Pakistan Tours
Pakistan – The Kingdom of Hunza
Discover The Kingdom of Hunza on this 15 day exploration in Pakistan.
The Kingdom of Hunza
Embark on a 15-day tour to discover northern Pakistan. You retrace the footsteps of ancient traders and explorers as you venture through this historic route. Along the way, you encounter stunning mountain landscapes. You also immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Pakistan.
The first leg of your adventure takes you to Hunza and Fairy Meadows. Towering peaks and lush green meadows surround you here. As a result, it is a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You also enjoy the Khaplu Valley, a hidden valley tucked away in the heart of the Karakoram Mountains. It is known for its ancient forts, traditional architecture and warm hospitality.
This fully escorted private Pakistan tour is perfect for anyone wanting to experience the remote and beautiful north of Pakistan.
Day By Day
Your Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival in Pakistan
On arrival in Islamabad, our representative will meet you and escort you to your hotel. If time allows, there is then sightseeing in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. For example, wander the bazaars of Rawalpindi. Alternatively, visit the imposing Shah Faisal Mosque, one of the largest in the world. You also attend a trek briefing at the Alpine Club of Pakistan. It covers the route, difficulty level and safety precautions.
Overnight in Hotel Hill View or similar, Islamabad
DAY 2
Drive to Chilas
Set off along the famous Karakoram Highway, one of the world's most spectacular roads. It also traces the ancient Silk Road and is often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World". Pakistan and China built it between 1959 and 1979.
Overnight in Shangrila Midway House or similar, Chilas · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 3
Chilas – Fairy Meadows
First, visit local rock carvings before a two-hour drive to Raikot Bridge. Then transfer into 4WD jeeps through a narrow gorge to Tato village. After that, a two-hour trek on pony trails through pine forest takes you to Fairy Meadows.
Overnight in Raikot Sarai Camp Resort or similar, Fairy Meadows · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 4
Fairy Meadows
Today is an excursion towards Nanga Parbat base camp. This easy walk leads through green meadows covered with pine and birch forest. You also cross Ganalo glacier and visit the Alfred Drexel monument. Afterwards, trek back (around 7 hours walking in total).
Overnight in Raikot Sarai Camp Resort or similar, Fairy Meadows · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 5
Tarashing
Drive to Tarashing, a village of around 200 inhabitants considered the gateway to Nanga Parbat. It is also home to a large glacier beside the Rupal river, at an altitude of around 2,900 metres.
Overnight in Nanga Parbat Tourist Cottage or similar, Tarashing · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 6
Deosai to Skardu
Drive to the Deosai Plains, a high Himalayan plateau and habitat of the snow leopard. You ride through extensive meadows that are buried in snow for nine months. Meanwhile, Nanga Parbat is always in view. You also navigate glacial streams by jeep.
Overnight in Concordia Motel or similar, Skardu · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 7
Explore Skardu
First, visit Kharpocho Fort, a 16th-century fort overlooking Skardu with panoramic views of the Indus River. Then stroll through the bustling Skardu Old Bazaar. After that, continue to Satpara Lake, a serene crystal-clear lake. Finally, see the enchanting Shigar Valley, home to the historic Shigar Fort, now a heritage hotel and museum.
Overnight in Concordia Motel or similar, Skardu · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 8
Khaplu
This handsome village of timber-and-stone houses climbs up a wide alluvial fan beneath sheer granite walls. Meanwhile, the icy peaks of the Masherbrum Range rise across the valley. First, visit the 2,600m-high village itself. Then see the old Royal Palace and the older mosque above it at Changchun.
Overnight in Concordia Motel or similar, Skardu · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 9
Drive to Hunza
Travel to the mountainous Hunza Valley at around 2,500 metres elevation. Aliabad is the main town, while Baltit and Altit are popular for their spectacular mountain scenery. Moreover, the Hunzakuts are famed for their longevity. This is attributed to their mostly vegetarian diet of cereals and fruits.
Overnight in Karakorum View Hotel or similar, Hunza · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 10
Hunza Sightseeing
Explore Karimabad (also known as Baltit), visiting the Tibetan-style Baltit Fort. Balti artisans originally built it as a princess's dowry. Since then, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture has restored it. It also has stunning views over the Hunza and Nagar valleys.
Overnight in Karakorum View Hotel or similar, Hunza · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 11
Sightseeing Nagar and Upper Hunza
Explore the Nagar Valley's Hopper Glacier and the turquoise Attabad Lake, formed by a 2010 landslide. Then continue into Upper Hunza to see the Passu Cones, dramatic jagged peaks. Finally, cross the Hussaini Suspension Bridge over the Hunza River.
Overnight in Silk Route Lodge or similar, Upper Hunza · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 12
Khunjerab Pass
Visit the Khunjerab Pass (4,733m), the highest paved international border crossing in the world. It is also the highest point on the Karakoram Highway. The pass lies on the border between Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region and China's Xinjiang region.
Overnight in Silk Route Lodge or similar, Upper Hunza · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 13
Drive to Chilas
Begin the journey back south, stopping at the Rakaposhi viewpoint for tea and photos. Then stop at Gilgit for lunch, before reaching Chilas for the night.
Overnight in Shangrila Midway House or similar, Chilas · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 14
Return to Islamabad
A full day on the road returning to Islamabad, with plenty of comfort breaks along the way.
Overnight in Hotel Hill View or similar, Islamabad · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 15
Depart Pakistan
At a suitable time, transfer to the airport for your international departure. Finally, our representative will say "Khuda Hafiz", may God be your protector.
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Tour Map
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Dates & Prices
This is a private tour, which we can run between May and September. However, please note the itinerary is subject to change due to weather and operational requirements.
From £1,995 per person, based on two people travelling
Good to Know
Travel Information
Safety, Passport, Visa and Health Information
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination. For example, it covers safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice for Pakistan.
Your passport should be valid for 6 months from the date of your visa application. If travelling on a British passport, you'll need to get a visa before you travel. Visa violations can be treated as a criminal offence. Therefore, consult the High Commission for Pakistan in London for full details.
Pakistan is a culturally conservative Muslim country. Therefore, respect local traditions, customs and laws at all times. Also be aware that standards of public behaviour differ greatly from the UK. During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, smoking or playing loud music in public during daylight hours. In addition, dress modestly and be aware of a potentially higher risk of terrorist incidents. Carry photo ID at all times, and dress modestly, covering shoulders and legs. Alcohol consumption is illegal for Muslims and heavily restricted for everyone else. Blasphemy carries severe criminal penalties, including the death penalty. So do drug offences, and possession of even small quantities can lead to imprisonment. Finally, homosexuality and cohabitation by unmarried couples are both illegal.
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice. The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) publishes this on the TravelHealthPro website. Local medical facilities are not comparable to those in the UK, especially in remote areas. Therefore, make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance covering the duration of your stay. In an emergency, dial 911 for an ambulance. Also take steps to avoid mosquito bites, and be careful when purchasing bottled water.
What to Bring
Lightweight clothing that can be layered is advisable. Also bring a warmer jumper for cooler evenings and a light raincoat. Comfortable walking boots and shoes/trainers and/or sandals are the ideal footwear. In addition, we recommend waterproof footwear.
Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day-sack. You're expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself. For example, a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suitcase. We also recommend a sunhat, sunscreen, a torch, insect repellent and a water bottle. Finally, bring a solar charger for your phone and other electronics.
While You're There
The Pakistani Rupee (PKR) is the official currency. ATMs do not exist in most areas, and places rarely accept major credit cards. Therefore, carry cash.
Much of Pakistan experiences four seasons. However, the Karakoram mountains are in the rain shadow of the Himalaya, so they receive little monsoon rain. They also enjoy a warm, dry climate between June and August. As a result, they are an ideal summer trekking destination. Pakistan uses type C and D plugs on a 230V/50Hz supply. In addition, 3G/4G mobile coverage is widely available.
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