel.
- Day 07: Hunza
We will drive on KKH to the legendary Hunza where peace and contentment prevails. It is a gateway to China and Central Asia. Buddhism first reached China through the Hunza valley around 200 A. D. This scenic valley spreads along the West bank of Hunza River 110km North of Gilgit providing rare views of a very spectacular mountain panorama and is a starting point for climbers, trekkers, presenting great options for day hikers, sightseeing and diversified cultural activities. Enroute stop at Rakaposhi viewpoint, from where you will have magnificent views of Rakaposhi Mountain (one of the most beautiful and 29th highest peak in the world). Overnight at hotel.
- Day 08: Sightseeing at Hunza
We will take you to the 987 years old Altit Fort, and the 610 years old Baltit fort, the old residences of Mirs of Hunza. The state of Hunza was abolished in 1974 as part of Bhutto reforms in the Northern Area and now Hunza is one of the sub-divisions of Gilgit District. The Baltit Fort has now been restored by the Aga Khan Foundation. The Fort lies on a rocky outcrop at the base of the Ultar Nala. Above Hunza stand the prominent rock spire of Bubulimating (6000m), and the Ultar peaks, which continue to turn back climbers. We will also take a short trip upto Duiker from where we can have an enchanting view of the entire Hunza valley and panorama of lofty mountains. Overnight at hotel.
- Day 09: Besham
Drive 445km to Besham on Karakorum Highway along the Indus, which divides the Karakorum and Himalayas as it enters Pakistan at a place called Marol in Baltistan. We will follow the West Bank of Indus to Besham (altitude 850 m) a small transit village fast becoming a town. It is at Junction of Swat valley. A road goes west via scenic Shangla pass into the Swat valley. Overnight at hotel.
- Day10: Islamabad via Taxila
Morning drive 275km on KKH to Islamabad. We will leave the Indus River at Thakot and continue through Chatar plains, Mansehra, Abbottabad and Taxila. It is of great historical significance. While travelling to Islamabad sightseeing of Taxila ruins and Archeological site as well as Museum would be worth its while. Alexander the Great conquered it in 327 BC and the city progressed under Mayuryans, and the great Kushan Kings. Under the most famous Kushan King, Kanishka, Taxila became a great center of the Gandhara Art, culture and Buddhist ” Holy land” and a center of learning. After dinner transfer to Islamabad airport for homebound flight.
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