This expedition will be both demanding and incredibly rewarding. Over the course of two weeks, we will travel through remote areas, following winding mountain roads that climb over numerous high-altitude passes. Our nights will be spent in modest accommodations—simple hotels, local lodges, and tents under the open sky. Meals will be basic and repetitive, the conditions often hot and dusty. This journey is not about luxury or ease; it's about discovery. Coming to Pakistan is not stepping into a tourist role—it is accepting an invitation to be a guest. It means challenging your assumptions and letting go of the stereotypes you may hold. The true essence of this adventure lies in the unmatched diversity of Northern Pakistan. In a relatively small region, we’ll witness an extraordinary range of landscapes and encounter some of the world’s highest peaks. Among them stands the majestic Nanga Parbat, soaring at 8125 meters, which we will admire as its icy reflection glows in the waters of a nearby lake during sunset. We will touch the cool, clear waters of lakes and streams that appear almost too perfect to be real. Our path leads us to ancient forts, many over a thousand years old, each echoing stories of distant times. We’ll visit the place where three of Earth’s mightiest mountain ranges—Hindukush, Karakoram, and the Himalayas—meet at a single breathtaking point. Another unforgettable part of our route is the Deosai Plateau, a vast protected wilderness known locally as the “summer home.” It is the second-highest plateau in the world, second only to Chang Tang in Tibet. As we move through the Hunza Valley, we’ll find ourselves tracing the legendary Silk Road, its rugged trails still etched into the mountain walls. And all along the way, we’ll be surrounded by surreal, dramatic scenery—so stunning and otherworldly that we’ll already start missing it even before we leave.
Meet upon arrival at Islamabad airport and transfer to hotel. Afternoon tour of Islamabad. Overnight at Envoy Continental Hotel.
Drive to Besham en-route visit Taxila Museum and site, Abbottabad and Mansehra. Overnight at PTDC Hotel.
Morning drive along the Karakoram Highway to Gilgit with stops at several breathtaking viewpoints. Overnight at hotel.
Morning explore Gilgit, visit the Bazaar and Kargah Buddha. Afternoon drive to Hunza. On arrival, tour of Karimabad and Baltit Fort. Overnight at hotel.
Full-day excursion to Upper Hunza. Visit Gulmit, Passu, Sost, and Khunjerab Pass (16,000 feet above sea level). Overnight at hotel.
Drive to Skardu. Overnight at PTDC Hotel.
Morning visit to Skardu Fort and Bazaar. Afternoon visit to Shangri-La Lake. Overnight at hotel.
Drive to Khaplu and explore the old Khaplu Fort. Overnight at PTDC Hotel Khaplu.
Morning excursion to Shigar Fort. Later, drive back to Skardu and visit Sadpara Lake. Overnight at PTDC Hotel.
Drive to Chilas. Overnight at hotel.
Drive to Islamabad. Overnight at hotel.
Transfer to Islamabad airport for flight to home.