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Adventure Tours   >   Asia Adventure Tours   >  Pakistan: Karakoram Highway, Local Eats & Village Life

Pakistan: Karakoram Highway, Local Eats & Village Life Adventure Tour

Asia

  • Pakistan

There are endless jaw-dropping destinations on our planet, but we have to let you in on a little secret - Pakistan might just be the ultimate hidden gem you never thought to add to your list. Picture yourself eating at vibrant women-owned food stalls, navigating bustling bazaars, hiking alpine glaciers, and connecting with local communities in ancient settlements. Pakistan has everything an adventurer could dream of, and locals are beyond excited to welcome you, making your journey feel truly intimate and unforgettable. Travel from Lahore to Islamabad on this 13-day journey alongside your local CEO and an incredible crew of new travel friends.


Optional Activities  

Karimabad
- Jeep Safari to Kho Meadows


Transport  

Private vehicle, trekking.


Accommodation  

Hotels (12 nts).


Group Leader  

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout and local guides.


Highlights  

Explore the Hunza Valley with day hikes among ancient settlements, Dig into delicious food at Lahore's Food Street, Go on a jeep adventure at Saif-ul Muluk, Visit Khunjerab National Park, Explore Passu Glacier.


Group Size Notes  

Max 16, avg 12.


Arrival Complications  

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.


Group Leader Description  

All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.


Meals Included  

12 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners


Solo Travellers  

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.


My Own Room  

Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops


About Accommodation  

Hotel (12nts)


What's Included  

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Foodie Moment: Food Street Lahore, Lahore
Your Foodie Moment: Old House, Gulmit
Your Local Living Moment: Khanabad Village Visit, Khanabad. Lahore City Tour. Waled City of Lahore. Badshahi Mosque & Tomb of Allama Iqbal. Wagah Border Ceremony. Food Street Lahore. Ayubia National Park Pipeline Trail Hike. Mirajani Peak Hike. Free time in Nathia Gali. Lake Saif-ul-Muluk Jeep Adventure. Hunza Village Experience. Khunjerab National Park Visit. Khyber Village Visit. Organic Fruit Picking. Borith Lake Visit. Passu Glacier Hike. Lunch at Old House Initiative. Gulmit Old House Tour. Korgah Carpet Center Visit. Baltit Fort Hike. Ganish Settlement Tour. Khanabad Village Visit. Kaiwai Abshar Waterfall. Melody Food Street. Taxila Truck Art. Saidpur Village. Faisal Mosque. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.


Packing List  

Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket

Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)


International Flights  

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.


Max Pax  

16


Itinerary Disclaimer  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.


Emergency Fund  

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!


Dossier Disclaimer  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.


A Couple of Rules  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.


Minimum Age  

Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.

Day 1 Lahore

Welcome to Pakistan and get ready for an epic adventure off the beaten path. Arrive at any time and join your group for a welcome meeting in the evening. Choose to join your CEO for an incredible meal. Lahore is a food lover's paradise, chock full of incredibly innovative and high quality dishes to devour.

Day 2 Lahore

Your adventure in Lahore, a hip and culture rich destination perfect for curious travelers. Take a tour of the city, visiting iconic landmarks like Badshahi Mosque and the ancient Walled City of Lahore. Wander through the narrow streets, engage all your senses in colorful bazaars and learn about Pakistan's rich history. In the evening, visit the Wagah Border, between India and Pakistan, and watch the famous flag-lowering ceremony. Dinner will be at the popular Lahore Food Street, with historic buildings, beautiful views and incredible Pakistani food.

Day 3 Lahore/ Nathia Gali

We'll hit the road this morning and drive from Lahore to Nathia Gali. Watch as the landscape transforms from the Punjab plains to the Lesser Himalayas, which contrary to its name is still quite an impressive part of the mountain range. After a long drive, stretch your legs on the 4 km Pipeline Trail hike through Ayubia National Park through beautiful flora and fauna. Later on, choose to join your CEO for a local meal and choose the Patakha chicken, a must try in this area!

Day 4 Nathia Gali & Mirajani Peak

Fill up on breakfast today before we head out to hike up Miranjani Peak, resting at 3,000 m above sea level, the tallest mountain in the region. This moderate hike will take bout 5 hours round trip with ample opportunity to admire Pakistan's impressive geological wonders. In the afternoon, after returning to Nathia Gali, opt to visit the local market or maybe St. Matthew's Church, a church cared for by a Muslim family for three generations.

Day 5 Nathia Gali/ Naran

Follow along the Kunhar River as we drive from Nathia Gali to picturesque, lakeside town of Naran. We'll pass thorugh cute towns and beautiful natural landscapes, like Mansehra, Balakot and Kaghan. After arriving, opt to have lunch at the popular Naran Bazaar before hopping into a local jeep that brings us on an off-roading adventure. Drive to the gorgeous Lake Saif-ul-Muluk, the glacial Kunhar River and the Kaghan Valley. This scenery marvels more well known mountainous regions, like Patagonia, but its relative lack of tourism means your visit feels more like discovering a hidden gem. Finish off the adventure with an amazing sunset over the River Kunhar.

Day 6 Naran/ Passu

Follow the snow-capped Karakoram Mountains as we leave Naran and drive to Hunza this morning. We'll be greeted with a warm welcome from our local host families when we arrive in Hunza. With our host families as our guides, we'll experience local life in the lower Hunza with village activities and a special traditional lunch. After the visit, we'll drive to Passu for the night.

Day 7 Passu Hunza

A day trip to Khunjerab National Park today will have you in awe of Pakistan's natural beauty. Drive to the stunning Khunjerab Pass, which at an altitude of 4,693 meters, is the final stretch of the Karakoram Highway, stopping just before the border with China. This pass, whose name comes fro the Wakhi words meaning "blood creek", remains an important trade route and wildlife haven. We'll stop at Khyber Village at upper Hunza, renowned for its delicious fruits and organic farming. Enjoy the special opportunity to pick fruit alongside the local farmers and learn about their way of life. Later on, choose to join your CEO for a delicious bite to eat at the Yak Grill. Trust us and try the yak burger.

Day 8 Passu/ Karimabad

Grab your jacket because we're headed to the Passu Glacier today. Drive from Passu to Borith Lake and start the hike up to the glacier. We'll even have a chance to walk on the pristine ice of the glacier. After the hike, we'll sit down for a much deserved lunch at the cozy Old House, a restaurant ran by local women supporting their families. This afternoon, we'll visit Gulmit Old House, renowned for its intricately carved doors and windows, and the Korgah Carpet Center, a local initiative created by five local women looking to improve the quality of their own lives and those of their community. The center aims to empower women in Hunza through traditional carpet weaving. In the evening, head to Karimabad, stopping at Attabad Lake for an incredible view and Duikar for a magical sunset. After working up a massive appetite, join your CEO at the Food Pavilion, a local restaurant led by Lal Shehzadi, a local female entrepreneur who has served as a local inspiration to fellow women to embark on opening their own restaurants and local establishments.

Day 9 Karimabad

Enjoy a free morning in Karimabad. Opt to relax, visit some of the cultural gems in the area like Altit Fort or go on an epic jeep safari adventure to Kho Meadows. In the afternoon, gather together again with your CEO and fellow travelers to hike from Karimabad Bazaar to Baltit Fort, passing small handicraft shops and local settlements. On arrival to the fort, choose to purchase a ticket for a guided tour, or do your own thing and take some artistic photography of the stunning views. In the evening, choose to join your CEO for dinner at the Karimabad bazaar.

Day 10 Karimabad/ Chilas

Travel back in time with a guided tour of the Ganish Settlement, the very first settlement on the Silk Road. On a guided tour, explore Ganish's 400-year-old mosques and ancient watchtowers. After the tour, visit a local host family for the day in Khanabad. Connect with the locals and learn about their daily way of life while cooking a traditional meal. Explore the village with your local hosts, the highlight being the Youth Garden, a local tree plantation project with over 50,000 trees planted by local youth.

Day 11 Chilas/ Islamabad

Say goodbye to local village life as we drive to the capital city of Pakistan, Islamabad. We'll stop at Kaiwai Abshar and enjoy a lunch beside a waterfall and sit on a charpai like the locals. Then enjoy a free evening in Islamabad.

Day 12 Islamabad

Enjoy a free morning in Islamabad. Around lunchtime, join your CEO and fellow travelers and head over to Melody Food Street to grab a lunch of your choice. Fill up on a kebab or flavorful biryani as you then hit the road to drive to Taxila, home to the famous truck art. These fun, decorated trucks represent different ethnic groups, advocate for change or express historical experiences, Discover how Pakistani truck art has become so much more than just making an old vehicle look nicer. Then drive Saidpur village and visit the art and craft shops, walk through the village streets. At sunset, visit Shah Faisal Mosque during prayer hour and witness Islamic practices firsthand in this stunningly large mosque. Conclude the adventure with one last meal together to reflect on a life changing experience in Pakistan.

Day 13 Islamabad

Depart at any time.

Details

Prices from: €1349.00

Duration: 13 Days

Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings

Physical Grading: 3 - Average

Service Level: Standard

Merchandising: New Trips

Trip Type: Small Group



Call Us: 01 2311889



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