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Learn what life looks like for women living in Pakistan’s vibrant capital city and ancient mountain villages. Join a local female leader as she takes you on a unique journey to the Hunza Valley. See the communities and landscapes associated with the hallowed Karakoram and Hindu Kush mountains and meet pioneering women working on female empowerment projects throughout the region. Trek to alpine lakes, ancient glaciers and the remnants of ruined empires, then witness the evolution of modern Pakistan in the country’s capital of Islamabad. From cooking classes to village visits, this women’s only expedition will have you sharing more than just photographs.
Islamabad International Airport (Google Map)
Islamabad, Pakistan
Islamabad, Pakistan
Women’s Expeditions
11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 11 dinners
Hotel (7 nights), Tradionaal Guesthouse (4 nights)
Private Vehicle, 4WD, Plane
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.
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.
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.
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4 hours.
Today’s flight is approximately 1.5 hours, followed by approximately 4 hours of driving.
If your flight is cancelled due to the weather conditions we will endeavour to get your group on the next available flight. Failing that, we will follow a contingency plan by private vehicle.
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.
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.
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.
Pakistan is a conservative country and it is not common to swim in public spaces. If people do swim, they tend to wear regular clothes that cover their bodies.
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.
Today’s total driving time is approximately 1 hour
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.
Total driving time to day is approximately 3-4 hours
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4 hours.
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.
Today’s flight is approximately 1.5 hours.
If your flight is cancelled due to the weather conditions we will endeavour to get your group on the next available flight. Failing that, we will follow a contingency plan by private vehicle
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.
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.
A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine. I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite.
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Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast of the Semantics, a large language ocean. A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia.
It is a paradisematic country, in which roasted parts of sentences fly into your mouth. Even the all-powerful Pointing has no control about the blind texts it is an almost unorthographic life One day however.
A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine. I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite.