NORTH PAKISTAN…A JOURNEY THROUGH THE HINDUKUSH, HIMALAYAS, AND KARAKORAM MOUNTIAN RANGES
May 17 - June 02, 2025
Led by Local Guide
Pakistan, a country located on the western side of the Indo-Gangetic Plains, has a rich, diverse terrain consisting of high mountain ranges, plateaus, and the Indus River Plain. Its long history includes a section of the ancient Silk Road (Karakoram Highway) that runs through the country over the famous Khyber Pass. Many fascinating ancient archaeological and UNESCO World Heritage sites are waiting to be discovered. On this amazing adventure, you will visit mountain villages to meet the hardy souls that live in a stunningly beautiful landscape under harsh conditions; and = you will drive through mesmerizing natural scenery to the ancient kingdom of Chitral. Here we will attend the annual celebrations of the Kalash tribe before heading on over the Shandur Pass to one of the most spectacular drives on earth. You will visit Swat Valley, with its Buddhist legacy and amazing scenery, and Peshawar, one of those fabled ancient cities that has captured western imagination since immemorial. On your way back to Islamabad, you will have the perfect culmination of the tour visiting the Buddhist University town of Taxila.
Can be combined with Pakistan Chitral tour (May 09 - May 24, 2025)
Tour Cost (Land Only): $8,495.00
per person sharing in double occupancy
Single supplement: $945.00
Price based on group size minimum of 6 participants and maximum of 12 participants
Trip Grade: III Lodging Level: **-****
Tour Includes
Airport/Hotel/Airport transfers.
Accommodation at mentioned Hotels or similar.
All meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch and D: Dinner).
Transportation by minibus with A/C and 4x4 vehicles on part of the tour in the mountains.
Entrance fees to all sites, museums, forts, and National Parks including any applicable taxes on any services.
Service of Gov’t licensed, experienced and English-speaking guides, drivers, any porters needed, any support staff, during the trip.
Visa support letter and approval.
Water on the bus on touring days.
Gratuities to guide, drivers, and porters (provided minimum number of travelers is reached).
Tour Does Not Include
International airfare USA - Islamabad - USA
Pakistan Visa (approx. $160.00 - subject to change).
Beverages with or without meals.
Items of a personal nature, i.e. souvenirs, camera fees, laundry, emails, etc.
Transfers if not arriving/departing on scheduled flights/tour dates.
Dayroom/overnights necessitated by changes in airline schedules.
Trip surcharge to operate below required minimum participants.
Travel insurance (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
Trip Grade:
III Challenging – Parts of the trip are physically challenging, involve hiking on rough terrain or in sand or at high altitudes. There may be very long drives on rough roads; weather conditions will be cold in the north and warm in the south. You may have simple picnic lunches, primitive bathroom facilities along the road, and remoteness from modern towns or cities.
LODGING Level:
✶✶ - ✶✶✶✶ Basic to Superior: Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined service and comfort level acceptable to western standards (2 or 4 stars in some small cities and a few 5 stars in the larger cities.)
Special Trip Remarks:
Anyone joining this trip must understand that in many places, the tourist infrastructure (roads, restaurants, and bathrooms) is very primitive. Some days are long and hard, and the level of services will not match those offered in most tourist locations. The hotels and lodges are comfortable, but some lack the luxuries provided in the West. Security checkpoints can be annoying, but travelers must be flexible and patient. Many roads are in a bad state of repair, and journeys can be long and tiring. It will be helpful if you are flexible and accept any necessary changes. By signing up for this tour, you acknowledge your complete understanding and acceptance of all terms and conditions and assert that you are in good physical and mental health and that you will maintain an open mind, a sense of adventure, and a tolerant and patient spirit during all aspects of the tour.
