Explore Pakistan
An intense exploration of the five provinces of Pakistan
Overview
Embark on this spectacular voyage to Islamabad, Pakistan’s political and administrative capital. In the first part of the trip, we will explore Islamabad, the federal capital of Pakistan, and Taxila, a center of the ancient Gandhara civilization. In the second part, we will visit Baltistan, known as Little Tibet. Skardu is the epitome of beauty, serenity, and wilderness in the extreme north of Pakistan. It is located amidst an impressive landscape of towering mountains, deep gorges, cascading waterfalls, creeping glaciers, and quiet lakes, creating this rugged beauty. Skardu is the gateway to the world’s highest peaks, including K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I, Gasherbrum II, and hundreds more over 6,000 meters high. Encircling the heart-shaped Kachura Lake, fruit-laden orchards and flower-filled gardens surround it, presenting a breathtaking and heavenly atmosphere. The Kharpocho Fort overlooks the hills, while the impressive Shigar and Khapulo forts, along with the Deosai Plateau, which is the second-highest plateau in the world.
Our next destination is Hunza Valley, known as Shangri-La and the Valley of Eternal Youth. Guarded by the Karakoram giants, Hunza Valley nestles in the lap of snow-capped mountains, making it a tourist delight. The enchanting beauty of Hunza peaks with the apricot and cherry blossoms in spring, the lush greenery of summer, and the vibrant colors of autumn. The magical Karimabad (Baltit), the formal capital of Hunza Valley, has a charm of its own. Surrounded by breathtaking snow-capped peaks, lush green fields, fruit orchards, and the singing Hunza River, the experience of being here is unparalleled. A walk along the Barbar irrigation channel, with striking views of Rakaposhi, Diran Peak, and Golden Peak, adds more essence to your journey. High mountains and glaciers surround the beautiful Gulmit Valley, and the Passu village, known for its Passu Glacier, Batura Glacier, and Passu Cones, is worth visiting. The smiling, welcoming, and friendly inhabitants of Hunza genuinely make your stay feel like home.
In the next stretch of the trip, we will travel to Kailash Valley, exploring the beautiful valleys along the Ghizer River, including Phander Valley. Crossing the Shandur Pass, the highest polo ground in the world, we will reach Mastuj and then Chitral. The unique Kailash Valley (known as the Wearers of Black Robes) is home to a remaining minority of approximately 3,500 people living in three isolated but beautiful valleys. Swat and Peshawar will be our next destinations. Peshawar’s recorded history dates back to at least 539 BCE, making it the oldest city in Pakistan and one of the oldest cities in South Asia. After Peshawar, our next stop will be Lahore, the cultural capital of Pakistan, to feast our eyes on the Badshahi Mosque, Badshahi Fort, Lahore Museum, Shalimar Gardens, Shahi Hammam, and more. En route to Multan, our next stop will be Harappa. Harappa, an important archaeological site of the Indus civilization, stands as a testament to the 5,000-year-old cultural continuity of civilization in Pakistan. The imposing Derawar Fort, the deserts of Cholistan, and the Makli Hills, the world’s largest necropolis with over a million graves, tombs, and mausoleums, will make your trip worthwhile.
The high intensity of spirituality at the Sufi shrines in Multan, Sehwan-Sharif, Uch-Sharif and other elaborately decorated shrines like those of Sheikh Bahad-ud-din Zakariya, Shah Shams Tabriz, and Shah Rukn-e-Alam in Multan are worth visiting. Mohenjo-Daro, an impressive and well-preserved archaeological site of the Indus Valley Civilization, which was the world’s most developed ancient culture, the findings suggest a well-developed agriculture system where trade was conducted with real financial sophistication with other civilizations, beautiful art tells of their way of life, baked brick buildings provide an impressive vista of urban architecture, and drains and wells speak of their height of engineering. Overall, the findings suggest an impressive society that had developed a complete living system. In the final part of the trip, we will explore the fascinating Makran Coastal Highway and Hingol National Park, offering a unique experience in the seldom-visited Balochistan province of Pakistan. The trip will conclude in Karachi, the commercial capital of Pakistan.
Tour Facts
Tour Name: Explore Pakistan
Tour Code: ATP-ELP-01
Tour Duration: 32 Days/31 Nights
Route: Islamabad-Skardu-Hunza-Shandur Pass-Chitral-Kailash-Swat-Peshawar-Lahore-Multan-Sukkur-Mohenjor Daro-Karachi-Hingol National Park-Karachi.
Best time: Mid September to early November
Tour Grade: Easy
Visa Category: Tourist Visit Visa
Gallery
Itinerary
Arrival in Islamabad. After short rest, full day tour of Islamabad (depending upon the arrival time).
Key Attractions
Shah Faisal Mosque - the largest mosque in Pakistan
Lok Virsa (Folk Heritage) Museum
Pakistan National Monument
Daman-e-Koh (Islamabad View Point)
Golra Sharif Rail Museum or Pakistan Railways Heritage Museum
External view of Parliament House, President House, Prime Minister House & the Supreme Court of Pakistan
Islamabad-Taxila: 35 kms/45 minutes’ drive
Taxila–Raja Bazar: 35 kms/1 hour drive
Raja Bazar-Islamabad: 20 kms/45 minutes’ drive
Full day tour of the archaeological sites in Taxila. After lunch visit truck painting workshop and Raja Bazaar Rawalpindi.
Key Attractions
Taxila Museum-showcasing antiques and artifacts of Gandhara civilization
Julian Buddhist Stupa & Monastery
Dharmarajika complex and stupa
Taxila Truck Painting Workshop
Gurdwara Panja Sahib (subject to prior permission)
old Raja Bazaar in Rawalpindi (twin city of Islamabad)
Dinner at Margalla Hills
Flight from Islamabad to Skardu. Half day tour Skardu and surrounding attractions.
Key Attractions
Upper Kachura Lake
Soq valley
Katpana Desert
Day 4. Skardu
Full day to explore attractions around Skardu.
Key Attractions
Manthal Buddha Rock
Kharpocho Fort
Sarfaranga Cold Desert
Shigir Fort
Amburiq Mosque Shigir
Day excursion to Deosai National Park or Khaplu. Drive back to Skardu for overnight stay.
Skardu-Khaplu: 111 kms/3 hours’ drive one-way
Skardu-Sheosar Lake: 83 kms/3 hours’ drive one-way
Key Attractions
Option 1. Day Excursion to Khapulo. Drive along the beautiful villages. Stop at the meeting point of River Indus and Shyok River. Visit Khapulo Fort and Chaqchan Mosque.
Option 2. Day excursion to Deosai Plateau and back to Skardu for overnight stay. Today’s attractions include; Deosai plateau, Sadpara Lake, Chota Pani, Bara Pani, Sheosar Lake, Great spot for photography of flora and fauna.
Skardu – Karimabad Hunza: 290 kms/6.5 hours’ drive
Drive from Skardu to Karimabad Hunza. Overnight in Karimabad.
Key Attractions
Drive along the River Indus
Nanga Parbat viewpoint
Visit the unique place near Juglot, where three great Mountain ranges; the Karakoram, the Himalaya & Hindukush meet
Rakaposhi View Point Ghulmet.
Full day tour of central Hunza
Key Attractions
Baltit Fort
Karimabad Bazaar
Walk Along Barbar Water Channel
Altit Fort
Altit Cluster/Altit Village
Sunset from the Eagle’s Nest View Point in Duiker
Karimabad – Hoper: 23 kms/45 minutes’ drive
Hoper – Atta Abad Lake: 36 kms/1.5 hours’ drive
In the morning visit Ganish, the oldest settlement of Hunza Valley followed by Nagar and then proceed towards upper Hunza.
Key Attractions
Ganish Cluster- the oldest settlement in Hunza
Hoper Valley
Stop at Ultar & Lady Finger View Point
Dong Rock Inscriptions
Atta Abad Lake
Gulmit Village
Atta Abad Lake – Gilgit: 115 kms/2.5 hours’ drive
The first half of the day, we will further explore the beautiful valley of upper Hunza. Drive back to Gilgit in the afternoon.
Key Attractions
Hussaini Bridge
Passu Cones/Passu Cathedrals view point
Batura Glacier viewpoint
Borith Lake
Danyor suspension bridge.
Gilgit-Gupis: 109 kms/6 hours’ drive
Drive to Gupis visiting Kargah Buddha on the way.
Key Attractions
Drive along Ghizer river and the beautiful villages along the road.
Gupis–Mastuj: 150 kms/7 hours’ drive
Drive to Mastuj via Phander & Shandur Pass.
Key Attractions
Phander Valley
Phander Lake
Shandur Pass- the highest polo ground in the world
Mastuj- Chitral: 120 kms/4 hours’ drive
Drive from Mastuj to Chitral enjoying the beautiful s scenery of Hindu Kush Mountains and Valleys. Upon arrival transfer to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 13. Chitral-KailashChitral – Bumburet Kailash: 22 kms/1 hour’s drive
In the morning visit Chitral town. After lunch drive to Bumburet via Rambur.
Key Attractions
Chitral Bazaar
Shahi Mosque
Tirich Mir View Point
Rambur Valley Kailash
Full day for exploring the unique of Kailash Valley and its people. Short walks in the valley. Short walks along the valley.
Key Attractions
Kailash Museum
visiting a traditional house to explore the way of life
sacred places
Bumburet Kailash – Mingora Swat: 246 kms/7 hours’ drive
Drive from Kailash to Swat via Lawari Tunnel. Upon arrival, visit the Swat Museum.
Key Attractions
Swat Museum-showcasing collections of Gandhara Art
Swat-Takht Bhai-Peshawar: 184 kms/4 hours’ drive
Drive to Peshawar visiting Takht Bhai and other Gandhara sites on the way.
Key Attractions
Barikot archaeological site
Buddhist Monastery in Takht Bhai
Peshawar Museum
Full day tour of the historical city Peshawar. Drive to Islamabad in the afternoon.
Key Attractions
Mahabat Khan Mosque built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan
Qissa Khawani Bazar (The bazaar of storytellers)
Saithi House – The Mughal Central Asian Architecture
The historic Qila Bala Hissar (Bala Hissar Fort) from outside
Peshawar-Katas Temple: 295 kms &3.5 hours’ drive
Katas Temple-Khewra Salt Mines: 22 kms & 45 minutes’ drive
Khewra Salt Mines-Lahore: 260 Kms & 3.5 hours’ drive
Leave the hotel at 07:00 am in the morning towards Lahore.
Key Attractions
Katas Raj Temple
Khewra Salt Mines
Full day city tour of Lahore.
Key Attractions
Lahore’s walled city
Lahore Fort -built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan
Badshahi Masjid built between 1671 & 1673 by Mughal emperors
Lahore Museum - Showcasing one of the largest and most representative collection of miniature paintings in the Subcontinent
Anarkali Bazar - one of oldest surviving markets in the Lahore
Full day city tour of Lahore including flag ceremony at Pakistan-India border.
Key Attractions
Mausoleums of Jahangir & Noor Jahan in Lahore (if not visited on day 3)
Visit Masjid Wazir Khan - Built by Wazir Khan, the viceroy of Punjab during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan
Shahi Hamam, a Persian-style bath which was built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan
Visit Shalimar Garden (optional)
Experience the flag ceremony at Wagah, the border between Pakistan & India
Lahore-Harappa: 196 kms/3.5 hours’ drive
Harappa-Multan: 160 kms /2.5 hours’ drive
Drive to Multan visiting Harappa archaeological site on the way. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel.
Key Attractions
Harappa Archaeological Site–The ruins of the Bronze Age Harappan civilization (the Indus Valley civilization)
Today we will explore Multan, the city of saints. Visit Damdama, the highest point in the fort. Multan is also popular for Blue Pottery and camel skin paintings.
Key Attractions
Damdama in Multan - the highest point in Multan to see the entire city
The Mausoleum of Muslim Mystic Sheikh Baha-ud-din Zakariya
The Mausoleum of a renowned Sufi Shah Shams Sabzwari
The Mausoleum of Shah Rukn-e-Alam – A Sufi Mystic
Delhi Gate
Char Minar
Blue Pottery Workshop
Camel skin using Naqash painting
Multan-Derawar Fort: 200 kms/3 hours’ drive
Derawar Fort- Bahawalpur: 98 kms/2 hours’ drive
After an early breakfast drive to Cholistan Desert and Derawar Fort. In the afternoon drive to Bahawalpur and visit Noor Mahal.
Key Attractions
Derawar Fort - first built in the 9th century AD
Cholistan Desert -locally known as Rohi which forms part of the greater Thar Desert
In the afternoon, the Noor Mahal in Bahawalpur
Bahawalpur- Uch Sharif: 78 kms/1.5 hours’ drive
Uch Sharif- Sukkur: 310 kms/3.5 hours’ drive
Drive to the archaeological sites of Uch Sharif. After visiting Uch Sharif drive to Sukkur.
Key Attractions
the 15th Century Octagonal tomb of Bibi Jawindi
The Shrine of Jalaluddin Bukhari
The Shrine of Hazrat Fazaluddin Ladla Bukhari
The Shrine of Pir Sadruddin
Sukkur- Kot Diji-Mohenjo Daro: 135 kms/3 hours’ drive
Mohenjo Daro – Sehwan Sharif: 150 kms /2.5 hours’ drive
Drive to Mohenjo Daro visiting Kot Diji en-route. Visit the archaeological site of Mohenjo Daro. After lunch, drive to Sehwan Sharif. Upon arrival and check-in at the hotel visit the Shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar. Attend Sufi dances in the evening.
Key Attractions
Kot Diji Fort-the 18th Century Talpur era Fort
Mohenjo Daro (The mound of the dead) A center of the ancient Indus civilization (c. 2500–1700 BCE) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar
Dhamal (Sufi Dances) in the evening
Sehwan–Ranikot Fort: 88 kms/1.5 hours’ drive
Ranikot Fort-Bhit Shah: 140 kms/2.5 hours’ drive
Bhit Shah–Hyderabad: 60 kms/1.5 hours’ drive
After breakfast, visit Ranikot Fort, then the Shrine of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai. Finally, drive to Hyderabad for the overnight stay.
Key Attractions
Ranikot Fort- the great wall of Sindh
Shrine of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai
Sufi dances at the Shrine of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai (if available today)
Hyderabad- Shah Jahan Mosque: 100 kms /1.5 hours’ drive
Shah Jahan Mosque- Makli Hills: 3.5 kms /10 minutes’ drive
Makli Hills – Bhanbore Museum: 40 kms/40 minutes’ drive
Bhanbore – Chaukandi Tombs: 35 kms/45 minutes’ drive
Chaukandi Tombs – Karachi: 30 kms/1 hour’s drive
After breakfast, drive to Karachi visiting Shah Jahan Mosque, Makli Necropolis, Bhanbore Archaeological Site and Chaukandi Tombs on the way. Upon arrival transfer to hotel for overnight stay.
Key Attractions
Shah Jahan Mosque Thatta built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan
Makli Necropolis- the largest funerary sites in the world
Bhambore (Bhanbore) Archeological Site A ruin dating back to the Scytho-Parthian era (1st Century BCE)
Chaukandi Tombs - Known for the elaborate sandstone carvings
Full day tour of Karachi Explore Karachi the financial capital of Pakistan and its vibrant cultural heritage.
Key Attractions
National Museum: Delve into Pakistan's rich history, from the Stone Age to its inception in 1947, at the National Museum, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that narrates the nation's journey.
Frere Hall: A historic landmark, Frere Hall is an architectural marvel that houses a library and the Sadequain Art Gallery, providing a glimpse into the artistic of Karachi.
Mohatta Palace: Step into the luxurious Mohatta Palace, a summer retreat for the Mohatta family until 1947, adorned with intricate architecture and cultural significance.
Tuba Mosque (Gol Masjid): Explore the flat dome structured Tuba Mosque, also known as Gol Masjid, and appreciate its architectural elegance.
Merewether Clock Tower: Visit the Victorian era Merewether Clock Tower, a historical timepiece that stands as a testament to Pakistan's colonial past.
If time permits visit Quaid-e-Azam Tomb (Mazar-e-Quaid): Pay homage to the founding father of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam, at his tomb, a monument of national importance.
Karachi-Damb: 91 kms/2 hours’ drive
Damb-Shri Hinglaj Mandir: 178 kms/2.5 hours’ drive
Shri Hinglaj Mata Mandir – Kund Malir Beach: 25 kms/ 30 minutes’ drive
After an early breakfast departure for Kund Malir Beach. En-route stop at Damb and take a boat trip to explore mangroves and chances of seeing the local dolphins. After Damb, we will take Makran coastal highway, the route taken by Alexander the great over 2300 years ago. visit Shaktipeeth Shri Hinglaj Mata Mandir. Finally drive to Kund Malir for overnight stay.
Day 30. Kund Malir– Ormara–Kund MalirKund Malir Beach- Ormara: 110 kms/1.5 hours’ drive
Today is dedicated to explore Hingol National Park which is the largest national park in Pakistan. Visit the Princess of Hope and other mud formation along the road. Drive back to Kund Malir for overnight stay.
Day 31. Kund Malir– KarachiKund Malir Beach- Chandragup Mud Volcanos: 52 kms/1 hour drive
Chandragup Mud Volcanos-Karachi: 300 kms/3.5 hours’ drive
Drive back to Karachi visiting Chandragup mud volcanos on the way. Visit Gaddani Shipping breaking yard if time permits. Overnight in Karachi.
Day 32. DepartureTransfer to the airport for home bound flight.