Highlights of Pakistan: The Classic Northern Pakistan Expedition
Pakistan is a country that will captivate you from the get-go and leave you breathless in every sense of the word. From its untouched and rugged mountain landscapes to its diverse and colorful cultures, taking on the challenge of traveling through Pakistan is an immensely rewarding experience. There is nothing I look forward to more each year than hosting this trip and sharing my love for Pakistan, its landscapes, and its people with a group of travelers from across the world. The first four years of hosting this trip has been wildly fulfilling with countless unforgettable moments, and I'm beyond excited to be running this trip of a lifetime again in 2025.
Pakistan is another world waiting to be explored, a stunning country rarely visited by travelers and often misjudged and misrepresented globally. We’re here to shatter those perceptions of Pakistan and show you what this criminally-overlooked destination is all about. From its snow-capped peaks to turquoise lakes, its rich cuisine and the unending hospitality of its people, I can guarantee that this country will surprise you. Here's a glimpse of what to expect on this expedition.
Expedition Dates: September 7th - September 19th, 2025
The dates for this expedition will be from September 7th to September 19th, 2025. We also offer a more trekking-oriented trip from September 23rd to October 5th that substitutes Lahore for more time in the mountainous northern regions. To see that itinerary, click here.
Highlights of Pakistan Group Trip: Tentative Itinerary
This is the tentative itinerary. Certain routes and areas may also be closed or become inaccessible at any time. We will always supplement with alternative activities, treks, or routes where possible. We've dealt with road closures, landslides, flight cancellations, and many other of Pakistan's surprises. We always have a Plan A to Plan Z, so just go with the flow and trust in our local guides and experts.
Day 1: Start Tour in Lahore (Arrive Before 12 PM)
Assalamu-alaikum! Urdu and English are the national languages of Pakistan, although an estimated 80 different languages are spoken throughout the country.
Welcome to Pakistan! We’ll be there to pick you up from Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport and take you to our hotel in the heart of Lahore’s bustling Gulberg district. After everyone gets settled in, we’ll go for lunch in the Old Anarkali Bazaar, before having a little time to explore the market and pick up some essentials. Next up, we’ll head to the Wagah Border for a unique tradition at the Pakistan-India border. After the ceremony, we will head back to the hotel to freshen up before heading out for an optional outing at a covert underground bar in an otherwise dry country.
Accommodation: Hotel - Lahore
Day 2: Highlights of Lahore and Drive to Islamabad
Sheesh! The Sheesh Mahal was built by Shah Jahan for his favorite wife, Mumtaz, who passed before its completion. He would then commission the building of her mausoleum, which you might be familiar with: the Taj Mahal.
After breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to hit the historical sites of Lahore. We’ll visit the Mughal-era sites of Lahore Fort, the Sheesh Mahal, and the magnificent Badshahi Mosque. Lunch will be at one of Lahore’s most famous restaurants with a stunning view overlooking Old Lahore and the Badshahi Mosque. Afterwards, we begin our drive up north to the mountains, breaking up the journey with a stay in Islamabad for the night. We’ll order takeout for dinner and have a chill night to get plenty of sleep before tomorrow’s early start and travel day.
Driving Time: 5 hours
Accommodation: Hotel - Islamabad
Day 3: Not Your Average Road Trip: A Scenic Journey to the North
Our journey north begins. The drive through the stunning Babusar Pass will take us through several national parks, including Kaghan Valley and Naran Valley. Stops will be made at the Babusar Top at an altitude of 4,170 meters and the beautiful Lulusar Lake. Before long, we merge onto the Karakoram Highway, sometimes called the Eighth Wonder of the World, due to its jaw-dropping beauty and the seemingly impossible conditions for this 1,300 kilometer-long highway to be built. We’ll arrive at our accommodation in the evening and have dinner before packing in preparation for our two-night escape into the mountains.
Driving Time: Approximately 10 - 12 hours
Accommodation: Guesthouse - Jaglot
Day 4: Into the Himalayas: Jeep Ride, Fairy Meadows and Nanga Parbat
Killer Mountain: 8,126 meter (26,660 feet) tall Nanga Parbat’s lethal nickname comes from its death rate of 21 climbers per 100 successful summits.
Rise and shine! We head to the Raikot Jeep Point, where we hop on 4x4s and take on one of the world’s most dangerous roads. It’s a bumpy, winding ride of two hours with sheer cliffside drops and dramatic views. It can be terrifying, but remember, this is the daily commute for these guys. No sweat. After reaching the trailhead to Fairy Meadows, we begin the three hour hike to our cabins, stopping halfway for chai and a light lunch. Upon arriving at camp, we can relax and get settled in our cabins before heading to the Reflection Lake for a “killer” view of Nanga Parbat for sunset. Don’t be surprised if the locals invite you to a game of cricket or polo. Feast up on a home-cooked dinner before joining the local villagers around the bonfire for some music and dancing.
Driving Time: 2 hours
Hiking Time: 3 hours
Elevation Gain: 600 meters (2,600 meters -> 3,200 meters)
Accommodation: Cabins - Fairy Meadows
Day 5: Trek to Base Camp of Nanga Parbat, the 9th-tallest Mountain in the World
We start early to trek to the base camp of Nanga Parbat, the 9th-tallest mountain in the world. Reaching base camp is optional and there will be plenty of stunning viewpoints to stop at if the challenge proves to be too much. We’ll pass through Beyal Camp, the Pakistani Viewpoint, German Viewpoint, and cross a glacier along the way. The altitude at Nanga Parbat Base Camp is 3,980 meters. For those aiming to reach base camp, prepare for a lengthy trek in increasing altitudes. No matter where you end up, today will be one of the most epic days of your life. After everyone’s back at camp, we feast yet again and head to the bonfires for more dancing, if your legs have anything left in them.
Hiking Time: 4 hours roundtrip to Pakistani Viewpoint, 8 - 10 hours roundtrip to Nanga Parbat Base Camp
Elevation Gain: 780 meters to Nanga Parbat Base Camp (3,200m -> 3,980m)
Accommodation: Cabins - Fairy Meadows
Day 6: Depart Fairy Meadows, Drive to Naltar Valley, Visit Lovely the Snow Leopard
We say goodbye to Nanga Parbat and retrace our steps, with two hours of hiking down and the 4x4 ride back to the Karakoram Highway. From here, we’ll drive about two hours to our lunch spot, where we’ll chow down on delicious Central Asian food. Lunch will be traditional-style, sitting on mats outdoors with stunning views of the mountains. After lunch, we drive to the breathtaking Naltar Valley. We’ll check in to our hotel before visiting the valley’s resident rescue snow leopard, Lovely.
Driving Time: 2 hours on 4x4s, 3 hours by bus
Hiking Time: 2 hours
Accommodation: Hotel - Naltar Valley
Day 7: Explore the Naltar Lakes, Drive to Karimabad, Explore the Old Silk Road Bazaars
We start the morning on offroad jeeps and visit a few of the most iconic Naltar Lakes. First up is the Satrangi Lake (Seven-Colored Lake), known for its vibrant shades of blue, green, yellow, and more. We’ll then drive up to the stunning Blue Lake, and from here, it’s choose your own adventure. There is an optional 2-hour roundtrip hike up to the Turquoise Lake, a more relaxed hike around the valley, or the option to just hang out by the Blue Lake. We’ll head out, have a late lunch, then wrap up the drive to the Old Silk Road town of Karimabad. After checking into the hotel and having dinner, everyone is free to explore the bustling bazaar filled with crafts and antiques.
Driving Time: 3 hours by Jeep, 3 hours by bus
Hiking Time: 2 hours (optional)
Accommodation: Hotel - Karimabad
Day 8: Free Morning in Karimabad, Hike Up To Eagle’s Nest Sunset Viewpoint, Barbecue and Bonfire
After having breakfast at the hotel, you are free to explore Karimabad for the morning. Check out more shops, visit the historic Baltit Fort, or just find a cute coffee shop with a stunning view of Rakaposhi. After lunch, we hike up to the top of Karimabad, dropping our stuff off at our lodge for the night. At sunset, we’ll pop over to the Eagle’s Nest viewpoint for panoramic views of nearly a dozen snow-capped peaks and the vast Hunza Valley. A bonfire and barbecue will be awaiting us back at the hotel, where we can feast on yak and sip on the local moonshine around the fire.
Driving Time: None (or 30 minutes if opting out of hike)
Hiking Time: 3 hours (optional)
Accommodation: Hotel - Eagle’s Nest
Day 9: Boat Ride on Attabad Lake, Bascochi Meadows Hike, Local Village Homestay
Hope the moonshine didn’t hit too hard last night, but it’s okay if it did. We have a slow morning before a short drive to the Bascochi Meadows trailhead. The view of Attabad Lake from the top is simply unforgettable. After hiking back down, we head to the shores of the lake itself for some snacks and a boat ride with some breathtaking views. Afterwards, we head to the village of Ghulkin, where we’ll be staying with a local family on their apricot farm. This rural town is excellent for stargazing and cozy vibes.
Driving Time: 2 hours
Hiking Time: 3 hours
Accommodation: Homestay - Ghulkin
Day 10: Trek across the Black Glacier, Swim in Borith Lake, White Glacier Viewpoint, Hanging Bridge and Passu Cones
Don’t look down! The Passu Hanging Bridge is 900 feet long and is one of the most dangerous footbridges in the world.
Whew, we’ve got a jam-packed day today. Hiking from Ghulkin village, we traverse the treacherous Black Glacier, as challenging mentally as it is physically. No worries, once we’re through with that, we dive into Borith Lake and swim, paddle board, or kayak while flanked by towering peaks. We make a quick detour to a viewpoint of the vast White Glacier and then treat ourselves to a well-deserved lunch. Then, we cross the Passu Bridge, a hanging bridge straight out of Indiana Jones. We wrap up the day with a visit to the iconic Passu Cones for some picture-perfect photoshoots before heading back to the homestay for a home-cooked dinner and stargazing.
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours total
Driving Time: 1-2 hours
Accommodation: Homestay - Ghulkin
Day 11: Drive to Skardu, Kachura Lakes and Sarfaranga Cold Desert
We depart Ghulkin village and drive to Skardu, retracing our steps past Attabad Lake, Rakaposhi, and Nanga Parbat on the way. The drive will take about 6-8 hours and we will arrive in Skardu in the afternoon. We make a stop at the beautiful Kachura Lakes before reaching Skardu. Afterwards, we will visit one of the highest deserts in the world. The Sarfaranga Cold Desert sits at 7,300 feet (2,226m) above sea level. With temperatures in the winters reaching - 13F (-25C), the dunes are often covered in snow. There’ll be an option to go dune buggying, horseback riding, paragliding, and more (at additional cost).
Driving Time: 6-8 hours
Accommodation: Hotel - Skardu
Day 12: Fly from Skardu to Islamabad, Highlights of Islamabad, Drive to Lahore
Today, we say goodbye to the mountains, but in the most breathtaking fashion possible. The flight from Skardu to Islamabad is renowned as one of the most beautiful in the world. The flight’s only an hour long, and we’ll have time for lunch at a delicious Afghan restaurant in Islamabad, followed by a visit to the iconic Faisal Mosque, one of the largest and most beautiful in the world. Afterwards, we’ll drive back to Lahore for our last night together as a group.
Flight Time: 1 hour
Driving Time: 5 hours
Accommodation: Hotel - Lahore
Day 13: Check Out and Airport Dropoffs at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport
It ain’t goodbye, it’s see you later. My favorite thing about these trips is watching the members reunite elsewhere around the globe, from Kyrgyzstan to Singapore to Mexico. We’ve truly become a family over the last two weeks, and the goodbyes will no doubt be teary-eyed. We’ll be doing airport drop-offs at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport throughout the day.
How Much Does the Expedition Cost?
The total cost for the expedition is $2750 USD.
$750 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot on the trip
$1000 second installment six months before the expedition
$1000 remaining balance paid at least three months before the expedition
What’s Included in the Cost?
Pretty much everything! All accommodation, transportation within the country, meals, and activities are included. It is a jam-packed trip, squeezing in a ton of activities, including plenty of local experiences unique to our trip. We work exclusively with local guides, families, and businesses, so the brunt of the cost goes towards supporting Pakistan's incredible people and blossoming tourism industry.
All local staff, including guides, drivers, and auxiliary help
We’ve got a team on the ground with years of experience to make sure everything goes smoothly and to adjust for when things don’t. At all times, you will have three experienced guides plus our private driver for the entirety of the trip to make sure everything goes smoothly. For certain treks, we will also have auxiliary trekking guides with us.
All accommodation, ranging from hotels to local home stays
We stay at a variety of accommodation styles, and always opt to stay at the best accommodation available. Hotels, guesthouses, cabins, tents, home-stays, we truly stay in it all. If you are coming on the trip alone, you will be paired with other solo travelers for shared accommodation. We often mix up the room assignments so that everyone gets to know each other and become friends.
Three Nutritious Meals A Day
Despite all the hiking, you might find yourself gaining weight on this trip. Pakistani food is phenomenal, and there will be no shortage of it during our meals. We’ll keep you fed with a variety of food from different regions of Pakistan and Central Asia. Although Pakistan has a meat-heavy diet, we can accommodate for vegetarians, vegans and travelers with other dietary restrictions and allergies, including nuts and lactose.
All transportation, ranging from internal flights to off-road jeeps and our air-conditioned private bus
From the moment you land to the moment you fly out, you won’t have to worry about getting around. We will have a private, comfortable and spacious air-conditioned bus so we will be traveling in style. We will also be traveling to some difficult to reach places that you otherwise won’t be able to reach on your own, so get hyped. One domestic flight is included in the cost.
Lifelong Friends and Travel Buddies
For me, the best part of these trips is watching a group of strangers become family. All the awkwardness seems to melt away before the first day even wraps up. By the end of the trip, you'll be leaving with lifelong friends that you know will always be down for an adventure. Seriously, there has yet to be a last night on any of my trips where the tears weren't flowing. This trip may have an end date, but the friendships and relationships formed will endure through the years.
What’s Not Included?
International Flights: You will be flying in and out of Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport. Each traveler is responsible for booking their own flights, but we are happy to help with finding the best flights. Let me know your preferred flight path, and I’ll keep tabs on any good flights that pop up.
Visas: In prior years, Pakistan required a visa application and charged a $60 application fee. As of September 2024, that entire process has been scrapped and most countries no longer need to go through the application process. Here is a full list of the 122 countries exempt from the application and visa fee, including the U.S. and most European countries. Travelers will still need to fill out this application at least 24 hours prior to their arrival in Pakistan in order to receive their Visa Grant Notice.
Spending money: You’ll surely want to walk away with some souvenirs from this amazing country. We recommend about $200 USD in spending money, or maybe more if you're fond of jewelry, rugs, shawls, and more. If you’re not much of a shopper, you’ll only need money for water, other drinks, and snacks.
Travel Insurance: We require you to obtain travel insurance, and we will need a copy of your insurance policy.
Tips: During the trip, the team will be covering tips for meals, drivers, and auxiliary guides. You won’t need consider tipping throughout the trip. At the end of the trip, we will pass around an envelope to tip our guides and driver. This is encouraged but not required.
Meet The Team: Who Will Be Leading This Expedition?
Eli Solidum
Hey, that’s me! I’m an adventurous spirit who lives for experiences far outside of my comfort zone and feel most alive in the mountains. I have traveled to over 70 countries, sharing my unfiltered experiences for the last eight years as a full-time nomad and travel blogger. I've led seven expeditions to Pakistan now and it is always the highlight of my year. My goal is to inspire people to step outside of their comfort zones, and I’m beyond excited to be doing this trip together with you all.
Imran Khan
Imran is our man on the ground in Pakistan, and an experienced tour operator with years and years of guided tours under his belt. Imran hails from Islamabad, but has traveled extensively and even managed a hostel in Cambodia. Between his experience in Pakistan and the global backpacking culture, Imran serves as an excellent bridge between your culture and his.
Team of Local Guides
We have a small team of local guides, of which one or two will be with us all the way. Essar and Mansoor are two expert hikers who hail from Karimabad. Ali is the eldest son of the family who hosts us in Ghulkin. Ashar hails from Lahore but thrives in the mountains. One of Irfan, Popeye, or Babar will join us at the helm of the bus as our experienced drivers.
What Kind Of Traveler Am I Looking For?
Let me be blunt. This trip is not for everyone. This won’t be your cushy, five-star resort vacation. This will be an adventure of a lifetime, and oftentimes, adventures can be challenging and uncomfortable. You don’t need to be an experienced traveler or trekker, but you do need to have an open mind, a good attitude, and a willingness to step outside of your comfort zone.
Open-minded and eager for new experiences, cultures, and people
Comfortable with getting uncomfortable (squat toilets, bumpy roads, cold showers, or none at all)
A big love for the outdoors, hiking, and mountains (with preferably some trekking experience)
Fun, easy-going, and willing to go with the flow.
The general demographic of the group ranges from early 20s to late 30s. All ages are welcome, but must be comfortable with this age range being the brunt of the group.
All nationalities are welcome, and travelers from over 20 countries have joined prior expeditions. The trip will be conducted in English.
If you have any concerns or questions, feel free to reach out to ensure that you are an ideal candidate for the trip. Since this is a group trip, I want there to be good chemistry shared between all members. We will be together for two weeks straight, often doing things that push us to our limits. It isn’t going to be easy at times, and we’ll need all hands on deck to support each other. I want everyone to be confident that everyone on the trip will be a team player and a lifelong friend long after the trip is done.
The maximum group size of this expedition is fifteen and will be first-come, first-serve in terms of booking.
How In Shape Do You Have To Be For The Trip?
There will be a decent amount of trekking on this trip, although nothing that requires any technical experience. You don’t need to be an athlete by any means, and obviously, we won’t leave anyone behind. Myself or one of the other guides will always stay at the back of the group. However, the more comfortable you are with trekking, the more you’ll enjoy the overall experience.
This is an adventure and things aren’t always straight-forward. When that happens, we’re there to make sure your adventure goes as smoothly and efficiently as possible. You will get out of this trip what you put in: a positive attitude, willingness to get to know the locals, and enthusiasm are all as important as hiking ability.
So, What Do You Say?
Up for the adventure of a lifetime? If you’re interested, fill out the form below to express your interest in being a part of the Pakistan expedition.
Enter your name and email, and include a brief introduction of who you are and why you want to join the trip. I will get back to you with the next steps for joining us on our Pakistan trip. This won’t lock you in just yet, but we expect this trip to fill up pretty quickly. If this is something you’d even remotely consider going on, sign up!
Testimonials
"It really was a trip of a lifetime for me because I left feeling so connected to my heritage and feeling proud of my Pakistani identity. I never would have thought as a kid growing up in the UK that a day will come where I'll be touring Pakistan with a bunch of non-Pakistanis who will embrace the culture I am from. It honestly filled me with pride and I have you to thank for that. Please keep doing what you're doing and continue to show the world what Pakistan really has to offer." - Zainab, 27, UK
"Finding out about you and this trip online was the biggest blessing for me this year. Thanks for doing what you do, you really bring the best people together." - Lucy, 25, South Korea
"Pakistan pushed me beyond my comfort zone in ways I didn't even know I could be pushed. It has opened my eyes to bigger adventures and new perspectives. I am beyond grateful to Eli and the team for creating an environment where we could explore this country locally and in a beautiful way." - Emily, 24, USA
"Thank you for all the hard work that went behind planning this expedition. It was full of joy, challenges, and a whole lotta laughs" - Leanna, 22, USA
"The most incredible trip of my life with the most incredible people." - Julia, 26, UK
"Visiting Pakistan was the trip of a lifetime and I’m so happy I went with a fun and positive group of people. The hikes were breathtaking and I loved exploring the cities and mountains of Pakistan. I felt safe the entire time and everything was well taken care of. I enjoyed my trip so much and can’t wait to go back!" - Brooklyn, 20, USA