Today's journey continues via the N15 highway toward Babusar Pass, which connects province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Gilgit Baltistan.
Before the construction of the Karakoram Highway (KKH), Babusar Pass, at 4173m (13,690 feet), some 70km from Naran, was the main route for crossing into Pakistan's Northern Areas (Gilgit Baltistan). The road, diminishing to just a jeep track at its completion in 1898, is now a well-made road, which follows the Kunar River, passing through small towns such as Battakundi, Burawai, and Besal. Beyond Burawai the road rises further and the scenery starts to change, with silver fir and blue pine trees becoming scantier and the hills barer.
Continuing north from Besal, the road runs along the 2.5km long Lulusar Lake with its deep green waters and reaches Gittidas, the last village before the pass. The valley broadens out here, and further on steadily climbs for around seven kilometres to the summit of Babusar Pass (the highest point on our journey), continuing down the other side to Chilas on the Karakoram Highway. We will be rewarded by the spectacular panorama that greets us on our final descent.
From Babusar Pass the road passes through Thak Valley to Chilas. There are many rock carvings at Chilas, the majority of which date back to the Buddhist pilgrims who frequented these routes while travelling between China and the great Buddhist sites of south Asia.
After a break at the Shangrila Hotel in Chilas, we continue up the KKH to Gilgit (257km). The road winds round the foot of Nanga Parbat (8125m/26,660 ft), the world's ninth highest mountain, located at the western tip of the Himalayan Range. Before Gilgit we stop at the meeting of three of the world's greatest mountain ranges: the Himalaya, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush.
We continue to witness splendid scenery as we near Hunza -- weather-permitting we hope to see spectacular Rakaposhi Peak with its snowy crown. The route is abundant with terraced fields flanked by tress, particularly pretty in spring with apricot, apple, and peach blossom. In autumn the very same trees set themselves ablaze with fiery shades of yellow, orange, and red.
This afternoon we arrive in Karimabad village, the largest and main centre of Hunza, set on a mountainside with water channels defining the tiered levels of the villagers' fields and houses. Looming above the village of Karimabad, are several noteworthy peaks, including Ultar Peak (7388m/22,440 ft) and its glacier as a curtain backdrop, a majestic view of Mt. Rakaposhi (7788m/25,550 ft) and Diran Peak (7257m/23,810 ft). These views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains are spectacular.
Upon arrival in Karimabad Hunza, we continue to Altit in the small neighbouring valley to Karimabad. After hotel check-in and a chance to freshen up, we may have a chance to visit historic Altit Fort. This historic small fort is perched on a rocky outcrop high above the Hunza River, the only river that cuts through the width of the mighty Karakoram. The fort's balcony overlooks a village of mud houses with flat rooftops used as extra work areas for drying fruit etc. Prince (King) Charles and Camilla visited Altit Fort along with Prince Karim Aga Khan when it was still being restored in October of 2006. We will visit this fort tomorrow if we do not have enough time on this day.
Overnight in Hunza (Altit or Aliabad, approx 2500m/8,200 ft).
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
