Best of Pakistan: Lahore, Islamabad & Passu Glacier

Tour the incredible city of Lahore, visiting notable, historic places like the Tomb of Allama Iqbal
and Badshahi Mosque. Explore the Walled City of Lahore, through narrow stone streets and colorful bazaars.

Every evening, thousands of people gather to watch the famous parade and the ceremonial lowering of their national flags by the Indian and Pakistani armies at sunset. Witness this event in the stands and cheer on as the two countries showcase their national pride. This vibrant ceremony symbolizes the long-standing rivalry between the two nations, making it a significant cultural and historical landmark

Visit a local farm in the beautiful Chakwal Canyon region. After a welcome drink with your host, join them on a walking tour of the Agri Farm and help pick the seasonal crops. In Spring, we'll pick juicy peaches or fresh garlic. In the late summer, we'll pick sweet limes. This farm is an important part of the region as it generates many jobs, preserves the canyon and maintains sustainable farming practices that we will have the chance to witness firsthand. The sit down with your hosts for a local BBQ lunch

Hop into the back of a trolley, picture a safari vehicle, and venture through the otherworldly canyon of Chakwal. Take in the beautiful scenery of hoodoos and buttes studded along the Pakistani desert canyon.

Visit the cultural heritage museum showcasing Pakistan’s diverse traditions, art, and history. It features vibrant exhibits of handicrafts, textiles, musical instruments, and folk art from various regions. The museum celebrates the country’s rich cultural diversity and preserves traditional practices for future generations.

Visit Saidpur village, a charming village nestled in the Margalla Hills of Islamabad, rich in Mughal heritage and cultural diversity. The village has witnessed various civilizations, including Gandhara, the Maurya Empire, and the Mughal Empire. It features an animal market, shops selling pottery and handicrafts, and historical sites, including a gurdwara, mosque, and Mandir, showcasing interfaith harmony.

Enjoy a visit to Faisal Mosque, Pakistan's national mosque, one of the largest in the country and in the world. Listen and experience the spiritual ambiance during prayer time.

A local host family will warmly welcome you to Hunza in traditional style, inviting you to participate in various village activities. You'll gain valuable insights into life in lower Hunza. A delicious traditional lunch, served in the traditional way, awaits your arrival

Borith Lake is renowned for its migratory birds and serves as a sanctuary for various wildfowl, attracting birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Spend some free time exploring this beautiful place.

Hike to the renowned Passu Glacier, which begins after a 10-minute drive from Borith Lake. The initial five minutes of the hike are steep, followed by a relatively flat section leading to the glacier. To experience walking on the glacier, we’ll descend onto the moraine and walk on the pristine ice. Take your time to relax and appreciate the natural beauty surrounding you.

Visit the Korgah Carpet Center, which aims to empower women in Hunza through traditional carpet weaving. Located in a 400-year-old Wakhi house, the center features engraved wooden pillars, a bukhari stove for heating and cooking and floors covered in yak hair sharmas. Engage with the women entrepreneurs working there, who will share their inspiring stories. Experience the process of making traditional woolen caps, where everyone can try on caps and adjust them to fit their heads perfectly and keep the cap you create as a memorable keepsake.

Enjoy a guided tour of Gulmit Old House, renowned for its intricately carved doors and windows. Over six centuries old, it showcases the heritage of the Gojal Valley, where most residents speak Wakhi and belong to the Shia Ismaili sect. The house features ancient artifacts, including bronze utensils and traditional clothing, displayed in a museum on the ground floor. The double-story structure is built from stone, mud, and wood, reflecting the region's rich cultural history. The renovation of the house was funded by the woman-owned Old House Cafe, and the Old House was in fact the owners family home before serving as an important piece of Pakistani cultural heritage.

Hike to the Baltit fort from Karimabad Bazaar, a 20-minute walk through charming old settlements and handicraft shops. The fort offers stunning views of the valley and Khun (settlement). If you're interested, you can opt for a guided tour of the fort by purchasing tickets on-site.

Visit Hopper Valley, renowned for its stunning glaciers and beautiful peaks including the Golden Peak and Hopper Glacier. The valley serves as a base camp for treks into the Hispar Muztagh range and is home to Rush Lake, one of the highest alpine lakes in the world.
Choose between two hikes: a scenic 2-hour round trek to Hopper Glacier or a short 20-minute walk to a viewpoint. For the glacier hike, you will descend a steep section, walk on the glacier, and enjoy some leisure time before hiking back to the starting point.

Visit the ancient Ganish settlement on a guided tour that takes you back in time. Derived from the Burushaski word "Genish," meaning gold, Ganish boasts four 300–400-year-old mosques, recognized with a UNESCO Heritage Award in 2002, showcasing its architectural and cultural significance. Serving as one of the original overnight stops on the Silk Road, the settlement is steeped in history and has an incredible story to tell.

Visit the Taxila Museum, which houses an extensive collection of Gandharan art. Most artifacts were excavated from the ancient ruins of Taxila, dating back to 600-700 BCE. The museum, opened in 1928, displays over 4,000 objects, including sculptures, coins, and relics representing Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain traditions.

Visit the renowned Truck Art workshops and engage with the local artists. Watch the artists at work, creating vibrant and intricate designs. Meet the shopkeepers as they craft beautiful truck art stickers and explore their souvenir shops. Then sit down for a cup of tea served in a traditional truck art-themed setting.

Visit Dharmarajika Stupa, one of the most significant Buddhist relics in South Asia. Built in the 3rd century BCE during the Mauryan Empire by Emperor Ashoka, it was constructed to enshrine relics of the Buddha. The stupa is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Taxila, a major center of Buddhist learning. Dharmarajika’s structure includes a large hemispherical dome and surrounding shrines, symbolizing peace and reverence in Buddhist architecture and tradition.