My first group expeditions to Pakistan have come and gone, and I have never been more certain of anything than running this trip back again next year. We’ve secured our first round of dates for this once-in-a-lifetime trip, a challenging but immensely rewarding experience. Pakistan is a country that captivated me from the get-go. There is nothing I would love more than to share my love for this country with travelers year after year.
Pakistan will leave you breathless in every sense of the word. From its powerful mountain landscapes to its colorful culture. Pakistan is another world waiting to be explored, a stunning country that few travelers ever visit.
Those of you who have followed me for a while know that when it comes to travel, I feel most alive in the mountains and immersed in new cultures. Watch the video above, and you’ll get it.
I’ll be bringing up to 15 of my fellow adventurers with me for 15 unforgettable days of breathtaking landscapes, intense cultural immersion, and one hell of a good time with myself and the best crew you could imagine.
Recognize a once-in-a-lifetime adventure when you see one? Type in your name, email, and say hi below, and we’ll send you a more thorough information pack and the next steps to secure your spot on this epic adventure. If you’re a harder sell, keep reading.
Let’s start with our itinerary, because if that doesn’t sell you, then I don’t know what will.
When:
2023 Dates to Be Announced
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Tentative Itinerary
We are adjusting the itinerary a little bit from last year. The main change is that we will be flying to and from Gilgit instead of driving, saving about 30 hours of driving and giving us an additional two days of trekking in the mountains of the north.
This is the tentative itinerary. I’m as go-with-the-flow of a traveler as it gets, so at times, we’ll make decisions based on what the group wants and adjust accordingly. Certain routes and areas may also be closed or become inaccessible at any time, but we will always supplement with alternative activities, treks, or routes where possible.
Day 1: Arrival in Lahore
Welcome to Pakistan. The other trip leaders and I will be making airport runs all day and helping you get settled into Pakistan. We will be staying in the bustling neighborhood of Anarkali, home to a lively bazaar and within walking distance of Lahore Museum and other attractions. This is a free day to explore or to relax and catch up on sleep.
Day 2: Cultural Day in Lahore
Today will be the first official day of the trip. Your introduction to Lahore may have shown you the chaos and mayhem of the city. Today will give you another side of Lahore, from its lush green areas to beautiful historic architecture. We will visit Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, and Wazir Khan Mosque, and have lunch within the Walled City of Lahore.
We’ll cap the day off by driving to the India-Pakistan border for an intriguing border ceremony.
Day 3: Cultural Day in Islamabad
We will drive to Islamabad, go trekking in Margalla Hills, visit Faizal Mosque, and visit a few interesting characters along the way. That includes one of the world’s most famous calligraphists, an independent media organization, among others.
Day 4: Flight to Gilgit – Night at Naltar Lakes
We will fly from Islamabad to Gilgit early in the morning. We will spend the night at Naltar Lakes to help us adjust to the altitude before the more intense trekking legs of our journey begin.
*The flight to Gilgit and the Naltar Lakes are a new addition to this year’s itinerary as a more easy-going acclimatization period before more intense trekking.
Day 5: Naltar Lakes
We will have our first day of trekking, taking us through local villages and vibrant lakes of the brightest blues, greens, and even shades of purple. We spend the night at Naltar Lakes again.
Day 6: Fairy Meadows and Nanga Parbat
We leave Naltar and then hop on a Jeep for a death-defying ride to Pakistan’s famed Fairy Meadows. There is a three-hour trek to Fairy Meadows from the end of the Jeep trail. The evening is spent exploring the local area around our lodgings.
Day 7: Nanga Parbat Base Camp
We have an early start today as we trek up to the base camp for the ninth tallest mountain in the world. Nanga Parbat is often referred to as the Killer Mountain, as more people have died attempting to summit than actually summiting. Don’t worry, we won’t be going anywhere near the summit, but Nanga Parbat Base Camp will give you a better grasp of this monster of a mountain.
Day 8: Depart Fairy Meadows – Night at Karimabad
We leave Fairy Meadows and head to Hunza Valley, having a scenic lunch along the way. We cozy up in our accommodation where we get to enjoy a bed and a shower after a few days in the wild.
Day 9: Shopping Day, Spend Night at Eagle’s Nest For Glamping and Barbecue
A break from isolation. Here, we will have places to access WiFi and shop for precious stones from miners and crafts in the local shops. In the afternoon, we will trek up to Eagles Nest to glamp for the night. We will have a bonfire and barbecue where we can try yak’s meat among other things. Local musicians will be joining us for a night of music and moonshine around a campfire.
Day 10: Attabad Lake and Arrive at Ghulkin Homestay
We leave Hunza and head to Ghulkin where we will be staying with a local family for the next few nights. We stop by stunning Attabad Lake on the way for lunch.
Day 11: Glacier Trek in Ghulkin
A fun but enduring day of trekking that sees you scrambling across the dynamic and tricky glaciers. Exploring the ravines and valleys as you see the mountains hidden lakes, and take in the vast expanse of glacial formations.
Day 12: Hanging Bridges Trek in Ghulkin
We start to trek across some of the worlds most nerve wracking rope bridges. Used locally everyday by those living in the area. Going to places where there are no vehicles and exploring lake beds. In the afternoon we will visit the stunning Passu Cones.
Day 13: New Trek in Ghulkin
The internal flights allow for additional days of trekking, so we will have an extra day in Ghulkin for trekking. Likely, this trek will take us closer to the Passu Cones, more local villages, and apricot farms where we can have tea and try the famed dried apricots and apricot cakes.
Day 14: Fly Gilgit to Lahore
We will fly from Gilgit back to Lahore where we will spend one final night together before everyone’s flights the next day. The next morning, we will drop everyone off at Allama Iqbal Airport for their flights out of Pakistan.
Day 15: Depart from Lahore
This is the last official day of the trip. However, since you’re already in the area, feel free to continue exploring Pakistan, or maybe even move on to the other incredible countries in the area. I’ve heard that the other -Stan countries are amazing, and am considering Uzbekistan myself. India, Nepal, and other parts of Asia are high on my list. As the group fills up and the dates get closer, we can coordinate post-Pakistan travel together and keep the adventure going.
Pakistan Expedition FAQ
Is Visiting Pakistan Safe?
I’ve heard nothing but incredible things about the people of Pakistan. Every traveler I’ve met has told me the same thing. Apparently, it’s a struggle to try to even get people to accept your money as a tourist. Like many countries that don’t see too much tourism, foreigners are almost treated like celebrities. The Pakistani people will welcome us with genuine intrigue and curiosity, mostly wondering what brought you to their beautiful country of all places. We will be staying with some local families along the way, but many others will offer you to stay with them as well. The food in Pakistan is amazing, and the local people will gladly feed you until you can’t eat any more.
A lot of people have misconceptions about Pakistan, their culture, and the country’s safety. We’re here to absolutely destroy those misconceptions. The people are kind, welcoming, trusting, and outrageously hospitable. While the lush, green valleys and the towering snow-capped peaks might get you on the trip, the people of Pakistan is what will win you over.
How Much Is The Expedition?
2023 Expedition Price To Be Confirmed
2022 Cost and Payment Structure: 2500 euros
700 euro non-refundable deposit
800 euro second installment six months before the expedition
1000 euros remaining balance paid at least three months before the expedition
If you want to guarantee your spot on the trip, I ask for a 700 euro deposit as soon as possible. There will be limited spots on this tour, and we plan on bringing no more than 15 people.
The sign-up form is at the bottom of the page, and spots will be filled up on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you’re even slightly interested in the trip, just fill in your name and email, and I’ll send you the next steps to lock in your spot on the trip.
Except in the case that the trip is cancelled (due to COVID or other reasons), the trip is nonrefundable.
What’s Included in the Cost?
All accommodation, transportation within the country, and activities are included. Trust me, it will be a jam-packed trip. We will be doing a lot of things, including uniquely local experiences that you wouldn’t be able to do on your own as a first-time traveler to Pakistan. I’m a budget traveler through and through. Trust me, I’ve gone back and forth with my guides about the cost of this trip to make sure you’re getting the most value for a fair price. Compare this price with any other group tour to Pakistan, and you’ll see that this is as competitive as it gets. We will be working with a lot of local guides and families, and a lot of this money goes towards supporting Pakistan’s amazing people.
All local guides, including sherpas, drivers, and local accommodation
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. This is where the brunt of the cost comes from, as you will be having three experienced guides plus a driver with you for the entirety of the trip to make sure everything goes smoothly.
All accommodation, ranging from hotels to local home stays
If you are coming on the trip alone, you will be paired with the other solo travelers for shared accommodation.
3 Meals A Day
Although Pakistan has a very meat-heavy diet, we can definitely accommodate for vegetarians and travelers with other dietary restrictions.
All transportation, ranging from internal flights to offroad Jeeps and air conditioned buses
From the moment you land to the moment you fly out, you won’t have to worry about getting around. We will be traveling to some difficult to reach places that you otherwise won’t be able to reach on your own, so get hyped.
What’s Not Included?
International Flights: Flights to Lahore roundtrip from major airports like London and New York can be as low as $500. Let me know your preferred flight path, and I’ll keep an eye out for cheap flights and routes.
Visas: You can obtain Pakistan tourist visas online now, and it can be done relatively easily. Everyone needs a visa to enter Pakistan.
Travel Insurance: We require you to obtain travel insurance, and we will need a copy of your insurance policy.
Spending money: You’ll surely want to walk away with some souvenirs from this amazing country.
Who Will Be Leading This Expedition?
Eli Solidum
Hey, that’s me! This will be my first group trip, although it’s been something that I’ve been planning on doing for a while. I’m a passionate traveler who lives for new experiences far outside of my comfort zone, so Pakistan is right up my alley. I have traveled to over 50 countries, sharing my unfiltered experiences for the last five years as a full-time travel blogger. My goal is to inspire as many of you guys to travel and step outside of your 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, and has an adventurous passion for travel. Having managed a hostel in Cambodia and guided many expeditions through Pakistan, Imran is the perfect fit for the adventurous tours through the Northern Territories. Imran has travelled more than your average Pakistani and understands the global backpacking culture through and through!
Aziz Ali
An expert hiker and part-mountain goat from Karimabad, Aziz is our fun-sized sweetheart of a guide who will keep you smiling and laughing the whole way. Growing up in the mountains of Hunza Valley in Northern Pakistan, Aziz is the best local guide one could ask for. Along the way, he’ll keep us entertained with his various musical talents, including the rabab and the flute.
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, an open heart, and a willingness to step outside of your comfort zone.
Open to new experiences, cultures, and people
Comfortable with getting uncomfortable
A big love for the outdoors, trekking, and mountains
Fun, and willing to go with the flow.
This trip isn’t for everyone. If you have any concerns or questions, I would love to schedule an interview to make sure that you are an ideal candidate for the trip. Since this is a group trip, I want to be sure that there is a good chemistry shared between all team members. We are going to to be together for two weeks straight, often doing things outside of our comfort zones. It isn’t going to be easy at times. I want everyone to be confident that everyone on the trip will be a team player, and most of all, a lifelong friend long after the trip is done.
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. However, the more comfortable you are with trekking, the more you’ll enjoy the overall experience.
This is an adventure, things aren’t always straight-forward, and 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 important.
So, What Do You Say?
Up for the adventure of a lifetime?
If you’re interested, just fill out the form below to express your interest in being a part of the Pakistan expedition.
enter your name and email below to express your interest in being a part of the Pakistan expedition. Just briefly introduce yourself in the message, and I will get back to you with the next steps for joining us on our Pakistan trip. Don’t worry, this won’t lock you in just yet, but we expect this trip to fill up pretty quickly so if this is something you’d even remotely consider going on, sign up!
If you don’t receive an email within a few hours, check your spam folders. Also, leave your Instagram handle or other form of social media in the message so that we can contact you in case we can’t reach you by email.
