Mountain Peaks, Ancient Valleys & The World's Most Dangerous Bridge
Dates: June 13th – 25th 2027
Cost: €2,550
Country: Pakistan
Due to the high demand for our extremely successful first trip, we’re going back to Pakistan in June!
This 13-day adventure takes you through the legendary Karakoram Highway, into valleys so beautiful they’ll make you question if you’re still on Earth, and we’ll walk across what might be the world’s most terrifying suspension bridge – it’s safe, we swear!
Pakistan is one of those places that people assume is “too risky” or “too difficult”, but that’s what makes it so brilliant. With our group, you’ll experience the Pakistan that tourists rarely see: warm hospitality, jaw-dropping mountain scenery, and adventures that’ll have your mates back home absolutely green with envy.
We’ll fly into Skardu on one of the most spectacular flights in the world, trek up to Fairy Meadows and wake up to Nanga Parbat (the world’s 9th-highest mountain, casual), then watch the sunset over Hunza Valley from Eagle’s Nest viewpoint.
This trip is for the women who want to go where others won’t.
NOTE: We’re offering a 75 euro discount for early bookings. The discount code is: EARLYBIRD and is valid until September 13th 2026.
If you want your own room, the single supplement is 500 euro. You can choose “single room” when checking out.
What’s Included
Domestic flight (Islamabad <> Skardu)
All domestic transport
All accommodation
Airport pick-up on the day the trip starts
Airport drop-off on the day the trip ends
All activities and site tickets, as listed
All meals, daily
International leader
Expert, local tour guide
Visa support letter
Excluded
Personal expenses
International flights
Travel insurance
Tips for guides
Visa fees
Porter service (available if needed)
Accommodation
Throughout our trip, we’ll stay in a mix of 3- and 4-star hotels in cities, and cosy mountain cottages in the valleys.
Fair warning: we’re spending two nights at Fairy Meadows in wooden cottages with limited electricity. It’s rustic, it’s magical, and it’s absolutely unforgettable.
All rooms on all trips are shared, with 2 people in each room. We will pair you with an adventure buddy – an amazing way to make new friends! You’ll be moved around to pair up with a new friend every couple of nights.
All rooms will be twin-sharing, private rooms. Single rooms are available for a supplement.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Islamabad
Welcome to Pakistan! Your transfer will pick you up at Islamabad Airport and bring you to your hotel.
After settling in, we’ll head out for a tour of Pakistan’s capital city. We’ll visit the stunning Faisal Mosque (the 6th largest mosque in the world), the Pakistan Monument, and the Lok Virsa Museum to get a taste of Pakistani culture.
Tonight’s all about meeting your travel crew and getting excited for the mountain madness ahead!
Meals Include: Welcome Dinner
Day 2 - Fly to Skardu, Basho Valley
An early flight north to Skardu, and if the weather is kind, this is one of the most spectacular commercial flights anywhere!
From Skardu, we swap into 4×4 jeeps and head into Basho Valley, a green bowl of meadows and pine forest that very few visitors ever reach. You’ll have free time to wander, take photos and be present in nature.
Then we drive on to Jaglot, with a stop at Astak Nala along the way.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 3 - Fairy Meadows Trek
After an early breakfast, we’re heading to Raikot Bridge, where we’ll board 4×4 local jeeps for what can only be described as the most adventurous (read: absolutely mental) 2-hour jeep ride of your life.
At Tatto village, we’ll have a refreshment break before starting our 3-4 hour trek to Fairy Meadows. Don’t worry, porters and pony rides are available if you need them; just pay on the spot.
When you finally reach Fairy Meadows and see the mighty Nanga Parbat (the “Killer Mountain”) towering above you, surrounded by wildflowers and alpine forests, you’ll understand why people call this place heaven on Earth.
Tonight we’re having a bonfire under literally a billion stars. No light pollution, just you, your new mates, and the entire Milky Way showing off.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 4 - Nanga Parbat Base Camp
For the adventurous souls (which, let’s be honest, is all of you), today we’re trekking to Beyal Camp and the Nanga Parbat Base Camp. It’s a challenging trek, but standing at the base of the 9th-highest mountain in the world? Super unreal.
If you’re not feeling the trek, you can spend a relaxing day around Fairy Meadows, visit Reflection Lake, and soak in the mountain vibes.
Either way, tonight’s another bonfire under the stars or some proper stargazing, or both!
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 5 - Hunza Valley
After breakfast, we’ll trek back to Tatto Valley and board our 4×4 jeeps for the ride back to civilisation. From there, we’re heading to the legendary Hunza Valley, often called “Shangri-La,” and honestly, you’ll see why.
We’ll stop at the Rakaposhi viewpoint (the 27th-highest mountain in the world) for photos before continuing to our hotel in Hunza.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 6 - Central Hunza & Baltit Fort
Today we’re exploring Central Hunza, and honestly, this valley is like nowhere else on Earth. We’ll visit Hoper Valley (an optional 2-hour trek to see the glacier if you fancy it), the ancient Baltit Fort, which has stood here for 700 years, and then we’ll head to the Eagle’s Nest viewpoint.
The sunset from Eagle’s Nest? Magical! You’re surrounded by massive peaks, the Hunza Valley stretches out below you, and the light just does something special here.
We’ll have free time in Karimabad Market in the evening for shopping and exploring.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 7 - Upper Hunza Adventure
Today’s packed, but in the best possible way. We’re heading to Upper Hunza and hitting all the legendary spots.
First stop: the Pak-China friendship tunnels (these are a feat of engineering, honestly). Then we’re off to see the Passu Cones. These iconic pyramid-shaped peaks look like they’ve been painted onto the landscape.
Now for the moment you’ve all been waiting for: the Hussaini Suspension Bridge. This is allegedly one of the most dangerous bridges in the world (it’s not actually that bad, but it IS wobbly and brilliant for testing your nerve).
We’ll also visit the Attabad Lake, which was created by a massive landslide in 2010. It’s now a gorgeous turquoise lake where you can go boating or jet skiing if you fancy.
For those who still have energy, there’s an optional 2-hour return trek to Baskochi Top.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 8 - Naltar Valley
After breakfast, we’re off to Naltar Valley, often called Pakistan’s best-kept secret. We’ll board 4×4 jeeps to reach the famous Naltar Lakes, which are honestly some of the most beautiful alpine lakes you’ll ever see!
We’ll spend the night either in Naltar or Gilgit.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 9 - Skardu
Today we cross Gilgit-Baltistan properly, following the Indus River east towards Skardu.
The drive is a big part of the point. The road runs along the bottom of an enormous brown gorge with the river churning below you, and the mountains close in on both sides for hours. It’s stark and completely different from the green of Hunza.
Once we’re in Skardu we’ll head straight to Shangrila Resort at Lower Kachura Lake. We’ll spend some time around the water here.
Then on to Upper Kachura Lake, which is quieter, deeper and framed by poplars that should be golden by the time we’re there. Check into the hotel and rest up.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 10 - Waterfalls, cold deserts and a fort
Who would’ve thought you could find these so close together in Pakistan?!
First, we drive out to Kharmang to see the Manthoka Waterfall, a proper thundering drop you can walk right up to. Wear something you don’t mind getting damp.
Then we head to the Sarfaranga Cold Desert. It’s one of the highest deserts in the world, sitting at around 2,200m, and it’s an expanse of sand dunes with snow-capped 6,000m peaks standing behind it. It makes no sense, and it’s amazing.
We finish in Shigar Valley at Shigar Fort, a 17th-century fort and palace built by the local rajas, restored by the Aga Khan Trust and now a heritage hotel. Apricot orchards, carved wooden balconies, and a long history of Baltistan’s ruling family. We’ll have a wander and hear the stories.
Back to Skardu for the night.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 11 - Takht-i-Bahi and Peshawar
Morning flight from Skardu back to Islamabad, with one last look at the Karakoram Mountains from the air.
From there, we hit the road for Takht-i-Bahi, a Buddhist monastery complex dating to the 1st century that sits atop a hilltop above the plains. It’s been a UNESCO site since 1980, and it’s one of the best-preserved Gandharan monasteries anywhere.
Then we push on to Peshawar. Dinner is at the famous Namak Mandi, a historic food street of open-fire kitchens where you pick your meat and they cook it in front of you! Karahi, tikka, naan, straight off the oven wall.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 12 - Peshawar
Today we walk through Peshawar, one of the oldest cities in South Asia.
We’ll start at the Peshawar Museum, which holds one of the world’s great collections of Gandharan Buddhist art, then head into Qissa Khwani Bazaar. The name means Storytellers’ Bazaar, because caravan traders used to stop here and swap news over green tea. It’s still noisy, still full of tea, and very lively.
We’ll visit Taj Soda, Sethi House, Gor Khatri, and the Mahabat Khan Mosque, a Mughal-era mosque with a white marble courtyard that goes very quiet the second you step inside.
We’ll also stop into the truck art workshops, where Pakistan’s ridiculously decorated trucks get hand-painted. Bring cash – the small pieces make good souvenirs.
Back to Islamabad in the evening for our farewell dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 13 - Departure Day from Islamabad
After breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to say goodbye. We’ll transfer you to the airport for your departure, marking the end of an unforgettable journey through the magical land of Pakistan.
Safe travels and we hope to see you again on another adventure!
Meals Included: Breakfast
FAQ & Itinerary Note:
This itinerary, as always, is open to small changes depending on the weather, flights, etc. Fear not, if we have to make any adjustments, it will be to swap something out with an equally, if not better, experience!
Please note that this trip starts and ends at Islamabad. Please book your international flights accordingly.
I'm ready! How do I book?
Ready for an unforgettable adventure in Pakistan? Click the BOOK NOW button to head to our payment portal and secure your spot with a €750 deposit. The remaining balance will be divided into two equal payments due 2 and 3 months before departure. Need a custom payment plan? No problem! Reach out to us, and we’ll create a plan that works best for you. Remember, spots are booked on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t wait!
How many people are on the trip?
This trip requires a minimum number of guests to proceed, and this minimum must be met at least 4 months before departure to be guaranteed. If the minimum number of guests is not met by then, a full refund will be issued.
Expect to travel with 6-14 new friends!
Why are deposits non-refundable?
The deposit for your trip is non-refundable due to several important factors. Firstly, when you book a spot, we immediately begin the process of planning and preparing for your journey. This involves engaging staff who work diligently behind the scenes to ensure every aspect of your trip is meticulously organised. These preparations often involve upfront costs that are incurred from the moment your booking is confirmed. Additionally, by requiring a non-refundable deposit, we aim to ensure that all participants are committed to the trip.
We understand that plans can change, which is why we insist all travellers have trip insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances that might affect their ability to participate.
What about my other payments? Are they refundable?
All payments, except your deposit, are fully refundable three months prior to the departure date. After the three-month mark, any payments made are non-refundable. This is because we are usually unable to find a replacement at such short notice, and have contracts in place with our vendors that need to be fulfilled.
Again, we strongly recommend all travellers have travel insurance so that they can refund you should your plans change. At the end of the day, we are a small business, and we want nothing more than to continue showing our guests the world. We hope you understand the importance of adhering strictly to this policy.
How much money will I need for non-included meals, alcohol, and souvenirs?
Pakistan is incredibly affordable! Expect to pay around €3-5 for a filling street food meal, €5-8 for a restaurant lunch, and €1-2 for snacks and chai stops.
For souvenirs, Pakistan offers absolutely gorgeous handwoven carpets, pashmina shawls, traditional embroidered textiles, gemstones (the Hunza region is famous for them!), and beautiful handicrafts. You’ll find brilliant deals in local markets. Remember to bargain! Budgeting €100-200 for souvenirs should give you plenty of room to bring home some treasures, but honestly, it depends on your shopping habits!
Alcohol is quite difficult to find in Pakistan (it’s a predominantly Muslim country), and when available, it’s expensive and usually only in select hotels. If you drink, we recommend stocking up at the duty-free on arrival.
How does tipping work?
To make things smooth and stress-free, we will be collecting a kitty of 50 euro per person at the beginning of the trip. This ensures all of our incredible on-the-ground vendors are taken care of, including guides, drivers, meals, and activities that are listed in your itinerary.
For any additional meals or personal expenses not included in the itinerary, you should expect to pay a separate tip. We will guide you on what is appropriate throughout the trip so you feel confident and comfortable.
How physically demanding is the trip?
This trip has some proper trekking involved! The Fairy Meadows trek on Day 3 is 3-4 hours and moderately challenging, though porters and ponies are available. The optional Nanga Parbat Base Camp trek on Day 4 is more strenuous.
However, most of the trip involves cultural sightseeing, jeep rides, and easy walks. If you can handle moderate hiking and are reasonably fit, you’ll be absolutely fine. Just come prepared with good walking shoes!
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Pakistani food is absolutely delicious and incredibly varied! Most meals will have vegetarian options naturally available. For specific allergies or dietary requirements, please let us know in advance, and we’ll work with our local partners to accommodate you.
What if I want my own room?
We believe that rooming is one of the best parts of the experience. It feels a little like adult summer camp and has always been a highlight for our guests, with nothing but positive feedback in the past.
That being said, if you feel that sharing does not suit your travel style, we are happy to discuss the option of a single room supplement. Simply reach out to us at janetsgrouptrips@gmail.com and we will do our best to accommodate you.
What are the health and vaccination requirements?
There are no mandatory vaccinations required for Pakistan, but it’s recommended to be up-to-date with routine vaccinations. Some travellers choose to get Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus vaccines. Check with your GP or travel clinic.
Altitude sickness can be a concern at Fairy Meadows (3,300m) and higher elevations. We’ve built in acclimatisation time, but if you’re worried, chat with your doctor about bringing Diamox.
Who’s leading the trip?
An experienced Janet’s Journeys leader and a local tour guide will be with you every step of the way.
