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Hiking & Trekking Tours in Pakistan

Find the best Hiking & Trekking tour in Pakistan. There are 30 trips to choose from, that range in length from 6 days up to 60 days. The month with the most departures is June, making it the most popular time for a guided hiking adventure in Pakistan.

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30 hikes in pakistan with 16 reviews.

• Hiking & Trekking

Trek Pakistan's Karakoram Mountains

11 Days Trek Nanga Parbat Base Camp & Hunza Gojal Valley Pakistan

I had a wonderful trip with Rock Valley Tours Pvt Ltd. The whole trip is enjoyable. Both our guide Manzoor and driver Qasim are friendly and helpful. During the trip, we faced a small scale landslide which blocked our road. Manzoor and some other locals worked hard to clean up and resumed the traffic, so that we did not need to turn back and can go as scheduled.

• Christmas & New Year

Fairy Meadows & Nanga Parbat BaseCamp Tour, Gilgit Baltistan - 2023

• Sightseeing

Hunza Valley and Fairy Meadows and Nanga Parbat Base Camp Tour 2024, 2025

10 Days Rush Lake Trek

• Mountain Hikes

Nanga Parbat & Rakaposhi Base Camps, Pakistan Trekking Expedition - 12 Days

After travelled across 20 countries, this journey is the most memorable to me so far. Crossroads team members are more than that, they have strong bonding. I’m very glad that i met Sultan,Hassan,Haziz,Moix,Nawaz during this adventure. They have strong sense of awareness regarding the environment, makes us feel secure and well taken care of. Its our pleasure that we have the chance to visit their hometown,Gojal Hunza. We enjoyed our time with Wakhi family and warm stay. Must visit their hometown once you visiting here,super stunning scenery surrounding that area. We sent nephew & niece to school on next morning, have to mention it because its my first experience sending kids to school. Cant wait for next visit during spring season! Shobosh Crossroads Adventure!

Rakaposhi & Nanga Parbat Base Camp Trekking

Pakistan: Königstrek im Karakorum zum Concordia-Platz und K2 Basecamp

Pakistan Expedition

Pakistan's Karakoram Highway

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Overland Truck

Karakorum Highway & Chitral Valley

Rush Lake Trek 2024-25 | Pakistan's Highest Alpine Lake

10 Days Experience Pakistan,s highest Rusk Lake Trek

K2 Base Camp Trek & Gondogoro La Pakistan – 2024

Glad to have chosen Exploria for our k2 base camp trek. Although it was a separate private trek circuit for 5 of us but the team was very much supportive from the beginning. Guiding us through whole Visa process to execute what was promised, exploria knows the job. Looking forward to join exploria again in 2023 for Nanga Parbat trek.

Patundas Trek 2024/25 By Exploria

Reviews of pakistan hiking & trekking tours.

My tour with CrossRoad Adventure was awesome. I was surprised at the high quality of our accommodations throughout our trip. Our guide Nawaz, went to great lengths to make sure things went smoothly and that we were comfortable. I traveled with another woman, it was only the two of us on the tour. Nawaz kept a close eye on us ensuring we felt safe and secure every second of the our travels. Pakistan is a beautiful country with friendly and welcoming people. I went to see the mountains and be immersed in the culture. I wasn't disappointed We even made it to north the China border, a real treat for sure. I hope one day to return to Pakistan and will for sure travel with Crossroad Adventures.

Hiking & Trekking Tours

• Mountain Hikes (8)
• Himalaya Mountains (30)

Travel Styles

• 10 Best Hiking & Trekking Companies
• Your Guide to Planning a Private Hike 2024/2025
• Best Hiking Tours in The World 2024/2025

International Versions

• Deutsch: Wandern & Trekking in Pakistan
• Français: Pakistan : Treks et randonnées
• Español: Senderismo y Trekking Circuitos en Pakistán
• Nederlands: Wandelen & trekking Rondreizen in Pakistan

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Pakistan Hiking Tours

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Fairy Meadows and Nanga Parbat Base Camp Tour

Explore the Pakistani Himalaya on this wonderful guided trip to Fairy Meadows and Nanga Parbat basecamp. This trip is a wonderful journey, and a big part of the fun is just getting to the start of the trip.

Nanga Parbat Base Camp & Rakaposhi Trek

The Nanga Parbat Base Camp & Rakaposhi Trek is an epic adventure for the strong hiker, taking you to the base camps of some of the tallest mountains in Pakistan. Nanga Parbat, an 8,126m behemoth, is the 9th-tallest mountain in the world, and Rakaposhi reaches 7,788m tall. En route to the base camps, you’ll explore the lush, gorgeous Fairy Meadows, where your campsites feel like they’re in heaven, surrounded by green and framed by the mighty Himalayas and Karakorams.

Explore Hunza Valley Tour

Hunza is a beautiful valley in the Karakoram range and one of the top tourist attractions in Pakistan. This beautiful valley is around 100 km from Gilgit city and takes 2 hours to reach, and the famous Karakoram Highway is open throughout the year.

Nangma Valley Trek

Pakistan’s Nangma Valley is one of the most beautiful valleys in Pakistan, thanks to the massive rock walls that tower over you. This trek takes place in a less-visited part of the Karakoram, but one that will delight you.

Thallay La (Khaplu to Shigar) Trek

Looking for an easier trek while in Pakistan? The Thallay La Trek is a great one to consider. From tiny seasonal settlements of the upper valleys displaying the fascinating Balti culture to the crossing of the snow-capped Thallay La.

Charakusa Valley Trek

The Charakusa Valley is a special part of Pakistan, and this is a great trek if you want to explore a beautiful part of the Karakoram. The superb valley of Charakusa is full of isolated towers and superb granite spires which remain out of the world. This trek leads into the heart of the one of the most isolated and pristine mountain valleys in Pakistan.

K2 Base Camp and Gondogoro La Trek

A guided trek in the Karakoram is a spectacular trip. This guided trek to K2 Base Camp is a special one, as it continues over the Gondogoro Pass for the return journey.

The Grand Traverse of Baltistan

When Eduard Koblmiller set foot in the valley during his successful K6 expedition in 1970, he described it as a place of “unusual and primordial beauty”. The Nangma Valley looks like an impressionist painting, made of extreme color contrasts and abstract lines that point to the sky with astonishing verticality. The beauty of the valley is almost touching, and unlike others and much more famous places, the base camps are only an intense day’s walk from the road.

Snow Lake & Biafo-Hispar Guided Trek

Spectacular views and majestic mountains await you on this guided trek to Snow Lake and across the Hispar Pass. The black and white landscape of rock and ice, mountain and glacier, that you will experience in this part of the Karakorum mountain range is a unique wonder to behold.

K2 Basecamp Group Trek

K2 is iconic, and this trek takes you to K2 basecamp, which mountaineers use to climb K2. Being so remote, you will enjoy a true expedition style experience, staying in tents along the entire trek.

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An Active Cultural Journey in the Karakoram with Paul Amstutz

Pakistan: hiking the hunza valley.

From $9,195

Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

Arrive: Islamabad, Pakistan

Depart: Islamabad, Pakistan

• Enjoy spectacular views of Rakaposhi (25,551'), star of the Hunza Valley skyline
• Meet the friendly people of Hunza in their mountain villages
• Visit the fairytale castle of Baltit, a Hunza landmark
• Hike trails below Rakaposhi Base Camp and up to Hunza's high glaciers
• Explore the traditional Balti village of Khaplu on the Shyok River
• Travel the Karakoram Highway linking northern Pakistan and China
• Stay in comfortable hotels and guest houses with history and character—no camping!

Dates & Pricing

Pricing below is per person and based on double occupancy. The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have. WT also has the most generous cancellation and transfer policies in the industry, we make it easy if you change your mind. Have a small group of your own? Take over an existing date or choose your own. You’ll have your own private guide–and the adventure–all to yourselves!

Payment & Cancel Schedule

$600 due at time of reservation 90 days prior to departure: Balance

Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge! 61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost 46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost 45 days or less: 100% of trip cost

• Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
• Accommodations in hotels, lodges, and forts
• A glass of wine or beer with dinner
• All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure
• All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary

Not Included

• Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
• Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
• Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders or staff
• Optional travel insurance
• Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)

Accommodations

Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Islamabad Serena

Islamabad, Pakistan

Day 1 (1 night)

Serena Khaplu Palace

Khaplu, Pakistan

Days 2-3 (2 nights)

Gilgit Serena Hotel

Gilgit, Pakistan

Days 4-5 (2 nights)

Dumani Nagar Hotel and Resort

Nagar Valley, Pakistan

Days 6-7 (2 nights)

Serena Altit Fort Residence

Altit, Pakistan

Days 8-9 (2 nights)

Hotel Eagle's Nest

Duiker, Pakistan

Day 10 (1 night)

Silk Route Lodge

Gulmit, Pakistan

Days 11-12 (2 nights)

Day 13 (1 night)

Shangrila Resort

Skardu, Pakistan

Day 14 (1 night)

Days 15-16 (2 nights)

Trip Leaders

Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please click on their profiles below.

Paul Amstutz

What the Trip is Like

• 1,100' ascent/descent
• Altitudes range 7,000-10,000 feet
• Day 7: 3.5 miles, 6-7 hours, 3,100' ascent/descent
• Day 11: 6.5 miles, 3 hours, 2,200' ascent/descent

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Book your trip today

Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

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Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Level 1 – Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

• Royal Rajasthan and Villages of India
• Small ship cruises

Level 2 – Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

• Our African safaris
• Costa Rica Wildlife

Level 3 – Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

• Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
• Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
• Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
• Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as  Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin,  are Trip Level 3.

Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.

• Ultimate Patagonia
• Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Level 5 – Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Everest Lodge to Lodge

Level 6 – Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

• Everest Base Camp
• Climb Kilimanjaro!

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Pakistan Treks & Expeditions

Straddling the border between China and Pakistan, the Karakoram region is home to challenging trekking and jaw-dropping scenery of the world’s second highest mountain range.

Heading deep into the Karakorum, our 24-day Ultimate K2 Trek will see you venturing through spectacular mountain wilderness towards the basecamp of K2 (8,611 m)—the second highest peak on Earth. This is no ordinary hike, but a demanding expedition into one of the world’s most rugged and remote regions.

Beginning with a breathtaking mountain flight from Islamabad to Skardu, we commence trekking and follow the narrow trails above the Braldu River before ascending the extensive Baltoro Glacier. Accompanied by expert leader, Andrew Lock, as well as our knowledgeable local guide and passionate crew, we cross the high pass of Gondogoro La (5585m) and trek through the imposing landscapes of the Inner Karakorum towards K2 base camp, surrounded by the highest concentration of 8,000-metre peaks on the planet.

Tackle an exploratory journey with Tim Macartney-Snape into the depths of the Karakorum and venture beyond the trails to an area which is seldom explored.

With Pakistan’s geopolitical background, unpredictable weather and difficult terrain of the region, travel to the Karakorum can pose many challenges. However, our expert crew and unsurpassed safety record, together with your own fitness, flexibility and sense of adventure will ensure that you experience a rewarding and exhilarating expedition.

Destination

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Ultimate K2 Trek: Basecamp, Concordia, Gondogoro La Exploratory

Activities:.

Entry Level Mountaineering or Exploratory Treks

Pastore Peak (6209m), K2 Basecamp and Gondogoro La with Soren Kruse Ledet

Biafo Glacier, Snow Lake and Hispar La Trek with Andrew Lock

Ultimate K2 Trek: Basecamp, Concordia, Gondogoro La

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Trip reviews

Country information, pakistan highlights.

K2 - the world's second highest mountain

Karakoram Range

Our all inclusive approach

Quality services at the best prices make our adventures great value for money. Our trip costs cover valuable inclusions like all meals while trekking and a dedicated local crew who will go the extra yard to ensure you have the experience of a lifetime. Our high level of support allows you to relax and focus on the incredible journey ahead of you.

Innovative itineraries

We've been organising treks and tours in Pakistan for many years and our firsthand knowledge of the region is exceptional.

Leaders in responsible travel

Responsible travel practice is at the heart of every program that we offer. When you book one of our adventures you're supporting a program that is committed to safety and sustainability.

Animal welfare focus

We advocate for cruelty free animal encounters, encouraging travellers to follow the guidelines in our comprehensive Animal Welfare Code of Conduct as we seek to inform stakeholders about animal welfare matters.

Child safe tourism

Children working and living in tourist areas are especially vulnerable to physical, emotional and sexual abuse. We protect vulnerable children by adhering to our Child Protection Code of Conduct.

Wilderness camping

Enjoy fully supported camping in remote locations with our outstanding crew. While the campsite locations have been handpicked for their location, our commitment to responsible travel ensures our footprint is kept to a minimum.

In cities and large towns you will be accommodated in good quality properties that are centrally located, atmospheric and reliable.

A custom made itinerary is the ultimate way to see the world how YOU want. They are created especially for you, giving you complete freedom to choose what you want to see, where you want to go and when you want to do it. If you love our current itineraries but want to customise it privately as a couple, a group of friends, family, club, business or school, you have the freedom to add or remove as many elements as you like to suit the interests of your group. Alternatively, you can start with a blank canvas and create a new and exciting itinerary from scratch! Our well-travelled consultants can give you firsthand suggestions and eliminate any uncertainty with trip planning to ensure you maximise the quality of your experience and get truly off the beaten track. Simply email, phone or visit us to start planning your dream adventure.

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• Where to Go & Weather
• Dialing Code

Electricity

• Health & Safety

The Karakoram is subject to the south-west monsoon that draws its moisture from the Arabian Sea from mid-June until the end of August.  During this time the occasional storm will move north up the Indus valley as far as the Karakoram, although the regularity and intensity of the rains is far less apparent than in the nearby regions of the Indian Himalaya. Localised storms on the higher elevations of the Karakoram are a further important consideration. Records of three or four days of intense bad weather followed by similar fine periods seem to characterise the region and even in September, trekking groups are well advised to prepare for at least one bad spell of weather during the expedition. On the first few days of the trek, extremely hot and dry conditions are not uncommon; temperatures can easily reach 35 Celsius. Adequate sun protection is a must.

Time in Pakistan

Pakistan is +5 hours ahead of UTC/GMT

The main language spoken in Pakistan is Urdu (similar to Hindi), which is taught in schools. English is also widely spoken by business people, officials, guides/staff and in hotels.

There are many different tribal languages spoken throughout the country, which are strongly influenced by their geographic location, as well as historic and religious background. Widely regarded as the fiercest warriors and the most handsome of men in early history, the Pathan tribe, located near the border of Pakistan & Afghanistan, with 17 million people is the largest tribal group in the world. They speak Pashto, and can be found in Peshawar, along the Khyber Pass and in much of the northern areas. Balti is most commonly spoken in the Baltistan of which the Baltoro Glacier is part of it.

Pakistani rupee

International Dialing Code

Electricity in Pakistan is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is C. (2 round prong).

All travellers require a visa for Pakistan. The process for visas and trekking permits for Pakistan can be time consuming and we encourage you to return all the required documents as soon as possible. This is due to the fact it can take several weeks for visa invitation letters to be issued, followed by up to four 4 weeks for visas to be issued (subject to change) once the online visa application has been lodged. Your physical passport is no longer required to be sent anywhere and visas are now e-visas.

The below documents/information are required in order to obtain the invitation letter (also known as a sponsor letter) which is then required to apply for a Pakistan Visa. These should be sent to your reservations consultant at World Expeditions without delay.

A clear copy of the passport data page

The name of the Pakistan High Commission/ Consulate nearest to your home, so the invitation letter provided can be correctly addressed. Note the process is undertaken online, however the high commission/consulate nearest you is the issuing authority.

Confirmation of your home address, if it differs from the that provided on your booking form.

These details will then be sent to our office in Pakistan who will process your invitation letter and return it to World Expeditions.

Once the invitation letter/s are ready, they will be emailed to you so you can apply for your visa. The visa is applied for online at https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/mountaineering-trekking/

At time of writing, online visa applications are possible for AU, NZ, UK, US, Danish, Argentinean and Canadian Passport holders, among others. Visa type is a ‘Mountaineering & Trekking Visa’ There are two visa options – Trekking and Mountaineering and there are differing application forms. A mostly completed template will provided for your use by your World Expeditions reservations consultant. Note the form provided is normally downloaded from the website and the forms may change, please check and use the one online in the event of changes. Once you apply online and pay the appropriate visa fee, the application will be processed.

The processing of the visa can take up to 4 weeks. Note your passport must be valid for six months beyond exit date and have two blank facing visa pages. The e-visa provided by the Pakistan Government will be the actual visa for Pakistan and with it you will be allowed to enter Pakistan upon arrival. There is not a physical visa or any need to have your passport sent away anywhere. The immigration staff will verify the e-visa on arrival.

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An Epic Cultural and Hiking Tour to Pakistan

Written by erin coyle, adventure travel | asia | destinations | outdoor travel | travel.

Pakistan is an exceptional country with warm and friendly hospitality, stunning scenery, and various hiking trails. Read on for what to know about booking a cultural and hiking tour to Pakistan.

“What do you think of my country?” asks the smiling man as he turns around while walking down the street. Smiling, I replied, “I love your country. The people are friendly and helpful, and the food is delicious.” The man thanked me and continued walking. This was a question people often asked when I was traveling in Pakistan on a cultural and trekking tour.

People are curious and are happy to see a foreigner visiting the country. Someone will stop and ask if they can help or if you need something. One woman—a doctor for speech pathology—gave three of us from my travel group a ride home from the shop because she said it was too hot to walk the 15 minutes back to the hotel.

There are many reasons to visit, including the people and the landscape. While the cities are great places to explore, visiting the North for hiking is also essential. I decided to book a cultural and hiking tour to Pakistan with Ready for Road because I wanted to hike and did not want to deal with the logistics myself, and it was an excellent way to meet other people.

What's in This Article:

Getting to Pakistan

I flew into Lahore because my tour started here. It was a two-and-a-half-hour direct flight from Oman. Some airlines may first stop in Dubai or Qatar. Other airports to fly into include Islamabad, Karachi, and Gilgit.

The Anarkali Market in Lahore sells clothing, bags, and more. Photo by Erin Coyle

Safety for a Cultural and Hiking Tour to Pakistan

I never had an issue of safety while I was in Pakistan. I arrived a few days before my tour began. I walked around the streets of Lahore with no problems and took tuk-tuks—a type of motorbike taxi. Locals will want to talk to you because they are curious and want to know what visitors think of their country. When walking on the streets, some may ask guests if they need any help; they are genuine and want to assist if they can.

Walking around the markets in Lahore is safe, and the shop owners will not haggle. I was with two other women from my group at Anarkali Market in Lahore, and we needed to take a tuk-tuk to a bookshop, but we didn’t know how to tell the driver the location. One of the fabric shop owners helped us and arranged the price and driver for us.

This is me riding in a tuk-tuk. Photo by Erin Coyle

Culture and Hiking Tour to Pakistan

As mentioned above, locals will welcome anyone to their country. It is easy to have conversations with people. Walking around Lahore, I noticed a faded red building and peeked through it. Someone motioned for me to come toward security. This building was Punjab University, and a former English teacher invited me to sit with him and three guards over tea and biscuits to converse. We discussed my role as an English as a Second Language teacher abroad and compared notes about students. Nearly an hour later, I had to leave to head to the market.

Whether staying at a guesthouse, homestay, or hotel or walking around the streets, expect generosity when traveling around Pakistan. There will always be someone offering chai (tea) or a meal. The warm and friendly hospitality is another reason to go on a cultural and hiking tour to Pakistan.

A pot of Chai with black tea and milk. Photo by Erin Coyle

Hiking in Pakistan

Another reason to visit Pakistan is for the hiking. The peaks, mountains, and surrounding scenery give the illusion that everything is fake. I kept waiting for someone to remove the movie set. My group flew from Islamabad to Gilgit in the North. Each hike had its unique landscape.

This is one of the views when hiking Eagle’s Nest. Photo by Erin Coyle

Fairy Meadows

Expect to walk about two hours to reach your stay for the night. The graveled path sometimes has slight inclines with some steep sections. Trekkers will be surrounded by Himalayan pine and other spruce trees, with views of Nanga Parbat, the ninth-highest mountain in the world. I was not expecting to see so many trees along the way, and I needed to find other words to describe the scenery besides ‘amazing, beautiful, and wow’ while I was hiking. Riding a donkey is possible for those who do not want to walk.

This is part of the Fairy Meadows trail. Photo by Erin Coyle

Nanga Parbat Basecamp

The trek begins from Fairy Meadows with loose stones and a flat gravel path until a short break at Beyal Camp after about forty-five minutes. Climbers will walk past tall pine trees, and then the break area is an open field with wooden cabin hotels on one side and houses for locals on the other. Thirty minutes later, visitors will reach the Nanga Parbat viewpoint and catch glimpses of glaciers and mountains. Some stay here, while others continue to the basecamp.

The beginning starts on a narrow gravel path close to the edge with loose rocks. Pay attention to your feet and put one foot before the other. I needed assistance from the local guide a few times because I did not trust my feet so close to the edge. At one point, hikers will walk through snow, mud, and grass. There is a steep ascend toward the last forty-five minutes. The last part is challenging because of the slipping in mud and snow, making you want to stop; however, reaching the end is worth it. Hikers will climb 300 meters (almost 1,000 feet) before reaching 3,980 meters (13,057 feet). The views of Nanga Parbat Peak and the snowy caps seem surreal when reaching this point.

This is Nanga Parbat Basecamp. Photo by Erin Coyle

Naltar Valley

Blue Pool Lake starts the forty-five-minute hike to reach Naltar Valley’s water source. The first fifteen minutes require walking around boulders before stepping on a flat grassy path. No one is around; simply nature with its brownish/moss-colored valleys, mountains, and peaks. I felt as if I was walking in a painting. Hikers will climb around small boulders before reaching the water source. On one side is sulfur-colored water with glaciers and mountains; on the other, there is a small stream of water, glaciers, and mountains. Those not wanting to do this hike can walk near Blue Lake while waiting for the group to return.

One of the Naltar Valley views reminds me of a painting. Photo by Erin Coyle

Eagle’s Nest Route While Hiking in Pakistan

From Karimabad, this two-hour hike combines walking across one sturdy and safe wooden swinging bridge, around boulders, and on a narrow grassy path near the edge. Hikers will also have views of valleys and mountains in forest green and brown colors. I enjoyed the variety of the trail and scenery. At the end of the route, hikers walk past guesthouses and tuk shops that sell drinks and snacks, which are part of Eagle’s Nest. Visitors can also walk five more minutes to the viewpoint to see mountains, valleys, trees, water, and villages. It is an alluring sunset spot.

A lovely view at the end of the Eagle’s Nest trek. Photo by Erin Coyle

Baskochi Meadows Trek

The two-hour hike is part flat, with some loose rocks and other parts walking around boulders. The steep ascent is difficult for about forty-five minutes. I took several water breaks during this ascent. Walking on a very narrow path close to the edge for about ten minutes will be required. Not trusting my feet again, I had someone take my hand while I walked here. The views of the turquoise Attabad Lake and mountains on either side are worth it.

The stunning view of Attabad Lake. Photo by Erin Coyle

Ghulken Black Glacier

The trail is a mix of small loose rocks, flat gravel, and going around small boulders. Some flat parts of the path are muddy and icy, so be careful when walking. There is a less narrow path close to the edge just before the viewpoint, but this one was wide enough, so I did not need help walking. Walking up and down a rocky path is sometimes required, so be careful because the rocks can be slippery. The views of snow-capped mountains and glaciers are stunning. It took us about four hours to reach, but we stopped for an hour for a swim and snack break at Borith Lake.

This is one of the views while hiking the Ghulkin Black Glacier trail. Photo by Erin Coyle

General Information About Hiking in Pakistan

Wear hiking boots when trekking. When starting the trail at Fairy Meadows, those who do not want to hike can take a donkey. The prices vary and could change, but expect to pay between $12-16. Taking the bus and meeting fellow travelers later in the day is also possible with a group.

For those visiting Karimibad, it is a laid-back town with souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafes. Guests can relax while taking in mountain views, stacked layered houses, and hotels on the hill. Make sure to buy some dried apricots at one of the shops.

Guests can enjoy some tea or coffee while admiring this view in Karimabad. Photo by Erin Coyle

Additional Details for Your Cultural and Hiking Tour in Pakistan

Below are some other tips to keep in mind before traveling to Pakistan.

It may take two to three weeks to get an e-visa , so apply early. The price varies depending on where travelers are from. Mine cost $60. Immigration will ask for a copy of the visa grant notice upon arrival.

Visitors will need Pakistani Rupees for markets, tuk-tuks, food, and taxis when visiting Pakistan for culture and trekking. There are ATMs around Lahore and a couple of money exchange offices. Check the times for the money exchange because most will close during lunchtime.

How to Dress in Pakistan

It is best to avoid sleeveless tops and shorts above the knee. Women should wear skirts, pants, or dresses below the knee and will need to cover their heads when visiting mosques. Visitors should also take off their shoes before entering mosques. Bring a neck gaiter or a scarf for sun protection and the dust. The mountains will be cold, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, so bring a jacket and a hat.

My group at Badshahi Mosque. Photo courtesy of Anjum

Getting Around Pakistan

Visitors can download the In-drive app , similar to Uber, except drivers can bid once a passenger enters a price. I had issues using the app, so when I wasn’t with the group, I took tuk-tuks around Lahore or walked. It’s important to be able to stay in touch while traveling in Pakistan, so I recommend purchasing an e-sim card . Remember, there is a separate network in the North.

Several roads, including the one to reach the starting point of Fairy Meadows, the path leading to Naltar Valley, and the road traveling from Gilgit to Islamabad, are narrow and winding. For those who experience motion sickness, bring pills along.

Jeeps are the mode of transportation to drive to the starting point of Fairy Meadows. Photo by Erin Coyle

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Ready to Travel to Pakistan for a Cultural and Hiking Tour?

Pakistan is an exceptional country with warm and friendly hospitality, stunning scenery, and various hiking trails, resulting in one of the most incredible trips I have taken. I would recommend a cultural and trekking tour to Pakistan to everyone. The best months for trekking are May through October. To book with Ready for Road, go online or check out their Instagram pages @readyforroad and @readyforroadpk . They will make sure travelers have a memorable trip.

Hiking | Outdoor Activities | Outdoor Adventures

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Reading Erin Coyle’s article on the culture & hiking tours of Pakistan has changed my perception of Pakistan – for the better, of course. So much so that I will add it to my bucket list!

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• Cultural Tours

Soft Adventures

Hard adventures.

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Thalay Valley

Skardu Valley

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Popular tours in pakistan.

Women Only Hunza Nature Tour

Difficulty: Level 1 Trip Style: Cultural / Soft Trip Length: 09 Days Max Elevation: 2400m/7874ft (more)

Hunza & Skardu Cultural Tour – The Karakoram Experience

Difficulty: Level 1 Trip Style: Soft / Cultural Trip Length: 14 Days Max Elevation: 2500m/8200ft (more)

Nangma & Thallay La Trek – The Grand Traverse of Baltistan

Difficulty: Level 6 Trip Style: Basecamp / Soft / Trekking Trip Length: 15 Days Max Elevation: 4100m/13451ft (more)

Baltistan Cultural Tour – The Mountains Call

Difficulty: Level 1 Trip Style: Cultural / Soft Trip Length: 09 Days Max Elevation: 2500m/8200ft (more)

Hunza Cultural Tour – Colors of Hunza

Thallay La Trek – A Walk Among The Giants

Difficulty: Level 5 Trip Style: Trekking / Soft Trip Length: 11 Days Max Elevation: 4200m/13799ft (more)

Charakusa Valley Trek – Paradise Discovered

Difficulty: Level 8 Trip Style: Basecamp / Hard / Trekking Trip Length: 12 Days Max Elevation: 4350m/14270ft (more)

Nangma Valley Trek – The Yosemite of Pakistan

Difficulty: Level 4 Trip Style: Basecamp / Soft / Trekking Trip Length: 10 Days Max Elevation: 3950m/12950ft (more)

K1 Basecamp Trek – The Queen Of Karakoram

Difficulty: Level 4 Trip Style: Basecamp / Soft / Trekking Trip Length: 11 Days Max Elevation: 4200m/13800ft (more)

Best Experience With Us

Beyond the Valley always aim to provide you with a fantastic tour-guided trip and enhance your travel experience along with our cultural festivities.

As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. We will be providing you with high-quality hiking and trekking service equipment (excluding personal equipment).

GUIDED TOURS

A certified local guide will lead the group. During the hiking and trekking, the group will be accompanied by an entire support crew, including a cook, kitchen crew, and porters, to carry all equipment and personal trek bags.

Packing Advise

You do not have to bring everything, you should use your own experience and judgment, but we ask you to ensure you have all the compulsory items.

Trip Styles

Happy clients

With the benefit of social media & Tik Tok, we saw Pakistan in a different light still being in the ”foreigner mindset” I diligently searched for a reputable tour operator and came across BEYOND THE VALLEY, they fitted our criteria, so we booked the Mountain Call tour. Their guides, professionalism, and handling of everything like transport, hotels, needs, food the lot was very reassuring. The tour was outstanding as was the beauty of Pakistan, I couldn’t have picked someone to put me and my family in safe hands. Even the ad-hoc requirements, some shopping, etc are all taken care of. A real credit to tourism in Pak and every reason why I would book again.

Forget about Europe or Japan. I will assure you that Pakistan offers you different experiences. All the staff from Beyond the Valley are super helpful and care that your journey goes as smoothly as possible. (My tour trip was the Nangma and Thallay La treks.) I’d like to go back there to see the blossoms in the spring, go on a yoga-hiking trip, or trek up to K2 base camp and beyond. Many thanks to the founders, Naseem, Munir, and many others.

This was an unforgettable trip with Beyond the Valley and they did a great job organizing local guides and tours. There are a few recommendations I’d make on the itinerary because some of the days were quite long and a lot of driving. Luckily, we had an AMAZING driver. I’d highly recommend Beyond the Valley. Their customer service is outstanding and they are wonderful people!

It was a really great tour and holiday that will forever be etched in my memory! Each day surpassed the last. Despite our last-minute decision to book with Beyond the Valley, their outstanding organization had us set for our adventure swiftly. Our guide, Hina, and driver, Tahir, were more than just professionals; they enriched every site with additional insights. Contrary to some media portrayals, the Pakistan we experienced was both welcoming and secure, whether in bustling Islamabad or serene Hunza. The standout experiences? The genuine warmth and open-heartedness of its people”

Beyond the Valley provided us with an experience we will never forget. From stunning treks to Rakaposhi Basecamp and the majestic sight of Passu Cones to diving deep into local culture with visits to historical forts and even learning to make chapattis with a local family. Every moment was enriched by our guide, who not only shared his deep knowledge but also his excellent photography skills, ensuring we had memories to cherish forever. Islamabad was the perfect place to complete our tour, with its fascinating culture, friendly locals, and excellent cuisine. Every corner of Pakistan we explored left us in wonder. A heartfelt thanks to the team for making our experience seamless, flexible, and one of our most cherished adventures. We can’t recommend Beyond the Valley enough!”

The Hunza tour was the perfect mixture of mountains, adventure and culture. Great trip in a stunning country with amazing people. 10/10 would recommend!”

During my visit to Pakistan, I found it an extremely safe and welcoming country with a strong history. In Gilgit-Baltistan, the simplicity of the people and the stunning landscape made me dream of the famous Silk Road. With Beyond the Valley, it was my first time on an organized tour; the experience was easy-going, with a friendly small group. We had a mix of tourist activities and traditional experiences. To all travelers, please meet the most welcoming population amidst a magnificent landscape.”

“Traveling with Beyond The Valley was a wonderful experience. We felt safe all the time while still being on a wild adventure. We found the north of Pakistan a land of natural amusements, rich culture, and welcoming people. We would definitely recommend Pakistan as a travel destination and Beyond The Valley as a trusted and conscious tour operator’’.

Why Choose BTV?

At Beyond the Valley , our vision is to introduce the Karakoram as one of the best adventure travel destinations globally.

We are on a mission to enrich people’s lives through authentic & exceptional experiences with a strong focus on customer service, inspiration, accomplishment & cultural exchange while promoting the conservation of both natural and human communities.

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Max elevation

High altitudes.

Trekking to high altitude (generally this means above 2500 meters) involves additional risk not normally associated with lower-level treks. This is not something that should prevent you from undertaking a trek. However, before embarking on such a holiday, it makes sense to learn about the dangers inherent in trekking at high altitudes and also the ‘golden rules' to prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

TRIP SELECION

For each of our holidays, the maximum altitudes attained are listed on the website and in the heading of the individual Trip Notes. In addition, the altitudes of each camp and each pass are listed in the daily itinerary. You should read the Trip Notes carefully and use your judgment to gauge whether your chosen holiday is suitable for your level of experience. If you have any doubts at all you should contact our office. Our experienced staff is more than happy to talk about altitude-related issues during our holidays.

ACCLIMATIZATION

The human body is capable of adapting to a very wide range of barometric pressures. This adaptation process is known as acclimatization and it does take time. The most important rule is to gain height slowly and it is generally accepted that the maximum safe altitude gain in any one day is 500 meters once above 2500 meters. Where this is not possible, then it is important to have a rest or acclimatization day at the new altitude before gaining further height. In general the maxim ‘climb high and sleep low' applies. It is perfectly acceptable (and even beneficial to your acclimatization) to climb higher than 500 meters above your last camp (for example when crossing a high pass) as long as the increase in sleeping altitude remains within the above rule.

There is a correlation between daily fluid intake and successful acclimatization and you must pay particular attention to hydration during trekking at high altitudes. On treks to 3000 meters and above most people will need to drink between 4 and 6 liters each day to achieve suitable hydration levels and you must adopt a responsible approach to achieving this target.

ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS

Before embarking on a trek to high altitude it is important that you familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and that you report any illness to your tip leader straight away. See the links at the bottom of this page for further reading on AMS.

There are a number of untested herbal remedies which claim to prevent mountain sickness. However, only one drug is currently known to have a useful role in preventing AMS and to be safe for this purpose: acetazolamide (Diamox). We recommend that you carry Diamox in your first aid kit for treks where you spend an extended period above 4000m. Diamox can only be obtained from a medical professional on prescription and it is important that you first consult your own doctor so that you know there are no contra indications with other medicines you may be taking and that you do not have an allergy to acetazolamide. Diamox commonly causes some minor side effects, such as tingling fingers and toes, or a metallic taste in the mouth, but more severe reactions are rare. On trek, the decision whether or not and when, you should take Diamox as with any drug, will rest solely with you. If you intend to take Diamox, you must familiarize yourself with the appropriate dosage and regime prior to coming on the trip. The links at the bottom of this page will provide further information on the use of Diamox as an aid to acclimatization.

Travelling to high altitudes is not something you need to be scared of. Every year thousands of people enjoy the most amazing experiences in the world's greatest mountain ranges. Altitude sickness is entirely preventable if you follow very simple rules and procedures. Please make sure you are aware of these before you travel.

SUMMARY OF DIFFICULTY The hike up to our campsite is a moderate 6 miles and 1400ft of elevation gain. The scramble up to Pyramid Ridge can be steep and difficult, but very adventurous and with just light day packs. Hiking

Please Note:  Terrain, Elevation Gain and Heights Exposure ratings reflect the section or day of the trip with the maximum difficulty of each. Much of the trip is at easier levels. See the trip itinerary for more detailed information. Backpack Weight ratings are estimates that account for Wildland-provided gear, guest clothing, personal items and a share of group food. By packing light it’s often possible to stay on the lower end of the weight range. Pack weights also decrease during the trip.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Hiking uphill or downhill with a 25-35 lb backpack for 5-7 hours
• Hiking uphill off trail with a 8-12 lb backpack for 6-8 hours
• Maintaining balance and footing on moderately rugged terrain
• Hiking with moderate heights exposure

To show the relative difficulty of our adventure holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most challenging. Our simple, colour-coded grade symbol provides an indication of the difficulty of each trip.

Clearly, there are many different factors that contribute to the difficulty of a particular holiday, including, length of day, terrain, type of accommodation, altitude and weather conditions. Since some of these factors are necessarily changeable, any system of grades can only provide a general indication. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the detailed Trip Notes and if you are still unsure, please do not hesitate to contact us

GREEN 1 - 4 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

YELLOW 5 - 7 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

RED 08 - 10 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involve many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness experience is essential.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL

Adventure is our thing.

If it's yours, let us take you on a  journey of a lifetime.

You’re asking yourself what it means, right? Well, let us tell you. Even better, let us show you. MouhimJo means Adventurer in Urdu. Adventure is our thing, and if it’s yours then you are in the right place.

Upcoming Tours

Karakoram Express Adventure Skardu | Deosai | Himalayas

Next tour: 

Duration:  Difficulty: Price:        

6 nights 7 days  Easy-Luxury 999 $ or 785£    

K-2 Basecamp | Karakoram | Skardu |  GondogoroLa (5600 m)

20 days  Hard level (Non-technical) 3799  $ or 3153 £ 

Trekking in the Himalayas & Karakoram | Deosai | Skardu 

14 days  Moderate-level trekking 

2899 $ or 2376 £

Pakistan Adventure & Culture Circuit | Hunza | Fairy Meadows | Lahore

Next tours:

Easy 2799  $ or 2215 £ 

Some words from our lovely guests.

Christiana Wolf

Tech, motorbikes & car racing boston, usa.

Michelle Lampard

Founder rev sisters south dakota, usa, tripadvisor reviews.

Rose Brown London, UK

"I had the pleasure of meeting Abdullah in Pakistan two years ago. His knowledge of the history of the country in all realms was extensive and greatly added to my ability to enjoy the stunning scenery and cultural wonderland around me. He has a thriving sense of adventure and there was never a dull moment in his company. I have found a great friend in Abdullah and am looking forward to seeing him succeed in this new role in the mountains he calls home.

Doc Irfan Ansari Texas, USA

"Abdullah is a very passionate and caring person and has all the qualities of a good guide. When you are away from everything in the wilderness you need a reliable and a trustworthy guide on your side. I met him in 2018 on our trip to K2 base camp and we went through some unexpected weather & challenges and he came through all the time. He is very knowledgeable and has an innate ability to make friends which is very much needed when working with locals. I wish him well and know with the grit that he has will do great.

Kyle Johnson California, USA

“Abdullah is an amazing guide. I spent two weeks exploring Pakistan with him and I cannot recommend him highly enough. I’m a female solo traveler and Abdullah made me feel safe, fun, and most importantly adventurous! From trekking through absolutely breathtaking scenery to meeting the amazing people who live in Pakistan, Abdullah was knowledgeable about everything from culture to glaciers. I miss you Abdullah and can’t wait to come visit you in Pakistan again.

Why Pakistan?

Well, where do we start? What would you say if we invited you to one of the most genuinely untouched natural beauties on earth? (David Attenborough said so, and he knows his stuff!). This is your chance to experience true nature, untouched and real, with a connection that will stay with you forever. Trust us.  

When was the last time you went somewhere and didn’t look at your phone, barely saw another soul, and truly saw nature in all its beauty? Oh, and all in a place with the most glaciers outside the polar region, 8000+ metre peaks, world’s highest plains & deserts, with the most hospitable people in the world. Like what you hear?  

Our team has travelled these regions extensively and believe us, it is magical. Our passion is to take a like-minded group of adventurous travelers on this journey with us to experience this special place for yourself.

We beleive in quality, not quantity.

Guests will be part of a team of a small group of like-minded adventurers.That is why we created MouhimJo, and why we put our hearts into this. We believe that our core values and experience will allow us to create a truly unique and special trip for each of our guests.

We believe in setting our own course, rather than following the crowd. Rather than setting up a commercial business, we create unique, local and exclusive experiences.

Our local knowledge and experience mean we can bring extra value so you pay less, for more expertise. Unlike bigger commercial brands, we aim to give you the wilder, almost never before seen hiking and cultural tours in Pakistan.  

Adventure is our thing. If it’s yours, let us take you on a journey of a lifetime. Join us in the mountains on one of the best hiking tours in Pakistan or be a part of our group in cities on our cultural and history tours.

Upcoming Adventures!

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Best Hiking in Pakistan: Top Trails for 2023

There are many great hiking destinations in the world, but few hit in all the right places like Pakistan does.

Hiking in Pakistan is one of the top reasons to visit the country (and the main reason I started running trips here myself). There is a bit of everything here: some of the world’s tallest mountains, glacier traverses, crazy viewpoints, alpine lakes, cultural hikes, and multi-day crazy bucket list expeditions. The country just screams world-class hiking destination just about everywhere you look.

Unlike in other places though, hiking in Pakistan is still very much an off-the-beaten-path affair. This means that oftentimes when you set off on a hike there are very few other people around and a whole lot of nature to take in in relative peace. Pakistan is not Nepal in terms of tourism infrastructure which leads to some pretty epic opportunities. This is true whether you are looking for a chill day hike around Islamabad or something larger in the vast Karakoram range.

So what are the best Pakistan hiking opportunities out there? Read on the find out.

DID YOU KNOW THAT I RUN TOURS IN PAKISTAN?

Every year I lead unique trips to Pakistan including the K2 Base Camp Trek and to the Hunza Valley?

Best Multi-day Treks in Pakistan

Below is a list of a few multi-day expedition-style treks in Pakistan that should be on your radar in 2023.

Snow Lake Trek

Despite the simplicity of the name, the Snow Lake Trek is much, much more than a simple jaunt to a frozen lake.

In 2022, I lead a group trip to Snow Lake to the first time and it was the craziest and most wild trek in Pakistan I have ever done. The route follows the immense Biafo and Hispar glaciers and is roughly 120 km long.

Out of 27 other teams that attempted the full Snow Lake Trek, we were the first successful group to cross Hispar La – if that tells you anything about the difficulty of the terrain in question.

The whole area that makes up the Biafo and Hispar glacier systems are super remote – making logistics a constant challenge and one that must be accounted for before setting off.

If you are looking for an epic challenge, the Snow Lake Trek ranks as one of my favorite hikes in Pakistan.

I might be organizing another Snow Lake Trek in 2023 – get in touch if you might be keen to join me!

K2 Base Camp Trek + Gondogoro La

The most iconic multi-day trek in Pakistan is without a doubt the K2 Base Camp Trek .

In comparison to Everest Base Camp, the trek to the base of the world’s second-highest mountain is only visited by less than 1000 people annually. The main trekking route follows the Baltoro Glacier to a confluence with the Godwin-Austen Glacier at a place known as Concordia; AKA the “throne room of the mountain gods”.

For more fit trekkers, tacking on the Gondogoro La (5600 meters) mountain pass is a fantastic way to end the trek. The views from atop Gondogoro La are mind-blowing and doing the K2 Base Camp Trek this way means you do not have to return back down the Baltoro Glacier the same way you came.

If you have done the whole Everest Base Camp thing and want to experience some of the best mountain views in the world, then the K2 Base Camp Trek is the logical next step.

Karamber Lake

One of the most unique multi-day treks I have done in Pakistan is the Karamber Lake Trek (also spelled “Karomber”). The entire trekking portion of the trek took us roughly 4 days to complete and I would not suggest trying to do it any faster than that so that you have time to relax at the actual lake once you arrive there.

The road to get to Karamber was a journey unto itself; the 2-day journey by road took us at least 36 hours of non-stop driving from Islamabad – just to start the trek! From the starting point, Karamber Lake is roughly 30 kilometers and 1 vertical km of elevation gain. For the first half of the trek, there is little to no water, so be sure to plan accordingly.

I have heard recently that several foreigners have tried and failed to get past the army checkpost which one must cross in order to reach the upper Broghil Valley to start the trek. They simply were not letting any foreigners pass.

When I went here in 2020 – I did not have an issue, which might have been because I was doing the trek with a group of Pakistani friends.

Double-check what the current situation is for foreigner access before you attempt to go to this area.

Patundas Meadow / Passu Glacier

One of the best hikes in Pakistan is without a doubt the trip to Patundas Meadows. For a long time, very few people from outside of Hunza even knew about Patundas. This is changing, however on any given day, there is a good chance you will still be the only one there.

The fact that Patundas can be done in only 3 days round-trip also makes it a desirable option for people short on time.

Though only a 30-minute drive from the Karakoram Highway, Patundas should NOT be attempted without a local guide. There is a dangerous glacier crossing to contend with and people have died trying to cross it alone.

There are two “official” campsites on this trek, one at the bottom of the climb (just above the Passu glacier in a sort of shepherds hut area) to reach the meadow (around 3500 m) and one atop the actual Patundas top (around 4200 m). Most people opt to camp down at the first camp as there is no reliable water source on Patundas. Plus the top section is super exposed; I got caught in a crazy rain and wind storm up there with some friends and we got hammered with fierce rain all night.

Barah Broq Trek

Probably the most underrated trek in Pakistan, the Barah Broq Trek is an achievable multi-day hike that gets you up above 5000 meters and also offers insane views of K2, Broad Peak, and the Gasherbrum range (if the weather is clear).

The trek starts from Barah Village – which is a small rural settlement 4-5 hours’ drive from Skardu on the Baltistan side.

I have done this trek in 4 nights / 5 days, making camp as I go at different altitudes – with the highest campsite being around 4800 meters (I recommend camping lower in case of strong winds). The trek culminates with a scramble to the top of Moses Peak (5300). It is from here that you can observe amazing 360 views of neighboring 7000 and 8000-meter peaks.

Very few people per year do this amazing hike – which means that the area is still incredibly clean and well-preserved. If getting a 5000-meter peak notch in your belt and seeing K2 are high on your to-do list, then Barah Broq is certainly one of the best hikes in Pakistan by far.

Shimshal Pass / Pamir Mountains (Gilgit Baltistan)

Another Pakistan hike in the extreme difficulty category is the route up and over Shimshal Pass.

Like Snow Lake, going out into the Shimshal Pamir area is to truly step out into one of the wildest and harshest landscapes one can visit outside of the polar regions.

The cool thing about doing the Shimshal Pass Trek is that there are many different route variations. You can actually start the Snow Lake Trek in Askole and finish in Shimshal via various passes if you wanted to do it that way. There are multiple different pass options to consider – with Lupke La probably being the sexiest target pass.

Unless you are very experienced and are carrying all of your own gear, I can’t see how you could do this trek without a guide.

Hiking in Pakistan: Epic Day Hikes

Not all of the hikes in Pakistan have to be long, multi-day affairs. There are some fantastic day hike opportunities here as well. From Punjab to KPK to Gilgit Baltistan, there is something for everyone on this list.

Nanga Parbat Base Camp Trek (Fairy Meadows side)

Nanga Parbat is one of the most accessible 8000-meter peaks in the world, since you can walk to it in only a few hours from a major highway (KKH).

After the 90-minute harrowing jeep ride from Nanga Parbat, after a few hours, you reach Fairy Meadows , one of the most popular tourist destinations in Pakistan.

From Fairy Meadows, the hike to Nanga Parbat Base Camp takes roughly 3-4 hours depending on your fitness. I have brought my tent with me once and actually camped at the base camp (snow fell, it was awesome), but most people just do the journey as an out-and-back hike – which takes roughly 8 hours with breaks.

During the busy months, it is possible to buy chai and snacks along the way. The sort of halfway point to Nanga BC from Fairy Meadows is Baial Camp – where you can stop and have a homecooked meal from my friend Hussein at his guest house there. If you want to have a shorter hike to Nanga Parbat, you can opt to sleep at Baial Camp as there are a few guesthouses that have nice rooms.

It is also possible to visit Nanga Parbat Base Camp from both the Fairy Meadows side or the Rupal side – which is where all climbing expeditions start their climb from.

Bridge to Bridge Hike (Hunza)

Almost everyone looking at traveling to Pakistan has seen the iconic images of the Hussaini suspension bridge. You know, that rickety wooden bridge hanging above the Hunza river?

Well, you can turn the ordinary touristy visit to this bridge into a proper adventure by starting your hike from another, lesser-known bridge called the Passu Suspension Bridge.

After crossing the Passu Bridge, the hike takes you across a rocky plateau of sorts where directly behind you, insane views of the Passu Cones dominate the landscape. After passing through a small farming settlement, the trail spits you out on a rocky track above the Hunza River, finishing at the Hussaini suspension bridge. You don’t really need a guide for this one, but the route is difficult to find on your own, so if you have the chance to go with a local, all the better.

Kandol Lake in Kalam Valley (Swat)

I found myself in Kalam Valley (at the far end of Swat Valley in KPK) towards the end of winter and decided to go for a long hike up to Kandol Lake. All the local people were telling me “not possible sir”, mostly because the jeep track leading up to the lake was covered in snow.

Well, that is what legs are for. It is true most people in the summer opt to take a jeep close to the top of this hill where the lake is, but there is no need to do that. Just hike!

The track to get there was through a beautiful forest and the lake itself was totally frozen over (this was in March), making for some really cool photos.

From Kalam, this is a proper all-day adventure, but one you can easily do on your own if you are fit. In the summer, expect the lake to be crowded with people – in the off-season months though, you should have it to yourself.

Marsur Rock (Skardu)

If you find yourself in Skardu and need to get your legs moving before you start your big adventure to K2 Base Camp, the best hike in Skardu is the journey to Marsur Rock. Often compared to the Trolltunga  Rock in Norway, Marsur Rock is the perfect day hike adventure away from the dusty bazaar area in Skardu.

From the Skardu center bazaar, the drive to get to the starting point is about 45 minutes. From the road, there is a distinct dirt path heading up to the rock, roughly 800 meters above.

This hike is pretty short in distance but it is STEEP. Expect the round trip journey to be about 4 hours.

Pack plenty of water and be sure to pack plenty of suncream as well as there is literally no shade whatsoever on this trek.

Margalla Hills (Islamabad)

Whether you live in Islamabad or are just visiting, the Margalla Hills are a popular spot to find local hiking trails just outside the city center.

I have done 3 out of the 8 routes (the trails are all marked by numbers)n and have enjoyed the hike each time. Trail number five has been my favorite and allows me to get a good workout in when I am visiting the city.

Kind of by definition, the Margalla Hills trails are…hilly. So expect to gain some altitude over the course of your hike.

Baskochi Meadows /Attabad Lake View Point (Hunza)

I hate to say it but Attabad Lake has become an ugly tourist trap, at least right on the shorefront. But wait… you can escape the crowds and all of the hastily built tourist restaurants for the best views of the entire lake.

There is a newly built trail just off the Karakoram Highway that gets you straight away from the crowds and up into the mountains. The trek is steep (pretty much the same story in all of Pakistan), but the views are truly worth the effort. Total hike time will be about 3-4 hours round trip.

Yazghil Glacier (Shimshal)

If you have made it all the way to Shimshal – congratulations. Shimshal is a hotbed for local Hunza culture as well as several outstanding treks.

One of the best reward-to-effort ratio hikes around Shimshal is the Yazghil Glacier hike. You won’t necessarily hike on the glacier (unless you want to), but the day trip to check out the views is worth it, especially given the fact that is close to the village.

Go with a local guide as this trek is quite long and if you get lost en route, you might have a hard time finding your way back.

Rakaposhi Base Camp (Gilgit Baltistan)

Another one of the best hikes in Pakistan is Rakaposhi Base Camp. The trek starts from a village called Minapin in Gilgit Baltistan, not far from the popular Hunza region.

Rakaposhi is the 27th highest mountain in the world, reaching a max altitude of 7788 meters. This is another one of those Pakistan hikes that makes you scratch your head at just how close access to some of these big peaks are to a major highway.

Most people do NOT do the Rakaposhi Base Camp trek in one go, but if you are fit and up for a challenging day, it is entirely possible.

If you want to make a night of it, bring your camping gear and wake up to an epic sunrise at the base camp. Sounds like a good time to me.

Naltar Lakes (Lower Hunza)

A less visited, but equally impressive part of Gilgit Baltistan is the area around Naltar. To get here, there is a turn-off on the left side of the Karakoram Highway (if you are headed north) from which you can find daily jeeps to the upper reaches of Naltar.

If you have a motorbike, be warned that the road is pretty rough in some places and there are a few stream crossings to contend with.

Once you do reach Naltar however, there are some great hiking options. With iconic pine forests, babbling rivers, and superb mountain views, Naltar feels worlds away from the populous Gilgit City only a few hours away. The good part is you can kind of choose how far you want to go. There are a total of three lakes to visit, though I do recommend hitting all three in a day if you are fit.

As with many hikes on this list, it is possible to camp out at the lakes too if you are equipped. Otherwise affordable accommodation is easy enough to find around Naltar Village.

Best Pakistan Hiking: My Bucket List for 2023 (and beyond)

Though I have trekked thousands of kilometers all over Pakistan, there is an endless number of hiking options. I have a few trips I am dying to do for years and hopefully, with some luck, this is the year I make a few happen.

Chitta Katta Lake (Kashmir)

The number one Pakistan hike on my list for years has got to be Chitta Katta Lake in Kashmir.

This high-altitude lake trek is only a two-day trek, but the main reason I have not gone yet is I am yet to obtain the NOC required to visit this restricted region.

Access to the lake is pretty much only possible from Shounter Valley in Kashmir, which is a restricted area being so close to the line of control (LOC) with Indian-occupied Kashmir.

In the summer, wildflowers explode across the landscape making the whole scene look like something you might think only exists in Switzerland or the Dolomites.

Deosai National Park Winter Traverse

Famous for being the 2nd highest plateau in the world after the Tibetan Plateau, Deosai National Park boasts a wide variety of hiking opportunities.

In the summer, the plateau is covered by purple wildflowers, alpine lakes, and even the odd Himalayan brown bear or two. In the winter though, all is quiet on the Deosai front and the place turns into a barren, snow-covered high-altitude landscape.

I have been to Deosai many times but would like to cross the entire plateau in wintertime with a small team. I estimate the trip will take about 2 weeks all in. Something to work towards for sure!

Best Hiking in Pakistan FAQ

Trekkers bound for K2 should be in good shape and capable of trekking over mixed terrain for long distances (maximum 8 hours). On average our trekking days are 5 hours per day. Though local porters and mules help carry the team supplies and your luggage, you will still need to be able to cover some distance at altitude.

Breakfast : Typically includes an omelet/fried eggs, fried Pakistani bread (paratha), pancakes, jam, nutella, honey, etc + green tea/French press coffee. 

Lunch : Every day, each member is issued a packed lunch. This keeps it easy while hiking as you can stop whenever you want to eat your lunch. A typical packed lunch includes a boiled egg + potato, a few chapatis (local flat bread), cheese, dried nuts/chocolate, and a few sweets. 

Dinner : The main event! We pride ourselves on hiring the same cooks every year because they know how to deliver our custom, top-notch food menu!

After our nightly soup course, dinner will be a mix of curry vegetables, rice, noodle dishes (like chow mein or pasta with red sauce, daal (lentils), meat (mutton or chicken), French fries, and, salad.

Dessert is something different every night, but for the first week of the trek, expect to have fresh mangoes and melon!

Note:  Vegetarians/vegans/gluten/lactose-free can be accommodated as well if you let the company know in advance.

International hikers who wish to do the K2 Base Camp Trek trip MUST apply for a Pakistani Trekking and Mountaineering Visa. The trekking visa is different from the standard tourist visa, thus you will NOT be applying for a tourist visa.  There is no way around this I am affraid. It is not possible as a foreigner to simpily turn up in Pakistan and start the K2 Trek without the proper visa and permits.

Despite what you hear on the mainstream news, Pakistan is one of the safest countries we have ever traveled to. Part of the ethos of Epic Backpacker Tours is to smash negative stereotypes associated with these countries by showing you a side of Pakistan that the media never does.

I (and my tour company) have an excellent safety record traveling in Pakistan and the treks on this list will take you to the most peaceful and safest parts of the country: the Northern Areas and the Hunza Valley.

Of course, there are inherent dangers that come with hiking in any mountains. Use common sense and never hike along; those two things will get you pretty far!

Wrap Up: Best Hikes in Pakistan for 2023

From the far reaches of Gilgit Baltistan to the edge of the Hindu Kush range in KPK – one thing is sure: the best hiking in Pakistan ranks right up there with some of the other great hiking destinations in the world – minus the mass tourism.

The deeper you dig in Pakistan, the more rewarding experiences come of it and this could not be more true when it comes to trekking in Pakistan.

I hope you found this Epic list of the best hikes in Pakistan useful and remember if you want to tackle one of the larger expedition-style treks like K2 Base Camp or Snow Lake – you can join me as I lead tours to these places every year. Check out Epic Backpacker Tours for current departure dates and more details.

Happy hiking guys!

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Join us for the K2 Base Camp Trek this summer! Only a few spots left…

DIFFICULTY: Intermediate

TOTAL DISTANCE: 1000+ kms of driving

MAX ALTITUDE: 4700 meters (China border)

TOUR DURATION: 15 days

TOTAL TREKKING: 6 days

LODGING: hotels, homestay, camping, cabins

GROUP SIZE: 12 people

• Who This Trip is For

Upcoming Dates

• Packing List
• What's Included

Pakistan is the ultimate destination for adventurers.

Our flagship Hunza Valley tour takes you deep into the northern reaches of Pakistan for the trip of a lifetime. This region, hidden away from Western eyes for most of its history, is full of wonderful experiences, soaring peaks, friendly locals, and other “hidden gems.”

Come with us on a real adventure to the Hunza Valley – drive down the legendary Karakoram Highway, hike on a growing glacier, stay in a remote mountain village, feast on tasty local cuisine, and become a member of a fun-loving team of intrepid travelers.

Outside of touring the Hunza Valley, we will also visit two of Pakistan’s most exciting destinations: Fairy Meadows and the city of Lahore. Both will leave you speechless.

We’ve been traveling in Pakistan for the last eight years and we have many great friendships in Pakistan. Our unique connections allow us to show you a side of the country few travelers get to see. We can show sides of the Hunza Valley and beyond that you can’t find on the web or other itineraries. This tour is the culmination of years of research and exploration.

So join us as we return to one of our favorite corners of the world. We know you’ll fall in love with it.

Why Choose this Pakistan Tour?

• RAW ADVENTURE: Pakistan is one of the final frontiers of adventure travel. This is not a cookie-cutter Hunza Valley tour but rather for those looking for authentic adventure experiences
• TREKKING: We embark on a multi-day trek across the famous Passu Glacier to stay at a remote shepherds camp under a sea of stars. The Patundas Meadows will be a highlight of the trip.
• CULTURE: Pakistan is an extremely diverse country brimming with different cultural and ethnic identities. See a huge range of them as the tour progresses from the Hunza Valley to Lahore.
• BIG MOUNTAINS: Pakistan is home to some of the biggest and most remote mountains on earth. On more than one occasion, you’ll be surrounding by epic peaks.
• LOCAL FOOD: If you love to eat, you are going to love trying the local fare and Pakistan’s diverse culinary traditions.
• INDEPENDENT TRAVELERS AND COUPLES: On average, our group trips consist of 7-8 different nationalities per trip. 

Discover the Hunza Valley Gallery

Have a question or ready to book?

Whether you’re just curious about this trip or are ready to make a deposit, we’re here for you.  To submit an inquiry or make a trip deposit, please fill out and submit the form below.

Your Trip Leaders

Sohail Sakhi

Sohail is one of the most experienced members of the Epic Expeditions team and we are beyond stoked to have him on board. As a veteran of the Karakoram and a native of Karimabad in the Hunza Valley, there is not much Sohail can’t do in the mountains. 

Besides having the ability to speak more languages than we can count, Sohail has explored every corner of Gilgit-Baltistan and logged more trekking miles in a year than most people will do in a lifetime. As of the summer of 2022, Sohail has summited Gasherbrum 1, Gasherbrum 2, and K2 – three of Pakistan’s five 8000-meter peaks. Sohail guides several trips including our annual bespoke expeditions, but specializes in Hunza Valley tours.

Discover the Hunza Valley Highlights

• Get up close and personal with 7,000 – 8,000 meter peaks
• Stay with a local family in Ghulkin Village
• Muti-day trekking to our secret high altitude camp
• Traverse a massive glacier wearing spikes
• Ride down the epic Karakoram Highway
• Visit the Pakistan-China Border @ 4,700 meters
• Experience the Wagah Border ceremony in Lahore 
• Trek to Nanga Parbat Basecamp
• Explore ancient mountain fortresses
• Experience legendary Hunza Valley hospitality
• Camp under a sea of stars

Itinerary: Day by Day Breakdown

Day 1: islamabad to naran/besham.

We recommend arriving into Islamabad one day early so that you can settle in and be ready to go on the morning of day one. Whilst this will require you to pay for an extra nights accommodation on your own – arriving early gives you a comfortable window to join the trip in case of delays, problems with baggage, etc. 

After our group has assembled on the morning of day 1, we will have our first group meeting/introductions over tea/coffee and then we will hit the road.

Note on spring tours : we must take a different route due to heavy snow fall/road closures. Instead of driving to Naran, we will be stopping in Besham on the evening of day 1.

Traveling by comfortable minibus, the Kahn Express, with our fearless driver Mr. Khan – our good friend and driver for the whole adventure, we leave Islamabad behind and embark on our journey! The plan is to drive roughly 10 hours to the mountain bazar town of Naran located in the lush Kaghan Valley. The drive to Besham from Islamabad takes only 4-5 hours, depending on traffic. 

Here we will rest up for the night at a comfortable hotel before hitting the road again in the morning.

Besham marks the start of the Karakoram Highway.

Drive time from Islamabad: 10-14 hours with breaks. 

We will save visiting the highlights the city of Lahore until the end of the tour.

Day 2: Travel to Fairy Meadows

This morning we hit the road (4 or 5 am start), we will travel to Raikot Bridge where we will transfer into 4×4 jeeps and traverse the legendary Fairy Meadows jeep track – think sheer drops and impossible hair-pin bends… In the distance, if the weather is clear, you will catch your first glimpse of Nanga Parbat; the most beautiful mountain in Pakistan, and the ninth highest mountain in the world. This is the stuff adventure is made of. You may have to hike part of the jeep track as the road is sometimes washed away.

Arriving at the end of the jeep track we will then hike for two to three hours (porters available for an additional fee). Arriving into The Fairy Meadows, we will spend the next couple of nights in comfortable but basic cabins with wood burners to keep us warm.

Drive from Besham to Raikot Bridge – 7-8 hours – then 1.5 hour jeep journey and 2 – 3 hour trek

Day 3: Optional Trek to Nanga Parbat Base Camp

The Fairy Meadows is the perfect place to chill out and unwind; watch the clouds dance past Nanga Parbat, the glacier snaking through the valley below, and explore the cool woods surrounding our log cabins. There are several optional treks available here but the real highlight is the hike to Nanga Parbat Basecamp (6-8 hours return).

The Fairy Meadows is one of the best places in the world to relax and watch the mountains. At night at the Fairy Meadows we will have an epic bonfire beneath the stars!

Note: the optional hike to Nanga Parbat basecamp requires a moderate level of fitness and takes around 6 – 8 hours round trip (with time to chill out at base camp, eat lunch, etc). For the spring tours it likely will not be possible to hike beyond the upper view point due to snow pack/rock fall hazard.

Day 4: Fairy Meadows - Aliabad

We are up early again as we depart Fairy Meadows, After a few hours walk, we are back at the dirt track, where a jeep will get us back to the main road.  Today, we are traveling along one of the world’s highest paved roads, The Karakoram Highway. Traveling along The Karakoram Highway is an unforgettable experience; you will see peaks and valleys, rivers and glaciers. Twenty-one of the world’s one hundred highest peaks are visible from the KKH and the journey is a great introduction to the mountains as civilization slips away behind us…

The goal is to reach Aliabad and our guesthouse by the afternoon. 

This place is awesome and unique to Northern Pakistan and one of our best stopovers of the whole trip!

Dinner and rest are on the evening agenda. 

We have the whole next day to relax and explore the stunning mountain village of Karimabad.  Fairy Meadows to Jeep Pick-up Point: 2 hours hike Jeep Pick up to Karakoram Highway: 1.5 hours drive. 

Drive from Raicot Bridge or  to Aliabad/Karimabad – approx. 5 hours – including breaks along the way.

Day 5: Karimabad Exploration

Karimabad is the gateway to the mountains and a great place to wander about for a day. Today there is a mix of free time and planned activities.

After breakfast, we get to grips with the dark history of Baltit Fort and/or Altit Fort (time permitting).

In the afternoon, take time to explore the cobblestone streets, bargain for rubies and handicrafts, feast on Hunza cuisine, sip espresso in Café Hunza on your own time in the afternoon.

After a day of exploring Karimabad, we’ll return for our 2nd night at our hotel in Aliabad called Mountain Story.

Day 6: Eagles Nest Sunrise and Drive to Ghulkin Village Homestay

Very early morning start today (in the dark) and drive to catch the sunrise above Eagles Nest. Well worth it! Our group will then return to Mountain Story for breakfast before starting our drive to Ghulkin Village in Upper Hunza.

The small village of Ghulkin is a truly special place where time stands still and mountains march away into the distance on all sides. En route we will take in the scenes at Attabad Lake.

Upper Hunza is one of the best places in Pakistan to trek, explore glaciers, snack on apricots, camp out under the stars and chat with the locals.

We will be staying with our good friend Sitara at her home. It is time to expereince life with a family in a remote mountain village in Hunza. 

Accommodation in Ghulkin will be in one large traditional guest room and we will all be sharing a space. Conditions in the village are very clean (yes, there’s a western toilet!) but are also basic; electricity is sporadic and wifi is slow when it does work. 

Aliabad to Ghulkin drive time: 2 hours max. 

Day 7: Bridge to Bridge Hike and Ghulkin Chill Day

In the morning, we go for an easy/moderate hike to visit the legendary Passu Suspension bridge. The bridge itself is far less visited than the more famous Hussaini bridge found directly off of the Karakoram Highway.

We return to Ghulkin for chill time in the afternoon dinner.

After a few hectic days of driving and sight seeing, today is overall meant to be a relaxing day and also our first group hike. Part of the experience of staying in a small mountain community is to take the time to fully appreciate the slower pace of life here without constantly rushing to the next thing.

The hike is a good warm-up for tomorrow’s adventure.

Total trekking time 2-3 hours

Day 8: Onwards to the China Border!

Today, we are off on an epic road trip adventure…

Traveling by our van deemed the “Khan Express”, we will head up towards Khunjerab Pass National Park. The scenery from the road is truly incredible and we will make frequent stops for photos and chai. We will make our way up towards the Pakistan-China border crossing, the highest in the world.

Set in a craggy bowl of mountains and surrounded by glaciers, this is a truly breathtaking landscape steeped in history. We will return to stay another night in Ghulkin Village in the afternoon 

There is no trekking or strenuous physical activity on this day. Pack your headphones and snacks

Day 9: Start of Patundas Pass Trek

Today we will be trekking into the mountains not too far from Ghulkin village. We begin the trek at the end of a jeep track at Borith Lake. After about 2-3 hours of steady, but steep hiking we will come to the truly stunning Passu Glacier crossing point.

We take an easy pace as we hike across the ice as there are a few challenging, but epic sections. Here we will traverse the glacier for about 2 hours before arriving at our camp site for the night (3400 meters).

From here, our group can enjoy stunning views of Shispar Peak, Passu Peak, and the Passu Glacier. The stars at the camp are unreal if the weather is clear! Keep an eye out for eagles and ibex in the mountains above you and soak in some of the freshest air you’ve ever tasted.

Note: Group gear, tents, and food will be portered. If you would like additional gear portered for you, porter services are available at a reasonable cost.

Day 10: Hike to Patundas Meadow

Today, we start off on the second leg of our trek after breakfast. The distance is only a few kilometers, but it is straight up the side of a mountain and gains about 900 meters of elevation, so we will take our time and enjoy the views as we go.

Total trekking time today is roughly 2-3 hours. Once on the top, our group will savor in the 360 degree views of the Passu Cones, Batura Glacier, Shispar Peak, and Passu Peak. Formerly only a shepherd’s settlement, only about 100 people come up here a year, so we should have the place to ourselves. The Batura Glacier viewpoint (4300 meters) is truly a magical place and offers up one of the best views in Pakistan.

After spending the day atop Patundas we will return to our base camp for an epic dinner feast, fire, and maybe even some local music.

Note: For most of the year there is no water at Patundas Meadow, which means that we will keep our first base camp setup and just visit Patundas as part of an epic day hike. During the early springtime, it may not be possible to visit Patundas due to large amounts of snow covering the trail, but that is why the April/May tours start in the late spring

Day 11: Hike Back to Jeep Track and Stay in Passu Viilage

Today, we finish our trek via the same route in which we came across the Passu glacier. The going is much easier on the way down, so the whole trek will likely take the group around 3 hours.

We are staying at a hotel in the small town of Passu where we can rest, do laundry, shower up, and maybe even try a Yak Burger.

Day 12: Rest day and Travel to Gilgit

Today, we have a slow start after a few days of hiking and moving around.  We have a combination of free time and the possibility for a swim in Borith Lake if the weather is nice,  In the afternoon, we will move to the city of Gilgit, where the plan is to take a flight the following morning.  Note: If the weather is forecasted to be poor over the next few days, we may start driving the Karakoram Highway back to Islamabad and Lahore on this day if it becomes clear a flight won’t be possible. 

Day 13: Flight to Lahore/Islamabad OR Arrive in Lahore by Road

If also goes well with the weather, we will fly from Giglit to Lahore (1 hour 10 mins flight) in the morning. Sometimes a flight to Islamabad will be the only option, in which case we will drive the remaining 4.5 hours to Lahore from Islamabad. 

If we started driving the day before we will aim to be back in Lahore sometime in the mid-afternoon.

Arriving into Lahore, we will head straight to our luxury hotel to freshen up / chill for a few hours.

Depending on our arrival time, we will go to check out the Old Lahore bazaar near the famous Delhi Gate. One of the most beautiful mosques in the city is here. 

We will then spend the evening taking in the vibe of this crazy South Asian city and having dinner as a group. 

After a great food introduction to Lahore, we will head back to the hotel to crash. 

Day 14: Final Day in Lahore

Our final full day of this Epic Pakistan expedition will be action packed.

In the morning, We’ll check out Badshahi Mosque; a marvel of red sandstone and polished marble and the Lahore Fort. 

We will have lunch and then you will have some free time to roam around on your own. 

The it is time to head to the Wagah Border for the border ceremony towards the end of the afternoon.

After one final feast together (and plenty of laughs and hugs), the tour officially ends (sadly). Prepare for a final Epic feast with a great view atop one of Lahore’s best restaurants. 

Day 15: Departure Day

Team member departure day.

Today our adventure comes to an end! 

Check out of the hotel is around noon on this day.

• All accommodation during the Hunza Valley tour
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner for all tour days, except for 4 lunches (when guests may have free time in cities).
• All transportation whilst on tour All on-the-ground logistics and planning 
• Western and local guides
• Letter of Invitation and all supporting visa documents 
• National park entrance fees
• Porters for group gear and food on the trek to Patundas
• Internal Flight from Gilgit to Lahore or Islamabad
• Organic coffee in the mornings
• Some group snacks on hikes
• Lots of laughs and epic moments
• Life-changing experiences
• Bonus surprises along the way
• International flights to Pakistan
• Visa application fees
• Any pre-tour or post-tour accommodation
• Airport pick up / drop off
• Travel insurance
• Tips for staff and home stay family
• Porters for your personal belongings (available at a reasonable cost)
• Sleeping bags
• Sleeping pads
• 4 lunches when we are cities
• Personal snacks and soft drinks

Despite what you hear on the mainstream news, Pakistan is one of the safest countries we have ever traveled to. Part of the ethos of Epic Expeditions team is to smash negative stereotypes associated with these countries by showing you a side of Pakistan that the media never does.

We have an excellent safety record traveling in Pakistan and this tour will take you to the most peaceful and safest parts of the country: the Northern Areas and the Hunza Valley. 

Late spring is typically the warmer season, though there can still be residual snowfall in the high mountains. Fall trips tend to be cooler, and the cities are not as hot. Expect a wide variety of weather. There will be times when you are layered up with your down jacket and other times when it is 35 degrees in cities like Lahore and Islamabad. 

Part of what makes our trips so awesome is the kind of people attracted to our adventures. On average, our trips are made up of 5-8 different nationalities. Over the years, we have had a nearly equal amount of men and women travel with us. The average age of a trip participant is 35. The oldest person to join us was 70 and the youngest was 21.

Prices are based on twin sharing rooms. Single supplement hotel rooms and tents are available at additional cost. We stay in a mix of nice guesthouses/hotels/cabins/cottages and a village home stay with a local family in Ghulkin Village. 

Hotel rooms in the mountains are without air-conditioning (although the rooms in Lahore and Islamabad – the two hottest places – will definitely have air-conditioning). We offer comfy, quality tents for the nights when we are camping. We sleep in a 4-star hotel in Lahore at the end of the tour!

There is no extreme long days or ultra difficult day hikes on the trip. Anyone with basic fitness and a positive attitude will enjoy the different hikes we do.  That said, this trip is an active holiday. We do plenty of hiking when we are in the mountains, but there is also plenty of down time too. 

Over the course of two weeks, you will hike approximately 35 kilometers in total.  The best way to prepare for this trip is to do as much hiking as you can before coming to Pakistan!

This trip is where it all began for Epic Expeditions team. 

Back in 2017 we ran this trip for the first time. 

Since then, Epic  Expeditions team  founder Chris Lininger along with our local Pakistani ground team, have hand-crafted what we believe to be the perfect Hunza Valley itinerary and we are very proud to be one of the first western companies to run this style of trip with a mix of active adventure, local culture, and unique accommodation.

Nobody does Pakistan like Epic B Expeditions team  – and Hunza Valley is our speciality. 

One of the most unique parts of this trip is the time we spend staying with a local family in a small mountain village. 

Over the years, we have developed a special bond with the people of Ghulkin Village and it truly feels like we are going home each time we return. 

Hunza is far less conservative than other parts of Pakistan and it is here that we will have the most interaction with the locals, including women. 

For our trek to Patundas Meadow, we also hire local porters from Ghulkin Village, who accompany with us on the trek for a few days.  So yes! We have plenty of time to immerse in local culture and learn directly from the people of Hunza about their lifestyle and local traditions. 

What People Have to Say

Didn’t find the answer you were looking for? Try reading our extensive Hunza FAQ page first where we break down the tour in more detail. 

The Hunza Valley - Abridged

The Hunza Valley is one of the most enchanting and desirable places in all of Pakistan. Once an isolated and wild frontier, ruled by kings and warlike chieftains, it is now quite accessible thanks mostly in part to the construction of the Karakoram Highway. Many Pakistanis visit here on summer holidays to escape the heat of the southern megalopolises and to breath some clean mountain air.

For much of its existence, Hunza was relatively unknown to the Western world, a blank space on the map and more the stuff of legends. Central Asian merchants and pilgrims knew it well and used the valley to transport both goods – as a detour from the Silk Road – and religion. Buddhism was once the dominate faith here and several archeological sites survive to this day in Hunza despite Islamization in the 15th century. 

It wasn’t until the British arrived in the 19th century – during which time it was aggressively expanding its empire to counter the expansion of the Russian Empire, a period known as the “Great Game” – that the Hunza Valley was truly known to Westerners. After some campaigning, the British inevitably added the Hunza Valley to its vassal territories. 

50 years later, following the partition of India, the Hunza Valley and the regional capital, Gilgit, would play a vital role in the formation and solidification of the Northern Areas of Pakistan (now called Gilgit-Baltistan). 

Since its incorporation into Pakistan (Gilgit-Baltistan remains autonomous) and the completion of the Karakoram Highway, Hunza has slowly modernized. But despite new infrastructure and development, Hunza still maintains a certain tranquility and bucolic vibe. The quality of life is excellent, locals frequently live beyond 100 years, and the education is some of the best in Pakistan. The people of the Hunza Valley are very proud of their home and will be eager to show you everything there is to see.  

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Clark Tyler 🇨🇦

Adventure Guide

Hailing from the Toronto region of Eastern Canada, with a background as a former standout athlete (hockey of course) and a  love of mountain adventure, Clark is a welcomed addition to the Epic team.

In addition to being a keen photographer and adventurer, Clark brings his brilliant sense of humor, leadership skills, and positive attitude to everything he puts his mind to.  When he is not leading trips, he is working on taking over the hard apple cider game in Canada as a skilled craft brewer. 

Meet him during : K2 Base Camp Trek

Noemi Liebi 🇨🇭

Noemi grew up in the mountains of German-Speaking Switzerland where she naturally developed a deep love and respect for mountain environments.

She is a talented photographer, aspiring climber, and speaks at least 5 languages fluently including Arabic (and probably a few more that we don’t know about), which she taught herself in a matter of months by watching YouTube videos. 

Noemi has spent the last several years traveling, hiking, and photographing her way around many different countries in the Middle East, South and Central Asia, and Europe, and we could not be more stoked to welcome her to the Epic team! 

Meet her during : Discover the Celestial Mountains | Island Peak Climbing Expedition

Syerik Manap 🇲🇳

As our man on the ground in Mongolia, there is not much this legend can’t do. As a native the Bayan-Ölgii province of the Western Mongolia Altai, Syerik has been working as a guide and tourism entrepreneur…

for the past several years and is one of the rising stars in Mongolia adventure travel industry. 

He is currently building a beautiful Ger (Yurt) camp near his hometown where he will host Epic Mongolia team members on our trip as well as other travelers from around the world! 

He is the perfect guide for your trip to Mongolia. Serik did an amazing job giving us a well rounded experience in the Altai NP region and down in the Gobi… The food was fantastic and Serik gave us many opportunities to learn about the Kazakh culture in that region including traditional meals. (I can’t recommend enjoying the milk tea enough!)

– Coastal

Head of canine operations

Choriza started off life as a care-free vagabond on the streets of Madeira Island without any place to call home. From the moment we met her, we knew this dog was just different, and it was pretty much love at first sight. 

She gave up the dog street life in favor of joining her new dad Chris to become a full-time member of the Epic family towards the end of 2022.

These days she can be found listening in on the fringes of important Epic business meetings while half-asleep on the couch. She is a keen hiker, lover of mud, rare steak, and might just be the sweetest little dog we have ever seen. 

Andrew Golovachevn 🇷🇺

An experienced trek leader and IFMGA aspirant ski guide, avid alpine climber, devoted adventure photographer.

Organized and guided trekking expeditions, climbs and ski tours in Tajikistan’s Pamirs, Patagonia, Peru, Morocco, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, Georgian and Russian Caucasus and Kamchatka. A full member and meets the organiser of the British Alpine Club. Visited over 40 countries, lived in the UK for four years. Certified first-aider.

We joined Andrew on a fantastic trip to the Fann Mountains in Tajikistan, pure nature and magnificent scenery! Andrey was super prepared and led us safely up and down numerous passes and through some rough and icy cold rivers. Thank you for a very memorable trip, your planning and prep was excellent!

– Monika Steinlechner

Meet him during : Trekking in the Fann Mountains

Sandip Dhungana 🇳🇵

Our man in Nepal, Sandip is what we like to call a “Swiss Army Knife”. There is not much Sandip can’t do when it comes to helping Epic to run our expeditions smoothly in Nepal.

His tireless work ethic, passion for all things trekking in the Himalayas, and smart decision-making mean that Sandip is a truly invaluable member of our team.

Sandip is passionate about showing visitors to his country an amazing time, and he goes above and beyond to make sure that happens. 

His company Himalayan Masters is Epic’s trusted partner in Nepal and one of the country’s top new tour agencies.

We really enjoyed the entire journey, and I would like to say that Sandip is truly professional. He guided us and he is a hardworking person, providing us with the best service and taking care of each one of us. Plus, he is super funny! The kind of professionnal you always want to find on your path for your explorations! 

– Alexandra Ruth

Fairy Meadows

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Our Favorite Experiences

#1 sunrise from reflection lake.

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#2 Hiking to Nanga Parbat Base Camp

#3 playing cricket with the locals, trips where we visit fairy meadows.

Our flagship Pakistani adventure tour.  Road trip with some  hiking and cultural immersion.

Intermediate

Trekking Among Giants

A trekking-style tour that features some very remote locations, inlcuding a K2 viewpoint.

João Frietas 🇵🇹

João has born in the mountains of Madeira Islands in Portugal. Nature lover, writer, musician, guide, for him, a day without contact with outdoor vibes is a nightmare. 

With a degree in Cultural Studies in Portugal and a Master of Arts in Global Cultures and Creativity in the U.K.

João found out what really matters in life can be found on the trails, and in the contact with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Guiding, crazy trekking missions, and sharing observations about the natural world, – these are some of João’s passions. 

After trekking to K2 Base Camp and exploring all over Northern Pakistan, he fell in love with the country and the local people. His experiences resulted in his desire to share these feelings with the world.

João is one of the most experienced guides at Epic and his skillset and positive mindset in the mountains is second to none

When not in Pakistan, João is  guiding and exploring in the Madeira Islands trails –  discovering some of the hidden treasures on his Portuguese Island.

João I can not thank you enough for the off the beaten paths and views you keep giving. Definitely one of the most challenging and amazing hikes we did 1200m meters all the way up to Fanal forest and circling back to the hidden village. Wow!

– Jeffery 

Meet him during : Lost World of Europe | Discover the Hunza Valley   | K2 Base Camp Trek

Sohail Sakhi 🇵🇰

Sohail is the newest addition to the Epic Backpacker Tours team and we are beyond stoked to have him on board. As a veteran of the Karakoram and a native of Karimabad in Hunza, there is not much Sohail can’t do in the mountains. 

Besides having the ability to speak more languages than we can count, Sohail has explored every corner of Gilgit Baltistan and logs more trekking miles 

in a year than most people will do in a lifetime. As of the summer of 2022, Sohail has summited Gasherbrum 1, Gasherbrum 2, and K2 – three of Pakistan’s five 8000-meter peaks. Sohail guides several trips including our annual bespoke expeditions but specializes in Hunza Valley tours.

Chris and Sohail, and the team at Epic are FANTASTIC! Highly recommend anyone to do a tour with ‘Epic’. They have the perfect balance of fun, excitement and wild adventures, tied in with being super professional and ensuring your safety/health in a foreign environment. Don’t waste a moment and book a tour with these guys as the value for money is UNREAL!

– Borgan

Meet him during : Discover the Hunza Valley

Pedro Ricardo Dias 🇵🇹

Pedro’s been traveling all around the globe since 2009. His keen interests in documentary photography, rural life, and local people from different ethnic groups have been the focus of many of his professional projects. Since 2012, he has developed his passion for travel and awesome shared experiences into a full-time adventure photography tour leader position.

Pedro has found himself continuously going back to the Middle East, with his likely favorite destination being Iran. Pedro will be leading his 11th tour in Iran with EBT this coming spring 2020

When Pedro’s not traveling the world with Epic Backpacker Tours, you’ll find him based in the western south of Portugal planning he’s next adventure missions, logistics and working out his photos in local exhibitions.

 I loved the combination of hiking, camping around breathtaking scenery mixed with the cultural aspects. The guide (Pedro) is knowledgeable and work very hard to make the trip as memorable as possible. All in all an epic adventure with some extremely epic individuals! Go for it, you won’t regret it!

Diane Bouvet 🇫🇷

Adventure Admin / Marketing

After fleeing from the corporate fashion world in Paris towards the start of 2020, Diane has been working as a web developer and graphic designer remotely from various bases across the globe

She brings all of her incredible design and organizational power to Epic Backpacker Tours and is responsible for many of the beautiful behind-the-scenes design elements. 

Diane has been to Iran and to Pakistan twice including all over Gilgit Baltistan and KPK.

Ralph Cope 🇺🇸

Head of Operations | Guide

A veteran of Pakistan travel, Ralph is an experienced guide, photographer and writer who specializes in documenting remote locations. 

Not one to simply go where everyone else does, he insists on exploring new and lesser-known areas.

Together with Epic Backpacker Tours, he shows people parts of Pakistan that most other operators don’t even know about. He is particularly fond of the village of Barah, which he believes will become just as famous as Hunza one day.

Just got back from EBT’s Trekking Amongst Giants 15 day tour. The experience was first class. Ralph, our head guide, ensured that the entire trip ran smoothly and relatively on time (a bonus for anyone travelling in Pakistan). We had so many unforgettable days on the tour and the trekking was well-planned, safe but also a rewarding challenge. 

– Calvin

Traveling to a non-tourist destination can be a little intimidating but EBT takes all of the worry and trepidation away. From the pre-trip call to meeting the wonderful staff in person you can tell that you are dealing with a company that has a passion for what they do each and every day. Ralph, Zahid, and Khan were supportive, kind, and always willing to go the extra mile to make sure that everyone on the trip was getting what they wanted out of the experience.

– Katrina 

Meet him during : Trekking Amongst Giants | Discover the Celestial Mountains | K2 Base Camp Trek

Chris Lininger 🇺🇸

Founder | Adventure Guide | Director

Since he started exploring the world, Chris has been seeking out every shade of adventure in various parts of the globe and had visited more than 70 countries along the way. 

Over the last 10 years, Chris has logged more than 7000 trail miles across five continents and climbed multiple 6000 + 7000 meter peaks in Pakistan and Nepal.

A few years back, a distant dream and a deep passion for the mountains and the people of Pakistan led Chris to co-found Epic Backpacker Tours at a time when foreign adventure tourism in Pakistan was almost nonexistent. Since then, Chris has guided more than 20 expeditions to various parts of Northern Pakistan.

Chris believes in using photography and powerful adventure experiences to dismantle negative stereotypes regarding what mainstream media considers “dangerous” countries while facilitating unique and meaningful memories in the mountains for countless people from around the globe. 

For him, an ideal start to the day begins with a steaming cup of good coffee, the beam of a headlamp, alpine boots, and a camera in hand. He lives in Madeira Island when not leading expeditions in far-flung lands. 

Chris also works as a writer and photographer on his blog Off the Atlas  –  an adventure travel blog all about Pakistan.   

Read this interview our staff did with Chris to learn more about him!

Chris believes in Pakistan and its people, and he believes in the value of journeys shared with others and family cultivated on the road. Honesty and integrity are at the heart of what he does, and this really shines through in his work as a guide. He also makes great coffee – whether at 5am in an empty guesthouse or half way up a Himalayan peak.”

– Will De Villers

Pakistan is a magical country!  Had 3 of the best weeks of my life thanks to Epic Backpacking Tours with owner, and one of our awesome guides, Chris. From detailed itinerary, preparation with an equipment list, and visa assistance. To amazing food, great porters, helpful guides, and great accommodations. Epic really hit home run after home run. […]

Their desire for adventure and amazing trip is just as high as yours. Bring a good pound of coffee for the trip. French press coffee every morning and no average tin coffee, plus you’ll be in your guides good books.

– Clark Tyler

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15 EPIC Places to Go Trekking in Pakistan (2024)

There’s trekking, and then there’s trekking in Pakistan. The latter is bound to blow your mind and make you fall deeply and hopelessly in love with the thousands and thousands of peaks that make up this seriously epic country. 

The mountains of Pakistan are not just some of the highest in the world, but they’re undoubtedly the most beautiful. From snowcapped record-breakers to lush, rolling hills: there’s a trail in Pakistan for absolutely everyone.

But as amazing as Pakistan’s trekking places are, getting an idea of where to start can be a bit overwhelming as a beginner, even if you have plenty of experience elsewhere.

…so allow me to help you get started.

I first got acquainted with hiking in Pakistan back in 2019, and since then have spent more than 22 months of my life in this magical and misunderstood land. I’ve since logged hundreds of miles in these mountains, and now quite literally live in the mountainous Shangri La of Hunza Valley.

Ready to experience the most beautiful places of Pakistan for yourself? Let’s dive right in: these are the absolute BEST places to go trekking in Pakistan, with some must-know info, too.

Why Go Trekking in Pakistan?

Pakistan is truly a trekkers paradise. Forget Nepal, forget Peru: it’s Pakistan that will blow your mind and keep your bucket list full for ages.

The South Asian nation is home to 5 of the world’s  8000 m peaks, and it has THOUSANDS of epic trails for all preferences and ability levels.

Traveling in Pakistan is incredible for many reasons, but the sheer variety of hikes available is definitely in the top three. 

Looking to see a bright blue alpine lake? Pakistan has plenty of those. Want to cross a glacier? There are only a few thousand to choose from. Seeking a viewpoint you can reach in an hour? Your options are endless. 

What the country lacks in trekking infrastructure, it makes up for in raw adventure. As it’s still a solidly offbeat destination, you’ll get to enjoy the mountains of Pakistan without the crowds. Even in peak season, you can often enjoy the jaw-dropping scenery in peace and quiet. 

On top of all that, Pakistan is simply amazing from top to bottom.

From the historical places of Lahore , to remote mountainous locales that lie along the Afghan border like Chapursan Valley does, you’ll never be bored here.

And there’s always something to see or do before or after your epic expedition.

15 AMAZING Treks in Pakistan

Without further ado– here are 15 of the BEST places to go hiking in Pakistan, broken down by type!

The Best Overall Places to Go Trekking in Pakistan

Some trails are just a bit more special than others, and that’s ok! Let’s start off with a bang–trekking in Pakistan doesn’t get better than this. 

1. Rakaposhi Basecamp 

• Difficulty : Easy/Moderate 
• Region : Nagar, Gilgit Baltistan 
• Guide Needed? : No

The route to Rakaposhi Basecamp might just be my absolute favorite place to go trekking in Pakistan. The route takes you from Minapin , a picturesque village in the Nagar District of Gilgit Baltistan, to the base camp of Rakaposhi Mountain.  Which at 7788 m , makes for a damn good basecamp view.

The trail to Rakaposhi Basecamp is slightly steep but very well marked and requires 0 technical skills. If you start very early, you can complete the round trip journey in just one day, but I wouldn’t recommend that. 

Rakaposhi is best trekked with at least one overnight – Hapakun is the first stunning camp that you can spend the night at. Once you reach the basecamp, not only will you be rewarded with epic views of Rakaposhi, but you’ll also get to see several other peaks and the Minapin Glacier too. 

It’s one of the best treks to add to your Pakistan itinerary .

2. Fairy Meadows/Nanga Parbat Basecamp

• Difficulty : Easy/Hard 
• Region : Diamer, Gilgit Baltistan 

If you’ve read anything about Pakistan, then you’ve undoubtedly heard about the Fairy Meadows. It’s just about the most popular attraction in the country, and attracts thousands of domestic and international tourists each and every year.

First off, you not only get to traverse one of the most dangerous roads in the world. But more importantly, you’ll get up close and personal with Nanga Parbat–one of the most beautiful mountains in Pakistan and the 9th highest peak on the planet!

The journey to Fairy Meadows begins from the Raikot Bridge , which is about an hour from Gilgit. From there, you’ll coast along the terrifying rocky road for 1.5 hours before heading out on a well-marked 2-hour hike. You’ll then arrive in the magical land of Fairy Meadows!

Of course–this being a trek in Pakistan, there’s the option to take things up a notch. Continue onwards for 2.5 hours past Beyal Camp to see the Killer Mountain up close. If you really want to get acquainted with Pakistani trails, you can continue for ANOTHER 3+ hours to Nanga Parbat Basecamp. You’re gonna want a solid hiking backpack and tent for that though!

3. Patundas

• Difficulty : Moderate 
• Region : Gojal, Upper Hunza, Gilgit Baltistan 
• Guide Needed? : Yes unless you have experience with glacier crossings 

Man talk about VALUE. In just 3 days, the Patundas trek will take you across one of Pakistan’s glaciers and up to a stunning 4170 m meadow that overlooks one of Asia’s most stunning landmarks – the Passu Cones. 

The trek to Patundas, as the meadow is locally known, begins from the Zero Point of Borith Lake near the villages of Hussaini and Ghulkin and is one of the best things to do in Hunza .

While other Pakistan hikes only require you to have basic camping gear, to cross the glacier safely, you’re going to want to have some quality crampons for this trek. The first time I ever used crampons was while heading to Patundas, and I’m always excited when the opportunity arises to use them.

Because of its icy dangers, you’re going to want to take a guide and perhaps some porters along for the trek, which you can arrange in the local villages or in Central Hunza. 

Patundas essentially “opens” in mid-May, though you’d find camping extremely uncomfortable without quality outdoor gear .

This is why you should plan your trip for July – the optimal season where you can even find wildflowers scattered across the meadow. 

4. K2 Basecamp – The Highest Mountain in Pakistan!

• Difficulty : Very Hard 
• Days: 10-12
• Region : Hushe, Gilgit Baltistan
• Guide Needed? : Yes, and a permit 

It’s no secret that the K2 basecamp trek is the monster of all Pakistani hikes: it’s almost as if you haven’t hiked in Pakistan until you’ve conquered this beast! But this trek is no joke–and one you’re going to want to bring along a top-notch camera to capture.

Unlike other natural places in Pakistan, K2 lies within the protected Central Karakoram National Park . As such, foreigners are required to have permits and guides before setting off. Pakistani nationals should also not attempt this without a guide, or at the very least a porter, who can act as a guide to some degree.

The trek to this iconic basecamp is perhaps one of the greatest adventures in the world, and absolutely worth the money and time required to reach it. It’s not every day that you get to see one of Asia’s best natural landmarks up close!

You’ll begin your journey in the small village of Askole, where you’ll then spend the next few days trekking and camping on the Baltoro Glacier , until you reach the otherworldly Concordia campsite.

It takes about 7 days to reach, and then you can either return the same way or take things up a notch (or three) by choosing to cross the mesmerizing Gondogoro La which reaches heights of over 5600 m .

Keep in mind that the K2 trek can be freezing even in July, so you’re going to want to bring your best quality gear, and do throw in one of the best travel blankets –you’re gonna need it at those end of the day campfires!

All in all, K2 Basecamp is the most beautiful natural place in Pakistan, and one of if not THE most mesmerizing trek on the planet.

5. Snow Lake

• Days: 10-14
• Region : Nagar, Gilgit Baltistan
• Guide Needed? : Yes 

One of the most magnificent treks in Pakistan is undoubtedly the journey to Snow Lake. While absolutely NOT for beginners, trekkers with some experience will find themselves in the most beautiful adventure of their lives, amongst some of the most famous mountains in Pakistan. 

In many ways, Pakistan’s Snow Lake trek is even more complex than the journey to K2 Basecamp, which is another top hike in the country. The journey will take you across the Biafo Glacier , one of the longest in the world and often referred to as a “runway.”

You’ll reach heights of 5000 + meters and have to cross deep crevasses. Therefore, proper mountaineering gear like crampons, helmets, and ropes will be required. 

Keep in mind that Snow Lake is a serious trek that reaches extreme elevation levels. You should never fly into Skardu or Gilgit and immediately embark on this adventure.

Acclimatization is a must, and while guides are only required for foreigners, you’d need to be seriously experienced to attempt this on your own regardless of where you’re from!

You can begin this trek from either Hispar Village in Nagar , Gilgit Baltistan, or from Askole in Skardu .  And as the best time to visit Pakistan for trekking is in July, you’re going to want to keep that in mind when planning your trip.

Best Day Treks in Pakistan

The following treks allow you to see some of the most beautiful scenery in Pakistan in just one day!

6. Margalla Hills Trails

• Difficulty : Beginner 
• Region : Islamabad, ICT
• Guide Needed? : No 

If you’re looking for a trekking place in Pakistan that anyone can manage, look no further than the Margalla Hills trails that can be found in Margalla Hills National Park in Islamabad. The lush hills are filled with epic viewpoints and well-marked paths that are good for virtually any age group.

While these trails won’t bring you to any of the snow-capped mountains of Pakistan, they will allow you to get a heavy dose of greenery: the Margalla range is as lush as can be!

There are numerous trails to choose from, all with multiple stopping points depending on how far you’d like to go. Trail 3 and Trail 5 are the most popular, with both being around 5-6km round trip .

Trail 3 leads to a sweet viewpoint where you’ll be able to see not only the iconic Faisal Mosque, but also Rawal Lake as well as other Islamabad attractions. Out of all the treks in Pakistan, the Margalla Hills trails are the absolute perfect Pakistani hikes for beginners or families!

7. Avgarch Valley

• Difficulty : Easy 
• Region : Gojal, Upper Hunza, Gilgit Baltistan

One of the most beautiful and underrated places to go trekking in Pakistan is the route to Avgarch Valley. Avgarch is a remote place in Hunza Valley and is in fact is the first settlement dating back some 700+ years. 

If you want to see some beautiful scenery of Pakistan all while being able to return the same day, than you’ll absolutely love Avgarch.

The 7 km journey begins from Jamalabad in Gojal, Upper Hunza, and continues on a mostly straight path until you reach the ancient village of Avgarch. 

The route will take you through some untouched scenery, without so much as a tea stand. And if you find you want to go even farther–as trekking in Pakistan often does–you can continue onwards to Boiber Valley, a lush, forested hamlet some kilometers beyond the village. 

8. Marsur Rock Skardu

• Region : Skardu, Gilgit Baltistan

Another relatively easy place to go hiking in Pakistan is the route to Marsur Rock, which will give you incredible views of Skardu city and beyond in just one day of climbing. The rock in question is 38 feet long and can be reached within 3 hours of uphill trekking. 

To get these iconic views (hopefully) all to yourself, you’re going to first have to make it to Hussainabad , which is about 30-40 minutes from downtown Skardu. You’ll even be able to view the Katpana Desert from the top, which is absolutely worth the struggle.

As it’s just a day hike, you can attempt this any day of the year that’s snow-free, though be sure to load up on snacks and water in advance–the trek is still new and doesn’t have access to amenities once you begin. 

9. Kandol / Spinkhowar Lakes

• Region : Swat Valley, KPK

While most of the best hikes in Pakistan are located in Gilgit Baltistan, KPK has its fair share of iconic routes, and several of those are in Swat Valley . The lush land of green mountains and bright blue rivers and lakes has many overnight treks, but these two can be easily done in one day.

Not too far from the village of Utror lies the Ladu Valley, where the trails to both Kandol and Spinkhowar Lakes begin. Kandol Lake has become quite commercialized these days, and a jeep track has made it less of a trek and more of a walk on a road. While still stunning, adventurous travelers will want to head to Spinkhowar instead.

Once you reach Ladu Valley, it will take about 1.5 hours to make it to Kandol Lake (on foot) and more than 3 to reach Spinkhowar. It’s also possible to head to Kandol first and THEN Spinkhowar, though you’ll need some local guidance to help you find the route.

10. Passu Bridge to Hussaini Bridge

• Region : Gojal, Upper Hunza, GB

The Passu Bridge to Hussaini Bridge trek is one of the best single-day hikes in Pakistan.

It’s got just enough challenges to make your adrenaline pump while being easy enough that anyone moderately fit can do it. Plus it’s located in one of the best places in the world: the amazing Hunza Valley !

The trail will also take you across two of the scariest (and most famous) suspension bridges in the country!

While you could start from the Hussaini Bridge, the route will be easier if you begin from the Passu Bridge . Cross the rickety overpass to reach a pair of summer settlements located on the other side. 

You’ll then spend some time walking through some barren rocky land and then the small collection of homes that is Zarabad . The well-marked path is easy to follow, and you’ll eventually find yourself heading down a rocky section before arriving at the Hussaini Bridge, which is included in most Gilgit Baltistan itineraries.

The entire trek should take about 4 hours , though expect a bit longer if you choose to start from Hussaini as that direction is mostly uphill. You can finish off the day with some iconic Hunza food at the Yak Grill or the Bozlanj Cafe.

Best Multi-day Treks in Pakistan

Incredible (and difficult) Pakistani treks that are going to take anywhere from a weekend to several weeks to complete. 

11. Haramosh /Kutwal Valley

• Region : Gilgit, GB

Haramosh Valley is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan. It’s still untouched by mass tourism, and requires a serious trek to reach–this isn’t suitable for families/ or the un-fit, that for sure. It takes quite the journey to reach–even for those with trekking experience!

But if you’re ready for the commitment, not only will you get to see some jaw-dropping scenery, but also experience some legendary Pakistani hospitality too: the people of Haramosh are simply fantastic. 

Now back to the trek: first, you’ll need to reach the last village of Dasu (not to be confused with the Kohistani town many, many hours away) which is only accessible via jeep or motorbike. The village is about 1.5 hours from the main road, and you should bargain to get the best price. From there, you’ll continue on a footpath until you can choose to deviate to the left side of the river. I don’t recommend this on the way in though–running water is only available on the right side. 

You’ll then continue for at least 6 hours–which includes a small glacier crossing–before you finally reach the first official settlement of the valley. If you want to spend the night camping at the stunning Kutwal Lake , keep in mind you’re going to want to plan for an 8-hour trek from Dasu.

Trekking Tip:

If you need a break, a small village named Iskere is a little less than halfway between Dasu and the beginning of the valley. You can camp here and then reach Kutwal Lake easily the next day.

12. Shimshal Pass / Pamir

• Difficulty : Hard 

Beginning in the remote and mystical Shimshal Valley , the journey to Pamir as its locally called is tough, but it’s absolutely worth it. One of the most amazing natural places in Pakistan, the road to Pamir will push you to your limits as you cross rocky trails and rivers to reach a pasture of dreams.

You’ll have to cross rivers and reach heights of over 5000 m , with the option to take yourself to 6000 m and to the summit of a small peak: Minglik Sar . 

This Pakistani trek is certainly NOT for beginners and requires a fair bit of acclimatization before setting off. A guide is highly recommended (required for foreigners), and porters can be arranged from Shimshal Village. 

The best part about this trek aside from the views is that its a summer destination for local shepherds, meaning you’ll get to see hundreds if not thousands of yaks, goats and sheep.  

13. Rush Lake

• Region : Nagar, GB
• Guide Needed? : Yes if you do not have glacier-crossing experience

Pakistan trekking doesn’t get much better than this–welcome to the journey to Rush Phari, also known as the country’s highest lake. At 4694 m , Rush Lake is one of the highest alpine lakes in the world, and gives you a chance to see some iconic Pakistani mountains up close.

The trek is no joke though–even if you’re in great shape, you’ll find it to be a satisfying challenge. The 3-4 day journey begins at the village of Hopar , which is about 2 hours from Central Hunza. 

From there, you’ll need to start early to cross the Hopar Glacier, which is one of the fastest moving glaciers in the world. You’re not going to want to forget your trekking poles. After crossing, you’ll then make your way across a sandy, “dead” glacier, and continue into a lovely meadow to the first campsite.

The next day is where the real fun (or pain) begins with an incredibly steep climb that will take at least 5 hours or more. But once you reach the lake, you’ll be greeted with stunning views of not just the lake itself, but also Spantik , Rush , and Miar Peaks . 

For added difficulty, you can spend a day trekking to the summit of Rush Peak at over 5000 m before descending. 

14. Karambar Lake

• Region : Broghil Valley, KPK

Out of all the places to go trekking in Pakistan, few can compare to the immense beauty of Karambar Lake. Located north of Yarkhun Valley in the most northern portion of KPK, Karamabar Lake is also one of the highest lakes in Pakistan at 4272 m.

To reach the lake, you’ll have to first make it to Lashkargaz, which is the very last village of the Broghil Valley, a wild and remote region that borders the Afghan Wakhan Corridor. Jeeps run from either Chitral town or Mastuj in high season, though adventurous bikers can also make it.

From Lashkargaz, a 7-8 hour trek awaits. The trek is relatively straightforward, and porters and/or horses can be hired to alleviate your load.

Keep in mind that you’ll be hard-pressed to find goods anywhere in or near Broghil Valley. Stock up in Chitral town or Mastuj before heading up. 

It’s also important to note that while this region of Pakistan is very safe , foreigners will have a difficult time visiting. This changes regularly though, so check in on the current NOC (No Objection Certificate) requirements in Chitral town.

15. Batura Glacier

The journey to the fourth-largest glacier in Pakistan is one you won’t soon forget: it’s quite a sight to see this 57 km long monster up close! Nestled deep in the Karakoram Range, this trek begins from the village of Passu, located in the Gojal portion of Hunza Valley.

While guides and permits aren’t required, due to the technicalities of the trek, a guide is all but essential for anyone who isn’t from the area as it’s very easy to deviate off-trail. Even so, as far as multi-day treks in Pakistan go, the Batura expedition is fair game for anyone in decent shape.

You’ll encounter several campsites, many dotted with shepherds huts that can be used as a refuge when empty. Nevertheless, coming prepared with food, camping gear, and some quality trekking equipment is essential for a comfortable and safe trip. 

Some Offbeat Places to Go Trekking in Pakistan

• Charakusa Valley : Immerse yourself into a wild world few get to see. Home to K6 and K7, as well as some of the best rock and mountain climbing in Pakistan, Charakusa Valley lies within Central Karakoram National Park and is best visited in July-August. 
• Tirich Mir Basecamp : The highest mountain of the Hindu Kush range is Tirich Mir at 7708 m. You can reach this iconic mountain’s basecamp in less than a week, and likely share the trail with no one but perhaps a few adventurous locals. This trek is located in Pakistan’s Chitral region, and is extremely underrated. 
• Darkot Pass : Connecting Gilgit Baltistan’s Yasin Valley with KPK’s Broghil, the Darkot Pass will take you to over 4500 m of elevation across the Darkot Glacier.

FAQs About Trekking in Pakistan

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about going trekking in Pakistan!

Yes, it is absolutely safe to hike in Pakistan. All popular treks are located in safe and secure areas, and are rarely inhabited.

The ultimate adventure treks in Pakistan include K2 Basecamp and Snow Lake . Meanwhile, the best intermediate routes in the country are Patundas and Rakaposhi Basecamp .

The K2 basecamp trek begins from Askole in the Skardu region and will take about 7 days each way .

Trekking in Pakistan is FAR less commercialized than Nepal. So while you’ll see way fewer other trekkers on trails, you’ll also have fewer amenities. There is no such thing as “tea houses” in Pakistan, though many popular treks now have campsites with equipment rental as well as food and snacks.

The best time to go trekking in Pakistan is undoubtedly May-September . Any other time period will be cold, uncomfortable, or downright dangerous.

Final Thoughts on Trekking in Pakistan

Going trekking in Pakistan was undoubtedly the best decision I’ve ever made in my life. It’s led me to mountain scenery that’s beyond the wildest of dreams and challenged me both physically and mentally. 

I feel so genuinely fortunate to have discovered such trails, and confident in telling YOU that Pakistan’s hikes are absolutely the best in the world. Full stop–nothing and nowhere compares to this. I suspect you’ll agree after spending just one night amongst the Pakistani peaks under millions of stars.

Whether you’re looking for a day hike that leads to an epic viewpoint, or a full-on expedition worth of a documentary film, Pakistan has it all and then some. Criminally underrated,–and with views so beautiful you won’t believe they’re real–hiking in Pakistan is sure to steal your heart and blow your mind. It’s just that good.

And yes–it’s absolutely better than Nepal, Peru or any other destination you’ve read about.

So grab those hiking boots, book that ticket, and prepare yourself for the very best of planet Earth: it’s way past time to go trekking in Pakistan.

Samantha is the founder of Intentional Detours. Originally from the USA, she’s been backpacking the world since 2017, and is passionate about slow, adventure travel that puts local communities first. She has visited 19 countries and has been living in the Karakoram Mountains of Asia’s Hunza Valley since 2021. She’s super passionate about helping people get off the beaten path anywhere (on a budget of course), and her travel writing has been published in the likes of BBC Travel, CNBC, Business Insider, and more.

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Home » Asia » Pakistan » The 4 BEST Adventure Tours to Pakistan: Roam Wild in 2024

The 4 BEST Adventure Tours to Pakistan: Roam Wild in 2024

Ahhh Pakistan, you will forever hold a special place in my heart…

I first visited Pakistan in 2015 and in 2016 I solo-founded a tour company leading expeditions into this amazing country. I led the first expedition to Pakistan in 2017 and I have been to Pakistan six times over the last few years. I take great pride in my part of opening up Pakistan to the world, promoting this very misunderstood country at a time where that promotion was not often positively received.

I am no longer leading expeditions to Pakistan, read on to the end of the post to find out why, but I am still just as passionate about promoting this wonderful land and so, I am delighted to share with you… My four hand-picked choices for incredible leaders to take you around my favourite country in the world 🙂

I know Pakistan and, as far as I know, I was the first blogger to bring group tours to the country. I am proud of my part in opening up Pakistan to the world and I am stoked to see worthy and passionate adventurers continuing the good work…

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Quick Answer: These Are the 4 Best Pakistan Adventure Tours

• Intentional Detours : Best Northern Pakistan Tour
• Against the Compass : Best Co-Ed Pakistan Tour
• Lost With Purpose : Best Pakistan Women’s Tours
• Karakoram Bikers : Best Pakistan Bike Tours

Hunza Valley + Chitral Women’s Tour by Intentional Detours

• Price > $2200
• Trip length > 16 days
• Start/End > Islamabad/Islamabad
• Accommodation > Hotels/Homestays/Guesthouses
• Highlights > Offbeat Hunza Valley, Upper Chitral, Ghizer Valley

Northern Pakistan Tour by Against The Compass

• Price > $3072
• Trip length > 14 days
• Accommodation > Hotels
• Highlights > Hunza Valley, Nanga Parbat Base Camp, Astore Valley

Women’s Tours by Lost With Purpose

• Price > $2750
• Trip length > 20 days
• Start/End > Islamabad/Lahore
• Accommodation > Hotels/Camping/Homes
• Highlights > Yasin Valley, Nanga Parbat Rupal Face, Hunza Valley, Lahore

Biking Tours by Lost With Purpose

• Price > $2350
• Highlights > Ishkoman Valley, Hunza Valley, Chitral

Pure Pakistan by Karakoram Bikers

• Price > $3282
• Trip length > 19 days
• Highlights > Hunza Valley, Skardu, Deosai Plains

Why THESE Pakistan Adventure Tours?

In the past few years since I ran my first tour to magical Pakistan, foreign tourism to Pakistan has absolutely exploded, with many people choosing to travel with a tour group .

While this is great in some aspects, it’s also, to be frank, cheapened Pakistan travel as the tour space is now VERY full and, frankly, some people who are operating tours to Pakistan should not be.

I know of a few instances where influencers who have NEVER stepped foot in the country are bringing groups with them on their first time-visit, which in my view is undeniably irresponsible and is not going to lead to the kind of depth of experience that one can have by traveling with somebody who really knows the country well.

While Pakistan is safe even for independent travel, If I WAS opting to go on a guided tour, I would want to feel confident that my tour guide knows their shit. I’d want a guide that could really improve my experience and make it better because of unique knowledge, experience and connections within the country.

Diving in, here are just a few things that set the four operators I am recommending apart from the rest…

Prior Pakistan Travel Experience

Every single one of our epic tour leaders has spent a SIGNIFICANT amount of time exploring Pakistan independently. We’re talking real budget backpacking , hitchhiking and motorbiking to some of the least visited spots in the country, AND a whole host of mountain adventures under their belt.

More importantly though, what sets the folks I am recommending apart from some other folks who really don’t care about Pakistan all that much is that have collectively spent years travelling through these lands on their own, for the pure love of Pakistan travel. Some of them (Samantha and Alex) speak Urdu, and all have extensive local contacts you can only garner from some serious time spent in the country.

Immersive Itineraries

Most Pakistan tour itineraries rarely careen off the beaten path. To be fair, it’s a fucking great path which I helped beat myself but Pakistan has more to offer than the classic; Fairy Meadows , the parts of Hunza that lie along the Karakoram Highway, Lahore.

Such tours these days can feel a bit less authentic as these areas have now been seeing tourists in significant numbers for a few years. With a bit more effort, or the help of an expert tour guide, one can still pretty easily get off the beaten path to explore parts of the country that are still relatively untouched.

By going with one of my buddies though you’ll see a totally different side to the country and explore snazzy locales, hidden hideaways, and genuine experiences that will make you feel more like you’re backpacking Pakistan with a group of buddies, rather than being led around on a bus-tour.

You’ll hike, camp, and even spend some of your nights in cozy traditional homes sharing laughs and making memories around an old-school fireplace. These are tours by adventurers, for adventurers through and through and I’ve been careful about who I do and don’t recommend for your tour guides; choosing folks I know and trust to put your experience above making money.

Connections

Pakistan is a country that lives and breathes on connections, and as we all know, real connections cannot be built in a day. These four tour leaders have extensive on-the-ground experience which has allowed them to build enduring local relationships. You’ll see this in the itineraries, and in how they handle things on the fly.

As mentioned, both Samantha, Alex and the Karakoram Biker founders also speak Urdu – though this isn’t necessary for you as a tourist, it can make a big difference in daily logistics from an operator’s perspective.

Alex, Joan and Lizzy were all travelling in Pakistan by early 2016. Samantha has more than made up for it with spending the last two years in the country, plus a cheeky 4-month stint back in 2019. You want somebody who really has traveled extensively BECAUSE they actually love the country, rather than because they are trying to extract money or Instagram followers out of it.

484 pages with cities, towns, parks, and ALL the out-of-the-way places you will WANT to know. If you truly want to discover Pakistan , download this PDF .

Pakistan Adventure Tours Breakdown

Thinking about a journey to the most underrated country in the world but aren’t sure where to begin? Let’s have a look into the most epic Pakistan adventure tours on the market:

#1 Hunza Valley + Yasin Women’s Tour by Intentional Detours

• Price : $2100
• Trip length : 16 days
• Start/End : Islamabad/Islamabad
• Accommodation : Hotels/Homestays/Guesthouses
• Highlights : Offbeat Hunza Valley, Ghizer Valley

Why choose THIS Pakistan adventure tour?

Samantha literally lives in Pakistan. I met her two years ago at the guesthouse I had helped fund, we hiked together, we smoked together, we hung out… I went back to Bali, she stayed in Pakistan and spent the next two years exploring and learning the lingo.

Absolutely no backpacker (except locals themselves) knows more about the Hunza Valley than she does, as it’s specifically a village of Central Hunza that she now calls home. As such, you can expect a seriously local and certifiably unique adventure that will bring you a mountain experience like no other.

But that’s not all- Intentional Detour’s Pakistan’s women tour also coasts through Yasin Valley, a fantastical hamlet of the Hindu Kush that 9/10 foreigners ignore. It’s a truly special place to get off the beaten path .

Samantha’s tour begins and ends in Islamabad, and will take you along on some of the most stunning road trips in Pakistan. Your first main stop after coming up the 3000+ meter Babusar Pass will be Hunza in Gilgit Baltistan, where you’ll really get a heavy dose of local life thanks to her unparalleled connections in the region. The tour includes time spent in two side valleys of Hunza that other companies simply aren’t visiting.

You’ll then move along over the exquisite Gilgit-Shandur Road to Yasin, which also surpasses 3000 meters. Samantha has visited every single destination herself, including all chosen hotels and local homestays .

As Hunza and all of Gilgit Baltistan are indigenous lands, this tour also makes a pointed and conscious effort to ONLY support 100% locally owned businesses in the region.

So you can rest assured that your money is being well-placed whereas sadly many tour operators to Pakistan pretty much book everything through travel agents in Lahore and not enough of the money makes its way into local hands.

DISCOUNT : Also, to further entice you, TBB readers can get a 5% discount on the tour by entering the code “ TBB ” on the sign up form.

Who is Intentional Detours?

Samantha is my buddy, through and through, she’s an impressive fucking lady and she has the coveted Will seal of approval. I vouch for her, she knows her stuff and, more importantly, she is a good and kind human.

An intrepid traveller who set out to backpack full-time in 2019, Samantha has visited virtually every corner of Pakistan. This includes the Neelum and Broghil Valleys, the former of which only a small handful of foreigners have ever seen as it involves complicated permits and permissions which, thanks to her Urdu and connections, Samantha managed to arrange.

Samantha has now collectively spent 36+ months living and journeying about the country, and even speaks Urdu, which is Pakistan’s national language. Most other foreign tour guides don’t speak fluent Urdu.

You can find her on her blog , Youtube and Instagram which all feature an array of fantastic content about her life in Pakistan.

#2 Northern Pakistan Tour by Against The Compass

• Price : $3072
• Trip length : 14 days
• Accommodation : Hotels
• Highlights : Hunza Valley, Nanga Parbat Base Camp, Astore Valley

With Against the Compass, you’ll be taken care of by true professionals who know how to run an expedition. Joan runs and organizes more tours to more far-flung lands than anyone else on this list, and his experience will shine through as he starts off his Pakistan group expeditions in 2023. Joan has traveled extensively in Pakistan and first rocked up in 2016 (I think).

In just two weeks, you’ll get to visit the highlights of the Hunza Valley and also get to know Astore, one of Joan’s favourite places in Pakistan and a place he has some unique contacts. The journey will both start and end in Islamabad, with the final hurrah of the trip being an epic trek to Nanga Parbat Basecamp, Rupal Face that’s more off-beaten path than the more famous face on the Fairy Meadows side.

You’ll stay in tried and tested hotels throughout, and overall a high standard of comfort while still getting off the typical tourist trail as you learn about Pakistan through experience.

DISCOUNT: TBB readers are also in for a cheeky discount, just enter the code TBB when checking out with Joan.

Who is Against The Compass? 

Joan Torres quit a corporate career and started travelling the world full time in 2016. From the beginning, he always sought out some truly epic and unvisited destinations – from Mali to Yemen, he’s been to every country your government warns you about.

His travel blog, Against the Compass , quickly rose to success as he published more and more content on the world’s less-visited locales. I have a lot of respect for Joan and his blogging style. A few years ago, Joan registered his own tour company, Against the Compass Expeditions, and has since gained unparalleled experience in bringing travellers to difficult destinations. I’m a big fan of Joan, we’ve been in touch many years and more recently got drunk together in Barcelona. He knows his shit and his passion shines through.

#3 Women’s and Biking Tours by Lost With Purpose

Women’s Tour

Biking Off The Beaten Path

• Price : $2750
• Trip length : 20 days
• Start/End : Islamabad/Lahore
• Accommodation : Hotels/Camping/Homes
• Highlights : Yasin Valley, Nanga Parbat Rupal Face, Hunza Valley, Lahore
• Price : $2350
• Highlights : Ishkoman Valley, Hunza Valley, Chitral

Lost With Purpose runs two different twos to Pakistan – one for bikers (open to all) and the other specifically for female travelers . Her Pakistan women’s tour will ensure you get a fantastic taste of everything North Pakistan has to offer. From the less-visited Yasin Valley to the “other” Nanga Parbat Basecamp, the tour highlights places that most tourists don’t go and features a mix of hotel and homestay experiences.

Alex’s tour partner, Aneeqa, is a female Pakistani traveller who runs her own licensed company as well. In a country as patriarchal as Pakistan, it’s bloody awesome to see two bad-ass, independent women partnered like this. You’ll even get to do a few epic treks , like Rakaposhi Basecamp and Nanga Parbat – Rupal Face, too.

As far as motorbiking in Pakistan goes, Alex also runs several tours that wind through a mind-blowing loop of the Karakoram Highway and onward to the stunning Gilgit-Shandur Road that connects to Chitral. This tour is an ideal introduction to the mountains of Pakistan, as you’ll get to see a ton of major mountain sites fairly quickly.

Who is Lost With Purpose?

A fierce solo female adventurer and riveting storyteller, Alex Reynolds has been on the road full-time since 2016 and honestly, Alex is fucking awesome. She’s spent years dirt-bagging around South Asia, and like myself, quickly found herself enthralled by Pakistan.

Her travel blog Lost With Purpose features some of the best writing in the industry – you’d be hard-pressed to find travel guides as honest and thorough as hers. I’ve shared many a hilarious WhatsApp message with Alex and, again, I vouch for her, she is an awesome person who truly cares about the personal development opportunities afforded by raw and rugged travel.

Alex not only travels solo – she does so on her motorbike, which led to her adding motorbike tours to her yearly lineup. In addition to getting lost all over Pakistan, India and Bangladesh, Alex has also gotten well off the beaten path in the likes of Tajikistan, Iran, and Iraq. I have an adventure crush on her.

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

#4 Best Motorbike Tour in Pakistan – Pure Pakistan by Karakoram Bikers

• Price : $3282
• Trip length : 19 days
• Highlights : Hunza Valley, Skardu, Deosai Plains

Why should you choose this Northern Pakistan tour package? 

This is the ultimate motorbike tour of Pakistan! It combines two of Karakoram Bikers’ top itineraries – Hunza and Skardu – into one epic trip across nearly every paved surface in Gilgit-Baltistan. If you want to experience one of the best road trips in the world , then this Northern Pakistan tour package is for you.

The tour starts in Islamabad and proceeds to head north to Hunza via Naran. You’ll get to experience the best of the Karakoram Highway. You’ll visit Karimabad, see the majestic Attabad Lake and the Passu Cathedral. Your group will finish the KKH off at the Chinese border at the Khunjerab Pass.

But there’s more! 

You’ll then head back toward the KKH to coast through the pastoral Astore Valley, Rama Lake, and the famous plains of Deosai.

By the time you reach Skardu and the “Cold Desert” of Shigar, you will have ridden through an enormous variety of landscapes. 

In terms of logistics, Karakoram Bikers will organize everything for you. This includes the bikes themselves, fuel, maintenance, tasty local food , and accommodation. They also utilize an assistance vehicle, which is full of water and first aid supplies. Sounds pretty comprehensive if you ask me. 

Who are the Karakoram Bikers? 

Karakoram Bikers is the motorcycling wing of the famous Karakoram Club – a home-grown Pakistani initiative of explorers and hikers who have made huge efforts to open up Pakistan to tourism.

Shah and Lizzy are the heads of the club and have lead numerous tours around the mountains of Gilgit Baltistan and beyond. I know Shah personally and we’ve hiked, biked and smoked together many times. He’s the fucking man.

DISCOUNT: TBB readers also get a $130 discount with Karakoram Bikers! Once you’ve selected your Pakistan adventure, just use the code “Backpacker” when checking out.

Final Thoughts on These Pakistan Adventure Tours

My own history with Pakistan tours is… complicated. I first visited the country in 2015, and in 2016 I solo-founded a tour company, Epic Backpacker Tours, leading tours to Pakistan and Iran (leaning on my wife’s contacts and my own extensive time in the country). I led the first tour to Pakistan in 2017.

After three years of running the company, I bought in outside help and gave them 50% of the company as I wanted them to feel ownership; a concept I was passionate about at the time but which was ultimately rooted in misunderstood communism.

I continued to solo-fund the tour company during challenging times (looking at you, Covid) to support my Pakistani friends on the ground. All the while, the ‘help’ I had brought on kept asking me for more money in different ways and trying to get a larger percentage of the company off of me, despite the fact I was funding an unprofitable business.

After a mental breakdown on account of a challenging divorce and other personal reasons – very difficult times friends – I made a snap-decision to move away from this toxic relationship and I relinquished my share of the company, to be rid of a relationship that was causing me daily stress. The one condition was that my legacy contributing to the Pakistan tourism scene would be respected.

But unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. My history in the company hasn’t been preserved, and information on the internet has been manipulated to remove my contributions, and credit my former partner for all the work I had done. My former partner claims he first visited Pakistan in 2015, and that he founded the company.

I learnt some big lessons here, I had major heeby-jeebys about the guy I bought in to help me with the project from the start but I needed the help and he was available, so I ignored my intuition. Interestingly, this guy was the only person my dog ever tried to attack… I should have listened to my wise adventure doggo because my ‘partner’ turned out to be manipulative and, simply put, a liar. Today, the tour company Epic Backpacker Tours is still in operation but the guy I brought in has written me out of the story, inserting himself into my copy and attempting to dilute my legacy; He claims he visited Pakistan in 2015 (This is when I first visited, the first time he visited Pakistan was 2018, as an employee) and that he founded the tour company himself (a bald-faced lie).

This false information is still up upon the internet, and whilst I have a dizzying amount of voice messages, invoices, emails and Whatsapp messages showing the true story of this person coming on as an employee, I have at this point decided to let it go and not engage unless engaged. If I am engaged in any way, I’ll pop it all up online. Obviously, I strongly recommend NOT traveling with somebody who lies about when they first stepped foot in the country.

Losing the tour company did however make me truly sad, as I poured my heart and soul into this project. Despite everything that happened afterwards and the friction caused by it, it was still my baby, and I was proud of being one of the first (or maybe the first) travel bloggers to bring a group to Pakistan. It was also an important moment in my journey as launching the tours is what enabled me to scrape funds together to grow The Broke Backpacker.

I could go on and on with more details, but I don’t think this’ll serve you, dear reader. I have, at this point, let go of my mistake. The mountains know, and they shall avenge me.

The thing is, Pakistan IS an absolutely amazing country, it is also somewhere that often DOES make sense to travel with a tour group, especially if you are shorter on time, as logistics can be challenging and quality contacts hard to make. There are now however SO MANY operators out there that it’s hard to find the best tour options for Pakistan and so I sat down and penned this out, to assist you dear reader in picking the best experience for your journey to Pakistan.

Pakistan truly is the trip of a lifetime and I’m delighted to be able to advise you on how to find an honest, experienced, guide who can show you this marvelous destination.

Now go, friends! Embark on an amazing adventure to Pakistan with someone who truly cares and has taken the time to develop new routes, connections, and language skills!

But first, let me give you a bit of extra juice before you move on with your grand adventure plans.

Pakistan Travel Tips

A few more cheeky Pakistan travel tips to get you excited for a tour of a lifetime…

You will need a visa to travel to Pakistan, which can these days be obtained online at their E-visa website . Each operator will provide you with a “letter of invitation” (or LOI) to ensure you get the visa, but you’ll have to cover the application costs yourself, which range from $10-$60 depending on your nationality.

Camping in Pakistan

Not every tour will involve camping, but for those that do, you might want to invest in a piece or two of a quality tent . Camping under the billion-starred skies of Pakistan have been some of my favourite nights on the road.

Food + Water

Pakistani food is spicy AF – though in the mountain regions you’ll find very different dishes that seem to more closely resemble European tastes. While it is a heavily meat-focused nation, vegans and vegetarians will find themselves satisfied – the hoilo garma in Hunza is a particularly epic meatless dish.

Tap water in Pakistan is NOT SAFE to drink ANYWHERE. I recommend grabbing yourself a Grayl before heading out on your adventure, not only will it save you money but it also does something for Pakistan’s trash problem. (Which isn’t as bad as India’s at least.)

What to Wear

Respect goes a long way in Pakistan – this is a conservative country, and you do want to show that you care about cultural norms. No, you don’t need to wear a hijab (except in mosques) BUT modest clothing like long, loose shirts are a must.

Many men wear Western clothes, which is fine, but shorts will make you stick out. It’s also important to mention that while places like Hunza are quite liberal, that doesn’t mean you should dress like you’re in Bali. 99% of women still wear the local outfit, the shalwar kameez, which also happens to be one of the comfiest outfits out there.

Alcohol and Beyond

As an Islamic Republic, Pakistan is nearly 97% Muslim, BUT alcohol isn’t fully illegal. While you certainly won’t find bars, liquor stores, or clubs, some “wine shops” and upscale hotels are legally allowed to sell to foreigners and non-Muslim Pakistanis.

I think you’ll be just as surprised as I was with how open Pakistan really is – the country also has some of the best hashish in the world (which is technically illegal but not policed). The Hunza Valley and parts of Upper Chitral are also known to brew their own moonshine from local fruit – though do be warned that it is STRONG.

Pakistan Travel Insurance

Travel insurance (that actually covers Pakistan) is a MUST, amigos. While basic medical care is super cheap, you want to be prepared for absolutely everything… these days more and more companies cover Pakistan, and some tours will even require you have it.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

FAQ About the Best Pakistan Tour Packages

Is pakistan safe.

Indeed it is! In fact, it’s the most hospitable place I’ve ever been. The mountain regions are particularly secure, which is where all these Pakistan adventure tours are focused on. Hunza Valley in particular is one of the safest places in the world.

What is the food like in Pakistan?

Food in Pakistan’s major cities is spicy as can be – but very meaty. Do try the chicken karahi. Hunza food (and that of other mountain areas) is very different and spice-free.

What level of fitness is required for these Pakistan adventure tours?

None of the tours involve any serious or technical hiking, but you’ll need to be moderately fit to keep up with the day hikes and active itineraries of each tour.

What is accommodation in Pakistan like?

You’ll encounter a variety of Western-style hotels, local guesthouses, and actual homes on any of these tours. While Western comforts may not always be available, clean and cozy spots will be.

What’s the weather like in Pakistan?

Pakistan’s major cities will likely be a minimum of 30 degrees during any of these Pakistan tours. The mountains, however, have a much nicer climate that can be compared to what you’d find in Northern Europe or the Northeastern United States. While a good jacket is absolutely needed, you will not freeze.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Will Hatton

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Walking in Northern Pakistan

Rakaposhi (25,551ft/7,788m) and nanga parbat (26,660ft/8,126m - world's 7th highest mountain), pakistan.

• Reading List

Pakistan’s Hunza Valley and Baltistan Trek – Base Camps of Nanga Parbat and Rakaposhi

“Great trip and so happy with everything we saw. Pakistan an incredible place and the people are so wonderful.”

Talk about majesty. Lodged somewhere between the mythical Shangri-la of James Hilton’s Lost Horizon and Kipling’s Man Who Would Be King is the astounding beauty of Northern Pakistan. The valleys of Hunza with its jagged peaks and natural sculpted beauty, protecting the lush green valleys and apricot orchards below are a near utopia for mountain lovers. This combined with travels through nearby Baltistan, once a part of Tibet, unique in its village architecture and home some of the world’s most iconic peaks (K2, Trango Towers, G2, Nanga Parbat), makes for a most spectacular journey.

To best visit this region of Northern Pakistan, we will travel by vehicle to the noted locations and tour villages before taking on the hikes to Rakaposhi and Nanga Parbat base camp. Thus we can best title this journey as a village touring trip with daily walks, culminating in treks to the Rakaposhi and Nanga Parbat base camp.

I just wanted to tell you that the Pakistan trip was incredible. Eric was amazing. Momin and Rafeek were incredible. The treks were great and absolutely beautiful. I really enjoyed meeting in the homes and eating with some of the local Pakistani families.

Our voyage begins in the stunning Hunza Valley where we complete a series of remote treks. The upper valleys and villages of Hunza are nothing short of spectacular, home to the famous Passu Cones. The villages of Hunza originally explored for England by the famed or infamous Francis Younghusband in 1898. The people of Hunza come from the mythical Wakhan Valley of Afghanistan, and herald the Ismaili Muslim region of Northern Pakistan, warm, inviting and proud of their homeland and all its beauty. Though many of our days are in villages, we will take on a number of day hikes in the areas we travel through. From Hunza we are make our way to Rakaposhi Basecamp, putting is deep into the Karakorum and a chance to make a glacier crossing, among these giant peak from Rakaposhi to Diran Basecamp. Our final trek takes us the legendary Nanga Parbat with its lush flowered meadows. Nanga Parbat borders on the Baltistan region  once part of Tibet. These are the gatekeepers of the great Karakorum and often serve as climbing partners to expeditions taking on K2, The Gasherbrum’s and Broad Peak.

The itinerary for this expedition was created by Gordon Janow , who first visited Pakistan in 1987 and will be led by Himalayan Climber and Guide Eric Murphy .

Trekking Destinations:

Nanga Parbat, the 9th highest mountain in the world at 26,660 feet. It is a peak of great beauty and uniquely different when viewed from each of its faces, Rupal, Diamir and Raikot. First climbed by Hermann Buhl in 1953 and has a long climbing history as part of its lore (See reading list).

Walking in Northern Pakistan Program Price

$6,400.00 (per person, double occupancy)

2024 Walking in Northern Pakistan Program Schedule

August 30 – September 17, 2024 Scheduled Guides:  Carole Tejas

Prerequisites & Training

In the best interest of personal concerns, success and team compatibility, adequate training and very good physical condition are required. Team members should be physically and mentally prepared to deal with changeable weather conditions and an unfamiliar culture.

Pakistan Trek FAQ

Upon sign up we will forward our comprehensive confirmation package. This package will include all of the details for your trip.

The level of difficulty of trekking easier in comparison to treks like Everest Base Camp Trek as these are much shorter in length. Trekkers should be in very good physical condition as we do have some very steep ascents.

Our leader for this trip is famed guide  Eric Murphy , an internationally certified mountain guide with years of experience guiding Alpine Ascents trips on Everest and Kilimanjaro. The itinerary and scouting trip was completed by Gordon Janow and Eric Murphy. Gordon is a Himalayan expert who first visited the region in 1987.

Each night is spent in local accommodations in the area, with nights in tents or huts during the trekking portion. Single accommodations are available for an additional fee.

Please review the gear list .

All rental gear will be mailed to the trekker prior to the climb. Trekkers are expected to clean all rental gear and those requesting rental gear must submit an expedition rental form online. Return it to us by mail following the expedition

While all items are required there may be times when some of the items on the gear list may not be used (such as warm weather or changing conditions). The gear lists are created by the guides to assist in having trekkers be prepared to enjoy the hikes in any conditions.

While it is impossible for us to list all brands for certain gear, we do offer a wide variety of equipment in our Gear Shop, that has been hand-picked by our staff of mountaineering experts. Please feel free to call our offices with any gear questions or substitutes.

Currently no inoculations needed though we expect trekkers to be vaccinated against Covid 19.

Climbers fly in to Islamabad Pakistan – most travel by Qatar Airways via Doha.

Fares are generally less expensive when booked early. You may use our Travel Agent Charles Mulvehill   or book flights your self. Please note that flights booked on-line are often difficult to change. Please send us a copy of your flight schedule as early as possible as this allows us to book pick ups and hotels. Most will fly Qatar Airways via Doha.

Your guide or an Alpine Ascents representative will meet you at the airport in Islamabad. Look for a large Alpine Ascents sign.

We are happy to make arrangements such as personalized tours, extra hotels rooms, airport pick ups and arrange for private rooms. Please indicate that you would like a private room on your application and we will contact you with information on single room supplement costs (for hotels only).

See our planning and logistics page.

Regular updates are posted on our web site from our team while in the mountains.

You can always call our offices and one of guides will contact you, generally about 1 month before your trip departure. 30 days prior to departure, we mail a list of other team members to you.

If a trekker needs to leave early, arrangements can be made with the assistance our local support.

READING LIST

This is a highly recommended shortlist and we would be happy to pass on a longer reading list for those interested. These links will bounce to Amazon.com with reviews.

The Gilgit Game

The Great Game: The Struggle for Empire in Central Asia

Return of a King: The Battle for Afghanistan, 1839-42

Himalaya: A Human History

Solo: Nanga Parbat

From Kilimanjaro: t was without a doubt the most enjoyable expedition I have been a part of. From the beginning to end, the level of competency, attention to detail, knowledge base, and guideship was top notch. Not only was Eric Murphy a pillar of knowledge, the Tanzanian crew were clearly a cut above the other outfits crews.

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WHY BOOK WITH ALPINE ASCENTS

Knowledge & expertise.

Alpine Ascents International leads expeditions that have become benchmarks of quality in the climbing community. We operate what we believe is the finest mountaineering school in the country. This expertise is based upon years of accumulated experience-not just from individual mountain guides, but through experience on particular mountains where details are fine-tuned over time.

Our guides are an integral part of Alpine Ascents because they understand and share our climbing principles. These individuals are dedicated to sharing their excellence with others. Many of our guides have been with Alpine Ascents for over five years, with a handful of veterans working with us for most of their careers. The quality of our Guide Staff is the primary difference between us and our competitors.

Environmental Reponsibility

Leave No Trace principles are fundamental to our program, and we encourage all who climb and trek with us to understand proper wilderness practices. We help facilitate this effort by passing on Leave No Trace training and literature to every Alpine Ascents climber.

Partners & Accreditations

• Travel Planning Guide

The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Pakistan

Unleash your wanderlust with these remarkable hiking tours.

Step into the wilderness and embark on a journey of discovery with one of these exceptional hiking and trekking tours to Pakistan . We've carefully evaluated numerous tour options based on key criteria such as activities, prices, destinations, guest ratings, service, and more in order to find the absolute best hiking tours to Pakistan. Prepare to be enchanted by the awe-inspiring beauty of nature as you traverse diverse landscapes with gorgeous scenery. The expert guides provided by the experienced tour companies will lead you along well-established trails and hidden paths, sharing their knowledge and stories of the natural wonders that surround you. One of these tours could be the perfect option for your next hiking and trekking adventure, so let's get started.

• Nanga Parbat & Rakaposhi Base Camps, Pakistan Trekking Expedition - 12 Days 12 Days, $2700.00
• 11 Days Trek Nanga Parbat Base Camp & Hunza Gojal Valley Pakistan 11 Days, $2000.00
• K2 Base Camp Trek & Gondogoro La Pakistan – 2024 20 Days, $3600.00

What are hiking tours like in Pakistan?

Here are the important factors:

• 4 trip options analyzed
• $223 average price per day (USD)
• 11 to 20 days in length
• 4.88 of 5 average rating
• 15 people or less on average

You'll be surprised at the array of hiking and trekking tours in Pakistan, as there is something for everyone. It's no wonder that visitors can't get enough of these tours, boasting an impressive average guest rating of 4.88 out of 5 stars. Picture yourself joining a group of like-minded adventurers, with an average maximum size of 15 people, ensuring a fantastic blend of social and personalized experiences. The average tour length spans 14 days, with tours ranging from 11 to 20 days long. With our thorough analysis of 4 hiking and trekking tours, we've found the best. So rest assured that Pakistan has something to captivate every kind of traveler.

(All tour prices are in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically.)

So, let's get to it and see...

The 4 Best Hiking Tours in Pakistan

Nanga parbat & rakaposhi base camps, pakistan trekking expedition - 12 days.

• High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

This 12-day voyage is ideal for guests from 15 to 75 years old. And priced at only $225 per day, it's a great value, too. Get ready to fully embrace hiking and mountain hikes. Experience a trip that takes you to 6 remarkable destinations, including Nagar Khas, Hunza Valley, Chilas, and Fairy Meadows. You'll start and end your journey in beautiful Islamabad. It's offered by Crossroads Adventure , a very popular company with rave reviews and knowledgeable guides.

• Hiking & Trekking
• Mountain Hikes

11 Days Trek Nanga Parbat Base Camp & Hunza Gojal Valley Pakistan

• Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for hiking and trekking tours.

Priced at just $182 per day, this terrific 11-day voyage is ideal for guests from 18 to 60 years old. Explore 8 incredible locations on this trip, including Fairy Meadows, Hunza Valley, Gulmit, and Naran. Islamabad kicks off your expedition, serving as both the starting and finishing point. Organized by the reputable Rock Valley Tours Pvt Ltd , this is one of the best tours on this list.

• Attraction-Based Hikes

K2 Base Camp Trek & Gondogoro La Pakistan – 2024

Check out this incredible trip that has received a 5 out of 5 rating from previous guests. With a duration of 20 days, this journey ensures an intimate group size of 12 people, and is good for guests from 18 to 50 years old. Your journey will begin in Islamabad and end in Askole. This fantastic option, organized by Exploria , presents an unbeatable value at just $180 per day.

Pakistan's Karakoram Highway

Spanning over 14 days, this voyage has a maximum size of 16 individuals. Welcoming guests from 16 to 85 years old, it is organized by Explore! , a very popular company with plenty of great reviews. This trip takes you on an adventure to 10 destinations, including Shigar, Khaplu, Tarashing, and Gilgit. Islamabad will be both the start and end of your journey. Available at an unbeatable price of only $307 per day, this option also has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from previous guests.

See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Pakistan , The Best Historical Tours in Pakistan , The Best 10-Day Tours in Pakistan , The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Pakistan , Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Pakistan , The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Pakistan , The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan , The Best Eco Tours in Pakistan , The Best Sightseeing Tours in Pakistan , The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan , The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Pakistan , The Best Tours Under $1000 in Pakistan , The Best Budget Tours to Pakistan , or The Best Tours for Seniors to Pakistan for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Islamabad , The Best 10-Day Tours from Islamabad , or The Best 2-Week Tours from Islamabad for more package tour options.

How much do hiking tours in Pakistan cost?

Travelers to Pakistan will have a large number of terrific options for hiking and trekking tours at a variety of great prices. The price of hiking and trekking tours here can vary by type, destinations, length, and travel style. Based on thorough data from 4 hiking and trekking tours, their average daily price is a very reasonable $223 per day. If you're interested in more information about tours here, see our guide to tour prices in Pakistan .

And for more information on Pakistan, see Pakistan Travel Costs and Pakistan Hotel Costs .

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• Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions

THE 10 BEST Pakistan Walking Tours

Walking tours in pakistan.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Private Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Private Lahore Full Day Sightseeing Tour

2. Rangeela Rikshaw Walled City Guided Tour Lahore

3. 2 Days Private Guided Tour in Lahore

4. K2 Gondogoro La Circuit Trek 20 Days

5. K2 Base Camp Trek

6. Explore Hunza Valley Pakistan

7. Cherry Blossoms Trip to Northern Areas of Pakistan 2020 (8D 7N)

8. 4 Days tour to Kalam, Mahodand Lake

9. Autumn Trip to Hunza Valley & Skardu- Pakistan - (12D 11N)

10. Karakoram Trek (Four 8,000m Base Camps)

11. Northern Pakistan Tour

12. 10 Day Private Safari Old Silk Route Tour From Islamabad

13. Lahore Walled City Walking Tour

14. Nanga Parbat Base Camp Trek - 9 Days

15. Five 8,000m Base Camps Trek

16. K2 Base Camp and Nanga Parbat BC Trek

17. K2 Base Camp via Karakoram Highway

18. K2 Base Camp & Hunza Valley Tour

19. Lahore Half Day Private Tuk Tuk ( Trishaw ) Guided Tour

20. Street Food Tour of Lahore's Walled City

21. 7 Days Cultural trip Peshawar Swat Valley

22. short Treks and A Valley Tour Pakistan 13 Days

23. Nanga Parbat Circuit Trek - 22 Days

24. From Islamabad: Khewra Salt Mine, Kallar Kahar & Katas Raj Temple Day Trip

25. Peshawar City Tour

26. Biafo Hispar Trek - 21 Days

27. Lahore Full Day Sightseeing Tour

28. Snow Hike to Mushkpuri & BAR B Q

29. Snow Lake Trek Pakistan - 21 Days

30. Buddhist Trail Tour-Pakistan

What travelers are saying.