Pakistan’s north is home to five of the world’s fourteen 8,000-metre peaks, glacier lakes, green valleys and friendly mountain villages. Here are the destinations we visit most often — every trip can be combined or customised for your group.
Hunza Valley is the jewel of the Karakoram, surrounded by giants like Rakaposhi, Ultar Sar and Ladyfinger Peak. Walk the old streets of Karimabad, explore the centuries-old Altit and Baltit Forts, take a boat across the turquoise Attabad Lake and drive the Karakoram Highway to Passu Cones and the Khunjerab Pass on the Pakistan–China border.
Skardu is the gateway to the world’s highest mountains, including K2. Stay beside the lakes of Shangrila and Upper Kachura, see the rare Katpana Cold Desert where sand dunes meet snowy peaks, and cross the Deosai Plains — one of the highest plateaus on earth, famous for wildflowers, clear streams and the Himalayan brown bear.
Haramosh Valley, off the Karakoram Highway near Gilgit, is one of Pakistan’s most rewarding off-the-beaten-path adventures. A thrilling jeep ride and trek lead to the hidden Kutwal Lake, surrounded by green meadows, glaciers and the towering Haramosh Peak (7,409 m). Perfect for travellers who want real wilderness and camping under the stars.
Often called the Switzerland of Pakistan, Swat is the easiest mountain escape from Islamabad and Lahore. Relax by the Swat River at Fizagat, ride the chairlift and zipline at Malam Jabba, wander the pine forests of Ushu and Matiltan near Kalam, and take a jeep ride to the beautiful Mahodand Lake.
Neelum Valley is a long, green valley of pine-covered hills, rushing rivers and wooden villages along the Neelum River in Azad Kashmir. Highlights include the riverside town of Keran, the historic Sharda, Kel and the fairy-tale village of Arang Kel, reached by a chairlift and a short, rewarding hike. We run both a 3-day tour (every Thursday) and a 4-day tour with Arang Kel (every Wednesday).
Kumrat Valley in Upper Dir is one of Pakistan’s best camping destinations. Tall deodar forests, the crystal-clear Panjkora River, thundering waterfalls and the high meadows of Jahaz Banda make it perfect for tents, bonfires and nights full of stars.
The Kaghan Valley road winds past Balakot, Kiwai and Shogran to Naran, the base for the legendary Lake Saif ul Malook. Continue to the emerald Lulusar Lake and Babusar Top at over 4,000 metres — a classic summer road trip for families and friends.
Sharan Forest is a peaceful pine and deodar forest in Manoor Valley near Kaghan, reached by a short jeep ride from the Kaghan road. With cool air, forest trails, meadows and cosy campsites, it is the perfect 2-day weekend escape from Lahore and Islamabad. Our 2-day Sharan trip departs every Friday night.
Fairy Meadows lies at the foot of Nanga Parbat, the world’s ninth-highest mountain. After a thrilling jeep ride from Raikot Bridge and a scenic trek, you arrive at green meadows dotted with wooden cottages and one of the most spectacular mountain views on the planet.
