The Soul of Pakistan: Heritage, Festivals & Partition
- Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Duration
13 Days
May 5th - 17th
Group Size
1-15
From
$2099
Paid in 3-5 installments for your convenience
We're taking you to Pakistan!
Get ready for an extraordinary journey through Pakistan's majestic landscapes and vibrant cultures! We're so excited to introduce our latest tour: The Soul of Pakistan - a perfect combination of culture, adventure and heritage. This itinerary combines iconic destinations with hidden gems, offering a truly authentic experience. As always, through our contacts, you'll see the country through the eyes of locals. Join us on this unforgettable adventure!
Enjoy the Adventure
Here's what one of our guests had to say about us:
"This trip was one of my favorite experiences ever. I got to explore the country, its diverse people, complicated history, and delicious food so well within just a few days. You will meet people who went through unspeakable pain but you will also get to relax and laugh lots along the way. The incredible and loving people who organise the trip are dedicated to the fullest and it feels more like you’re hanging out with old friends! Don’t think too much just sign up, it’s worth every penny!"
If you’re looking to visit a new part of the world, cross off some bucket-list items, travel in a completely different way, get to meet new people and immerse yourself in a new culture, then come and join us!
The Soul of Pakistan: Heritage, Festivals & Partition
- Lahore, Pakistan
Pakistan is one of the most underrated 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! And to top it all, we chose these dates to coincide with a cultural festival we’re attending!
On this trip, you’ll explore stunning mountainous landscapes, incredible valleys, and iconic landmarks. Through our partnership with local organizations, we’ll also meet with activists and communities to better understand the region and the challenges they face. Not only have we been to the country on multiple occasions, but one of our founders is Pakistani! We cannot think of a better travel company to take you there.
If you’re looking to discover a new part of the world, check off some bucket-list experiences, travel in a unique way, support meaningful causes, and immerse yourself in a rich culture, then join us from May 5-17th, 2025, as we embark on an unforgettable journey through Pakistan!
Meet the team
Hira: Founder of Our World Too
Our World Too (OWT) is a platform dedicated to rehumanising the narrative surrounding refugees and displaced communities around the world. As part of our work, Our World Too also the damaging effects of politics and the direct impact these can have on populations worldwide. Jordan is the perfect example for this. Our work also preserves and honours the memories of victims and survivors.
Sibu: Founder of Go Global With Sibu
Sibu is on a journey to break stereotypes and to show people beautiful destinations that they would normally overlook. Travel is more than just being in a destination: it means immersing yourself in its history and culture, and that is what you’ll experience with her. Looking to get out of your comfort zone and make new friends while travelling? This is the chance to do so!
Demir Mahmutcehajic: Your local guide
Demir is a long-term human rights activist with a sense of duty for the land where he was born and bred. He uses his internationally collected knowledge to inspire visitors toward a joint struggle to prevent the evils that humans commit against other humans. For Demir, Bosnia and Herzegovina is more than just another country. It is the book that we can all read and learn from, but also one we can add our notes to.
What you’ll experience
- Lahore | Islamabad | Skardu | Hunza | Phander | Mastuj | Bumbret Valley
- Comfortable accommodation throughout the trip, including stays in scenic mountain lodges
- The spectacular Wagha Border flag-lowering ceremony
- Exploring Lahore in a VERY fun way, you're in for a surprise!
- Touring the stunning landscapes of Shigar and Phander
- Taking part in the Kalash Festival!
- Exploring sites along the iconic Karakoram Highway, the highest paved HW in the world
- Fun activities planned throughout the trip
- Cultural Immersion meetings with locals and activists
- Friendships with other like-minded travelers
Trip dates: May 5-17th, 2025
Logistics: Pick up is anytime on May 5th, from Lahore International Airport.
The airport code is LHE. We suggest arriving before midday to make the most of the day. There are plenty of flights from the UAE to Lahore leaving regularly.
If the flight schedules do not align, we will be happy to arrange extra hotel nights & airport transfers if needed! Most guests do this to be well-rested for Day 1. Please reach out directly to help you out 🙂
The departure should be booked on May 18th after midday from Islamabad International Airport, airport code ISB.
OPTIONAL ADD-ON: are you an avid hiker? Stay up north a few more days and continue traveling with our guides in Fairy Meadows, one of the most spectacular parts of Pakistan.
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!
Travel tip: Fly to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, then book a separate flight to Lahore/Islamabad. This can easily cost less than $100 USD one-way if you book it in advance. Google Flights/SkyScanner are the best tools if you’re looking for regular airlines, and we recommend Kiwi for low-cost flights! PS: Have additional time? We’ll be hosting a tour in Jordan right before Pakistan: from April 26 – May 3rd. Join us then and we’ll fly out together to Pakistan!
Included / Excluded
To help you plan your trip, we have put together a list of what's included and what's not included in your tour package. This will give you a clear understanding of what to expect and help you make any necessary arrangements before your journey begins.
- Accommodation
- We’ll be staying in a a mixture of quality hotels and guesthouses
- Activities
- All activities are included except those that involve high levels of adrenaline
- Small groups
- For the best immersive travel experiences, we pride ourselves in 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 May 5th + May 18th.
- Meetings with activists
- You'll be learning about history from activists. We expect guests to remain courteous.
- Domestic Flight
- Domestic flight from Islamabad to Skardu included
- Entry fees
- All entry fees listed in the itinerary are included.
- Visa paperwork
- Now VISA FREE for 120+ nationalities! If your nationality is not included, we'll arrange the paperwork and guide you through the process.
- Local tour guides
- Professional English-speaking tour guides.
- Meals
- All breakfast and dinners are included. Budget $5-10 for each lunch.
- Government taxes/tolls
What’s not included
- Travel insurance
- All participants are required to have travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- We recommend bringing $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 tipping 5-10% of the total trip price to your local guide.
- 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
- Beverages
Itinerary
We have carefully planned out each day to give you the best possible experience. From exploring historic landmarks to tasting delicious local cuisine, each day is packed with adventure and excitement. Join us as we take you on a journey through some of the most fascinating destinations in the world.
After an early morning breakfast, we’ll set off to explore Lahore – the Fort, Badshahi Mosque (a beautiful structure that’s from the 16th century Mughal Era) and more in a very FUN way, you’re in for a surprise!
In the afternoon, we will head to the Attari Wagha Border for the flag lowering ceremony where border guards from both Pakistan and India meet. This is one of the most spectacular borders in the world and a must while visiting Lahore.
In the evening, during dinner, we’ll have a meeting with local activists to learn more about their work in the fields of climate change and human rights.
Meals included: breakfast and dinner
Overnight in Lahore
On day 3, we’ll be meeting with more locals to better understand the country. This is part of the work that we do with Our World Too, and what sets us apart from other travel companies out there. These are safe spaces we’ve created where you get to learn and ask anything you want about the country.
In the mid-afternoon, we’ll be driving to Islamabad via the Lahore-Islamabad Motorway. After we arrive to Islamabad, we’ll have dinner and check-in at the hotel for the evening.
Meals: breakfast and dinner
Overnight in Islamabad
We’ll fly out to Skardu first thing in the morning from Islamabad. Then we’ll spend the next two days exploring the local area. It’s spring, so expect a good amount of wild flowers and butterflies! We’ll first visit the heart shaped Katchura Lake, then the cold desert in Shigar, and Mathoka Waterfall.
We’ll wrap up this part of the trip by checking out Sheosar Lake with its stunning, clear waters and visiting Bara Pani, where you can enjoy the peaceful scenery and take some great photos.
Meals: breakfast and dinner
We’ll leave early morning for Hunza. There will be quite a bit of driving today, but we promise that the journey will be worth it! Imagine being surrounded by some of the highest snow-clad mountains on the planet while driving on the Karakoram Highway, the highest paved road in the world.
We’ll see remnants of the Old Silk Road on the way. One of our stops will be at Rakaposhi Mountain, where we’ll have a tea break. After this, we’ll have a quick check-in at the hotel and travel to Attabad lake, where there are multiple optional water activities you can enjoy.
After the lake, we’ll visit Passu and Hussaini Bridge, the famous hanging bridge you might have seen on social media, which is on the way to Borith Lake. After the lake, we’ll stop at the historical Altit Fort. To finish our time in this region, we’ll get to catch the sunset from Eagle’s Nest. There will be free time to visit the Hunza Bazaar for those who want to do some shopping!
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
We’ll leave Hunza early in the morning and travel through Gilgit to get to Phander. This area is full of hidden gems, including bright blue lakes and charming villages. You’ll have the chance to engage with the local communities and learn more about the way of living here.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
On Day 10, we’ll head to Mastuj, exploring spots like Gupis, also known as Khalti, in the Ghizer District of Gilgit-Baltistan. Our journey will take us through the breathtaking Shandur Pass, where we’ll stop to enjoy Shandur Lake and check out the world’s highest polo ground. We’ll drive past the beautiful meadows of Barsit, Langar, and Teru, with an overnight stay in Mastuj, the main village of the Yarkhud Valley. As we follow the river gorge, we’ll experience the charm of various villages. After a long day of travel, we’ll settle in for the night at Mastuj.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Overnight at Mastuj
Today, we’ll make our way to Bumbret Valley, where we’ll visit the local museum, unique graveyards (in a respectful way, of course), and the town center where tribes used to gather. You’ll have the chance to interact with the locals, dive into their unique culture and attire, and even join in some dancing and photography. After a day full of experiences, we’ll enjoy dinner and settle in at the hotel.
We’ll also finally get to do what we’ve been waiting for: taking part in the Kalash Spring Festival! If you’re up for it, we can also explore the ancient city of Chitral. We’ll head to Birmoglasht for a stunning bird’s-eye view of the valley and, with a bit of luck, spot some Markhor, the national animal of Pakistan. We’ll wrap up each day with dinner and another night at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Start the day with an early morning breakfast before embarking on the journey to Islamabad. Today, you will travel through the impressive 10.4 km long tunnel that connects Chitral and Dir, a significant engineering feat that has transformed travel in the region. Before the tunnel’s construction, travelers had to navigate the Lowari Pass, which was an adventure in itself.
We suggest booking your return flights for the FOLLOWING DAY, on May 18th after midday to account for any possible delays. Departure should be booked from Islamabad Airport (ISB).
If you’re an avid hiker and would like to explore Fairy Meadows, make sure to check out our travel add-on! 4 extra days traveling in the more remote part of Northern Pakistan.
Thank you for your interest in being part of this amazing adventure. We hope you’ll have a fantastic time and look forward to our journey together!
Best,
The Hybrid Tours Team
Ask Away! We're Here to Help.
Inquire Anything
The Journey Begins with Your Inquiry. Ask Now!
Our Email
Read what our guests have to say!
Stories from Satisfied Customers
