Zeeshan Ahmed, Author at Hunza Guides Pakistan

Explore Pakistan: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Welcome to Pakistan, a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality! If you’re planning a visit to this diverse and enchanting country, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s everything you need to know to make your journey to Pakistan an unforgettable experience.

Visa Requirements:

Before embarking on your adventure, ensure you have the necessary travel documents. Most visitors to Pakistan require a visa, which can be obtained online from your home country. Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. How to obtain visa and know its types please Click here

Best Time to Visit:

Pakistan experiences a varied climate, with each season offering its own charm. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal for visiting most parts of the country, with pleasant temperatures and blooming landscapes. Summers (June to August) can be hot, especially in the plains, while winters (December to February) bring snowfall to the northern regions, perfect for winter sports enthusiasts.

Safety and Security:

Pakistan is a safe and welcoming destination for travelers, but like any other country, it’s essential to exercise caution and stay informed about local conditions. Keep abreast of travel advisories from your government and follow common-sense safety precautions. Respect local customs and traditions, and you’ll find that Pakistanis are among the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.

Transportation:

Getting around Pakistan is relatively easy, thanks to a well-developed transportation network. Domestic flights connect major cities, while trains and buses offer affordable and scenic journeys across the country. For short distances within cities, taxis, rickshaws, and ride-hailing services are readily available.

Accommodation:

Pakistan offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. From luxury hotels and boutique guesthouses to budget-friendly hostels and homestays, you’ll find plenty of choices wherever you go. Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Cuisine:

No trip to Pakistan is complete without sampling its mouthwatering cuisine. From aromatic biryanis and succulent kebabs to spicy curries and indulgent sweets, Pakistani cuisine is a gastronomic delight. Don’t miss the chance to savor street food delicacies like samosas, pakoras, and chaat from local vendors.

Culture and Etiquette:

Pakistan is a culturally rich and diverse country, with a rich tapestry of traditions, languages, and customs. Respect local customs and traditions, dress modestly, and always ask for permission before taking photographs, especially in religious sites.

Must-See Attractions:

Pakistan boasts a wealth of attractions waiting to be explored. From the ancient ruins of Mohenjo-Daro and Taxila to the majestic peaks of the Karakoram Range and the pristine beaches of Gwadar, there’s something for every traveler to discover.

With its stunning natural beauty, fascinating history, and warm hospitality, Pakistan is a destination like no other. So pack your bags, embark on a journey of discovery, and prepare to be enchanted by the wonders of Pakistan.

Hunting in Gilgit Baltistan

Hunting Trophy

The Gilgit- Baltistan, which is situated at the intersection of four of the world’s mightiest mountain ranges, the Hindukush, Himalayas, Karakorum and Pamirs (The Roof of the World). These ranges from the largest concentration of High Mountain peaks in the world within the radius of less than hundred KM.
There are more than 700 peaks above 6000-m, including 137 peaks above 7000 meters, 29 above 7500 meter and five out of fourteen peaks above 8000 meters in the world including invincible K-2 8611 meters (the world’s 2nd highest peak), Nanga Parbat 8125 meters the world’s most challenging peak of western Himalayas known as the sleeping beauty, Gasherbrum-1(8068) meters, Broad peak 8047 meters and Gasherbrum-II.
The area once beyond the forbidden frontiers is open today through the Eighth wonder of the world the Karakorum High Way which once known as the Silk Route.

“Hunza Guides Team” being the native of the area has twenty years of experience of leading Adventure trips including “Hunting Expeditions” to this legendary land. We offer trips in other places of touristic interest throughout Pakistan, China, and newly accessible wonderlands of Central Asia. Amir and other four directors having vast experience of the adventure, manage the Hunza Guides Pakistan.

Nestled between Afghanistan, China, Ladakh, and India this is the remotest and most inaccessible mountain region in the world.
In above mountains higher Ranges including five of the world’s fourteen highest peaks, this rugged region offers a sanctuary to some of the rare and most prized species of wildlife. The list of species found in this great wilderness is very long.
There are several species of ibex found all over this vast mountain region. With the strict control on hunting some of them reach phenomenal sizes offering rewarding trophies to the daring hunters who venture in this great wilderness.

Any hunting trip in this inaccessible area needs careful planning. A number of permits from the local and federal authorities, special import and re-export licenses for the firearms as well as permits to carry and use these inside the country are required. These often take several weeks to process and must be obtained before the arrival of the hunting party in the country.
Due to non-availability of food and shelter as well as the scarcity of fuel and strict control on logging everything needs to be acquired in advance and transported on difficult mountain trails by porters to the base camp.

Hunza Guides Pakistan: makes professional planning of the hunting expedition a necessity.
Special we provide camping equipment, tents, mess tent, utensils, kitchen, food, and fuel is carefully selected by professionals to withstand extreme climatic conditions and to last the duration of the hunting expedition.

Hunza Guides allocate experienced mountain guides, hunting scouts, cooks and bearers accompany the expedition to ensure smooth and efficient operation as well as maximum comfort of the hunters even in the most remote locations.

From the base camp hunting scouts and mountain guides assist the hunters in making hunting plans and to establish advance camps closer to the ibex habitat from where scouting and stalking of the trophy animals is done.
Ibex hunting is a very demanding venture and due to the ruggedness of the terrain and remoteness of this region hunters must be in top form. However, in the event of an accident or illness helicopters can be acquired for evacuation of causality.

All this requires advance preparation. The hunt organizers must know that there altogether twenty hunting permits are issued each year for the entire region of Gilgit Baltistan. The organizers must contact us well in advance with details of their party so that the required number of permits could be acquired in advance. Hunting rules in the valley are strict. It is restricted to the relatively dry mountains of the inner Himalaya, Karakoram and the Hindu Kush between 3200 to around 5000 m. It inhabits most of the higher mountain ranges across all of the Gilgit and Baltistan districts, and the northern Kashmir. December to March is suitable for ibex as the snow brings them to lower areas. The hunting areas are 9.000’-12.000’ and an average of this specie 36”- 40” horn length. There are several good community-managed areas where good trophies can be hunted. Karakorum Blue Sheep is recently opened and can be hunted in far north corner of the country.

Shimshal and KVO are two communities where limited permits are available. The hunting period is October thru November and March. Elevation is 12.000’ – 15.000. Yaks can be used for transportation in the high elevations. The government of Pakistan issues special permits in coordination with WWF each year for certain areas and for certain old age animals.

Hunting Areas	Season of Hunting	Duration of Hunting	Shooting distance	Altitude of
Conservancies Astore, Gulmit, Shimshal Hushe Basho, Khurumber	October through April 30 Best mid Dec-mid Jan	5 to 6 Days	100 – 350 yds	Between 7,000 – 15,000

Contact us for the Hunting permits, coordination with concern Government/non-Governmental departments and to arrange all required logistics of “Hunting expeditions”.

Filiming Documentary tours

Filming Documentary Trips:
Hunza Guides Pakistan Trekking and Tours hosts photography trips guided by seasoned photographers all across the picturesque landscape of Pakistan. It doesn’t matter if you are a professional photographer, or someone who is just starting out, as long as you appreciate beauty and enjoy capturing it through a lens, this tour is meant for you. You can set out with a few friends, or host a photography themed retreat for your employees as a way to rejuvenate,and Hunza Guides Pakistan Trekking and Tours can assure you that you will return from the tour refreshed and content.

Hunza Guides Pakistan Trekking and Tours arrange Filming and Photography Trips for international photographers, interested individuals & groups to experience and capture their journey to beautiful landscapes of Himalaya’s and Karakorum.

Our Experiences:

On the Trails of the Glaciers” Scientific Photography Expedition: Mr. Fabiano Ventura

The Great Crossing” Extreme skiing from Shimshal to Biafo glacier): Miss. Tamara Lunger

Servus TV, Salzburg, Austria” Broad Peak 8047-m & Masherbrum 7821-M climbing- Filming: Mr. David Lama

Austrian Gasherbrum-I 8068-m) & Gasherbrum –II (8035-m) climbing-Filming Expedition: Mr. Ewal Putz

First winter expedition-Gasherbrum-II (8035-m)” Mr. Simone Moro, Denis Urubko and Cory Richards

white-water-rafting

White water rafting and River Boating

The rivers of Pakistan are woven like an intricate net all through the country’s expanse. From the peaks of the Karakorams, the Hindukush and the Himalayas, Pakistan’s mighty rivers twist and turn to change their course until they can all meet at the magnificent Indus River. These rivers are all fed into the great Arabian sea and are deemed perfect for a wide array of water sports such as canoeing, rafting, boating and sailing. Several rivers, such as the Kunhar River, the Hunza River and the Gilgit River are spread over all the provinces of Pakistan and are open for water rafting. Hunza Guides Pakistan Trekking and Tours arranges several trips to all these locations and more for a well rounded trip that is bursting with fun and adventure. Not only that but we also have a proficient team of lifeguards on board to make sure you don’t have to worry about the safety of your loved ones amidst all the fun.

Gilgit River, Hunza River and their tributaries in Shimshal, Ishkoman, and other beautiful valleys of Hindukush range offers very safe and exciting rafting with easy trekking nearby panoramic trails.

Rivers of the scenic Swat and lush green Kaghan valleys are worth floating and provide breathing views of a beautiful mountain panorama. The Mighty Indus River flows very gently through fertile and lush green plains of Punjab, where floating down stream on the big wooden boats like the Galleons of Alexander the great is a pleasant experience. This leisure ride allow a close view of the peasant villages and thousands of birds, migrating from the cold regions and viewing the sun-set at the distance horizon is always soul freshening.

Cycling tour in Pakistan

Gilgit Baltistan is a paradise for adventure seekers, and one of the most thrilling ways to explore its stunning landscape is on a cycling tour. With a combination of natural beauty and cultural diversity, Gilgit Baltistan is an ideal destination for cycling enthusiasts.

Our cycling tours are designed for individuals who want to challenge themselves and explore the untamed beauty of the region. Our professional cycling guides will lead you through the enchanting valleys, high-altitude passes, and mountainous terrain. You’ll get to experience the authentic culture and traditions of the local people, sample the delicious cuisine, and witness the breathtaking scenery that Gilgit Baltistan has to offer.

We offer a variety of cycling tours that cater to different skill levels and preferences. From easy rides through the lush green valleys to challenging rides up to the high-altitude passes, our tours have something for everyone.

Our cycling tours are fully supported, and we provide all the necessary equipment, including high-quality mountain bikes, helmets, and safety gear. Our experienced guides are trained in first aid and rescue operations, ensuring your safety at all times.

Some of the popular cycling routes in Gilgit Baltistan include the Karakoram Highway, the Deosai Plains, and the Skardu Valley. These routes offer a combination of stunning landscapes, challenging climbs, and cultural experiences that are sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Our cycling tours are available throughout the year, but the best time to visit is from May to October when the weather is mild and pleasant. We offer both group and private tours, and our itineraries can be customized according to your preferences.

Join us on a cycling tour in Gilgit Baltistan and discover the thrill of exploring one of the most beautiful regions on Earth on two wheels.

Bike Tour Via Babusar Pass and Karakorum Highway

12 Days Itinerary

Day-01: Islamabad and Rawalpindi

Welcome at Islamabad airport, and transfer to hotel.
Afternoon proceed for city tour of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, which includes famous Faisal Mosque, Shakar Parian, Pakistan monument, Damen Koh, Lok Versa, Museum, Rawalpindi old bazaar, Raja Bazaar.

Altitude: 540 M
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day-02: Ride from Islamabad to Naran

Drive and Bike ride to Naran 279 km via Mansehra- Jalkhad arrive and transfer to hotel

• Altitude: 2,409 M
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day-03: Ride from Naran to Gilgit

Drive and Bike ride to Karimabad (Hunza) on Karakorum highway 100km.

• Altitude: 1500 M
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day-04: Ride from Gilgit to Karimabad

Drive and Bike ride to Karimabad (Hunza) on Karakorum highway 100 km.

• Altitude: 2,500 M
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day-05: Ride- Duiker

Bike ride and local visits in Karimabad, afternoon drive and Bike ride to Duiker valley.

• Altitude: 2,800 M
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day-06: Ride from Karimabad to Passu

Drive and Bike ride to Passu 35 km via Attaabad Lake, after refreshment visit Hussani suspension bridge, Borith Lake, Gulkin village, Passu glacier, and Batura glacier.

• Altitude: 2,450 M
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day-07: Ride from Sost to Khunjerab Pass

Drive and Bike ride to Khunjerab Pass 4733m 95 km (Pak- China Border) and drive back to Sost 59 km

• Altitude: 2,800 M
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day-08: Ride from Sost to Karimabad

Drive and Bike ride to Kariambad on Karakorum highway 85 km.

• Altitude: 2,500 M
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day-09: Ride from Karimabad to Gilgit

Drive and Bike ride to Gilgit on Karakorum highway 100km. Afternoon local visits in Gilgit town

• Altitude: 1,265 M
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day-10: Ride from Gilgit to Besham

Drive and Bike ride Chilas on Karakorum highway 135km, after refreshment continue drive and Bike ridge to Besham 200km.

• Altitude: 613 M
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day-11: RIde from Besham to Islamabad

Drive and Bike ride Chilas on Karakorum highway 135km, after refreshment continue drive and Bike ridge to Besham 200km.

• Altitude: 540 M
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day-12: Fly Back Home

Transfer to Islamabad airport for international flight

Detailed Itinerary Bike Tour Via Shandur and Babusar Pass

15 Days Itinerary

Day-01: Islamabad and Rawalpindi

Altitude: 540 M
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day-02: Drive from Islamabad to Swat

Drive and Bike ride to Swat 240 km, en-route visit well-preserved monastery of Takhat-e-Bai.

• Altitude: 980 M
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day-03: Drive from Swat to Chitral

Drive and Bike ride Chitral 254 km.

• Altitude: 1,494 M
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day-04: Drive from Chitral to Kalash Valleys

Drive and Bike ride to Kalash valleys 60 km, afternoon visit of Birir, Bomborat, and Rambour valleys

• Altitude: 1,670 M
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day-05: Drive from Kalash to Mastuj

Drive and Bike ride to Chitral 60 km, after refreshment continue drive and Bike ride to Mastuj 120 km

• Altitude: 2,359 M
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day-06: Drive from Mastuj to Phander

Drive and Bike ride to Phander 94 km, after refreshment visit local visits and Phander Lake

• Altitude: 3,030 M
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day-07: Drive from Phander to Gilgit

Drive and Bike ride to Gilgit 188 km, after refreshment local visits in Gilgit town.

• Altitude: 1,500 M
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day-08: Drive from Gilgit to Karimabad

Drive and Bike ride to Kariambad on Karakorum highway 100 km

• Altitude: 2,500 M
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day-09: Drive from Karimabad to Duiker

Visits: Altit Fort, Baltit Fort and Bike ride to Duiker valley 1 hour.

• Altitude: 2,800 M
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day-10: Drive from Duiker to Sost

Drive and Bike ride to sost 85 km, en-route visit Attaabad Lake, Passu and Batura glaciers.

• Altitude: 1,265 M
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day-11: Sost- Khunjerab Pass and Karimabad

Drive and Bike ride to Khunjerab Pass 4733m, 59 km, and drive back to Kariambad 179 km

• Altitude: 2,500 M
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day-12: Drive from Karimabad to Chilas

Drive and Bike ridge to Chilas on Karakorum highway 235 km.

• Altitude: 1,265 M
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day-13: Drive from Gilgit to Naran

Drive and Bike ride to Naran via Babusar Pass 4173m, 113 km

• Altitude: 2,409 M
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day-14: Drive from Naran to Islamabad

Drive to Islamabad 279 km, en-route visit Taxila museum and historical sites.

• Altitude: 540 M
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day-15: Fly Back Home

Transfer to Islamabad airport for international flight

What's Included

What's Not Included

What's Included

What's Not Included

Skiing Tours in Biafo

Hunza Guides team has great honor to inform you all professional skiing lovers that we are organizing winter skiing trip called Great Crossing, start from Shimshal valley to Khurdopin glacier via Lupka La pass 5790-M to Snow Lake and to Biafo glacier. There is great opportunity to climb below 6500-M peaks around on the skiing route from Khurdopin glacier to Snow Lake.

Shah Faisal Mosque

Buddhist Pilgrimage

Buddhism, a faith founded by Siddhartha Gautama (known as the Buddha), emerged over 2,500 years ago in India. Today, with approximately 470 million followers, Buddhism is considered one of the major world religions. The birthplace of the Buddha was Lumbini, located in what is now Nepal, and he passed away around the age of 80 in Kushinagara, India.

After the Buddha’s death, Buddhism spread throughout South Asia within the following five centuries. Over the course of the next two millennia, it expanded into Central, Southeast, and East Asia, as well as Eastern Europe. Pakistan, in particular, has been a significant center for Buddhism, attracting a large population of pilgrims, learners, and devotees to destinations such as Taxila and Swat.

Our meticulously planned seven-day trip aims to uncover the remarkable remnants of Buddhism in Pakistan. This land, once a flourishing hub of the faith and a prominent center of learning for monks, holds awe-inspiring Buddhist remains. Throughout the journey, you will have the opportunity to explore these historically significant sites, delve into the rich history and teachings of Buddhism, and witness the cultural impact of this ancient religion in the region.

Highlights

Visit Taxila Museum, Julian and Sirkap.
Visit Mohra Moradu, Dharmarajika Stupa And Monastery, Bhir Mound, Piplan
Visit Takht Bhai, Swat Museum, Mingora Bazaar
Visit Qissa Khwani bazaar, Peshawar Museum and Mahabat Khan Mosque
Visit Famous Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, Lok Versa, Pakistan Monument , Margalla Hills

Day-01: Islamabad and Rawalpindi

Altitude: 540 M
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day-02: Taxila-Julian-Sirkap- Dharmarajika Stupa

Full day explore the Buddhist and agroecological sites of Taxila, visit Taxila Museum, Julian (Jaulian Monastery), Sirkap and Dharmarajika Stupa