15 Days | A journey to the remote reaches of Pakistan’s Hunza Valley
This 15-day expedition is a brand-new trip through an ancient land. Beginning in Pakistan’s capital of Islamabad, the expedition takes you north to the stunning and rarely touristed 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.
Trip overview
- Start
- Islamabad, Pakistan
- Finish
- Lahore, Pakistan
- Theme
- Expeditions
- Destinations
- Pakistan
- 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
- Style
- Original
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 12
- Trip code
- HQSP
- 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 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 Gilgit 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.
Itinerary
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2023 - 31 December 2024
Inclusions
14 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 8 dinners
Private Vehicle, 4WD, Plane
Hotel (11 nights), Guesthouse (3 nights)
- Islamabad - Faisal Mosque
- Islamabad - Taxila Museum & archeological sites
- Ghulmet - Rakaposhi View Point
- Gulmit - Ancient house visit
- Hunza Valley - Ondra Polygah hike
- Gulmit - Women-run carpet weaving center visit
- Hunza Valley - Passu Glacier hike
- Hunza Valley - Hussaini Hanging Bridge
- Hunza Valley - Borith Lake hike
- Hunza Valley - Traditional music performance
- Shimshal - Village tour & optional hike
- Karimabad - Market tour
- Hunza Valley - Ganish Village walking tour
- Hunza Valley - Attabad Lake
- Hunza Valley - Sacred Rock of Hunza
- Karimabad - Baltit & Altit Forts
- Gilgit - Local markets
- Gilgit - Kargah Buddha
- Gilgit - China Yadgar (Chinese cemetery)
- Chakwal - Katas Raj Temples
- Lahore - Lahore Museum
- Lahore - Bagh-e-Jinnah (Lawrence Garden)
- Lahore - Anarkali & Liberty Markets
- Lahore - Tomb of Jahangir
- Lahore - Shalimar Gardens
- Lahore - Wagah Border ceremony
- Lahore - Walled City of Lahore
- Lahore - Shahi Hammam
- Lahore - Tomb of Allama Iqbal
- Lahore - Badshahi Mosque
- Lahore - Wazir Khan Mosque
- Lahore - Akbari Mandi & Azam Cloth Market
Dates and availability
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.
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.
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