Inclusions
- Return International Flights
- Daily breakfast at all hotels
- Selected lunches and dinners as per itinerary
- 3 nights stay at 5 star in Lahore
- 2 nights stay at 5 star in Islamabad
- 2 nights stay at 5 star in Khaplu (Skardu Region)
- 1 night stay at 4 star in Shigar Valley
- 1 night stay at 4 star in Skardu
- 3 nights stay at 5 star in Hunza
- 1 night stay at 4 star in Gilgit
- 2 nights stay at 5 star in Islamabad
- Lahore Museum, Shalimar Gardens, Jahangir’s Tomb, Badshahi Mosque & Lahore Fort
- Anarkali Bazaar food street
- Wagah Border Ceremony (or Hiran Minar for Sep/Oct departures)
- Khewra Salt Mines & Katas Raj Temples
- Taxila archaeological sites & Gandhara Resource Centre
- Khaplu Valley, Shigar Valley & Skardu region
- Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, Ganish Village & Eagle Nest View Point
- Passu Cones, Attabad Lake, Gulmit, and Ondra Poygah viewpoint
- Kachura Lakes and Kharpocho Fort
- Domestic flights: Lahore → Skardu, and Gilgit → Islamabad (or Skardu → Islamabad
- Air-conditioned private vehicle transport for all intercity and sightseeing travel
- All airport transfers in Lahore, Islamabad, Skardu, and Gilgit
You'll Love
- Explore Lahore’s Mughal landmarks, vibrant bazaars, and rich cultural heritage.
- Visit ancient Buddhist and Greco-Bactrian sites in UNESCO-listed Taxila.
- Experience breathtaking northern valleys including Khaplu, Shigar, Skardu, and Hunza.
- Stay in unique heritage hotels such as Khaplu Palace and Shigar Fort.
- Enjoy scenic experiences like Attabad Lake boat ride, Passu Cones, and Kachura Lakes.
- Engage with local artisans through truck art, carpet weaving, and women-led initiatives.
- Witness traditional freestyle polo in Gilgit’s mountain arena.
- Conclude with Islamabad’s modern landmarks and optional Rawalpindi excursion.
Overview
This 16-day journey through Pakistan showcases an extraordinary blend of rich history, diverse cultures, and breathtaking natural landscapes. Begin in Lahore, the heart of Mughal heritage, where grand mosques, imperial forts, bustling bazaars, and soul-stirring Qawali performances bring the city’s vibrant past to life. Continue to Islamabad and Taxila to uncover ancient Buddhist sites and iconic truck art traditions.
The adventure then moves deep into the northern mountains, where dramatic valleys, turquoise lakes, glacier-carved peaks, and charming villages create an unforgettable scenic tapestry. Stay in beautifully restored heritage forts and royal palaces as you explore Khaplu, Shigar, Skardu, and the legendary Hunza Valley. Meet inspiring local communities, enjoy traditional performances, witness freestyle polo, and engage with centuries-old craftsmanship.
Concluding back in Islamabad, the tour offers a perfect balance of culture, history, nature, and authentic local experiences—ideal for travellers seeking a richly immersive discovery of Pakistan’s most captivating regions.
When/Date
Itinerary
Arrive in Lahore and transfer to the Pearl Continental Hotel for a three-night stay. Later, take a leisurely stroll along the historic Mall Road before visiting the iconic Lahore Museum, founded in 1865. Designed by Sir Ganga Ram, the museum was once curated by John Lockwood Kipling, father of Rudyard Kipling.
Start your day at the vibrant Anarkali Bazaar food street, one of South Asia’s oldest markets. Continue to the 17th-century UNESCO-listed Shalimar Gardens, a Mughal masterpiece inspired by Persian paradise gardens. Visit the exquisite tomb of Emperor Jahangir before travelling to Wagah to witness the dramatic border ceremony. (For Sep/Oct 2025 departures, the Wagah ceremony is replaced with a visit to the serene Hiran Minar, built by Emperor Jahangir.)
Discover Old Lahore beginning at the beautifully preserved Shahi Hammam, followed by the brilliantly decorated Wazir Khan Mosque. Continue to the monumental Badshahi Mosque and explore the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Lahore Fort. In the evening, enjoy an immersive Qawali musical performance.
Travel towards Islamabad, stopping first at the ancient Khewra Salt Mine, believed to have been discovered during Alexander the Great’s campaign. Continue to the historic Katas Raj Temple Complex, dating back to the 3rd century, before arriving in Islamabad and checking into the Serena Hotel for a two-night stay.
Visit the UNESCO-listed city of Taxila, home to Buddhist ruins, monasteries, and Greco-Bactrian archaeological remains. Continue to the peaceful Gandhara Resource Centre, offering tranquil gardens, a library, and galleries dedicated to Gandharan culture. Later, enjoy a colourful truck art workshop celebrating Pakistan’s iconic folk artistry.
Take a morning flight to Skardu, entering the remote and breathtaking landscapes of northern Pakistan. Drive through scenic mountain terrain to the Khaplu Valley and check into the stunning Serena Khaplu Palace Hotel, once home to the region’s royal family, for a two-night stay.
Visit the centuries-old wooden Khanqah-i-Chaqchan Mosque showcasing Persian, Kashmiri, and Tibetan architectural influences. Continue to the peaceful Machlu Village with scenic stops along the way. Enjoy lunch at a trout farm before returning to Khaplu for the evening.
Begin with an optional walk to Thoqsikhar Palace before departing for the Shigar Valley. Stop at the Bara Wool Spinning Centre en route. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at the beautifully restored Serena Shigar Fort Hotel, where you stay for the night. The afternoon is free to relax and explore at leisure.
Choose an optional morning hike to Shigar Rock ending at the ruins of a 17th-century fort. Visit the UNESCO-listed Amburiq Mosque before continuing to Skardu to see Kharpocho Fort. Later, explore the beautiful Upper and Lower Kachura Lakes, enjoying an optional walk or boat ride. Overnight at the Shangrila Resort by the lake.
Drive to Hunza through magnificent mountain scenery, including views of Rakaposhi, and enjoy a tea stop in Gilgit and Gulmet. Check into the Serena Hotel by Altit Fort for a three-night stay (or Ambiance Resort Hunza for Solo Departures). Spend the evening exploring the surroundings.
Visit the dramatic Baltit Fort, followed by a tour of heritage-rich Ganish Village. Meet the women of CIQAM, a local social enterprise empowering artisans. Afterward, head to Eagle Nest View Point for sweeping sunset views of the Hunza Valley, ending the day with traditional music and dance.
Travel to Gulmit to admire the iconic Passu Cones, then visit the women’s Carpet Weaving Centre. After lunch, take a scenic hike to the Ondra Poygah viewpoint. Continue to the stunning Attabad Lake for a peaceful boat ride, tea, and snacks before returning to Hunza.
Drive to Gilgit, stopping to see the ancient 7th-century Kargah Buddha carved into a cliff. After lunch and check-in at Serena Gilgit Hotel, enjoy an exciting freestyle polo match set against dramatic mountain backdrops.
Fly back to Islamabad in the morning and visit its key landmarks: the impressive Faisal Mosque, the Pakistan National Monument, and the culturally rich Lok Virsa Museum. Check into Serena Hotel (or The 108 for Solo Departures) and enjoy free time in the afternoon.
Spend the day relaxing in Islamabad or join an optional tour of Rawalpindi, renowned for its colonial heritage and bustling bazaars. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner to celebrate the conclusion of your Pakistan journey.
After breakfast, transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your onward flight.
