Discover Pakistan Tour — 20 Days
Overview
Twenty days, every face of Pakistan: Mughal Lahore, Buddhist Gandhara, Swiss-green Swat, the ancient Kalash culture under Tirich Mir, the world's highest polo ground at Shandur, Hunza's Silk Road heartland, the China border, cabins beneath Nanga Parbat and Baltistan's palaces and high plateau. This is the country in one unforgettable arc: the itinerary serious travellers plan years for, operated privately at your pace.
Plan the journey with our private Hunza tours, hotels in Hunza, Hunza car rental, guided Hunza treks and international Hunza tours.
Trip Highlights
- Lahore UNESCO heritage + Walled City food crawl
- Taxila: the Gandharan Buddhist capital
- Swat Valley and Malam Jabba
- Kalash Valleys (Bumburet & Rumbur) and Chitral
- Shandur Pass and Phander Lake crossing
- Complete Hunza circuit + Khunjerab Pass
- Fairy Meadows cabins beneath Nanga Parbat
- Skardu, Shigar, Khaplu and Deosai (season)
Day by Day Itinerary
20-day planArrive Lahore
Day 1 follows the Arrive Lahore stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Fort and Badshahi at golden hour. This arrival day is deliberately paced for comfort. After the scheduled pickup, the team assists with the hotel transfer, confirms room arrangements and provides a practical briefing covering communication, expected weather, clothing and the following morning’s plan. The guide reviews the expected timing and practical requirements before departure, including clothing, footwear and water. Comfort breaks and photography pauses are planned sensibly, while keeping enough time for the main visit and the onward journey. Weather, traffic, road access, permits, opening hours and local instructions can change the exact order. When an adjustment is necessary, the team selects the closest suitable alternative and explains it before proceeding. Before the day finishes, the guide reviews the next stage, confirms the departure time and answers practical questions about luggage, meals or clothing.
Max altitude 217 mLahore Walled City + Wagah
Day 2 follows the Lahore Walled City + Wagah stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Rickshaw heritage, border ceremony. The heritage visits are arranged in a logical order so the group can understand the place rather than simply move between monuments. Time is reserved for local interpretation, architectural details, community etiquette, photographs and questions, subject to opening hours and access rules. The meeting time and expected duration are confirmed beforehand, together with suitable clothing, footwear and anything guests should carry. Regular pauses are available for drinking water, washrooms and photographs whenever the route and local facilities allow. Exact timings remain flexible for weather, traffic, access restrictions, opening hours and local advice. Any necessary change is discussed with the group, and the closest practical alternative is used without changing the character of the day. The day concludes with a short review of the following programme, giving guests clear information about departure time, luggage and any useful preparation.
Max altitude 217 mLahore to Islamabad via Taxila
Day 3 follows the Lahore to Islamabad via Taxila stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Museum and stupas; capital overnight. Today’s transfer is treated as part of the experience, with scenery and useful stops built around a realistic arrival time. Road conditions, traffic and seasonal diversions are checked locally, and the driver maintains a measured pace throughout the journey. Guests receive a clear briefing on timing, clothing, footwear and useful items to carry. The programme includes reasonable pauses for water, washrooms and photographs, with exact stopping points adapted to the route and facilities available that day. Local conditions may require a change in timing or sequence, particularly during busy periods or unsettled weather. The guide communicates any adjustment clearly and protects the day’s main purpose wherever conditions reasonably allow. At the end of the programme, guests have time to settle in or rest, and the guide confirms the next day’s departure and any preparation required.
Max altitude 540 mIslamabad to Swat
Day 4 follows the Islamabad to Swat stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Motorway to the green valley; Mingora. The road journey is planned with realistic driving time and appropriate comfort stops. The driver follows current route advice and uses a conservative pace, while the guide selects worthwhile viewpoints that do not create an unnecessarily late arrival at the next destination. The guide reviews the expected timing and practical requirements before departure, including clothing, footwear and water. Comfort breaks and photography pauses are planned sensibly, while keeping enough time for the main visit and the onward journey. Weather, traffic, road access, permits, opening hours and local instructions can change the exact order. When an adjustment is necessary, the team selects the closest suitable alternative and explains it before proceeding. Before the day finishes, the guide reviews the next stage, confirms the departure time and answers practical questions about luggage, meals or clothing.
Max altitude 980 mSwat explore
Day 5 follows the Swat explore stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Buddhist sites, Malam Jabba or Kalam side. Today’s programme follows a measured pace, giving proper time to the principal experience instead of filling the schedule with brief stops. The guide confirms access, expected conditions and any suitable adjustments before the group leaves the hotel or meeting point. The meeting time and expected duration are confirmed beforehand, together with suitable clothing, footwear and anything guests should carry. Regular pauses are available for drinking water, washrooms and photographs whenever the route and local facilities allow. Exact timings remain flexible for weather, traffic, access restrictions, opening hours and local advice. Any necessary change is discussed with the group, and the closest practical alternative is used without changing the character of the day. The day concludes with a short review of the following programme, giving guests clear information about departure time, luggage and any useful preparation.
Max altitude 2,000 mSwat to Chitral
Day 6 follows the Swat to Chitral stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Lowari Tunnel crossing beneath Tirich Mir. The road journey is planned with realistic driving time and appropriate comfort stops. The driver follows current route advice and uses a conservative pace, while the guide selects worthwhile viewpoints that do not create an unnecessarily late arrival at the next destination. Guests receive a clear briefing on timing, clothing, footwear and useful items to carry. The programme includes reasonable pauses for water, washrooms and photographs, with exact stopping points adapted to the route and facilities available that day. Local conditions may require a change in timing or sequence, particularly during busy periods or unsettled weather. The guide communicates any adjustment clearly and protects the day’s main purpose wherever conditions reasonably allow. At the end of the programme, guests have time to settle in or rest, and the guide confirms the next day’s departure and any preparation required.
Max altitude 1,500 mKalash Valleys day
Day 7 follows the Kalash Valleys day stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Bumburet and Rumbur living culture. This village day is designed around genuine local life and appropriate guest behaviour. The guide introduces regional customs, farming traditions and household routines, while timing any hosted meal or cultural activity according to confirmed community arrangements. The guide reviews the expected timing and practical requirements before departure, including clothing, footwear and water. Comfort breaks and photography pauses are planned sensibly, while keeping enough time for the main visit and the onward journey. Weather, traffic, road access, permits, opening hours and local instructions can change the exact order. When an adjustment is necessary, the team selects the closest suitable alternative and explains it before proceeding. Before the day finishes, the guide reviews the next stage, confirms the departure time and answers practical questions about luggage, meals or clothing.
Max altitude 1,950 mChitral to Mastuj
Day 8 follows the Chitral to Mastuj stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Follow the river valley with planned village, meal and viewpoint stops. The road journey is planned with realistic driving time and appropriate comfort stops. The driver follows current route advice and uses a conservative pace, while the guide selects worthwhile viewpoints that do not create an unnecessarily late arrival at the next destination. The meeting time and expected duration are confirmed beforehand, together with suitable clothing, footwear and anything guests should carry. Regular pauses are available for drinking water, washrooms and photographs whenever the route and local facilities allow. Exact timings remain flexible for weather, traffic, access restrictions, opening hours and local advice. Any necessary change is discussed with the group, and the closest practical alternative is used without changing the character of the day. The day concludes with a short review of the following programme, giving guests clear information about departure time, luggage and any useful preparation.
Max altitude 2,359 mShandur Pass to Phander
Day 9 follows the Shandur Pass to Phander stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: The polo-ground pass; lakeside night. Today’s transfer is treated as part of the experience, with scenery and useful stops built around a realistic arrival time. Road conditions, traffic and seasonal diversions are checked locally, and the driver maintains a measured pace throughout the journey. As the day reaches an altitude reference of 3,700 m, guests should keep a comfortable pace, drink water regularly and tell the guide promptly about headache, nausea, unusual fatigue or breathing difficulty. Guests receive a clear briefing on timing, clothing, footwear and useful items to carry. The programme includes reasonable pauses for water, washrooms and photographs, with exact stopping points adapted to the route and facilities available that day. Local conditions may require a change in timing or sequence, particularly during busy periods or unsettled weather. The guide communicates any adjustment clearly and protects the day’s main purpose wherever conditions reasonably allow. At the end of the programme, guests have time to settle in or rest, and the guide confirms the next day’s departure and any preparation required.
Max altitude 3,700 mPhander to Gilgit
Day 10 follows the Phander to Gilgit stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Ghizer river country. The road journey is planned with realistic driving time and appropriate comfort stops. The driver follows current route advice and uses a conservative pace, while the guide selects worthwhile viewpoints that do not create an unnecessarily late arrival at the next destination. The guide reviews the expected timing and practical requirements before departure, including clothing, footwear and water. Comfort breaks and photography pauses are planned sensibly, while keeping enough time for the main visit and the onward journey. Weather, traffic, road access, permits, opening hours and local instructions can change the exact order. When an adjustment is necessary, the team selects the closest suitable alternative and explains it before proceeding. Before the day finishes, the guide reviews the next stage, confirms the departure time and answers practical questions about luggage, meals or clothing.
Max altitude 1,500 mGilgit to Karimabad
Day 11 follows the Gilgit to Karimabad stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Continue to Hunza, check in at the hotel and enjoy an easy evening. Today’s transfer is treated as part of the experience, with scenery and useful stops built around a realistic arrival time. Road conditions, traffic and seasonal diversions are checked locally, and the driver maintains a measured pace throughout the journey. The meeting time and expected duration are confirmed beforehand, together with suitable clothing, footwear and anything guests should carry. Regular pauses are available for drinking water, washrooms and photographs whenever the route and local facilities allow. Exact timings remain flexible for weather, traffic, access restrictions, opening hours and local advice. Any necessary change is discussed with the group, and the closest practical alternative is used without changing the character of the day. The day concludes with a short review of the following programme, giving guests clear information about departure time, luggage and any useful preparation.
Max altitude 2,438 mHunza heritage day
Day 12 follows the Hunza heritage day stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Visit Baltit Fort, Altit Fort and Ganish village, followed by sunset at Eagle's Nest. The heritage visits are arranged in a logical order so the group can understand the place rather than simply move between monuments. Time is reserved for local interpretation, architectural details, community etiquette, photographs and questions, subject to opening hours and access rules. As the day reaches an altitude reference of 2,850 m, guests should keep a comfortable pace, drink water regularly and tell the guide promptly about headache, nausea, unusual fatigue or breathing difficulty. Guests receive a clear briefing on timing, clothing, footwear and useful items to carry. The programme includes reasonable pauses for water, washrooms and photographs, with exact stopping points adapted to the route and facilities available that day. Local conditions may require a change in timing or sequence, particularly during busy periods or unsettled weather. The guide communicates any adjustment clearly and protects the day’s main purpose wherever conditions reasonably allow. At the end of the programme, guests have time to settle in or rest, and the guide confirms the next day’s departure and any preparation required.
Max altitude 2,850 mAttabad to Gulmit
Day 13 follows the Attabad to Gulmit stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Boating, Hussaini Bridge; Gojal night. Today’s transfer is treated as part of the experience, with scenery and useful stops built around a realistic arrival time. Road conditions, traffic and seasonal diversions are checked locally, and the driver maintains a measured pace throughout the journey. As the day reaches an altitude reference of 2,500 m, guests should keep a comfortable pace, drink water regularly and tell the guide promptly about headache, nausea, unusual fatigue or breathing difficulty. The guide reviews the expected timing and practical requirements before departure, including clothing, footwear and water. Comfort breaks and photography pauses are planned sensibly, while keeping enough time for the main visit and the onward journey. Weather, traffic, road access, permits, opening hours and local instructions can change the exact order. When an adjustment is necessary, the team selects the closest suitable alternative and explains it before proceeding. Before the day finishes, the guide reviews the next stage, confirms the departure time and answers practical questions about luggage, meals or clothing.
Max altitude 2,500 mKhunjerab Pass
Day 14 follows the Khunjerab Pass stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Border day; return to central Hunza. The road journey is planned with realistic driving time and appropriate comfort stops. The driver follows current route advice and uses a conservative pace, while the guide selects worthwhile viewpoints that do not create an unnecessarily late arrival at the next destination. As the day reaches an altitude reference of 4,693 m, guests should keep a comfortable pace, drink water regularly and tell the guide promptly about headache, nausea, unusual fatigue or breathing difficulty. The meeting time and expected duration are confirmed beforehand, together with suitable clothing, footwear and anything guests should carry. Regular pauses are available for drinking water, washrooms and photographs whenever the route and local facilities allow. Exact timings remain flexible for weather, traffic, access restrictions, opening hours and local advice. Any necessary change is discussed with the group, and the closest practical alternative is used without changing the character of the day. The day concludes with a short review of the following programme, giving guests clear information about departure time, luggage and any useful preparation.
Max altitude 4,693 mHunza to Raikot to Fairy Meadows
Day 15 follows the Hunza to Raikot to Fairy Meadows stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Jeep track and trail to the cabins. Today’s transfer is treated as part of the experience, with scenery and useful stops built around a realistic arrival time. Road conditions, traffic and seasonal diversions are checked locally, and the driver maintains a measured pace throughout the journey. As the day reaches an altitude reference of 3,300 m, guests should keep a comfortable pace, drink water regularly and tell the guide promptly about headache, nausea, unusual fatigue or breathing difficulty. Guests receive a clear briefing on timing, clothing, footwear and useful items to carry. The programme includes reasonable pauses for water, washrooms and photographs, with exact stopping points adapted to the route and facilities available that day. Local conditions may require a change in timing or sequence, particularly during busy periods or unsettled weather. The guide communicates any adjustment clearly and protects the day’s main purpose wherever conditions reasonably allow. At the end of the programme, guests have time to settle in or rest, and the guide confirms the next day’s departure and any preparation required.
Max altitude 3,300 mFairy Meadows sunrise to Skardu road
Day 16 follows the Fairy Meadows sunrise to Skardu road stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Nanga Parbat dawn, descend, begin Baltistan leg. The road journey is planned with realistic driving time and appropriate comfort stops. The driver follows current route advice and uses a conservative pace, while the guide selects worthwhile viewpoints that do not create an unnecessarily late arrival at the next destination. The guide reviews the expected timing and practical requirements before departure, including clothing, footwear and water. Comfort breaks and photography pauses are planned sensibly, while keeping enough time for the main visit and the onward journey. Weather, traffic, road access, permits, opening hours and local instructions can change the exact order. When an adjustment is necessary, the team selects the closest suitable alternative and explains it before proceeding. Before the day finishes, the guide reviews the next stage, confirms the departure time and answers practical questions about luggage, meals or clothing.
Max altitude 2,228 mSkardu lakes & desert
Day 17 follows the Skardu lakes & desert stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Visit Shangrila Resort, Upper Kachura Lake and the Sarfaranga Cold Desert. Today’s lake visit combines scenic stops with practical time for access and photographs. Boating or shoreline activities remain subject to weather and local safety decisions, and the guide explains an alternative viewpoint or short walk if conditions are unsuitable. As the day reaches an altitude reference of 2,500 m, guests should keep a comfortable pace, drink water regularly and tell the guide promptly about headache, nausea, unusual fatigue or breathing difficulty. The meeting time and expected duration are confirmed beforehand, together with suitable clothing, footwear and anything guests should carry. Regular pauses are available for drinking water, washrooms and photographs whenever the route and local facilities allow. Exact timings remain flexible for weather, traffic, access restrictions, opening hours and local advice. Any necessary change is discussed with the group, and the closest practical alternative is used without changing the character of the day. The day concludes with a short review of the following programme, giving guests clear information about departure time, luggage and any useful preparation.
Max altitude 2,500 mDeosai (Jun to Sep) / Shigar & Khaplu
Day 18 follows the Deosai (Jun to Sep) / Shigar & Khaplu stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Plateau or palaces by season. The road journey is planned with realistic driving time and appropriate comfort stops. The driver follows current route advice and uses a conservative pace, while the guide selects worthwhile viewpoints that do not create an unnecessarily late arrival at the next destination. As the day reaches an altitude reference of 4,114 m, guests should keep a comfortable pace, drink water regularly and tell the guide promptly about headache, nausea, unusual fatigue or breathing difficulty. Guests receive a clear briefing on timing, clothing, footwear and useful items to carry. The programme includes reasonable pauses for water, washrooms and photographs, with exact stopping points adapted to the route and facilities available that day. Local conditions may require a change in timing or sequence, particularly during busy periods or unsettled weather. The guide communicates any adjustment clearly and protects the day’s main purpose wherever conditions reasonably allow. At the end of the programme, guests have time to settle in or rest, and the guide confirms the next day’s departure and any preparation required.
Max altitude 4,114 mFly Skardu to Islamabad
Day 19 follows the Fly Skardu to Islamabad stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Take the scheduled mountain flight; if weather cancels it, the road backup requires an additional day. Airport reporting and baggage timing are confirmed in advance. As mountain flights depend on operational conditions, the team monitors the service and explains the practical road contingency while protecting the main experiences planned for the following days. The guide reviews the expected timing and practical requirements before departure, including clothing, footwear and water. Comfort breaks and photography pauses are planned sensibly, while keeping enough time for the main visit and the onward journey. Weather, traffic, road access, permits, opening hours and local instructions can change the exact order. When an adjustment is necessary, the team selects the closest suitable alternative and explains it before proceeding. Before the day finishes, the guide reviews the next stage, confirms the departure time and answers practical questions about luggage, meals or clothing.
Max altitude 540 mDepart
Day 20 follows the Depart stage of the journey. The day’s planned activities include the following: Buffer morning; airport drop. The road journey is planned with realistic driving time and appropriate comfort stops. The driver follows current route advice and uses a conservative pace, while the guide selects worthwhile viewpoints that do not create an unnecessarily late arrival at the next destination. The meeting time and expected duration are confirmed beforehand, together with suitable clothing, footwear and anything guests should carry. Regular pauses are available for drinking water, washrooms and photographs whenever the route and local facilities allow. Exact timings remain flexible for weather, traffic, access restrictions, opening hours and local advice. Any necessary change is discussed with the group, and the closest practical alternative is used without changing the character of the day. At the end of the tour, the guide confirms the agreed drop off or departure arrangements and remains available for final practical questions about the journey.
What’s Included
Included
- Hotel accommodation (breakfast included)
- Private vehicle with experienced KKH driver
- All fuel, tolls and parking
- confirmed-guest on-trip WhatsApp support
- All applicable taxes
- English-speaking guide all 20 days
- All jeeps (Raikot, Deosai, Shandur 4x4)
- Fairy Meadows cabins
- Airport transfers & e-Visa support
Not included
- Lunches and dinners
- Entry tickets to forts and attractions
- Personal expenses and tips
- Travel insurance
- International flights
- Domestic flight (at cost)
- Kalash & park entry fees
Frequently Asked Questions
When do all routes align?
Mid-June to mid-September, when Shandur, Babusar, Khunjerab and Deosai are all open together.
Can it run in reverse?
Yes: north-first routing works equally well and suits autumn colour-chasers.
Is this tour completely private?
Yes: your own vehicle, your own driver and guide, and departure on any date you choose. No strangers, no fixed seats, and the daily plan flexes to your pace.
Can the trip begin at Gilgit Airport?
Yes: fly Islamabad to Gilgit (tickets booked at cost) and we start the itinerary from the airport, trimming the road days. A road backup is always planned in case mountain weather cancels the flight.
What happens if a domestic flight is cancelled?
Mountain weather cancels a share of Gilgit and Skardu flights, so every fly-based plan carries a costed road backup that activates automatically: you may lose a day, never the trip. Road-based itineraries are unaffected.
Is Khunjerab Pass included?
Yes: the itinerary includes a Khunjerab Pass day (4,693 m, China border), open roughly May to late November. In winter we substitute Naltar Valley snowscapes.
Which hotels are used?
Named properties are confirmed on your quote; expect well-reviewed standard hotels, with deluxe and luxury upgrades available at booking. See our Hotels page for the full 65-hotel partner list and per-night rates.
Is this package suitable for children?
Yes for school-age kids and up who enjoy walking; drive-instead options exist for most active days.
Is the tour suitable for senior travellers?
Yes with reasonable mobility: vehicle access covers nearly every highlight, walking is optional, and we pace days generously. Tell us about any conditions and we’ll adapt the plan.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Completely: add or drop days, swap valleys, change hotel tiers or start cities; it’s your trip and re-quoting a custom version costs nothing.