PAKISTAN The Civilization of the Indus Valley Valley to the Roof of the World September 25 - October 12, 2022 Led by Tour Manager Elena Dak Can be combined with Afghanistan tour (October 12 - 23, 2022) Pakistan, a country located on the western side of the Indo-Gangetic Plains, has a rich, diverse terrain consisting of high mountain ranges, plateaus, and the Indus River Plain. Its long history includes a section of the ancient Silk Road (Karakoram Highway) that runs through the country over the famous Khyber Pass. There are many fascinating ancient archaeological and UNESCO World Heritage sites waiting to be discovered. On this amazing adventure, you will visit mountain villages to meet the hardy souls that live in a stunningly beautiful landscape under harsh conditions. Travel the Karakoram Highway through high-mountain valleys and passes. Explore ancient archaeological sites and wander through the streets of interesting and culturally enriched cities. Ihab Zaki Managing Director, Spiekermann Travel Sunday, September 25 Thursday, September 29 Arrive in Islamabad (Pakistan) Karimabad - Gilgit Upon arrival in Islamabad (depending on your arrival time), you After breakfast head out to visit Baltit Fort. Hunza was a prince- will be met, and transferred to Hotel for check-in and overnight. ly state ruled by one family for over 900 years: the Ayashkutz. The ruler of Hunza was called the Mir of Hunza by outsiders and THUM Monday, September 26 by locals. The people of Hunza are called the Hunzokutz. The rule Islamabad of the Ayashkutz family came to an end when in 1974 the Prime minister of Pakistan, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, eliminated all the princely Have the morning to rest. In the afternoon explore Islamabad, the states in Pakistan. Baltit Fort was occupied by some of the elderly capital of Pakistan, set against the backdrop of the Margalla Hills members of the Ayashkutz family until 1960. The Mir himself had at the northern edge of the Potohar Mountain range. The city is already shifted to a new palace much earlier. In 1996 Baltit Fort was lush, green and spacious. Tour Lok Virsa (the National Institute of reopened after a meticulous restoration by the Aga Khan Trust for Folk and Traditional Heritage). Next visit the world’s second larg- Culture. It has been transformed into a heritage museum, and it has est mosque: Shah Faisal, designed by the Turkish architect Vedat been given several International awards. Continue to the Aga Khan Dalokay and financed largely by donations from Saudi Arabia. Your Higher Secondary School for Girls, a premier academic institution welcome dinner tonight will be at the top of Daman-e-Kok hill, to educate girls who wish to attend university. Next, have lunch at overlooking Islamabad and offering panoramic views of the city. the Altit Fort Garden restaurant before visiting the Altit fort itself. Return to the hotel for your overnight. (B,L,D) Altit Fort was built on a solid rock cliff by people from Baltistan about 900 years ago. Legend has it that a local prince married a Tuesday, September 27 princess from Baltistan and her wedding procession consisted of Islamabad - Gilgit - Karimabad around 500 of her town’s people who accompanied her across the Biafo Hispar Glacier. Nowadays, that is one of the most challeng- Fly to Gilgit, upon arrival transfer to Serena hotel for freshening up. ing routes for trekkers. Upon their return, the Biafo Hisper Pass was Later before heading for Hunza, visit nearby Kargah, known for its closed due to heavy snow and they had to remain in Hunza un- large standing Buddha carved high on a cliff face. Have lunch at til the following summer when the pass reopened. Among these the Serena Gilgit. On the road to Hunza, you will see some of the people were masons, carpenters and other skillful craftsmen that most beautiful mountain peaks and glaciers: Rakaposhi 7778m, decided to build a fort for their princess while they waited for the Diran Peak 7266m, the Ultra Glacier 7388m, and several others pass to open. Prince Charles and Camilla visited Altit Fort along with above seven thousand meters high. End your day in Karimabad, Prince Karim Aga Khan when it was still being restored in October the central town of Hunza which was once the capital of the 2006. Drive for 2 hours to Gilgit, and upon arrival, transfer to the Princely State of Hunza. Check in to the Serena Baltit Inn for Hotel for Check-in and overnight. (B,L,D) check-in and overnight. (B,L,D) Wednesday, September 28 Friday, September 30 Karimabad (Gujal - Khunjerab pass) Gilgit - Islamabad After an early breakfast fly to Islamabad where you will be met and After breakfast, we will leave to explore 4700m Khunjerab Pass transferred to the Hotel for check-in and freshening up. Then drive to and Upper Hunza which was known as Gujal. The region has a Taxila, one of the subcontinent’s most important archaeological trea- mixed population, of which the Wakhi ethnic group is the most sures, with the remains of three great cities and dozens of Buddhist important. It is followed by the Brushaski speakers, originating monasteries dating from 600 BC to 600 AD. It is strategically located from Hunza. The Upper Hunza borders China in the northeast, at the meeting place of trade routes linking China, India, Central Asia and the Wakhan corridor in the northwest. Today we will see and the west. Taxila survived through many empires and became the Attaabad lake which was formed by a huge landslide falling cultural crossroad of the ancient world. Buddhism took hold in the re- into Hunza River in 2010 blocking it for good! Later, we will pass gion around 275 BC and from here the religion spread to Central Asia, through the amazing and newly constructed tunnels, known as Tibet and China. Julian, Dharmarajika, Jandial and Sirkap are some of “China – Pakistan Friendship” tunnel. Today we will also explore the best-preserved sites. Time permitting you will try to visit a couple Khunjerab National Park, which was established in 1979 by Pres- of them along with the Taxila Museum. Continue to Rawalpindi and ident Z. A. Bhutto and it encompasses three valleys: Khunjerab, late afternoon tour of Babu Mohalla driving through vibrant Sadar through which the KKH passes, Ghujerab and the more remote bazar Rawalpindi. Known today as Asia’s leading car parts market, its Shimshal valley. It is home to a number of endangered species, rich and diverse cultural heritage makes it deceptively fascinating. like the Snow Leopard, Himalayan Ibex, and Blue Sheep. Return to Make a stop to view the 18th century old Jewish Synagogue before the Hotel in Karimabad for your overnight. (B,L,D) heading back to the Hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D) Saturday, October 01 Thursday, October 06 Islamabad - Rawalpindi - Lahore (South) Bahawalpur Leave Rawalpindi after early breakfast at the hotel. Visit Hindu Today is another highlight of the trip as you travel to the Cholistan temple at Kitas Village and Khewra where the Salt Mines are located Desert, an extension of the Thal Desert, the largest desert on the (approx. 3 hrs. drive). Walking tour through the Salt Mines (one way subcontinent. You will see the remains of a great civilization that into the mine is done on train trolley & return by foot “15 minutes’ once flourished here and visit theDerawar Fort at the edge of the walk – total 2 hours tour” - There are currently 17 levels of the mine desert. In the afternoon depart for Uch Sharif to visit the famous and visitors are allowed on the 6th level (there is now a restaurant Sufi shrines ofBibi Jawandi and Saeed Jalaluddin Bukhari before inside the 6th level and refreshments are served along with snacks returning to the Hotel in Bahawalpur for your overnight. (B,L,D) etc.). Continue after lunch to Lahore for a (3 hour drive and upon ar- Friday, October 07 rival transfer to the Hotel for check-in, dinner and overnight. (B,L,D) Bahawalpur - Sukkur Sunday, October 02 In the morning drive to Sukkur, It is strategically placed at a Lahore crossing point on the Indus where the river cuts through the last Visit Lahore Museum, - the biggest museum of Pakistan, estab- outcrop of solid limestone before proceeding to the sea. It has lished in 1894. It contains some fine specimens of Mughal and played a vital part in Sind’s history for over 2000 years. The young Sikh door-ways and wood-work and has a large collection of Arab invader Mohammad Bin Qasim took the town during the paintings dating back to the Mughal era, Sikh and British periods. Arab conquest of Sind. The military importance of the town was It includes a collection of musical instruments, ancient jewelry, recognized by the British as part of the strategic route to the Bo- textiles, pottery, and armory. There are important relics from the lan Pass in Baluchistan. It is largely located on the west side of Indus Valley Civilization, Gandhara and Greco-Bactrian periods as the Indus River, with its twin town of Rohri occupying the oppo- well as some Tibetan and Nepalese work on display. The Fasting site bank. Upon arrival at Sukkur visit the Lodhy Barrage, and the Buddha from the Gandhara period is one of the most famous famous Hindu pilgrimage center Sadu Bala, with a short safari objects of the museum. After Lunch departs for Shahi Hammam on the Indus River in a wooden boat where you may see “blind dolphins” playing in the river. Transfer to the Hotel for check-in, (Royal Bath) and the Wazir Khan Mosque.