These memorable adventure trips are undertaken on four-wheel-drive vehicles over thrilling off-road trails penetrating most of the remote and unspoilt Northern Areas of Pakistan. The Safaris travel over winding trails; crossing high mountain passes like Babusar Pass (4,145m), Shandur Pass (3,720m), Lowari Pass (3,200m) and visiting the picturesque and culturally rich valleys of Kalash, Ghizar, Yasin, Ishkuman, Hunza, Astor, Hushe and many many more.

These are multi-faceted journeys through an area steeped in history and culture; tracing the routes taken by Alexander, Marco Polo, the great Hsuan-Tsang and many other invaders, travellers and pilgrims who traversed the ancient Silk Route and it’s off shoots to reach their destinations and trading posts at Gilgit, Skardu, Chitral or Kashgar.

Four-wheeling through three of the world’s greatest mountain ranges (the Himalayas, the Karakoram and the Hindukush) almost every day of travel presents a new valley with it’s own unique landscape, culture, dresses and dwellings. Even the languages change from one valley to the next. It’s a journey of astonishing contrasts, from lush green valleys to stark barren mountains; from picturesque sleepy lakes to thundering rivers; and from snow covered peaks to high altitude deserts.

Every Jeep-Safari is accompanied by a support-jeep which carries kitchen equipment, tents and other supplies on the road, nights are spent in comfortable and roomy 2-person tents (in places where there are no hotels). The facilities of a mess tent, kitchen tent and toilet tent are always available at the campsite. Generally, every jeep carries four itinerants plus the driver. Our Safaris are also offered in combination with Treks, Pony-Treks and City-Sightseeing Trips.

We offer Mountain Jeep Safaris from June to October with duration ranging from 7 to 30 days covering the Northern Areas of Pakistan. You can either choose a Safari from the given selection of model itineraries or kindly contact us for a complete list of these trips and prices.

01: WILD FLOWERS OF DEOSAI AND KARAKORAM VISTAS
(14 DAYS)
 JULY TO AUGUST

This exciting trip is an ideal combination of four-wheeling and day treks in two of the greatest mountain ranges of the world, Himalayas and Karakorams. Both these mountain ranges are quite different in character besides offering landscapes and cultures quite unlike each other, which makes this trip, all the more rewarding.

Travel over the ancient “Silk Route” now known as the Karakoram Highway, a miracle of modern engineering which connects Pakistan with China over the Khunjerab Pass 4733 meters high. Marvel at the grand scale of the mountain vistas and high peaks such as Nanga Parbat 8125 meters high, one of the most difficult peaks to climb in the world. Study the ancient “Rock Engravings” in Diamir valley along the mighty river Indus before heading for the pine forested lush green meadows of Rama, which nestles under the shadows of “ Chongra Peak” 6824 meters high. Spend a day hiking up to the glacier fed Rama Lake through pine forests and meet the shepherds of this high Himalayan valley at their summer settlements.

Drive through the Himalayan valley of Gudai to enter the lush flower spangled area of Deosai plateau. It is a stretch of pristine wilderness in the form of a plateau 80 kilometers long, perched at a height ranging between 4,000 meters to 4,200 meters. The rolling grasslands here support no trees or shrubs and the area is snow-covered for 7 months in a year. Spring comes to this magical land in August when millions of wild flowers of all colors, shapes and sizes begin to sprout all over the green lush area.  

Deosai supports no human settlements and the only denizens are the colonies of Himalayan Marmots that are very interesting to observe. Spend a day trekking up to the K2 view point which offers views of all the Five 8000 meters peaks of Pakistan besides many other 7000 meters peaks (WEATHER PERMITTING). Hike or drive across the plateau camping at the most picturesque spots. Drive down to Skardu 2300 meters high passing the turquoise colored Satpara Lake and explore the bazaars of this interesting little mountain town.

Drive through the beautiful valleys of Shigar and Khaplu to marvel at the grand vistas of the Karakoram Mountains. Explore the Balti village of Khaplu and drive / hike to upper Khaplu to enjoy birds eye views of Shyok valley and the 7821 meters high “Masherbrum” peak. Drive down the “Indus Gorge” to meet Karakoram highway all along the Indus river before heading back to Islamabad to end a memorable trip.

02: FOUR WHEELING THE MOUNTAINS OF KARAKORAMS AND HINDUKUSH (15 DAYS)
JUNE TO OCTOBER 

Famous for its unmatched natural splendor and scenic mountain vistas, coupled with the ancient history and culture, the North of  Pakistan  is a fascinating area to explore. This super jeep safari takes you to the splendor of all that is to see and enjoy in these remote areas.

Travel on the Karakoram Highway along the Indus river to Gilgit and on to Khunjerab Pass (4733 m) at the Chinese border  under the shadows of famous high peaks like Nanga Parbat (8125 m) , Rakaposhi (7788 m) and many many more.  Savour the magical beauty of Hunza and explore its ancient forts of Baltit and Altit, over 500 years old before leaving the mighty Karakorams and entering the Hindukush mountains.         

From Gilgit, travel up the Punial and Ghizer  valleys, marvel at the beauty of the Trout laden Phander Lake and arrive at Shandur Pass (3734 m) which has the highest Polo ground in the World. Passing through Mastuj reach Chitral which boasts commanding views of Trichmir (7783m)  the highest peak of the Hindukush range. Explore its bazaars before heading for the Kalash Valleys where the ancient tribes of  Black Kafirs reside. These tribes are famed to be the descendants of Alexander’s armies which passed through here in 327 B.C.  Meet the Kalash and explore their villages to learn about their life style before proceeding to the beautiful Swat valley. Crossing the famous Lowari Pass (3118 m) with its 74 hair pin bends on the north side alone arrive at Saidu, the capital of this once independent state, famous for the remains of its ancient Buddhist monasteries and relics from 2^nd Cent B.C to 9^th Cent A.D.

Visit the impressive Buddhist monastery of  Takht Bhai dating back to 1^st Cent A.D. before arriving at the frontier town of Peshawar which was founded 2000 years ago at the mouth of the fabled  Khyber Pass. Explore its ancient bazaars, visit the impressive Museum and head back to Rawalpindi /Islamabad from where you fly back.

P.O. Box 2103, Islamabad. 61/A, Pirzada House, Najam Shaheed Road, Westridge I,
Rawalpindi - Pakistan.     
Tel 92-51-5481166 Fax: 92-51-2274838  E-mail: info@transpakistan.com.pk