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The journey
Embark on a captivating 14-day adventure through the stunning northern areas of Pakistan, where some of the world's most sought-after gemstones are found. This journey offers a unique opportunity to explore mining sites in Skardu, Haramosh, Hunza, and beyond, with chances to see where emeralds, rubies, topaz, and other hidden treasures are extracted. Along the way, you will combine mine visits with scenic drives, trekking, camping, and time in places such as Kutwal Lake, Gulmit, Passu, and the Salt Mine near Islamabad.
At a glance
Day by day
Morning/Afternoon: Arrive at Islamabad International Airport, transfer to the hotel, and settle in.
Evening: Briefing on the gemstone trekking expedition followed by dinner in Islamabad.
Overnight: Hotel stay in Islamabad.
Morning: Board the morning scenic flight to Skardu (weather permitting).
Alternative Route: If the flight is canceled due to weather, begin the overland drive via the Karakoram Highway toward Chilas.
Overnight: Hotel stay in Skardu (or Chilas).
Morning: Drive from Skardu to the Shigar Valley.
Afternoon: Explore the local area and head toward the Hyderabad region of Shigar.
Overnight: Hotel stay in Shigar.
Morning/Afternoon: Visit the aquamarine and topaz mining sites around the Shigar region.
Late Afternoon: Drive back to Skardu town.
Overnight: Hotel stay in Skardu.
Morning: Drive from Skardu to Dassu village, the gateway to the Haramosh pegmatite fields.
Afternoon: Set up camp and meet local mountain guides and porters.
Overnight: Tent accommodation in Dassu.
Morning: Begin trekking from Dassu up toward the Guray area.
Afternoon: Inspect active quartz and gemstone mining veins along the trek.
Overnight: Tent accommodation near Guray.
Morning/Afternoon: Continue the alpine trek up to the scenic Kutwal Lake at the base of Haramosh Peak.
Evening: Relax by the lakeside campsite.
Overnight: Tent accommodation at Kutwal Lake.
Full Day: Explore high-altitude gemstone digs and pegmatite pockets around the Kutwal Valley.
Overnight: Tent accommodation at Kutwal Lake.
Morning: Trek down from Kutwal Lake back to Dassu.
Afternoon: Board 4x4 vehicles at Dassu and drive along the Karakoram Highway to Gilgit.
Overnight: Hotel stay in Gilgit.
Morning: Scenic drive from Gilgit to Karimabad, Hunza, stopping at the Rakaposhi Viewpoint.
Afternoon: Visit Baltit Fort and explore the local markets.
Overnight: Hotel stay in Karimabad.
Morning/Afternoon: Excursion to the famous ruby mining veins in the Doyndas and Ganish areas of Hunza.
Evening: Return to central Karimabad for dinner.
Overnight: Hotel stay in Karimabad.
Full Day: Drive north along the Karakoram Highway to visit Gulmit, the Passu Cones, Passu Glacier, and the Attabad Lake region.
Overnight: Hotel stay in Gulmit or Karimabad.
Morning/Afternoon: Leisurely drive back to Gilgit.
Evening: Free time to explore the historic Gilgit bazaar.
Overnight: Hotel stay in Gilgit.
Morning: Board the morning flight from Gilgit back to Islamabad (or complete the final drive from Besham/Chilas if traveling overland).
Afternoon: Short city sight-seeing or rest at a day-use hotel room in Islamabad.
Evening: Airport transfer for your international departure.
The route
The fine print
Transportation
Hotel accommodation
Hotel meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
English-speaking local guide
Entry fees for museums, forts, and tourist resorts
Toll taxes and parking fees
International flight tickets
Personal refreshments
Medical kit and any medicines
Single supplement
Suitable period: April to mid-November.
Altitude: around 3500 m.
Logistics
Your 14 days finish where they began, in Islamabad International Airport (ISB).
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