Pakistan Tours & Holidays
Small Group Tours & Tailor-Made Holidays
Pakistan 1/19
Rama Lake 2/19
The Karakoram Highway 3/19
Lahore 4/19
Fairy Meadows 5/19
Deosai National Park 6/19
Lahore 7/19
The Kalash 8/19
Karachi 9/19
The Karakoram Highway 10/19
Swat Valley 11/19
Lahore 12/19
Chitral 13/19
Skardu 14/19
Chilas 15/19
Islamabad 16/19
Karachi 17/19
Taxila 18/19
Pakistan 19/19
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Overview
Sharing its borders with Afghanistan, China and India, Northern Pakistan is a region of astonishing ethnic diversity and immense natural beauty. Much of it is practically still untouched by mainstream tourism. Amongst the richly varied tribes of the Northwest Frontier, a staple visit on our Pakistan tours, hospitality is a way of life.
It was Pakistan, and in particular the Northwest Frontier, that witnessed the birth of Wild Frontiers back in the late 1990s. ...
Sharing its borders with Afghanistan, China and India, Northern Pakistan is a region of astonishing ethnic diversity and immense natural beauty. Much of it is practically still untouched by mainstream tourism. Amongst the richly varied tribes of the Northwest Frontier, a staple visit on our Pakistan tours, hospitality is a way of life.
It was Pakistan, and in particular the Northwest Frontier, that witnessed the birth of Wild Frontiers back in the late 1990s. Since then it has become something of a spiritual home to us. Over the years we have hosted numerous Pakistan groups tours and tailor-made clients holidays in the region with great success. We have our own very own exclusive hideaway, built on land given to us by the Kalash people, so it’s fair to say the country remains very close to our hearts.
Your Pakistan holiday will be filled with experiences as warm and welcoming as the plentiful cups of sweet green tea, whether wandering the bazaars of Lahore, haggling with Pathans over a Kashmiri shawl, or walking through the pine scented forests of the Hindu Kush.
After more than 20 years, we have grown very adept at negotiating our way around the political and cultural complexities of this fascinating country. So, forget what you read in the news and come with us on a journey into a land whose very breadth and beauty will fill the heart of even the most seasoned traveller with an entirely new sense of wonder.
Start your journey
Group tours
Pakistan: Hindu Kush Adventure
Travel from Islamabad up to the kingdom of Chitral to spend time with the Kalash people, before heading on to the spectacular Hunza Valley.
Pakistan: Summer Mountain Explorer
Travel from Islamabad through the Kaghan Valley and to the Deosai Plateau, Fairy Meadows, the Hunza Valley and meet the Kalash people. Certain departures include the Shandur Polo Festival.
Karakoram Adventure - Kashgar to Kashmir
From Kashgar's Sunday Market in China, travel through Pakistan's Hunza Valley, to Lahore, Amritsar in India and finish with a stay on a houseboat in Srinagar.
Southern Pakistan: Journey Through The Indus Valley
Travel from Karachi deep into the Punjab taking in Sufi tombs, the ruins of Mohenjo-daro, the fortress of Derawar, Multan and the vibrant city of Lahore.
Pakistan: Under a Pagan Moon
An adventurous winter departure celebrating the Winter Solstice Festival with the Kalash and the chance to search for snow leopards amidst stunning mountain scenery.
Along the Pamir & Karakoram Highways: Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, China & Pakistan
Travel along the Pamir and Karakoram Highways - enjoying homestays and hospitality. Highlights include Kashgar Market and the Hunza Valley.TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
Classic Baltistan
Enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery of Baltistan, a less-visited part of northern Pakistan and home to some of our favourite properties and towns where you can enjoy colourful markets and warm hospitality.
Classic Northwest Frontier
The Northwest Frontier is the birthplace of Wild Frontiers and what a fabulous place at that! This tour gets you right up to the remote Chitral and the wonderful pagan Kalash tribe for a truly unforgettable trip.
Complete Northern Pakistan
This exciting itinerary takes you beyond the highlights and delves deeper into this fascinating northern region of Pakistan, accessing some of the remotest areas and vast mountain landscapes, home to welcoming communities and unrivalled adventures.
Undiscovered Southern Pakistan
Journey from the streets of Karachi right up through the Indus Valley to the cultural hub of Lahore. This city focused tour is truly travelling off the beaten track as you'll struggle to find another tourist until you reach Lahore.HIGHLIGHTS OF PAKISTAN
BEST EXPERIENCES
Catch a game of Frontier Polo
Check if there is a game on to see this wild version of polo played at altitude. Local teams contend in fierce competition with crowds of Chitralis in attendance. This fast-paced energetic game is a fabulous experience and a great way to chat to the locals.
Spend time with the Kalash people
Head out on a village walk to learn about this fascinating pagan tribe and their animist beliefs. Visiting our Kalash friends in their homes allows you to interact with them, hear their stories and learn about their distinctive culture and lifestyle.
Witness the Wagah Border Ceremony
Join the patriotic crowds to witness the extraordinary – and very bizarre – Wagah Border Ceremony. Watch the spectacle of the frontier guards of Pakistan and India squaring up to one another in an act of great bravado, pomp and ceremony.
Explore Lahore's Mughal Architecture
With its magnificent Islamic monuments, spectacular reminders from the era of British rule, chaotic old city bazaar and modern status, Lahore remains high on the list of Pakistan's un-missable sights and is known as the country's cultural capital.
Feast on Food Street
For unrivalled views over the Old City, there are several restored havelis providing a variety of tasty Lahore delicacies from fried fish to Chapli kebabs, to more exotic dishes like nihari and paya, all to be washed down with cool lassi or pink Kashmiri tea.
Go in search of wildlife
Explore Chitral Gol National Park to see if you can spot any markhor; a wild mountain antelope indigenous to these parts. If you are really lucky you might even spot the elusive and exquisite snow leopard!
Enjoy spectacular mountain scenery
Northern Pakistan is home to some of the most impressive mountain scenery on earth. Wind your way through lush valleys and up over impressive mountain passes, surrounded by high peaks and powerful rivers, you'll certainly feel on top of the world.
Drive the famous Karakorum Highway
Embark on one of life's greatest adventures as you drive along the famous Karakorum Highway, following in the footsteps of traders, warriors, poets and pilgrims who have travelled this spectacular road for millennia.TOP PLACES TO VISIT
Hunza
The area known as Hunza lies on the ancient Silk Road to Kashgar and today the Karakoram Highway follows the same route, with Karimabad being the region's main town. This small, mountainous region was ...
Islamabad
Islamabad has been Pakistan's capital since 1967 when it was moved here from Karachi. As a relatively young city compared with others in the country, Islamabad does suffer from being somewhat sterile ...
Karachi
Pakistan’s most populous and most cosmopolitan city, Karachi lies on the shores of the Arabian Sea. Home to two of the country’s busiest seaports, it began life as a fortified settlement in the early ...
Lahore
Other than the many famous historical monuments, this city, the second largest in Pakistan, is also known for its beautiful gardens mostly laid out during the Moghal Empire and the British Raj. Its faded ...
The Kalash
Obscured by time, the routes of the Kalash are steeped in myth and legend. Descended, they maintain, from the armies of Alexander the Great, the Kalash worship a plethora of ancestral gods and hold colourful ...
Chitral
Lying in a fertile valley beneath the mighty Tirich Mir - at 7,700m the highest mountain in the Hindu Kush - Chitral Town is a cosy place, inhabited by warm and welcoming people. A lively bazaar, many ...
OUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO STAY
Ayun Fort, Ayun
Home to Prince Maqsood Ul Mulk, this charming seven room guesthouse sits on the site of the old fort of Ayun, at the entrance to the Kalash Valleys, an hour south of Chitral Town. Surrounded by a…
Islamabad Serena Hotel, Islamabad
The Islamabad Serena Hotel stands at the foot of the Northern Hills in six acres of landscaped gardens in the centre of Islamabad. The Moorish and Mughal architecture and interiors have been achieved…
Khaplu Palace, Khaplu
This 19th Century Fort has recently been restored to its former glory by the Aga Khan Foundation and as such is an excellent escape in this rural area of Baltistan. Located just outside of the town,…
Luxus Grand, Lahore
Located in Lahore, the Luxus Grand Hotel features free WiFi access and private parking. Guests can enjoy the on-site multiple cuisine restaurant, gym, swimming pool and the Gold class Cinema on the…
The Eagle's Nest, Hunza
A two hours' testing yet rewarding walk (or an equally dramatic 30 minute drive) from the village of Karimabad, the Eagle's Nest sits at 2850 metres above sea level with fabulous views of the Hunza…PAKISTAN REVIEWS
Michael Palin
Enormous thanks for all your work on our behalf. You found us magnificent landscapes and wonderful people.
Richard and Ros Hanlon
At no time during our travels did we have the slightest reason to feel threatened or in any danger. We can only hope that…
Alice Brown
Seeing the snow leopard was a bonus, but the true magic of the trip for me was the time spent with the Kalash during…
Duncan Grossart
A truly magical experience – pagan rituals, snow leopards and lots of laughs – top stuff Jonny!
Peter Hart
Pakistan with its amazing view of some of the world's greatest mountains was wonderful.
Liz Telford
Chamos Festival was a ‘never to be repeated’ experience and one that I am so glad I enjoyed.
Richard Murton
Jonny's infectious personality and bubbling enthusiasm for the country and its amazing history rubbed off on all of us as…
Elizabeth Kennedy
Friendly locals, spectacular scenery, fascinating culture and the chance to be photographed with a Kalashnikov at the…
Rob Burton
Not only were we privileged to be welcomed into the Kalash Chamos celebration, but to see a snow leopard was amazing
Ian Vaughan-Arbuckle
If you're looking for a memorable experience, you will be hard pressed to find anything to surpass the 18 day odyssey I…
Helen Mace
The whole trip was a highlight ... the fact WILD FRONTIERS gave you the opportunity to do lots of walking was a real…
Sue Russell
With WILD FRONTIERS’ contacts we met some fascinating characters from the 93 year old colonel to the spokeperson for the…
Alison Darby
This flagship journey is truly a voyage of superlatives. The mix of culture, adventure, scenery, walks, tip-top…
Stuart Bailey
We've got some fantastic memories of a country we both enjoyed enormously.
Tim and Sue Milward
We felt more like visitors than tourists, which was a wonderful feeling. In summary, a unique and special holiday.
Dhala Campbell
To have driven the length and breadth of the Karakoram Highway is a memory which will always be with me.
Tony Ford
Most of the time on our tour I was lost for words; just stunning!
Mary Loosemore
Plenty of hiking high up in the mountains, and shopping in the bazaars kept the whole group happy, as did Kalash…
Howard and Hazel Darbon
To share and experience the culture of the Kalash tribe was a privilege that stimulated a wide range of emotions and a…
Liz McOwat
The location, the atmosphere and total excitement of such a close run final with extra time and a pitch invasion thrown…
John da Silva
The trips are memorable, not only for the amazing scenery, culture and interaction with local people, but for the fun of…
Joan Davies
Stop thinking about Pakistan and just go and find out for yourself!
Jane Pope
Travelling to remote places with Wild Frontiers is an unforgettable experience
Craig Lancaster
a very interesting honeymoon! Thanks for looking after us so well and you’ve got a top gaffe in the Hindu Kush.
Jenny Wray
So good I went back a second time! I like to get a feel for a country - the people, culture and history ... with Jonny…
Kate Tracey
a holiday that exceeded expectations throughout especially the spectacular scenery and the kindness and wide smiles of…
Willie Fulton
The great surprise and joy was meeting so many of Jonny Bealby's local friends, who immediately accepted us as their…
Annie Cooper
The stark and wild beauty was beyond my imagination, so remote and inaccessible that it was all the more majestic when we…
Nigel and Audrey Heppenstall
Nothing prepared us for the early morning start from Peshawar in our jeeps and the "gentle" climb up to top of the Lowari…
Rob and Niki Kane
If you want to come to these wonderfully exciting, different places, then you should “just do it”!
Sarah Arathoon
Thank you so much for opening my eyes to the truly wonderful country that is Pakistan.
Scott Bennett
Leave the misconceptions behind and prepare to be captivated by an amazing country with some of the friendliest people…
Wanda Elliott
Friendly people, beautiful scenery, fascinating history and culture what more can you ask for?
Javaria Janjua
Although, I am of Pakistani origin, I hadn’t realised the country was so beautiful...
Wanda Elliott
When I am asked ‘how was Pakistan’ my typical response is, Brilliant! Amazing! Friendly people...
Val Berry
The 'Along the Frontier' trip to North Pakistan was one of the best trips I have ever taken. Never in my experience has…
Paul & Claire Rose
This was our first trip with Wild Frontiers and our expectations were high! The trip delivered though, and it is just an…
Kathleen McKeever
A truly magically trip. I saw parts of the world that I didn't know existed....
Jane Tomlinson
This trip to Baltistan and Hunza exceeded all expectations and confirmed my view...
Pam Zuntz
Packed with excitement, heart stopping scenery, spectacular locations for hotels, and most importantly...
Nick Stone
Very well organised with enormous local knowledge.
Peter Lewis
The tour and adventure was all we were hoping for exciting, inspiring and has left me with more memories than I could…
Peta Maltby
Exceptional.... It was one of the bext organised and supported treks I have been on....
Cynny Sharp
The Mountain Blossom Tour exceeded all my expectations! Atta, our guide, completely made it for us all. He was hugely…
Kyla Elliott
Just wanted to say thanks so much for making my Hindu Kush trip so good - it was amazing.
Stuart Bailey
The Darkot trek was my 4th and favourite trip with Wildfrontiers, in a lifetime of travel, and no one gets you closer to…
Ken Norman
Staying with the Kalash was an extraordinary and unique experience
Maureen Donelan
I always wanted to visit Pakistan, and what an adventure it turned out to be...
Tony & Cathy Renfrey
This was simply the best holiday we have ever been on. It was a real privilege to visit Pakistan...
Tracy Owen
Wild Frontiers promised an amazing journey, and they certainly delivered! A jeep safari in northern Pakistan, travelling…
Simon Harper
I have to say what a truly amazing experience! A real privilege to see such stunning scenery and meet wonderful, warm and…
Neil Harris
Having been around much of the Himalayas I can say confidently that Northern Pakistan has some of most dramatic scenery…
Jo Richardson
This trip, my second with Wild Frontiers, had everything and more that I’d hoped it would.
Will Anderson
Wow ...all boxes ticked - adventure, culture and history
Helen Ritchie
Thank you to the Wild Frontiers team for bringing alive our dream.
Mehmuda Mian
Awesome scenery, magnificent mountains, fantastic fun...
Anna Donald
It was a fascinating trip. We drove through the most beautiful landscapes I have ever seen... The itinerary was perfectly…
Kate McRae
This tour took us through epic landscapes and into the lives of peoples we were privileged to meet.
Benjamin Granlund
Our group was embraced by welcoming friendly faces, curiosity, and true eastern hospitality. The most challenging part of…
Jenny Jones
The Hindu Kush Adventure was definitely just that - a trip of a lifetime, even for those who consider themselves well…
Kim Chai & Tom Yam
Touring northern Pakistan was an eye-opening, heart-stopping, learning experience, worth the discomforts of travel.
Peter Flawn
This was a spectacular journey into a mountainous and beautiful land, and everywhere we went we were welcomed.
Andrew & Anne Smith
A real adventure. Travelling through the Northern Mountains, the scenery was spectacular, with amazing views of Nanga…
Helen Lawrence
The Wild Frontiers Tour of the Silk Road was excellent. Stunning scenery, great food, wonderful Tour Leader. The trip of…
Jeremy Beck
This was a fantastic trip. The organisation and security were absolutely exceptional. The people of Pakistan went out of…
Catherine Wilkinson
My first Wild Frontiers trip blew my expectations away - I'm not sure I'll be able to cope travelling with other…
Karen Edwards in Pakistan
Just a quick message to say thank you so much for organising such a phenomenal trip. It was incredible - and I feel like…
Don Baker In Pakistan
The heat and dust and diabolical roads and the clear mountain views made this the trip of a lifetime
Jennifer Maxwell
I loved it, especially the unspoilt north. The mountains were magnificent including an adventurous jeep ride halfway up…
Discover more
WHEN TO GO
Gilgit
Hunza Valley
Karachi
Islamabad
INSPIRATION
Meet the expert, Clem
Clem is our Pakistan expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Clementine by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258
USEFUL INFORMATION
Travel Tips
• Carry a bandana - the dust in the jeeps can be a nuisance
• Make sure you take a torch - power cuts happen
• Don’t drink too much Kalash wine - you WILL suffer!
• Carry something warm over the Shandur Pass - it can snow even in July
• If travelling by jeep ask the driver to take the roof off - you'll see a lot more
• Don't visit Lahore museum on the first Wednesday of the month - it'll be closed
Practical Information
Time: Pakistan is 5hrs ahead of GMT. A useful website to check the time zone differences is www.worldtimezone.com
Money: Currency: The currency in Pakistan is the Pakistani Rupee. To check out the latest exchange rate for the places that you are visiting you can go to www.oanda.com
A few points to help you plan: Payments are mainly made in cash. Only the few large hotels and banks accept credit cards and Travellers Cheques so they are basically useless. If using ATM machines, be sure to notify your bank before you travel. It is strongly recommended you travel with US dollars or Pounds Sterling in cash. On arrival you will be able to change money into the relevant currency and your tour leader can help you arrange this.
NB – please do not change more than you think you will need as in some cases you will not be able to change it back into hard currency.
Electricity: If using a camera with film we suggest photographers bring plenty of rolls. Those bringing video & digital cameras that require battery chargers should also bring a two-pin, continental style adapter. In most hotels you can charge from the mains using a travel adaptor plug.
Food and Alcohol: As an Islamic republic almost all alcohol is banned in Pakistan. Murray beer and whisky are available to non-Muslims at a few hotels but to be honest it’s hardly worth drinking. In the past customs used to confiscate any bottles they found tourists bringing into the country but in the last few years this has been eased and so long as one is subtle – no Johnnie Walker duty free bags, please! – you can bring in whatever you want. And a sundowner while at the Eagles Nest is very satisfying indeed. So if you want a good quality tipple, then bring it with you. Our local friends are also much appreciative if you have some to share!
The food in Pakistan is akin to that of its neighbouring country India. With many flavoursome dishes, it is an ideal location for vegetarians. That said, chicken and mutton are available for those that like their meat.
Vegetarians or those with special dietary needs can be catered for; however on some occasions the type of food may be limited. Please let us know your requirements as soon as possible so we can make any arrangements to cater for your needs.