Best of Pakistan: Lahore, Islamabad & Passu Glacier

Welcome to Pakistan. Arrive at anytime and meet your included arrival transfer at the airport. This evening, join your CEO and group for a welcome meeting.

ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Embark on an exploration of Lahore, a vibrant city steeped in culture and history, ideal for the curious traveler. Discover its iconic landmarks, including the magnificent Badshahi Mosque and the ancient Walled City of Lahore. Stroll through its narrow streets, immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of bustling bazaars, and delve into the rich heritage of Pakistan. In the evening, witness the renowned flag-lowering ceremony at the Wagah Border, a symbolic event at the boundary between India and Pakistan. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at Lahore Food Street, where historic architecture, stunning views, and exquisite Pakistani cuisine await.

ACTIVITY: Tour the incredible city of Lahore, visiting notable, historic places like the Tomb of Allama Iqbal
and Badshahi Mosque. Explore the Walled City of Lahore, through narrow stone streets and colorful bazaars.

ACTIVITY: Every evening, thousands of people gather to watch the famous parade and the ceremonial lowering of their national flags by the Indian and Pakistani armies at sunset. Witness this event in the stands and cheer on as the two countries showcase their national pride. This vibrant ceremony symbolizes the long-standing rivalry between the two nations, making it a significant cultural and historical landmark

ACTIVITY: Visit the popular Food Street in the historic Haveli Khalil Khan, on the Fort Road Food Street. Dig into a delicious meal while overlooking the Badshahi Mosque.

Drive towards Islamabad this morning after filling up on breakfast. On the way, we'll stop at the Chakwal Canyon for a local farming experience, where we'll help pick fresh produce alongside our local guides. We sit down together for a delicious BBQ lunch. Before heading off, jump into a trolley for a tour of the incredible Chakwal Canyon. Continue the scenic drive along the Punjab countryside and check into the hotel once we arrive in Islamabad. Spend evening free in the city to explore the bustling life of Islamabad.

ACTIVITY: Visit a local farm in the beautiful Chakwal Canyon region. After a welcome drink with your host, join them on a walking tour of the Agri Farm and help pick the seasonal crops. In Spring, we'll pick juicy peaches or fresh garlic. In the late summer, we'll pick sweet limes. This farm is an important part of the region as it generates many jobs, preserves the canyon and maintains sustainable farming practices that we will have the chance to witness firsthand. The sit down with your hosts for a local BBQ lunch

ACTIVITY: Hop into the back of a trolley, picture a safari vehicle, and venture through the otherworldly canyon of Chakwal. Take in the beautiful scenery of hoodoos and buttes studded along the Pakistani desert canyon.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

FREE TIME: Enjoy a free evening in Islamabad.

Enjoy a free morning in Islamabad. For lunch, opt to join your CEO and fellow travelers at Melody Food Street. Fill up on a kebab or flavorful biryani. Then drive to Saidpur village and visit the art and craft shops, and 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 day with a meal together at a local favorite Afghani restaurant.

FREE TIME: Spend the morning free to explore Islamabad.

ACTIVITY: Visit the cultural heritage museum showcasing Pakistan’s diverse traditions, art, and history. It features vibrant exhibits of handicrafts, textiles, musical instruments, and folk art from various regions. The museum celebrates the country’s rich cultural diversity and preserves traditional practices for future generations.

ACTIVITY: Visit Saidpur village, a charming village nestled in the Margalla Hills of Islamabad, rich in Mughal heritage and cultural diversity. The village has witnessed various civilizations, including Gandhara, the Maurya Empire, and the Mughal Empire. It features an animal market, shops selling pottery and handicrafts, and historical sites, including a gurdwara, mosque, and Mandir, showcasing interfaith harmony.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a visit to Faisal Mosque, Pakistan's national mosque, one of the largest in the country and in the world. Listen and experience the spiritual ambiance during prayer time.

Fly from Islamabad to Gilgit this morning. Then drive to Hunza Karimabad along the Karakoram Highway, visiting historic points from the ancient Silk Road. Upon arrival to Karimabad, we'll be greeted with a warm welcome from our local host families. As our guides, we'll experience local life in the lower Hunza with village activities and a special traditional lunch. In the evening, head to Attabad Lake for an incredible view and Duikar for a magical sunset.

TRANSPORT: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: A local host family will warmly welcome you to Hunza in traditional style, inviting you to participate in various village activities. You'll gain valuable insights into life in lower Hunza. A delicious traditional lunch, served in the traditional way, awaits your arrival

Head to Passu for the day, known for its beautiful landscapes and glaciers, and stop at Attabad Lake for a photo stop along the way. This morning, we’ll visit 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. Then visit the Gulmit Old House, renowned for its intricately carved doors and windows. Enjoy lunch at the Old House, a restaurant ran by local women supporting their families. On the way to Passu Glacier, stop at Borith Lake in hopes to see som migratory birds in this sanctuary. Drive hike Borith Lake to Passu and start the hike up to the glacier. We'll even have a chance to walk on the pristine ice of the glacier. 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.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Visit the Korgah Carpet Center, which aims to empower women in Hunza through traditional carpet weaving. Located in a 400-year-old Wakhi house, the center features engraved wooden pillars, a bukhari stove for heating and cooking and floors covered in yak hair sharmas. Engage with the women entrepreneurs working there, who will share their inspiring stories. Experience the process of making traditional woolen caps, where everyone can try on caps and adjust them to fit their heads perfectly and keep the cap you create as a memorable keepsake.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a guided tour of Gulmit Old House, renowned for its intricately carved doors and windows. Over six centuries old, it showcases the heritage of the Gojal Valley, where most residents speak Wakhi and belong to the Shia Ismaili sect. The house features ancient artifacts, including bronze utensils and traditional clothing, displayed in a museum on the ground floor. The double-story structure is built from stone, mud, and wood, reflecting the region's rich cultural history. The renovation of the house was funded by the woman-owned Old House Cafe, and the Old House was in fact the owners family home before serving as an important piece of Pakistani cultural heritage.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy lunch at Old House, a charming local restaurant run by a woman who serves delicious regional cuisine. All the staff are local women supporting their families. The food is fantastic, and you'll love the authentic atmosphere in this welcoming setting

ACTIVITY: Borith Lake is renowned for its migratory birds and serves as a sanctuary for various wildfowl, attracting birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Spend some free time exploring this beautiful place.

ACTIVITY: Hike to the renowned Passu Glacier, which begins after a 10-minute drive from Borith Lake. The initial five minutes of the hike are steep, followed by a relatively flat section leading to the glacier. To experience walking on the glacier, we’ll descend onto the moraine and walk on the pristine ice. Take your time to relax and appreciate the natural beauty surrounding you.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Enjoy a leisurely day in Karimabad, with the option to relax, explore cultural landmarks such as Altit Fort, or embark on an exhilarating jeep safari to Kho Meadows. In the afternoon, reconvene with your CEO and fellow travelers for a guided hike from the Karimabad Bazaar to Baltit Fort. Along the way, pass by charming handicraft shops and local settlements. Upon reaching the fort, you may opt to purchase a ticket for a guided tour or explore independently, capturing artistic photographs of the breathtaking scenery. In the evening, consider joining your CEO for dinner at the Karimabad Bazaar.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Enjoy a free day to explore Karimabad Hunza.

ACTIVITY: Hike to the Baltit fort from Karimabad Bazaar, a 20-minute walk through charming old settlements and handicraft shops. The fort offers stunning views of the valley and Khun (settlement). If you're interested, you can opt for a guided tour of the fort by purchasing tickets on-site.

Feel transported back in time with a guided tour of the Ganish Settlement, the earliest settlement along the historic Silk Road. Discover its 400-year-old mosques and ancient watchtowers, rich with history and cultural significance. After the tour, drive to Hooper Valley and choose between an easy and a more challenging hike. The easy 20 minute hikes brings you to a beautiful lookout point of the glacier and allows time to relax in this beautiful place. Or choose to do the longer 2 hour hike that allows you to walk on the glacier.

ACTIVITY: Visit Hopper Valley, renowned for its stunning glaciers and beautiful peaks including the Golden Peak and Hopper Glacier. The valley serves as a base camp for treks into the Hispar Muztagh range and is home to Rush Lake, one of the highest alpine lakes in the world.
Choose between two hikes: a scenic 2-hour round trek to Hopper Glacier or a short 20-minute walk to a viewpoint. For the glacier hike, you will descend a steep section, walk on the glacier, and enjoy some leisure time before hiking back to the starting point.

ACTIVITY: Visit the ancient Ganish settlement on a guided tour that takes you back in time. Derived from the Burushaski word "Genish," meaning gold, Ganish boasts four 300–400-year-old mosques, recognized with a UNESCO Heritage Award in 2002, showcasing its architectural and cultural significance. Serving as one of the original overnight stops on the Silk Road, the settlement is steeped in history and has an incredible story to tell.

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. After the visit, drive to Gilgit and check into our hotel for the night.

ACTIVITY: Visit Khanabad Village and receive a traditional welcome by the host family upon arrival. Join our village guide on a walk through the village, sharing insights about their home. Visit the water flour mill, water distribution channel, and the Youth Garden, a tree plantation project with over 50,000 trees planted by local youth. You'll interact with locals, hear stories from the host family, and enjoy a traditional lunch, offering an authentic glimpse into the village's culture and hospitality.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Take a morning flight to Islamabad and 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. Head to the Dharmarajika Stupa, an important Buddhist monastic complex that makes up part of the Taxila ruins. Then visit the Taxila Museum and the collection of ancient artifacts from the historic Taxila Ruins. In the evening, enjoy one last meal together to reflect on an amazing adventure in Pakistan.

TRANSPORT: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

ACTIVITY: Visit the renowned Truck Art workshops and engage with the local artists. Watch the artists at work, creating vibrant and intricate designs. Meet the shopkeepers as they craft beautiful truck art stickers and explore their souvenir shops. Then sit down for a cup of tea served in a traditional truck art-themed setting.

ACTIVITY: Visit Dharmarajika Stupa, one of the most significant Buddhist relics in South Asia. Built in the 3rd century BCE during the Mauryan Empire by Emperor Ashoka, it was constructed to enshrine relics of the Buddha. The stupa is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Taxila, a major center of Buddhist learning. Dharmarajika’s structure includes a large hemispherical dome and surrounding shrines, symbolizing peace and reverence in Buddhist architecture and tradition.

ACTIVITY: Visit the Taxila Museum, which houses an extensive collection of Gandharan art. Most artifacts were excavated from the ancient ruins of Taxila, dating back to 600-700 BCE. The museum, opened in 1928, displays over 4,000 objects, including sculptures, coins, and relics representing Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain traditions.

FREE TIME: Spend your afternoon free in Islamabad.

Depart at any time.

ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.