15 Days Exploration of Lahore Swat Hunza Tour

Upon your arrival at Lahore International Airport, our team will provide you with a warm welcome and help ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel. Once you’ve settled in, take some time to relax and rejuvenate from your travels. When you’re ready, embark on a fascinating sightseeing adventure in Lahore, touted as the heart of Pakistan. Our first stop was Old Lahore Bazaar. This is a bustling market filled with bright colors, scents, and a wide variety of local culture. Here you will have the opportunity to interact with local artisans, taste traditional cuisine and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Next, explore the impressive Lahore Fort, a majestic structure that speaks to the region’s fascinating history. Built-in the 11th century AD, the fort is a testament to different eras of the Mughal era and exhibits exquisite architecture and historical importance.

The tour continues with a visit to the famous Badshahi Mosque, a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, and Iqbal Park, a tranquil green space named after the famous poet and philosopher Allama Iqbal. Our Lahore tour also includes a visit to the Lahore Museum, which houses an extensive collection of art, artifacts, and cultural artifacts. You will have the chance to view centuries-old artifacts that reveal the region’s diverse heritage. To enjoy the authentic taste of Lahore, have lunch at a local restaurant serving delicious Pakistani cuisine. In the afternoon, explore the enchanting Shalimar Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking beauty and intricate landscaping.

As evening approaches, soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Lahore’s famous food street. There, a variety of local cuisine awaits you. You will have the opportunity to sample a variety of cuisines while experiencing the vibrant street culture that epitomizes Lahore’s food scene. After a fulfilling day, return to your hotel and spend a comfortable night.

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, visit the mausoleum of Hazrat Data Ganj Baksh, revered as Data Durbar. A renowned scholar and influential Sufi saint, Hazrat Data Ganj Baksh holds a special place in the hearts of his followers. His tomb is a place of spiritual importance, attracting pilgrims from near and far to seek solace and blessings. While exploring, you will also pay homage to the tomb of Mughal Emperor Jehangir, an architectural wonder decorated with intricate motifs and exquisite craftsmanship. Our tour includes a visit to the revered shrine of Sufism’s main saint, Hazrat Miyam Mir, whose teachings continue to resonate in Punjab’s spiritual heritage. 

Our journey continues with a visit to the Wagah Border, the iconic border between Pakistan and India. Here you can witness the flag-raising ceremony, a mesmerizing display of patriotism and military pomp that symbolizes the closing of the border gates between the two countries. The bright colors, vibrant performances, and passionate patriotism displayed during this ceremony create an unforgettable scene. As the day draws to a close, a delicious dinner concludes your fulfilling trip and gives you one last chance to sample Lahore’s delicious cuisine. Spend another cozy night at your hotel, reflecting on the fascinating experiences and cultural treasures you discovered throughout the day.

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, begin the lovely drive to Islamabad along the highway. The scenery of the Pakistani countryside is truly beautiful. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours and allows you to enjoy the variety of landscapes and beauty of the countryside. Along the way, we will stop at the Khewra Salt Mines, known for its history and natural beauty. These mines have an interesting history dating back to around 326 BC. According to legend, when Alexander the Great and King Porus faced off near the Jhelum River, Alexander’s horse was seen licking a stone in the Khewra region, indicating that there was salt there. We explore mines, see cold salt formations, and learn why salt was important in ancient times. As you continue your journey to Islamabad, have a delicious lunch at a local restaurant and enjoy authentic Pakistani cuisine. Upon your arrival in Islamabad, we will pick you up at your hotel where you can relax, refresh, and spend a lovely evening. A local cuisine dinner will be served at the hotel before your pleasant stay.

After a delicious breakfast, head to Taxila, which is not far away. It is only about 25 kilometers from Islamabad and takes about 45 minutes by car. Taxila has a long history that goes back to the really ancient times, such as the Neolithic era of Saraikala, and also has cool forts like Sirkap (dating to the 2nd century BC) and the city of Sirsk (dating to the 1st century BC). A tour of Taxila will show you how the city has changed over time, influenced by Persian, Greek, and Central Asian cultures. Taxila dates from the 5th century BC—an important place to study Buddhism from the 2nd century BC to the 2nd century AD.

After exploring Taxila, enjoy a lovely lunch at a local restaurant, sampling local cuisine. Then, return to the old town of Rawalpindi and experience the bustling and colorful market filled with all kinds of things and local handicrafts. You can also explore the modern side of Islamabad and visit places like the Shakarparian Garden, Damanekoh, which offers breathtaking views of the city, and the Grand Faisal Mosque, a truly impressive building and symbol of Pakistan’s rich culture.  At the end of the day, return to your hotel in Islamabad and enjoy a delicious dinner featuring a mix of local and international cuisine for a relaxing and satisfying end to your day. Rest assured that a comfortable overnight stay awaits you, complete with a day full of fun discoveries.

After enjoying a magnificent breakfast at the hotel, we will set out on an adventurous drive to Swat, via the stunning route over Malakand Pass. Along this lovely trip, we will make a stop at the awe-inspiring Takht Bhai Buddhist Monastery. Situated near Mardan City, this archeological marvel possesses a fascinating history—it was first a Zoroastrian complex that subsequently transformed into an important Buddhist monument. Dating back to the 1st century BCE, Takht Bhai’s architectural magnificence and cultural significance gained its UNESCO World Heritage Site recognition in 1980.

Our tour of Takht Bhai will provide you with an insight into former civilizations through its beautiful artifacts and historically significant buildings. After this unique experience, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at a nearby restaurant before making our way back through beautiful Swat. It takes about 5 to 6 hours to travel 390 kilometers from Islamabad to our destination, which is replete with beautiful scenery and a variety of landscapes.
Once you reach Swat, check into a cozy hotel where you can get a taste of the local cuisine for dinner. You may relax realizing that the accommodations have been made to provide a restful night’s sleep, enabling you to recharge for the adventures waiting ahead.

After a satisfying breakfast, get ready for an exciting day of exploring. Our first destination is the Swat Museum, which is ideally situated in Saidu Sharif, close to Mengora City. The vast collection of Gandhara sculptures kept in this museum comes from many Buddhist sites spread out around Swat. The ancient artifacts on display at the museum offer a fascinating look into the artistic and cultural legacy of the area.

As we continue exploring Swat’s historical treasures, we will stop at several Buddhist temples and become fully immersed in the spirituality and cultural significance of these remote locations. Our investigation will reveal the architectural wonders and artistic treasures that are witness to the region’s rich history and variety of influences.

As the afternoon progresses, we will explore Saidu Sharif Bazaar‘s colorful mosaic. You can talk to local artists, look at traditional items, and take in the vibrant vibe of the neighborhood market here.
We will arrange lunch and dinner at neighborhood restaurants so you can experience real Swati food, which is well-known for its flavorful treats.

We will head back to the hotel for a quiet evening stay after a full day of cultural immersion and exploration, giving you time to think back on the eye-opening experiences and learnings from your day in Swat.

Having a delicious breakfast, we head out on a lovely journey across the magnificent Shangla Pass from Swat to Chilas. This section of the journey, which spans around 345 kilometers, offers breathtaking views of Pakistan’s natural splendor, including hills with curves, verdant valleys, and various landscapes.

We will stop for a filling lunch at Dassu along the way, giving you a chance to try some the local food and recharge for the remainder of the trip. We will continue to Shatiyal, our next destination, where we may explore historic rock sculptures. These fascinating carvings reveal historical tales and provide insights into the historical and cultural legacy of the area.

The drive from Swat to Chilas takes approximately 8 to 9 hours. When you arrive in Chilas, check into a cozy hotel where dinner will be provided so you can relax and get ready for the excitement that lie ahead. The hotel room is set up to provide a restful night’s sleep.

We set off early in the morning for a scenic trip from Chilas to Karimabad, which is some 225 kilometers away. We will have the chance to see fascinating rock carvings close to Chilas along this beautiful route, which takes four to five hours, which will provide a historical touch to our trip.

As we drive further, we will pass through Gilgit and stop for a delicious lunch to experience the regional delicacies. Next, the trip takes us to Karimabad, which is well-known for both its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Our route to Karimabad will include a stopover to the Rakaposhi viewpoint. Here, in the magnificent surroundings, we’ll enjoy an afternoon tea ceremony and take in the breath-taking views of Rakaposhi Mountain, which rises to a height of 7788 meters with pride.

Our last portion of the trip takes us to Karimabad, where we check into a comfortable hotel for dinner and an overnight stay. Enjoy a leisurely evening among this charming town’s alluring scenery, taking in the serene atmosphere and thinking back on the day’s magical adventures.

Exploring Hunza is an enriching and breathtaking experience. It is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. After a filling breakfast at your hotel, we will proceed to Hunza’s major bazaar, the Karimabad Bazaar. Discover the colorful stalls, talk to the locals, and purchase handicrafts, local goods, and distinctive gifts. We will explore the old architecture and learn about the history of the area while visiting the famous Baltit Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. From here, we can also take in expansive views of the surrounding mountains. We then proceed to investigate Altit Fort, another important historical site in Hunza. The fort offers stunning views of the Valley and a window into the local cultural heritage. 

We will move to a restaurant with a terrace overlooking the Hunza Valley and enjoy local dishes while taking in the breathtaking scenery. Afternoon drive to Hopper Moving Glacier, which is known for its stunning landscapes and the crystal-clear Hopper Lake. Return to your hotel for dinner. Enjoy traditional Hunza cuisine, which includes local specialties like chapshuro, apricot soup, and Hunza bread. Stargazing is a unique experience here if the weather permits as Hunza is an excellent place for stargazing due to its clear skies and we will spend some time marveling at the night sky.

After a satisfying breakfast, our adventure continues with a short 20-minute drive from Karimabad to Attabad Lake, also known as Gojal Lake. This breathtaking lake, formed due to a monumental rockslide in 2010, stretches for 22 kilometers, offering mesmerizing turquoise waters against a backdrop of rugged mountains.

We will set off on a thrilling two- to three-hour boat ride on Attabad Lake so you can take in the serene splendor of the surroundings. We next travel to Gulkin Village, where we will have an exciting hiking adventure. After spending one to two hours making our way across the Gulkin glacier, we will arrive at the breathtaking Borit Lake, which is surrounded by the quaint settlement of Borit.

When you arrive at Borit Lake, have a delicious meal and take in the peaceful atmosphere and the lake’s magnificent waters. Enjoy an easy walk through the village, chat with the welcoming residents, and examine the traditional homes to learn more about the way of life and culture there.

We will head back to Gulmit later in the afternoon, where the hotel will serve dinner. Enjoy the evening while taking in the stunning scenery and thinking back on the day’s educational activities. A relaxing night’s sleep in Gulmit promises a restful conclusion to a full day of discovery and cultural immersion.

After a lovely breakfast at the Gulmit hotel, we go on an adventurous journey to the magnificent Khunjerab Pass to start our day. At 4734 meters above sea level, this pass is the highest point on the Karakoram Highway and a crucial access point from Sinkiang Province in China. A visual feast of majestic peaks and untamed landscapes awaits those who drive to Khunjerab Pass, affording breathtaking views of the Distan Pamir and Karakoram Mountain Ranges. As a National Park, Khunjerab is home to a wide variety of animals, including the elusive Marco Polo sheep.
Once we reach Khunjerab Pass, which is tucked away in a stunning location, we will enjoy a delicious packed lunch and have some quiet time in the majesty of the natural world. We also have a different plan in place for Sust Restaurant to serve hot lunch. We travel back to Gulmit for three or four hours after lunch, giving us time to take in the expansive views one last time. Dinner and a relaxing night’s stay are promised in the evening at the Gulmit hotel.

After an extensive breakfast, we will continue to the fascinating Rakaposhi Viewpoint, we will pause to enjoy a hot and delicious lunch while taking in the breathtaking views of Rakaposhi Mountain. This viewpoint provides an ideal environment to enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains.

After leaving Rakaposhi, our journey to Gilgit takes around three to four hours, during which time we enjoy the diverse scenery, stunning viewpoints, and ruins of the Silk Road that still cling to the mountains. Experience the lively atmosphere of the local bazaar as we arrive in Gilgit. There, you may discover a rich tapestry of local culture.

Dinner at the Gilgit hotel will be served, giving guests a chance to relax and reflect about the day’s activities amid the appealing scenery and cultural encounters. Savor the memories made during the day’s activities as you unwind in comfort during your nighttime stay.

A delicious breakfast awaits as the morning light demonstrates the heavens, signaling the beginning of our journey down the famous Karakoram Highway from Gilgit to Besham. This lovely journey showcases the region’s stunning grandeur and delivers an immersive experience in the heart of Pakistan’s breathtaking surroundings. There are beautiful sights along the way throughout the eight to nine-hour journey.

Midway through our journey, we will stop at Dassu for a refreshing lunch break. This pause gives you the opportunity to unwind and have a delicious meal in the breathtaking scenery that surrounds us. The hotel will greet you warmly when you arrive in Besham, offering a peaceful and enjoyable evening.

Dinner will be served at the hotel, offering a taste of local flavors before settling in for a peaceful overnight stay.

Following a delicious breakfast, our adventure continues as we drive to Islamabad, which takes roughly 6 to 7 hours. The trip takes us through stunning vistas, fascinating valleys, and twisting highways that lead to the capital city.

Upon arrival in Islamabad, you will be transferred to the hotel, giving you time to relax and refresh. The afternoon is free for leisure, with the option of exploring the city’s local markets for unique gifts or simply relaxing at the hotel and taking in the quiet ambiance.

The journey from Islamabad to Lahore via freeway allows passengers to see Pakistan’s different landscapes, from the beautiful vegetation around Islamabad to the historical and cultural richness of Lahore. We will depart Islamabad at leisure after breakfast, and our first stop will be at Behra interchange after crossing the salt range for lunch. Arrive in Lahore in the afternoon and then transfer to your hotel. The hotel will provide a lovely dinner in the early evening, allowing you to appreciate delectable cuisine before preparing for the journey back home. As the clock approaches 1:30 a.m., transportation will be organized to assure a timely departure for your flight.

This marks the conclusion of our memorable journey together, filled with enchanting experiences and cherished moments, as you bid farewell to Pakistan and carry the memories of this remarkable adventure back to your homeland. Bon Vovage.