Pakistan Expedition Tour by Intrepid Travel

15 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

12 peopleMaximum group size

15 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Challenging

Demands good physical fitness and stamina for more intense or extended activities.

Starts

Islamabad, Pakistan

Ends

Lahore, Pakistan

Highlights

Learn about Pakistan – its turbulent past, fascinating present, and hopeful future – from a local leader who knows and loves the country best.

Discover the jagged snow-capped peaks, bright blue lakes and traditional culture of the Hunza Valley, a little touristed but unbelievably beautiful region of northern Pakistan.

From its ancient museums, gardens and forts to its fantastic food scene, Lahore has so much to offer. Spend three days discovering this dynamic city.

Travel to the incredibly remote village of Shimshal where you’ll meet the local families who live in this challenging environment and hike through the surrounding mountains.

Visit a women’s group supported by the Aga Khan Foundation to learn about their projects and have lunch at a cafe run by local women.

Itinerary

Prepare for an adventure that charts a path through Pakistan’s wildest and most captivating landscapes. The Pakistan Expedition is a 15-day journey from Islamabad to Lahore, with overland adventures through Karimabad, Skardu, Shimshal, and more. Designed for travelers with a taste for challenge, this tour package offers both guided trekking among the towering peaks and glaciers of the Hunza Valley and immersive cultural encounters in rural villages.

You’ll explore ancient fortresses, witness alpine lakes and dramatic valleys, and learn how local communities have adapted with both tradition and innovation. The expedition concludes in the historic city of Lahore, a living testament to centuries of cultural resilience. With accommodation, transport, and meals included, this challenging trip is perfect for adventurers seeking rare access to some of Asia’s most awe-inspiring natural and cultural treasures. The USP: authentic journeys into regions few travelers have experienced, promising both physical challenge and profound discovery.

day 1 - Islamabad

Welcome to Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital city. Translating as ‘City of Islam’, Islamabad was built in the 1960s to replace Karachi as the nation’s capital, though there’s evidence that humans have lived in the area for many thousands of years. Your expedition begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, but if you arrive earlier there are several sights worth checking out including Golra Railway Station, and the Lok Virsa Museum – dedicated to the preservation, documentation promotion of Pakistan’s cultural heritage. After your welcome meeting, get to know your group and local leader over an included dinner.

included:Complimentary Arrival Transfer

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Dinner

day 2 - Islamabad - Taxila - Islamabad

Make the most of the opportunity to explore Islamabad with your fellow travellers. Your local leader will speak with you about the history of both Islamabad and Pakistan and be able to answer any questions about this oft-misunderstood destination. There’ll be a chance to shop for local clothes, so perhaps take the opportunity to buy a shalwar kameez – the traditional dress of loose-fitting trousers and a long shirt. Visit Faisal Mosque, which was the largest mosque in the world upon its completion in 1986 and is said to hold 10,000 worshippers, then head to the ancient site of Taxila. These World Heritage-listed ruins are evidence of over 500 years of cultural evolution influenced by Persia, Greece, and the spread of Buddhism. Enjoy a group dinner at neraby Saidpur village.

included:Islamabad - Faisal Mosque at sunset, Islamabad - Taxila Museum & archeological sites, Islamabad - Truck art workshop

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)