A 13-14 day trip of Northern Pakistan
13-14 Days
Pakistan
30th May to 11th June
Experience Pakistan like never before and discover why it’s quickly becoming a favorite travel destination worldwide. On this immersive 13-day Pakistan adventure tour, you’ll trek to the base camps of some of the world’s highest mountains, stay with a local host family, and enjoy authentic Pakistani cuisine. From breathtaking landscapes to warm, welcoming communities, this journey showcases why Pakistani hospitality is truly legendary and why travelers fall in love with Pakistan again and again.
Trip highlights
Islamabad
Watching the sunset over Nanga Parbat mountain is a sight you’ll never forget.
Ataabad Lake
Watching the sunset over Nanga Parbat mountain is a sight you’ll never forget.
Fairy Meadows
Watching the sunset over Nanga Parbat mountain is a sight you’ll never forget.
Nanga Parbat base camp
Watching the sunset over Nanga Parbat mountain is a sight you’ll never forget.
What's included
Accommodation for 12 nights based on twin sharing (2 persons per room). Single occupancy available at an additional cost. (If adding in Lahore 13 nights accommodation)
Experienced expedition leader(s) traveling with the group from Islamabad.
Experienced translator for local languages and dialects.
Personal driver and escort for safety and logistics support during excursions.
Internal transport in Pakistan / Gilgit-Baltistan where required
3 hearty meals daily (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Private airport pickup and drop-off
Off-road vehicles where required.
Local entertainment when available
Historical sites, access fees, and guides where applicable.
,Meals & drinks – apart from those stated, Personal spending money,Optional tours or activities,Any Laundry costs,Tips to guides/driver,Any applicable Medical Vaccinations, Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad
weather, landslides, road conditions and any other circumstances
beyond our control and Personal Expenses such as shopping, laundry, alcohol, sim cards,
Daily itinerary
Day 1 Islamabad
We will pick you up from Islamabad airport when you land. Most of you will be flying in and the tour officially starts in the evening. If you do arrive in the afternoon, you can exchange your money, buy a sim and buy some local clothes if you’d want. We can accommodate pick up and arrangement of stay if you’d prefer to come a few days earlier!
Our journey begins in Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital city. Translating as ‘City of Islam’, Islamabad was built in the 1960s to replace Karachi as the nation’s capital, though there’s evidence that humans have lived in the area for many thousands of years.
After our evening welcome meal, you can check into our hotel and give everyone time to relax, refresh, and recover from travel. The first day is all about comfort and connection meeting your fellow travellers soaking in the excitement of what’s to come
Meals:
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 2 Islamabad to Chilas
After breakfast and a quick team briefing, get ready, as this is where we start making the trip to the jewel of Pakistan- Northern Pakistan, the untamed wilderness. Early morning drive from Islamabad to Juglot the gilgit baltistan region of northern Pakistan. On the way we have breakfast, lunch and dinner. This will be a long journey but scenic views points. You will get a chance to get to know each other and will have some ice breaking sessions. Ensure you have your sleep pillow if you prefer, a good book and some AirPods!
Meals:
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 3 Jeeps rides and Hike to Fairy Meadows
We will be staying in Fairy Meadows but FIRST rise up early morning, and we will embark on our scenic bus ride to Raikot bridge- this is where the adventure truly begins. We will then take Jeeps along the worlds most treacherous road. Don’t fear they have been modified to make for a much smoother ride in the last few years and we have the best drivers who make it look easy and are truly professionals. We will go as far as we can with the jeeps and then after that will hike for the next three hours through beautiful streams, dense forest and taking stops alongside for Pakistani Chai!
We eventually arrive in Fairy meadows and will be rewarded with a night around the fire. The nights here are magical and we will be spending 2 nights here sleeping in traditional log cabins.
We will get you settled into your cabin and take in a breathtaking view of Nanga Parbat. Fuel up for tomorrows trek with a freshly cooked dinner, then head out to the bonfire or catch some rest.
Meals:
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 4 Adventure to Nanga Parbat Basecamp
We will have breakfast at the accommodation at fairy meadows and today is where the adventure unfolds as its hiking day! Depending on the weather and trail conditions, we will be trekking to Nanga parbat basecamp. We will visit a few different stunning viewpoints of Nanga Parbat.
Nanga Parbat is the 9th highest mountain in the world and 2nd highest in Pakistan. The mountain trails guide you to Bayal camp. As you ascend, the awe-inspiring path towards Nanga Parbat view point, looms ever closer, with amazing viewpoint so close to the mountain! Dont worry as we are only going to base camp. There will be four viewpoint checkpoints, so if you feel like you can’t do the full hike, the second view point is mesmerising too. We will have multiple trekking guides with us who will help encourage us all. We will have lunch at the view point.
After a day of trekking and embracing the raw beauty of nature, you return to the enchanting Fairy Meadows for another restful night around the roaring campfire with chai after a hearty and wholesome meal. Depending on the mood, dancing around the campfire to local music with the locals.
Meals:
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 5 Fairy meadows to Karimabad
We will return the way we came; hike 2 hours down from from Fairy Meadows, take the Jeeps back to the road back to our tour bus on the Karakoram Highway and make our way to Karimabad in Hunza.
The journey from Chilas to Karimabad is one of the most scenic stretches along the Karakoram Highway. The road traces the Indus River, through deep gorges and rugged cliffs, with glimpses of snow-capped peaks in the distance making our way to Karimabad (Hunza). We will stop at the Nanga Parbat viewpoint for a breathtaking panorama of the towering “Killer Mountain,” and continue toward Rakaposhi.
We will also stop at the iconic 3-Peak Junction, where three mighty Karakoram peaks Rakaposhi, Diran, and Spantik converge in a breathtaking panorama. This junction marks a significant point for trekkers and adventurers, offering a rare vantage to witness the grandeur and scale of these legendary northern Pakistan mountains.
Karimabad itself feels almost magical; a timeless village perched on the mountainside, with ancient Altit and Baltit Forts overlooking orchards, cobbled streets, and the turquoise river below. This is lovely town and one of the main tourist town of Northern Pakistan.
At sunset we walk through the town, showing you some amazing views! You will get a chance to interact with the locals. Karimabad offers sweeping views of some of the worlds highest mountains, including Rakaposhi and Ultar sar, which rise majestically above the valley.
In the evening, gather for dinner at a local, women-owned restaurant, where you can sample traditional Hunza cuisine and support the community. We also arrange a musical night, where you get to experience local music and traditions.
Meals:
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 6 Karimabad & Eagle Nest
Karimabad is a lovely town and one of the main tourist town of Northern Pakistan. Karimabad is great for cafes, shopping, and is a bustling hub of local culture and craftsmanship. This is the perfect place to shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and just enjoy the friendly locals and minimal traffic. You also take the opportunity to catch up on some much-needed wifi connectivity …and coffee! You can explore the streets of Karimabad.
There is an optional add on we can arrange for mini hikes exploring the historic Baltit Fort or you can try the famous cafe de Hunza who are known of their world famous walnut cake.
After brunch we will make our way to a place called Duiker. This is an optional hike.
You can hike from Karimabad to Duiker and take in the amazing views or can take the bus to the top and observe the incline. We will ascend as group to visit Duiker eagles nest which offers breath taking panoramic views and lucky if we catch the amazing sunset. The views include surrounding peaks and wide expanse of Hunza Valley, including Rakaposhi, Lady Finger and Ultar Sar. As the sun sets, we will have a local evening around a cozy bonfire, enjoying a BBQ feast (Including veggie options), traditional music, and stories under the starlit sky. It’s a night of culture, music and celebration.
Meals:
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 7 Karimabad to Naltar valley
Today we join back on to the Karakoram and make our way to Naltar Valley. You may have seen some pictures of bright emerald lakes in Pakistan and this is what we will see here! You will explore the beauty of the natural lakes where the landscape transforms into a mesmerizing tapestry of emerald-green meadows, crystal-clear streams, and snow-capped peaks. This region is very undiscovered and as roads have not yet fully been finished, we transfer to 4×4 to complete the rest of our journey.
Naltar Valley is a breathtaking gem for any adventurer. Known for its vibrant blend of emerald green forests, alpine meadows, and rugged snow-capped peaks, this remote valley feels like a hidden paradise. We will go to a Naltar view point and if lucky get to see a rare snow leopard in the mountains.
You will spend the night camping with beautiful alpine trees, immersing yourself in the warm hospitality of the region. Here you can enjoy more moments in nature, around the campfire and rest up ahead of the adventure the next day.
Depending on the group size and weather, we may camp in Naltar. Camp under the stars for the night in one of the most beautiful and untouched places in the world.
Meals:
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 8 Naltar to Ghulkin
We continue our journey further into Hunza with our first stop being Attabad lake. In 2010 after a landslide Attabad lake was created and now is one of the majestic places to visit in the norther areas. This is optional but you can embark on the Biscocho trek, which offers spectacular views of the lake. This is a lesser known trek and hence will have the place to ourselves. I would compare these views to Fjords of Norway (or better!). We will take a boat ride on the lake and if you are lucky, may get a chance to operate the boat!
We will finish this day with a ride along the ghulkin orchard trail before we arrive in a traditional homestay in Ghulkin for an authentic
experience. Here you will enjoy a traditional home cooked meal made by the family who will join us for dinner.
Meals:
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 9 Ghulkin
You wake up in a small, rural and ultra remote village called Ghulkin surrounded by apricot trees and apple orchards. Today we prepare for another thrilling day.
Today we visit the iconic Passu Hanging Bridge, a marvel of local engineering that spans 300m across the Hunza River. We have all seen the videos on line and yes this is the bridge! You do not need to cross if you don’t feel comfortable and take in the views.
We then make our way to Passu cones and be ready because this is where we take our iconic photo shoot with the cones in the back! A memorable shot.
We will finish this day with a ride along the ghulkin Orchard trail before we arrive in a traditional homestay in Ghulkin for an authentic experience. Here you will enjoy a traditional home cooked meal made by the family who will join us for dinner.
Meals:
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 10 Ghulkin to Skardu
We will make our way from Ghulkin to Skardu very early morning. Depending on the time we arrive we will either go shopping or have a rest evening at the hotel
Meals:
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 11 Skardu
Skardu is one of the treasures up north of Pakistan. From snowcapped mountains to freshwater lakes- this is a nature lovers dream!
After breakfast we will visit upper Kachura lake and have some chai. We will have lunch at Lower Kachura lake, also known as shangrila lake. The lake is green by meadows and great for pics.
We will them make our way to Sarfaranga desert for sunset. The Sarfaranga Desert in Skardu is one of the highest cold deserts in the world, famous for its bright white sand dunes set against the towering peaks of the Karakoram. Its vast, open landscape and surreal contrast of sand and snow-capped mountains make it a truly breathtaking place to visit. As an optional add on you can enjoy optional activities such as ATV rides, dune bashing, horse riding, and photography on the sweeping plains. We’ll also experience a stunning sunset here, when the desert glows with warm colors and the mountains fade into the evening light; an unforgettable moment of the journey.
Meals:
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 12 Flight to Islamabad
We take a flight from Skardu to Islamabad where you enjoy breath taking aerial vies of snow capped mountains. Welcome to Islamabad! Our day begins with an Afghan BBQ. We will visit the famous Faisal Mosque, the fifth largest mosque in the world upon its completion in 1986 and is said to hold 10,000 worshippers. We will have our farewell lunch/dinner at an afghan BBQ where we will reflect and say our final good byes. If you add on Lahore as an optional add on- we will set out for Lahore tonight.
Meals:
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 13 Islamabad/ Lahore
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and proceed to the airport for your departure. A farewell to your fellow travellers and a goodbye to a memorable two week expedition of Pakistan.
Please note you can add on the optional visit to “Lahore”- we will continue our journey in Lahore. If you decide to not add on Lahore- don’t worry we will have a member of the team here to ensure your journey to the airport is smooth
Meals:
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 14 Lahore
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and proceed to the airport for your departure. A farewell to your fellow travellers and a goodbye to a memorable two week expedition of Pakista
Meals:
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Where you'll be staying
Mix of hotels, homestays & yurts
Discover the history of shyrdak, the traditional felt rug renowned for its intricate mosaic patterns and recognized as a cultural symbol of Kyrgyzstan. With a local women’s cooperative, we’ll learn about the ancient craft of making these vibrant textiles, using wool, natural dyes, and techniques handed down through generations.
Wild women moment
Traditional felt-making workshop
Discover the history of shyrdak, the traditional felt rug renowned for its intricate mosaic patterns and recognized as a cultural symbol of Kyrgyzstan. With a local women’s cooperative, we’ll learn about the ancient craft of making these vibrant textiles, using wool, natural dyes, and techniques handed down through generations.
Wild women moment
Traditional felt-making workshop
Discover the history of shyrdak, the traditional felt rug renowned for its intricate mosaic patterns and recognized as a cultural symbol of Kyrgyzstan. With a local women’s cooperative, we’ll learn about the ancient craft of making these vibrant textiles, using wool, natural dyes, and techniques handed down through generations.
Frequently asked questions
Flights into Islamabad?
Do I need prior hiking experience?
How physically demanding is the trip?
Will we be hiking every day?
What about altitude?
How safe is the trip?
What if the weather is bad?
Where will we stay?
Is this an ethically guided trip?
What are the visa requirements?
Can I join alone?
Ready for your Pakistan adventure?
experience Pakistan wild side through its mountains, yurts, trains, and traditions.