Transport

TRANSPORT IN PAKISTAN: Main roads in Pakistan are usually very busy with an assortment of vehicles from the biggest trucks (who always have right of way) down to bikes (and animals!). Overtaking on blind corners at speed is common as is the total use of the horn as a form of communication. Our leaders have complete authority to remove groups from local transport if the driver is not driving safely. Drivers of our private vehicles are experienced and well trained. if you are uncomfortable with your driver, please always let your tour leader know immediately. Please ensure you wear your seat belt at all times. TRAVEL TIMES: Distances in Pakistan do not reflect the driving time and to cover 100km may take much longer than you would expect at home, even if much of the route is on a highway. AUTO RICKSHAWS: On this trip we travel on local style of transport called an auto rickshaw. These small, motorised three wheeled vehicles are a common form of transport in Pakistan and do not have seatbelts. FLIGHTS: International airports in Pakistan are becoming more modern (especially in the major and tourist cities). To enter the airport, you must have a copy of your flight ticket and passport. Schedule changes and delays do occur, especially when weather conditions make visibility poor. INTERNAL FLIGHTS: Flights between Islamabad and Gilgit are often delayed or canceled due to poor weather. Your local leader will give you the most up to date information regarding delays to flights. If your flight is cancelled we will endeavour to get your group on the next available flight. Failing that, we will follow our contingency plan by road using a private vehicle. Private Vehicle , Plane

Guide

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Meals

11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 11 dinners

Accommodation

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn’t always possible which means we won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available. ACCOMMODATION: Some of the accommodation along the way is basic or simple, staying in local guesthouses and homestays. Some may have shared bathroom facilities with cold water only. We use a mixture of air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned rooms. Some areas of Pakistan experience daily load shedding. This is where the power may be turned off at certain times of the day and usually occurs for a few hours in early afternoon. Most hotel properties have a restaurant or cafe serving local meals. SHOWERS: Showers at some hotels only have hot water at peak times (usually morning and evening). Outside of these times you may need to speak to reception to obtain hot water. ROOM ISSUES: If you have any issues with your room, please speak to the hotel and your tour leader right away rather than your travel agent so that the problem can be addressed without delay. PAKISTAN HOMESTAYS: As a responsible travel company, we believe in facilitating positive and meaningful exchanges between our travellers and locals at the places we visit. Homestays are a great vehicle for us to facilitate this! What will you do during a homestay? Well…it’s hard to tell. As you know a day in a family’s life varies from day to day. We don’t want this experience to feel forced (on you or on them) so we ask families to simply carry on with their lives and that, if there is anything that you may be interested in being part of, they ask you to join in. As such you may be invited to help cook dinner, or to go to the local market for groceries, or to join a soccer game! While your leader will give you some tools to interact with your family (such as some simple local words/phrases) big smiles and lots of sign language can go a long way! That said, it’s also important that you understand that you are not obliged to participate in these activities. We believe that the more you put in the more you get out of an experience, but we also understand that you may just want to chill out, grab a book or your camera and go for a wander – and that is fine too. Ultimately, we believe that by simply being there, observing family and friends dynamics is a step forward towards understanding the local way of life. In homestays we will sometimes share one common sleeping space, just how local people sleep. Plenty of blankets are provided. Ask for more if you are cold. Layering up with thin thermals and a fleece material will help during very cold nights too. Lastly, be aware that some homestays in Pakistan have shared drop toilets and no showers. So mind your step and bring your biodegradable wet-wipes! DAY ROOMS : & EARLY CHECK IN: Please note in some destinations we will provide use of day rooms. These rooms are provided for shared group use before or after overnight train journeys. We have some days where we arrive at our destination before check in time and a day room is not included. If you have booked a Single Supplement for your trip, it will not apply to these day rooms. Your leader may be able to assist you in booking a room for your sole use (depending on availability) until our regular trip rooms become available for an additional charge. Please talk to your leader at the Welcome Meeting if this is a service you would like to request. Hotel (7 nights), Traditional Guesthouse (4 nights)

Others

Islamabad - Faisal Mosque (women’s only section) Islamabad - Taxila Museum & archeological sites Islamabad - Local clothes shopping Ghulmet - Rakaposhi View Point Gulmit - Village walk & family visit Gulmit - Women-run carpet weaving center visit Hunza Valley - Ondra Polygah hike Gulmit - Local beauty salon visit Hunza Valley - Passu Glacier hike Hunza Valley - Borith Lake hike Hunza Valley - Passu Village visit Hunza Valley - Pakistani Home Cooking Class Hunza Valley - Traditional music performance Hunza Valley - Attabad Lake Karimabad - Baltit & Altit Forts Hunza Valley - Ciqam Women’s Social Enterprise visit Hunza Valley - Women-run cafe lunch Hopar - Family cooking class Hopar - Hopar Glacier walk Gilgit - Local market Islamabad - Golra Railway Station Islamabad - Pakistan Monument Islamabad - Rawalpindi Markets Islamabad - Jamia Mosque Rawalpindi Islamabad - Local salon visit Islamabad - Saidpur village

Not included:

Others

Other activities and services not mentioned

Optional

Other activities and services not mentioned

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Flights

International flights are not included

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Day 1 Day 1: Islamabad
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Islamabad

khush aam deed! Welcome to Pakistan. Your adventure begins in capital city Islamabad. The ‘City of Islam’ was built in the 1960s to replace Karachi as the nation’s capital and is divided into eight zones including the commercial district, educational sector, diplomatic enclave, residential areas and green area. It is an extensively (and successfully) planned city on a site chosen for its accessibility to the rest of the country and its location close to the army headquarters and disputed Kashmir area. You’ll have a welcome meeting tonight at 6 pm but if you arrive early it is worth checking out Lake View Park and the Lok Virsa Museum, which is dedicated to the preservation, documentation and promotion of Pakistan’s cultural heritage.
Day 2 Day 2: Islamabad
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Islamabad

Today presents an opportunity to explore Islamabad with your local female leader, who will speak with you about the history of both the city and Pakistan as a whole. There’ll be a chance to shop for local clothes, so keep an eye out for the ‘shalwar kameez’ – the traditional dress incorporating loose-fitting trousers and a long shirt, worn in various forms by men, women and children. Be sure to cover up for a visit to the female-only section of the Faisal Mosque, which was the largest mosque in the world upon its completion in 1986 and is said to hold 10,000 worshippers. It’s a vast building and at odds with the Taxila ruins, a World Heritage-listed complex that’s not only the largest Buddhist site in the country, but also an important witness to years of cultural evolution thanks to the Persians and Greeks. In the evening, head out for a group dinner in the city.
Day 3 Day 3: Gulmit (2465 M)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Gulmit (2465 M)

Depart Islamabad this morning on a flight to Gilgit then transfer to a private vehicle and travel north on the Karakoram Highway. Also known as the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, the road was built, believe it or not, in conjunction with China and connects the two countries at Khunjerab Pass. It passes through the Karakoram mountain range and is sometimes referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World thanks to the level of engineering that went into its construction, not to mention the phenomenal views on either side of the road. Stops en route include a viewpoint, where you can see the 7788-metre Rakaposhi mountain.
Day 4 Day 4: Gulmit (2465M)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Gulmit (2465M)

Spend the day exploring the village of Gulmit with the other women in your group. Located in a deep valley by the Hunza River, Gulmit has existed for hundreds of years and is surrounded by mountains and glaciers. Take a walk through town and visit a carpet-weaving centre run by the local women, then take advantage of an opportunity to be pampered at a one-of-a-kind salon in one of the oldest houses in town. While in Gulmit, pop into the home of a local family to enjoy some tea together while you chat with your hosts about life in this remote part of Pakistan. You’ll also trek out to the ruins of Ondra Fort, a walk of approximately three kilometres each way (1,655 stairs while going up and 3 km walk through Kamaris village while coming down). The fort sits atop a rocky outcrop above Gulmit and would’ve once commanded views of several strategically important passes in the area, though there’s no doubt the sentries of old were just as distracted by the jaw-dropping scenery as you will be.
Day 5 Day 5: Gulmit (2465M)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Gulmit (2465M)

Enjoy some time in Pakistan’s fresh mountain air today as you trek out to Borith Lake and Passu Glacier. The lake sits at an altitude of 2600 metres and is a quiet, peaceful spot to relax, not to mention a good opportunity to recharge after a few adventurous days. Read a book, soak up some sun or go for a swim (it’s saltwater) before trekking to Passu Glacier, a round-trip of approximately six kilometres. It wasn’t so long ago that walking was the primary means of transport in these parts, with some villages in the region only gaining road access as late as 2003. Later, travel to the village of Passu, located on the banks of the Hunza River. Sample the town’s famous apricot cake and yak burgers.
Day 6 Day 6: Gulmit
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Gulmit

Spend the morning in Passu’s tiny but charming town, sitting at the feet of the jagged Passu Cones. Wander the streets filled with stone houses and fruit trees. In the afternoon you’ll be invited into a local’s home where the women of the house will teach you how to make some delicious Hunzai dishes. Depending on what’s available, you might make some molida (a mixture of buttermilk, cheese and bread), graal (pancakes usually served with apricot or walnut oil and mulberry sauce), dawdo (noodle soup) or chaapshuro (flatbread stuffed with meat). Take some time to appreciate the architecture of the home, which is unique to this part of Pakistan – it’s believed they’ve been building homes in this style for almost 2000 years. This evening you’ll be treated to a traditional performance by a band who will play their local instruments, sing songs with you, and teach you some traditional dance moves.
Day 7 Day 7: Aliabad (2200 M)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Aliabad (2200 M)

This morning you’ll pay a visit to the beautiful Lake Attabad, which has a sad story lurking below its shimmering surface. The lake was formed in 2010 after a massive landslide that killed 20 people and displaced many thousands. The landslide essentially dammed the Hunza River for five months, creating a lake that measures some 21 kilometres across. Thankfully the dam held and the lake is now a popular tourist destination renowned for its insanely blue water. After your visit, travel to Karimabad, the capital of the Hunza District, known for its locally made handicrafts and take-your-breath-away views. Take a short walk to Baltit and Altit forts, which were restored by the Aga Khan Foundation and have stood in the region for over 700 years. These forts are a testament to the valley’s past strategic importance and were used to control the ancient Asia trade routes, with Baltit Fort holding a particularly commanding position above the local village. The Aga Khan Foundation also runs several projects focusing on empowering local women. There’ll be an opportunity to visit one of the groups and chat to them about their work, followed by lunch at cafe run by the local women. After spending the day exploring Hunza valley, you’ll head to Aliabad and spend the night in a female owned hotel.
Day 8 Day 8: Aliabad (2200 M)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Aliabad (2200 M)

Today begins with a visit to the striking black Hopar Glacier. Take a short hike near the glacier and you’ll be rewarded with remarkable views over the Hopar Valley. Then, spend the afternoon in Hopar Valley at a local’s home, where you’ll have the opportunity to rub shoulders with the hosts. You’ll join your hosts to make lunch, taking the opportunity to learn some more traditional local recipes and find out more about their lives and culture. Enjoy the meal together and then head back to your hotel for the night.
Day 9 Day 9: Gilgit (1500M)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Gilgit (1500M)

This morning, travel to Gilgit, located on the famously scenic Karakoram Highway. The city was once an important centre for Buddhism and also served as a stop on the Silk Road. Today you’ll discover a more modern side of the city as you explore the local markets with your leader, browsing stalls of handmade clothes and jewellery.
Day 10 Day 10: Islamabad
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Islamabad

Enjoy a final morning in the beautiful Gilgit Baltistan before boarding a flight to Islamabad. Settle in at the hotel upon arrival, then head out to see some more of Islamabad’s sights. The Pakistan Monument is a national symbol that commemorates the unity and heritage of the country. Shaped like a blooming flower, the monument features four large petals representing Pakistan’s four main cultures (Punjabi, Sindhi, Pakhtun, and Balochi) and three smaller petals symbolizing its minority regions. Inside, the intricate artwork and murals depict significant moments and figures from Pakistan’s history. The panoramic views of Islamabad from the monument make it a picturesque spot. Evidence of the British colonial period can be seen at Golra Railway Station, which was built in 1882 in a Victorian style and operates as a working station and popular museum. The museum was established in 2003 and contains artefacts from the British Raj, celebrating the past 150-odd years of rail travel in Pakistan.
Day 11 Day 11: Islamabad
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Islamabad

Spend your final full day in Pakistan exploring the nearby city of Rawalpindi. Visit the Markazi Jamia Masjid – one of the oldest mosques in the city. With beautiful frescos, mosaics and paintings, the mosque is a cultural icon and its colourful interior can’t be missed. Speaking of colour, there’ll be plenty at the Rawalpindi markets, so shop up a storm. This afternoon you’ll visit a local beauty salon where you’ll have the chance to chat to the local women and learn about their work, lives and culture. While you’re here, you may like to treat yourself to a facial or manicure. Then, pay a visit to the 500- year-old Saidpur village, known for its varied religious and cultural heritage. Here you’ll gather for a final dinner – a chance to celebrate all you’ve seen and done on your journey.
Day 12 Day 12: Islamabad
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Islamabad

Your Pakistan expedition comes to an end today. You are free to leave the accommodation at any time after breakfast, but please ensure you check out by 12 pm.

12 days tour

Pakistan: Women’S Expedition

This tour includes:

Not included:

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Itinerary of your trip Pakistan: Women’S Expedition

Day 1: Islamabad

Day 2: Islamabad

Day 3: Gulmit (2465 M)

Day 4: Gulmit (2465M)

Day 5: Gulmit (2465M)

Day 6: Gulmit

Day 7: Aliabad (2200 M)

Day 8: Aliabad (2200 M)

Day 9: Gilgit (1500M)

Day 10: Islamabad

Day 11: Islamabad

Day 12: Islamabad

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