Beyond the Mountains
Our most extensive coach itinerary, 2,450 km across Gilgit-Baltistan in eleven days. This route goes further than the standard northern loop, adding a full day in Khaplu, once the seat of a semi-independent Balti kingdom, alongside the Karakoram Highway's biggest names: Hunza, Khunjerab Pass and Skardu.
- Royal Khaplu Fort, a full day in Baltistan's old kingdom
- Khunjerab Pass, the world's highest paved border crossing
- Our longest and most complete coach itinerary, 2,450 km
- Air-conditioned coach with breakfast and dinner included
Tour Facts & Quick Info
Watch Our Virtual Expedition Video Guide
Embark on a virtual journey along the winding asphalt. Our video showcases the raw vertical peaks and the luxury comfort setups our adventurers experience.
Route Briefing & Altitude Tips
Visual map of our itinerary stops.
Acreage & Landscape Previews
Unedited high-definition footage.
Safety Protocols & Ride Controls
Learn about our certified mechanics and support.
Day 1: Arrival & Travel to Besham
Land in Islamabad and board the coach for the first stage north along the Karakoram Highway, tracing the Indus into the mountain foothills. Arrive in Besham in time for dinner ahead of the next day's longer drive.
Day 2: Travel to Gilgit
A long but scenic day, stopping at the Nanga Parbat viewpoint and the Three Mountain Range Junction, the only spot on earth where the Himalaya, Karakoram and Hindu Kush all meet, before reaching Gilgit for the night.
Day 3: Travel to Hunza
A shorter transfer into Hunza Valley, with time in the afternoon to explore. Stop at the Rakaposhi viewpoint, walk the ramparts of Altit Fort, and browse Karimabad Bazaar before dinner.
Day 4: Travel to Passu via Hopar
Continue north via Hopar, where the glacier reaches close to the road, through the Pak-China Friendship Tunnel and beside Attabad Lake's turquoise water, crossing Hussaini Suspension Bridge before reaching Passu.
Day 5: Khunjerab Pass (Pakistan–China Border)
Drive to the top of the Karakoram Highway and the Pakistan–China border. Past Passu Cones and through Sost, the road climbs into Khunjerab National Park to the pass itself, 4,693m above sea level, the world's highest paved international border crossing, home to the world's highest ATM.
Day 6: Travel to Skardu
Head east into Baltistan, with stops at Shangrila Lake, Upper Kachura Lake and the golden dunes of Sarfaranga Cold Desert breaking up the long drive before checking in for the night.
Day 7: Travel to Khaplu
A day trip few coach tours make, east to Khaplu, once the seat of a semi-independent Balti kingdom. Break at Menthokha Waterfall, then explore the restored Royal Khaplu Fort and the centuries-old lanes of Barah Village before dinner.
Day 8: Travel Back to Skardu
Return to Skardu with a final stop at Astak Nala and the Indus River viewpoint, a quieter day to close out the Baltistan leg of the trip before the long journey south begins.
Day 9: Travel to Chilas
Start the journey back toward Islamabad, stopping at Jaglot and the Zero Point Chilas viewpoint for a last wide-open look at the Nanga Parbat massif before overnighting in Chilas.
Day 10: Travel to Islamabad
The final long transfer back to the capital, descending from the mountains into the plains in time for a farewell dinner with the group.
Day 11: Departure
A relaxed final morning, visit Faisal Mosque and Centaurus Mall before transferring to Islamabad Airport for your departure flight.
✅ What's Included (✔️)
- Letter of Invitation (visa support)
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Breakfast and dinner daily
- Air-conditioned coach with fuel throughout
- Professional, experienced tour leader
- Hotel accommodation, twin sharing (standard category)
- All toll taxes
- Services of guide and driver
- Food and accommodation expenses for driver and guide
- Bonfire, music night and BBQ evening
❌ What's Excluded (✘)
- Anything not listed above
- Lunch
- Sightseeing entry tickets
- Tips for crew, guide and driver
- Personal expenses of any kind
- Extra costs from road blocks or natural disasters
- River rafting, boating or horse riding
- Personal travel insurance
This is our longest and most extensive itinerary at 2,450 km, with a full extra day in Khaplu, home to the Royal Khaplu Fort, that our shorter coach tours don't include.
An air-conditioned 20-seater tourist coach with reclining seats, driven by an experienced mountain driver, for the full route.
Yes, no trekking or riding is required, though Khunjerab Pass reaches 4,693m, so travellers with heart or respiratory conditions should consult their doctor before booking.
Breakfast and dinner are included daily. Lunch is at your own expense, giving you the freedom to choose from local restaurants along the way.
Khaplu was once the seat of a semi-independent Balti kingdom. The Royal Khaplu Fort, now beautifully restored, is one of the best-preserved historic palaces in the region.