Explore Pakistan

Seize the opportunity to explore Islamabad alongside fellow travelers. Your local guide will share insights into the history of Islamabad and Pakistan, answering any questions you may have about this often-misunderstood city. There will also be a chance to shop for traditional clothing, so indulge in a shalwar kameez, the classic outfit featuring loose trousers and a long shirt. Visit the iconic Faisal Mosque, once the largest mosque in the world at the time of its completion in 1986, capable of hosting up to 10,000 worshippers, before heading to the historic ruins of Taxila. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Taxila offers over 500 years of cultural history shaped by Persian, Greek, and Buddhist influences. End the day with a group dinner at Monal, one of Islamabad's most famous restaurants, nestled in the hills and offering stunning views of the city below.

This morning, take a flight from Islamabad to Gilgit, followed by a scenic drive north to the quaint town of Gulmit, nestled amid majestic mountains and glaciers. Positioned near the famous Karakoram Highway, often referred to as the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, Gulmit is a gateway to some of the region's most stunning landscapes. As you travel, you'll have several chances to pause and marvel at the breathtaking views of Nanga Parbat, Rakaposhi, and the convergence of the Karakoram, Hindu Kush, and Himalaya mountain ranges.

Spend the day soaking in the beauty of Gulmit. Take a leisurely stroll through the town and visit a local carpet-weaving center run by women, housed in one of the oldest traditional homes. You'll also embark on a short walk to the ruins of Ondra Fort. Although the climb is not long, it’s best to take your time to acclimate to the altitude (and the steps!). The hike should take about one to two hours each way. Perched atop a rocky outcrop, the fort offers stunning views of Gulmit and would have once provided strategic vantage points of key passes in the region. In addition to the medieval ruins, the views of the valley and surrounding peaks are truly awe-inspiring. The fort is believed to have been built in the 16th century by a monarch named Qutlug Baig.

Today, visit the Hussaini Hanging Bridge, one of the world’s most precarious bridges, suspended above Borith Lake and surrounded by rugged mountains, despite its dilapidated state. Take some time to hike to the stunning Passu Glacier and the nearby lake, which sits at an altitude of about 2,600 meters. Move at a relaxed pace; your guide will ensure it's comfortable for the altitude. You'll also have the chance to admire the towering Passu Sar Mountain (7,470 meters) and the striking Tupopdan (6,106 meters), known as the Passu Cones or Passu Cathedral. Later, head to Passu, a village along the Hunza River, and visit a local home for tea, where you can sample yak burgers and the famous apricot dessert. In the evening, enjoy a traditional performance by local musicians, who will play native instruments, sing songs with you, and teach you how to dance in the local style.

Travel by 4WD to the secluded Shimshal Valley, a once-restricted area that became accessible by road only in 2003. The road was built over 18 years by the local community, who had to trek for days to reach other parts of Hunza. Shimshal's remote location made it a former exile site for Hunzai state convicts. The people of Shimshal are known for their strength, resilience, and hardworking spirit. The challenging terrain has produced many notable Pakistani mountaineers, with the Shimshali people being as integral to Pakistan's climbing culture as the Sherpas are to Nepal. Among the most famous Shimshalis are Samina and Mirza Ali Baig, a sibling mountaineering duo. Samina, at the age of 21, became the first Pakistani woman to summit Everest and complete the Seven Summits.

Spend the day immersing yourself in Shimshal, discovering the hardships of life in such a remote and harsh environment. Meet local families, understand their daily challenges, and take a walk to admire the expansive views of the surrounding landscape. Most homes in Shimshal, along with the local school, are powered by solar energy, providing enough electricity to operate an IT lab and light up 18 classrooms. Enjoy the alpine beauty, take time to relax and acclimatize to the altitude, and appreciate the rare opportunity to visit a place few will ever experience.

Spend the day exploring the beautiful walking trails of Shimshal by lacing up your hiking boots. Reflect on how the local residents once had to travel for days on paths so remote that even yaks couldn’t cross them, just to reach the nearest settlement. The specific hike will depend on the group’s preferences and the trail's accessibility, but rest assured, you'll be treated to stunning views and likely encounter few, if any, other hikers. The altitude can make the trek more challenging, but the panoramic views of mountains and valleys are well worth the effort. If you'd prefer not to hike, you can spend the day leisurely walking through the village instead.