We’re traveling to Northern Pakistan to explore some of the most enchanting landscapes that are hidden gems to the majority of the world, most unaware of how extraordinary and beautiful this region really is. But you’re going to see. On our group trip, we’ll explore mountainous Skardu, the lakes of Naltar Valley, the iconic Hunza Valley, famous Fairy Meadows and the capital of Pakistan, Islamabad.
This trip has been carefully crafted by Caroline @carolinerosetravel, an adventurous solo traveler, partnered with Aatir, an experienced local guide in Pakistan. It’s the perfect blend of cultural exploration and natural wonders, showcasing the best of Northern Pakistan's beauty and charm.
Read more details below, and feel free to email Caroline with any questions carolinerosetravel@gmail.com
Trip Highlights:
Islamabad - Pakistan's Capital: We’ll begin and end our journey in the modern yet culturally rich city of Islamabad exploring Faisal Mosque and gaining insights into the nation's history and heritage.
Skardu - Land of Mighty Mountains: Your visit to Skardu will not be short of jaw dropping views. We'll explore some of the highest cold deserts and plains in the world and hike to an iconic panoramic view of the valley before glamping under the stars.
Gilgit - Gateway to Adventure: We’re going to venture to Gilgit, the gateway to Northern Pakistan's unparalleled beauty and take in stunning mountain vistas as we drive through the legendary Karakoram Highway.
Hunza Valley - A Scenic Paradise: Together we’ll discover the jewel of Pakistan's Northern areas, the Hunza Valley. Here we’ll explore the famous Attabad Lake and cross the famous Hussaini Bridge with soaring mountains behind us.
Fairy Meadows - Nature's Wonderland: Experience the surreal beauty of Fairy Meadows, nestled at the base of Nanga Parbat, the world's ninth-highest mountain. We’ll enjoy hikes, bonfires, and stargazing in this magical setting.
Are you ready to embark on a breath-taking adventure through one of the most stunning regions in the world with people from around the globe who will quickly turn into close friends? Join our group trip and we’ll make memories that will last a lifetime!
Hi there, my name is Caroline! I’m a solo traveler from the USA who’s been exploring the globe for several years chasing adventure and cherishing authentic moments with people around the world. Many of my travels are fueled by curiosity and a love for new experiences. So a few years ago when I was exposed to media showing how incredibly stunning Northern Pakistan is, I was amazed and mentally committed to going someday. Now here we are and I’m so excited to be hosting a group trip with you to experience one of the most underrated regions of the world!
As your trip leader, I’m committed to your safety, well-being, and making sure you have the best time! I’ve done extensive research on travel in Pakistan and have years of experience with the type of travel we’ll be doing. During this trip I’ll be your paparazzi who takes a thousand photos of you, I’ll be your trip-Mom always making sure you have everything and feel okay, and of course, I’ll be your friend to share in the breathtaking beauty of Pakistan.
To get to know me more, you can find me on Instagram and Tik Tok at @carolinerosetravel
Hello, I am Aatir Virani, a passionate food and travel enthusiast with a deep-rooted connection to my homeland, Pakistan. Armed with a background in Food and Beverages Management, I embarked on a journey that allowed me to traverse East and Central Africa while simultaneously working and exploring. Over the years, I've cultivated a profound appreciation for the diverse cultures, cuisines, and landscapes of the regions I've encountered. Now, together with my dedicated team, we've harnessed our collective knowledge and affection for Pakistan to create a platform that showcases the hidden gems and unique experiences that our country has to offer.
As a local host for our group trip, I'm not just a guide but a bridge between our guests and the vibrant tapestry of Pakistan's culture, heritage, and landscapes. My extensive experience in the realms of food and travel, coupled with my deep-seated love for my country, allows me to curate an unforgettable experience for our travelers. With an innate understanding of the hidden treasures and local secrets that make Pakistan so enchanting, I take pride in ensuring that every aspect of our journey is authentic and immersive. Whether it's savoring the delectable flavors of our local cuisine, uncovering historical landmarks, or immersing ourselves in the warmth of Pakistani hospitality, I'm committed to creating a meaningful and enriching adventure for our group. I look forward to sharing the beauty and wonder of Pakistan with our travelers, and together, we'll create memories that will last a lifetime.
To get to know me more, you can find me on Instagram
Safety
While Pakistan often has a stigma concerning safety, we can assure you the areas we are traveling to are very safe from crime and much of this stigma comes from conflicts that happened over a decade ago. In fact many of the areas we’ll be visiting never saw issues even in the worst times. As a group, we’ll also be sticking tightly together and be led by experienced locals guides who know the areas and communities very well. But to assure you even more, in the extremely unlikely scenario of a threat to security, the group would be escorted by security personnel.
Caroline is a solo female traveler so she understands any concerns having to do with safety. Please feel free to email her at carolinerosetravel@gmail.com with any questions.
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Health & Well-Being
Your health and well-being are important to us during this trip.
Sometimes while traveling, foreigners can experience sickness due to unfamiliar foods and other factors. We’ll also be traveling to as high as 4,000m and so those who are not used to higher altitudes could feel negative effects.
Because of this we’ve planned the trip in a way to give your body time to adjust to the altitude and we’ll strive to have the highest standards of food quality possible. Of course, things can still happen. Therefore, before the trip, Caroline (who has a ton of personal experience with both extremely high altitude and its effects, as well as food poisoning while traveling) will be advising the group on how best to prepare and what to bring to minimize these scenarios.
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What to Expect with Weather
August is generally regarded as the best time to visit Northern Pakistan when the air is dry and there is no snow in lower regions. While the south of Pakistan is very hot during August, in the mountains we’ll have pleasant temperatures.
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Accommodation Standards
During the trip we’ll be staying in hotels and glamping style accommodation. All rooms will be for two people and have access to a bathroom - usually private except for at the cottages at Fairy Meadows where we’ll have a shared bathroom. Most stays will have wifi and laundry however there are a few without these facilities. For that reason, we’ve staggered types of accommodation so you’re not going without either for too much time. For more details on stays, please see the itinerary.
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Fitness Level Needed
To join this trip, you by no means need to be an olympic athlete, but some level of fitness will be helpful. We will not be doing any multi-day trekking, only day hikes. And while most of them are not extremely long, some are steep and at higher altitude than most people living at sea level are used to. As a group though, we’ll support and encourage each other. See the itinerary for more details on these hikes and feel free to reach out to Caroline if you have concerns about the difficulty; she’s happy to give her insights.
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Dietary Restrictions
Vegetarian, vegan and pescatarian options will be available. Please specify any restrictions when you sign-up.
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Packing
The majority of this trip is in nature, meaning you’ll mostly pack clothing for the outdoors, except for 2 days in the capital of Islamabad. Once you sign up for the trip, Caroline will provide you with a suggested list of items to pack. You can also ask her and the rest of the group questions closer to the trip (we’ll have a group chat).
Change of itinerary:
We try to stick to the itinerary as much as possible but this is an adventure trip and it may change based on conditions on-ground (weather/ political changes). If changes are required, travelers will be informed accordingly. We may choose to discuss with the group but the final decision will be of the host & trip leader. We ensure that all decisions made by the host or trip leader will be in the common interest of the group.
If flight gets cancelled due to weather, we may have to travel by road. We'll try our best to cover as much as possible but some experiences and destinations might get skipped.
Claims & Complaints:
If you have a complaint about your trip experience, please inform your Trip Leader identified at the time in order that they can attempt to rectify the matter or arrange an appropriate alternative.
Trip Behaviour:
The host & trip leader may cancel a booking at any time prior to the departure date or remove a traveler at any time while on the trip due to any traveler actions, inactions, communications, or any other behavior that the company deems to be a security concern, or that may impact the dynamic and safety of the trip, as determined by the company in its sole discretion. In the event of such cancellation, you may not be entitled to any refund or compensation. The company may also elect to not provide you services in the future.
Inclusion & Discrimination:
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and discrimination-free environment. We welcome individuals of all backgrounds, irrespective of their gender, religion, race, or other personal characteristics. Discrimination, harassment, or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated. We expect all participants to treat each other with respect, kindness, and empathy. Any violations of this policy will result in appropriate actions, up to and including removal from the trip. If you encounter or witness discrimination, please report it to Trip Leader.
Cancellation by Traveler:
If you cancel some or all portions of your Booking, cancellation fees will apply. A cancellation will only be effective when we receive written confirmation of the cancellation. Payments shall be refundable pursuant to the following:
Cancellation by Operator:
We may cancel a Booking for any reason up to 60 days before the Departure Date. Except as provided below, if we cancel your Booking, you can transfer the Down Payment and Additional Payments to an alternate Departure Date or receive a full refund. In case of any cancellation for any reason, we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your Booking, including but not limited to, visas, vaccinations, unfavourable exchange rate fluctuations, travel insurance excess or non-refundable flights.
Notwithstanding the above, the Company shall not be liable or responsible to you, nor be deemed to have defaulted under or breached this Agreement, for any failure or delay in fulfilling or performing any term of this Agreement (including without limitation any terms of a Booking), when and to the extent such failure or delay is caused by or results from acts beyond the Company’s reasonable control, including, without limitation, the following force majeure events (“Force Majeure Event(s)”): (a) acts of God; (b) flood, fire, earthquake, pandemics, epidemics, drought, bushfire, storm or other natural disaster, explosion, or public health and safety emergency characterised by an applicable government authority; (c) war, invasion, hostilities (whether war is declared or not), terrorist threats or acts, riot or other civil unrest; (d) government order, law, or actions; (e) embargoes or blockades in effect on or after the date of this Agreement; (f) national or regional emergency; (g) strikes, labour stoppages or slowdowns, or other industrial disturbances; (h) shortage of adequate power or transportation facilities; (i) other events beyond the reasonable control of the Company. In case of a Force Majeure Event, the Company shall reschedule your Booking for a future date and provide you written notice of the same. Within 30 days of notice of the Force Majeure Event, you may cancel the rescheduled Booking, and will be granted a refund for the Down Payment and the Additional Payments.
Experience different types of accommodations including: Guest houses, Glamps & 2-3* hotels.
Flight from ISB to GIL and KDU to ISB
14 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, & 13 Dinners will be provided. We're able to accommodate vegetarians and vegan. If you've other dietary restrictions, please reach out and we'll try our best.
Visit to Altit Fort, Baltit Fort, Hussaini Bridge, Fairy Meadows National Park, Deosai National Park & Khewra Salt Mine
Musical night and Boating at Attabad Lake.
Jeep ride to and back for Pissan to Kho View Point, Nomal to Naltar Lakes and Raikot to Fairy Point.
A well maintained van for day to day travel including tolls and taxes.
Airport pickup will be available between 15th and 16th of August 2024
Airport drop off will be available between 29th and 30th of August 2024
To and from your home country to Pakistan
All food and snacks apart from designated meals are not included.
You're requested to buy travel insurance that fits you best.
Although assistance with the visa process can be provided.
Depending on your own personal plans, you can decide to fly and arrive in Islamabad on August 15 or the morning of the 16th. We suggest the 15th as our domestic flight with be the morning of the 16th, so you would need to arrive very early.
We'll provide a shuttle service to the hotel and I (Caroline 👋🏻) will be waiting at the airport to greet you.
In the morning we’ll take a flight from Islamabad to Gilgit and then drive to the Hunza Valley stopping at Rakaposhi Viewpoint along the way. Together we’ll enjoy lunch in Karimabad at a women-led restaurant and then explore two ancient forts as well as the Royal Gardens. Before heading to our accommodation for the night, we’ll end the day by enjoying a stunning sunset and dinner at Eagle’s Nest.
DESTINATIONS & ACTIVITIES:
ACCOMODATION:
Famree Resort
✔ 2 person room
✔ Private Bathroom & Hot Shower
✔ Wifi
✔ AC & Heating
After breakfast at Famree Resort, we’ll start our day with a small hike to Beskochi Meadows. This leads to one of the most epic overhead views of Attabad Lake. Afterwards we’ll drive to the iconic views of Passu Cones and reach Hussaini Suspension Bridge. If you dare, you can walk across or even zipline! During the day we’ll have lunch at Yak Grill to try the famous Yak Burger. In the afternoon we’ll enjoy some water activities at Borith Lake and enjoy our evening back at Famree Resort at the base of Attabad Lake.
DESTINATIONS & ACTIVITIES:
ACCOMMODATION:
Famree Resort
✔ 2 person room
✔ Private Bathroom & Hot Shower
✔ Wifi
✔ AC & Heating
In the morning we’ll pack our lunch and drive about 2 hours to Miachar and continue 1 hour more to explore Kho Viewpoint. This is an extremely underrated area where we’ll have views of Minapin Glacier and Dirian Peak on one side, and Rakaposhi on the other. Afterwards we’ll make the drive back to Karimabad where we’ll explore the night market before our last night’s sleep at Famree Resort.
DESTINATIONS & ACTIVITIES:
ACCOMODATION:
Famree Resort
✔ 2 person room
✔ Private Bathroom & Hot Shower
✔ Wifi
✔ AC & Heating
In the morning we’ll pack up our things and check-out of Famree Resort heading to Nomal to transfer from our van into jeeps. With more durable transportation ready for adventure, we’ll explore the Naltar Valley and colorful lakes. To end the day, we’ll visit a Snow Leopard Sanctuary to support the reserve and see this majestic animal.
When checking into our hotel for the night, guests will have the option to leave some clothes for laundry which we’ll collect in 2 days when we return here. In the evening we’ll also rearrange and pack our smaller bags for the next 2 days in Fairy Meadows, leaving our larger bag in storage.
DESTINATIONS & ACTIVITIES:
ACCOMODATION:
The Mandarin Inn
https://themandarininn.com/
✔ 2 person room
✔ Private Bathroom & Hot Shower
✔ Wifi
✔ AC & Heating
✔ Laundry
In the morning we’ll leave our laundry and larger baggage securely in storage, taking only a small backpack with clothing for 2 days. We’ll then drive to Raikot bridge where we’ll again transfer to jeeps for an adventurous drive hugging the mountain to Fairy Point. From here we’ll hike about 2-3 hours to Fairy Meadows where we’ll enjoy the magnificent view and stay in cottages.
DESTINATIONS & ACTIVITIES:
ACCOMODATION:
Cottages at Fairy Meadows
*or similar accommodation, subject to change based on availability
✔ 2 person room
✔ Shower
✔ Partially solar powered
✘ Wifi
✘ Private bathroom - it will be shared
After a hearty breakfast with mountain views, group members will have the option to relax all day in Fairy Meadows or take a day hike with Caroline. Together as a hiking group we’ll decide if we want to hike to Beyal Camp or complete the entire trail to Nanga Parbat Base Camp (they’re along the same trail). In the evening, we’ll enjoy a BBQ at Fairy Meadows.
DESTINATIONS & ACTIVITIES:
ACCOMODATION:
Cottages at Fairy Meadows
*or similar accommodation, subject to change based on availability
✔ 2 person room
✔ Shower
✔ Partially solar powered
✘ Wifi
✘ Private bathroom - it will be shared
Our day will start with enjoying breakfast and final views in Fairy Meadows before our hike descending down back to Fairy Point. From here we’ll get back into the jeeps to reach Raikot where we’ll enjoy lunch. Afterwards, we’ll have a final drive back to Gilgit where we’ll check back into the Mandarin Inn, collecting our laundry and likely taking a much needed nap.
DESTINATIONS & ACTIVITIES:
ACCOMODATION:
The Mandarin Inn
https://themandarininn.com/
✔ 2 person room
✔ Private Bathroom & Hot Shower
✔ Wifi
✔ AC & Heating
✔ Laundry
After a restful evening, we’ll have a scenic drive to Skardu before checking into Glamp Katpana, a beautiful glamping site surrounded by mountain and desert views. We’ll spend the second half of the day exploring the dunes of Safarnga Cold Desert and have the option to partake in adventure activities.
DESTINATIONS & ACTIVITIES:
ACCOMODATION:
Glamp Katpana
✔ Standard Glamp Bronze Room for 2 people
✔ Hot Shower
✔ Heating Available
After enjoying breakfast at our glamping site, we’ll pack our lunch and drive to Hussainabad to begin our hike to Marsur Rock. This is a short, but steep hike that we’ll take slowly to reach rewarding, panoramic views of Skardu. After descent we’ll head back to our glamp to enjoy sunset and dinner together.
DESTINATIONS & ACTIVITIES:
Hike to Marsur Rock - Marsur rock or Hussainabad Slab is an amazing rock also called the ‘Birds eye viewpoint of Skardu” where we’ll get panoramic views of the valley. We’re going to have to work for the views though as this is not an easy one. While the hike is only 4km, it is steep! With around 1,000m elevation gain. For that reason, this is all we’ll do today so we can take our time (*Note from Caroline: I’m a slow hiker, so I will be the slow and steady one. Who’s with me?)
ACCOMODATION:
Glamp Katpana
✔ Standard Glamp Bronze Room for 2 people
✔ Hot Shower
✔ Heating Available
Back in the jeeps for our last time, we’ll head to Deosai National Park, a high altitude, alpine plain which is actually the second highest plateau in the world. Here we’ll explore and search for wildlife before heading to Lower Kachura Lake in Skardu.
DESTINATIONS & ACTIVITIES:
ACCOMODATION:
Tibet Hotel Kachura
https://www.booking.com/hotel/pk/tibet.html
✔ 2 person room
✔ Private Bathroom & Hot Shower
✔ Wifi
✔ AC & Heating
✔ Laundry
We’ll wake up to views at Kachura Lake and take a nearby trip to visit the Upper Kachura Lake. Afterwards we’ll enjoy lunch and our afternoon Soq Valley, a picturesque and hidden paradise.
DESTINATIONS & ACTIVITIES:
ACCOMODATION:
Tibet Hotel Kachura
https://www.booking.com/hotel/pk/tibet.html
✔ 2 person room
✔ Private Bathroom & Hot Shower
✔ Wifi
✔ AC & Heating
✔ Laundry
In the morning we’ll take the famous flight from Skardu to Islamabad, witnessing immersive views of the mountains. Once we land and are settled in Islamabad, we’ll explore Faisal Mosque and visit Rawalpindi Food Street.
DESTINATIONS & ACTIVITIES:
ACCOMODATION:
Roomy Signature Hotel
https://roomy.pk/hotels/islamabad/roomy-signature
or
Grand Islamabad Hotel
http://www.grandislamabadhotel.com/
✔ 2 person room
✔ Private Bathroom & Hot Shower
✔ Wifi
✔ AC & Heating
✔ Laundry
On our final day we’ll explore Khewra Salt Mine and then enjoy a celebratory dinner at Monal, one of the most popular restaurants in Islamabad with stunning views of the city.
DESTINATIONS & ACTIVITIES:
ACCOMODATION:
Roomy Signature Hotel
https://roomy.pk/hotels/islamabad/roomy-signature
or
Grand Islamabad Hotel
http://www.grandislamabadhotel.com/
✔ 2 person room
✔ Private Bathroom & Hot Shower
✔ Wifi
✔ AC & Heating
✔ Laundry
Sadly, our trip will have come to an end. We’ll help you get transport to the airport and say our farewells before we all head home. At this point we’ll feel like family, but we’ll be sure to keep in touch on Instagram and Whatsapp. Plus, in Caroline's words: It’s never really goodbye, just see you later! Until the next adventure.
