Northern Pakistan Tailor-made

Itinerary View Map

Day 1 : To Islamabad

Depart for Islamabad.

Day 2 : Islamabad

Arrive at Islamabad International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel (check-in from 2pm). Rest and freshen up, ready to begin your half-day city tour. Islamabad, a modern, purpose-built capital designed by the Greek architect Doxiadis in the 1960s, is set against the backdrop of the Potohar Plateau and Margalla Hills. Highlights include the iconic Faisal Mosque - shaped like a Bedouin tent and accommodating over 100,000 worshippers - and the Pakistan Monument at Shakarparian Park, symbolizing the country's four main cultures. Enjoy panoramic views of the city.
B, L, D

Day 3 : To Naran via Taxila

Depart Islamabad after breakfast and drive to Naran. En route, visit Taxila, the ancient Greco-Buddhist site dating back to around 1000 BCE. Excavated by Sir John Marshall between 1913 and 1939, Taxila is a UNESCO-listed treasure trove of Buddhist monasteries and stupas, and includes the remains of three cities. Visit the Taxila Museum, the Bhir Mound (600 BCE), and the Dharmarajika Stupa from Ashoka's era. Continue on to Naran via the scenic new Hazara Motorway. (Note: if Babusar Pass is closed due to weather, we will drive to Besham, ready for our alternative onward journey to Gilgit the next day). B, L, D

Day 4 : To Gilgit

Today’s drive is one of the most scenic in Pakistan. Travel over Babusar Pass (4,173m), passing Lulusar Lake, to Chilas, where you will join the legendary Karakoram Highway (KKH), a marvel of modern engineering, en route to Gilgit. Witness the confluence of the Indus and Gilgit Rivers and see the meeting point of three great mountain ranges: the Karakoram, Himalayas, and Hindu Kush.

Our alternate route via Besham (if the Babusar Pass is closed) involves a longer 10- to 12-hour journey. We will travel on the KKH through 700km of dramatic mountain terrain, continuing on the fabled Shahrah-e-Resham (Silk Road) towards Gilgit, with stops to view the Thalpan Petroglyphs in Chilas, and two important dams under construction at Dassu and Diamer-Bhasha.
Overnight stay in Gilgit. B, L, D

Day 5 : To Karimabad via Kargah Buddha

After breakfast, visit the 7th-century Kargah Buddha rock carving - once a significant rest stop for Buddhist pilgrims from China. Explore colourful Gilgit Bazaar before your scenic drive north on the KKH to Hunza. Pause at Rakaposhi Viewpoint in Ghulmet to admire the 7,788-metre peak and its awe-inspiring icefall. If conditions permit, take a moderate 3-hour round-trip trek towards the Japanese Base Camp for a closer view of Rakaposhi’s vast northern face - the longest uninterrupted mountain flank on earth (6000m).
Continue to Karimabad (Hunza) for overnight stay. B, L, D

Day 6 : To Duiker via Altit

After breakfast, take a relaxing walk along the irrigation channel around Karimabad, followed by a visit to the 800-year-old Baltit Fort, a beautifully restored stronghold of the Ayasho Dynasty. Then head to Altit village to explore the restored Altit Fort, with its wonderful garden and orchard, and visit a workshop run by local women crafting wooden furniture and handicrafts. Enjoy a traditional Hunza lunch, cooked by a women's community group. In the afternoon, drive to Duiker Village (3000m) and hike 500m up to Hoshat Viewpoint to witness a breathtaking sunset over the Ultar Range and surrounding peaks.
Overnight in Karimabad. B, L, D

Day 7 : Hunza Excursion including Haldeikish – Gulmit & Passu

Rejoin the KKH and drive to Haldeikish to see the ancient petroglyphs. Continue along the shimmering Attabad Lake - formed in 2010 after a tragic landslide - and, if desired, take a boat trip (cost not included). Visit Gulmit, the former winter capital of the Hunza Kingdom, where local craftswomen weave traditional carpets. Proceed to Passu for stunning views of Tupopdan's distinctive cones, and the Shispare, Bojohaghur Duanasir and Passu Peaks, soaring to heights of well over 7000 metres. Visit the Passu Glacier viewpoint and take a thrilling walk on the suspension bridge at Hussaini.
Overnight in Karimabad. B, L, D

Day 8 : To Gupis

Depart Karimabad and drive back along the KKH to Gilgit, then turn west along the scenic Gilgit–Shandur Road, following the Ghizer River toward Gupis. Pass through the charming town of Gahkuch, the district capital. Time permitting, enjoy a walk to Khalti Lake for a serene view.
Overnight in Gupis. B, L, D

Day 9 : To Laspur/Parwak via Shandur

Embark on one of the most dramatic drives of the tour. Journey through the Phander and Laspur Valleys, crossing Shandur Pass (3800m)—home to the world’s highest polo field and the iconic Shandur Lake, its waters reflecting the Hindu Kush mountains that surround it. Continue through awe-inspiring terrain to the peaceful villages of Laspur and Parwak.
Overnight in Laspur/Parwak. B, L, D

Day 10 : To Chitral

Today’s journey continues through mountain landscapes, passing peaks such as Tirich Mir and Buni Zom before descending to the town of Chitral. In the evening, visit Tushi Game Reserve in Gol National Park, where you may spot the majestic markhor, Pakistan’s national animal (a large, wild Capgra goat species with distinctive screw-shaped horns).
Overnight in Chitral. B, L, D

Day 11 : To Ayun

Spend the morning exploring Chitral town in this northernmost district of Pakistan, including a visit to Chitral Fort (subject to opening days), the historic Shahi Mosque, and the local bazaar. Chitral shares much of its history and culture with the neighbouring Hindu Kush territories of Gilgit-Baltistan, including a common belief that fairies inhabit the high mountains. Later, drive to the tranquil town of Ayun at the gateway to the Kalash Valleys.
Overnight in Ayun. B, L, D

Day 12 : To Kalash Valleys: Bamburet & Rumbur Excursion

Short drive to Bamburet, the largest of the Kalash Valleys, home to the indigenous Kalash people - Pakistan’s smallest ethno-religious community with unique ancient traditions and a colourful way of life. These remote valleys can only be accessed by 4WD Jeep, following a winding mountain road through the Hindu Kush mountains. Visit the local homes, temple and graveyard. Continue to Rumbur Valley and visit Balanguru and Grum villages with their community maternity home and dance area. Return to Ayun in the late afternoon. B, L, D

Day 13 : To Peshawar

Depart early for Peshawar, traveling through the Lowari Tunnel and along the newly-built Swat and Islamabad–Peshawar motorways. This scenic 8- to 9-hour drive takes you from the Hindu Kush foothills to the vibrant frontier town of Peshawar, which gained prominence as the principal stop for soothsayers, bounty hunters and traders travelling between Afghanistan, Central Asia and the subcontinent.
Overnight in Peshawar. B, L, D

Day 14 : To Islamabad

Begin the day exploring historic Peshawar. Visit the Peshawar Museum, showcasing Buddhist Gandharan art, ancient coins, and artefacts from Kalash culture. Stroll through the Qissa Khawani Bazaar (Bazaar of Storytellers), then visit the Mahabat Khan Mosque (built 1630) and the British-era Cunningham Clock Tower. In the afternoon, drive to Islamabad (approx. 2.5 hours).
Overnight in Islamabad.
B, L, D

Day 15 : Departure Islamabad

Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your return flight.
B

Itinerary map

Prices

Price per person (Double/Twin share)
£3,970.00

Cost includes:

International Flight with a sechduled airlines in economy class.
Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary
All transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary in a private vehicle
Accompanying English speaking guide
Entrance fees for monuments and places of interest
Complimentary mineral water while driving and when on sightseeing
100% protection of your payment by our ATOL & ABTA Licenses

Cost does not include:

Visa fee for Pakistan. British Passport holders can apply for a free tourist visa on line.
Any expense of a personal nature
Tips & Gratuities
Travel Insurance*

Every effort is made to follow the itinerary as detailed below to maximise your enjoyment on this Tour. Sometimes however, local conditions and restrictions as well as unpredictable weather may cause changes to be made on the spot at the sole discretion of the Guide. We will make every effort to substitute suitable alternatives.

*Travel Insurance

It is essential to have adequate insurance in place before your departure. This should be appropriate for your age, health and destination you are visiting.

• Make sure it includes comprehensive medical and repatriation cover.
• Make sure it provides cover for your whole trip (whether one day or over a year).
• Make sure it covers you for all activities.
• Disclose pre-existing medical conditions.
• Take your policy number and the 24-hour emergency contact numbers with you.

020 3981 9838 holidays@indusexperiences.co.uk