Discover 60+ tour packages in Asia by Encounters Travel, ranging from 4 to 25 days. These trips are backed by 5 customer reviews and offer savings of up to 10% on select departures.
Explore a little travelled part of Pakistan with a tour that journeys from Karachi to Islamabad.
Here you will be able to take in the sights, sounds and importantly tastes of Karachi and its bazaars, find yourself immersed in the 5000-year-old history of the Indus Valley, taking in the sights of the striking Derewar Fort in the Cholistan Desert, before having the opportunity to watch the flag lowering ceremony carried out on the Indian border.
Our journey begins in Karachi where we'll have time to take in the sights, sounds and most importantly, the tastes of the city and its bazaars. As we head towards Hyderabad, we'll make time to visit Thatta and Makli Hills, which is perhaps the worlds largest necropolis. Once we reach Hyderabad, we'll have the opportunity to learn about some of the industries which the city is famous for, we'll see coloured pottery being made, woodwork, weaving and Ajrak production, a block printed cloth which this region is famous for.
Moving on, we visit the sufi shrine of saint Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar and witness a sufi ceremony in Sehwan and join the Mohanas tribe for a boating experience on Lake Manchar.
After stopping in Larkana, our next visit is to Mohenjo-Daro, located on the banks of the Indus River. The 5000 year old city was the centre of the Indus Civilisation and one of the largest in the world at its peak and we'll have time to explore the incredible ruins. As our journey takes us in the direction of Bahawalpur, we'll stop in Sukkur and the Cholistan Desert to visit Derawar Fort.
As we pass through the former independant state of Bahawalpur, we'll visit the Nur Mahal and Bahawalpur mosques, along with the city museum and bazaar, before heading to Multan where we'll stay for 2 nights. Multan is known as the city of saints and our tour here will include the shrines of the great mystics, with their shimmering blue glazed tiles. We'll also visit the old walled city and the bustling bazaar, where we may spot local artisans at work.
Next we'll head to Pakistans 2nd largest city, Lahore, stopping along the way in Harappa, which dates back to 3000 BC. Our time in Lahore will include a city tour, taking in some of the highlights of the city, such as the worlds largest mosque (the Badshahi Mosque), the Wagah Border with India and of course, 'food street' in the old town where you can try many different flavours and dishes.
We visit Rohtas Fort en-route to Islamabad. Whilst in Islamabad we'll take time to explore the city along with the old city of Rawalpindi and nearby Taxila.
Travelling in small air-conditioned vehicles with local guides, this journey gives you a unique experience of Pakistan which will last a lifetime.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This comprehensive 20-day Everest Gokyo Lakes Trek is a remarkable adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and physical challenge. The journey commences with a scenic flight to Lukla, followed by a trek through charming Sherpa villages, including Phakding and the vibrant Namche Bazaar, allowing you to acclimatize to the high altitude and experience the local way of life.
As you venture deeper into the Everest region, the trek leads you through lush rhododendron forests, across suspension bridges, and past cascading waterfalls. Highlights include reaching the iconic Everest Base Camp, standing in awe of the world's highest peak, and ascending Kala Pattar for unparalleled panoramic views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and the sprawling Khumbu Glacier. The trek also challenges you with the crossing of the Cho La Pass, a high-altitude pass that rewards your efforts with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Himalayan giants.
The journey then takes a scenic turn towards the tranquil Gokyo Lakes, where you can marvel at the turquoise waters and the majestic Cho Oyu peak. You'll have the opportunity to hike to Gokyo Ri for even more spectacular views and explore the serene beauty of this high-altitude region. As you make your way back, you'll pass through picturesque villages like Machermo and Dole, enjoying the warm hospitality of the Sherpa people and immersing yourself in their rich culture.
The trek concludes with a final descent to Lukla, where you'll catch a flight back to Kathmandu
As flights between Lukla and Kathmandu can at times be delayed or cancelled due to weather conditions, we recommend adding at least 1 extra night post-tour in Kathmandu.
All those joining our Everest & Gokyo Lakes Trek will receive free trekking pack hire (normally costs $45), containing a down jacket and sleeping bag; suitable for the season in which you are travelling.
If you prefer a shorter trek, you may wish to consider our 15-day Everest Base Camp Trek.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Begin your Pakistani adventure in the modern capital, Islamabad, exploring its architectural marvels and cultural treasures. Then, journey northwards into the scenic mountain landscapes. Along the way, uncover ancient history at the Jaulian Monastery and Sirkup Old City, delving into Buddhist ruins and a vibrant Kushan-era city. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Naran Bazaar, a bustling mountain town brimming with local crafts and cuisine.
Traverse the breathtaking Babusar Pass and venture onwards to the legendary Fairy Meadows, a realm of unparalleled beauty with panoramic views of Nanga Parbat. Hike to the idyllic Beyal Camp or challenge yourself with a trek to Nanga Parbat Base Camp. Discover the remote village of Tarashing and trek to Herrligkoffer Base Camp, named after the first successful Nanga Parbat mountaineer. Continue through the Deosai National Park, a haven for wildlife and a tapestry of wildflower meadows.
Journey to Skardu, the heart of the Baltistan region, and explore the fertile Shigar Valley, renowned for its fruit orchards. Continue to Gilgit, an ancient town steeped in history. Ascend into the fabled Hunza Valley, surrounded by towering peaks, and experience the thrill of crossing the Hussaini Suspension Bridge. Witness local craftsmanship at the KORGAH weaving center, and visit the Baltit Fort, an emblem of Hunza heritage. Immerse yourself in the fascinating culture of the Kalash people, who inhabit the remote valleys of Rumbur, Bumburet, and Birir. Explore their distinctive traditions, vibrant attire, and unique way of life.
Venture into the Hindu Kush mountain range, traversing the Shandur Pass, home to the world's highest polo field. Explore the charming town of Chitral and visit Garam Chashma, renowned for its therapeutic hot springs. Witness a glimpse of history in Taxila, an ancient center of learning and art, before returning to Islamabad. Conclude your journey in the Pakistani capital, filled with memories of vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and the warmth of the people you've met along the way.
Throughout the expedition, we incorporate several invigorating day hikes, tailored to accommodate varying fitness levels. Among the highlights are treks leading to the Base Camps of the legendary Nanga Parbat, offering unparalleled views of this iconic peak. Additionally, we embark on scenic hikes to crystalline mountain lakes, such as the Passu Glacier, and explore ancient forts and sacred sites, immersing ourselves in the rich tapestry of Pakistani heritage.
Accommodations range from comfortable tourist-class hotels in Islamabad to charming guesthouses nestled amidst the rugged terrain, ensuring a restful retreat after each day's adventures. Delight your palate with the diverse array of cuisines included in nearly all meals, providing a tantalizing glimpse into the culinary traditions of the region. Be sure to savor the renowned local apricots of the enchanting Hunza Valley, adding a burst of flavor to your gastronomic journey.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House, Hut
Age Range
12-85 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Islamabad, Passu, Karimabad, Gup
Islamabad, Passu, Karimabad, Gupis, Mastuj, Chitral, Garam Chashma, Rumbur Valley, Naran Valley, Fairy Meadows, Tarashing, Nanga Parbat, Skardu, Shigar, Gilgit
This comprehensive 14-day journey commences in Jordan's bustling capital, Amman. Your exploration delves into the country's rich history and culture, starting with visits to the unique hilltop town of As-Salt, a UNESCO site celebrated for its Ottoman architecture and interfaith harmony, and the magnificent Roman ruins of Jerash. Cultural immersion continues with an authentic 'Daily Life Trail' experience and lunch with a local family in As-Salt, plus a street food tasting in Amman. The itinerary then follows the historic King's Highway south, taking in the biblical sites of Madaba and Mount Nebo, and the Crusader-era Shobak Castle, before arriving at the phenomenal Nabataean city of Petra for a full day's exploration of its rock-carved wonders, including the iconic Treasury reached via the narrow Siq canyon.
Following the awe-inspiring Petra, the adventure leads into the dramatic desert landscapes of Wadi Rum. Here, you'll enjoy a thrilling jeep safari through the iconic scenery made famous by T.E. Lawrence and spend a night under the stars at a traditional Bedouin camp, experiencing renowned local hospitality and cuisine. The Jordanian leg concludes with a visit to the remarkable Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, offering a unique opportunity to float effortlessly in its mineral-rich waters. Throughout Jordan, optional activities enhance the experience, ranging from Petra by Night and cookery classes to various desert excursions in Wadi Rum and potential canyoning in Wadi Mujib (seasonal).
Transitioning to Egypt, you will travel from Amman to Cairo by air. It's worth noting that this flight is not included in the tour price, offering flexibility in booking, while the necessary airport transfers in both cities remain part of the service. The Egyptian adventure immediately immerses you in ancient history with a visit to the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx, complemented by a taste of local life with an included Koshary lunch. Travelling south via overnight train, you'll explore Aswan, visit the beautifully relocated Philae Temple on its island setting, and experience Nubian culture firsthand with a stay in a local village. A major highlight is sailing the Nile aboard a traditional felucca, offering a peaceful perspective on riverside life and including an overnight stay onboard (with hotel upgrade options available). An optional early morning trip to the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel is also offered.
Continuing north, the tour reaches Luxor, often described as the world's greatest open-air museum. Included tours cover the West Bank's Valley of the Kings, the impressive Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the village of the tomb builders at Deir El-Medina, and the towering Colossi of Memnon. Optional excursions allow for exploration of the vast Karnak Temple complex and the beautifully illuminated Luxor Temple at night, along with potential hot air balloon rides over the ancient sites at sunrise. The trip utilises overnight trains for travel between Cairo and Upper Egypt (with sleeper upgrades available) before concluding back in Cairo, offering free time or optional final explorations, such as the Egyptian Museum or vibrant Khan el-Khalili bazaar, before your departure transfer.
Accommodation is in comfortable mid-range hotels, Bedouin tents with proper beds in Wadi Rum, a friendly local Nubian guesthouse in Aswan, plus one night on board the felucca sailboat on the Nile.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel, Sleeper Train, Tent, Resort
Age Range
8-95 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cairo, Amman, Abu Simbel, Luxor
Cairo, Amman, Abu Simbel, Luxor, Petra, Jerash, Aswan
The tiny island of Fulidhoo is located in the heart of the Maldives, just 50km from the capital of Malé, famous for its crystal-clear lagoon on the east and a breath-taking reef on the west of the island.
This Maldives tour includes one night in Male before the tour officially kicks off.
Enjoy a scheduled boat trip direct to Fulidhoo island while trying to spot dolphins. While on the island, you have the opportunity to head out on several guided snorkelling trips to different reefs and a shipwreck, looking out for nurse sharks, colourful corals and a host of different fish species.
The Maldives tour also includes a guided tour of the island, a taste of the traditional Maldivian Hedika snacks and a stop on a deserted sandbar.
A wide range of scuba-diving options are also available on the island – you will need to book this locally.
The Maldives offers some of the world's best diving spots – different dives offering great views of manta rays, reef sharks and sailfish, huge schools of tuna and barracuda, beautifully colourful corals, turtles, and the famous resident nurse sharks.
This tour is available for booking privately at any time of the year. Contact us for more information
This is a world-class trek that takes you through beautiful wooded valleys, along cold, clear mountain rivers, and into the soaring, snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. The trek culminates in a climb to the high mountain glacial region of Everest Base Camp. The trek is justifiably famous for being both challenging and rewarding, and yet remains open to most who have the stamina and determination to make it.
You start this tour in Kathmandu where you meet your trekking guide to travel by road to Salleri where your trek to Everest Base Camp begins. Starting in Salleri means you avoid the flight into Lukla and instead add 3 beautiful days of trekking through the foothills of the Himalays in areas with few other tourists. This is a lodge-based trek, which gives you the chance to spend time meeting and talking with other trekkers and guides in the evenings, as well as enjoying a little more comfort at the end of each day and ensures you contribute to the local economy.
From Salleri the trek spends the first few days climbing gradually through the Himalayan foothills, crossing several deep, wooded river valleys before following the Dudh Khosi up to Namche Bazaar, an historical Sherpa trading centre of the Khumbu Region. From here you enter into the Sagarmatha National Park area, and tremendous mountain scenery surrounds your trail as you make your way towards the high mountain glacial region of the Everest Base Camp. Several acclimatisation days are built in en-route to ensure you ascend safely.
Beyond Lobuche, snow-capped mountains close around as you follow the Khumbu Glacier up to Gorak Shep (5,288m), and ascend Kala Pattar (5,545m). The view of Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Everest, from the summit of Kala Pattar, is truly breathtaking. The following morning, you trek up to the Everest Base Camp area, from where so many expeditions have begun. From Base Camp you retrace your steps back to Lukla, along the way appreciating spectacular views of peaks from angles you may have missed on the way up.
From Lukla you catch the morning flight back to Kathmandu where you have a little free time to do some last minute shopping or a little more sightseeing around the city and surrounding valley.
All those joining our Classic Everest Trek will receive free trekking pack hire (normally costs $45), containing a down jacket and sleeping bag; suitable for the season in which you are travelling.
If you prefer a slightly shorter trek, you may consider our 15 day Everest Base Camp Trek, which starts with a flight to Lukla.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This trek combines the quiet and little visited paths of the Tamang Heritage Trail, formerly a restricted area for trekkers, with the spectacular high mountain scenery of the Langang National Park.
Often overlooked, Langtang treks mountainous region to the north of Kathmandu provide some of Nepal's most spectacular scenery, and trekking in this area is as good as anywhere in the country. The soaring, snow-capped mountains at the head of the Langtang valley, and the rich cultural heartlands of the Tamang people in the lower foothills combine to make this a perfect trekking alternative to the better known Everest and Annapurnas treks.
You begin your tour in Kathmandu where you'll have a free evening to explore this bustling city. There's also time for any last minute purchases to take on your trek.
Following the Trisuli River north out of Kathmandu, we drive you to Syabrubesi, a Sherpa village located at the very edge of the Langtang National Park where your trek begins and you spend the first night in a trekking lodge. Staying in lodges allows you to spend more time meeting and talking with other trekkers and guides in the evenings, as well as enjoying a little more comfort at the end of each day and contributing to the local economy.
From Syabrubesi, you spend the first leg of the trek following the quiet Tamang Heritage Trail through an area heavily influenced by Tibet which was a restricted area for trekkers until 2014. You'll see lush terraced farmland, tiny homesteads and villages and learn a lot about typical rural Nepali mountain life. The tour then heads up the Langtang valley, crossing the river several times as you travel up along the gorge-like, lower section of the valley. You pass through oak and rhododendron forests and trek across glacial moraine on your way to the village of Langtang which was hit hard by the 2015 earthquake.
A little further up the valley is Kyangin Gompa, where you spend 3 nights and have plenty of time to explore the local area. You can do several day-walks from here such as ascending Cherko Ri (4984m) for some amazing views, or continuing up the Langtang Khola to Langshisha Karka.
After backtracking down the valey, you then travel through Sing Gompa for some more spectacular views before finishing the trek and driving back to Kathmandu. Extensions are available to visit Chitwan or Bardia National Parks, try some white-water rafting or perhaps even a home stay in a nearby Newari village.
Trekking and HikingMountains
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Home-stay
Age Range
12-75 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Kathmandu, Kyanjin Gompa, Lama H
Kathmandu, Kyanjin Gompa, Lama Hotel, Thulo Syabru, Sing Gompa, Syabrubesi, Gatlang, Tatopani, Rasuwa, Thuman, Briddim, Sherpa Gaon, Ghoda Tabela
If getting close to the world’s highest mountain is on your travel wish list, then this Mount Everest tour in Nepal is perfect for you.
We run various treks in Nepal, but getting up close to Mount Everest is no easy feat. Plenty of preparation is required if you intend to take on the Everest base camp trek.
Even though we’re not heading to the Everest summit, the feeling of achievement is incredibly rewarding and worth it at the end though, not to mention the fantastic scenery and wondrous sights you will experience along the way.
Trekking in Nepal is on the list of many people's life goals and doing it with an organised group is the safest way to go about it.
This Mount Everest tour in Nepal starts in the capital of Kathmandu, where you will be met and taken to the first night's hotel with time to explore the historic and intriguing city before catching a flight to Lukla the next morning to begin the two week Everest base camp trek.
The trek to Base Camp is sensibly paced with a couple of acclimatisation days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche to break it up and ensure everyone in the group is comfortable.
Each day involves climbing higher and taking in the wondrous views of the imposing Everest and snow-topped Himalayas, with evenings spent residing in friendly trekking lodges found along the way. We find that this makes trekking in Nepal a much more enjoyable and social experience than sleeping out in the cold under a tent.
After seven or eight days, depending on weather and other circumstances, a final push up the Khumbu Valley and we'll reach base camp, with the chance for an extra hike up to Kala Pattar for the best view of Mount Everest.
Then we descend back down through the mountains before flying back to Kathmandu.
As flights between Lukla and Kathmandu can at times be delayed or cancelled due to weather conditions, we recommend adding at least 1 extra night post-tour in Kathmandu.
All those joining our Everest Base Camp Trek will receive free trekking pack hire (normally costs $45), containing a down jacket and sleeping bag; suitable for the season in which you are travelling.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This family tour to Jordan combines time at some of Jordan's most important historical sites with some more fun activities for the children. Jordan has so much to offer the adventurous family and this tour is a good mix of interesting historical sites, spectacular landscapes and fun activities such as snorkelling in the Red Sea, a 4x4 desert jeep safari, desert camel rides, and a dip/float in the Dead Sea. Group sizes are small and our guides are used to dealing with children so you'll get the best experience possible. You can also book this tour privately.
Starting your tour in Amman, we first take a trip north to the ancient Roman remains at Jerash before we return to Amman to visit the fun and interactive Children's Museum. Tthen we drive the King's Highway south towards Petra, stopping en-route at Madaba, Mt. Nebo and the stunning crusader Castle at Kerak. At Petra you will enjoy a full day guided tour of the site and there is the option to return in the evening to see Petra by candlelight. Leaving Petra behind we head out into the desert at Wadi Rum for a night it a Bedouin camp and a chance to enjoy the spectacular desert landscape on a 4x4 jeep safari. A change of pace now as we reach the Red Sea at Aqaba where you can relax on the beach, by the pool in your 5-star resort, or enjoy some snorkelling over the coral reefs. Heading back to Amman we stop off at the Dead Sea for a dip in the salty water. Our ends back in Amman with a transfer to the airport for your flight home
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers