Northern Pakistan is one of the world's most remarkable yet least explored travel destinations. Framed by the Himalaya, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush mountain ranges, this region offers an extraordinary combination of dramatic landscapes, ancient history, and warm local hospitality.
CountryPakistan
Duration21 Days
RouteVia Skardu
RangeKarakoram
Overview
Northern Pakistan is one of the world's most remarkable yet least explored travel destinations. Framed by the Himalaya, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush mountain ranges, this region offers an extraordinary combination of dramatic landscapes, ancient history, and warm local hospitality. For travelers seeking an authentic and meaningful journey beyond the usual tourist routes, this tour provides a rare opportunity to experience a truly untouched part of the world.
With over twenty years of experience operating tours in Pakistan, we understand the concerns often raised by international travelers. Safety and comfort are our highest priorities. Despite negative media perceptions, the regions visited on this tour—Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Chitral, Skardu, and the northern mountain corridors—are considered stable, welcoming, and well suited for international tourism. Our tours are led by highly experienced local guides, supported by trusted partners, and carefully planned to ensure a smooth, secure, and enjoyable experience throughout.
This carefully designed mountain safari and cultural heritage journey travels from the lowland plains into the heart of Pakistan's northern mountains. Crossing the scenic Kaghan Valley and Babusar Pass, the route ascends to the vast Deosai Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world, before descending into the striking landscapes of Skardu. Guests experience iconic mountain scenery, including close views of Nanga Parbat from Fairy Meadows and the towering presence of Rakaposhi in the Hunza Valley—views that rival the great mountain regions of Europe and the Americas.
Cultural discovery is at the core of this journey. Travelers explore historic forts such as Baltit, Mastuj, and Chitral, once key centers of regional power and trade. The tour also includes visits to remote valleys where traditional lifestyles remain largely unchanged. A highlight is the experience in the Kalash Valleys, home to one of the world's most distinctive indigenous cultures, offering a rare and respectful insight into centuries-old traditions, beliefs, and festivals.
Designed for curious, open-minded travelers, this tour combines adventure, culture, and comfort in a balanced way. It is ideal for those who appreciate dramatic scenery, meaningful cultural exchange, and expert guidance in a region that remains one of Asia's last great frontiers. This is not just a sightseeing trip—it is a deep and rewarding exploration of Northern Pakistan, delivered with professionalism, care, and local expertise.
Itinerary
1
Day 1 — Arrive Islamabad
• Arrival in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. Transfer to hotel for check-in.
• Visit Blue Area for money exchange.
• Sightseeing: Faisal Mosque, Daman-e-Koh, Raja Bazaar.
• Optional visit to Pakistan Monument.
• Dinner at local restaurant.
• Overnight in Islamabad.
2
Day 2 — Islamabad to Ayun
• Drive to Ayun Valley along Chitral River.
• Scenic riverside walks and mountain views.
• Visit Takht-i-Bahi (UNESCO World Heritage Site) en route.
• Overnight in Ayun.
3
Day 3 — Ayun to Rumbur (Kalash Valley)
• Enter Kalash Valley and explore Rumbur village.
• Visit local homes, schools, and cultural sites.
• Experience Kalasha traditions and lifestyle.
• Drive to Bumburet for overnight stay.
4
Day 4 — Explore Bumburet
• Explore Bumburet Valley, heart of Kalash culture.
• Visit Kalash Cultural Museum and fort.
• Interaction with locals and village walks.
• Overnight in Bumburet.
5
Day 5 — Kalash to Mastuj
• Drive to Mastuj via scenic mountain roads.
• View Tirich Mir peak and Chitral Bazaar stop.
• Overnight in Mastuj.
6
Day 6 — Mastuj to Phandar Valley
• Drive via Shandur Pass.
• Explore Phandar’s lakes, rivers, and meadows.
• Photography stops and short walks.
• Overnight in Phandar.
7
Day 7 — Phandar to Gilgit
• Drive to Gilgit city.
• Visit Gilgit Bazaar and Buddha Rock.
• Explore Silk Route petroglyphs.
• Overnight in Gilgit.
8
Day 8 — Gilgit to Hunza
• Drive to Hunza Valley via Karakoram Highway.
• Scenic views of mountains and orchards.
• Overnight in Karimabad.
9
Day 9 — Hunza Exploration
• Visit Baltit & Altit Forts.
• Walk through orchards and local bazaars.
• Views of Rakaposhi peak.
• Overnight in Hunza.
10
Day 10 — Hunza to Passu
• Drive via Attabad Lake and Nagar Valley.
• Visit Passu Cones and glaciers.
• Overnight in Passu.
11
Day 11 — Khunjerab Pass Excursion
• Visit Khunjerab Pass (Pak–China Border).
• Explore high-altitude landscapes.
• Return to Karimabad for overnight.
12
Day 12 — Hunza to Skardu
• Drive along Indus River via Gilgit.
• Stop at Ganesh Village.
• Overnight in Skardu.
13
Day 13 — Skardu Sightseeing
• Visit Upper Kachura Lake, Katpana Desert.
• Explore Shigar, Manthal Buddha Rock, Skardu Bazaar.
• Overnight in Skardu.
14
Day 14 — Skardu to Hushe
• Drive to Hushe Valley.
• Scenic mountain and river views.
• Overnight in Hushe.
15
Day 15 — Masherbrum Glacier Trek
• Trek to Masherbrum Glacier.
• Alpine scenery and glaciers.
• Return to Hushe.
16
Day 16 — Hushe to Skardu
• Visit Machulo, Khaplu Fort, Chaqchan Mosque.
• Return to Skardu.
17
Day 17 — Skardu to Astore
• Drive through Deosai National Park.
• Wildlife and alpine landscapes.
• Overnight in Astore.
18
Day 18 — Astore to Fairy Meadows
• Jeep ride and trek to Fairy Meadows.
• View Nanga Parbat.
• Overnight stay.
19
Day 19 — Fairy Meadows
• Free day for trekking and photography.
• Sunrise/sunset views of Nanga Parbat.
• Overnight stay.
20
Day 20 — Fairy Meadows to Naran
• Drive via Babusar Pass.
• Scenic Kaghan Valley stops.
• Overnight in Naran.
21
Day 21 — Return to Islamabad
• Drive back to Islamabad.
• Stop at Taxila Museum.
• Drop-off at airport for departure.
Services Included
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS :
Flight ticket in Pakistan as per the itinerary.
TRANSPORTATION :
All Transport in Pakistan as per itinerary.
ACCOMMODATION :
All Hotels bed and breakfast.
FEES :
CKNP Fee, and Permit fee.
PROFESSIONAL GUIDE :
Government licensed professional guide/leader (pre-requisite for the Tour).
DOCUMENTATION :
Government Permits, documentation.
Services Not Included
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS :
International Flight Ticket.
REFUND POLICY :
In case anyone disagrees with the tour after coming to Pakistan, the money will not be reimbursed and other expenses that are not included in the said tour.
GRATUITIES :
Tips for Guide or any drivers.
MEALS :
Foods of hotel.
COMMUNICATION :
Any telephone charges.
INSURANCE :
Travel Insurance.
Budget (Price) will be provided when the program will be final.
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