Pakistan Expedition

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.

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.

Fly this morning from Islamabad to Skardu. Being the gateway to the Karakoram Mountain Range, it’s a popular spot for hikers and outdoorsy types, and your day will be spent exploring all that Skardu has to offer. You’ll head to the Skardu Bazaar, where you can pick up any snacks or souvenirs that might be calling your name. Then it’s on to the Manthal Rock Buddha – a sculpture dating back to the 8th century – as well as Kharpocho Fort.

Today, travel north to Passu, a small town surrounded by mountains and glaciers. It sits by the famous Karakoram Highway, which is also known as the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway as it connects the two countries. This is an achingly beautiful part of the world and there’ll be several opportunities to stop and take in views of many 7000 m peaks, including Rakaposhi. You’ll be staying in Passu for the next three nights, using it as your base for exploring the region.

Drive to nearby Gulmit today. Take a walk around this remote village and visit a carpet-weaving centre run by the local women. You’ll also hike out to the ruins of Ondra Fort. Sitting atop a rocky outcrop above Gulmit, it would’ve commanded views of several strategically important passes in the area. It’s believed to have been built in the 16th century by a ruler named Qutlug Baig and, as if the historic ruins weren’t enough, there are phenomenal views of both the valley and the surrounding peaks. Later, return to your accommodation in Passu for the night.

Visit the Hussaini Hanging Bridge, described by some as the "most dangerous bridge in the world". Though the bridge’s condition is questionable its location is enviable, suspended above Hunza river and surrounded by jagged mountains. Walk to Borith lake, which sits at an elevation of approximately 2600 m, and out to the impressive Passu Glacier. There’ll be plenty of time to relax and you’ll also see the photogenic Tupopdan (6106 m), which is known as Passu Cones or Passu Cathedral. Sample Passu’s famous apricot cake and yak burgers. In the evening you’ll have a chance to get immersed in the melodious tunes of the region. A local band will play their local instruments, sing songs with you and show you some of their dance moves.

Travel by 4WD to the remote town of Shimshal, which was inaccessible by road up until 2003. The road took 18 years to build and was constructed by the local community, who previously had to walk for several days to reach other parts of Hunza. Shimshal is so remote that state prisoners from Hunza were once exiled here as punishment. The locals are resilient and extremely hardworking people. A number of notable Pakistani mountaineers grew up here, which isn’t surprising given the rugged, mountainous terrain. The Shimshali are to Pakistan what the Sherpa are to Nepal, and perhaps the most famous Shimshali are Samina and Mirza Ali Baig, a brother- sister climbing duo. Samina is the first and only Pakistani woman to climb Everest (at the age of 21) and the Seven Summits. She also summited K2 in 2022.