Spring in Pakistan: Chasing Blossoms and Heritage
Travel like you’ve never done before with unique immersive experiences
Come join us as we take you on a cultural adventure to this South Asian gem. To support humanitarian causes and better understand the region, we will also be meeting with local activists. If you are curious and interested in TRULY learning about Pakistan beyond the headlines, adventure travel, and connecting with other like-minded travelers, this trip is for you.
“My trip with THT was an incredible experience from start to finish. The itinerary was so thoughtfully put together, balancing culture, history, and adventure in a way that gave me a deeper understanding of Pakistan. I came away not only having seen amazing places but also learning so much, connecting with wonderful people, and feeling truly immersed in the country. I’d highly recommend The Hybrid Tours to anyone looking for a travel experience that’s personal, thoughtful, and unforgettable.”
Start
End
Islamabad
Meals
11 breakfasts, 11 lunches
Transport
Private Bus, Domestic Flight (Skardu to Islamabad), 4×4
Group size
1 – 15
Days
12
Accommodation
We’ll be staying in a a mix of quality hotels and mountain lodges
Dates
March 24th – April 4th, 2026
Physical activity
Moderate: Expect extended walking and standing for site visits, some stairs or uneven surfaces. All hiking and intense activities are optional.
Trip highlights
Islamabad | Besham | Gilgit | Hunza | Skardu | Katpana Desert
✔️ Islamabad & Khewra Salt Mines – explore Pakistan’s capital, from the Faisal Mosque to the 500-year old Saidpur Village and also venture through the 2nd largest salt mines in the world, discovered by Alexander the Great: Khewra Salt Mines.
✔️Katpana Desert’s Cold Sands – A desert surrounded by snow? Stay overnight at the Katpana Desert, where dunes meet snow-capped peaks. This high-altitude desert offers a landscape unlike any other, making for a truly unforgettable experience.
✔️Hunza’s Timeless Beauty – Journey through the breathtaking Hunza Valley, where peaks, fields, and welcoming communities create a landscape straight out of a fairytale. Visit historic forts, meet the locals, and take in the incredible mountain views.
✔️ Skardu’s Mountain Gateway – Discover Skardu, the heart of Pakistan’s adventure scene, where mountains meet crystal-clear lakes. Explore ancient forts, hike scenic trails (optional), and experience what life is like here.
✔️Contemporary & Historical Insights – Who are the Ismaeli? Did you know Pakistan is the country with the most glaciers in the world? And it’s also one of the top 10 countries heavily affected by climate change. Meet the Ismaeli people and learn from activists and locals firsthand about how climate change is shaping life in Pakistan. With The Hybrid Tours, learn and challenge the media narratives.
Why this trip is for you
Pakistan is one of the most underrated and misunderstood countries in the world, and through our expertise and contacts, we’re here to take you on this journey. We’re including the must-see highlights, along with some off-the-beaten-path spots that most tourists miss!
Explore the stunning mountainous landscapes, incredible valleys, and iconic landmarks.
Learn about Pakistan beyond the news headlines by engaging with local communities and activists.
Enjoy one of the least known places in the world for cherry blossoms!
Indulge in traditional Pakistani food and desserts!
If you’re looking to visit a new part of the world, travel in a completely different way, enjoy breathtaking nature, get to meet new people and immerse yourself in a new culture, then come and join us!
Inclusions
- Accommodation: We’ll be staying in a mixture of quality hotels and mountain lodges
- Activities: All activities are included except those that involve high levels of adrenaline
- Small groups: For the best immersive travel experiences, we pride ourselves on having no more than 15 people per group
- Transport: Transportation is provided for the duration of the trip in a private vehicle.
- Airport Transfers: Airport pick-ups/drop-offs are included on September 6th + 18/19/20th.
- Meetings with activists: You’ll be learning about history from activists. We expect guests to remain courteous.
- Domestic Flight: One domestic flight included
- Entry fees: All entry fees listed in the itinerary are included.
- Visa paperwork: There is visa on arrival and electronic visas included. We’ll arrange the paperwork and guide you through the process.
- Local tour guides: Professional English-speaking tour guides.
- Meals: All breakfasts and dinners are included. Budget $5-15 for each dinner. Although you might be stuffed and not need it!
Exclusions
- Travel insurance: All participants are required to have travel insurance
- Personal expenses: We recommend bringing at least $200-300 USD for all of your personal expenses throughout the trip and extra activities. This does not include the tips.
- Extra Meals: Meals outside of those stated in the itinerary.
- Tips for Guides: Not included. We recommend $10/day to your guide and half of this to your driver.
- Visa Fees: Visa fees for Pakistan and required in countries en-route to Pakistan are not included.
- Activities not listed: Adrenaline-filled activities such as zip-lining, jet ski...
- International Flights: International flights are not included
- Beverages: Water will be provided as we travel through Pakistan. Other beverages are not included.
Itinerary
Arrival at Islamabad Airport (ISB). Airport transfer to the hotel is available all day; however, we advise arriving on the morning of the 24th to make it on time to explore Islamabad and the surrounding areas!
In the afternoon, we’ll set off to visit the beautiful Faisal Mosque and visit a local shopping mall so you can pick up your own shalwar kameez and local handicrafts! Afterwards, we’ll head to Saidpur Village, a 500-year-old village on the slopes of Margalla Hills, for our welcome dinner.
Meals: dinner
Overnight in Islamabad
We have to be up early today! We’ll start our journey to Gilgit via Besham and stay overnight in Besham to break up the journey. Not to worry! You will be driving along the Karakoram Highway (KKH), one of the highest paved roads in the world! You’ll be able to enjoy the stunning rivers, valleys, and mountains along the way as we ascend into northern Pakistan. This is also important to avoid altitude sickness!
We’ll be making regular stops for tea and stopping at local towns.
Meals: breakfast and dinner
Overnight in Besham
Today, we’ll be embarking on the long but beautiful drive to Gilgit, the heart of Gilgit-Baltistan, which has a vibrant cherry blossom season, with trees like apricot, cherry, and almonds.
We’ll be able to see the majestic Indus River, which flows 3,180km through China, Kashmir, and Pakistan. We will also visit the meeting point of the three famous mountain ranges, the Himalaya, Karakoram, and Hindukush, before arriving in Hunza, which should be covered under pink and white petals.
Meals: breakfast and dinner
Overnight in Gilgit
Today, we’ll be visiting the iconic Baltit Fort, which dates back over 900 years, and offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region. We’ll also be visiting the old settlements at Ganish before checking into our hotel, where you’ll be able to take in the stunning views of the Rakaposhi and Ultar Sar mountains from the comfort of your hotel room!
As the day winds down, we’ll head to the Karimabad market in the evening. Here you’ll get a chance to browse local handicrafts and interact with the friendly vendors. The market is the perfect place to pick up souvenirs.
Meals: breakfast and dinner
Overnight in Hunza
Today, we will be visiting the 900-year-old Altit Fort, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area! Next up is the infamous Hussaini Suspension Bridge, one of the most thrilling bridges in the world. The bridge hangs over a deep gorge and is completely optional to cross for those daring enough to do so!
We’ll also be visiting Attabad Lake, which was formed in 2010 after an earthquake and the famous pointed peaks of northern Pakistan, Passu Cones!
Meals: breakfast and dinner
Overnight in Hunza
As part of our work as The Hybrid Tours, we support and learn from locals from the ground. We’ll have a meeting to learn more about what life is like in this region. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy. In the early morning, you can join an optional sunrise photoshoot for amazing mountain and blossom views. Or simply stay in and later in the day explore Karimabad Bazaar where you can shop for handicrafts, apricots, and cherries.
Meals: breakfast and dinner
Overnight in Hunza
Gilgit-Baltistan was voted by CNN as amongst the best places to visit in 2025, and we can see why.
Today, we’ll be leaving Hunza and driving to Skardu, for another day of scenic drives. We will be stopping at Rakaposhi Viewpoint so you can take in the breathtaking ‘Queen of the Karakoram’. Later, we will be stopping at Kachura Lake, which is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning sunsets. You’ll also be able to enjoy peaceful strolls through blossom-lined village roads.
Towards the end of the day, we’ll travel to Katpana Desert where we will be glamping underneath the stars! Be prepared for lots of chai, s’mores, and storytelling!
Meals: breakfast and dinner
Overnight in Skardu (Glamping in Katpana Desert)
We’re starting the day by exploring the historic Shigar-Fort, a 400-year-old fort, also known locally as “Fong-Khar” (Palace on the Rock), which has been restored and now serves as a museum. We recommend trying some of the local cuisines flavoured with apricots and walnuts! Next up, we’re visiting Blind Lake, a hidden lake with mountains and blossoming apple orchards.
We’ll end the day in Sarfaranga, the cold desert of Skardu! Where you’ll have the opportunity to explore one of the highest deserts in the world! You can also choose to take a 4×4 ride, at your own cost, across Sarfaranga to access some of the most picturesque spots!
This is one of our favourite days since it shows you the variety of landscapes that can be found a few hours’ drive from each other!
Meals: breakfast and dinner
Overnight in Skardu
We’re starting our last full day up north with a drive to Khaplu where we’ll be enjoying terraced fields, snow-capped peaks, and blossoming orchards along the way. Our first stop will be the historic Khaplu Fort, also called Yabgo Khar, which is a great example of Balti architecture. This restored 19th-century fort is now a heritage museum.
Next, we’ll visit the serene Khaplu Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in the region, known for its unique Tibetan, Persian, and Balti architectural influences. This mosque is a great example of the cultural diversity that is present in this region.
To finish the day, we’ll explore Ghanche Valley, which will be covered in pink and white blossoms, with apricot, cherry, and apple trees in full bloom.
Meals: breakfast and dinner
Overnight in Skardu
We’ll be starting the day with an early breakfast before heading to Skardu Airport to catch a one-hour flight back to Islamabad (weather permitting). Depending on our arrival time, you’ll get a chance to visit the Pakistan Monument and Lok Virsa.
If the flights are cancelled, we will need to drive back to Islamabad with a night in Chilas to break the journey.
Meals: breakfast and dinner
Overnight in Islamabad OR Chilas if the flight is cancelled
On our last day, depending on the time of your flight/our arrival from Chilas in the afternoon, you will have some time to roam around Islamabad and buy some of the gifts you were tempted to buy on day 1! You can also join us for some coffee and lunch at one of the many restaurants around the city.
Hotel check-out and transfers to Islamabad will be provided according to your flight schedules. If you want to extend your stay in Pakistan, please let us know and we can assist you with accommodation, transportation, recommendations and anything else you might need.
Meals: Breakfast
Thank you for being part of this amazing adventure. We hope you’ll have a fantastic time and look forward to our journey together!
All the best,
The Hybrid Tours Team
Logistics ✈️
Logistics: Pick up is anytime on March 24th, 2026 from Islamabad International Airport.
The airport code is ISB. We suggest arriving in the morning to not miss out on the afternoon and evening activities, including our welcome dinner!
If the timing is not suitable for you, no worries! We will be happy to arrange extra hotel nights & airport transfers if needed! You can arrive the night before and we can arrange an extra hotel night for you. This is very common among our guests to get some rest and be ready for Day 1 so you won’t be the only one!
Please reach out directly to help you out.
Your departure should be booked after 10 PM on April 4th, 2026 also from Islamabad International Airport, airport code ISB.
Budget flight tip: the UAE offers low-cost flights to Pakistan. Fly to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, then buy a separate flight to Islamabad, and visit 2 countries in 1! This is especially useful for people in Europe.
Why should you join us?
- You’re tired of tourist traps and want to discover something real
You’re curious about history, culture, and human stories
You want to connect deeply with locals and fellow travelers
You’re interested in learning about countries and their history beyond the statistics, headlines and biases
Read what our guests have to say!
