PAKISTAN
The Karakoram Road through Mountains and Deserts to the Fairy Meadows and Nanga Parbat
12 DAYS
15 PEOPLE
2990 EURO
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12 days
05 - 16.10.2026
Friends, get ready for something incredible!
Forget everything you thought you knew about Pakistan!
In October 2026, we invite you on a journey to Northern Pakistan, which will reveal the true face of this amazing country.
What Awaits You
Majestic Mountains and Fairy Meadows
Traveling along the Karakoram Highway, we’ll reach the heart of the planet’s highest region, where three giants of the mountain world meet — the Karakoram, the Himalayas, and the Hindu Kush!
Just imagine: Pakistan is home to 40 peaks rising over 7,000 meters, and five of the world’s fourteen eight-thousanders, including the legendary K2 and Nanga Parbat.
We will take a two-day light trek to the Fairy Meadows, located at the foot of the mighty Nanga Parbat. This Himalayan peak has one of the world’s highest mountain walls — the Rupal Face, which rises more than 4,500 meters.
This won’t be just a walk, but a true pilgrimage to nature. Here, embraced by the giants, you’ll disconnect from civilization, breathe the purest mountain air, and feel the true greatness of nature.
We’ll also visit Marsur Rock, a striking cliff whose unique shape closely resembles Norway’s famous Trolltunga. It’s a perfect spot for photographers, offering breathtaking panoramic views over the Skardu Valley and the mighty Indus River.
Crystal Lakes — Mirrors of the Sky
Most lakes in Northern Pakistan are of glacial origin. Their waters, flowing down from the highest peaks, often take on deep blue or turquoise shades.
The Kachura Lakes near Skardu are true oases amid the harsh mountain landscape.
The Naltar Lakes — Rainbow, Blue, Attabad, and Parri — dazzle with vibrant colors that change with the season and light.
Deserts that Amaze
The deserts of Pakistan will surprise you!
We’ll visit the unique “Cold Desert” of Sarfaranga in the Skardu region — a place where golden dunes rise 2,200 meters above sea level, set against the backdrop of snow-covered peaks.
It’s an unforgettable sight you’ll never forget.
Snow Leopards — Living Symbols of the Mountains
Our tour program runs from December 25, 2026, to January 4, 2027, giving you a chance to explore Sri Lanka in all its beauty: immerse yourself in the culture, history, and nature of the island, and end the journey by celebrating New Year’s Eve by the ocean.
(Seems this paragraph was included by mistake in the original text, but I’ve kept it for accuracy.)
Glaciers that Enchant — A Touch of Eternity
We’ll take an easy walk into the heart of the Hopper Glacier in the Nagar Valley.
Just 30 minutes, and you’ll find yourself at the edge of an immense wall of ice.
Over a morning cup of tea, we’ll watch the first rays of sunlight illuminate the seven-thousanders — including the proud Rakaposhi Peak — awakening a landscape you’ll remember forever.
Historical Artifacts — Traces of Millennia
Pakistan is not only about nature but also a living history.
You’ll walk along the ancient Silk Road, which once connected great civilizations, and visit the Baltit and Altit Forts — centuries-old guardians of the Hunza Valley.
Here, the past lives within the present — the enduring strength of stone blending with the lightness of local traditions.
Hospitality that Wins Your Heart
Contrary to common stereotypes, Pakistan is an absolutely safe country to travel in.
The locals welcome guests with open hearts. You’ll feel it in every hotel, every restaurant, every smile along the way.
We’ve carefully selected authentic 4–5-star accommodations to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the journey.
Every dream journey requires courage — just like the ancient Silk Road, which still challenges travelers in Pakistan.
But every great adventure begins with a single step. Take that step with us — discover Pakistan, a true treasure chest of untouched nature, ancient history, and rich culture.
Unlike the hardships of the old Silk Road, your journey with us will be comfortable and accessible to everyone.
Our treks are no longer than 5 hours, perfect both for seasoned adventurers and those simply seeking to escape routine.
Don’t miss your chance!
Book your ticket to Pakistan now!
Places are limited — only 15–16 travelers per group — as we aim to maintain an exclusive, personal atmosphere where every traveler feels special.
We are waiting for you — let’s discover this incredible world together! 🌏
ROUTE
Islamabad ➙ Skardu ➙ Katpana Desert ➙ Marsur Rock ➙ Sarfaranga Desert ➙ Haramosh Valley ➙ Kargah Buddha ➙ Gilgit ➙ Naltar ➙ Hunza ➙ Attabad Lake ➙ Hussaini Suspension Bridge ➙ Passu Cones ➙ Hopper Glacier ➙ Nagar Valley ➙ Tattu ➙ Fairy Meadows ➙ Beyal Camp ➙ Nanga Parbat ➙ Babusar Pass (4,173 m) ➙ Lulusar Lake ➙ Naran ➙ Kaghan ➙ Islamabad
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Airport meet & assist
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Accommodation in listed 4–5★ hotels
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Two nights in a mountain lodge at Fairy Meadows during the Nanga Parbat trek
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Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners
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All program transfers by bus
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Domestic flight from Islamabad to Skardu
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0.5 L of water per person per day
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Three jeep tours to remote natural sites and high-altitude viewpoints
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Russian-speaking local guide during transfers and treks
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Group Pakistani tourist visa
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Entrance tickets to national parks, museums, and reserves
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Tour leader from Paganel Studio
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International flights to/from Islamabad
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Optional excursions not listed in the program
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Personal expenses (food, drinks, souvenirs)
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Tips for guide and drivers (€50 per person for the whole trip)
Due to the fact that our expeditions do not include international flights to the starting point of the program, we cannot be held responsible for changes in flight conditions by airlines or airport requirements. Since our travelers fly from many different countries and cities, we never participate in the purchase of air travel and limit ourselves exclusively to advisory services in the selection of flights. Air agents or airlines from which tickets were purchased are responsible for the purchase and technical support.
TRAVEL PROGRAMME
DAY 01 - 05.10. Islamabad — First Breath of Asia
Arrival in Islamabad. Meet & greet. Transfer to hotel. Check-in. Dinner.
Welcome to Pakistan — a land where history breathes in unison with modernity. Those arriving in the morning or afternoon will have a chance for a first encounter with the city.
Islamabad is a unique city-mirage, built artificially among forests and villages in the 1960s. Designed by Greek architect Constantinos Doxiadis, it was literally drawn from scratch as an “ideal city.” Despite its strict name (“City of Islam”), the capital welcomes you with cosmopolitan charm and Western elegance. It is a green oasis of calm, a garden city laid out like a chessboard, sharply contrasting with the chaos of other Asian megacities.
In the evening, we gather as a small friendly group for dinner at the hotel restaurant. As Eastern wisdom says: “A person is joy to another person.” Over our first shared dinner, we turn from fellow travelers into a team. We discuss expedition details, dispel myths, and tune in for adventure.
🍽 Meals: Dinner included
DAY 02 - 06.10. Skardu: Flight Above the “Roof of the World” and the Sands of Eternity
Breakfast. Flight Islamabad – Skardu. Katpana Desert. Lunch. Shangrila Lake (Lower Kachura). Check-in. Dinner.Distance — 30 km, travel time — 1 hour.
After breakfast, we say, “Clear propellers!” What awaits us is not just a transfer, but perhaps the most beautiful flight of your life. The flight to Skardu is already a true adventure. For 45 minutes, the airplane window turns into a cinema screen showcasing the grandeur of nature: beneath the wings glide glaciers and razor-sharp peaks of the Karakoram range. Weather permitting, we will see the “Queen of Mountains” — the majestic K2, the second-highest peak on the planet, as well as Nanga Parbat. We are not flying over the mountains — we are flying among them.
After landing in a mountain valley, we board a bus and head toward a true natural phenomenon — the “cold desert” of Katpana (Katpana Desert).
This place shatters stereotypes. Katpana is one of the highest-altitude deserts in the world. Imagine endless golden sand dunes that look as if they were transported straight from the Sahara, yet set against a backdrop of snow-covered Himalayan peaks. In winter, these sands are blanketed with snow — a rare and surreal spectacle that turns the landscape into an otherworldly scene.
After a walk among the dunes, we pause for a delicious lunch to restore our energy with local dishes.
The second half of the day is devoted to aesthetics and tranquility. We travel to Lower Kachura Lake, better known as Shangrila Lake. It was named after the mythical earthly paradise from the novel Lost Horizon, and not by chance. The lake has a unique heart shape, and its crystal-clear waters reflect the red roofs of the resort’s pagodas and the lush greenery of its gardens. This place breathes silence and harmony.
We then head to the hotel, check in, and over dinner share our first emotions and impressions of what we have seen. The day was intense, but it is only the beginning of our great journey.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included!
DAY 03 - 07.10. Marsur Rock and the Echoes of the Silk Road
Breakfast. Trek to Marsur Rock (Hussainabad). Lunch. Sarfaranga Desert. Bazaar. Dinner.
Trekking — 5 km, travel time — 4–5 hours.
We wake up with the feeling that today will push the boundaries of what is possible. After a hearty breakfast, we pack the necessary trekking gear and set off to meet the wind.
A short drive (about 30 minutes) along a winding mountain road brings us to the picturesque village of Hussainabad. This is where the trail begins to one of the most “Instagrammable” locations in Pakistan — Marsur Rock. It is Pakistan’s answer to Norway’s “Troll’s Tongue.” A thin stone slab seems to float in midair above a deep abyss, where the sky meets the earth. The ascent will take about 2.5–3 hours, but you will forget about fatigue: all around you unfolds the amphitheater of the Karakoram, and far below, like a silver ribbon, winds the mighty Indus River — the river that gave life to one of the oldest civilizations on the planet. A photo taken on the edge of Marsur Rock is a trophy worth any effort it takes to reach it.
The descent back (approximately 1.5 hours) will feel easy, carried by the impressions of what we have seen. We return to the bus and head back to Skardu for a well-deserved lunch.
In the second half of the day, we will visit the Sarfaranga Desert. It surpasses Katpana in scale and vividness of color: dazzling white dunes here rise directly against harsh, rugged cliffs. This is a landscape of contrasts, where the heat of the sands meets the cold of glaciers.
Toward evening, we go “among the people.” An old truth says: “If you want to understand the soul of a city, go to its market.” The Skardu Bazaar is a living organism where the spirit of the Great Silk Road still lingers. The air is scented with cardamom, precious stones (for which the region is famous) are sold alongside woolen goods. It is the perfect place to interact with locals, purchase authentic souvenirs, and feel the true flavor of the East.
We return to the hotel for dinner with our hands full of treasures and our hearts full of emotion. As Anatole France once wrote, “Sometimes a single day spent in other places gives more than ten years of life at home.” Today was exactly such a day.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included!
DAY 04 - 08.10. The Road to Gilgit: Along the Routes of Ancient Caravans
Breakfast. Transfer Skardu – Gilgit. Stops: Astak Nala, Haramosh Valley. Lunch. Kargah Buddha. Dinner.
Distance — 250 km, travel time — 7–7.5 hours.
The morning begins with a delicious breakfast and the anticipation of the road ahead. We board the bus and head west toward the city of Gilgit. This is not merely an administrative center, but a legendary transit base for the world’s boldest mountaineers and a key hub on the map of the Great Silk Road, from which the high-altitude Karakoram Highway begins its ascent toward China.
The journey will take approximately 5–6 hours, but the road itself is an excursion. The route winds along the roaring Indus River, and outside the window the scenery changes in a way that makes it impossible to look away. We will make stops at the most picturesque locations:
Astak Nala. A true green oasis amid harsh rocky terrain. Here, a crystal-clear mountain stream flows into the mighty yet silty Indus. The contrast between turquoise and gray waters, framed by vibrant green trees, creates a perfect palette for photographers.
Haramosh Valley. From here, a majestic view opens onto the Haramosh Massif, part of the Karakoram Range. The peaks rise above 7,000 meters, and it is precisely here that you feel the true scale of nature: a human being becomes a grain of sand in the presence of stone giants holding up the sky.
We will have lunch along the way or immediately after arrival, enjoying local hospitality.
If we arrive before sunset, we will touch ancient history by visiting the Kargah Buddha. This 15-meter-high figure was carved into a sheer rock face as early as the 7th century. It stands as a silent witness to an era when Gilgit was a flourishing center of Buddhism at the crossroads of worlds. Locals call it “Yasheni” and believe that this monument protects the city from evil spirits.
Ray Bradbury once said, “The world is far more amazing than any dreams.” Today, we saw this with our own eyes. And yet, how sweet sleep feels after a long journey. We check into the hotel, enjoy dinner, and rest — tomorrow an early rise awaits us and new adventures lie ahead.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included!
DAY 05 - 09.10. The Road to Shangri-La: The Magic of the Hunza Valley
Breakfast. Jeep tour to Naltar Valley (lakes and snow leopards). Lunch. Rakaposhi Viewpoint. Transfer to Hunza. Dinner.
Distance — 180 km, approximate travel time — 7–8 hours.
“The mountains call those whose souls are their equal.”
These words will set the tone for our day.
After breakfast, we set off toward the legendary Hunza Valley. This is the very “oasis of youth” often described as the earthly embodiment of Shangri-La. Here, among apricot orchards, live people who seem to have made a pact with time itself — they rarely fall ill and enjoy remarkably long lives.
Along the way, we will stop by a river whose waters carry not only coolness but also golden dust. We will see local residents, like characters from a Jack London novel, washing precious metal right along the riverbank.
Morning Arrival in Melbourne. Self-transfer. Check-in at a cozy 4-star hotel in the city center, meeting with guides. Rest. Free time. On this day, you can buy SIM cards for internet, exchange money at a favorable rate in the Chinatown.
In the village of Nomol, we switch to powerful off-road jeeps. Nature hides its true treasures far from asphalt roads. Traveling along a dirt track, we make our way into the Naltar Valley — a hidden gem of the Karakoram. Here, embraced by dense pine forests, lie scattered lakes of astonishing beauty: Rainbow Lake, Blue Lake, and Parri Lake. Their waters are so clear that the bottom is visible as if in the palm of your hand, and the color shifts from emerald to deep indigo depending on the movement of the sun.
Next comes a deeply moving encounter with the “ghosts of the mountains.” We will visit a snow leopard rehabilitation center, where we will meet Lovely and Leo.
These are not just animals — they are symbols of hope. Leo was found as a small orphaned cub in the snows of Khunjerab; his mother had been killed by poachers. A shepherd saved him, feeding him goat’s milk. Lovely was found later, injured and exhausted. This center became their home, saving them from certain death in the wild. To see these majestic cats up close is a rare stroke of luck, as their numbers in the world have dropped to a critically low level.
Filled with emotion, we return to Nomol and head toward the Rakaposhi viewpoint. Here, a “gastronomic and aesthetic ecstasy” awaits us. We will enjoy lunch while looking straight into the eyes of the “Mother of Clouds” — Mount Rakaposhi (7,788 m). An interesting fact: Rakaposhi is unique for its uninterrupted vertical rise. It soars nearly 6,000 meters from base to summit in a continuous wall of ice and rock — a height difference unmatched anywhere else on the planet.
If weather conditions (and time) allow, we will take another jeep ride toward Minapin–Ho Nagar. This is a chance to enter a grand amphitheater of peaks: before us will rise the shining Rakaposhi, the sharp peak of Diran, and the “Golden Crown” of the Nagar Valley.
By evening, we arrive in Hunza, check into our hotel, and enjoy dinner. Each day is a gift, and it is up to us how much joy it brings. Today, we did not waste a single moment and filled our treasure chest of happiness to the brim with the riches of the Karakoram.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included!
DAY 06 - 10.10. Upper Hunza: Turquoise, Adrenaline, and Gothic Cliffs
Breakfast. Attabad Lake. Hussaini Suspension Bridge. Passu Cones. Lunch in the village of Gircha. Return to the hotel. Dinner.
Distance — 160 km, approximate travel time — 6 hours.
Morning in Hunza begins not with coffee, but with the anticipation of wonder. Today our emotions will resemble a roller coaster — from meditative contemplation to explosive adrenaline.
After breakfast, we head to Attabad Lake. This body of water is proof that nature can create beauty even through destruction. It was formed as a result of a massive landslide in 2010 that blocked the riverbed. Today, it is a 14-kilometer-long basin filled with water of such an unnaturally vivid turquoise color that it feels as if thousands of tons of paint were spilled here. They say the beauty of this place is fragile: the water is gradually eroding the natural dam, so seeing Attabad today is like catching a fleeting moment of eternity.
Next comes a true test of character. The Hussaini Suspension Bridge is often called “the most dangerous bridge in the world.” This is your Indiana Jones movie scene: shaky wooden planks, wide gaps between them, the whistle of the wind, and the raging Hunza River far below. Crossing this bridge delivers a powerful adrenaline rush — and a story you will proudly tell your grandchildren.
Once the heartbeat calms down, we move on to high aesthetics. We stop at the foot of the Passu Cones. Locals call them Tupopdan (“The Mountain That Eats the Sun”). These razor-sharp peaks rise into the sky, resembling a majestic Gothic cathedral built by nature itself. This is a landscape that needs no filters — it is perfect as it is.
For lunch, we visit a welcoming family home in the village of Gircha (Upper Hunza). Here, we will get acquainted with Wakhi culture and taste homemade dishes prepared according to ancient recipes passed down from generation to generation.
We return to the hotel, enjoying the scenery along the way. Over a delicious dinner, we share our vivid impressions: today we traveled from turquoise calm to wild adrenaline. There will be much to remember. As we fall asleep, we realize that the best souvenirs are not items in a suitcase, but emotions forever etched in memory.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner!
DAY 07 - 11.10. Stone Guardians and the Breath of the Glacier
Breakfast. Baltit and Altit Forts. Transfer to Nagar Valley. Hopper Valley. Trek to Hopper Glacier. Lunch. Dinner.
Distance — 40 km, travel time — 1.5–2 hours.
Morning is a blank page, and today we will write on it a story of ancient kings and eternal ice. After breakfast, we set off on a journey through centuries, visiting the two stone guardians of Hunza.
Baltit Fort.
This architectural masterpiece of the 8th century served as the residence of the Mirs (rulers) of Hunza for more than 700 years. Its walls remember intrigues, wars, and lavish receptions. The fort’s unique style resembles the palaces of Lhasa — a legacy of the time when a princess from Baltistan married a local ruler and brought Tibetan craftsmen with her. Today, it is a UNESCO-listed site, whose terraces offer breathtaking panoramas of Rakaposhi and Ultar Sar peaks.
Altit Fort.
The elder brother of Baltit, over 1,100 years old. It stands on the edge of a sheer cliff, as if growing directly out of the rock. This is the cradle of Hunza’s power. If we are lucky, we may be greeted at the entrance by a living legend — a colorful guard with fantastical mustaches, which he elegantly curls behind his ears so they don’t get in the way. A photo with him is a must!
Next, our path leads to the Nagar Valley. The one-hour drive flies by unnoticed as we admire the scenery. We head to Hopper Valley — a bowl surrounded by giants rising over 7,000 meters. In summer, this land resembles a paradise garden: villages are immersed in lush fruit trees and wild grasses, among which cannabis bushes grow freely, adding an exotic touch to the landscape.
We take a short walk (about 10 minutes) to a viewpoint offering a view of Spantik, the “Golden Peak.” And then comes the highlight. We descend (15–20 minutes) into a true kingdom of ice — the Hopper Glacier. This is not just frozen water; it is a living organism. Hopper is one of the fastest-moving glaciers in the world, “flowing” at a rate of about 20 centimeters per day! Standing on its surface among majestic ice formations, you can feel the cold breath of the planet. We carefully walk across this “black” glacier, listening to the ice crack and groan under the weight of time.
After the walk, our appetite will be fierce, so we visit the Hopper Keple restaurant. The star dish of the day is Mutton Gorkon — a tender meat stew cooked so deliciously that you’ll lick your fingers. This is the true taste of the mountains.
We return to Hunza full and happy. I’m sure today you’ll have plenty to write in your traveler’s diary 😉
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner!
DAY 08 - 12.10. Fairy Meadows — the Emerald Gateway to the Realm of Nanga Parbat
Breakfast. Transfer to Raikot Bridge. Jeep safari to Tattu. Trekking to Fairy Meadows. Dinner. Night under the stars.
Distance — 190 km, approximate travel time — 6–8 hours.
The road is calling! Today we wake up at dawn to become the heroes of our own adventure film, “In Search of the Fairy Meadows.” After breakfast, we bid farewell to civilization. Our route follows the Karakoram Highway toward Raikot Bridge. Here, we leave our suitcases on the bus (taking only essentials in a backpack for two days) and prepare ourselves for a true test of spirit.
This is where the legendary part of our journey begins. We transfer into specially prepared mountain jeeps and head toward the village of Tattu. This is not just a ride — it is a thrilling jeep safari, more exciting than any amusement park. A narrow serpentine road, carved directly into the rock, winds upward like a ribbon, revealing dizzying, cinematic views of the deep gorge below. Local drivers are true virtuosos — they know every stone here and maneuver with surgical precision. For 1.5–2 hours, your heart will beat in rhythm with the wild landscape, and your hand will instinctively reach for the camera to capture this untamed beauty. This is a true initiation into the world of travelers!
In Tattu village, we take a deep breath and begin our ascent to Fairy Meadows. This is a pleasant, moderate trek (3–4 hours). The trail leads through dense, fragrant pine forests, where the air feels like a healing elixir. For those who wish to conserve energy or experience life as a local “mountain cowboy,” there is an option to hire a mule (for an additional fee) and ride up in 1.5–2 hours.
And then — the forest opens up, and She appears.
Nanga Parbat (8,126 m).
The ninth-highest mountain in the world, the “Killer Mountain,” rising as a wall of ice directly above lush green meadows. No photograph can convey this majestic contrast: emerald grass beneath your feet and the ominous Raikot Glacier looming overhead. You find yourself in an amphitheater of gods at an altitude of 3,300 meters.
We check into wooden cottages and enjoy a hot dinner.
And when darkness falls, simply lift your gaze upward. Far from cities, a true portal to the cosmos opens above you. As the saying goes: “Mountains are a pedestal from which the stars are seen more clearly.”
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included!
DAY 09 - 13.10. Fairy Meadows and the Killer Mountain
Breakfast. Trekking to Beyal Camp. German View Point (optional). Lunch. Free time. Dinner.
Hiking route — 6–8 km round trip, travel time — 4–5 hours.
We wake to the whisper of the wind and the first rays of sunlight igniting the snowy summit of Nanga Parbat. We are in Fairy Meadows — a place whose beauty cannot be described, only felt.
After breakfast, we set out on a trek to an alpine paradise — Beyal Camp, the base camp revered by mountaineers and the starting point for ascents of the world’s ninth-highest peak. Nanga Parbat (8,126 m) is known by its formidable nickname, the “Killer Mountain,” due to its harsh nature and dramatic climbing history. But today, it reveals its calm and majestic face to us.
The hike lasts 3.5–5 hours and passes in what feels like a single moment. We walk along trails that in summer transform into carpets of wildflowers, surrounded by dense forests. Stay alert — we are merely guests here. The true inhabitants are Himalayan brown bears and spiral-horned goats (markhor). Spotting these rare animals is a matter of great luck, so keep your cameras ready.
Reaching Beyal Camp, we come face to face with the Himalayas. Eastern wisdom says:
“In the silence of the mountains, you can find the answer to any question — even one you haven’t asked yet.”
For the most resilient adventurers, there is an option to hike an additional hour to German View Point. From here, a breathtaking view opens onto the sheer face of Nanga Parbat, where the Raikot Glacier descends like a frozen waterfall to the valley below. This is where you truly feel the scale of our planet.
Filled with mountain energy, we return to Fairy Meadows for a delicious lunch. The rest of the day is yours. You may sit on the grass watching clouds cling to the peaks, meditate, or explore the surroundings. Time flows differently here. In the evening, a warm dinner awaits, followed by another night in the heart of the mountains, guarded by the stars.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included!
DAY 10 - 14.10. Babusar Pass and the Mirror of Lulusar
Breakfast. Descent to Tattu. Jeeps to Raikot Bridge. Transfer to Naran. Babusar Pass (4,173 m). Lulusar Lake. Besal Meadows. Dinner.
Distance — 170 km, approximate travel time — 8–9 hours.
In the morning, we take one last farewell look at the majestic Nanga Parbat, engraving this moment into memory forever.
After breakfast, we begin our descent to the village of Tattu (1.5–2 hours on foot), where our “iron horses” await. Another 1.5 hours of adrenaline-filled jeep safari — and we are back at Raikot Bridge, where we transfer to a comfortable bus.
Our course is set for Naran. We stop for lunch in the legendary Chilas Valley, which for centuries was an important hub on the Great Silk Road. Here, stones breathe history, and the sun reminds us of the harsh realities faced by ancient caravans.
If weather conditions allow, the highest point of our journey awaits us — Babusar Pass (Babusar Top). We ascend to an altitude of 4,173 meters! This pass connects the rugged region of Gilgit-Baltistan with the lush Kaghan Valley. Due to its extreme elevation and severe weather conditions, Babusar Pass is open only for a limited period — usually from late June to October. For the rest of the year, it remains blocked by snow. Even in summer, temperatures can be low, and snow is often present.
Descending into Kaghan Valley, we encounter Lulusar Lake (3,410 m) — a gigantic natural mirror in which the sky admires its own reflection. This lake gives birth to the Kunhar River, whose turquoise waters will accompany us all the way down to the plains.
Passing by Besal Meadows, we witness a true alpine paradise. This area is the gateway to the hidden Dodipatsar Lake. Slopes covered in emerald grass and air so pure it feels inexhaustible make this place a magnet for travelers in search of untouched natural beauty.
By evening, we arrive in Naran — a lively town that never sleeps. Hotel check-in, a delicious dinner, and well-earned rest. You know what makes the end of a long day so wonderful? The fact that tomorrow’s page is still blank, waiting for new adventures!
⚠️ Important note: Nature sets its own rules. In case of snowfall or unfavorable weather conditions at Babusar Pass, the route will be altered via Chatar Plain (Karakoram Highway) to ensure your safety.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included!
DAY 11 - 15.10. From Mountain Peaks to the Depths of History
Breakfast. Transfer to Islamabad. Lunch in Balakot. Capital city tour: Lok Virsa Museum, Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument. Shopping. Farewell dinner.
Distance — 280 km, approximate travel time — 8–9 hours.
After breakfast, with a gentle note of bittersweet nostalgia, we bid farewell to the mountains. Our journey leads us back to civilization. The road to Islamabad is a gradual descent from the heavens to the earth: the serpentine curves soften, and the air grows warmer. We stop at scenic viewpoints along the way, drinking in the final drops of mountain landscapes with our eyes.
We stop for lunch in Balakot, the gateway to the Kaghan Valley. At a local restaurant, we restore our energy with traditional dishes and prepare ourselves for our encounter with the capital.
Upon arrival in Islamabad, we immerse ourselves in the cultural code of the nation by visiting its most iconic landmarks:
Lok Virsa Museum.
This is not merely a museum — it is the genetic memory of Pakistan gathered under one roof. The soul of the nation lives here: vibrant textiles, exquisite jewelry, ceramics, musical instruments, and everyday artifacts. The exhibition is a colorful tapestry woven from the traditions of all provinces and ethnic groups of the country. If you wish to understand what Pakistan truly lives and breathes by, this is the place.
Faisal Mosque.
If on the first day we only began to acquaint ourselves with the city, today we fully experience its grandeur. This is an architectural hymn to faith, embodied in concrete and marble. The fifth-largest mosque in the world, a gift from the King of Saudi Arabia, impresses not only with its scale but also with its unconventional design — lacking traditional domes, its lines echo the shape of a Bedouin tent, perfectly harmonizing with the Margalla Hills.
Pakistan Monument.
A monumental granite flower rising on the Shakarparian Hills, symbolizing the unity of the nation. Its four large petals represent the four provinces, while the smaller ones stand for the tribal territories. This is a place of power, offering the finest panoramic view of the city — especially breathtaking in the golden light of sunset.
If time and energy allow, we will also visit Safa Gold Mall, a modern shopping haven, to purchase gifts for loved ones and souvenirs to remember the journey by.
We conclude our grand adventure with a farewell dinner. This is a time for warm embraces, exchanging contacts, and promises to stay in touch. We arrived as a group of strangers — and we depart as one big family.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included!
DAY 12 - 16.10. Flight Home
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport. Departure.
We leave Pakistan behind — yet it stays with us forever. They say that from every journey, we return slightly changed. Over these days, we have gathered a vibrant mosaic of impressions: the blinding white of glaciers and the golden hues of cold deserts, the thunder of the mighty Indus and the silence of Hunza’s apricot orchards. But the greatest treasure of this land is not the mountains — it is the people. Their sincerity and hospitality have proven that the language of kindness needs no translation.
Pakistan is no longer a mysterious point on the map. It is now part of your personal story — a warm memory that will comfort you on cold evenings. As the great traveler Ibn Battuta once wrote:
“Traveling — it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”
Return home and tell the world your story of the real Pakistan.
Until we meet again on the world’s winding trails.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast
WHY WITH PAGANEL?
We are unique
For many years, we have been traveling the world to our small planet's most remote and unusual places. We do not use the services of domestic travel agencies. The trips we invent and carry out are always unique and have their unique zest, charm, and adventurous spirit.
Creation
The first thing that interests us is creativity in everything. During the expeditions, we shoot a lot of videos, take pictures, write stories, draw pictures. If you are interested in a creative approach to life and travel, then WELCOME... we are very happy to meet you!
Interest
By joining our team, you join a kind of club family, which already consists of several hundred people who are interested in discovering the world with us.
Since most of the expenses for organizing a trip – air tickets and travel documents for other modes of transportation, accommodation, excursions, services of local companies and guides, etc. – are made by us in advance, long before the trip, the prepayment or payment for the trip is non-refundable in the event of cancellation.
Since most of the expenses for the organization of the trip are air tickets and travel documents for other types of transport, accommodation, excursions, services of local companies and guides, etc. are not refundable in case of your cancellation of the trip. We simply have no way to return it.
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