Foreign Office travel advice
Before booking, please familiarise yourself with the UK FCDO advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We constantly monitor advice and adjust itineraries to ensure we avoid any restricted areas or zones of concern.
Pakistan19 daysMax 12Solo-friendly
Pakistan – Into the Mighty North
An 18-day traverse of Pakistan's Karakoram Highway linking Baltistan's ancient forts, the Deosai Plateau, and Hunza Valley via Babusar Pass.
View dates & pricesAs Featured In
About this journey
The story behind the route
This encompassing adventure of Pakistan’s spectacular northern regions takes travellers to a near mythical land, where traditions have changed little in centuries and the scenery is simply among the best on the planet. We begin by exploring the modern capital of Islamabad, before making our way towards Baltistan, travelling the fabled Karakoram Highway and the spectacular seasonal Babusar Pass. We explore the Hunza, an area of jaw-dropping magnificence blessed with idyllic villages and people of genuine warmth, a region that some purport to have inspired the legend of Shangri La. Along the way we will delve into the rich history – a chain of dramatic forts and watchtowers as well as other historical wonders such as ancient petroglyphs. We also join the locals in the heady blend of vivid, vibrant bazaars, feasting on sumptuous local dishes, marvelling at mighty glaciers and shimmering turquoise lakes carving through dramatic valleys, and of course pausing endlessly to drink in the inspiring panoramas of the snowclad summits of the Himalaya and Karakorum ranges.
The journey
Pakistan – Into the Mighty North
The moments that define this trip
Drawn from the full tour dossier — the standout days, encounters and views our specialists keep coming back to.
Shah Faisal Mosque and Islamabad Sightseeing
The Shah Faisal Mosque, once the largest in the world and modelled on a vast Bedouin tent, anchors a full day of exploration in Islamabad. The itinerary also takes in the Pakistan Monument, Shakar Parian Park, and the Lok Virsa heritage museum. Crossing into Punjab, the Raja Bazaar area in Rawalpindi delivers a sensory explosion of colour and commerce before a final stop at the hillside viewpoint of Daman-e-Koh.
Asoka Rock Edicts at Manshera
A stop near Manshera reveals intricately etched rock edicts dating to the 3rd century BC, written in the ancient Indic script of Gandhara culture. The site has been submitted for UNESCO World Heritage status and offers a tangible connection to the Maurya Empire. The day also passes through Hasan Abdal, renowned for its tradition of colourfully decorated truck-art painting.
Buddhist Petroglyphs Along the Indus Gorge
As the Karakoram Highway hugs the steep walls of the Indus gorge, travellers stop to examine Buddhist petroglyphs left by invaders, traders, and pilgrims along the ancient trade route. The earliest carvings date back to between 5,000 and 1,000 BC, depicting animals, triangular human figures, and hunting scenes, engraved with primitive stone tools and covered in thick patina. Great egrets and potentially ultra-rare Siberian cranes can be spotted overhead along the same stretch.
Deosai National Park and Plateau
A day trip climbs to the Deosai National Park, one of the highest plateaus in the world at 4,114m, protecting 3,000 square kilometres of Karakoram–West Tibetan Plateau alpine steppe. En route, a stop at Satpara Lake provides opportunities to spot Himalayan marmots, and Sheosar Lake offers clear reflections of the dramatic surrounding peaks. In spring the plateau is blanketed in wildflowers and visited by a wide variety of butterflies.
Shigar Valley, Skardu Fort, and Katpana Desert
A side excursion explores the Shigar Valley's small villages, all overlooked by the 16th-century Skardu Fort, which commands panoramic views of the valley and Karakoram Range. The nearby Katpana Desert — one of the world's highest cold deserts — presents silky grey dunes that appear incongruous within the surrounding mountain terrain. Shigar Fort, a 17th-century boulder-and-wood structure recently restored, offers lunch in its gardens alongside a rushing stream.
Khaplu Palace and Chaqchan Mosque
A three-hour drive along the braided Shyok River delivers travellers to the fortified settlement of Khaplu, sheltered in the crook of the Karakoram Mountains. Lunch is taken at the wonderfully restored Khaplu Palace, followed by a tour of the palace complex and the 700-year-old Chaqchan Mosque, described as a cream-washed and wooden-framed gem of architecture. A walk to a nearby viewpoint opens up rank after rank of high-altitude ranges, with the possibility of sighting Masherbrum (7,821m).
Key moments for Pakistan – Into the Mighty North
Full itinerary · 19 days
Free — no sign-up
Dates & prices
Pick your departure
Reserve your place with a 10% deposit. Final balance due 70 days before departure. Single-room supplements optional — most travellers happily share.
| Departs | Returns | Status | Price pp | Single supp. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Aug 2026 | 2 Sept 2026 | Guaranteed | £3,095 | +£515 | Book now |
| 3 Oct 2026 | 21 Oct 2026 | Guaranteed | £3,095 | +£515 | Book now |
| 12 Jun 2027 | 30 Jun 2027 | Guaranteed | £3,095 | +£515 | Book now |
| 14 Aug 2027 | 1 Sept 2027 | Guaranteed | £3,095 | +£515 | Book now |
| 2 Oct 2027 | 20 Oct 2027 | Guaranteed | £3,095 | +£515 | Book now |
- GuaranteedDeparture15 Aug 2026 → 2 Sept 2026Book nowFrom£3,095 ppSingle supp. +£515
- GuaranteedDeparture3 Oct 2026 → 21 Oct 2026Book nowFrom£3,095 ppSingle supp. +£515
- GuaranteedDeparture12 Jun 2027 → 30 Jun 2027Book nowFrom£3,095 ppSingle supp. +£515
- GuaranteedDeparture14 Aug 2027 → 1 Sept 2027Book nowFrom£3,095 ppSingle supp. +£515
- GuaranteedDeparture2 Oct 2027 → 20 Oct 2027Book nowFrom£3,095 ppSingle supp. +£515
Can’t find the right fit?
Every one of our Pakistan journeys can be rebuilt around your dates, pace and interests — or we’ll design something entirely new.
What's included
Everything covered — and what's not
Included in the price
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Overland transport throughout with professional driver
- All accommodation
- Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
- Meals as listed
- Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
Budget separately for
- International flights (, contact , us, for expert advice and a quote)
- Any airport taxes
- Travel Insurance
- Visa – when required
- Drinks
- Items of personal nature
- Tips (Discretionary)
Before you go
Essential information
Shared across all tours that visit this destination. Read alongside your individual tour dossier for trip-specific details.
Voices from the road
What travellers say about us
Independently verified reviews from travellers who joined Pakistan – Into the Mighty North. Rated 4.9 Excellent on AITO by 250+ reviewers.
“We are just back from a three-week private and bespoke trip to northern Pakistan. The scenery was magnificent, the local people extremely friendly and welcoming, and the itinerary covered all the highlights of the region. Customer service is second to none — this was our 16th trip booked through them, with two more to come.”
Grete Howard
Pakistan
“I absolutely loved this trip! The itinerary, the constantly magnificent scenery, the encounters with the ever-smiling and welcoming people, and the well-chosen accommodations. Faultless!”
Mombea
Pakistan
“Visiting the far north of Pakistan — memorable drives, spectacular scenery, wonderful, friendly people. A unique experience. We've used Undiscovered Destinations before — very professional.”
Snow dog lover
Pakistan
“An amazing trip! We had the most amazing holiday — over two weeks we had a taste of the cities, the culture, the mountains, a safari, and time at the beach. Our driver/guide made the whole trip very relaxing, and we were welcomed warmly by everyone we met, enjoying fabulous food and drink along the way. Undiscovered Destinations planned a really amazing itinerary for us with great hotels, a fabulous guide/driver, and interesting places to visit — they took great care to ensure we had an excellent holiday. We look forward to booking another holiday with them in the future. Thank you, Mark!”
Anna
“This adventure was always going to be very full-on, which is how we like our trips. I didn't count on getting bronchitis and ending up in hospital, however. The itinerary was quickly amended to avoid high-altitude destinations as much as possible while still making sure we had a chance to enjoy interesting experiences. While obviously sad to have missed some of the original sites, the revised itinerary was the only sensible option under the circumstances. I was extremely impressed with how Undiscovered Destinations and their local team handled the situation — taking the stress out of it, smoothing the way, rearranging the itinerary and booking new hotels, translating for me with the medical staff, and making sure I always had transport, medicines and anything else I needed. Nothing was too much trouble, and they kept in touch with me, each other, and the insurance company throughout. I can't recommend them enough!”
Grete
“My wife and I had a wonderful tour with Undiscovered Destinations. We had a different guide at each stop, and all of them were friendly, cheerful and knowledgeable. The local people were welcoming, and we always felt safe and comfortable. The beaches were spectacularly beautiful and empty of people, with warm, clear water, and each stop had its own character — some we loved for their unspoiled scenery, others for their history and the warmth of the welcome. We took the opportunity to snorkel on one of the most pristine reefs we've experienced, swimming with sea turtles and enormous manta rays that came right up to us out of curiosity. A wonderful destination for nature lovers.”
Frank
“Excellent. Action packed. Our local agent was excellent, and a good choice by Undiscovered Destinations. Because there were only two of us on the holiday, we had different guides at each stop, each one making sure we were handed over safely. All manner of transport was used, and we appreciated the different guiding strategies, the wealth of information given, the high level of English, and the genuine wish to show off their country at its best. Excellent.”
Cathy
“Far exceeding my expectations, this was one of the best trips I've ever done. A beautiful destination, with interesting history, lively ceremonies, lovely people and — surprisingly, for somewhere that sees so few tourists — absolutely no hassle on the streets. Excellent service from start to finish, with a first-class tour leader.”
Lynn
“We had a two-week trip with Undiscovered Destinations, flying in for two days first to break up the journey. It was a great trip, because we managed to see so much more than just the capital cities. This was the fourth trip we've taken with Undiscovered Destinations, and each one has been wonderful. Our guides were lovely — very professional and helpful. We rate UD very highly.”
Andy
“We had a fabulous trip with an excellent local guide, who took great care of us and enthusiastically shared his knowledge of both ancient and recent history, with lots of fascinating personal stories of his own life. We highly recommend this trip — Undiscovered Destinations were great to work with, and we hope to use them again.”
Jennie
“We are just back from a three-week private and bespoke trip to northern Pakistan. The scenery was magnificent, the local people extremely friendly and welcoming, and the itinerary covered all the highlights of the region. Customer service is second to none — this was our 16th trip booked through them, with two more to come.”
Grete Howard
Pakistan
“I absolutely loved this trip! The itinerary, the constantly magnificent scenery, the encounters with the ever-smiling and welcoming people, and the well-chosen accommodations. Faultless!”
Mombea
Pakistan
“Visiting the far north of Pakistan — memorable drives, spectacular scenery, wonderful, friendly people. A unique experience. We've used Undiscovered Destinations before — very professional.”
Snow dog lover
Pakistan
“An amazing trip! We had the most amazing holiday — over two weeks we had a taste of the cities, the culture, the mountains, a safari, and time at the beach. Our driver/guide made the whole trip very relaxing, and we were welcomed warmly by everyone we met, enjoying fabulous food and drink along the way. Undiscovered Destinations planned a really amazing itinerary for us with great hotels, a fabulous guide/driver, and interesting places to visit — they took great care to ensure we had an excellent holiday. We look forward to booking another holiday with them in the future. Thank you, Mark!”
Anna
“This adventure was always going to be very full-on, which is how we like our trips. I didn't count on getting bronchitis and ending up in hospital, however. The itinerary was quickly amended to avoid high-altitude destinations as much as possible while still making sure we had a chance to enjoy interesting experiences. While obviously sad to have missed some of the original sites, the revised itinerary was the only sensible option under the circumstances. I was extremely impressed with how Undiscovered Destinations and their local team handled the situation — taking the stress out of it, smoothing the way, rearranging the itinerary and booking new hotels, translating for me with the medical staff, and making sure I always had transport, medicines and anything else I needed. Nothing was too much trouble, and they kept in touch with me, each other, and the insurance company throughout. I can't recommend them enough!”
Grete
“My wife and I had a wonderful tour with Undiscovered Destinations. We had a different guide at each stop, and all of them were friendly, cheerful and knowledgeable. The local people were welcoming, and we always felt safe and comfortable. The beaches were spectacularly beautiful and empty of people, with warm, clear water, and each stop had its own character — some we loved for their unspoiled scenery, others for their history and the warmth of the welcome. We took the opportunity to snorkel on one of the most pristine reefs we've experienced, swimming with sea turtles and enormous manta rays that came right up to us out of curiosity. A wonderful destination for nature lovers.”
Frank
“Excellent. Action packed. Our local agent was excellent, and a good choice by Undiscovered Destinations. Because there were only two of us on the holiday, we had different guides at each stop, each one making sure we were handed over safely. All manner of transport was used, and we appreciated the different guiding strategies, the wealth of information given, the high level of English, and the genuine wish to show off their country at its best. Excellent.”
Cathy
“Far exceeding my expectations, this was one of the best trips I've ever done. A beautiful destination, with interesting history, lively ceremonies, lovely people and — surprisingly, for somewhere that sees so few tourists — absolutely no hassle on the streets. Excellent service from start to finish, with a first-class tour leader.”
Lynn
“We had a two-week trip with Undiscovered Destinations, flying in for two days first to break up the journey. It was a great trip, because we managed to see so much more than just the capital cities. This was the fourth trip we've taken with Undiscovered Destinations, and each one has been wonderful. Our guides were lovely — very professional and helpful. We rate UD very highly.”
Andy
“We had a fabulous trip with an excellent local guide, who took great care of us and enthusiastically shared his knowledge of both ancient and recent history, with lots of fascinating personal stories of his own life. We highly recommend this trip — Undiscovered Destinations were great to work with, and we hope to use them again.”
Jennie
Want to customise this tour?
Make Pakistan – Into the Mighty North your own — adjust the route, dates, pace or who travels, or start from a blank page with a specialist. We'll bring the details of this trip straight into your enquiry.
Keep exploring
All destinationsMore Asia & Pacific destinations
Ready when you areStart planning your
Start planning your
Pakistan adventure
Join a small-group departure, or let our Pakistan specialists craft a private journey shaped around your dates and interests.
Common questions
Things travellers usually ask
How many travellers will be in my group?
Maximum 12 travellers — that's the cap on every Undiscovered Destinations small-group tour. Small enough to eat in a local family home; large enough to share the wonder with other like-minded travellers.
Can I travel solo?
Yes — there's no compulsory single supplement on our small-group tours. You get your own room at no extra cost. About 60% of UD travellers come solo, so you'll be in good company.
How fit do I need to be?
Fitness requirements vary by itinerary, from gentle to demanding. The day-by-day tour dossier sets out walking distances, terrain and any altitude so you know what to expect. If you have specific concerns, speak to our team before booking — they can talk you through a typical day.
When are the next departures?
The next available departures are 15 August 2026; 3 October 2026; 12 June 2027. See the "Pick your departure" table further up the page for the full schedule and per-departure pricing.
What's included in the tour price?
Included items vary by tour — see the full list above. On this trip, expect: Arrival and departure transfers; Overland transport throughout with professional driver; All accommodation; and more. International flights and travel insurance are not included.
Where exactly does this trip go?
This tour visits Pakistan. Each destination has its own page with practical information, climate, and the attractions our specialists recommend — linked from the itinerary above.
