Pakistan Expedition

15 days4.815 reviews
Expeditions
From
CHF  3,670

A journey to the remote reaches of Pakistan’s Hunza Valley

Get set for a 15-day expedition through an ancient land. Beginning in Pakistan’s capital of Islamabad, the expedition takes you north to the stunning and rarely visited Hunza Valley region. Here you’ll find nature unleashed: imagine imposing jagged peaks, alpine lakes and glaciers creeping into the valleys. Hike between ancient fortifications scattered among rural villages and learn about the modern innovations that help the local people prosper. Finish in Lahore, a city that not only stood strong through the rise and fall of empires but also preserved the culture that makes Pakistan such a mesmerising, all-consuming country.

Map of Pakistan Expedition including Pakistan
Trip code: HQSP
Start
Islamabad, Pakistan
End
Lahore, Pakistan
Destinations
Pakistan
Meals
14 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 9 dinners
Transport
Private Vehicle, 4WD, Plane
Accommodation
Hotel (11 nights), Guesthouse (3 nights)
Days
15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Ages
Min 15
Theme
Every trip caters to specific interests and activities, such as wildlife or family.
Expeditions
Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time

Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time

Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities

Premium: 4+ star accommodation, exclusive premium inclusions, our most experienced leaders
Original
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
This trip generates 44 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip

Learn about Pakistan – its turbulent past, fascinating present, and hopeful future – from a local leader who knows and loves the country best.

Discover the jagged snow-capped peaks, bright blue lakes and traditional culture of the Hunza Valley, a little touristed but unbelievably beautiful region of northern Pakistan.

From its ancient museums, gardens and forts to its fantastic food scene, Lahore has so much to offer. Spend three days discovering this dynamic city.

Travel to the incredibly remote village of Shimshal where you’ll meet the local families who live in this challenging environment and hike through the surrounding mountains.

Visit a women’s group supported by the Aga Khan Foundation to learn about their projects and have lunch at a cafe run by local women.

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2023 - 31 December 2024

Itinerary

Map of Pakistan Expedition including Pakistan

Inclusions and activities

Meals

14 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 9 dinners

Transport

Private Vehicle, 4WD, Plane

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights), Guesthouse (3 nights)

Included activities
  • Islamabad - Faisal Mosque at sunset
  • Islamabad - Taxila Museum & archeological sites
  • Islamabad - Truck art workshop
  • Skardu - Kharpocho Fort visit
  • Skardu - Manthal Buddha Rock
  • Skardu - Skardu market visit
  • Skardu - Katpana Desert
  • Nagar Valley - Rakaposhi view point
  • Gulmit - Women-run carpet weaving center visit
  • Hunza Valley - Ondra Polygah hike
  • Gulmit - Old House Gulmit visit
  • Hunza Valley - Traditional music performance
  • Hunza Valley - Passu Glacier hike
  • Hunza Valley - Borith Lake hike
  • Hunza Valley - Hussaini Suspension Bridge
  • Shimshal - Village tour & optional hike
  • Hunza Valley - Sacred Rock of Hunza
  • Hunza Valley - Attabad Lake
  • Karimabad - Market tour
  • Hunza Valley - Ganish Village walking tour
  • Karimabad - Lunch at women-run cafe
  • Karimabad - Ciqam women's social enterprise visit
  • Karimabad - Baltit & Altit Forts
  • Karimabad - Duiker (Eagle's Nest) sunset viewing
  • Lahore - Anarkali & Liberty Markets
  • Lahore - Bagh-e-Jinnah (Lawrence Garden)
  • Lahore - Lahore Museum
  • Lahore - Akbari Mandi & Azam Cloth Market
  • Lahore - Wazir Khan Mosque
  • Lahore - Shahi Hammam
  • Lahore - Walled City of Lahore
  • Lahore - Badshahi Mosque
  • Lahore - Tomb of Jahangir
  • Lahore - Tomb of Allama Iqbal
  • Lahore - Shalimar Gardens
  • Lahore - Wagah Border ceremony

Optional activities
  • Islamabad - Golra Railway Station & Railway Heritage Museum - USD1
  • Islamabad - Lok Virsa Museum - USD2

Is this trip right for you?

  • This adventure involves hiking and spending time at altitude and is recommended for those with a good level of fitness. Please bring comfortable footwear suitable for hiking.
  • Part of travelling with Intrepid means respecting local cultures and sensibilities. That way you get the most out of your interactions with local people and environments. Pakistan is a conservative country and travellers of all genders are advised to cover up when in public.
  • This trip includes one or more overnight stays at 3200 metres (11500 ft) where there is a genuine risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). If left untreated AMS can be life-threatening. While the vast majority will only feel discomfort, it is not uncommon for a small number of people to need extra care which will be provided by our leaders and local staff. All our trips that spend time at high altitudes follow our standard altitude safety measures. A number of medical conditions and medications can also reduce your body's ability to acclimatise, and thus will affect your performance at altitude and make you more susceptible to AMS. If you are worried about any pre-existing condition (e.g. heart problems), or unsure of your physical ability, you must seek medical advice prior to booking. You may also wish to discuss medication such as Diamox that may help aid acclimatisation. Read more about AMS here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/altitude-sickness
  • The diversity of the seasons here makes for incredible scenery, but the weather in this region can be unpredictable. It’s best to wear layers at all times of the year in case conditions change during the day. At night the temperature can really drop, so bring your warm clothes. Even in the warmer months, the temperature can be low in the mountains.
  • This trip includes extended time spent travelling in a private vehicle with your group. Extra space can be tight, and conditions may feel a little cramped. It’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates you are prepared for the realities of very long travel days.
  • The weather can be unpredictable in the mountains and a significant number of flights to/from Islamabad and Skardu are delayed or cancelled due to weather conditions. If your flight is cancelled, we will follow our contingency plans as outlined in the Itinerary. Specific details of any changes will be communicated by your group leader.

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. A scanned copy of your passport is required at the time of booking to provide visa support and book domestic flights. The trip cannot be booked without a scanned passport copy. Please see the Essential Trip Information for more information.
3. We use Pakistan Airlines for the included internal flights.
4. Due to the demands of travelling at high altitudes a Passenger Self Assessment Form is required for this trip.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 based on 15 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Alexander · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 24 Oct 2024

Monika · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 18 Oct 2024

Mohammad · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 08 Oct 2024

Brian · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 03 Nov 2024

David · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 28 Sep 2024
Pakistan Expedition
From
CHF  3,670