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Spring Blossom Sightseeing Tour

Tour Highlights

Highway –Old Silk Route • Eye-Catching Beauty of Nanga Parbat-8125m • Famous & visit Junction of Karakoram, Himalaya, Hindukush • Valley and views of snowcapped 7788m • Explore Little Tibet , valleys of Baltistan • Famous – Khunjerab Pass

11 NIGHTS HOTEL, 12 DAYS SIGHTSEEING US$650/PAX FOR A GROUP OF 6-9 SOFT HIKING US$700/PAX FOR A GROUP OF 4-5 MAX. ALTITUDE – 4733M / 15,528FT

Key Destinations: - - - Hunza Khunjerab Pass- Ghizer Valley- Phander Lake--Khaplu-Shigar

www.snowland.com.pk PK: +92(0)3335105022 [email protected] 2 | Page Pakistan Autumn Sightseeing Tour

TOUR BACKGROUND

This exciting tour will take you to the dramatic and enchanting valleys of the Northern Areas (Gilgit-Baltistan & Chitral) of Pakistan. Lush green fertile valleys with high quality delicious fruit are fed by springs and glacial streams flowing from the lofty snow capped mountains. Karakoram Highway and River Indus is a constant Feature of the . The best time of year to visit mountain valleys (Hunza, Gilgit) are April to October. From spring to autumn the valleys are more attractive, all three fabulous seasons have their own unique charm, which cannot be described in words but can only be felt. TOUR OVERVIEW

DEPARTURE MONTH: APRIL 2018

Date Day Activity Time Height Accommodation 10 April Day 1 Arrive Islamabad 1 hour 635m Guest House 11 April Day 2 Drive to (on KKH) 10 hrs 1280m Hotel 12 April Day 3 Drive to Hunza 6 hours 1,500m Hotel 13 April Day 4 Hunza and Explore Town-Gulmit-Borith Lake Full day 2500m Hotel 14 April Day 5 Drive to Khunjerab Pass and Drive to Gilgit Full day 4800m Hotel 15 April Day 6 To Gakuch/Yaseen Ghizer-Phander Lake 6 hours 2500m Hotel 16 April Day 7 Drive to Skardu 8 hours 2500m Hotel 17 April Day 8 Drive to Khaplu Valley and Back to Skardu Full Day 2500m Hotel 18 April Day 9 Shigar valley Exploration Full Day 2500m Hotel 19 April Day 10 Drive back to Besham 15 hours 635m Hotel 20 April Day 11 Drive to Islamabad Full Day Guest House 21 April Day 12 Fly Back to Home Tour Ends

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Islamabad Arrival

One of our guides will meet the group at the airport. After completing the formatlities the group will further drive to Hotel/Guest House.

KEY DESTINATION DETAILS: Islamabad is new capital 47 years old well-planned city of Pakistan is lush green at the footsteps of Potwar hills. Visit one of the biggest Shah Faisal mosques in the world; also an interesting round trip combines a tour of Shakespearian Park with a visit to Lok versa, the institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage. Rawalpindi is a lively, bustling city with the crowded streets and colorful bazaars, thorough it lacks the grand monuments; nonetheless, the bazaar should appeal to anyone with the desire to see the real Pakistan.

TEMPERATURE 25°C

ACCOMODATION IME LEVATION MEALS : NIL DISTANCE 20 KM T 1 E HOTEL DRIVING HOURS 635 M

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Day 2: Drive to Chilas on Karakoram Highway (KKH) Leave early morning after an early breakfast for Chilas. We will drive by the Indus River on KKH. At Juglot, there is the opportunity to stop to enjoy view of three Mountain Ranges (Himalaya, Karakoam and Hindukush) Junction.

KEY DESTINATION DETAILS: KHH is eighth wonder of the world. It is the highest paved international road in the world. It connects and Pakistan across the Karakoram mountain range, through the Khunjerab Pass, at an elevation of 4,733 m/15,397 ft. It connects China's region with Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and serves as a popular tourist attraction. Due to its high elevation and the difficult conditions in which it was constructed, it is also referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World. The route of the KKH traces one of the many paths of the ancient .

TEMPERATURE 20°C

ACCOMODATION MEALS BREAKFAST DISTANCE 480 KM TIME 15 ELEVATION HOTEL DRIVING HOURS 1280 M

Day 3: Drive to Hunza

Early Morning the group will drive to Hunza via Gilgit on Karakoram Higwayto .

TEMPERATURE 15°C

ACCOMODATION MEALS BREAKFAST DISTANCE 300 KM TIME 7 ELEVATION HOTEL DRIVING HOURS 2500 M

Day 4: Sightseeing of Hunza & Borith Lake /Suspension Bridge

Today, the group will explore Hunza town, bazar, visit and further drive to Gulmit to explore borith lake and suspension bridge.

KEY DESTINATION DETAILS: The Hunza Valley is a mountainous valley, situated north/west of the , at an elevation of around 2,500 metres. The territory of Hunza is about 7,900 square kilometres (3,100 sq mi). Aliabad is the main town, while Baltit and Altit are popular tourist destination because of the spectacular scenery of the surrounding mountains. The people are cheerful, friendly, fair-skinned and blue or green eyes. Almost all speak Brushaski and in upper Hunza they speak Wakhi. The miracle of the Hunzakuts longevity, supposedly resulting from their mostly vegetarian diet of cereals and fruits From Hunza Valley. Panoramic views of Rakaposhi 7788m, Peak 7266m, Peak 7027m,Ultar 7388 Lady Finger 6000m. Baltit fort, one of the high valleys between China and . Facing Rakaposhi Peak, one of the highest mountain peaks in the world, Baltit Fort is poised majestically above Karimabad, the present day capital of Hunza (Baltit was the capital of the old state of Hunza, and is now included in the Karimabad settlement area). Located on the rocky upper level of the Hunza hill and surrounded by Ultar Bar to the east, the Hyderabad Har to the west, Mount Ultar and its subsidiary range to the north, the Fort 4 | Page Pakistan Autumn Sightseeing Tour

offers breathtaking views of the magnificent high mountains as well as a bird’s eye view of the villages in the valley. Baltit Fort has great historical, cultural and symbolic value to the local community. Historically, it was the seat of the Mirs of Hunza, a family that ruled the region for centuries. Culturally, with some buildings dating back to 12th century, it is a record of the architectural evolution of the area. The main building is an impressive stone structure with intricately detailed timber features. Its architecture is a significant example of Pakistan’s diverse heritage, reflecting distinct Tibetan influence as seen by the presence of a Tibetan ‘sky-light’ in the roof. Socially, the fort and the surrounding settlements are valuable symbols and reminders of man’s creativity and persistence in overcoming an unfavorable and hostile natural environment for the purpose of survival. Duiker valley called Roof of the world; from the top you have very close scenic view of Lady Finger (6000m) Ultar SAR 7300m, and very nice view of Rakaposhi 7788m, Diran Peak 7200m, Gooden Peak 7027m, and Dastagil SAR.

Gulmit Situated in the spectacular karakoram mountains on the old silk route about 140 kms from Gilgit, 45 kms from Karimabad Hunza and 136 kms from Khunjerab pass the Chinese border in the west banks of upper Hunza river and border on China Gulmit is the most visited region of Upper Hunza Valley. It is the gateway to five valleys, Shimshal Valley, Chipursan Valley, Misgar Valley, Boibar Valley & Khunjerab. Adding more to the beauty of Gulmit, standing at the Northern end of the Valley, is Mountain Tupopdan. Inspired by its unique structural attributes tourists have promoted the peak by giving it new names, some call it " Cones" and other "Passu Cathedral" mount Tupopdan is the most photographed peak of the region. It is a Valley of nine colours Mountains surrounding in its unique images. It has a unique place on the world map with a rich history and deep-rooted culture. Gulmit is surrounded by some of the world most famous peaks, glaciers and lakes such as Shisper peak 7611 meters, Gulmit Tower 5810 meters, Passu Cathedral, Passu Cones 6106 meters.

Attaabad Lake: January 2010 there was huge landslide in Hunza just 35 km before Passu village and it blocked KKH and Hunza River and became 35 km long artificial Lake towards upper Hunza. May/June 2010 Local government and private sector brought boats for passengers, goods and to transport vehicles. We have safe boat facilities therefore Trade and tourist traffic didn’t stop between Pakistan and China. Foreign tourists enjoy lot to cross the long blue Lake in the mighty mountains of Hunza Valley. Borith Lake Borith Lake is a beautiful lake in the village of Borith near Gulmit and Gojal valleys of upper Hunza, Gilgit- Baltisan Pakistan. It can be accessed from the Husseini Village near the Gulkin Village. It can be accessed from Husseni Village through 2 km unpaved road or it can be accessed directly from the Gulkin Village passing directly through glacier with a tracking route of 2-3 hour. The lake becomes home of of the thousand of migratory birds from the southern Pakistan, and South China.

TEMPERATURE 10°C

ACCOMODATION MEALS: BREAKFAST DISTANCE 20 KM TIME 2 ELEVATION CAMP/GUEST HOUSE DRIVING HOURS 2500 M

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Day 5: Drive to Khunjerab Pass and drive Back to Gilgit and Ghizer We will visit Khunjerab pass and after the excursion drive back to Gilgit to drive further to Ghizer KEY DESTINATION DETAILS: Khunjerab Pass elevation 4,733m is a high mountain pass in the Karakoram Mountains in a strategic position on the northern border of Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region and on the southwest border of the Xinjiang region of China. Its name is derived from Wakhi 'Khun' means Home and 'Jerav' means spring water/water falling. The Khunjerab Pass is the highest paved international border crossing in the world and the highest point on the Karakoram Highway. The roadway across the pass was completed in 1982, and has superseded the unpaved Mintaka and Kilik Passes as the primary passage across the Karakoram We will reach the Chinese town of Tashgurgan, where we complete our immigration formalities and spend the night. The town itself has a Tajik and Chinese population and a 14th century Chinese fortress that sits on a rise above the flat-bottomed Tashgurgan River valley. TEMPERATURE 20°C

ACCOMODATION MEALS : NIL DISTANCE 300 KM TIME 6-8 ELEVATION HOTEL DRIVING HOURS 2500 M

Baltit Fort

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Day 6: Explore Ghizer We will explore Ghizer Valley (Yaseen valley, Gupis Valley, Gakush and Phander valley) and after visit to Phander lake drive back to Gakush for overnight stay.

KEY DESTINATION DETAILS: Gilgit is the capital of Gigit-Baltistan province, is a thriving frontier town that has expanded rapidly to include about 35,000 inhabitants since the KKH was opened in 1878. The various waves of invaders that passed through lower Pakistan also reached Gilgit. The animism of the early inhabitants gave way to fire worship brought in from Iran. Later the Aryan invaders introduced an incipient from of Hinduism from the first century BC Gilgit, like , was an important staging post on the silk Route from China.

TEMPERATURE 21°C

ACCOMODATION MEALS BREAKFAST DISTANCE 250 KM TIME 5-7 ELEVATION HOTEL DRIVING HOURS 2500 M

Day 7 : Travel to Skardu

Today, we will travel to Raikot Bridge where we will transfer into 4x4s and traverse the legendary Fairy Meadows jeep track - think sheer drops and impossible hair-pin bends... In the distance, if the weather is clear, you will catch your first glimpse of Nanga Parbat; the most beautiful mountain in Pakistan and the ninth highest mountain in the world. This is the stuff adventure is made of! Arriving at the end of the jeep track we will then hike for two to three hours (porters and horses available for an additional fee). Arriving into The Fairy Meadows, we will spend the next couple of nights in comfortable log cabins with wood burners to keep us warm.

TEMPERATURE 10°C

ACCOMODATION MEALS :BREAKFAST DISTANCE 30 KM TIME 4 ELEVATION HUTS DRIVING HOURS 3000 M

Day 8 : Excursion to Khaplu Valley

Today, we will travel to Raikot Bridge where we will transfer into 4x4s and traverse the legendary Fairy Meadows jeep track - think sheer drops and impossible hair-pin bends... In the distance, if the weather is clear, you will catch your first glimpse of Nanga Parbat; the most beautiful mountain in Pakistan and the ninth highest mountain in the world. This is the stuff adventure is made of! Arriving at the end of the jeep track we will then hike for two to three hours (porters and horses available for an additional fee). Arriving into The Fairy Meadows, we will spend the next couple of nights in comfortable log cabins with wood burners to keep us warm.

TEMPERATURE 10°C

ACCOMODATION MEALS :BREAKFAST DISTANCE 30 KM TIME 4 ELEVATION HUTS DRIVING HOURS 3000 M

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Day 9 : Excursion to Shigar Valley

Today, we will travel to Raikot Bridge where we will transfer into 4x4s and traverse the legendary Fairy Meadows jeep track - think sheer drops and impossible hair-pin bends... In the distance, if the weather is clear, you will catch your first glimpse of Nanga Parbat; the most beautiful mountain in Pakistan and the ninth highest mountain in the world. This is the stuff adventure is made of! Arriving at the end of the jeep track we will then hike for two to three hours (porters and horses available for an additional fee). Arriving into The Fairy Meadows, we will spend the next couple of nights in comfortable log cabins with wood burners to keep us warm.

TEMPERATURE 10°C

ACCOMODATION MEALS :BREAKFAST DISTANCE 30 KM TIME 4 ELEVATION HUTS DRIVING HOURS 3000 M

Day 10 : Drive to Besham

Today, we will travel to Raikot Bridge where we will transfer into 4x4s and traverse the legendary Fairy Meadows jeep track - think sheer drops and impossible hair-pin bends... In the distance, if the weather is clear, you will catch your first glimpse of Nanga Parbat; the most beautiful mountain in Pakistan and the ninth highest mountain in the world. This is the stuff adventure is made of! Arriving at the end of the jeep track we will then hike for two to three hours (porters and horses available for an additional fee). Arriving into The Fairy Meadows, we will spend the next couple of nights in comfortable log cabins with wood burners to keep us warm.

TEMPERATURE 10°C

ACCOMODATION MEALS :BREAKFAST DISTANCE 30 KM TIME 4 ELEVATION HUTS DRIVING HOURS 3000 M

Day 11: Drive to Islamabad This day will be used for travelling from Ghizer to Islamabad.

TEMPERATURE 30°C

ACCOMODATION IME LEVATION MEALS BREAKFAST DISTANCE 650 KM T 14-15 E HOTEL DRIVING HOURS 635 M

Day 12: Tour Ends/Fly Back to Home The group will undertake full day Sightseeing of Islamabad and will be dropped to the Airport in the evening to fly back to home. 8 | Page Pakistan Autumn Sightseeing Tour

Tour Price/Person

Category 12 Pax 10 Pax 8-9 Pax 6-7 Pax 4-5 Pax

Budget 450 US$ 500 US$ 550 US$ 600 US$ 650 US$

Deluxe 750 US$ 800 US$ 850 US$ 900 US$ 950 US$

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION DETAILS

Destinations Deluxe Accommodation Budget Accommodation

Islamabad Islamabad Hotel/Dreamland/Depape Guest house/Similar

Chilas Shangrila Chilas Panorama Hotel/Similar

Fairy Meadows Raikot Serai Fairy Meadows View Point /Similar

Hunza Darbar/Hunza Embassy/Similar Hunza Continental /Similar

Sost Hunza Embassy/Tibet Motel Riveria Sost/Similar

Ghizer Green Palace Guest House/Similar

TOUR INFORMATION WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE Trip Cost Includes:

 Visa Invitation letters and all supporting documents.  Airport pick and drops.Transport (Mini van, Jeeps) throughout the tour with fuel and driver  Entry fees of Baltit fort, and Lahore Fort.  Hotel accommodation, Huts and Camps on Twin Sharing and bed & breakfast basis.  Services of English speaking guide during the whole journey.  Police Registration, arrangement of security where needed during the tour.  Security team food and accommodation in Fairy Meadows  Accommodation and food of guide throughout the journey Trip Cost Does not Include:

 Horse Riding charges will be 80$/person from Tatto to Beyal and back to Fairy Meadows  Hotel Lunch and Dinner (you can budget US$4/meal or even less sometimes)  Bottled water, drinks, private phone calls, laundry, Tips of guide, drivers, porters etc.  Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Snowland.  Extra days beyond the specified itinerary or cost of change in the itinerary due to any reason.  Cost of early departure from the tour  Any other item not listed in this document.  *Single supplement. *Single Room Supplement Price: *Single Tent Supplement Price:

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GENERAL INFORMATION

Attitude

This is an adventure... things may go wrong and, if they do, I will be there to solve problems as quickly and efficiently as possible. You will get out of this trip what you put into it; a positive attitude, willingness to get to know the locals and enthusiasm are all-important. PERSONAL EXPENSES You might need some extra money to cover items not included in the tour price such as, drinks, souvenirs and tips, lunch and dinner, toll tax of your vehicles. Tips are discretionary but are generally expected for good service in Pakistan most of it is included in cost. CLIMATE

The traditional sightseeing season in Pakistan is March to November. Gilgit Baltistan Valleys will have a wide range of temperatures depending on the altitude and the time of day. In the mountains between 1,000m and 3,500m the nights will be cool normally around 5°C. During the day temperatures can be very hot even as high as 30°C in the lower elevations. Bring lots of water, sunhat and sunscreen! At higher altitudes temperatures range from about 20°C to -5°C. The mornings are generally clear with clouds building up during the afternoon and often disappearing at night to reveal beautiful starry nights. Rawalpindi and Lahore will be hot and humid at this time of year; temperatures typically range from 30°C to 40°C with high humidity, whereas the temperatures in Chitral and Hunza at 2,340m will be cooler. AVERAGE TEMPERATURES

AVERAGE TEMPERATURES- April-October

Region Altitude Temperature C Day Night Islamabad 635m 30C 15C Chilas 1280m 32C 18C Gilgit 1500m 24C 10C Skardu 2450m 21C 8C Hunza 2500m 17C 9C

AVERAGE TEMPERATURES: MAJOR CITIES OF PAKISTAN

Cities Average Temperature °C Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Islamabad Min 3 5 10 15 19.5 24 24.5 23 21 14 8 3.5 Max 17 19 24 29 35 39 36 34 33 30.5 25 19 Lahore Min 5 8 14 19 23 27 27 26 24 18 11 6 Max 19 22 28 34 39 41 36 35 35 33 27 21 Source: https://en.climate-data.org/ 10 | Page Pakistan Autumn Sightseeing Tour

GENERAL EQUIPMENT LIST Clothing Lightweight Thermal Underwear: Tops (2), bottoms or long johns (1). Made from polypropylene, Coolmax, Capilene etc, as cotton does not provide adequate warmth. Underwear T-Shirts or Polo Shirts:(3) Capilene, DryFlo or Coolmax are preferred for their quick drying/high wicking ability. Long Sleeved Shirt or Blouse: (1-2) Trekking Trousers (2) e.g. polycotton trousers or zip off trousers. Fleece or Pile Jacket: (1) Waterproof Jacket: Good storm proof mountain jacket with attached hood. Waterproof Trousers: Good storm proof trousers with side zips to knee. Travel Clothes: Lightweight cotton, preferably only for travelling in, e.g. separate to trekking gear. Footwear Training Shoes/Sandals: For travelling in and around the cities, hotels. Socks: 2-3 pairs of thin liner socks (polypropylene or Coolmax) to be worn next to the skin. This reduces the incidence of blisters and hot spots. Headgear Sun Hat: Baseball cap or wide brimmed sun hat. Wool or Fleece Hat Sunglasses: Essential to get a pair, which cuts out 100% UV rays. It is a good idea to also have a spare pair of good sunglasses. EQUIPMENT & ACCESSORIES Scarf/Bandana: Silk, cotton or nylon for keeping the sun off the back of your neck or dust out of your mouth. Water Bottle: 1x 1 Litre (Platypus, Sigg or Nalgene bottles are recommended). Sigg bottles also makes great hot water bottle! Sun Screen: High protection factor 20-30 or higher Lip Screen: High protection factor 20-30 or higher Toilet Items: Soap, travel towel, flannel (or J-cloth), toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, comb, sanitary protection, toilet paper is provided but bring a roll for personal use and at airports! Notebook/Diary/Pens Small Padlocks: Essential for locking your kit bag and bags left at the hotel. Passport & Spare Passport Photographs: (3-4 plus any required for permits) High Energy Snacks: Sweets, chocolate bars, dried fruit, glucose sweets, Kendal mint cake. These can make all the difference in unfamiliar surroundings. Personal Medical Kit: Necessary Medicines. Cigarette Lighter/Matches: For burning toilet paper and rubbish. Wet Wipes: One pack very useful for wiping hands, face and other parts of body. Antibacterial Hand Cleansing Gel: Small bottle. WHY US 1. Guided by highly experienced and qualified local professionals having undergone on the job training over many seasons with us. They are highly experienced at catering to the needs of members, and do a tremendous amount to contribute to the overall success and satisfaction of our groups. 2. Build your exact dream trip--Itinerary can be customized. Leaves any day you desire--Lengthen or shorten trip, if you like. 3. 3 to 5 star accommodations and services--Designed for higher end budgets (hotels can be changed for middle and lower budgets) 4. Lowest Price guaranteed and the best value for money--Save 40-50 % vs. comparable guided tours with other operators of the same quality. 5. Group Discounts available for details you can write Us 11 | Page Pakistan Autumn Sightseeing Tour

6. We thoroughly explain terms and conditions of our trips to each client before making any agreement and do not surprise our clients by hidden costs after getting advances or once the trip started. 7. Provide assistance during Visa process and send you a visa invitation letter if required as we are licensed trekking agency in Pakistan. We require your full name, nationality, residential address, occupation and passport number for this letter.

OUR RESPONSIBLE TOURISM POLICY We believe that our clients have an important role to play as well, with each person ultimately determining the overall impact of the group in the area visited. The following are some ideas you might like to consider: ECONOMIC:  Try to buy locally made crafts and support local skills to encourage the positive sides of tourism.  Consider tipping a reasonable amount for good service.  Bargaining is an accepted practice in all countries we visit but do so in a good humour and bear in mind the amount of money you are haggling over!  Think carefully about giving money to beggars, it is often more effective to give money to local charity to reduce reliance and expectation. SOCIAL:  Learn some words of the local language, this is appreciated and often results in getting more out of the experience.  Ask for permission before taking photographs out of respect for the local people.  Enjoy the areas you visit but, if possible, try and leave in a better state than you found them in.  Respect the local laws, customs and cultural beliefs.  Observe the dress code of the area and be aware of differences in social behavior and norms ENVIRONMENT:  Try not to damage any plants you see on the trail.  Wild animals should not be touched, fed or disturbed and do not encourage local people to parade animals.  Do not collect firewood; all the treks use kerosene for cooking.  Ask permission before using a village well or pump.  Please burn all loo paper and bury away from a water source (30m) and Please use toilet facilities if they exist.  Our policy is to carry out all non biodegradable rubbish, if any is left behind in the morning, please bring to the guides attention.  Bring along environmentally friendly detergents and shampoos and use as little as possible to keep fresh water supplies free from pollution. What Our Clients Say About Us

"In August of 2011, I completed a challenging trek with Snowland Treks and Tours along the length of the Baltoro Glacier, one of the longest in the world, to the "throne room of the mountain gods,” a place with the highest concentration of 8000m peaks in the world. Throughout this long and arduous trek our group was led, fed, encouraged and supported by a wonderful team of porters, guides and cooks from Snowland. It goes without saying that it was their work that made the trip not only possible but enjoyable - it was in fact the trip of a lifetime. I would encourage anyone interested in making such a trip in Pakistan to contact

Kamal at Snowland Treks and Tours. He was prompt in replying to emails and quick to put my mind at ease by responding to any questions or concerns that I had. Campbell MacDiarmid

Please visit our YouTube channel for video testimonials: https://www.youtube.com/user/snowlandtours/videos?sort=dd&view=0&shelf_id=0 Please have a look at this link about recent client’s experience with us: http://snowland.com.pk/all-testimonials/