Pakistan's Mountain Wonders and Cultural Heritage Tour

Islamabad

Upon arrival and after a delightful lunch, we embark on a tour of Islamabad. Our first stop will be at the stunning Faisal Mosque, an architectural masterpiece that stands as the largest mosque in Pakistan. Next, we head to the Pakistan Monument and Museum, where we will learn about the country’s rich history and heritage. Following this, we will visit the Heritage Museum, which offers a unique opportunity to observe local artisans creating traditional handicrafts. This will also be our first chance for some shopping! As we may feel tired from the day's activities, we will enjoy an early dinner in the scenic village of Sayed Par.

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Chitral

After a hearty breakfast, we depart for the ancient Kingdom of Chitral. The drive takes us through some truly breathtaking scenery, including the historic town of Chakdarra. Our journey continues over the impressive Lowari Pass, famous for being a site where Winston Churchill witnessed action in the 1890s. We may even catch a glimpse of a local polo match, a popular sport in the region. We will break for lunch in Dir before continuing our drive to Chitral, a total travel time of approximately 7-8 hours.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Chitral

Kalash

This day takes us to the heart of the Kalash people in the Valley of Rumbor. Here, we will meet our knowledgeable guide, Yashill, who will introduce us to the unique traditions of the Kalash tribe. After a delicious lunch in the village, we will witness the preparations for the upcoming festival, which promises to be a vibrant celebration of Kalash culture. This day offers an intimate look into the lives and customs of this ancient community.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Kalash

Today is dedicated to fully immersing ourselves in the colourful and lively Chilam Joshi festival, a spring celebration that takes place in May. We will witness traditional dancing to rhythmic drum beats and experience the kaleidoscope of colours from the elaborate costumes worn by the Kalash people. Women don vibrantly coloured dresses adorned with intricate jewellery and headgear, while the men wear shalwar kameez paired with woollen waistcoats. The Kalash people pray for the protection of their livestock and fields, symbolised by the spreading of milk on their deities. The festival concludes with young men and women announcing their chosen life partners, marking a joyous end to the celebration.

Kalash

Chitral

After breakfast, we journey to the nearby Bomberat, where we will visit the fascinating Kalash Tribal Museum. This small but insightful museum offers a deep dive into the history and culture of the Kalash people. We will also visit a local school, followed by a stop at the centuries-old cemetery in Karkal, where the unique burial traditions of the region can be observed. After lunch in the valley, we return to Chitral, where we will visit a local hat maker, offering a glimpse into the region’s artisan crafts. Before dinner, we’ll drive to the mountains’ edge to witness the majestic Markhor, a rare mountain antelope.

Gupis

Prepare for an exhilarating day as we embark on one of the most awe-inspiring road trips in the world. Our journey takes us across the spectacular Shandur Pass, often referred to as the "Roof of the World," at an altitude of 3,700 metres. Along the way, we’ll stop for photo opportunities and traditional tea breaks, soaking in the breathtaking mountain views. The Shandur Pass is also home to the world’s highest polo field, and we’ll have time to walk and appreciate the vastness of this extraordinary landscape. The day concludes with a delicious meal, featuring fresh river trout.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Gilgit

Today, we drive to Gilgit, stopping at the picturesque junction where the Karakoram Highway meets the Hindu Kush mountain range. Our route follows the winding river, providing stunning views of the landscape. Upon arrival in Gilgit, we will visit the historic British Cemetery before having lunch at the luxurious Serena Hotel. The afternoon is free to relax in the hotel’s tranquil gardens, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. In the evening, we are honoured to be invited to Eshan’s home, where his family will treat us to a sumptuous meal featuring locally grown produce and traditional Gilgit cuisine.

Gilgit

Passu

Today’s adventure takes us along the scenic Karakorum Highway, where we will marvel at the iconic 'Passu Cones,' a striking formation of jagged peaks. Along the way, we will stop for tea and watch a local craftsman create wood products using a traditional water-powered wheel. This offers a fantastic opportunity to purchase some unique handmade souvenirs. Continuing along the highway, we’ll stop to view ancient petroglyphs carved into the rocks. For lunch, we’ll dine at the Rakaposhi Viewpoint (7,788m), a perfect spot for both photography and enjoying local cuisine. In the afternoon, we’ll take a short boat ride on the stunning Attabad Lake, famous for its green-blue glacier waters. The evening will be spent at a cosy hotel with views of the magnificent Passu Cones, where we’ll savour Yak meat for dinner.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Karimabad

Today, we journey to the Khunjarab Pass, the highest-paved international border crossing in the world and the highest point on the Karakorum Highway. The stunning Khunjarab National Park runs along the highway, offering opportunities to spot herds of Yaks as we make our way towards the Chinese border. Our first stop will be at the border town of Sost, the last town in Pakistan before entering China. Here, we’ll enjoy lunch before continuing to visit the Bovit Salt Water Lake and its impressive suspension bridge. After exploring these fascinating sites, we will drive to Karimabad, where we will settle in for the night.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Karimabad

This morning, we will explore the ancient Baltit Fort, a 700-year-old structure nestled in the Hunza Valley. Its strategic location along the historic Silk Route made it a vital centre for travellers, merchants, and mountaineers for centuries. Once the residence of the Mir (king) of Hunza, the fort offers breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers and valleys. After our tour, we will indulge in tea and a slice of walnut cake, a local delicacy. Later, we will drive to Altit Fort, known for its Shikari Tower, which is believed to be around 1,100 years old. This historical site was restored in 2007, and according to local legend, it was established by soldiers of Alexander the Great's army. As evening approaches, we’ll head to 'Eagles Nest' for a stunning sunset view of the surrounding mountains, including a possible glimpse of the iconic Needle peak.

Gilgit

Today, we’ll take a scenic drive alongside the river to the Hoper Valley, where we will meet the local Mohaan people and observe their traditional gold-panning techniques. We will also hike to the viewpoint of the magnificent Hoper Glacier, with the option to explore the glacier up close for those who are more adventurous. Lunch will be served amidst the picturesque countryside. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Ganash, a 1,000-year-old village and UNESCO World Heritage site, which was once a key stop along the Silk Road. After an enlightening day, we return to Gilgit, where we will spend the evening at a traditional colonial hotel and enjoy a relaxed dinner.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Gilgit

Taxila

We catch an early flight back to Islamabad this morning and set off to explore the historic archaeological site of Taxilla, located just off the famous Grand Trunk Road. This ancient city was a critical crossroads of trade and culture between the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia. Built by the Achaemenid Empire, which spanned from Cyrus I to Darius III of Persia, Taxilla dates back to 1000 BCE. As we explore the ruins, we will gain a deeper understanding of the region’s rich history. Before dinner, we will also visit the charming old railway station, a relic of colonial times.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lahore

We embark on a journey along the Grand Trunk Road, famously chronicled by Rudyard Kipling. Our first stop is the Katas Raj Temple Complex, a collection of ancient Hindu temples connected by picturesque walkways. The temples are centred around a sacred pond known as Katas, believed by Hindus to have holy significance. These temples date back to the 7th century. From here, we continue to the fascinating Khewra Salt Mines, the second-largest salt mine in the world. This remarkable site has been operational since 1872, though its history stretches back to 320 BCE, when it was discovered by Alexander the Great’s soldiers. Highlights of the visit include a working mosque made entirely of salt and a hospital that treats asthma patients, utilising the unique environment of the mine.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lahore - Departure

Our final day in Pakistan is filled with the rich cultural and architectural wonders of Lahore. We start with a visit to the historic Masjid Wazir Khan, a beautiful 17th-century mosque built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Nearby, we will also explore the Shahi Hammam baths, an impressive example of Mughal architecture. Next, we visit the Grand Mosque, which can accommodate up to 80,000 worshippers and ranks as the 14th largest mosque in the world. Our journey through Lahore’s history continues at the National Museum, which houses a captivating collection of artefacts dating back to the British colonial period when it was founded in 1865.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch