Here’s a polished version of your Islamabad itinerary day, with smoother flow, vivid detail, and a professional brochure-style tone:

Explore Islamabad

Make the most of your time in Pakistan’s capital by exploring with your fellow travelers. Guided by your local leader, you’ll gain insight into the history of both Islamabad and the nation itself, while dispelling myths about this often misunderstood destination. There’s also the chance to shop for local clothing—why not pick up a shalwar kameez, the traditional outfit of loose trousers and a long tunic, for an authentic experience? Highlights of the day include:

• Faisal Mosque – once the largest mosque in the world, completed in 1986 and able to accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers.
• Taxila – a UNESCO World Heritage site where ruins reveal over 500 years of cultural evolution shaped by Persian, Greek, and Buddhist influences.
• Truck Art Workshop – discover Pakistan’s vibrant folk art tradition firsthand.

In the evening, enjoy a group dinner in Saidpur village, a charming historic settlement nestled against the Margalla Hills.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Included Activities

• Islamabad – Faisal Mosque at sunset
• Islamabad – Taxila Museum & archaeological sites
• Islamabad – Truck art workshop

Special Information

• Driving time today will be approximately 4 hours.
• The Taxila Museum is closed on the first Monday of each month. Groups visiting on this day will still explore the surrounding archaeological sites.

Skardu – Gateway to the Karakoram

This morning, take a short flight from Islamabad to Skardu, the gateway to the mighty Karakoram Mountain Range. Beloved by hikers and adventurers, Skardu offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage that sets the tone for your northern journey. Spend the day exploring:

• Skardu Bazaar – wander through lively stalls, pick up local snacks, or shop for unique souvenirs.
• Manthal Buddha Rock – an 8th-century carving that reflects the region’s Buddhist past.
• Kharpocho Fort – perched high above the town, this historic fort offers sweeping views of the valley.
• Katpana Desert – a surreal cold desert with rippling sand dunes framed by snow-capped peaks.

In the evening, relax at your hotel after a day of discovery.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Included Activities

• Skardu – Kharpocho Fort visit
• Skardu – Manthal Buddha Rock
• Skardu – Skardu market visit
• Skardu – Katpana Desert

Special Information

• Today’s flight takes approximately 1 hour with Pakistan Airlines.
• In case of flight cancellations, the journey will continue by road to Chilas or Naran.

Journey to Passu

Today you’ll travel north along the legendary Karakoram Highway, also known as the China–Pakistan Friendship Highway. Your destination is Passu, a small town surrounded by towering peaks and glaciers, where you’ll spend the next three nights as a base for exploring this breathtaking region. The drive itself is an adventure, with several stops to admire the dramatic scenery. Along the way, you’ll witness some of the world’s highest mountains, including the majestic Rakaposhi (7,788 m), and countless other snow-draped giants that make this one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on earth.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Included Activities

• Nagar Valley – Rakaposhi viewpoint

Special Information

• Driving time today will be approximately 10 hours.
• In case of flight cancellations earlier in the trip, this day will be used to drive directly to Passu.

Gulmit – Heritage and Mountain Views

Today you’ll drive to Gulmit, a remote village nestled among dramatic peaks and glaciers. Begin with a walk through the community and visit a women-run carpet weaving center, where traditional skills are preserved and passed down through generations. Next, hike to the ruins of Ondra Fort, perched high on a rocky outcrop above Gulmit. Believed to have been built in the 16th century by the ruler Qutlug Baig, the fort once commanded views of several strategically important passes. The climb itself is rewarding—beyond the historic ruins, you’ll be treated to sweeping vistas of the valley and surrounding mountains. Later, explore the Old House in Gulmit, a glimpse into the region’s architectural and cultural heritage, before returning to your accommodation in Passu for the night.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Included Activities

• Gulmit – Women-run carpet weaving center visit
• Hunza Valley – Ondra Polygah hike
• Gulmit – Old House Gulmit visit

Special Information

• The Ondra Poygah hike involves climbing 1,655 stairs, taking around 1–2 hours to reach the fort ruins.
• The return walk through Kamaris Village is approximately 3 km, taking another 1–2 hours.

Passu – Bridges, Glaciers, and Music

Begin the day with a visit to the Hussaini Hanging Bridge, often described as one of the “most dangerous bridges in the world.” While crossing is not permitted due to safety concerns, its dramatic setting—suspended above the Hunza River and framed by jagged peaks—makes it an unforgettable sight. Continue with a hike to Borith Lake, a serene body of water sitting at 2,600 m, before venturing out to the mighty Passu Glacier. Along the way, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of Tupopdan (6,106 m), better known as the Passu Cones or Passu Cathedral, one of the most photogenic peaks in the Karakoram. Back in town, sample local specialties such as Passu’s famous apricot cake and yak burgers, then round off the evening with a traditional music performance. A local band will share their instruments, songs, and dances, immersing you in the rich cultural rhythms of the region.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Included Activities

• Hunza Valley – Traditional music performance
• Hunza Valley – Passu Glacier hike
• Hunza Valley – Borith Lake hike
• Hunza Valley – Hussaini Suspension Bridge (view only)

Special Information

• Access to the Hussaini Hanging Bridge is not permitted due to safety risks.
• The hike to Borith Lake is approximately 1 km each way, taking 30–45 minutes, at an altitude of 2,600 m.
• The Passu Glacier hike is around 6 km each way, taking 1.5–2.5 hours, reaching 2,900 m above sea level.

Today’s adventure takes you deep into the Karakoram, traveling by 4WD to the remote village of Shimshal. Until 2003, this rugged settlement was completely cut off from the outside world, accessible only by foot after several days of trekking. The road you’ll drive on took 18 years to build, painstakingly constructed by the local community itself. Shimshal’s isolation has shaped its history and character. Once used as a place of exile for state prisoners from Hunza, it is now celebrated for the resilience and hard work of its people. The Shimshali are often compared to Nepal’s Sherpa, renowned for their strength and mountaineering skill. Many of Pakistan’s most accomplished climbers hail from here, including the famous brother-sister duo Samina and Mirza Ali Baig. Samina Baig became the first—and still only—Pakistani woman to summit Mount Everest at just 21, later completing the Seven Summits and conquering K2 in 2022. Surrounded by dramatic peaks and valleys, Shimshal offers a glimpse into a way of life shaped by endurance, community, and the mountains themselves.

Accommodation

• Guesthouse (1 night)

Meals

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Special Information

• Approximate driving time: 4 hours

Shimshal – Life at the Edge of the World

Spend the day exploring Shimshal, one of Pakistan’s most remote mountain villages. Life here is shaped by the challenges of an unforgiving environment, yet the community thrives with resilience and ingenuity. Almost every home, as well as the local school, is powered by solar energy, a testament to sustainable living in harsh conditions. Meet local families and hear their stories, then lace up your hiking boots for a walk along Shimshal’s beautiful trails. The hike offers expansive views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, while also giving you time to acclimatize to the altitude and soak in the serenity of this rare destination—one that few travelers ever reach. If hiking isn’t for you, spend the day immersing yourself in the rhythms of village life, getting familiar with the town and its people.

Accommodation

Guesthouse (1 night)

Meals

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Included Activities

• Shimshal – Village tour & optional hike

Special Information

• Hiking time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Journey to Karimabad

Say farewell to the locals of Shimshal before returning to Passu by 4WD. From here, switch into a private van for the scenic drive to Karimabad, the commercial hub and capital of the Hunza Valley. Along the way, stop at two remarkable sites:

• Attabad Lake – shimmering with bright turquoise waters, this lake was formed in 2010 after a devastating landslide that killed 20 people and displaced thousands. The landslide dammed the Hunza River for five months, creating a lake stretching 21 km. Today, it is one of Pakistan’s most striking natural attractions.
• Ganish Village – an ancient Silk Road settlement recognized by UNESCO for cultural conservation. Wander through its historic alleys and admire centuries-old mosques and watchtowers.

In the evening, explore the lively Karimabad market, where you can shop for local crafts and soak in the atmosphere of this vibrant mountain town.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Included Activities

• Hunza Valley – Sacred Rock of Hunza
• Hunza Valley – Attabad Lake
• Hunza Valley – Ganish Village walking tour
• Karimabad – Market tour

Special Information

• Driving time today will be approximately 5 hours.

Karimabad – Forts, Women’s Enterprises & Sunset Views

Karimabad is famed for its locally made handicrafts, carpets, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Today you’ll explore two of the valley’s most iconic landmarks: Baltit Fort and Altit Fort. Standing for more than 700 years, these historic strongholds highlight the region’s strategic importance along ancient Asian trade routes. Baltit Fort, perched high above the village, offers commanding views, while both forts have been beautifully restored by the Aga Khan Foundation, which continues to support local community initiatives. You’ll enjoy lunch at a women-run café, followed by a visit to a woodworking workshop operated by local women, where you’ll have the chance to meet and hear their stories. As the day draws to a close, drive up to Duiker (Eagle’s Nest) for an unforgettable sunset. On a clear evening, the panorama reveals some of the Karakoram’s most celebrated peaks, including Rakaposhi, Ultar, Bublimotin, and Spantik.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Included Activities

• Karimabad – Lunch at women-run café
• Karimabad – Ciqam women’s social enterprise visit
• Karimabad – Baltit & Altit Forts
• Karimabad – Duiker (Eagle’s Nest) sunset viewing

Special Information

• Driving time today will be approximately 1 hour.

Return to Skardu

After breakfast, begin the long drive back to Skardu, retracing your journey through the dramatic Karakoram landscapes. Along the way, pause to stretch your legs and take in the beauty of the Upper and Lower Kachura Lakes, two picturesque alpine lakes renowned for their tranquil waters and mountain surrounds. Arrive in Skardu by evening and settle in for an overnight stay, resting up before tomorrow’s flight back to Islamabad.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Special Information

• Driving time today will be approximately 10 hours.

Lahore – Gateway to Punjab

Depart Skardu this morning on a short flight back to Islamabad, then continue by private vehicle to Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city and the vibrant capital of the Punjab region. Known for its cosmopolitan spirit, Lahore is a hub of education, arts, and culture, offering a fascinating contrast to the rugged mountain landscapes you’ve just left behind. Arrive in the evening and settle into your hotel, ready to begin exploring this dynamic city tomorrow.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Special Information

• The flight from Skardu to Islamabad takes approximately 1 hour.
• The drive from Islamabad to Lahore is around 6 hours.
• In case of flight cancellations, this day will be used to drive to Besham or Naran instead.

Lahore – The Walled City & Cultural Treasures

Spend your first full day in Lahore exploring some of its most iconic landmarks. Begin in the Walled City of Lahore, originally constructed around the year 1000. Within its historic walls, you’ll discover:

• Delhi Gate – one of the grand entrances to the old city.
• Lahore Fort – a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing centuries of Mughal grandeur.
• Badshahi Mosque – one of the largest mosques in the world, an awe-inspiring symbol of Mughal architecture.
• Wazir Khan Mosque – celebrated for its intricate mosaics, frescoes, and vibrant interiors, surrounded by historic shops, Sufi tombs, and the restored Shahi Hammam baths.

You’ll also visit the tomb of Allama Iqbal, the poet-philosopher whose vision inspired the Pakistan Movement. The day continues with time to explore Lahore’s bustling markets:

• Akbari Mandi – dedicated to grains and spices, alive with color and fragrance.
• Fish Market by Delhi Gate – a lively glimpse into local trade.
• Azam Cloth Market – one of Asia’s largest, with over 16,000 shops.
• Anarkali Market – a vibrant hub for shopping and local life.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals

• Breakfast

Included Activities

• Lahore – Walled City of Lahore
• Lahore – Delhi Gate
• Lahore – Lahore Fort
• Lahore – Badshahi Mosque
• Lahore – Wazir Khan Mosque
• Lahore – Shahi Hammam
• Lahore – Tomb of Allama Iqbal
• Lahore – Akbari Mandi & Azam Cloth Market
• Lahore – Anarkali & Liberty Markets

Special Information

• Driving time today will be approximately 2–3 hours within the city.
• In case of flight cancellations earlier in the trip, this day will be used to drive to Lahore.

Lahore – Mughal Majesty & Farewell Feast

Your second full day in Lahore is devoted to exploring more of the city’s Mughal treasures. Begin at the Tomb of Jahangir, a magnificent 17th‑century mausoleum built for the emperor who ruled from 1605–1627. Continue to the splendid Shalimar Gardens, created by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. Designed as a paradise on earth, the gardens feature cascading waterfalls, ornamental ponds, and elegant pavilions. Later, travel to the Wagah border between Pakistan and India to witness the famous flag‑lowering ceremony. This dramatic spectacle draws crowds of locals and visitors alike, with soldiers from both sides performing synchronized, high‑energy drills before lowering their flags simultaneously and exchanging a symbolic handshake. As evening falls, celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner on Lahore’s Food Street, where the aromas of sizzling kebabs, spicy curries, and sweet desserts fill the air. It’s the perfect way to conclude your adventure in Pakistan’s cultural capital.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Included Activities

• Lahore – Tomb of Jahangir
• Lahore – Shalimar Gardens
• Lahore – Wagah Border ceremony
• Lahore – Dinner at Food Street

Special Information

• Driving time today will be approximately 3 hours within the city.

Departure Day – Farewell Pakistan

Your Pakistan expedition concludes today. After breakfast, you are free to leave the accommodation at your convenience, though check‑out is required by 12 pm. Take with you the memories of breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality that have defined this journey.

Meals

• Breakfast

Included Activities

• Complimentary departure transfer