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.
Meet the Expert
Start your journey
Group tours
Travel to Pakistan with like-minded people on one of our small group tours (usually max size 12), featuring knowledgeable local guides and an expert tour leader.
TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS
Whether you want to travel on one of our award-winning itineraries or build your own journey from scratch, our expert consultants will help create the perfect tour for your tastes and budget. Below are a few suggestions of the kind of trips we can offer, all of which can be tailored to you.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
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
Fairy Meadows
Pakistan is blessed with areas of matchless beauty and Fairy Meadows is considered one of the most beautiful locations in the region. A visit to Fairy Meadows requires a hike of approximately three ...
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 ...
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 ...
Khaplu
Khaplu is a beautiful village just a few miles east of Skardu with picturesque terraced fields growing all sorts of crops. Khaplu was once a famous and wealthy kingdom and the Khaplu Palace was once ...
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 ...
Peshawar
Like many of the subcontinent’s bustling bazaars, the streets of old Peshawar – especially around Qisa Khawani, the storytellers bazaar – are a swirling kaleidoscope of colour, cultures,...
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 ...
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…
Kalash Guesthouse Rumbur, The Kalash
The Kalash Guesthouse Rumbur is our favourite place to stay while visiting the Kalash. Owned and run by our good friend Saifullah Jan, one of the chief spokespeople for the Kalash, it’s a lovely place…
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…Discover more
WHEN TO GO
The weather conditions can be extremely varied. In the mountains of Pakistan, where you will often be travelling at heights of up to 3,000 metres, even in the middle of summer it can turn bitter; at the same time the temperature in Islamabad could be nudging 40 degrees. Generally though, outside of the months of June and July you should largely be OK.
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.
Travelling Solo In Pakistan
All of our small group tours are designed to cater for solo travellers: the number of solo travellers will vary from tour to tour, but usually over half will be travelling alone. Get all of the excitement of discovering new places combined with the security of travelling with an organised group, with like minded people.