- 17 nights of hotel accommodation
- 17 breakfasts, 16 lunches and 16 dinners
- Private vehicles with a driver, a jeep/saloon car, a Land Cruiser
- Private guided transfers to and from Islamabad airport
- Professional English Speaking Culture Guide. (Government requirement)
- Driver/guide’s expenses
- All land transport involved in the itinerary
- All road passes, parking, entry fees, etc.
Northern Pakistan Tour
On this escorted Northern Pakistan Tour, you will witness the stunning beauty of the Himalayas, Hindukush and the Karakoram ranges. During the tour, you will stop at the Pagan towns and explore picturesque valleys and shimmering lakes. Furthermore, you will explore the ancient fortresses of Hunza and the vibrant bazaars of Gilgit and Skardu, each destination a treasure of culture and history.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan
- Spectacular Mountain view flight to Skardu
- Experience Kharpocho fort, Skardu cold desert and Shigar valley
- Discover the ancient culture of the Gilgit Baltistan Region
- Visit Deosai, home to the Himalayan brown bear
- Night stay at Fairy Meadows and walk to Nanga Parbat base camp
- Drive on the famous Karakoram Highway, Pakistan
- Enjoy the Junction of the three mightiest mountain ranges, the Himalayas, Karakorum and Hindukush.
- See medieval Altit and UNESCO-listed Baltit Fort
- Experience the Hunza Valley, Khuunjerab Pass and Shandur Pass
- Meet the Kalash tribe in Kalash Valley.
TOUR OVERVIEW
Trango Adventure is a licensed travel company, and we have been creating holidays for over four decades, specialising in tailor-made Tours in Pakistan. Furthermore, all our Pakistan holidays can be tailored to match your travel aspirations, ensuring a unique experience. Moreover, this itinerary is just a sample to spark your imagination of what we can offer.
Land at Skardu airport shortly, check into your hotel, followed by a free afternoon to explore Skardu. Skardu (2,200m) is the capital of the ancient Himalayas Kingdom of the Baltistan region, so in Skardu, stories of the ancient Himalayas come to life. The people are known as Balti people, whose ancestors came from places like Tibet and Mongolia and are happy to share their unique tales in the beautiful Balti language. Additionally, with the grand Indus River wrapping around the town, separating the Karakoram and the Himalayas, Skardu feels like it’s out of an enchanting storybook.
We will spend the afternoon in Skardu visiting the historical Kharpocho Fort, the peaceful Sadpara Lake, which reflects the blue colour of the sky, and the historic Manthal Buddha Rock, which whispers secrets from ages past. The rock is thought to date back to the 8th or 9th century, during the region’s “golden age of Buddhism. We will head to the Upper Kachura and Lower Kachura Lakes, nestled amidst the Karakoram’s majestic beauty.
The following day, our journey takes us to the lush Shigar Valley, the gateway to the legendary K2 mountain and a world of renowned trekking paths. Additionally, you will discover the Sarfarangha Cold Desert and step inside the Shigar Fort, a castle turned into a museum and luxurious retreat. After that, visit the 14th-century Tibetan-style Amburiq Mosque. This valley is certainly a dreamland for nature enthusiasts, trekkers and mountain climbers.
After spending two days in Skardu, at this point, we travel to Astore via the vast Deosai Plateau (4,100 m), a sanctuary for the elusive Himalayan brown bears and snow leopards. The Deosai’s landscapes are also the second highest plateau, a masterpiece showcasing the beauty of nature. Enjoy your lunch on the banks of a small river and then continue towards Astore for a night’s stay.
The following morning, wake up early to catch a spectacular sunrise over Nanga Parbat, have breakfast and enjoy a scenic drive along the Karakoram Highway and the Hunza River, which is surrounded by the tallest mountain ranges on Earth. Along the way, a brief stop at the junction point of the three mightiest mountain ranges, the Himalayas, Karakoram and the Hindukush.
Our journey will continue on the Karakoram highway, also known as the Silk Route, with a quick stop at the awe-inspiring Rakaposhi viewpoint, then head to Karimabad, the historic capital of Hunza Valley, an ideal place for relaxation and exploration. During your stay in Karimabad, visit the magnificent Altit Fort and Baltit Forts. This UNESCO-listed, 700-year-old Baltit fort offers a chance to step back in time, and later, you’ll be treated to a fantastic sunset view over the Rakaposhi mountain from Eaglenest.
Ascending further on your north Pakistan tour, you’ll reach the Khunjerab Pass (4,693 m), the high-altitude trade border between Pakistan and China, surrounded by incredible mountain vistas. Later, you will return to Passu/Sust for a restful night and travel to Gilgit in the morning. Gilgit is the capital of the Gilgit Baltistan region, indeed an essential city on the ancient Silk Route, alive with a bustling market and storied landmarks. Gilgit is undoubtedly a melting pot of history and culture, where the bazaar teems with vitality and the spirit of the Gilgit Baltistan region.
Travel to the Shandur Pass (3,800m), famed for its high-energy polo festival, and then to the scenic Chitral City, watched over by the towering Tirich Mir mountain. Spend the night in Chitral before journeying to Ayun village in Kalash Valley. Straightaway, immerse yourself in the welcoming atmosphere of Ayun village, where you’ll connect with the community and learn about their traditions. Then, set out to explore the Kalash Valley and meet the indigenous Kalash people.
After revelling in the Kalash Valley’s wonders, we return to Chitral. Weather permitting, a scenic flight will take us back to Islamabad; otherwise, a picturesque drive will mark the conclusion of your north Pakistan tour. It’s a chance to reminisce about the incredible adventures and sights you’ve encountered.
As your journey ends in Islamabad, we’ll escort you to Islamabad Airport, bidding farewell after your memorable north Pakistan tour with Trango Adventure. This trip has been more than just a vacation; it’s an epic tale you’ll treasure for years.
Brief Tour Itinerary
ARRIVAL DAY IN ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN
FLIGHT TO SKARDU, 45 MINUTES
SKARDU
SKARDU TO ASTORE, 152KM, 6 HOURS
ASTORE TO FAIRY MEADOWS, (3,300M) 5 HOURS
FAIRY MEADOWS
FAIRY MEADOWS TO KARIMABAD, HUNZA, 6 HOURS
KARIMABAD, HUNZA
KARIMABAD-KHUNJERAB PASS, (4,880M) 5 HOURS
SUST TO GILGIT, 4 HOURS
GILGIT TO MASTUJ (275 km) 7 HOURS
MASTUJ TO CHITRAL (120 km) 4 HOURS
CHITRAL TO AYUN, KALASH, 1 HOUR
AYUN TO TO BAMBORAT, KALASH, 1 HOUR
BAMBORAT TO CHITRAL, 1 HOUR
CHITRAL TO ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD-CONTINGENCY DAY
DEPARTURE DAY
Additional information
Grade | EASY |
---|---|
Age | Family friendly |
Type | Guided Tour |
Transport | Private Vehicle & Personal Driver |
Map & Itinerary of Northern Pakistan Tour
Introduction
For many years, Trango Adventure has been transforming travel dreams into reality. We live and travel extensively in Pakistan to ensure we provide you with a selection of quality and unique experiences tailored to suit your travel aspirations. We designed our itineraries based on over 40 Years of experience and local knowledge, which are the best in terms of acclimatisation, safety, and enjoyment.
We intend to keep the day-by-day itinerary detailed below, although there might be some flexibility due to local conditions, weather, or other factors beyond our control. If this is the case, your Tour Guide will do everything possible to work out the changes to the itinerary to minimise your inconvenience.
Adventure travel and tours require an open and flexible attitude. You may experience extreme conditions, unpredictable weather and last-minute changes to the itinerary beyond our control. The ability to work in a team is an important aspect of all of our trips.
Detailed Tour Itinerary
ARRIVAL DAY IN ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN
- Accommodation
- Hill View Hotel or Similar
- Meals
- Dinner.
FLIGHT TO SKARDU, 45 MINUTES
Land at Skardu airport shortly, check into your hotel, followed by a free afternoon to explore Skardu. Skardu, at the altitude of 2,230 meters above sea level, is the capital of the ancient Himalayas Kingdom of the Baltistan region, so in Skardu, stories of the ancient Himalayas come to life. This region’s inhabitants are known as Balti people, whose ancestors came from places like Tibet and Mongolia and are happy to share their unique tales in the beautiful Balti language. Additionally, with the grand Indus River wrapping around the town, separating the Karakoram and the Himalayas, Skardu feels like it’s out of an enchanting storybook.
We will spend the afternoon in Skardu visiting the historical Kharpocho Fort, the peaceful Sadpara Lake, which reflects the blue colour of the sky and the historic Manthal Buddha Rock, which whispers secrets from ages past. We will head to the Upper Kachura and Lower Kachura Lakes, nestled amidst the Karakoram’s majestic beauty.
- Accommodation
- Summit Hotel or Similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
SKARDU
- Accommodation
- Summit Hotel or Similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
SKARDU TO ASTORE, 152KM, 6 HOURS
Night stay in Astore.
- Accommodation
- Hotel/Guest House
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ASTORE TO FAIRY MEADOWS, (3,300M) 5 HOURS
Fairy Meadows, elevation: 3,300 metres (10,800 ft) is a grassland near one of the base camp sites of mighty Nanga Parbat and is 8,126 m (26,660 ft) above sea level. Night stay at Fairy Meadows.
- Accommodation
- Raikot Sari Hotel/Cabins
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
FAIRY MEADOWS
The Fairy Meadows is the perfect place to chill out and unwind; watch the clouds dance past the mighty Nanga Parbat, the glacier snaking through the valley below, and explore the cool woods surrounding our log cabins. From Fairy Meadow, you can see the most beautiful mountain in Pakistan and the ninth-highest mountain in the world, Nanga Parbat.
- Accommodation
- Raikot Sari Hotel/Cabins
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
FAIRY MEADOWS TO KARIMABAD, HUNZA, 6 HOURS
Cross a bridge on the Gilgit River to enter the Hunza Valley in Pakistan, also known as heaven on earth. Hunza Valley’s natural splendour and position on the Central Asian Silk Route has attracted travellers, merchants, and mountaineers for centuries. Beyond its iconic glaciers, fertile apricot farms, and turquoise lakes, the region is also rich in cultural heritage.
We will stop at the famous Rakaposhi viewpoint on the side of Karakoram Highway before arriving in Karimabad, Hunza. Rakaposhi 7,788 meters (25,55o feet) is among the largest in the world in terms of rise above local terrain and position near low valleys. This beautiful mountain rises dramatically above a bend in the Hunza River, close to the Karakoram Highway.
- Accommodation
- Hunza Embassy Hotel or Similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
KARIMABAD, HUNZA
Rise and shine early to witness a spectacular sunrise view over the mighty Rakaposhi Peak. After breakfast, walk to the town centre to stroll around the shops and talk to the local Hunza people, and buy some local apricots, dry fruit, apricot oils, etc, in the local bazaar. The local bazaar leads to the famous UNESCO-listed Baltit Fort. Visit the Baltit Fort and travel to see the magnificent Altit Fort. We will travel to Eagle Nest in the evening to enjoy an aerial view of Hunza, Nagar Valley and Rakaposhi mountain.
- Accommodation
- Hunza Embassy Hotel or Similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
KARIMABAD-KHUNJERAB PASS, (4,880M) 5 HOURS
We will stop at Attabad Lake and Hussaini suspension bridges for short breaks.
After visiting the pass, we will return to Passu/Sust (altitude 2 500 m), for the night stay.
- Accommodation
- Silk Route Hotel or Similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
SUST TO GILGIT, 4 HOURS
- Accommodation
- Ptdc Hotel or Similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
GILGIT TO MASTUJ (275 km) 7 HOURS
- Accommodation
- Ptdc Hotel or Similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
MASTUJ TO CHITRAL (120 km) 4 HOURS
Chitral, at 1,500 meters above sea level, is a cosy town along the Chitral River in the shadow of Tirich Mir (7,700 m), the highest mountain in the Hindu Kush. People in Chitral speak Khowar, which is completely different from the language spoken in the Gilgit Baltistan region. It has a lively bazaar with restaurants and handicraft shops and leads to the local polo ground. Shahi Mosque and the Chitral Fort are the two places to visit.
- Accommodation
- Legend Hotel or Similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
CHITRAL TO AYUN, KALASH, 1 HOUR
- Accommodation
- Hotel or Guest House
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AYUN TO TO BAMBORAT, KALASH, 1 HOUR
Today you will drive to Rumbor and Balanguru villages of Kalash Valley. You will spend two days in these historical villages to meet the Kalasha people and explore their ancient culture and traditions. Meeting the Kalasha people and exploring the beautiful Kalash Valley will certainly be one of the Magnificent highlights of this Northern Pakistan Tour.
Entire day at leisure in this beautiful valley, take a wonderful walk up towards the Afghan frontier to visit the Nuristani community. They live in Shakanande, which is the last village of the Kalash Valley. Late lunch and the rest of the afternoon are leisurely, relaxing in the village, chatting with the Kalasha people or more short walks.
- Accommodation
- Hotel or Guest House
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
BAMBORAT TO CHITRAL, (25 km) 1 HOUR
After spending two full days in Kalash Valley, you will return from the mountain hideaway to Ayun and then travel to Chitral. Check into a gorgeous accommodation, have lunch and the rest of the afternoon at leisure, or visit the local fort and Shahi mosque, watch a game of Polo or visit Chitral Gul to see wild goats, Markhor.
- Accommodation
- Legend Hotel or Similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
CHITRAL TO ISLAMABAD
We will travel to Islamabad by road if the flight is cancelled.
- Accommodation
- Hill View Hotel or Similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ISLAMABAD-CONTINGENCY DAY
After a full day of sightseeing, have your last dinner in Pakistan at the Magnificent Food Streets to treat your taste buds to a local Pakistani curry, a taste sensation to remember your Northern Pakistan Tour.
- Accommodation
- Hill View Hotel or Similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DEPARTURE DAY
North Pakistan Tour Package Cost and Dates for 2025-26
Private Groups – Choose Your Dates
The tour starts and finishes in Islamabad – Domestic Flight Included
Introduction
The above northern Pakistan tour price is for (individuals) per person and is based on two people sharing a twin or double room. Single supplements are available upon request at a small additional cost. We have a great range of couples, Family and Group deals available, contact us before booking. North Pakistan Tour prices are for the itinerary starting from Islamabad to Chitra – Hunza – Skardu and back to Islamabad. Islamabad has a good flight connection, International flights arrive in Islamabad in the morning, and the return flight will depart from Islamabad International Airport on the last day of the itinerary.
We are happy to offer this tour as a private trip if you do not wish to join an open group. You are welcome to follow this tour itinerary or talk to our travel advisor to create a customised itinerary to fulfil your travel requirements. Upgrade to five-star hotel accommodations is also available.
Please be aware that there are often only a limited number of seats available at the advertised price, particularly during peak season. We recommend booking as early as possible, especially during peak times. If we are unable to secure seats at the price shown, we will contact you with an alternative quote.
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE – NO SURCHARGE GUARANTEE
The price of the “Northern Pakistan Tour” can change depending on a variety of factors, but unlike some other tour operators, Trango Adventure has undertaken to guarantee the price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our ‘No Surcharge Guarantee’. Trango Adventure is a Government-licensed and bonded tour operator that follows the strict Regulations set by the Tourism Department of Pakistan.
We accept Cash on Arrival, Bank Transfers, PayPal and all major Credit & debit Cards.
Northern Pakistan Tour Information
WHAT’S INCLUDED
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Travel Insurance
- Pakistan Visa Fee
- Tips for local guides and support staff
- Miscellaneous expenses
- souvenirs etc
- International Flights.
MEAL PLAN
ACCOMMODATION
During the Northern Pakistan Tour, you will spend all nights in good international tourist standard hotels (3-4 star). Accommodation at each of these hotels is twin-sharing with en-suite facilities. If you are travelling by yourself, you will be paired with another single client of the same sex. It is possible to hire a single room for an additional cost. Additional hotel nights in Islamabad are also available. For hotel prices and single supplement costs, please refer to the dates and prices page of the trip on our website. Hotels are subject to availability, and prices may vary.
SKARDU & CHITRAL FLIGHTS
Skardu Valley is a place where tall mountains surround it. This makes it so that aeroplanes can only land there when the weather is clear and easy to see. Usually, planes can fly to Skardu Valley without any problems. But sometimes, the flights can get cancelled. If this happens, you need to travel by road on the Karakorum Highway instead.
However, there is some good news! Skardu Airport has upgraded to an international airport with GPS technology. This means that the chances of flights getting cancelled are much lower now.
Skardu Airport was upgraded to international status and underwent a re-inauguration on December 2, 2021, following extensive enhancements aimed at transforming it into a prominent tourism hub. The airport now facilitates direct flights from Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Dubai. Since the upgrades, flight cancellations have significantly decreased, and cancellation chances are now very low. Last summer, we had only one flight cancellation, and our clients had to travel by road on KKH. While we travel on KKH, we avoid travelling through the areas not recommended by the UK and US foreign offices.
In case of flight cancellation, you will travel on Karakorum Highway to Naran for a night stay and the next day continue our journey to arrive in Skardu. Islamabad to Naran is 281 km and a 9-hour drive. Naran to Skardu is a 10-hour drive on the Karakoram highway along the mighty Gilgit and Indus rivers. Travelling by road on the Karakoram Highway is as spectacular as taking a flight.
Chitral is a weather-dependent airport. Since the valley is surrounded by high mountains, planes can only land here in good visibility, and this means flights to Chitral are never guaranteed. The planes do fly more often than not, but cancellations can and do occur, and in these circumstances, we will travel by road.
HEALTH & VACCINATION
You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you specifically require any vaccinations or other preventive measures. You should be up to date with routine courses and boosters as recommended in the UK, e.g. diphtheria-tetanus-polio and measles-mumps-rubella), along with hepatitis A and typhoid. Malarial prophylaxis is discretionary for this trip. Malaria exists in the area around Islamabad. However, incidences of urban transmission of malaria are extremely low. In Chitral, Hunza, Skardu and in the mountains there is no malaria risk. On holidays to more remote areas in Pakistan, you should also have a dentist check-up. A good online resource is Travel Health Pro. Dengue fever is a known risk in places near Islamabad (only). It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime-biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
INSURANCE
We highly recommend you have adequate travel insurance for your Pakistan Tour with Trango Adventure. We recognise the complexity and variety of choices in the insurance market and know that many of you either have your preferred insurer or have annual multi-trip cover in place already. If this is the case, please ensure that your insurer is aware of your Trango Adventure itinerary and can agree to cover the activities being undertaken.
Trango Adventures does not provide any advice on travel insurance, although it is highly recommended that you have valid travel insurance to cover the activities which you are likely to be undertaking on your holiday.
Travel Insurance Providing Companies
Expeditions or Treks
- HCC Medical Insurance Services LLC Tel: +1-800 605 2282
- Travelex Insurance Services Tel: +1-800 228 9792
- Snowcard Tel: +44 (0)1295 660836
- The B.M.C. Tel: +44 (0)161 445 6111 (please note the BMC cannot cover Mt Damavand)
- Dogtag Tel: 0800 036 4824 (UK residents only)
- World Nomads (up to 6000m)
- Insure for Less (Australians only)
- True Traveller Insurance Tel: 0333 999 3140 for treks including over 4500m
- Austrian Alpine Club (UK) Tel: +44 (0)1929 556870
Treks & Tours only
- Campbell Irvine Tel: +44 (0)207 938 1737
- J S Insurance Tel: +44 (0)844 848 1500
- Rothwell & Towler Tel: +44 (0)845 908 0161
GUIDE & SUPPORTING STAFF
ALTITUDE
Northern Pakistan Tour involves going to high altitudes. During the tour, you will be above 3,000 metres for 1-2 days. This is not something that you should worry about; the human body is quite capable of adapting to a very wide range of altitudes, but we must follow some simple rules to acclimatize successfully. Before coming on this holiday, you should get some basic advice on Tours at high altitudes.
CLIMATE
From mid-June to August, we can expect temperatures as high as 40°C at Islamabad, Lahore and 30°C in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. Weather is generally good throughout the summer season, with clear skies and little rain or snow. However, weather in mountainous areas is difficult to predict, and short-lived storms can occur at any time.
BOOKS
- Trekking in Pakistan. Isobel Shaw.
- Karakoram Highway. King.
- Top Treks of the World. Steve Razzetti.
- In the Throne Room of the Mountain Gods. Galen Rowell.
- K2 Triumph and Tragedy. Jim Curran.
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for other nationalities. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.
All nationalities require a visa to enter Pakistan. The visa fee is approximately USD 50 and you must apply for it before departure. To obtain a Visa for Pakistan, you will require a letter of introduction from an approved agency, which Trango Adventure will provide. Visa applications can be made in person OR online at www.visa.nadra.gov.pk
As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum.
We will send you a detailed items list closer to your Holiday departure.
Call our office or mail [email protected] for more information regarding the “Northern Pakistan Tour”.
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