Pakistan Expedition

Welcome to Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital city. Translating as ‘City of Islam’, Islamabad was built in the 1960s to replace Karachi as the nation’s capital, though there’s evidence that humans have lived in the area for many thousands of years. Your expedition begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, but if you arrive earlier there are several sights worth checking out including Golra Railway Station, and the Lok Virsa Museum – dedicated to the preservation, documentation promotion of Pakistan’s cultural heritage.After your welcome meeting, get to know your group and local leader over an included dinner at your hotel.

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Make the most of the opportunity to explore Islamabad with your fellow travellers. Your local leader will speak with you about the history of both Islamabad and Pakistan and be able to answer any questions about this oft-misunderstood destination. There’ll be a chance to shop for local clothes, so perhaps take the opportunity to buy a shalwar kameez – the traditional dress of loose-fitting trousers and a long shirt. Visit Faisal Mosque, which was the largest mosque in the world upon its completion in 1986 and is said to hold 10,000 worshippers, then head to the ancient site of Taxila. These World Heritage-listed ruins are evidence of over 500 years of cultural evolution influenced by Persia, Greece, and the spread of Buddhism. Enjoy a group dinner at neraby Saidpur village.

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Fly this morning from Islamabad to Skardu. Being the gateway to the Karakoram Mountain Range, it’s a popular spot for hikers and outdoorsy types, and your day will be spent exploring all that Skardu has to offer. You’ll head to the Skardu Bazaar, where you can pick up any snacks or souvenirs that might be calling your name. Then it’s on to the Manthal Rock Buddha – a sculpture dating back to the 8th century – as well as Kharpocho Fort and Nansoq Organic Village.

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Today, travel north to Passu, a small town surrounded by mountains and glaciers. It sits by the famous Karakoram Highway, which is also known as the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway as it connects the two countries. This is an achingly beautiful part of the world and there’ll be several opportunities to stop and take in views of many 7000 m peaks, including Rakaposhi. You’ll be staying in Passu for the next three nights, using it as your base for exploring the region.

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Drive to nearby Gulmit today. Take a walk around this remote village and visit a carpet-weaving centre run by the local women. You’ll also hike out to the ruins of Ondra Fort. Sitting atop a rocky outcrop above Gulmit, it would’ve commanded views of several strategically important passes in the area. It’s believed to have been built in the 16th century by a ruler named Qutlug Baig and, as if the historic ruins weren’t enough, there are phenomenal views of both the valley and the surrounding peaks. Later, return to your accommodation in Passu for the night.

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Visit the Hussaini Hanging Bridge, described by some as the "most dangerous bridge in the world". Though the bridge’s condition is questionable its location is enviable, suspended above Hunza river and surrounded by jagged mountains. Walk to Borith lake, which sits at an elevation of approximately 2600 m, and out to the impressive Passu Glacier. There’ll be plenty of time to relax and you’ll also see the photogenic Tupopdan (6106 m), which is known as Passu Cones or Passu Cathedral. Sample Passu’s famous apricot cake and yak burgers. In the evening you’ll have a chance to get immersed in the melodious tunes of the region. A local band will play their local instruments, sing songs with you and show you some of their dance moves.

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Travel by 4WD to the remote town of Shimshal, which was inaccessible by road up until 2003. The road took 18 years to build and was constructed by the local community, who previously had to walk for several days to reach other parts of Hunza. Shimshal is so remote that state prisoners from Hunza were once exiled here as punishment. The locals are resilient and extremely hardworking people. A number of notable Pakistani mountaineers grew up here, which isn’t surprising given the rugged, mountainous terrain. The Shimshali are to Pakistan what the Sherpa are to Nepal, and perhaps the most famous Shimshali are Samina and Mirza Ali Baig, a brother- sister climbing duo. Samina is the first and only Pakistani woman to climb Everest (at the age of 21) and the Seven Summits. She also summited K2 in 2022.

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Spend the day exploring Shimshal and learn about the challenges that come with living in such an inhospitable environment. Almost every house in Shimshal is powered by solar electricity, as is the local school. Meet the local families and hear their stories, and lace up those hiking boots to head out on Shimshal’s beautiful walking tracks. Take a walk for expansive views of the surrounding area. Enjoy the mountainous surrounds, take some time to relax and acclimatise to the altitude and know that you’re experiencing a destination that few will ever get a chance to visit. If you’re not up for the hiking, you can spend the day getting familiar with the town.

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Say farewell to the locals before returning to Passu by 4WD, then switch into a private van for the drive to Karimabad. On the way we will make a stopover at Lake Attabad and Ganish village. There’s a sad story lurking below Lake Attabad’s shimmering surface. The lake was formed in 2010 after a massive landslide that killed 20 people and displaced many thousands. It also essentially dammed the Hunza River for five months, creating a lake that measures some 21 kilometres across. The dam held, and the lake is now a popular tourist destination renowned for its bright blue water. See it for yourself then explore Ganish, an ancient Silk Road settlement that received a cultural conservation award from UNESCO. In the evening, visit the Karimabad market for some shopping. Karimabad is the commercial hub and capital of the Hunza region.

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Karimabad is a town known for its locally made handicrafts, carpets, and, of course, its next-level views of the surrounding mountains. Today you’ll walk to Baltit and Altit forts, which have stood in the region for over 700 years and are a testament to the valley’s past strategic importance. These towns were crucial for controlling the ancient Asia trade routes and Baltit Fort holds a particularly commanding position above the village. These well-maintained forts were restored by the Aga Khan Foundation, which has also been working on several projects to empower local women’s groups. You’ll have a chance to meet some of these women during a visit to a social enterprise cafe for lunch, speaking to some of the women there and learning about their lives. You’ll have lunch at a cafe run by local women. At sunset, drive up to Duiker for an unforgettable view of the surrounding mountains including – on a clear day – Rakaposhi, Ultar, the Bublimotin, and Spantik.

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After breakfast, make the drive back to Skardu. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to stop and stretch your legs at the picturesque Upper and Lower Kachura lakes. Stay in Skardu overnight before your flight to Islamabad tomorrow morning.

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Depart Skardu for a flight back to Islamabad. From here, your group will drive to Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city and the capital of the Punjab region. It’s a wealthy city known for being relatively cosmopolitan with a focus on education and the arts.

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Your first full day in Lahore will be spent visiting some of the city’s most famous places. First up is the Walled City of Lahore, which was constructed around the year 1000. Within its walls, you’ll find the Delhi Gate, the World Heritage-listed Lahore Fort, the huge Badshahi Mosque and the ridiculously beautiful Wazir Khan Mosque. The interior is decorated with intricate mosaics and frescoes and the mosque houses historic shops, tombs of Sufi saints and the Shahi Hammam baths. You’ll also visit the tomb of Allama Iqbal, a poet and philosopher who is widely regarded as having inspired the Pakistan Movement (he also had a fantastic moustache). You’ll have time to explore the markets within the Walled City too. Take a walk through the Akbari Mandi, dedicated to grains and spices, or the bustling fish market by Delhi Gate. There is also the Azam Cloth Market, one of Asia’s largest, which houses some 16,000 shops. You’ll also get some time explore the hustling and bustling Anarkali market for some shopping.

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There’s another full day of exploration to be had today. You’ll visit the Tomb of Jahangir, a 17th-century mausoleum built for the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, who ruled from 1605–27. Continue to the splendid Shalimar Gardens, built in the 17th century by the Emperor Shah Jahan and feature waterfalls, ponds and several garden pavilions. Wander through the complex, designed to be a natural utopia on earth, then travel to the Wagah border of Pakistan and India to witness the flag-lowering ceremony. This impressive spectacle attracts both international tourists and locals and features both sets of soldiers performing some seriously macho choreography. The ceremony ends with both flags being lowered simultaneously and a handshake between the soldiers. As the cultural capital of Pakistan, Lahore isn’t short on delicious cuisine to try. For your farewell dinner tonight, head to Lahore’s famous (and mouth-watering) Food Street.

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Your Pakistan expedition comes to an end today. You are free to leave the accommodation at any time after breakfast, but please ensure you check out by 12 pm.