Pakistan: Karakoram Highway, Local Eats & Village Life

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.

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.

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.

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: 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.

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

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!

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

ACTIVITY: Hike the 4 km easy hike through Ayubia National Park. Enjoy views of lush alpine green mountainsides and giant rock slabs. A perfect introduction to Pakistan's natural side.

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.

ACTIVITY: Hike to Mirajani Peak, standing at approx 3,000 meters. It is highest peak in the Galyat Region. The moderate 5km (650m Ascent) hike offers stunning views of lush forests and valleys, ideal for novice and experienced hikers.

FREE TIME: Enjoy a free afternoon in beautiful Nathia Gali.

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.

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

ACTIVITY: Take an adventurous local jeep ride to Lake Saif-ul-Muluk on a scenic, off-road path. The lake, nestled in Pakistan's Kaghan Valley, is a stunning alpine gem surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Its crystal-clear waters mirror the towering Malika Parbat, creating a serene, fairy-tale-like setting. In fact, the lake itself is named after a fairy tale called Saiful Maluk, about a legendary Egyptian prince who fell in love at the lakeside.

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.

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

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

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.

ACTIVITY: Drive through the breathtaking Khunjerab National Park, home to many rare and endangered species. Snow capped mountains glisten above the protected long-horned Marco Polo sheep and Siberian Ibex grazing on the rocky mountain slopes. This park is also known to have the highest density of snow leopards in the world, so keep your eyes peeled as you drive.

ACTIVITY: Experience local village life of Khyber Village at Upper Hunza, renowned for its delicious fruits and organic farming. Pick and taste truly organically grown local fruits and veggies, like fresh cherries in June, or sweet apricots in July and August. A true farm to mouth experience.

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.

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.

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 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: 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.

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.

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.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Explore the town of Karimabad during a full day of discovery.

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.

Travel back in time with a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site of 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

ACTIVITY: Visit the unique Kaiwai Abshar Waterfall for lunch. Here, you can relax by taking off your shoes and sitting on a local charpai while dipping your feet in the refreshing cold water. Enjoy the vibrant

FREE TIME: EVENING Enjoy a free evening in 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.

ACTIVITY: Eat your way through Melody Food street. A popular, bustling culinary hotspot known for its diverse street food offerings.Enjoy a variety of authentic Pakistani delicacies, including spicy kebabs, flavorful biryanis, and savory rolls.

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 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.

Depart at any time.

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