Pakistan Expedition

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

5 out of 5 based on 10 reviews submitted.
Expeditions
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EUR €3,745
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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

Map of Pakistan Expedition including Pakistan
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
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.

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 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

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

Map of Pakistan Expedition including Pakistan

Inclusions

Meals

14 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 8 dinners

Transport

Private Vehicle, 4WD, Plane

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights), Guesthouse (3 nights)

Activities
  • 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

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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

5 out of 5 based on 10 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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Will · Traveled May 2024
A fascinating and varied tour covering the mountainous beauty of northern Pakistan through to the history of Lahore. There were few other tourists around but the locals are very friendly. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the country and learning more about it so would very much recommend this tour for anyone who likes getting off the beaten track.
Review submitted 29 May 2024

Brendan · Traveled May 2024
Be prepared to be blown away. The scenery on this trip is stunning (as one may expect of the Karakoram) and well worth the effort of getting to these places. Come with an open and flexible mind and you will be rewarded. Our guide, Aisha, was well prepared for any challenges (like running down broken footwear repair in a couple cases) and very knowledgeable and well connected everywhere we went. Most of all, the people are were warm and friendly.
Review submitted 28 May 2024

Tony · Traveled May 2024
Overall great trip, good mix of city, culture, food, history, and physical activity. Fascinating landscapes in the north! Hiking is quite moderate, dont let that stop you. Probably my favorite of roughly 10 Intrepid trips.
Review submitted 03 Jun 2024

Elizabeth (Betty) · Traveled October 2023
Pakistan has always been on my desired destinations list and it didn't disappoint. Intrepid took me to the beautiful northern mountains. I loved the scenery, history, the opportunity to trek to glaciers but mostly, I found the mountain people so kind, hospitable and friendly, especially the young lady guides.
Review submitted 06 Dec 2023

Steven · Traveled October 2023
Pakistan was a bucket list destination but the trip exceeded all my expectations. It is achingly beautiful and very diverse populated by some of the most friendly and hospitable people you could wish to meet. The itinerary provides a rich mix of adventure, culture, delicious food and fascinating history and while you need a head for heights on some of the roads, I would have no hesitation in recommending. Aneeqa was the perfect leader and a true inspiration.
Review submitted 04 Nov 2023
Pakistan Expedition
From
EUR €3,745