HUNZA, KASHGAR & THE TAKLIMAKAN
A cultural tour of Pakistan & China

This is a journey that is rarely offered, yet the attractions it covers beat those of many tours. Hunza is known for its breathtaking Shangri-la; Kashgar, besides being the venue for the Great Game, is famous for its historical bustling Sunday Bazaar; The Taklimakan, which literally means, "Once inside, never out"; Finally, this area is famous for the many caravan trails of the Silk Route in the remote Xinjiang province of China. All of these extraordinary attractions are offered in this artistically designed tour program.

Day 01: Arrive Islamabad
We are welcomed at Islamabad's airport with the words "Khush Amdeed" and then transferred to our hotel. Islamabad is a new city and one can see this reflected in the planning and layout as we take the 45-minute drive to our hotel.
Overnight: Marriott Hotel, Islamabad (1 night)

Day 02: Islamabad / Skardu (Flight)
A scenic flight first over the Himalayan and the Karakoram mountain ranges gets us to Skardu the capital of Baltistan. Perched at an elevation of 2286 meters / 1420 miles, Skardu is set in a magnificent landscape of towering mountains, deep gorges, resounding waterfalls, and calm, deep, lakes. We visit Skardu and the enchanting Satpara Lake. The lake is surrounded by high glacial mountains and is an avid photographer's dream. This evening provides an excellent opportunity to visit the local market located very close to our hotel.
Overnight: PTDC Motel, Skardu (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 03: Khaplu Valley
Situated 105 km / 65 miles east of Skardu lay another high mountain wonderland. Khaplu Village is perched on a large slope carved by glaciers and forested with apple, almond, apricot and other exotic trees complementing the panoramic view of the valley. While local villagers go about with their day-to-day tasks, we see the majestic peaks of Gasherbrum 8000 meters / 8749 yards. The hospitable mountain folks are related to the Tibetan Bhotes, after all we are just east of Ladakh. We return to Skardu after an interesting day in the Karakoram. (B, D)

Day 4: Skardu / Gilgit / Hunza (Drive)
Driving through the "Grand Canyon" of Northern Pakistan, we reach the ancient Silk Road town of Gilgit linking Western China with this region. The journey to Gilgit is truly amazing, with majestic scenery of lofty mountains, green valleys and roving rivers. Our afternoon tour of Gilgit, includes a visit to a local school, the home of a Gilgiton, the popular polo grounds and the very typical mountain bazaar. We'll also visit the impressive rock carvings of the Buddha near Kargah. It is not known exactly when the carvings were completed, but the workmanship is definitely that of a talented master. A trade route linking southern China with its neighbouring countries once ran through this region. Continue on to Hunza.
Overnight: Baltit Inn, Karimabad (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 5: Hunza
Early morning we get into jeeps and drive to Duiker (Eagle's Nest), which at 2900m / 3171 yards offers a fantastic view of the Hunza Valley. We will be able to see the incredible Rakaposhi Mountain as well as Golden, Lady Finger, Ultar 1 & 11, Diran, Spantik, amongst others. Our visit will be timed to enjoy a view of sunrise over the mountains along with breakfast at the nest. In the afternoon we visit Karimabad, the capital of Hunza Valley, where we have the opportunity to visit the recently renovated Baltit Fort and the old Altit Fort. (B, D)

Day 6: Hunza / Taxkorgan (Drive)
We drive to China via the Khunjerab Pass, the world's highest border crossing. In the old days there were few passes leading into China suitable for travel, today the Khunjerab Pass provides an fascinating entry into the Middle Kingdom. The route takes us on a scenic drive with breathtaking views of the high Karakoram Mountains and the distant Pamir Ranges. At Khunjerab, now declared a National Park, we might see some Marco Polo sheep. After crossing the Pass and Chinese border, the Karakoram Highway winds its way to Taxkorgan, a city which lies right on the ancient Silk Road and is mostly inhabited by Tajiks.
Overnight: Pamir Hotel, Taxkorgan (1 night) (B, D)

Day 7: Taxkorgan / Kashgar (Drive)
An exciting day ahead as we start with a three-hour drive to the enchanting Karakuli Lake with breathtaking views of the Muztagata (ice mountain), reflected on the still lake. There is never enough time to take in the beauty before we head off for the historic city of Kashgar located at the western end of the Taklimakn Desert. Evening we take a walking tour of the old town and see the traditional tea houses, donkey carts used as taxis, local restaurants, places of dwelling, various smiths at work, etc.
Overnight: Seman Hotel, Kashgar (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 8: Kashgar
Our morning tour of Kashgar includes the Abak Hoja Tomb, the Id Koh Mosque and the old town. We have free time to enjoy this historical town. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Kashgar / Urumqi (Flight)
If one would like to see a place where time has stood still it is Kashgar (Kashi). Walking through the narrow lanes of this old town evokes a scene from the Arabian Nights. Kashgar has remained sheltered from outside influences with locals who are very friendly. Amongst the most popular professions are coppersmiths, carpenters, jewelers and cobblers, all using tools of bygone days. One of the most popular events in the town is the weekly Sunday Bazaar that draws a variety of ethnic groups like the Uyghur, Tajik, Kyrgyz and Kazakh to the streets of Kashgar. They come on foot, bike, horseback, modern motorcycles and donkey carts, all with the hope of selling merchandise ranging form scissors to camels. Later in the evening we take our flight to Urumqi.
Overnight: Holiday Inn, Urumqi (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 10: Urumqi/Nalati (Flight)
We are transferred to the airport for our flight to Natali, which pastureland is well known for its beauty, is the second largest pasture in China.
Overnight: Nalati Guest House, Nalati (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 11: Nalati/Bayinbuluk/Swan Lake/Bayinbuluk (Drive)
Today’s activities include driving from Nalati to Bayinbuluk, followed by an excursion to Swan Lake, located amongst grassland lying at the center of the Uldos Basin, at an altitude of approximately 2500 meters/2734 yards. Every year flocks of swan come here to lay their eggs and the area teems with bird life. As winter approaches, the swans migrate south.
Overnight: Bayinbuluk Guest House, Bayinbuluk (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 12: Bayinbuluk/Natali/Urumqi (Drive/Flight)
Drive back to Natali to catch a return flight to Urumqi.
Overnight: Holiday Inn, Urumqi (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 13: Urumqi/Turpan (Drive)
This morning we head for Turpan – “the lowest place”.
Overnight: Grand Hotel, Turpan (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 14: Turpan
Turpan is famous for its hot and dry climate, as well as for its grapes, which are abundant. Our tour of this historical town starts with Gaochang, the Flaming Mountain that stretches for a 100km/62m. This will be followed by the Bezkilik Thousand Buddha Caves followed by Jiaohe, the Emin Tower and the famous Karez System. Time permitting we will also stroll through the maze of the local bazaar. (B, L, D)

Day 15: Turpan/Korla (Drive)
The scenic drive will get us to Korla in the early afternoon. Korla is located on the southwest frontier of China at the foot of the Tian Shan Mountains at the edge of Taklimakan Desert.
Overnight: Kaide Hotel, Korla (1 night) (B, L, D)


Day 16: Korla/Kuqa (Drive)
Morning tour includes Bostan Lake & Tarim Diversified Poplar Park then continuing on an old Silk Road branch we reach the ancient city of Kuqa.
Overnight: Kusan Hotel, Kuqa (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 17: Kuqa
Tour of Kuqa includes the Grand Canyon & Kizil Thousand-Buddha caves that are one of the four biggest and oldest groups of grottoes in China. (B, L, D)

Day 18: Kuqa/Urumqi (Flight)
Afternoon we catch a flight back to Urumqi.
Overnight: Holiday Inn, Urumqi (1 night) (B, D)

Day 19: Urumqi/Islamabad (Flight)
In the morning we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Islamabad. In the afternoon we visit the old garrison town of Rawalpindi followed by a visit into modernity at Islamabad. Here we visit the Shakarparian (sweet hills) Garden, which gives us a panoramic view of Islamabad, before driving past various modern streets and buildings, graceful with a touch of Islamic architecture. Our tour ends at one of the world’s largest mosque- Shah Faisal Mosque, which also houses a University specializing in Islamic Philosophy and Law.
Overnight: Marriott Hotel, Islamabad (1 night) (B, D)

Day 20: Depart Islamabad
Today we tour Taxila, which was once the seat of oriental culture. It is famous for the rare specimens of stucco from the Gandhara period excavated from Sirkap and various Buddhist Stupas & Monasteries. The museum houses objects and sculptures dating from 4thC B.C. to 5thC A.D. We are then transferred to the airport for our departure flight. (B)

Departure Dates

2008 English Speaking Departures Aug 9

Inclusions

Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Hotel Accommodation as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes International Airfare Meal Plan as mentioned (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner) Airport/Departure/Border Taxes Domestic / Regional Flights Included: Islamabad/Skardu, Kashgar/Urumqi/Natali/Urumqi, Kuqa/Urumqi/Islamabad Travel Insurances & Visas (double entry for Pakistan & single entry for China) All Sightseeing and Transfers Beverages/Tips Entrance Fees to Museums and Sites   Local Guides   Porterage   Visa Support as required

Tour Price

We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.

Departure Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement Min 2 Persons US $ 6550 • CA $ 6550 US $ 990 • CA $ 990 Min 6 Persons US $ 4925 • CA $ 4925 US $ 990 • CA $ 990

Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour

Canada - West Coast CA $ 1600 USA - West Coast US $ 1400 Canada - East Coast CA $ 1400 USA - East Coast US $ 1200

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 15 participants.

Notes

Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.