Arrival at Islamabad International airport, greeted by guide and transferred to hotel. Afternoon city tour including Damn-E-Koh viewpoint for panoramic views, modern Islamic architecture, Folk Heritage Museum, and world's largest Shah Faisal Mosque. Visit bustling Raja Bazar in Rawalpindi. Evening welcome dinner at local food street.

Morning drive to Naran with stop at Taxila enroute. Explore Taxila's well-planned museum and historic Gandharan Buddhist civilization sites that flourished from 6th Century BC to 5th Century AD. Continue drive to Naran (or Bisham during off-season when Babu Sar Pass is closed).

Drive through scenic Babusar Pass to Chilas, joining Karakoram Highway to Gilgit city, administrative capital of Gilgit Baltistan where world's three mightiest ranges meet: Karakoram, Hindu Kush, Himalayas. Visit 7th century Kargah Buddha carved on rock and British cemetery. Rich cultural heritage region with rare fauna and flora.

Drive along Karakoram Highway toward Minapin Nagar Valley. Stop at Chalt Nagar where Karakoram Thrust marks collision point between Indo-Pakistani and Eurasian tectonic plates. Visit Rakaposhi Peak Viewpoint (7,788m) for tea break and photography. Optional hike toward viewpoint for closer look at majestic Rakaposhi Peak. Continue to Minapin Village.

Drive to Karimabad Hunza and visit Altit village and approximately 700-year-old Baltit Fort. In 16th century, the Mir married a Baltistan princess who brought master Balti craftsmen to renovate building as dowry, showing clear Tibetan architectural influence. Free time for shopping and leisure.

Early morning drive to Duiker village above Karimabad. Enjoy stunning sunrise over snow-capped mountains of Ultar (7388m), Rakaposhi (7788m), Diran (7266m) and other peaks. Afternoon free at leisure or optional energetic hike toward Ultar glacier for adventurous travelers.

Drive to Hoper valley via Ganish village to visit Ali Gohar's UNESCO Heritage Award 2009 house. Side trip to predominantly Shia Muslim Hopper valley with world's fastest moving glacier, lush lands, white mountains. Stop at Atta Abad Lake for photography and optional boat ride. Visit peaceful Gulmit, former summer capital, see 400-year-old house, local carpet weaving. Drive to Borith Lake.

Morning hike to Passu white glacier viewpoint for amazing photography. Drive to Hussaini Village to walk precarious rope bridge over fast-flowing Hunza River or optional zipline crossing. Special lunch featuring healthy yak meat with less fat than traditional red meats. Walk around Passu village, photograph iconic Passu cones peak.

Drive to Sost for border formalities, continue to world's highest paved international border crossing at Khunjerab Pass (4750m) - highest point on Karakoram Highway. Wildlife viewing opportunity at Khunjerab National Park. Enter China at Tashkurgan, complete border formalities, meet Chinese guide, transfer to hotel.

Morning visit to 14th century Tashkurgan Fort with impressive views of surrounding fields, mountains, military complexes from old walls. Continue driving to Kashgar with breathtaking scenery. Stop at Karakul Lake for Muztagh-Ata Mountains views with optional camel ride or lake walk. Arrive Kashgar.