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This 15-day expedition is a brand-new trip through an ancient land. Beginning in Pakistan’s capital of Islamabad, the expedition takes you north to the stunning and rarely touristed Hunza Valley region. Here you’ll find nature unleashed: imagine imposing jagged peaks, alpine lakes and glaciers creeping into the valleys. Hike between ancient fortifications scattered among rural villages and learn about the modern innovations that help the local people prosper. Finish in Lahore, a city that not only stood strong through the rise and fall of empires but also preserved the culture that makes Pakistan such a mesmerising, all-consuming country.
Islamabad International Airport (Google Map)
Islamabad, Pakistan
Lahore, Pakistan
Expedition
14 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 8 dinners
Hotel (11 nights), Guesthouse (3 nights)
Private Vehicle, 4WD, Plane
Uncover Pakistan’s Story: Learn about Pakistan’s turbulent past, dynamic present, and promising future through the eyes of a knowledgeable local guide who truly loves the country.
Marvel at Hunza’s Natural Beauty: Experience the awe-inspiring Hunza Valley, where jagged, snow-capped peaks and vibrant blue lakes create an unspoiled landscape, steeped in traditional culture and history.
Explore Lahore’s Rich Heritage: Dive into Lahore’s wealth of cultural treasures, from ancient museums, gardens, and forts to its exceptional food scene. Spend three days absorbing the vibrancy of this dynamic city.
Discover Remote Shimshal Village: Travel to Shimshal, a remote village in the mountains, to meet locals who thrive in a rugged environment. Enjoy hikes through the dramatic surrounding peaks and valleys.
Support Local Women’s Initiatives: Visit a women’s group supported by the Aga Khan Foundation, learn about their community projects, and savor a meal at a café run by local women.
Prepare for Altitude and Hiking: This adventure involves hiking and time at high altitudes, so it’s ideal for those with a good level of fitness. Make sure to bring comfortable, durable footwear suitable for rugged terrain.
Cultural Respect with RoamSoon: Traveling with RoamSoon means embracing local traditions and sensibilities. Pakistan is a conservative country, so dressing modestly will enhance your experience and interactions.
Altitude Considerations: This journey includes nights at 3,200 meters (11,500 feet), where the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is possible. AMS can be serious if untreated, although most experience only mild symptoms. Our trained leaders follow strict safety protocols, but if you have pre-existing health conditions (e.g., heart issues) or concerns about fitness, consult a doctor beforehand. Medication like Diamox can aid acclimatization; consider discussing this option with a medical professional.
Adapt to Unpredictable Weather: The region’s diverse seasons create stunning scenery, but mountain weather can be unpredictable. Dress in layers to stay comfortable and bring warm clothing, as temperatures can drop at night, even during warmer months.
Embrace Long Travel Days: This trip includes extended journeys in private vehicles. Space may feel limited, but it’s a great way to connect with fellow travelers and embrace the adventure together. Check the itinerary for travel times to prepare for some long travel days.
Expect Flight Delays: Weather in the mountains often leads to delayed or canceled flights between Islamabad and Gilgit. If this happens, your group leader will implement our contingency plans as outlined in the itinerary and keep you informed of any changes.
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. You may also wish to visit the historic Saidpur village, only a 20-minute drive away, which is over 400 years old and sits at the foothills of the nearby Margallas. The village is home to an old Hindu temple, a reminder of the different religions and cultures that once called this region home. After your welcome meeting, get to know your group and local leader over an optional dinner at your hotel.
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Note that check in time for our hotel is 2pm
Today’s flight takes 1 hour 15 minutes. The drive to Passu is approximately 3-4 hours.
The contingency plan for today in case of flight cancellations is to either fly from Islamabad to Skardu (1 hour) and drive to Passu (8-10 hours) or, if flights unavailable, to drive from Islamabad to Naran (8-10 hours) or Chilas (12-14 hour drive). The exact route taken will depend on weather and road conditions. Your leader will inform you of any changes.
Driving time today is around 20 mins.
The Ondra Polygah hike includes 1655 stairs and takes around 1-2 hours to reach the fort ruins. The walk back through Kamaris Village is 3km and 1-2 hours.
The contingency plan for today in case of travelling overland due to flight cancellations is to drive from Naran (10-12 hour drive) or Chilas (7-8 hours drive to Passu). Your leader will inform you of any changes.
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 2,600 metres, and out to the impressive Passu Glacier. There’ll be plenty of time to relax and you’ll also see the photogenic Tupopdan (6,106 metres), which is known as Passu Cones or Passu Cathedral. Sample Passu’s famous apricot cake and yak burgers. In the evening we will give you 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
Due to extreme safety risks, accessing Hussein Hanging Bridge is not permitted. The hike to Borith Lake is approximately 1km and 30-45 mins each way, reaching an altitude of 2600m. The Passu Glacier hike is 6km and 90min – 2.5 hours each way, 2900m above sea level.
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.
Today’s driving time is approximately 3-4 hours.
Spend the day exploring Shimshal and learn about the challenges that come with living in such an inhospitable environment. Meet the local families and hear their stories and struggles and take a hike for expansive views of the surrounding area. Almost every house in Shimshal is powered by solar electricity, as is the local school. 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. Lace up those hiking boots and spend the day exploring Shimshal’s beautiful walking tracks. Remember, the locals once had to walk for days to get to the next town on paths that even yaks could not pass. We will be hiking to a view point to get an aerial view of the valley.
The walk to the neighbouring village is approx. 30-45 min one way and the return hike to the viewpoint typically takes around 2-3 hours total.
Today’s driving time is approximately 4-5 hours.
Todays driving time is approximately a 1 hour round trip.
Today’s driving time is approximately 3-4 hours.
The contingency plan in case tomorrow’s flight from Gilgit has been cancelled is to drive from Karimabad to Skardu (approx 8-10 hours) today and stay in Skardu for the night.
The flight from Gilgit to Islamabad is 1 hour 15 minutes and the drive from takes approximately 7-8 hours, including the 1-2 hour detour to the Katas Raj temples.
The contingency plan if flights from Gilgit have been cancelled is to fly from Skardu to Islamabad today (1 hour). If only overland travel is possible, we will drive from Gilgit to Naran (8-10 hour drive) or Besham (10-12 hour drive) today. The exact route taken will depend on weather and road conditions. Your leader will inform you of any changes.
Today your local leader will take you to the Lahore Museum, which was founded in 1865. The museum is considered one of Pakistan’s finest and was featured in Rudyard Kipling’s novel ‘Kim’. Kipling’s father, John, was actually one of the first curators of the museum. You’ll have an opportunity to explore the Lawrence Gardens, now known as Bagh-e-Jinnah. These large gardens are a popular relaxation spot, so take some time to chill out and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. You’ll also get some time explore the hustling and bustling Anarkali and Liberty markets for some shopping on this day.
Today’s driving time is approximately 1-2 hours within the city
The contingency plan for today if we are returning from the Hunza Valley overland is to drive from Naran (12-14 hours) or Besham (10-12 hours) to Lahore. The exact route taken will depend on weather and road conditions. Your leader will inform you of any changes.
Start your day with a 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.
Today’s driving time is approximately 2-3 hours within the city.
Your last 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. As the cultural capital of Pakistan, Lahore isn’t short on delicious cuisine to try. Get together for a final group dinner on Lahore’s famous (and mouth-watering) Food Street.
Today’s driving time is approximately 1-2 hours within the city.
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.
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. A scanned copy of your passport is required at the time of booking to provide visa support and book domestic flights. The trip cannot be booked without a scanned passport copy. Please see the Essential Trip Information for more information.
3. We use Pakistan Airlines for the included internal flights.
4. Due to the demands of travelling at high altitudes a Passenger Self Assessment Form is required for this trip.
