Come explore the beautiful country of Pakistan with me this autumn between 16th – 28th September 2024!
Pakistan is one of the world’s great surprises, with an incredible diversity of scenery – from the world’s biggest mountain glaciers to the incredible lakes and valleys – alongside some of the most beautiful forts, mosques and of course delicious cuisine.
Main Tour Details
Dates: 16th September – 28th September (13 Days / 12 nights)
Tour Start Location: Lahore, Pakistan
Tour End Location: Islamabad, Pakistan
Below you will find the itinerary for this trip (click on each day to view detailed itinerary description):
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Lahore – Unveiling the Mystique
As the sun begins its descent, our adventurers touch down in Lahore, a city pulsating with history and culture. We settle into our accommodations, preparing for the journey ahead. But this is no ordinary arrival – the evening promises an exhilarating experience at the Wagha Border Ceremony, a spectacle of patriotic fervor and military precision. Amidst the fervent cheers and flag-waving, our travelers immerse themselves in the vibrant energy of the occasion.
But the excitement doesn’t end there. As night falls and stars twinkle, a secret leads our intrepid explorers to an underground speakeasy. Here, hidden from the world above, we sip on welcome drinks and get to know our tour mates with whom we’ll be spending the next few days with.
Day 2: Lahore’s Timeless Splendor
Awakening to the call of adventure, our group sets out to uncover Lahore’s treasures. The day begins with a visit to the majestic Badshahi Mosque, its towering minarets reaching towards the heavens. Next, we traverse the storied halls of Lahore Fort, where echoes of empires past whisper tales of glory and conquest by the Moghuls.
As the afternoon beckons, we travelers will find ourselves captivated by the allure of the old town, with a backdrop of Badshahi Mosque’s grandeur. But the night holds another enchantment as they journey to Islamabad, where the iconic Faisal Mosque awaits, illuminated at night amidst the cloak of darkness, offering a glimpse of tranquility before the next leg of their adventure.
Day 3: Journey to Fairy Meadows
With the dawn’s first light, our adventurers embark on a picturesque flight to Gilgit, where the rugged beauty of the worlds tallest snow capped mountains can be seen from above. We travel onwards to Raikot Bridge, where we board sturdy jeeps, bouncing along rugged terrain towards Fairy Meadow’s Jeep point.
As the verdant landscape unfolds before us, they lace up our boots and begin the trek to Fairy Meadows, a sanctuary of peace nestled beneath the towering Nanga Parbat. As night falls, we gather around a crackling fire, sharing stories beneath a blanket of stars, the mountain’s silent guardians.
Day 4: Embracing the Majesty of Nanga Parbat
Eager to explore, we then set off towards the Nanga Parbat viewpoint, pausing along the way to savor a leisurely chai break at Bayal Camp. As we gaze upon the majestic peak, you can feel a profound sense of awe at the world’s 9th tallest killer mountain.
With the day drawing to a close, we return to the serenity of Fairy Meadows, where the mountains stand sentinel, and relax around a roaring camp fire after dinner.
Day 5: Journey to Skardu – A Thrilling Expedition
As the morning sun bathes Fairy Meadows in golden light, we bid farewell to its tranquil embrace. Trekking back to the Jeeps, we embark on a thrilling ride through rugged terrain, navigating the twists and turns of the trail back to the Karakoram Highway where we travel onwards towards Skardu, a unique and enchanting region of Pakistan’s Northern Areas.
Day 6: Skardu’s Spectacular Sights
After a hearty breakfast, our explorers set out to uncover the wonders of Skardu. The first stop? The awe-inspiring landscapes and waterfalls of the region.
With memories captured and hearts full, we indulge in a leisurely lunch before turning our gaze towards Skardu’s most famous fort, a testament to the region’s rich history and storied past.
Day 7: Desert Adventures in Katpana
With the desert sun casting its golden glow, we embark on a journey to Katpana Desert (the cold desert), where endless dunes stretch towards the horizon. After a morning of exploration, we gather for a hearty lunch before facing a choice – will you take to the skies for a thrilling paragliding experience or opt for an adrenaline-fueled off-road jeep adventure? If neither are your cup of tea, relax with some free time to soak in Skardus serene beauty.
As the day draws to a close, we reflect on the thrill of the desert and the memories made in this rugged landscape over a hearty traditional Pakistani meal.
Day 8: Discovering Karimabad’s Charms
Leaving Skardu behind, we return to the Karakoram Highway, where the road winds its way towards Karimabad. Here, amidst bustling bazaars and quaint cafes, they immerse ourselves in the vibrant tapestry of Hunza Valley life. We will enjoy time here, where you can enjoy some shopping and coffee break.
From sampling local delicacies to browsing artisanal souvenirs, every moment is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage that defines this enchanting region and the people who live there. Peruse the gem shops selling rubies, sapphires and kashmir scarves!
Day 9: Eagles Nest and Beyond
With the morning sun casting its warm embrace we explore Karimabad a little more. After lunch, we embark on a short trek to Eagles Nest, where panoramic views of Hunza Valley await. Amidst the rugged beauty of 6000m mountains, we gather for a yak BBQ (veggie also), savoring the flavors of the region as sampling local moonshine and music fill the air.
As night falls, we find ourselves surrounded by the magic of the mountains, grateful for the journey that has brought us here and a roaring fire to keep us warm.
Day 10: Attabad Lake and Village Homestay
We bid farewell to Eagles Nest and journey towards Attabad Lake, where cerulean blue waters beckon. A leisurely ride on a traditional Pakistani tug boat offers a chance to soak in the serene beauty of the lake amidst towering mountain backdrops before continuing on to Ghulkin, a remote village in the region..
Here, amidst verdant orchards and rolling hills, we walk through the village to a local homestay, where a warm welcome and a home-cooked meal await with our host family.
Day 11: Exploring Ghulkin’s Hidden Gems
Awake in the calming peace of one of the most beautiful villages on earth. We set out to explore the hidden gems around Ghulkin. We begin with a trail to the Bizcocho meadow which offers sweeping views of Attabad Lake, while a visit to the low-hanging Passu Bridge promises an adrenaline-fueled crossing. We wrap up our time in Ghulkin with a visit to the Passu Cones and spectacular views of Passu Glacier.
As night falls, we return to our host family, gathering around the dinner table to share stories and laughter, grateful for the bonds forged in this remote corner of the world with our hospitable hosts.
Day 12: Journey over Babusar Pass
With the dawn’s first light, we travelers bid farewell to Ghulkin and begin the journey back towards Islamabad. Crossing the Babusar Pass, we pause to soak in the breathtaking vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Arriving in Islamabad, we have our last supper and reflect on the memories we made together over the last few days and prepare for our onward journey.
Day 13: Departure from Islamabad
Flights leaving from Pakistan internationally typically leave early in the morning and our jovial team will be waiting on hand to drop you off in perfect time for boarding.
Accommodation
We’ll be staying in a a mixture of hotels, guesthouses, home stays and log cabins during our trip.
The rooms will mainly be twin-sharing – you will be paired with the fellow traveller from the group.
Whilst our accommodation will be of good quality and Ready for Road Adventures who are helping me organise this tour have vetted and stayed in all of the properties before with many other groups, tourism in Northern Pakistan is still fairly new and standards of accommodation and facilities offered are different from what many of us will be familiar with at home and on travels to Western countries.
Transport
We will have a private mini-bus throughout the tour which will take us on all of our longer journeys. There will be days where we will also take jeeps to get us to our destination due to the conditions of the roads. We will also be taking a domestic flight from Islamabad to Gilgit on Day 3.
Tour Cost
Aside from small personal expenses, this is an all-inclusive tour package!
What is included in the price?
- 12 Nights accommodation
- 13 Breakfasts
- 12 Lunches
- 12 Dinners
- Airport pick up & drop off
- All transport + drivers (including 1x domestic flight, mini van and off road 4×4 car)
- Local english speaking guides
- Translator
- Historical site and access fees
- All site entrance fees and trail fees
- Tips for local guides and restaurants
- Local entertainment when available
- Letter of Invitation for visa application
What is NOT included?
- International flights (to Lahore, and from Islamabad)
- Travel insurance
- Tourist visa fees and application fees (more on that below)
- Optional activities (eg. zip-lining and paragliding)
- Personal expenses (eg. shopping, laundry, alcohol, sim cards etc.)
- Any applicable medical vaccinations
- Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, landslides, road conditions and any other circumstances beyond our control.
Total Cost & Deposit
Total Tour Cost: £1990.00 (GBP)
All cost for this tour is to be paid in British Pounds
Deposit required to secure your place: £750.00
The final balance of £1,240.00 can be paid as in one 2 months prior to the tour, or can be paid in 2 more instalments:
£640.00 to be paid by 15th April 2024
£600.00 to be paid by 15th June 2024
What to Expect
I hope you’re excited and this has given you insight into what to expect for this tour! I am so excited to go back to Pakistan and experience this beautiful country together – I hope you fall in love with Pakistan as much as I have.
But before you book this tour, I want to give some insight into the reality of travelling Pakistan that I experienced when I travelled there to avoid any disappointment. I don’t say this to worry you or put you off, I’m telling you so you know what to expect and have some type of expectations before you arrive to avoid any complaints or problems.
Accommodation
As mentioned, we will stay in a range of accommodations on this tour like wooden log cabins in the Fairy Meadows, hotels in Lahore and guesthouses in the North.
All of our accommodation is used regularly by people doing this expedition so everything has been vetted to ensure we get the best experience but this is Pakistan and facilities will differ and be limited to what you might be used to.
Something to keep in mind, is that some of the accommodations will not have hot water. The itinerary has been planned where if we stay somewhere that doesn’t have hot water, the next hotel will have it, however, power outages are common, especially in Northern Pakistan so even though we expect a hotel to have hot water, it may not or may go off during our stay.
Because we are travelling in Autumn, we will benefit from comfortable daytime temperatures and beautiful golden colours, but the temperature will drop at night and hotels in this region do not have the full radiator power we are used to in Western countries so you will need to wear thicker layers and embrace having some big blankets when needed.
Transport
There are 2 main things to be aware of with transport in Pakistan.
Firstly, this expedition does have some long travel days when we travel in the North, and especially on Day 12 when we drive back down South to Islamabad. We have chosen to drive back rather than fly on the way back, as flights can be unpredictable and if we get a cancellation it’s unlikely we will be able to book our whole group on another flight which will result in delays and we don’t want any of you to miss your flights home.
Secondly, road closures may affect our travel times and delay us. This is out of our control but our experienced and well-connected guides will do their best to minimise delays and get us there on time.
Pakistan Visa
A tourist visa is needed for Pakistan and it is your responsibility to pay the visa fees, apply for this in advance and get the visa granted in time.
The visa process differs between nationalities. Many nationalities (including the UK) require a Letter of Invitation from the tour company which we will provide you with and you can submit this with your application.
We will also provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a visa for Pakistan to make it easier.
Click here to check if your country is eligible for a tourist visa for Pakistan and click here for the official tourist E-Visa website.
This tour is not available for Indian Nationals due to visa restrictions.
Fitness Level
Although we will spend a fair amount of time on the bus driving, this is NOT an on-off bus tour of Pakistan, we will spend a lot of time off the bus, walking and doing physical activities.
As you can tell from the itinerary, we will be doing a lot of exciting and thrilling activities, including trekking and hiking on some days, as this is the best way to see the mountains of Pakistan! Some treks can be demanding treks with some having steep climbs, while others are shorter and easy.
Therefore, to book on to this tour you should have a relatively good level of fitness. You do not need to be super fit and a really experienced hiker but I ask that you arrive with the fitness and ability to hike and ensure you do some hillwalking/hikes/gym cardio sessions before you come on the tour.
If you have old injuries or issues affecting your mobility, please look into these before booking onto the tour to ensure you will be capable to do these mountain and glacier treks before the tour starts.
With that said, the trekking guides are used to people with different fitness levels and there will always be a guide at the back of the group so no one gets left on their own. For example with the Nanga Parbat hike, if you struggle due to fitness, sickness or altitude, there are places to stop and you don’t need to do the full trek so we can be flexible if unexpected issues arrive but it will help if your general fitness level is good to start with.
Tip: Make sure you bring your worn in walking boots!
WiFi / Internet
We will be relying on Wi-Fi when travelling around Pakistan and although it will be pretty good in our Lahore Hotel at the start and end of the expedition, the Wi-Fi in home-stays and hotels up North of Pakistan may not be great and we will not have Wi-Fi on travel days.
So please only book on this tour if you are aware of this and don’t need constant connection back home or for any other reason.
This trip will give you time to disconnect with the world, and enjoy the magical moments that we will experience together during this trip.
Illness
The most common sickness that you’re likely to experience is tummy issues with some diarrhoea.
We advise you to only drink bottled drinking water and we will only eat in restaurants and cafes that have been used by tours before us and have been checked but we cannot guarantee that you won’t have a reaction from the food – all of our immunity systems are differently built. If you do become unwell, we can get you over-the-counter medication to help ease the symptoms.
Tour Guides
This tour is in partnership with Ready for Road Adventures who have amazing team of male tour guides whom have been carefully and adhere to a strict code of conduct. Our amazing guide will be with us with us pretty much the whole time throughout the tour, and will help us as much as they can and make our trip the best it can be.
Refunds and Cancellations
Please note that all payments including the deposit and the final 2 payments once paid are non-refundable.
If you have to cancel, you will need to email me ASAP. I will try to help you out as much as possible and try my best to resell your place. If and once I have resold your place, I will refund you the money paid so far. Of course, I am going to be more likely to resell your place if you cancel further out than if you cancel just before the trip so keep this in mind.
For information on refunds if the whole tour has to cancel, please scroll down the Terms and Conditions.
How to book the tour
To secure your spot on this tour, please click on the ‘book now’ button below and fill in the form below.
I will then email you with the payment instructions. Please note, the payment method will be via bank transfer in British Pounds (GBP).
Please note your spot is only secured once you’ve transfered the deposit £750 (GBP).
SECURE YOUR SPOT
FILL IN THE FORM BELOW
*Please do not book any flights until you have received the confirmation letter from me via email.*
FAQs
What are the dates of the tour?
Monday 16th September – Saturday 28th September 2024.
Who is the tour for?
For any traveller who likes an adventure between the age of 18 – 40*! The itinerary has been designed for anyone who is willing to be open minded, easy going, eager to learn about new cultures and step outside your comfort zone. Ideally you are someone who leads an active lifestyle, have a good fitness level, and are looking for an epic adventure.
This tour is for international travellers, so unfortunately we will not be able to accept Pakistani residence.
*You must be at least minimum 18 years of age to join this tour.
Which airport do I need to fly into / out from?
You will need to book your flight to Lahore International Airport (LHE), and fly out from Islamabad International Airport (ISB).
Please note that the tour starts in Lahore, and finished in Islamabad. They are two different cities in Pakistan, so make sure you book the correct flights. I suggest looking for flight options on SkyScanner.
If you need any support or advice, please feel free to reach out to me.
*Please do not book any flights until you have received the confirmation letter from me via email.*
Are any meals included in the tour?
Yes, you will get three hearty meals each day on the tour along with refreshments. We have a variety of diverse traditional Pakistani food so you’ll get the chance to really see Pakistans diverse culinary offering.
If you are you have any dietary requirements ie. vegetarian / vegan etc., please make sure to specify this in the form we will send to you via email when you’ve paid your depsit.
What kind of accommodation will we be staying in?
We are staying in a variety of accommodation throughout the trip that ranges for hotels, guesthouses, home stays and wooden cabins high in the mountains.
Do I need to bring cash with me?
We advise that you will need roughly around $200 USD of spending money for snacks and souvenirs. We have all the essentials covered so you really don’t need all that much. We can help you find an exchange if you are unable to buy local currency (Pakistani Rupee PKR) in advance.
Is Pakistan a safe country?
Pakistan is a security state and is known to have bad reputation due to the media. However, it’s a huge country and we only ever travel to the safe parts of the country. We will have security, appropriate paperwork and escorts where required.
Is Pakistan safe for women?
I spent 3 weeks there in October 2023 and felt completely safe. Generally speaking, the locals are very welcoming and are excited to see travellers in Pakistan. Remember, as it’s a muslim country, you need to respect the local laws and culture such as wearing a head scarf in mosques and dress conservatively.
Are you hosting this tour yourself?
I have partnered with an incredible local tour operator called Ready For Road, who have been bringing international tourists to Pakistan since 2017. We spent a lot of time together creating the most amazing itinerary for this trip!
How many people will be on this tour?
The maximum number of fellow travellers for this tour will be 15 people.
Do you have to be physically fit to join?
Although our treks on the trails are designed for everyone to be able to take part. It is recommended that you have at least some basic level of fitness. Take a few trails near where you live in advance of the trip to break in those trekking boots and get your legs used to 2-3 hours of trekking with some inclines.
What should I pack for the tour?
By September, Pakistan will be be entering its Autumn season in the Northern Pakistan where we are spending most of our time. Daytime will be warm/cool and then it will get colder at night. It will also get colder in the daytime when we are higher up.
As we are doing trekking, I advise that most of what you pack is trekking and outdoor-appropriate wear as we will spend a lot of time in this clothing. On days when we don’t have long treks, you can wear other clothes like jeans, joggers, leggings, trainers etc.
In the cities like Lahore and Islamabad, it will still be quite warm, so bring light / breathable clothing, but still make sure to wear conservative clothing (ladies, bring headscarfs), especially when we are visiting mosques and historical sites.
I’m happy to send across a more details packing list if this helps.
What is the food like in Pakistan?
Pakistani food is very diverse in ever region / place that we will visit. You can get a range of dishes with range of spice levels. Meat is an important part of Pakistani diet but we can cater for vegetarians, but please let us know in advance.
Can you cater to dietary requirements?
If you have any dietary restrictions, please inform us ahead of the tour. We will try our best to cater to this, but there is of course a limit to what we can cater for due to the remote places we will be eating.
Dairy, Gluten, and Nuts are common in the Pakistani diet but let me know when you book and we can advise you.
When do I need to make the payments?
You can pay in full, or in 2 instalments. To secure your spot, you first need to put down a deposit of £750.00, then rest of the payment can be divided into two instalments of £640.00, and £600.00.
All payments will need to be made via bank transfer – we will send you the bank details via email.
What if I can’t make the trip?
If you can’t make the trip for any reason, please note that the trip deposit which is essential for securing your place is non refundable.
If you have to cancel, you will need to email me ASAP. I will try to help you out as much as possible and try my best to resell your place. If and once I have resold your place, I will refund you the money paid so far, minus the deposit.
Is there a back-up plan in case of bad weather?
In the event of a sudden change in weather conditions, the expedition leader will assess the situation and make an informed decision on what to do. Participant safety is always the priority in the decision-making process. The itinerary is designed taking into consideration possible bad weather. Alternative routes and contingency plans are always in place in case of adverse weather conditions.
Are there Pakistani cultural norms to be aware of?
Pakistan is a Muslim country, which means that certain things are considered not allowed, however, this shouldn’t have an impact on us as a foreign group. The main thing to consider is dressing more covered and modest, especially for the ladies, you will need to cover your head when we enter a mosque, mainly in Lahore and Islamabad.
Terms & Conditions
1. If you need to cancel after paying your deposit or final payment, please note that as per industry standards, all payments including the deposit and final payment once paid are non-refundable.
However, I want to help you out as much as possible so I will try my best to resell your place. If and once I have sold your place, I will refund you the money paid, minus the deposit. Please note that I am going to be more likely to resell your place if you cancel further out than if you cancel just before the trip.
2. You must take out travel insurance prior to the tour, as explained below, I suggest doing this as soon as the deposit has been paid. I will ask you for your travel insurance details just before the tour starts so if anything happens I can call your insurance company and know your policy details.
3. Neither I (Anastazja Stanowska) nor any of the team at Ready for Road Adventures are responsible for any accidents or losses you may have before, on, or after the tour. You join this tour with responsibility for yourself and if something happens, you have your travel insurance to claim on.
4. If the tour gets cancelled due to covid, a natural disaster or another type of event where we have to completely cancel. We will need to pay suppliers on the ground still so the payment paid is not refundable. However, I will try my best to refund you what is available after paying local guides, accommodation etc,. but I not guarantee anything.
If a total cancellation happens, we (Anastazja Stanowska and Ready for Road Adventures) will try our best to reschedule and move deposits but this is not guaranteed.
If you are concerned about this happening, I advise you to take out travel insurance straight after paying your deposit. Travel insurance is mandatory on this tour (I will ask you for your details before you arrive) and as soon as you take travel insurance out you will be covered for certain cancellations. It is much safer to buy insurance once the deposit is paid than plan to buy it a week before leaving and something happens between then as you will have no insurance to cover you.
Any Questions?
If you have any questions which haven’t been answered yet, you can email me at hello@anastazjasadventures.com or DM me on Instagram.