Pakistan: Women's Expedition

khush aam deed! Welcome to Pakistan. Your adventure begins in capital city Islamabad. The ‘City of Islam’ was built in the 1960s to replace Karachi as the nation’s capital and is divided into eight zones including the commercial district, educational sector, diplomatic enclave, residential areas and green area. It is an extensively (and successfully) planned city on a site chosen for its accessibility to the rest of the country and its location close to the army headquarters and disputed Kashmir area. You'll have a welcome meeting tonight at 6 pm but if you arrive early it is worth checking out Lake View Park and the Lok Virsa Museum, which is dedicated to the preservation, documentation and promotion of Pakistan’s cultural heritage.

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Today presents an opportunity to explore Islamabad with your local female leader, who will speak with you about the history of both the city and Pakistan as a whole. There’ll be a chance to shop for local clothes, so keep an eye out for the ‘shalwar kameez’ – the traditional dress incorporating loose-fitting trousers and a long shirt, worn in various forms by men, women and children. Be sure to cover up for a visit to the female-only section of the Faisal Mosque, which was the largest mosque in the world upon its completion in 1986 and is said to hold 10,000 worshippers. It’s a vast building and at odds with the Taxila ruins, a World Heritage-listed complex that’s not only the largest Buddhist site in the country, but also an important witness to years of cultural evolution thanks to the Persians and Greeks. In the evening, head out for a group dinner in the city.

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Depart Islamabad this morning on a flight to Gilgit then transfer to a private vehicle and travel north on the Karakoram Highway. Also known as the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, the road was built, believe it or not, in conjunction with China and connects the two countries at Khunjerab Pass. It passes through the Karakoram mountain range and is sometimes referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World thanks to the level of engineering that went into its construction, not to mention the phenomenal views on either side of the road. Stops en route include a viewpoint, where you can see the 7788-metre Rakaposhi mountain.

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Spend the day exploring the village of Gulmit with the other women in your group. Located in a deep valley by the Hunza River, Gulmit has existed for hundreds of years and is surrounded by mountains and glaciers. Take a walk through town and visit a carpet-weaving centre run by the local women, then take advantage of an opportunity to be pampered at a one-of-a-kind salon in one of the oldest houses in town. While in Gulmit, pop into the home of a local family to enjoy some tea together while you chat with your hosts about life in this remote part of Pakistan. You’ll also trek out to the ruins of Ondra Fort, a walk of approximately three kilometres each way (1,655 stairs while going up and 3 km walk through Kamaris village while coming down). The fort sits atop a rocky outcrop above Gulmit and would’ve once commanded views of several strategically important passes in the area, though there’s no doubt the sentries of old were just as distracted by the jaw-dropping scenery as you will be.

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Enjoy some time in Pakistan’s fresh mountain air today as you trek out to Borith Lake and Passu Glacier. The lake sits at an altitude of 2600 metres and is a quiet, peaceful spot to relax, not to mention a good opportunity to recharge after a few adventurous days. Read a book, soak up some sun or go for a swim (it’s saltwater) before trekking to Passu Glacier, a round-trip of approximately six kilometres. It wasn’t so long ago that walking was the primary means of transport in these parts, with some villages in the region only gaining road access as late as 2003. Later, travel to the village of Passu, located on the banks of the Hunza River. Sample the town’s famous apricot cake and yak burgers.

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Spend the morning in Passu’s tiny but charming town, sitting at the feet of the jagged Passu Cones. Wander the streets filled with stone houses and fruit trees. In the afternoon you’ll be invited into a local’s home where the women of the house will teach you how to make some delicious Hunzai dishes. Depending on what’s available, you might make some molida (a mixture of buttermilk, cheese and bread), graal (pancakes usually served with apricot or walnut oil and mulberry sauce), dawdo (noodle soup) or chaapshuro (flatbread stuffed with meat). Take some time to appreciate the architecture of the home, which is unique to this part of Pakistan – it’s believed they’ve been building homes in this style for almost 2000 years. This evening you’ll be treated to a traditional performance by a band who will play their local instruments, sing songs with you, and teach you some traditional dance moves.

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This morning you’ll pay a visit to the beautiful Lake Attabad, which has a sad story lurking below its shimmering surface. The lake was formed in 2010 after a massive landslide that killed 20 people and displaced many thousands. The landslide essentially dammed the Hunza River for five months, creating a lake that measures some 21 kilometres across. Thankfully the dam held and the lake is now a popular tourist destination renowned for its insanely blue water. After your visit, travel to Karimabad, the capital of the Hunza District, known for its locally made handicrafts and take-your-breath-away views. Take a short walk to Baltit and Altit forts, which were restored by the Aga Khan Foundation and have stood in the region for over 700 years. These forts are a testament to the valley’s past strategic importance and were used to control the ancient Asia trade routes, with Baltit Fort holding a particularly commanding position above the local village. The Aga Khan Foundation also runs several projects focusing on empowering local women. There’ll be an opportunity to visit one of the groups and chat to them about their work, followed by lunch at cafe run by the local women. After spending the day exploring Hunza valley, you'll head to Aliabad and spend the night in a female owned hotel.

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Today begins with a visit to the striking black Hopar Glacier. Take a short hike near the glacier and you’ll be rewarded with remarkable views over the Hopar Valley. Then, spend the afternoon in Hopar Valley at a local's home, where you'll have the opportunity to rub shoulders with the hosts. You'll join your hosts to make lunch, taking the opportunity to learn some more traditional local recipes and find out more about their lives and culture. Enjoy the meal together and then head back to your hotel for the night.

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This morning, travel to Gilgit, located on the famously scenic Karakoram Highway. The city was once an important centre for Buddhism and also served as a stop on the Silk Road. Today you’ll discover a more modern side of the city as you explore the local markets with your leader, browsing stalls of handmade clothes and jewellery.

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Enjoy a final morning in the beautiful Gilgit Baltistan before boarding a flight to Islamabad. Settle in at the hotel upon arrival, then head out to see some more of Islamabad’s sights. The Pakistan Monument is a national symbol that commemorates the unity and heritage of the country. Shaped like a blooming flower, the monument features four large petals representing Pakistan's four main cultures (Punjabi, Sindhi, Pakhtun, and Balochi) and three smaller petals symbolizing its minority regions. Inside, the intricate artwork and murals depict significant moments and figures from Pakistan's history. The panoramic views of Islamabad from the monument make it a picturesque spot. Evidence of the British colonial period can be seen at Golra Railway Station, which was built in 1882 in a Victorian style and operates as a working station and popular museum. The museum was established in 2003 and contains artefacts from the British Raj, celebrating the past 150-odd years of rail travel in Pakistan.

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Spend your final full day in Pakistan exploring the nearby city of Rawalpindi. Visit the Markazi Jamia Masjid – one of the oldest mosques in the city. With beautiful frescos, mosaics and paintings, the mosque is a cultural icon and its colourful interior can’t be missed. Speaking of colour, there’ll be plenty at the Rawalpindi markets, so shop up a storm. This afternoon you’ll visit a local beauty salon where you’ll have the chance to chat to the local women and learn about their work, lives and culture. While you’re here, you may like to treat yourself to a facial or manicure. Then, pay a visit to the 500- year-old Saidpur village, known for its varied religious and cultural heritage. Here you’ll gather for a final dinner – a chance to celebrate all you’ve seen and done on your journey.

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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.