Pakistan's Rich Cultural Tours 17 Days
Day 01: Arrival – Islamabad
Upon arrival at Islamabad, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Spend the half day exploring Islamabad. First, visit the Lok Virsa Pakistan monument, a place that showcases the rich culture of Pakistan. Then, head to Shakarpara Hill before sunset, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the twin cities, Islamabad and Rawalpindi. You can also engage in birdwatching and admire the garden where Pakistani and allied countries’ politicians have planted trees. Take in the scenic view of Rawal Lake and the numerous fountains. After that, explore the Faisal Mosque, designed by the Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay and financed by Arabic king Faisal, which is why it bears his name. Islamabad, a young and modern city, was chosen as the capital later after Pakistan's founding, replacing Karachi due to defense reasons. After the visits, return to the hotel and enjoy dinner there. Overnight in Islamabad.
Day 02: Islamabad – Rohtas – Waga Border – Lahore
After an early breakfast at 06:00, set off towards Dina to visit the Rohtas Fort. After exploring the fort, continue your drive to the Waga border to witness the flag lowering ceremony. As the evening approaches, drive to Lahore. Once in Lahore, check into your hotel, have dinner, and stay overnight. This day is filled with historical exploration and the unique experience of the border ceremony. Overnight in Lahore.
Day 03: Lahore
Following breakfast, embark on a full day tour of Lahore, the cultural capital of Pakistan. Start with a visit to the old Lahore city, which was walled during the Mughal Empire reign. The Lahore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Shalimar Gardens, is your first stop. Explore the fort and its surrounding areas. After that, visit the Badshahi Mosque, the 2nd biggest mosque in Pakistan and the 5th biggest in the world, featuring a blend of Islamic, Persian, Central Asian, and Hindu architectural features. Later, head to Iqbal Park and see the Minar-e-Pakistan, erected in honor of the date 23 March 1940 when the idea of Pakistan's independence was officially declared for the first time after a meeting in the park. After the visits, it's lunch time. Then, visit the Wezir Khan Mosque, constructed by Shah Jahan’s Prime Minister İlumiddin Ensari. After that, continue with a visit to the Lahore Museum, where you'll have the opportunity to see Buddhist sculptures of Gandhara art, manuscripts, miniatures, and rugs from the Islam period. After the museum visit, take a walk in the Anarkali bazaar, which has been active for 200 years. Overnight in Lahore.
Day 04: Lahore – Khewera – Islamabad
In the morning, drive for 2.5 hours on the Motorway to the Khewera Salt Mines, the 2nd largest mines in the world. In the afternoon, leave for Islamabad, a 2.5-hour drive. In the late afternoon till evening, enjoy a short tour of Islamabad that includes the Faisal Mosque, Pakistan monuments, and Raja Bazaar. Return to the hotel for dinner. This day combines the unique experience of visiting the salt mines with a revisit to Islamabad's notable sites. Overnight in Islamabad.
Day 05: Islamabad – Taxila – Besham
This morning, start your journey towards the mountain kingdom of North Pakistan on the famous Karakorum Highway, also known as the ancient silk route. The drive will take 5-6 hours. En route, visit the Taxila Museum, which is a 1-hour drive from Islamabad. The modern town of Taxila is 35 km from Islamabad, and most of the Archeological Sites at Taxila (600 B.C-500 A.D) are located around the museum. Taxila was renowned as a center of learning for over 1000 years, especially in respect of Gandhara Art of Sculpture, education, and Buddhism during its glory days. There are over 50 archeological sites scattered within a 30 km radius around Taxila, including Dharmarajika, Stupa, and Monastery (300 B.C – 200 A.D), Bhir Mound (600-200 B.C), Sirkap (200 B.C – 600 A.D), Jundial Temple (250 B.C), and Julian Monastery (200-600 A.D). After the visit, continue your drive, stopping for a cup of Pakistani tea and a toilet break. Check into your hotel and stay overnight. Overnight in Besham.
Day 06: Besham – Chilas – Gilgit
It's a long day with a 12-hour drive, but the stunning scenery en route more than makes up for it. Before reaching Gilgit, make some interesting photogenic stops. At Shatial, see the pre-historic rock carving inscriptions. At Chilas, admire the rocks with ancient graffiti. Take in the breathtaking panorama at the viewpoint of Nanga Parbat, the 9th highest peak of the world. Also, stop at the unique point where three mountain ranges, the Karakorum, Himalayas, and Hindukush meet, and at the confluence of the River Indus & Gilgit. After a day full of scenic wonders, arrive in Gilgit. Overnight in Gilgit.
Day 07: Gilgit Town Tour – Karimabad, Hunza Valley
Spend half a day exploring the Gilgit town. Visit the famous Gilgit mountain bazaar, suspension bridges, Kargha Buddha, and take a walk along the Gilgit River. In the late afternoon, drive along the beautiful Hunza river, one of the most special parts of Pakistan. En route, stop at the Monument of Karakorum Highway, the collision point of Indian & Eurasian Plates, the viewpoint of the historical silk route, and the viewpoint of Rakaposhi peak (7788m). As you approach Karimabad, the peak Rakaposhi (7788m) dominates the skyline to the east. Above Hunza, see the prominent rock spire Bublimating 6000m and the Impressive Ultar peaks. The former Mir of Hunza now resides in the Modern Palace in Karimabad. Take your time to explore the shops and the city of Karimabad. Check into your hotel and stay overnight. Overnight in Karimabad.
Day 08: Karimabad, Hunza
Today, the tour includes meeting with local folks and learning about the secrets of their longevity. Also, visit some important historical sites, such as the recently renovated Baltit Fort and the Altit Fort. These forts offer a glimpse into the region's rich history and culture. Spend the day exploring and experiencing the unique charm of Hunza. Overnight in Karimabad.
Day 09: Hopar & Nagir Valley excursions
This morning, drive by 4×4 jeeps to the Hopar village (Nagar Valley) on the opposite side of the River Hunza. Take a walk on the Hopar Glacier. After having lunch at Hopar, drive back to Duikar (The top village of Central Hunza) for sunset and sunrise photography. Enjoy the natural beauty of the valley and capture some stunning moments. Overnight in Duikar or Karimabad (depending on accommodation arrangements).
Day 10: Karimabad, Hunza – Passu upper Hunza
Drive for a short hour on the KKH along the river, surrounded by high peaks, to reach Passu. Before reaching Passu, stop en route at Ganesh, an old village. It is generally believed that the original inhabitants are descendants of soldiers of Alexander the Great. Further drive to Gulkin village and take a walk on the glacier from Gulkin to Borit Lake. Then, trek down to the KKH and cross the Passu suspension bridges. Check into your hotel and stay overnight. Overnight in Passu.
Day 11: Karimabad – Khunjerab Pass – Gilgit
Embark on a full day excursion to the Khunjerab Pass. En route, stop at various places, including rock carvings, atabad lake, a suspension bridge, and viewpoints of Passu peaks, glacier, and cones. Reach Gilgit around evening, check into your hotel, have dinner, and stay overnight. This day offers a chance to experience the beauty and unique features of the Khunjerab Pass region. Overnight in Gilgit.
Day 12: Gilgit – Shangri-la Skardu, Baltistan
After breakfast, drive for 7-8 hours to Skardu Shangri-la. Make several photo stops along the way, including at the canyon of River Indus, hanging bridges, and villages. Reach Shangri-la around late noon, check into the Shangri-la Resort hotel, and then take a walk along the resort for photography. Have dinner and stay overnight. This day is about enjoying the scenic drive and the beauty of Shangri-la. Overnight in Skardu.
Day 13: Shangri-la – Skardu – Khaplo
Following breakfast, drive for an hour to Skardu Town. Take a 30-minute walk in the Skardu bazaar, visit Khapochu Fort, and Satpara Lake. Around noon, drive for 3 hours to Khaplo and stay at the Serena hotel or PTDC hotel Khaplo. Have dinner at the hotel. This day combines exploration of Skardu and a journey to Khaplo. Overnight in Khaplo.
Day 14: Khaplo – Skardu – Shigar Fort
Spend half a day exploring Khaplo Town, including the local bazaar and taking a scenic drive to a bridge. In the afternoon, drive to Shigar and en route, visit the Shigar Sand Dunes, the coldest desert of the Karakorum Mountains. Check into your hotel around evening, have dinner, and stay overnight at the Shigar fort, which is the only nice hotel in the area. Overnight in Shigar.
Day 15: Shigar – Skardu – Chilas
Drive for 8-10 hours back to Chilas. Make stops for photography, tea, and toilet breaks along the way. Reach Chilas around late noon, check into the hotel Chilas Shangri-la, and have dinner. This day is a long drive back, but with opportunities to enjoy the scenery and take breaks. Overnight in Chilas.
Day 16: Chilas – Besham – Islamabad
It's a long day drive to Islamabad, and to make it more comfortable, have several stops along the road. Reach Islamabad around evening, check into your hotel, have dinner, and stay overnight. This day marks the return to the capital city after a long journey through various regions of Pakistan. Overnight in Islamabad.
Day 17: Fly back
You will be transferred to Islamabad International Airport to board your flight home. After experiencing the peace and serenity of Pakistan's mountains, it's time to say Khuda Hafiz, the typical farewell, as you depart after this tour that felt like a journey to Shangri-La. The tour comes to an end, leaving you with memories of a diverse and beautiful country.
