11 DAYS SILK ROAD AUTUMN: PAKISTAN HERITAGE TO WESTERN XINJIANG

Transfer: Lahore Airport to Hotel

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel to rest for the night.

Lahore Discovery

Spend a full day discovering Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city, fondly called the ‘Gardens of the Mughals’ for its rich Mughal heritage (1526-1761). Start at the iconic Badshahi Mosque, the grand congregational mosque built in 1673 by Emperor Aurangzeb. Then explore the impressive Lahore Fort, a historic walled complex filled with fascinating monuments.

Next, head to the Lahore Museum, the country’s largest, which opened in 1894 and houses an extensive collection of treasures-ancient artifacts, Buddhist sculptures, coins, armaments, and both miniature and modern paintings.

Wrap up your day by traveling east to the Wagah Border, where you can witness the dramatic Flag Lowering Ceremony and the perfectly synchronized movements of soldiers.

Essence of Islamabad

This morning, set off on a 5-hour drive to Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan since 1967. Upon arrival, explore famous landmarks such as the stunning Faisal Mosque, the country’s largest and national mosque, and the impressive Pakistan Monument.

Excursion to Taxila

Head to Taxila, one of Pakistan’s oldest UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a major Buddhist center of learning from the 5th century BC to the 2nd century AD. Explore the Taxila Museum, home to an impressive collection of artifacts from the Gandhara Civilization. Continue to key archaeological sites like the Dharmarajika Stupa, Jaulian Buddhist Monastery, and the ruins of Sirkap city, before making your way back to Islamabad.

Into Gilgit's Mountain Heart

Transfer to Islamabad Airport for a flight to Skardu, followed by an approximate 4-hour scenic drive to Gilgit through the dramatic Indus River gorge, passing rugged mountains, golden autumn foliage, turquoise waters, and remote mountain villages.

Later, watch a traditional Freestyle Polo game, the oldest sport in Gilgit-Baltistan, offering a unique insight into the region's rich cultural heritage.

Note: In the event of flight cancellation, such as due to weather conditions, we will drive approximately 11 hours to Gilgit.

Silk Road to Hunza

Visit Gilgit Bazaar before a 3-hour drive to Hunza, stopping en route at the 7th-century Kargah Buddha rock carving, the Collision Point of the Indian and Eurasian continental plates, and the historic Old Silk Road.

Picturesque Karimabad

Ascend to the 700-year-old hilltop Baltit Fort, the former residence of the royal family of Hunza for centuries. Continue to Karimabad Bazaar, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and charming shops selling local handicrafts, embroidered textiles, handmade jewellery, and other regional specialties.

Enjoy an exclusive lunch featuring traditional Hunza and Pakistani cuisine while taking in spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. In the event of rain or strong winds, lunch will be served indoor.

Later, continue to Duiker and take a leisurely 15-minute hike to the viewpoint, where breathtaking panoramas await. Admire five majestic peaks rising above 7,000 metres: Rakaposhi (7,788m), Golden Peak (7,028m), Ultar (7,388m), Diran Peak (7,265m), and Mulubiting (7,459m).

Roof of the Silkroad: Khunjerab Pass to Tashkurgan

Prepare for a breathtaking journey along the legendary Karakoram Highway as we embark on an approximately 4-hour drive to Khunjerab Pass (elevation: ~4,693 metres), the highest paved international border crossing between Pakistan and China.

Enroute, we will stop at the stunning Attabad Lake, the iconic Hussaini Suspension Bridge, and scenic viewpoints overlooking the Passu Glacier and Batura Glacier, while travelling through one of the world’s most dramatic mountain landscapes. Continue towards Khunjerab Pass, also known as the “Gateway to China.” Steeped in history, the pass lies along the ancient Silk Road, once a vital route connecting civilizations across Asia.

After crossing the border, continue for approximately 2 hours across the vast and dramatic Pamir Plateau to Tashkurgan, Xinjiang, China.

Scenic Journey from Tashkurgan to Kashgar

Today, embark on a 7-hour scenic journey from Tashkurgan to Kashgar, traversing the vast and dramatic Pamir Plateau through some of Xinjiang’s most spectacular mountain landscapes. En route, pass the scenic White Sand Lake, a serene glacial lake fed by meltwaters from Muztagh Ata, known as the “Father of Ice Mountains".

Continue to the picturesque Karakul Lake (elevation: ~3,600 metres), where a stop for photos allows you to admire the stunning views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Continue the journey towards Kashgar, the historic Silk Road city.

Highlights of Kashgar

As a pivotal crossroads of the ancient Silk Road, Kashgar has long been a meeting place of cultures, religions, and ethnicities, creating a rich tapestry of traditions that endures today. Visit the vibrant Sunday Livestock Market, where local herders and traders gather once a week at one of Central Asia's most authentic traditional markets.

Continue to the 17th-century Abakh Hoja Tomb, the final resting place of the prominent religious leader Abakh Hoja and his descendants. Also known as the Tomb of the Fragrant Concubine, it is associated with the legendary Uyghur consort of Emperor Qianlong. Later, wander through the historic Terrace Folk Residence, where centuries-old adobe homes, winding alleyways, and artisan workshops offer an intimate glimpse into Uyghur culture and Kashgar's enduring Silk Road heritage.

Transfer: Hotel to Kashgar Airport

Transfer to Kashgar Airport for your onward flight.