Pakistani Kashmir & World Highest Border Crossing

Our group will meet in Islamabad. We’ll have an evening dinner and briefing about the trip, then we’ll relax in our nice hotel in Pakistan. We have to take the opportunity for comfort when we have it!

We're up early for a long but rewarding day today folks. Brekkie then a 2.5 hour drive to Sialkot where our project partner carries out their work. Thanks to you coming on the trip, you’ll have funded this entire project which include installing water pumps for various neighbourgoods in the city. We will be providing fresh water to the community, or a pop-up clinic for a remote community who has extremely limited access to health care. We'll confirm the plan for 2025 after discussion with local stakeholders.

This pop-up clinic will bring doctors and nurses into the community. It's a heart warming day getting to see how just a little can make a big difference.

Get ready folks. Kashmir is calling. We’ve got our tickets ready and we’re flying  to Gilgit at this morning  where we start the roadtrip of all roadtrips. We start on the ancient Silk Road route, following the Karakoram Highway all the way to China. And it all starts here.

Today’s route sees up slowly make our way from Skardu to Gilgit. Immerse yourself in the dramatic landscapes of Gilgit-Baltistan, from rugged mountains to serene valleys.

Hunza Valley is next up. Experience the ultimate adventure on a road trip from Gilgit to Hunza! We'll check out the eagles nest viewpoint with stops at Altit and Baltit Forts Bazar.

The views just don’t get better than this place as wind through the majestic Karakoram Range, witness turquoise lakes, and marvel at ancient Buddhist relics. Discover the rich culture of Gilgit-Baltistan while taking in awe-inspiring vistas. This journey promises unforgettable views and a chance to fill your camera roll.

Today we get to explore around Hunza. We’ll cross the relatively new Attabad Lake, which formed in 2010 due to a landslide blocking the Indus River.

In Passu, we’ll check out the iconic rope suspension bridges near Husseini village and explore the Passu glacier. Don’t forget to catch a glimpse of Borit Lake on our way out. We'll visit the ancient forts, savor local cuisine, and witness the beauty of Hunza Valley. This journey is a tapestry of natural wonders and cultural treasures.

The most epic border crossing the world. And the highest!

We’ll cross the border into China through the famous Khunjerab Pass.

Now, we’re venturing into the remote Chinese Uyghur autonomous region of Xinjiang, home to China’s largest Muslim population. Upon arriving in the Chinese border town of Tashkurgan, we’ll take a leisurely evening stroll after the stress of border guards and paper work, then maybe a few celebratory Chinese beers! We’ll rest up for the night in Tashkurgan.

Deep into China we go.

Tashorgan road trip to Kashgar, it’s about a 5 hour drive. But we make an epic day of it with stops at Karakul Lake, the White sand mountains and gorgeous Oytagh Red Mountain. Overnight Kashgar.

We’ll explore Kashgar today. Abakh Hoja Tomb & Id Kah Mosques are the highlight, then a trip to the supermarket to fuel our 16 hour night train through Northern China.

Some local China Baiju may be the perfect fuel to help us get some sleep on the sleep train.

Back to civilization. We pull into Urumqi, a city of 4 million people. We’ll check into our hotel, grab a shower and then take a half day tour in the city, including the incredible Xinjiang Bazaar.

Then it’s an evening of local Chinese-Muslim food. This city is fascinating with the cultural blend of Central Asian and Chinese aspect.

That’s all folks. We’re off to the Urumqi airport, they have connections both internationally, and via Beijing to get to any corner of the planet you need. What a trip eh?!