PAKISTAN: KARAKORUM BY BEDFORD AND KALASH

DAY 1: Departure with flights from Italy. Layover and flight to Lahore, one of the main cities of Pakistan.

DAY 2: Arrival in Lahore, completion of immigration formalities, and meeting with our local driver for the first kilometers aboard our legendary hand-painted Bedford truck, decorated in the unmistakable style of Pakistani buses and trucks. Transfer to the hotel, check-in, and beginning of our exploration of Lahore with a visit to the imposing Lahore Fort, also known as Shahi Qila, followed by the magnificent Badshahi Mosque, completed in 1683 and considered one of the largest mosques in the world. In the afternoon, we will relax in the beautiful Shalimar Gardens, commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1641, a masterpiece of Mughal landscape architecture that remains a beloved gathering place for the people of Lahore.

Morning: The morning will be dedicated to exploring the Walled City of Lahore, the historic and monumental heart of the former Mughal capital, renowned for its magnificent palaces, towers, and elegant minarets. This extraordinary district, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserves centuries of history, culture, and architecture. Lunch near the Old City.

Afternoon: Transfer to Wagah, the border crossing between Pakistan and India, to witness the famous “border ceremony,” a theatrical military ritual held every evening since 1959 just before sunset. The ceremony features synchronised marches, flag-lowering performances, and highly choreographed displays by both the Pakistani and Indian armed forces on their respective sides of the border.

Evening: Return to central Lahore for dinner and an evening immersed in the vibrant energy and organized chaos of one of South Asia’s most dynamic megacities, home to more than 11 million inhabitants.

Morning: Morning departure for Islamabad aboard our legendary Bedford truck, following the historic Grand Trunk Road, one of Asia’s oldest and longest highways, stretching across Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Along the route, we will stop in Gujranwala, an important commercial center known for agriculture, leather craftsmanship, and ceramics, before continuing to Jhelum, where there will be time to wander through the lively and chaotic Shandar Chowk Bazaar, bargaining among colorful local stalls and shops.

Afternoon: Visit to the magnificent Rohtas Fort, commissioned by the Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri and celebrated for its enormous defensive walls and monumental gateways. The fortress is considered one of the finest examples of Muslim military architecture in South and Central Asia. Arrival in Islamabad, Pakistan’s modern and carefully planned capital city, followed by hotel check-in.

Evening: Dinner and evening in Islamabad.

Distance: (300 km – 7/8 hours)

Morning: Departure for Taxila and guided visit to its extraordinary archaeological complex, once one of the most important centers of Buddhist learning along the Silk Road. For centuries, scholars and students from across Asia traveled here to study philosophy, religion, and science in what was considered one of the ancient world’s great intellectual hubs.

Afternoon: Continuation toward Peshawar along the historic Grand Trunk Road. Upon arrival, hotel check-in followed by an exploration of Peshawar’s legendary bazaars, including Saddar Bazaar and Qissa Khwani Bazaar, the famous “Bazaar of Storytellers,” long known as a meeting point for merchants, travelers, and caravans crossing Central and South Asia.

Evening: Dinner and evening in Peshawar.

Distance: (200 km – 6/7 hours)

Morning: Continuation of the journey toward the breathtaking Swat Valley, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and known for its lush landscapes dotted with lakes, green meadows, and orchards. Along the way, we will stop to visit Takht-i-Bahi, one of the most important Buddhist archaeological sites in Pakistan, home to the remarkably preserved ruins of a monastery dating back to the 1st century AD. We will also visit the Shingardar Stupa, another significant remnant of the region’s ancient Buddhist heritage.

Afternoon: Arrival in the Swat Valley, hotel check-in, and time to relax while surrounded by one of Pakistan’s most beautiful natural settings.

Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in Swat.

Distance: (160 km – 4/5 hours)

Morning: A full day dedicated to traveling along the legendary Karakoram Highway, the spectacular road linking Pakistan and China and stretching for more than 1,000 kilometers through some of the highest mountain ranges on Earth. The journey continues across the scenic Shangla Pass, surrounded by alpine meadows and beautifully sculpted green agricultural terraces that cling to the mountainsides.

Afternoon: Lunch near Besham, a small town that has long thrived thanks to trade and transit along the Karakoram Highway. Continuation of the overland journey throughout the afternoon, following the dramatic curves and winding sections of the KKH through increasingly breathtaking mountain scenery. Arrival in the evening at Raikot Bridge, considered the gateway to the Nanga Parbat base camp, followed by hotel check-in.

Evening: Dinner and evening in Raikot.

Distance: (590 km – 10/12 hours)

Morning: After leaving the Bedford truck in the valley, we will continue by 4×4 vehicles toward the foothills of the majestic Nanga Parbat. Arrival in Tato and beginning of the 7-kilometer trek leading into one of the most spectacular alpine landscapes in Pakistan.

Afternoon: Arrival at Fairy Meadows, an extraordinary meadow located at approximately 3,300 meters in the Raikot Valley, framed by the final stretches of the Raikot Glacier descending from Nanga Parbat and feeding streams that flow into the Indus River. Check-in at the campsite, a magical setting surrounded by dense alpine forests where horses, deer, and occasionally even the rare Himalayan brown bear can still be found roaming peacefully beneath the towering Himalayan peaks.

Evening: Dinner and overnight stay at the Fairy Meadows camp, with the breathtaking view of Nanga Parbat illuminated by the moon.

Morning: Trek towards Beyal Camp on a scenic two-hour walk through lush alpine forests and across mountain streams. Upon reaching the panoramic viewpoint at 3,667 metres, enjoy breathtaking views over the Raikot Glacier and the mighty Nanga Parbat. For those wishing to continue, an optional hike leads to the Nanga Parbat Base Camp at approximately 4,500 metres, where the landscape transforms into a dramatic world of ice, rock, and towering glacial formations along a steep alpine trail.

Afternoon: Lunch at Nanga Parbat Base Camp beneath the imposing walls of the world’s ninth-highest mountain (8,126 m), famously nicknamed the “Killer Mountain” by Sherpas for its challenging climbing history. Afterwards, return trek to Fairy Meadows.

Evening: Dinner and overnight stay at the Fairy Meadows camp, surrounded by the unforgettable moonlit panorama of Nanga Parbat.

Morning: Descend on foot towards Tato before continuing by 4×4 vehicle to Raikot Bridge, where the journey resumes along the legendary Karakoram Highway aboard a traditional Bedford bus. Along the way, enjoy several panoramic stops overlooking Nanga Parbat and the spectacular confluence of the Indus and Gilgit rivers. Arrival in Gilgit late in the morning, followed by lunch.

Afternoon: Brief visit to the city of Gilgit before continuing towards Minapin in the beautiful Nagar Valley. Arrival in the evening and hotel check-in.

Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in Minapin.

Morning: Begin the trek towards the alpine pastures of Hapakun, the traditional summer grazing area above the village of Minapin. This rewarding hike, lasting approximately four hours with around 1,000 metres of elevation gain, crosses lush green meadows and offers spectacular views of Rakaposhi, Diran Peak, and the Minapin Glacier.

Afternoon: Arrival at the camp, followed by an optional trek (weather and trail conditions permitting) towards the breathtaking Rakaposhi Base Camp, located at the foot of the majestic 7,788-metre peak entirely cloaked in snow. Return to the Hapakun pastures in the late afternoon.

Evening: Overnight stay in tents at the Hapakun pastures camp.

Morning: Descend on foot towards Minapin before continuing along the legendary Karakoram Highway to Karimabad, the historic heart of the Hunza Valley. After hotel check-in, explore the charming town, formerly known as Baltit, situated at 2,500 metres and renowned for its rich history and spectacular mountain scenery. Visit the ancient Baltit Fort, once home to the Mir of Hunza until 1945, as well as the beautifully restored thousand-year-old village of Altit, still inhabited by the local community.

Afternoon: Continue exploring the Hunza Valley with a possible excursion (depending on timing and weather conditions) to the terraced village of Duiker, famous for offering one of the most breathtaking sunsets in northern Pakistan. From here, enjoy panoramic views over the Hunza Valley and some of the region’s most iconic peaks, including Rakaposhi, Golden Peak, and Batura Sar. Return to Karimabad.

Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in Karimabad.

Morning: Visit Karimabad and explore the historic Baltit and Altit forts before continuing towards Gulmit along the Karakoram Highway. En route, stop to admire the striking turquoise waters of Attabad Lake, created after the 2010 landslide that dramatically reshaped the Hunza Valley. Continue to the picturesque village of Gulmit, particularly beautiful during spring and autumn when the surrounding orchards are in bloom, and visit the local Cultural Museum, home to a rich collection of regional artefacts.

Afternoon: Trek to Borit Lake and continue to the panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Passu Glacier, with spectacular views of the iconic Passu Cones. On the return journey to Gulmit, stop at the famous Hussaini Suspension Bridge, renowned as one of the most scenic and thrilling suspension bridges in the world.

Evening: dinner in Gulmit.

Morning: Early departure towards Sost, a lively border town along the Karakoram Highway, frequented by traders and travellers from both Pakistan and China. Continue to the spectacular Khunjerab Pass (4,600 m), the dramatic border crossing between Pakistan and China and the highest paved international border crossing in the world, surrounded by breathtaking high-altitude landscapes.

Afternoon: Return to Gulmit along the Karakoram Highway, with arrival and hotel check-in in the late afternoon.

Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in Gulmit.

Morning: Early departure for the scenic journey back to Naran, travelling through the breathtaking landscapes of Babusar Pass and the Kaghan Valley.

Afternoon: Continue southwards along the Karakoram Highway, retracing part of the route through northern Pakistan’s spectacular mountain scenery. Arrival in Naran in the evening, followed by hotel check-in.

Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in Naran.

Distance: (350 km – 7/8 hours)

Morning: Early departure for Islamabad

Afternoon: Relax and free time in Islamabad

Evening: Dinner and evening in Islamabad

Distance: (580 km – 10 hours)

Morning: Wake up and visit the Murree-Ayubia hills and Bhurban.

Afternoon: Return to Islamabad.

Evening: Dinner, evening in Islamabad, and group departure/separation.

Morning: Transfer to the airport and flight back to Italy… And on to the next adventure!

Day 18: Journey towards the Chitral Valley through the Upper Dir district and the Lowari Tunnel, arriving in Ayun. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel overlooking Tirich Mir, the highest peak of the Hindu Kush range. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

(Distance: 400 km – 8/9 hours)

Day 19: Continue to the Kalash Valley of Bumburet, where the vibrant Uchal Festival takes place. Immerse yourself in the celebrations, featuring traditional songs, dances, and ancient rituals held in honour of the harvest season. A unique opportunity to experience the rich folklore and centuries-old traditions of the Kalash people, one of the most fascinating cultural communities in the world.

Day 20: Travel to the Kalash valley of Rumbur and participation in a second day of the festival!

Day 21: Return to Islamabad through the Lowari Tunnel.

(Distance: 400 km – 8/9 hours)

Day 22: Flight back to Italy. Arrival on Day 22… And on to the next adventure!