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Small-group treks across the KarakoramLocal hosts, real hospitalityFree date changes up to 30 days outLetter of Invitation for Pakistan — under a minutePlan your private or custom tripNew: Kalash Valleys cultural trekBook now, pay later on selected tripsSmall-group treks across the KarakoramLocal hosts, real hospitalityFree date changes up to 30 days outLetter of Invitation for Pakistan — under a minutePlan your private or custom tripNew: Kalash Valleys cultural trekBook now, pay later on selected trips
Wandering Yaks
wanderingyaks
TripsPakistanKarakoram

Pakistan Unveiled

From the Karakoram to the Mughals

Skardu & Baltistan, Hunza Valley, Passu & Gojal, Shimshal Valley, Pakistan
Difficulty 3/5Max altitude 3,500m
Pakistan Unveiled

Start:Islamabad

End:Lahore

Country

Pakistan

Cities

Skardu & Baltistan, Hunza Valley, Passu & Gojal, Shimshal Valley


Duration

15 Days 14 Nights

Group size

4–12

Minimum Age

16+

Style

Cultural Immersion


From
$3,000

Next Departure: 15 Apr 2026

Dates and prices

What Makes this Trip special

Why travel with Wandering Yaks? Because we don't just show you Pakistan — we invite you to live it. You'll hike on the blue ice of the Passu Glacier, cross the Hussaini Suspension Bridge, and sit down with local families in Gulmit and Karimabad. We prioritise women-run enterprises, take you beyond the tourist trail into Shimshal and the Sacred Rock, and finish in Lahore's Walled City. This is not a holiday; it's an adventure that will stay with you forever.

Is this trip right for you?Ideal for curious travellers who want a mix of moderate Karakoram adventure and cultural depth. Some hiking days are moderate; comfort is hotel and guesthouse standard. Not a luxury tour, but not a hardcore trek either.

Authentic encounters

Passu Glacier, Hussaini Suspension Bridge, and chai with local families

Community-led experiences

women-run weaving centre in Gulmit, social enterprise in Karimabad, and a women-run café

Off-the-beaten-path

remote Shimshal Valley, Sacred Rock petroglyphs, and Lahore's Walled City bazaars

Responsible travel

itineraries designed to minimise environmental impact and maximise positive social impact

Map & Itinerary

15 days

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Day 1
Islamabad | Welcome to Pakistan

Islamabad

Arrive at Islamabad International Airport. Your Wandering Yaks representative will greet you with a sign and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the green, quiet neighbourhoods of the capital.

Day 2
Islamabad | Modernity & Ancient Crossroads

Islamabad

Start with a visit to the iconic Faisal Mosque, a masterpiece of contemporary Islamic architecture set against the Margalla Hills. Then drive to Taxila — a UNESCO World Heritage site — to explore its museum and archaeological ruins, where Greek, Persian, and Buddhist influences merge. In the afternoon, dive into our included Truck Art Workshop — a hands-on session where you'll paint a traditional Pakistani truck panel under the guidance of a local artist.

Day 3
Islamabad – Skardu | Fly to "Little Tibet"

Skardu

Take an early morning flight to Skardu (weather-dependent; alternative overland route may be arranged). Skardu, the capital of Baltistan, is surrounded by the world's highest peaks. Upon arrival, visit Manthal Buddha Rock — a giant boulder carved with a standing Buddha. Later, experience the surreal landscape of the Katpana Desert — one of the highest cold deserts on earth.

Day 4
Skardu | Fort & Local Bazaar

Skardu

Climb up to Kharpocho Fort, which offers panoramic views over Skardu town and the winding Indus River. Then dive into the vibrant Skardu Market — a bustling hub where you can find local handicrafts, dried fruits, and colourful fabrics.

Day 5
Skardu – Hunza | a road trip through the karakoram

Hunza

Drive along the legendary Karakoram Highway to Hunza Valley. En route, stop at the Rakaposhi Viewpoint — Rakaposhi (7,788 m) is known as the "Princess of the Mountains". Check into a Two magpies resfor a night of mountain serenity.

Day 6
Hunza valley exploration day→ majestic sunset at duikar view point

Hunza Valley

Exploring the Hunza valley, seeing the majestic peaks surrounding the valley, peaks like Golden peak, Diran, Ulter all above 7 thousand meters, experiencing the sunset on all these majestic peaks from Duikar view point

Day 7
Upper Hunza Valley | Glaciers & Suspension Bridge

Hunza Valley

Today is packed with adventure. Drive towards upper hunza, First, tackle the Passu Glacier hike — a moderate trek across ancient ice. Then, take on the legendary Hussaini Suspension Bridge — one of the world's most precarious bridges. We'll also stop at Borith Lake for serene views.

Day 8
Passu – Shimshal Valley | Remote Village & Optional Trek

Shimshal Valley

Venture deeper into the mountains to the remote Shimshal Valley — a paradise for trekkers. Enjoy a village tour to meet locals. For those who want more, there's an optional hike to a nearby viewpoint.

Day 9
Shimshal – Hunza | Sacred Rock & Attabad Lake

Hunza Valley

Return to Hunza Valley. Stop at the Sacred Rock of Hunza — covered with ancient petroglyphs. Then visit the stunning Attabad Lake — a turquoise gem formed by a massive landslide.

Day 10
Karimabad | Market, Women's Café & Social Enterprise

Karimabad

Spend the day in Karimabad. Begin with a market tour — hunt for semi-precious stones and handicrafts. For lunch, we dine at a women-run café. In the afternoon, visit the Ciqam Women's Social Enterprise.

Day 11
Hunza to Naran road trip

Naran

We start of the road trip early morning head towards naran valley via Babusar pass, enjoying the majestic views along the way, the road trip is approximately 7 hours

Day 12
Naran → Islamabad

Islamabad

Over road trip begins towards islamabad crossing the foothills of the himalayas and Hindukush range, we reach the capital city where we rest for the night

Day 13
Islamabad → Lahore | The Grandeur of the Mughals

Lahore

A full day exploring Lahore's magnificent Mughal heritage: Wazir Khan Mosque, Shahi Hammam, Lahore Fort & Badshahi Mosque, Delhi Gate and a walk through the Walled City, Tomb of Allama Iqbal, Shalimar Gardens, and Tomb of Jahangir. In the evening, feast on local delicacies at the famous Food Street.

Day 14
Lahore | Wagah Border & Shopping Spree

Lahore

Drive to the Wagah Border to witness the daily flag-lowering ceremony. After lunch, visit the vibrant Anarkali Bazaar and Liberty Market. We'll also explore Akbari Mandi and Azam Cloth Market.

Day 15
Departure Day

Lahore airport

We end our incredible journey with a lot of memories and moments. The Wandering Yaks team will drop by the airport until we meet next time

Dates & Availability

View Dates and Prices

2026
All

What is Included

  • Accommodation — 14 nights: 11 hotels, 3 guesthouses
  • All ground transport (minibuses, 4x4 jeeps)
  • Internal flights: Islamabad–Skardu and Gilgit/Hunza–Islamabad
  • 14 breakfasts, 1 lunch (Day 10), and 1 dinner (Day 13)
  • All entrance fees and activities listed in the itinerary
  • Experienced English-speaking tour leader + local trekking guides
  • Complimentary airport pickup in Islamabad and drop-off in Lahore

Not Included

  • Optional activities marked as optional (Lok Virsa and Golra Railway entries)
  • Any meals not specified in the itinerary
  • International flights to/from Pakistan
  • Pakistan visa fees
  • Travel insurance (mandatory — must cover emergency evacuation where applicable)
  • Tips for guides, drivers, porters, and hotel staff
  • Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, souvenirs, snacks)
  • Alcoholic beverages

Frequently asked questions

Is this trip suitable for first-time visitors to Pakistan?

Yes — this itinerary is designed as a comprehensive introduction, combining the Karakoram north with Lahore's cultural south in one continuous journey.

What happens if the Skardu flight is cancelled?

An alternative overland route may be arranged. Your tour leader will communicate changes as early as possible.

Important notes

Internal flights (Islamabad–Skardu and Gilgit/Hunza–Islamabad) are weather-dependent. This itinerary is a sample and may be customized to suit your travel dates and preferences.

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From

$3,000

Dates & prices