Pakistan Panorama
DURATION: 15 Days
START/END: Islamabad
START DATE: 14 June 2025
*TOUR COST (Twin Share): USD 3995
*SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: USD 1000
MAX GROUP SIZE: 8
PHYSICAL LEVEL: More Adventurous
*2025 prices are provisional
Mountains, Culture & Adventure Awaits
Discover incredible Pakistan on this all-new Byroads tour. Come and explore this land where the three great mountain ranges, the Karakoram, Himalayan, and Hindu Kush converge. So often overlooked by travellers, Pakistan is a land of unparalleled beauty, extraordinary cultural richness, and warm and welcoming people.
Commencing in Islamabad, this perfect-time-of-year odyssey offers a truly immersive travel experience. Explore the highlights – think palaces, forts, mosques, lakes, villages, cultural centres and monuments, all within a world of towering peaks, deep valleys and glacial wonderlands.
You’ll be in good company the entire trip. Local guides with a wealth of knowledge will deepen your adventure. Your Byroads host will support you throughout the trip. And a small bunch of fellow wanderers will create meaningful memories alongside you.
Moments you’ll love
- Exploring ancient Khaplu Fort andPalace
- Discovering the rugged beauty of the Hushe Valley
- Standing at the junction of 3 great mountain ranges
- Getting lost in Gilgit’s bazaars
- Watching the sun set at Duklar
- Witnessing the other-worldly Hopper Glacier
- Braving a walk over the Hussaini suspension bridge
- Discovering the world of the Kalash people
Lodgings you’ll adore
- Royal Palace Hotel in Khaplu
- Fort Residence in Shigar
- Mountain cabins in Mastuj
DAY 1: ISLAMABAD
Arrive at Islamabad Airport and transfer to your hotel | Settle in and meet up with your group in the evening.
The 108 Hotel (or similar) – This stylish 4-star hotel has the feel of casual luxury. The rooms feature air-conditioning, a desk, safety deposit box, TV, private bathroom and an excellent restaurant. Located in the popular Blue Zone of Islamabad.
DAY 2: SKARDU AND KHAPLU
Take an early flight to Skardu |Drive to Khaplu and visit an ancient Buddhist archaeological site enroute | Be guided around the historical gem that is Khaplu Fort | Check in for your two-night stay.
Serena Khaphlu Palace Hotel (or similar) – This is a unique heritage Boutique Hotel which offers guests the opportunity to experience the restored original architecture of a 19th century Raja Palace, while enjoying the modern amenities and services of a luxury hotel.
DAY 3: HUSHE AND KHAPLU
Drive the rugged road to Hushe, the town at the gateway of the Hushe Valley | Enjoy the valley’s remote and unspoiled natural environment | Stroll through the streets of Hushe village and chat with the friendly locals | Return this evening to Khaplu. (B)
Serena Khaplu Palace Hotel (or similar)
DAY 4: SHIGAR
Travel to Shigar, a gateway town to five giant peaks, all over 8000 metres| Wander the old town, home to mainly the Balti people of Tibetan descent | Explore the Shigar Fort. (B)
Serena Fort Residence (or similar)
This heritage conservation project allows travellers a comfortable stay in the beautiful grounds of an authentic 17th century Raja Fort and Palace.
Day 5: GILGIT
Follow the Indus and Gilgit Rivers and their stunning surrounds | Photograph yourself standing at the junction of the Himalaya, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush Mountain ranges | Arrive in Gilgit and explore its colourful bazaar. (B)
Ramada Gilgit (or similar)
DAY 6 KARIMABAD
Drive into the Hunza Valley to Karimabad | View the remains of the ancient silk road | Take in the views of Mt Rakaposhi | Be guided through an ancient village on the outskirts of Karimabad. (B)
Roomy Daastaan (or similar) – This hotel is perfectly located to enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the valley below. It features a terrace, restaurant and all the modern amenities expected of a 3+ star hotel.
DAY 7: HUNZA VALLEY AND KARIMABAD
Explore the Baltit and Altit Forts | Wander through the Karimabad Bazaar | Journey to the Hopper Glacier | Check out the stuning sunset at Duikar village | Return to Karimabad. (B)
Roomy Dasstaan Hotel (or similar)
DAY 8: UPPER HUNZA VALLEY AND KARIMABAD
Enjoy a boat ride on the turquois Attabad Lake | Marvel at the iconic Passu Cones | Brave a walk across the incredible Hussaini suspension bridge | Visit the Gulmit Old House and the women’s carpet weaving centre | Return to Karimabad. (B)
Roomy Dasstaan Hotel (or similar)
DAY 9: GUPIS
Say farewell to the Hunza Valley and commence the drive to Pakistan’s west | Overnight in the small town of Gupis. (B)
Ghizer Blossom Inn – (or similar)
DAY 10: MASTUJ
Travel onwards stopping for chai at Phander Lake | Settle in for the night in mountain cabins at Mastuj village. (B)
Hindukush Heights Mastuj (or similar) – This outpost in scenic Mastuj has six individual wooden chalets in a rustic alpine style, located in the grounds of the UlMulk family’s 300 year old ancestral fort.
DAY 11: CHITRAL
Drive to Chitral | Amble through the strategically located Chitral Fort. Built in the 20th century it showcases traditional building techniques of the region, and today houses a small museum | Visit the historic Shahi Mosque. (B)
Roomy Hindukush (or similar)
DAY 12: KALASH VALLEY
Descend to the remote Kalash Valley and discover the villages and the Kalashi people | Explore the open-coffin cemetery | Tour the wonderful cultural museum. (B)
Alexander Post (or similar)
DAY 13: CHITRAL AND ISLAMABAD
Time at leisure in the Kalash Valley before a drive to Gilgit | Take the mid-afternoon flight to Islamabad and check-in for your final two nights in Islamabad. (B)
The 108 Hotel (or similar)
DAY 14: ISLAMABAD
A full day to explore the capital’s highlights, beginning with the Pakistan Monument and the iconic Faisal Mosque | Discover the diversity of Pakistan’s tribes at the Lok Virsa Museum. (B)
The 108 Hotel (or similar)
DAY 15: ISLAMABAD
Breakfast concludes your tour | Taxis to the airport are available, or Byroads can organise a transfer on request. (B)
The 108 Hotel (or similar)
What’s Included
GUIDES
Byroads tour host, national and local guides
TRANSPORT
Arrival transfer, air conditioned 4WD wagons, 2 domestic flights, boat
ACCOMMODATION
14 nights’ accommodation (3 to 4-star hotel average)
MEALS
14 breakfasts
TICKETS
Entrance fees to indicated sites
Due to currency volatility, trip fees are calculated in US Dollars. However, you will be charged in Australian dollars. Currency conversion is based on the Westpac Bank buying rate on your balance due date.
Meet your trip host
Ready for travel without logistical nightmares? Your trip host has got you covered.
Every Byroads tour is supported by Steve or Bronny – two experienced travellers with a genuine passion for people. They take care of all the nitty-gritty details to ensure your trip runs smoothly – and you can focus on enjoying the moment.
Steve heads up Byroads and has over 35 years of experience in the travel industry. He’s designed and operated holidays to some of the world’s most fascinating destinations.
Like her brother, Bronny shares a keen curiosity about the world. Independently, she has journeyed far and wide – and has worked as a tour leader throughout Europe, Asia and Australia.
