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An intense exploration of the five provinces of Pakistan
π§ Tour Overview
Embark on this spectacular voyage to Islamabad, Pakistanβs political and administrative capital. In the first part of the trip, we will explore Islamabad, the federal capital of Pakistan, and Taxila, a center of the ancient Gandhara civilization. In the second part, we will visit Baltistan, known as Little Tibet. Skardu is the epitome of beauty, serenity, and wilderness in the extreme north of Pakistan. It is located amidst an impressive landscape of towering mountains, deep gorges, cascading waterfalls, creeping glaciers, and quiet lakes, creating this rugged beauty. Skardu is the gateway to the worldβs highest peaks, including K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I, Gasherbrum II, and hundreds more over 6,000 meters high. Encircling the heart-shaped Kachura Lake, fruit-laden orchards and flower-filled gardens surround it, presenting a breathtaking and heavenly atmosphere. The Kharpocho Fort overlooks the hills, while the impressive Shigar and Khapulo forts, along with the Deosai Plateau, which is the second-highest plateau in the world.
Our next destination is Hunza Valley, known as Shangri-La and the Valley of Eternal Youth. Guarded by the Karakoram giants, Hunza Valley nestles in the lap of snow-capped mountains, making it a tourist delight. The enchanting beauty of Hunza peaks with the apricot and cherry blossoms in spring, the lush greenery of summer, and the vibrant colors of autumn. The magical Karimabad (Baltit), the formal capital of Hunza Valley, has a charm of its own. Surrounded by breathtaking snow-capped peaks, lush green fields, fruit orchards, and the singing Hunza River, the experience of being here is unparalleled. A walk along the Barbar irrigation channel, with striking views of Rakaposhi, Diran Peak, and Golden Peak, adds more essence to your journey. High mountains and glaciers surround the beautiful Gulmit Valley, and the Passu village, known for its Passu Glacier, Batura Glacier, and Passu Cones, is worth visiting. The smiling, welcoming, and friendly inhabitants of Hunza genuinely make your stay feel like home.
In the next stretch of the trip, we will travel to Kailash Valley, exploring the beautiful valleys along the Ghizer River, including Phander Valley. Crossing the Shandur Pass, the highest polo ground in the world, we will reach Mastuj and then Chitral. The unique Kailash Valley (known as the Wearers of Black Robes) is home to a remaining minority of approximately 3,500 people living in three isolated but beautiful valleys. Swat and Peshawar will be our next destinations. Peshawarβs recorded history dates back to at least 539 BCE, making it the oldest city in Pakistan and one of the oldest cities in South Asia. After Peshawar, our next stop will be Lahore, the cultural capital of Pakistan, to feast our eyes on the Badshahi Mosque, Badshahi Fort, Lahore Museum, Shalimar Gardens, Shahi Hammam, and more. En route to Multan, our next stop will be Harappa. Harappa, an important archaeological site of the Indus civilization, stands as a testament to the 5,000-year-old cultural continuity of civilization in Pakistan. The imposing Derawar Fort, the deserts of Cholistan, and the Makli Hills, the worldβs largest necropolis with over a million graves, tombs, and mausoleums, will make your trip worthwhile.
The high intensity of spirituality at the Sufi shrines in Multan, Sehwan-Sharif, Uch-Sharif and other elaborately decorated shrines like those of Sheikh Bahad-ud-din Zakariya, Shah Shams Tabriz, and Shah Rukn-e-Alam in Multan are worth visiting. Mohenjo-Daro, an impressive and well-preserved archaeological site of the Indus Valley Civilization, which was the worldβs most developed ancient culture, the findings suggest a well-developed agriculture system where trade was conducted with real financial sophistication with other civilizations, beautiful art tells of their way of life, baked brick buildings provide an impressive vista of urban architecture, and drains and wells speak of their height of engineering. Overall, the findings suggest an impressive society that had developed a complete living system. In the final part of the trip, we will explore the fascinating Makran Coastal Highway and Hingol National Park, offering a unique experience in the seldom-visited Balochistan province of Pakistan. The trip will conclude in Karachi, the commercial capital of Pakistan.
π Tour Facts
Tour Name: Explore Pakistan
Tour Code: ATP-ELP-01
Tour Duration: 32 Days / 31 Nights
Route: Islamabad β Skardu β Hunza β Shandur Pass β Chitral β Kailash β Swat β Peshawar β Lahore β Multan β Sukkur β Mohenjor Daro β Karachi β Hingol National Park β Karachi
Best time: Mid September to early November
Tour Grade: Easy
Visa Category: Tourist Visit Visa
π Tour Highlights
ποΈ Skardu & Baltistan β Explore turquoise lakes, high deserts, and ancient forts in the shadow of K2
π Historic Cities β Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, and Karachi offer rich Mughal, colonial, and Sufi heritage
ποΈ Ancient Civilizations β Walk through Taxila, Harappa, and Mohenjo-Daroβcradles of human history
ποΈ Hunza Valley β Marvel at glaciers, forts, and the serene beauty of Attabad Lake & Passu Cones
πΈ Kalash Valleys β Discover a rare animist culture preserved in the Hindu Kush mountains
π Phander & Ghizer Valleys β Experience the serenity of Pakistanβs most scenic, untapped valleys
π° Derawar Fort & Cholistan β Explore a desert stronghold and traditional nomadic life
π Cultural Encounters β Meet Sufi dancers, artisans, and local communities from many ethnic backgrounds
π― Forts & Mosques β Roam through Baltit, Lahore, Ranikot, and Kharpocho Forts, plus mosques like Badshahi and Wazir Khan
ποΈ UNESCO Sites β Mohenjo-Daro, Makli Necropolis, Taxila, and Takht Bhai
π Makran Coastal Highway β Discover hidden beaches, rock formations, and centuries-old ruins
πΈ Photo Gallery
π Day-by-Day Itinerary
π Day 1. Islamabad
Arrival in Islamabad. After short rest, full day tour of Islamabad (depending upon the arrival time).
Key Attractions
π Shah Faisal Mosque - the largest mosque in Pakistan
ποΈ Lok Virsa (Folk Heritage) Museum
πΏ Pakistan National Monument
π Daman-e-Koh (Islamabad View Point)
π Golra Sharif Rail Museum or Pakistan Railways Heritage Museum
ποΈ External view of Parliament House, President House, Prime Minister House & the Supreme Court of Pakistan
Islamabad-Taxila: 35 kms/45 minutesβ drive
TaxilaβRaja Bazar: 35 kms/1 hour drive
Raja Bazar-Islamabad: 20 kms/45 minutesβ drive
Full day tour of the archaeological sites in Taxila. After lunch visit truck painting workshop and Raja Bazaar Rawalpindi.
Key Attractions
πΊ Taxila Museum - showcasing antiques and artifacts of Gandhara civilization
π― Julian Buddhist Stupa & Monastery
π Dharmarajika complex and stupa
π¨ Taxila Truck Painting Workshop
π Gurdwara Panja Sahib (subject to prior permission)
ποΈ Old Raja Bazaar in Rawalpindi (twin city of Islamabad)
π Dinner at Margalla Hills
Flight from Islamabad to Skardu. Half day tour Skardu and surrounding attractions.
Key Attractions
ποΈ Upper Kachura Lake
ποΈ Soq valley
ποΈ Katpana Desert
Full day to explore attractions around Skardu.
Key Attractions
πΏ Manthal Buddha Rock
π― Kharpocho Fort
π¬οΈ Sarfaranga Cold Desert
π° Shigir Fort
π Amburiq Mosque Shigir
Day excursion to Deosai National Park or Khaplu. Drive back to Skardu for overnight stay.
Key Attractions
ποΈ Option 1. Day Excursion to Khaplu: Drive along the beautiful villages. Stop at the meeting point of River Indus and Shyok River. Visit Khaplu Fort and Chaqchan Mosque.
π Option 2. Day excursion to Deosai Plateau: Deosai plateau, Sadpara Lake, Chota Pani, Bara Pani, Sheosar Lake, flora and fauna photography spot
Skardu β Karimabad Hunza: 290 kms/6.5 hoursβ drive
Key Attractions
π Drive along the River Indus
ποΈ Nanga Parbat viewpoint
π» Visit the place near Juglot where the Karakoram, Himalaya & Hindukush meet
π Rakaposhi View Point Ghulmet
Full day tour of central Hunza
Key Attractions
π° Baltit Fort
ποΈ Karimabad Bazaar
πΆ Walk Along Barbar Water Channel
π― Altit Fort
ποΈ Altit Cluster/Altit Village
π Sunset from the Eagleβs Nest View Point in Duiker
π Day 8. Nagar Valley & Upper Hunza ValleyKarimabadβHopar: 23 kms/45 minutesβ drive
HoparβAtta Abad Lake: 36 kms/1.5 hoursβ drive
Key Attractions
ποΈ Ganish Cluster - the oldest settlement in Hunza
ποΈ Hopar Valley
π» Ultar & Lady Finger View Point
πͺ΅ Dong Rock Inscriptions
π Atta Abad Lake
π‘ Gulmit Village
Atta Abad Lake β Gilgit: 115 kms/2.5 hoursβ drive
Key Attractions
π Hussaini Bridge
β°οΈ Passu Cones/Passu Cathedrals viewpoint
π§ Batura Glacier viewpoint
ποΈ Borith Lake
π Danyor suspension bridge
Gilgit-Gupis: 109 kms/6 hoursβ drive
Key Attractions
π Drive along Ghizer river and villages
GupisβMastuj: 150 kms/7 hoursβ drive
Key Attractions
ποΈ Phander Valley
ποΈ Phander Lake
π Shandur Pass - the highest polo ground in the world
Mastuj- Chitral: 120 kms/4 hoursβ drive
Rest of the day at leisure
π¨ Day 13. ChitralβKalashChitralβBumburet Kalash: 22 kms/1 hourβs drive
Key Attractions
ποΈ Chitral Bazaar
π Shahi Mosque
π Tirich Mir View Point
ποΈ Rambur Valley Kailash
Key Attractions
ποΈ Kalash Museum
π‘ Visit a traditional house
π Sacred places
π Day 15. KailashβMingora Swat246 kms/7 hoursβ drive
Key Attractions
πΊ Swat Museum - Gandhara Art
184 kms/4 hoursβ drive
Key Attractions
ποΈ Barikot archaeological site
π― Buddhist Monastery in Takht Bhai
ποΈ Peshawar Museum
Key Attractions
π Mahabat Khan Mosque
π Qissa Khawani Bazar
ποΈ Saithi House
π° Bala Hissar Fort (exterior)
Key Attractions
π Katas Raj Temple
π§ Khewra Salt Mines
Key Attractions
ποΈ Lahoreβs walled city
π° Lahore Fort
π Badshahi Masjid
ποΈ Lahore Museum
ποΈ Anarkali Bazar
Key Attractions
β°οΈ Mausoleums of Jahangir & Noor Jahan
π Masjid Wazir Khan
β¨οΈ Shahi Hamam
πΊ Shalimar Garden (optional)
π΅π° Wagah Flag Ceremony
Key Attractions
ποΈ Harappa Archaeological Site
Key Attractions
π― Damdama
β°οΈ Mausoleum of Baha-ud-din Zakariya
β°οΈ Mausoleum of Shah Shams Sabzwari
β°οΈ Mausoleum of Shah Rukn-e-Alam
πͺ Delhi Gate
β² Char Minar
π¨ Blue Pottery Workshop
π« Camel skin Naqash painting
Key Attractions
π° Derawar Fort
ποΈ Cholistan Desert
ποΈ Noor Mahal
Key Attractions
β°οΈ Tomb of Bibi Jawindi
π Shrine of Jalaluddin Bukhari
π Shrine of Hazrat Fazaluddin Ladla Bukhari
π Shrine of Pir Sadruddin
Key Attractions
π― Kot Diji Fort
ποΈ Mohenjo Daro
π Shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar
πΊ Dhamal (Sufi Dances)
Key Attractions
π° Ranikot Fort
π Shrine of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai
πΊ Sufi Dances (if available)
Key Attractions
π Shah Jahan Mosque
ποΈ Makli Necropolis
ποΈ Bhambore Archaeological Site
β°οΈ Chaukandi Tombs
Key Attractions
ποΈ National Museum
ποΈ Frere Hall
π° Mohatta Palace
π Tuba Mosque (Gol Masjid)
π°οΈ Merewether Clock Tower
π Quaid-e-Azam Tomb (if time permits)
ποΈ Day 29. KarachiβKund MalirKey Attractions
π Mangrove & Dolphin tour in Damb
π Shri Hinglaj Mata Mandir
ποΈ Kund Malir Beach
Key Attractions
π Princess of Hope
πΏ Hingol National Park
π Day 31. Kund MalirβKarachiKey Attractions
π Chandragup Mud Volcanoes
π’ Gaddani Ship-breaking Yard (if time permits)
Transfer to the airport for home bound flight.
β Services Included in This Tour
π¬ Airport Transfers β Arrival and departure assistance in Islamabad and Karachi
π Private Air-Conditioned Transport β Comfortable vehicle with driver for the entire tour
ποΈ Accommodation β Twin-sharing in quality hotels, guesthouses, and traditional lodges
π½οΈ Meals β Daily breakfast included, some dinners and lunches as specified
βοΈ Domestic Flight β One-way flight from Islamabad to Skardu (subject to weather)
ποΈ Entrance Fees β All museum, fort, and archaeological site entry tickets included
πΊοΈ Experienced Tour Guide β English-speaking cultural and regional guide throughout
ποΈ Local Guides β Regional experts for special areas like Kalash, Skardu, and Mohenjo-Daro
π« Permits and Documentation β All applicable permits, including for restricted areas
π§ Daily Bottled Water β Provided during drives and excursions
π§― Basic First Aid Kit β Carried by the tour leader for safety
β Services Not Included in This Tour
π΅ International Airfare β Flights to/from Pakistan are not included
π Visa Fees β Tourist visa arrangements and fees
ποΈ Single Room Supplement β Available on request at additional cost
π½οΈ Lunches & Dinners β Unless specifically mentioned
π Personal Expenses β Souvenirs, drinks, snacks, laundry, etc.
π Travel Insurance β Mandatory but must be purchased by the traveler
π’ Optional Activities β Such as boating, horseback riding, or jeep safaris not in itinerary
π° Tips and Gratuities β For guides, drivers, porters (at travelerβs discretion)
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