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Expeditions

Pakistan Expedition

4.8

Excellent

18 reviews

15 days

Start

Islamabad, Pakistan

Finish

Lahore, Pakistan

Trip Code

HQSP

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 12

Physical Rating

Meals

14 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 9 dinners

Transport

Private Vehicle, 4WD, Plane

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights), Guesthouse (3 nights)

From £3,372(15 days)

Trip Informations

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 Tuuur 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.tuuur.com/altitude-sickness https://www.tuuur.com/altitude-sickness (https://www.tuuur.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.

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.

Itinerary

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.

DAY 1
Day 1 • Islamabad
Welcome to 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. Your expedition begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, but if you arrive earlier there are several sights worth checking out including Golra Railway Station, and the Lok Virsa Museum – dedicated to the preservation, documentation promotion of Pakistan’s cultural heritage. After your welcome meeting, get to know your group and local leader over an included dinner.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Dinner
Included activities
Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Optional activities
Islamabad - Golra Railway Station & Railway Heritage Museum Entry - PKR1000
Islamabad - Lok Virsa Museum Entry - PKR1000
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Note that check-in time for your hotel is 2 pm.
DAY 2
Day 2 • Islamabad - Taxila - Islamabad
Make the most of the opportunity to explore Islamabad with your fellow travellers. Your local leader will speak with you about the history of both Islamabad and Pakistan and be able to answer any questions about this oft-misunderstood destination. There’ll be a chance to shop for local clothes, so perhaps take the opportunity to buy a shalwar kameez – the traditional dress of loose-fitting trousers and a long shirt. Visit Faisal Mosque, which was the largest mosque in the world upon its completion in 1986 and is said to hold 10,000 worshippers, then head to the ancient site of Taxila. These World Heritage-listed ruins are evidence of over 500 years of cultural evolution influenced by Persia, Greece, and the spread of Buddhism. Enjoy a group dinner at neraby Saidpur village.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Islamabad - Faisal Mosque at sunset
Islamabad - Taxila Museum & archeological sites
Islamabad - Truck art workshop
Special information
Your driving time today will be approximately 4 hours.
The Taxila Museum is closed on the first Monday of every month. Groups visiting Taxila on this day will still be able to visit all other sites.
DAY 3
Day 3 • Islamabad - Skardu (2228m)
Fly this morning from Islamabad to Skardu. Being the gateway to the Karakoram Mountain Range, it’s a popular spot for hikers and outdoorsy types, and your day will be spent exploring all that Skardu has to offer. You’ll head to the Skardu Bazaar, where you can pick up any snacks or souvenirs that might be calling your name. Then it’s on to the Manthal Rock Buddha – a sculpture dating back to the 8th century – as well as Kharpocho Fort.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Skardu - Kharpocho Fort visit
Skardu - Manthal Buddha Rock
Skardu - Skardu market visit
Skardu - Katpana Desert
Special information
Today's flight takes around 1 hour. We use Pakistan Airlines for our domestic flights here.
In case of flight cancellations, this day will be used to drive to Chilas or Naran.
DAY 4
Day 4 • Hunza Valley (2500m)
Today, travel north to Passu, a small town surrounded by mountains and glaciers. It sits by the famous Karakoram Highway, which is also known as the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway as it connects the two countries. This is an achingly beautiful part of the world and there’ll be several opportunities to stop and take in views of many 7000 m peaks, including Rakaposhi. You’ll be staying in Passu for the next three nights, using it as your base for exploring the region.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Nagar Valley - Rakaposhi view point
Special information
Your driving time today will be approximately 10 hours.
In case of flight cancellations, this day will be used to drive to Passu.
DAY 5
Day 5 • Hunza Valley (2500m)
Drive to nearby Gulmit today. Take a walk around this remote village and visit a carpet-weaving centre run by the local women. You’ll also hike out to the ruins of Ondra Fort. Sitting atop a rocky outcrop above Gulmit, it would’ve commanded views of several strategically important passes in the area. It’s believed to have been built in the 16th century by a ruler named Qutlug Baig and, as if the historic ruins weren’t enough, there are phenomenal views of both the valley and the surrounding peaks. Later, return to your accommodation in Passu for the night.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Gulmit - Women-run carpet weaving center visit
Hunza Valley - Ondra Polygah hike
Gulmit - Old House Gulmit visit
Special information
The Ondra Poygah hike includes 1655 stairs, and it takes around 1-2 hours to reach the fort ruins. The walk back through Kamaris Village is 3 km and 1-2 hours.
DAY 6
Day 6 • Hunza Valley (2500-2900m)
Visit the Hussaini Hanging Bridge, described by some as the "most dangerous bridge in the world". Though the bridge’s condition is questionable its location is enviable, suspended above Hunza river and surrounded by jagged mountains. Walk to Borith lake, which sits at an elevation of approximately 2600 m, and out to the impressive Passu Glacier. There’ll be plenty of time to relax and you’ll also see the photogenic Tupopdan (6106 m), which is known as Passu Cones or Passu Cathedral. Sample Passu’s famous apricot cake and yak burgers. In the evening you’ll have a chance to get immersed in the melodious tunes of the region. A local band will play their local instruments, sing songs with you and show you some of their dance moves.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Hunza Valley - Traditional music performance
Hunza Valley - Passu Glacier hike
Hunza Valley - Borith Lake hike
Hunza Valley - Hussaini Suspension Bridge
Special information
Due to safety risks, accessing Hussein Hanging Bridge is not permitted. The hike to Borith Lake is approximately 1 km and 30-45 mins each way, reaching an altitude of 2600 m. The Passu Glacier hike is 6 km and 1.5-2.5 hours each way, 2900 m above sea level.
DAY 7
Day 7 • Shimshal (3100m)
Travel by 4WD to the remote town of Shimshal, which was inaccessible by road up until 2003. The road took 18 years to build and was constructed by the local community, who previously had to walk for several days to reach other parts of Hunza. Shimshal is so remote that state prisoners from Hunza were once exiled here as punishment. The locals are resilient and extremely hardworking people. A number of notable Pakistani mountaineers grew up here, which isn’t surprising given the rugged, mountainous terrain. The Shimshali are to Pakistan what the Sherpa are to Nepal, and perhaps the most famous Shimshali are Samina and Mirza Ali Baig, a brother- sister climbing duo. Samina is the first and only Pakistani woman to climb Everest (at the age of 21) and the Seven Summits. She also summited K2 in 2022.
Accommodation
Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Special information
Your driving time today will be approximately 4 hours.
DAY 8
Day 8 • Shimshal (3100m)
Spend the day exploring Shimshal and learn about the challenges that come with living in such an inhospitable environment. Almost every house in Shimshal is powered by solar electricity, as is the local school. Meet the local families and hear their stories, and lace up those hiking boots to head out on Shimshal’s beautiful walking tracks. Take a walk for expansive views of the surrounding area. Enjoy the mountainous surrounds, take some time to relax and acclimatise to the altitude and know that you’re experiencing a destination that few will ever get a chance to visit. If you’re not up for the hiking, you can spend the day getting familiar with the town.
Accommodation
Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Shimshal - Village tour & optional hike
Special information
Your hiking time today will be approximately 3 hours.
DAY 9
Day 9 • Karimabad (2500m)
Say farewell to the locals before returning to Passu by 4WD, then switch into a private van for the drive to Karimabad. On the way we will make a stopover at Lake Attabad and Ganish village. There’s a sad story lurking below Lake Attabad’s shimmering surface. The lake was formed in 2010 after a massive landslide that killed 20 people and displaced many thousands. It also essentially dammed the Hunza River for five months, creating a lake that measures some 21 kilometres across. The dam held, and the lake is now a popular tourist destination renowned for its bright blue water. See it for yourself then explore Ganish, an ancient Silk Road settlement that received a cultural conservation award from UNESCO. In the evening, visit the Karimabad market for some shopping. Karimabad is the commercial hub and capital of the Hunza region.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
Hunza Valley - Sacred Rock of Hunza
Hunza Valley - Attabad Lake
Karimabad - Market tour
Hunza Valley - Ganish Village walking tour
Special information
Your driving time today will be approximately 5 hours.
DAY 10
Day 10 • Karimabad (2500m)
Karimabad is a town known for its locally made handicrafts, carpets, and, of course, its next-level views of the surrounding mountains. Today you’ll walk to Baltit and Altit forts, which have stood in the region for over 700 years and are a testament to the valley’s past strategic importance. These towns were crucial for controlling the ancient Asia trade routes and Baltit Fort holds a particularly commanding position above the village. These well-maintained forts were restored by the Aga Khan Foundation, which has also been working on several projects to empower local women’s groups. You’ll have lunch at a cafe run by local women as well as have a chance to meet and speak with some local women during a visit to a women-run woodworking workshop. At sunset, drive up to Duiker for an unforgettable view of the surrounding mountains including – on a clear day – Rakaposhi, Ultar, the Bublimotin, and Spantik.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
Karimabad - Lunch at women-run cafe
Karimabad - Ciqam women's social enterprise visit
Karimabad - Baltit & Altit Forts
Karimabad - Duiker (Eagle's Nest) sunset viewing
Special information
Your driving time today will be approximately 1 hour.
DAY 11
Day 11 • Skardu (2228m)
After breakfast, make the drive back to Skardu. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to stop and stretch your legs at the picturesque Upper and Lower Kachura lakes. Stay in Skardu overnight before your flight to Islamabad tomorrow morning.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Special information
Your driving time today will be approximately 10 hours.
DAY 12
Day 12 • Skardu - Islamabad - Lahore
Depart Skardu for a flight back to Islamabad. From here, your group will drive to Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city and the capital of the Punjab region. It’s a wealthy city known for being relatively cosmopolitan with a focus on education and the arts.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Special information
The flight from Skardu to Islamabad is around 1 hour and the driving time from Islamabad to Lahore is approximately 6 hours.
In case of flight cancellations, this day will be used to drive to Besham or Naran.
DAY 13
Day 13 • Lahore
Your first full day in Lahore will be spent visiting some of the city’s most famous places. First up is the Walled City of Lahore, which was constructed around the year 1000. Within its walls, you’ll find the Delhi Gate, the World Heritage-listed Lahore Fort, the huge Badshahi Mosque and the ridiculously beautiful Wazir Khan Mosque. The interior is decorated with intricate mosaics and frescoes and the mosque houses historic shops, tombs of Sufi saints and the Shahi Hammam baths. You’ll also visit the tomb of Allama Iqbal, a poet and philosopher who is widely regarded as having inspired the Pakistan Movement (he also had a fantastic moustache). You’ll have time to explore the markets within the Walled City too. Take a walk through the Akbari Mandi, dedicated to grains and spices, or the bustling fish market by Delhi Gate. There is also the Azam Cloth Market, one of Asia’s largest, which houses some 16,000 shops. You’ll also get some time explore the hustling and bustling Anarkali market for some shopping.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Lahore - Anarkali & Liberty Markets
Lahore - Akbari Mandi & Azam Cloth Market
Lahore - Wazir Khan Mosque
Lahore - Shahi Hammam
Lahore - Walled City of Lahore
Lahore - Badshahi Mosque
Lahore - Tomb of Allama Iqbal
Lahore - Delhi Gate
Lahore - Lahore Fort
Special information
Today's driving time is approximately 2-3 hours within the city.
In case of flight cancellations, this day will be used to drive to Lahore.
DAY 14
Day 14 • Lahore
There’s another full day of exploration to be had today. You’ll visit the Tomb of Jahangir, a 17th-century mausoleum built for the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, who ruled from 1605–27. Continue to the splendid Shalimar Gardens, built in the 17th century by the Emperor Shah Jahan and feature waterfalls, ponds and several garden pavilions. Wander through the complex, designed to be a natural utopia on earth, then travel to the Wagah border of Pakistan and India to witness the flag-lowering ceremony. This impressive spectacle attracts both international tourists and locals and features both sets of soldiers performing some seriously macho choreography. The ceremony ends with both flags being lowered simultaneously and a handshake between the soldiers. As the cultural capital of Pakistan, Lahore isn’t short on delicious cuisine to try. For your farewell dinner tonight, head to Lahore’s famous (and mouth-watering) Food Street.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Lahore - Shalimar Gardens
Lahore - Wagah Border ceremony
Lahore - Tomb of Jahangir
Lahore - Dinner at Food Street
Special information
Today's driving time is approximately 3 hours within the city.
DAY 15
Day 15 • Lahore
Your Pakistan expedition comes to an end today. You are free to leave the accommodation at any time after breakfast, but please ensure you check out by 12 pm.
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Complimentary Departure Transfer

Inclusions

Meals

14 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 9 dinners

Transport

Private Vehicle, 4WD, Plane

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights), Guesthouse (3 nights)

Included activities

Complimentary Arrival Transfer

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 - Akbari Mandi & Azam Cloth Market

Lahore - Wazir Khan Mosque

Lahore - Shahi Hammam

Lahore - Walled City of Lahore

Lahore - Badshahi Mosque

Lahore - Tomb of Allama Iqbal

Lahore - Delhi Gate

Lahore - Lahore Fort

Lahore - Shalimar Gardens

Lahore - Wagah Border ceremony

Lahore - Tomb of Jahangir

Lahore - Dinner at Food Street

Complimentary Departure Transfer

Optional activities

Islamabad - Golra Railway Station & Railway Heritage Museum Entry - PKR1000

Islamabad - Lok Virsa Museum Entry - PKR1000

Dates and availability

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

Sunday Apr 26, 2026

Sunday May 10, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£3,372

Sunday May 10, 2026

Sunday May 24, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£3,713

Sunday May 24, 2026

Sunday Jun 07, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 10 spaces left

£3,372

Sunday Sep 06, 2026

Sunday Sep 20, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£3,372

Sunday Sep 13, 2026

Sunday Sep 27, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£4,010

Sunday Sep 20, 2026

Sunday Oct 04, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 11 spaces left

£3,372

Sunday Sep 27, 2026

Sunday Oct 11, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£4,010

Sunday Oct 04, 2026

Sunday Oct 18, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£3,372

Sunday Oct 18, 2026

Sunday Nov 01, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 11 spaces left

£3,372

Sunday Apr 25, 2027

Sunday May 09, 2027

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£3,542

Sunday May 09, 2027

Sunday May 23, 2027

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£3,542

Sunday May 23, 2027

Sunday Jun 06, 2027

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£3,542

Sunday Sep 05, 2027

Sunday Sep 19, 2027

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£3,680

Sunday Sep 12, 2027

Sunday Sep 26, 2027

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£3,971

Sunday Sep 19, 2027

Sunday Oct 03, 2027

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£3,971

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.

3. We use Pakistan Airlines for the included internal flights.

PLEASE NOTE that there are government imposed restrictions Indian, Israeli and Chinese nationals travelling to Pakistan. Due to this, we are not able to accept nationals with those passports on this trip.

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DAY 15
Day 15 • Lahore
Your Pakistan expedition comes to an end today. You are free to leave the accommodation at any time after breakfast, but please ensure you check out by 12 pm.
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Complimentary Departure Transfer

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DAY 15
Day 15 • Lahore
Your Pakistan expedition comes to an end today. You are free to leave the accommodation at any time after breakfast, but please ensure you check out by 12 pm.
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Complimentary Departure Transfer