Best of Pakistan: Hikes, Hospitality and Hot Chai

With most flights arriving early, one of our awesome guides will greet you and take you to the hotel for some much-needed rest. Once refreshed, we’ll explore a bustling market before heading to the Wagah Border ceremony between India and Pakistan, where marching, music, and patriotic chants create an electrifying atmosphere. We’ll end the day with a hidden side of Lahore, sipping drinks in a secret speakeasy bar.

Learn about Pakistan’s history, culture and political situation with a local guide as we explore the Moghul wonders of Lahore, such as Badshahi Mosque, Wazir Khan Masjid, and Lahore Fort. Just wait until you see our lunch spot — it’s easily one of the most scenic places we’ve ever eaten with. We then head to Islamabad.

As we head north, we’ll drive through the world’s tallest mountain ranges, with incredible views at every turn. It’s a long travel day, but we’ll break it up with chai stops and delicious local food. After one of the most scenic bus rides of your life, we’ll arrive at a local homestay, where we’ll rest before starting our treks.

After breakfast, we jump into 4x4s for an exhilarating drive along what’s known as the world’s most treacherous road — don’t worry, our expert drivers know it like the back of their hand. From there, we’ll hike two hours to Fairy Meadows, a place that feels straight out of a dream. With Nanga Parbat towering in the distance, we’ll watch the sunset and spend the night by the fire, enjoying some traditional dancing before settling into log cabins under a sky full of stars.

Today, we trek to Nanga Parbat base camp at 3,900m, with Raitkot Glacier on one side and the world’s ninth-highest peak towering above us. The trail is challenging but rewarding, and if you’re unsure about making it all the way, our guides are on hand to stop with you at designated point. That said, the energy of the group often pushes people beyond what they thought possible.

With tired muscles from the previous day's hike, we'll return to the jeeps and drive the world's most treacherous road once more. From here, we'll head to Hunza Valley, where we'll stay in Karimabad, which is known for its precious stones, dried fruits, local crafts, and panoramic mountain views.

We’ll take the morning slow in Karimabad — enjoy a coffee with mountain views, browse the local shops, or simply sleep in. After another incredible lunch, you can either hike to our next stay or take the bus. Our destination is Eagles Nest, a vantage point where endless snow-capped peaks stretch across the horizon.

Next up is Rakaposhi, the 27th highest mountain in the world, towering at 7,788 meters. We’ll hike to our campsite for the night, where we’ll gather around a campfire, sip chai and moonshine, and admire a sky full of stars.

We’ll hike the final stretch to Rakaposhi base camp at 2,814m, a rewarding two-hour climb with views that make every step worth it. After celebrating with a cup of chai, we’ll descend and head to Ghulkin, where we’ll stay with a local family. This homestay offers a unique chance to experience Ismaili Muslim culture and try our hand at cooking traditional Pakistani dishes.

Attabad Lake’s vivid blue waters are a striking reminder of nature’s power, formed by a landslide a few years ago. We’ll cruise across it by boat, then hike to Baskochi Meadows for sweeping views of the valley and lake from above. For those craving a bit more adrenaline, the Passu Hanging Bridge offers a thrilling (and slightly nerve-wracking) crossing. We’ll wrap up the day with another cosy night at our homestay, experiencing the warmth of local hospitality.

It’s time to leave Northern Pakistan and make our way back to Islamabad. After days of adventure, the long bus ride is the perfect chance to catch up on sleep. We’ll stop along the way to fill our bellies and get our daily dose of chai.

Islamabad offers a completely different vibe from Lahore, blending modern city life with natural beauty. We’ll start at Faisal Mosque, the fifth-largest in the world, before heading to a panoramic viewpoint over the city. To wrap up the trip, we’ll visit Saidpur Village, a heritage spot on the city’s outskirts, where we’ll share our final dinner and reflect on the incredible journey we’ve had together.

Time to say farewell to your guides and new friends. We’ll take you to Islamabad International Airport, where your journey home begins—hopefully with plenty of stories to tell and plans to return.