Experience
Loading…
Experience · Chilas
Rock art of Chilas
Stop along the Karakoram Highway near Chilas to see carvings of animals, stupas and inscriptions left on the Indus boulders over thousands of years.
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Season
- March–May, September–November
- Price
- Price to be confirmed
Overview
Along the upper Indus around Chilas, thousands of petroglyphs and inscriptions are cut into dark, sun-varnished boulders. They were brought to wider attention after the Karakoram Highway was built, and have since been documented by a long-running Pakistani-German research project.
The carvings range from simple hunting scenes and animals to Buddhist stupas, narrative scenes and inscriptions in several writing systems, recording the pilgrims, traders and rulers who used this route. A guided stop focuses on a few accessible panels close to the highway.
- Petroglyphs spanning prehistory to the early medieval period
- Buddhist stupas and narrative scenes cut into the boulders
- Inscriptions in several ancient scripts
- An easy break on the long drive along the Karakoram Highway
Itinerary
Day 1
Stop near Chilas
Pull off the Karakoram Highway at an accessible rock-art site.
Day 1
Guided look at the panels
Animals, stupas and inscriptions explained in context.
Day 1
Continue the journey
Back on the road, with time for tea in Chilas if wanted.
Practical information
- Themes
- History, Culture, Photography
- Suitable for
- Culture travellers, Photographers, University groups, Explorers
What’s included
Included
- Sample concept: guide with knowledge of the rock art
- Sample concept: stop built into a Karakoram Highway transfer
- Sample concept: printed sheet on the main carvings
Not included
- Transport (assumed part of a wider journey)
- Meals
- Gratuities
What to bring
Essential
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen
- Plenty of water
- Closed shoes for rocky ground
- Loose, modest clothing covering arms and legs
Optional and useful
- Camera; low-angle light shows the carvings best
- Notebook or sketchbook
- Light scarf against dust
Good to know
Important notes and restrictions
- Opening times and entry arrangements to be confirmed.
- Chilas is very hot in midsummer; early morning or late afternoon is better.
- Current security and travel advice for the Chilas stretch of the highway to be checked before any trip.
Etiquette
- Never touch, chalk, wet or scratch the carvings.
- Ask before photographing local people in Chilas.
- Dress modestly; Chilas is a conservative town.
Route and region
You might also like
All experiences
Experience
Experience
Want this journey shaped around you?
Start with what draws you, the time you have and who you’re travelling with. We’ll help shape the journey around what matters to you.
Start shaping your journeyRock art of ChilasPrice to be confirmed
Ask about this