Pakistan is one of our favourite places in the world! A truly offbeat, utterly gorgeous and surprisingly friendly land with the most underrated mountain range in the world snaking through the northern part of the country.
It is truly a place that is unlike anywhere else, and we’re stoked to welcome you on this Elsewheria Adventure to the place where the Himalayas, Karakoram and Hindu Kush collide…
We first visited Pakistan in 2015, before it was Insta-famous, and we’re thrilled to bring our ten years of experience and passion to this very special adventure. We’ll be partnering with a Hunza-owned company that only and exclusively works with Indigenous locals from the mountain regions.
This trip combines the best highlights of Pakistan with some more far-flung and rarely visited destinations, which we can only visit because we have the right connections. We will explore the eighth wonder of the engineering world, the pristine Karakoram Highway, which is packed to bursting with 7000-meter peaks, glorious glaciers and surreal alpine lakes.
We’ll penetrate deep into the heart of the mountains as we trek to the base camp of some of the world's highest mountains. We’ll also tap into our local contacts and be welcomed into local homes for a taste of Hunzai hospitality, something we can only describe as legendary.
Hidden Highlights of Hunza
20th Sept - 2nd Oct 2026
$2500 USD
Hidden Highlights of Hunza
September 2027
$2750 USD
Today is the day our adventure officially kicks off! After taking a mind-boggingly beautiful flight (which you need to pre-book and organise yourself, more on that later) that soars past Nanga Parbat, the 9th-highest mountain on the planet, you’ll be met at Skardu airport and transferred to our comfortable hotel where your guides will be waiting for you. If you want to head up to Skardu a few days in advance, you’re more than welcome to do so and we’ll probably be knocking around up there doing last-minute checks on equipment and personnel. The Baltistan region is massive, so feel free to explore.
Both AirBlue and Pakistan International Airlines fly the Islamabad-Skardu route. You’ll arrive in Skardu by noon, where you’ll be met at the airport.
We’ll have a chill afternoon where you’ll have time to unpack and refresh before we head out and kick things off with a sunset at the Sarfaranga Dunes, one of the highest cold deserts in the world! After this, we’ll head for a hearty dinner at one of our favourite restaurants and have a trip briefing where we’ll run you through the adventure to come!
We’ll head out of Skardu very early to make sure there’s plenty of daylight to reach the meadows. The views here are simply stunning.
It takes about 4 hours driving to reach the famous Raikot Bridge, where we’ll leave our lovely drivers and hop in an old-school jeep to travel up the “most dangerous road in the world”.
The drive takes about 2 hours, and then the hike is about 3-4 hours. It’s going to be a long day, but we’ll have plenty of time to relax in our comfortable log cabins when we arrive.
An optional day hike brings us up close and personal with the beast herself, on a trail that anyone can do, even without trekking experience. It’s about a 6-8 hour round trip, but it's totally worth it.
If you would prefer to just relax in the meadows, that’s also an option and there are several shorter hikes you can do solo around the area!
It’s a little bit quicker going down, and we can expect to be back at the jeeps in about 2 hours. Then we’ll take another 2-hour spin on the crazy FM road heading to the most amazing place in Gilgit Baltistan: Hunza Valley.
After about 5 total hours of driving from the Raikot Bridge to Shangri La, as it’s been called, we’ll check into a comfortable hotel in Aliabad away from noise and chaos, but with the joys of Wifi and hot showers.
Today you have a free day to explore the nearby Karimabad; the premier mountain town of the region, with gorgeous views and two impressive forts overlooking the ancient Silk Road hugging the river below. Here you’ll also be able to find some epic gemstones and other Hunza-made souvenirs if that fits your fancy. Breakfast and lunch are not included today.
We’ll reconvene as a group and wind things up with a sunset viewpoint and some local eats you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Just an hour across the river from Central Hunza lies an epic village that literally hangs above a glacier, so of course we’re taking a day trip there.
This area is stunning and remains untouched - get ready for lush greenery, farm animals, and gorgeous scenery, plus tea with some mates we know.
After a leisurely breakfast in Karimabad, it’s time to move on to Upper Hunza where some of the most magical scenery in the world starts to pop off. We’ll drive about 30 minutes to do a short (about 1 hour up) but super rewarding day hike to Baskochi Meadows.
This spot has the best view of the sapphire blue Attabad Lake (created by a deadly landslide in 2010), which is a must-see before driving further along the KKH to Gulmit. This village is filled with history, women-run local businesses, friendly locals, and, of course, some downright EPIC views.
We’ll head to a local homestay we know - tucked away from the road in a real Wakhi home, with the trail heads of one of the best viewpoints in the valley - Ondara Poygah - sitting right next door.
Here’s where you’ll be able to get to know a local family, go on the most idyllic of walks, and just chill the heck out in Hunza-style-bliss. The afternoon is free time for you to spend as you wish. Lunch is not included today.
We’ll get back on the Karakoram Highway once again and, more specifically, drive to the incredible village of Passu. Famous for its unreal cathedral-shaped mountains, you’ve probably seen these somewhere online before.
We’ll check out the Passu Glacier and Borith Lake nearby and then have dinner together at the hotel later on.
Another epic day awaits as we drive all the way to Khunjerab, the official border crossing between Pakistan and China. But this isn’t just any excursion: we’re heading through the pristine Khunjerab National Park (known for its endangered wildlife) to the highest paved border crossing on Earth.
Our max elevation will be 4,693 metres (15,397 ft), which may be the highest you’ve ever been!
We’ll arrive back at Passu for a group dinner at the insanely good Yak Grill - these might be the best burgers in Asia (veggie options are available!)
Get ready for an incredible experience, amigos! After driving to Minapin, we’ll start with a steep but gorgeous ascent to reach the emerald green, grassy paradise that is the Hapakun camp we’ll be sleeping at as we head up to basecamp.
We will be camping, and you either need to bring your own sleeping bags and mats or inform us in advance that you want to rent them. We’ll have a hearty dinner cooked up by local chefs, and spend the evening stargazing and gearing up for tomorrow’s big incline.
From Hapakun, you’ll get an epic view of the valley below, and you’ll start to hear the crackling of the Minapin Glacier, which can sound enchanting yet spooky at night!
Today’s a more challenging hike than yesterday, but it’s also the day you’ll get some of the most epic mountain views out there: we’re getting up close and personal with Rakaposhi.
After another ~6 km, we’ll be eye-to-eye with Rakaposhi, a ridge that overlooks a glacier that stretches out as far as the eye can see. It is a stunning and awe-inspiring sight of sheer power and brilliance.
We’ll have lunch with one of the best views on the planet before heading back down to Minapin for a big refuel and chill night after what’s sure to have been an epic adventure!
This is the final day of tour services and after breakfast, our drivers will take us back to Skardu. The drive from Minapin to Skardu takes about 6 hours, so make sure you book your domestic flight for the next day.
We will check into the same hotel we started off in and have a final meal to celebrate what we are sure will have been an amazing two weeks! After dinner, tour services (aside from tonight’s accommodation and airport drop off) officially end and you’re on your own 😉
If anyone wants or needs to take a car down to Islamabad in order to fly out of Pakistan a bit earlier, this can be arranged. A seat from Hunza/Nagar costs around $35 USD, and the entire car can be shared with others. This will take anywhere from 12 to 20 hours. This isn’t a bad option, but it is uncomfortable.
Our drivers will hang around in Skardu and bring you to Skardu airport for your flight when you are ready. Please see the post-trip notes on WHEN to book your departing flight out of Pakistan and ponder wisely.
At Elsewheria, we specialize in taking curious travelers to the kinds of places that are hard to get to, and even harder to forget. With deep local partnerships, trusted guides, a commitment to sustainable tourism, and seamless logistics, we take the stress out of the unknown so you can focus on what matters: connecting with culture, nature, and a like-minded crew of fellow adventurers.
Pakistan (Gilgit Baltistan in particular) is hands down the most underrated mountain destination on the planet – five of the world’s 14 8000 meter peaks and more than 100 over 7000, these trails are raw, rugged and unknown to most of the world. Gilgit Baltistan is exactly where the three highest mountain ranges on the planet collide, and one of the least places on Earth you can still find raw, pristine adventure that hasn’t been ruined by mass tourism.
But this magic doesn’t come easy. Infrastructure is limited. Many trails are unmarked, and the most spectacular places lie far beyond where Google Maps can take you. That’s why traveling with us makes all the difference.
We’ve been building connections in Pakistan for nearly a decade and work exclusively with Indigenous locals from Hunza and other parts of GB. These relationships unlock doors no tour company can: think homestays, off-grid spots, and a level of cultural depth you won’t find in any guidebook.
This off-the-beaten path adventure in Pakistan is ideal for:
FAR-FLUNG TRIPS
Venture off the beaten path into wild beauty, real connection, and unforgettable adventures.
LOCAL GUIDES
We work with local guides to help get an immersive experience unlike any other.
Built by travelers
We’ve designed our trips for the kind of people who crave real adventure, not cookie-cutter tours.
SMALL GROUPS
Join a small group of like-minded legends ready to connect, laugh and explore a far flung corner of the world.
EXPERIENCED LEADERS
Our tour leaders know their country like the back of their hand giving you full confidence you’re in safe hands.
push your comfort zone
You don’t grow in your comfort zone and we believe travel is the ultimate tool for personal growth.
This epic Pakistan expedition is for those craving a raw adventure deep in the mountains with like minded travelers. If immersive experiences that allow you to dive deep into a unique culture, remote locales, and treks sound like you: you’re in the right place. You should be able to go with the flow and understand the value of sometimes sacrificing Western comforts for once in a life time experiences. But whether you’re a solo traveler, or coming with friends or a partner, this adventure is for those who dream of untouched landscapes, remote villages, and genuine connections with some of the most hospitable people on the planet.
In a nutshell; yes. We’ve been coming here since 2015 and we can assure you that not only is the country safe generally, but we’ll be going to the safest parts IN Pakistan. The Hunza region (where we’ll be spending most of our time) is primarily Ismaili, which is Islam’s most liberal sect, has a 99% literacy rate, and there is very little crime.
Pakistan is not a well-connected country, but you’ve still got several options for international arrival. The cheapest flights head into Karachi, which is extremely far from both Gilgit Baltistan and Islamabad and not a great place overall. Therefore, we highly recommend you fly into Islamabad International Airport, or at furthest, Allama Iqbal in Lahore, as you can then get a comfortable 5-hour-long bus to the capital.
Airlines to look into:
Thai Airways (direct flights from Bangkok)
Emirates
Etihad Airways
Pakistan International Airlines (direct flights from Kuala Lumpur and Dubai)
Turkish Airways (if coming from Europe or the US)
Qatar Airways (again, good options from Europe or the US)
British Airways (direct flights from London)
Border crossings:
These are all the border crossings available to tourists:
Khunjerab Border from Tashkurgan, China
Wagah Border from India (closed indefinitely as of May 2025)
Torkham Border from Afghanistan (chaotic but doable)
Rimdan Border from Iran (leads to Karachi, not recommended)
Taftan Border from Iran (horrible border with extreme amounts of police escorts, very far, not recommended)
Bus companies
These are the two best companies if you need to get a bus to Islamabad:
Faisal Movers
Daewoo
Q Connect (to/from Lahore only)
As of September 2024, getting a Pakistani visa is FREE and easier than ever, and should be done a bit before your trip via this link: https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/visa-prior-to-arrival-tourist/
You’ll have 90 days to enter the country once it’s granted (usually in a few minutes), and then when you arrive, you’ll be stamped in for 90 days from your date of entry.
It’s important to note that you should choose the country of your passport in the section that asks where you’d like to be interviewed. Ironically, people are only actually interviewed when they choose their physical location (unless you have PR documents to prove you live there).
You need to make your way to Skardu International Airport (unfortunately it’s not really international) located in Gilgit Baltistan. Skardu is a gorgeous and walkable small mountain “city” and I do recommend arriving a day in advance if you have the time!
They are indeed, we’ll pick you up from Skardu International Airport and drop you back off there after the tour. Note that you will need to arrange your own transport to Skardu, which we can advise you on and is covered in our pre-departure info packet.
Absolutely, and this adventure is definitely the easiest and safest way to see Pakistan if you’re on your own. Most of the people who join our tours are solo travellers. We’ll pair you with another solo guest in twin-share accommodation.
Your trip will include just about everything after you arrive: accommodation, most meals, experienced local guides, private transport, snacks and mineral water, and more. Here’s a few additional costs to keep in mind:
Flights to Pakistan
Transport to Skardu
Travel insurance (required)
Tips for your guides and driver
Any optional activities or souvenirs
100% yes! While Pakistan is a very meat and bread-heavy country, don’t let that scare you! We can arrange vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy free or even vegan options everywhere. Just let us know about any preferences or allergies in advance and we’ll make sure you get an inclusive experience of local cuisine. Understand that some food may be bland if you opt to go down the vegan route.
To join this journey, simply click here button on our website. You’ll fill out a short form and pay your deposit to secure your spot. From there, we’ll be in touch with all your next steps, including pre-trip prep and travel logistics. Spots are limited, so we recommend booking early.
Once you’re confirmed, you’ll receive a detailed packing list, but here’s a quick overview of the essentials:
Layers for all the types of weather the mountains can throw at us, think between 5 C at night at Fairy Meadows and Rakaposhi to 22 C in lower altitude hamlets
A powerbank, electricity access can be an issue throughout Gilgit Baltistan
Hiking shoes
Altitude and car sickness meds if you’re prone to them
Hat and sunglasses
Reusable water bottle
Immodium/other stomach meds just in case
This is a real adventure in one of the last wild places on the planet. In exchange for incredible views and cultures, you’ll have to accept that the following won’t be possible everywhere, but it really is part of the experience:
Wifi
Phone signal (we have a satellite device for safety)
24/7 electricity (many places have backups, but not all)
Hot showers
Western toilets
Bed frames
All shared rooms on our trips have 2 people per room, each with their own bed. We will partner you with an adventure buddy of the same gender - an amazing way to make new friends! If you're booking as a pair, just let us know, and we'll make sure you’re roomed together. If you have any questions about sleeping arrangements, feel free to get in touch 🙂
If you'd prefer your own room, our Solo Supplement option is available at checkout and gives you a private room everywhere except the Mystery Valley, where we'll all share in one or two really huge rooms with individual sleeping areas. Please note that private rooms are very limited, so be quick or you might miss out.
Yes - a single supplement is available for an additional cost of $500. Just note that there may be a spot or two where this isn’t possible.
No, international or domestic flights are not included. As mentioned, you’ll need to fly into Skardu International Airport (sadly, the name is a misnomer) or take the Karakoram Highway/Babusar Pass. If you need help organising transport, just let us know and we’ll help you out.
You’ll find the pace to be pretty high. Activities include multiple high-altitude treks, but nothing too technical.
Insurance isn’t required to enter Pakistan, but it is required to come on an Elsewheria adventure.
Simply complete the enquiry form below and we’ll reach out to you directly.
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