The ULTIMATE 2-3 Week Pakistan Itinerary

The very best backpacking Pakistan itinerary, built from years of experience living and traveling in the country 🙂

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The Easiest Way to Experience Pakistan!

Want to explore the most incredible mountains on the planet without the stress of arranging it all? A Pakistan tour is your best bet… accommodation, guides, motorbikes, tents, food, and transport are all included, you’ve just got to get yourself here!

The Broke Backpacker’s adventure tour company, Elsewheria, has two immersive adventures coming up that dive deep into Pakistan’s Karakoram with our local partners, and you’re invited! Think treks to basecamps, moto rides to the highest border crossing in the world, nights spent in local homes, and a bunch of new mates who share the same passion for adventure travel that you do. 

Day 1: Islamabad

Staying in Islamabad is undoubtedly one of the nicest city experiences in all of South Asia, and the best place to start your trip if you’re not entering overland.

The airport is far better than Lahore or Karachi, and it’s the only city in the country that’s relatively clean.  

Spend the day checking out some of the top sights like the Faisal Masjid, Pakistan Monument or Margalla Hills trails. For a classic Subcontinent vibe, head farther afield to Rawalpindi for a hefty dose of chaos and historical buildings. 

Day 2: Fly to Skardu

With just two weeks, you definitely want to save time and get to Gilgit Baltistan by flight, which just happens to be one of the most beautiful on the planet.

Pick a right-side window seat to get an up-close view of Nanga Parbat, the 9th-highest peak on the planet. In 45 minutes, you’ll be in Skardu, a small city alongside the Indus that’s the capital of Baltistan.

Stay around town and explore what’s closest – Soq Valley and Kharpocho Fort are solid choices for your first afternoon. The Sarfaranga Dunes are about a 30-minute drive and can have some incredible sunsets in the right conditions. 

Day 3: Skardu

For your first full day in Gilgit Baltistan, there are a ton of things to do in Skardu within a day trip from town.

You can try to check off anything you might have missed yesterday, but I’ve got a few more ideas that will have you back in town by sunset:

• Marsur Rock Trek: Approximately 6 hours of hiking to a seriously insane view that resembles Norway’s Trolltunga. Just be cautious of the trail and have an offline map – it’s not hard to get lost!
• Blind Lake: If you’re in Skardu in summer, there’s no better way to cool off than with a swim in Blind Lake in Shigar. It’s not freezing like other high altitude lakes and is a nice spot to chill at, regardless!
• Basho Valley: This popular meadow is a staple with domestic tourists, so it may not be the most relaxing. But the place is huge and most just stick around the shops that have been set up, so go farther to have spots all to yourself! 
• Sadpara Lake: A bright blue reservoir above Skardu city that hasn’t been commercialized. 

I do NOT recommend going to the Kachura Lakes. Both are super touristy and theme-park-like and not at all appealing to backpackers. 

Day 4: Fairy Meadows

Today’s a bit of a long one, but I promise it’s worth it! Get an early start to reach the Raikot Bridge, your starting point for one of the most dangerous roads in the world.

The two-hour jeep ride to the famed Fairy Meadows is followed by a 5k hike to the meadow itself, though you can also opt to stay in a more basic place in Beyal Camp, which is a bit farther ahead.

I do recommend being aware of seasons, though. This beautiful place is a ZOO during the peak domestic tourism season of June – July. I’d also highly recommend avoiding visiting directly after any major Muslim holiday like the two Eids. 

Day 5: Nanga Parbat Basecamp

The epic hike to the base camp of the 9th-highest mountain on the planet is typically a simple day trip, but you can camp up there if you’d like!

This route takes about 7 hours round-trip from the main Fairy Meadows area, and is typically covered in snow until around May. 

You’ll find that the trail is pretty well marked, though I always recommend having an offline map handy throughout this entire Pakistan itinerary. 

Start early to be sure you can really soak in the views for as long as you’d like: it’s not every day you get to bask under one of the most beautiful peaks on the planet! 

Day 6: Drive to Central Hunza

Another long day (yet one still filled with insane scenery) awaits, as today you’ll make the journey back to the Raikot Bridge before continuing on to Hunza Valley.

All in all, it should take about 7-8 hours to reach Central Hunza, depending on your mode of transport and allocated stops. 

Along the way, check out the junction point of the world’s three highest mountain ranges (the Himalayas, Karakoram and Hindu Kush), stop for the best chapshoro (a local meat pie) at Thol in Nagar, and take a few minutes to really appreciate your first sighting of Rakaposhi. 

If you thought Fairy Meadows was good, the very best of Pakistan (especially for solo female travelers) is about to hit you, so get ready 😉 

Day 7: Karimabad

The former capital of the state of Hunza, Karimabad, is the cutest mountain town in the valley that has the perfect blend of nature and amenities. It’s definitely one of *the* reasons to travel to Pakistan!

The Baltit Fort is over 700 years old and an awesome look into the rich and unique history of the region. But my actual favorite bit of Karimabad is its walks and viewpoints, along with the many great cafes. My favorite of which is Lal Shahzadi’s Hunza Food Pavilion, which is entirely women-owned and run. You’ll find plenty of delicious Hunzai dishes that are unlike anything from mainland Pakistan. 

The hike up to Queen’s Monument (locally known as Malikamu Shikari) takes about 2 hours and gives you a true bird’s-eye view of the entire valley. The monument was erected in honor of Queen Victoria, and you’ll find an old rock structure up top.

Another less strenuous hike with great views can be had from Duikar, but be warned, with paved, drivable roads come crowds!

If you fancy any travel souvenirs, this is the best place to get them: you’ll find every kind of gemstone, dried fruit, and other handicrafts in various local shops throughout the town. For coffee lovers, you’ve got both Cafe de Hunza (which also has a pretty great walnut cake) and Mountain Cup. The latter has much better views and the best milkshakes in the valley, along with plenty of coffee options, too. 

Make sure you get to know the locals whilst you’re here: the Burusho folks that call the area home are among some of the most welcoming in all of Pakistan!

Day 8: Day Trip From Karimabad

You’ve got a few options for an epic day trip from Karimabad, and all will guarantee a great day in the greater Hunza Valley.

If you feel like hiking more, consider a full-day trip to either the Hon Pass or Ultar Base Camp. The BC is a bit easier, but both require a long, full-day commitment.

If you have access to a motorbike, a trip out to Hopar Valley across the Hunza River is always a magical time, especially if you happen to catch it in spring or fall! It takes about an hour each way, and you can also explore around the center area known as Nagar Khas, too.

Day 9: Gulmit 

It’s time to head deeper into the valley into Gojal, also known as Upper Hunza. The language will switch to Wakhi, and the landscapes will become even wilder. On the way up from Karimabad, make a stop at the uber-famous Attabad Lake. But instead of an underwhelming boat ride, head to the Baskochi Meadows trail to lock in for a 1-hour hike with huge rewards.

In 1200 ft of elevation gain, you’ll reach a pasture that also happens to have insane views over the turquoise lake. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan.

Keep going to reach Gulmit, a stunning little hamlet that’s more rural than Central Hunza but still not too far off the road. Pay a visit to the Korgah Carpet Factory (another example of female entrepreneurship in Hunza), and then pop into the “Old House” to see an 800-year-old traditional home. The cafe next to it has some of the best local eats in all of Hunza!

If you have some daylight to spare, you can finish out the day with one more hike: Ondara Poygah, which is just over 1600 stone steps to reach an old fort. The 360 views from the top include several glaciers, the Passu Cones, and even the Attabad Lake in the distance.

Day 10- 11: Shimshal Valley

You know we love to get off the beaten path at TBB, so here’s a key point where this Pakistan itinerary deviates from most adventure tours. While the majority of folks will stay on the main KKH, I implore you to take paths less traveled to experience the magic that is Shimshal Valley.

If you thought the Fairy Meadows road was scary, buckle in. It’s a wild 3.5 hours! This insane cliffside “road” was only built in 2003 and is the community’s only link to the outside world. Surrounded by high peaks, you won’t be surprised to learn that Shimshal has more mountaineers than anywhere in the country.

This is a place to disconnect (cell signal barely works), go on village walks, motorcycle rides, and get to know the people that call this seemingly inhospitable landscape home.

It’s also where you’ll find ample trekking opportunities: the 2-hour walk to the Yazghil Glacier is a good day trek, whereas the incredible journey to Shimshal Pass (locally known as Pamir) will take about 6 days total.

Day 12: Borith Lake

After an early departure from the valley, it’s time to chillax at one of my favorite places in Hunza: the Borith Lake. Perfectly warm in summer, this salty lake sits between two glaciers, but doesn’t appear to be fed by them. Top PK travel tip: bring a towel and something to swim in!

I’ve spent hours and hours swimming, paddling, and kayaking here, and it remains such a special spot even a whole four years later. 

There are a few different places to stay around, from tents to cabins to full-service hotels. Unlike Attabad, that’s been ruined by mass tourism, the locals of Borith are keeping it simple and working with instead of against nature. 

Day 13-14: Rakaposhi Basecamp 

It’s time to end your two-week Pakistan itinerary with a bang: a gorgeous hike alongside a massive glacier to the basecamp of one of the most underrated mountains on earth. At 7788 meters, Rakaposhi sits just outside of the 8000 club, but trust me that she makes up for it.

Some people choose to do this as a day trek, but in my humble opinion, you’re really missing out if you do that! First, it will feel more like a forced workout than a leisurely mountain adventure since it’s about 6 hours to the basecamp. And second, the experience of camping up at the base, surrounded by high peaks and a thundering glacier, is second to none. 

If it’s earlier in the season, camping at Hapakun is amazing too and still better than the long day trip!

When you reach the basecamp, level up your views by climbing to the ridge right alongside the Minapin Glacier. It’s also possible to extend your trip with a side trip to Kacheli Lake, but this will require the help of a local guide since crossing Karakoram glaciers can always be risky. 

After two weeks exploring Skardu, Fairy Meadows, Hunza, and Nagar, there’s still one major mountain region you’ve yet to see: the Hindu Kush.

If you have a bit more time and you’re traveling in the right season (May-November), this route through less-visited Chitral and a bit of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is an absolute must.

Day 15: Minapin to Ishkoman

After some proper mountain time, your legs will enjoy this road trip: it’s about 4 hours or so to Ishkoman, and if you start early, you’ll even get a chance to explore the area.

The best choice in town is the Coyote Den backpackers hostel, which has private rooms in addition to dorms. There are plenty of hidden meadows and hikes to be enjoyed in the valley, just ask your hosts!

Day 16: Phander 

Phander was the first place I ever visited in the Ghizer district, and I quickly fell in love with it. Think bucolic vibes meet a turquoise lake that’s not even remotely commercialized.

While more construction has started in the bazaar area, the farther-out section near the lake (which you’ll reach first when coming from Ishkoman) is still peaceful as can be. 

If you have more time, you can even venture to Yasin before hitting Phander, though the very best parts of that side valley require a few days at least. 

Day 17: Booni (Chitral)

Another long day of driving (through the most spectacular scenery, I may add) awaits! Just make sure you ignore Google Maps ETA. They’re usually inaccurate, but especially so for this section. As you drive through the Shandur Pass at 12,200 ft toward Chitral, you’ll get a front row seat to some of the best views in Pakistan.

This is one of the most beautiful national parks in the country and a place that will always hold a special place in my travel memories.

It will take around 7 hours to reach Booni, a quiet mountain town that will take you back a few decades from Hunza. If you have time, check out sunset at Qaqlasht Meadows (which is also bikeable) or pop in the next morning before heading further south!

Days 18 – 19: Kalash Valleys

The next two days are all about what may be the most unique community in Pakistan: the Kalash. Indigenous to these valleys, which sit a few hours outside of Chitral city, the inhabitants of the three Kalash Valleys are historically not Muslim. Though many have now converted, many still follow their own religion, which is a form of animism. 

Kalash women wear colorful dresses and hats that are distinct from anywhere else in the country, and are particularly welcoming to female travelers. Alcohol is also legal here, and you can find plenty of homemade wine and moonshine!

Aside from diving deep into the local culture (ideally in Rumbur or Birir, as Bumburet is fully commercialized), there are a few day treks you can get up to. I found it particularly interesting to visit Sheikhandeh, a Nuristani village at the end of Rumbur, home to a community of people originally from Afghanistan.

Day 20: Long drive to Peshawar (or Islamabad)

It’s time to say bye to the high peaks of the Hindu Kush and head back toward Peshawar, or Islamabad if you’re super short on time.

The ride takes 8-10 hours, and while there is a Hindu Kush Express bus that does this route at night, foreigners are often not allowed to travel the road at night. Like many security measures in Pakistan, this is overprotection and shouldn’t deter your trips.

Shared cars go during the day, which is totally worth it as the ride is gorgeous and even goes through a mountain pass by way of the Lowari Tunnel. 

Day 21: Peshawar

Peshawar is my favorite city in Pakistan, and the hospitality is truly unmatched. It’s one of the oldest metros in South Asia. Trust me when I say that you’ll immediately feel the history.

You can’t even wander through the bazaar for a minute without being invited for tea…multiple times that is! While the city has a bit of a dangerous rep, the people are really second to none. Never mind the MANY historical sites you can visit like…

• Mohabbat Khan Masjid:  (Mughal-era mosque built in 1630)
• Qissa Khwani Bazaar: Super authentic local bazaar (it translates to “story tellers bazaar!) that’s been open for centuries
• Gor Khatri (former location of Buddha’s giant bowl, Mughal era caravanserai)
• Sir Cunningham Clocktower (built under British rule in 1900)

Pretty much all of these places are within walking distance from each other, which makes Peshawar hella convenient compared to some other Pakistani cities. Peshawar is particularly amazing if you’re into photography or videography, as locals love the camera! I’ve always wished I had a mini printer when I was there. Honestly, one of my favorite things to do in Pakistan is to just wander around and take photos in this city.

Have more time in Pakistan? 

If you have a bit more time to play with, you’ve got a few options: you could go to Swat Valley from Chitral instead of Peshawar, or venture to an entirely new city and culture: Lahore! Home to some of the best preserved historical sites in Pakistan, Lahore is a fantastic (though usually very hot) city about an hour away from India’s Amritsar.

Buses head that way frequently, and take about 5-6 hours. Two days is an ideal amount of time to spend in the city, though if you happen to be there when it’s cooler, you can definitely find enough to get up to to fill more time. 

My fave spots in Lahore, after spending much more time than I planned there are:

• Jahangir’s Tomb (Mughal Emperor Jahangir was buried in this exquisitely tiled mausoleum in 1637)
• Begum Shahi Mosque (the oldest Mughal-era mosque in Lahore, built in 1614)
• Badshahi Mosque (stunning red sandstone mosque completed in 1673)
• Lahore Fort (so many layers of Mughal history dating back to 1566)
• Kamran’s Baradari (an old summer palace alongside the Ravi River)

The best time to execute a Pakistan itinerary is definitely between the window of late May- October. This will ensure all roads are snow-free and most hikes are accessible. For this particular itinerary, I’d recommend either early June or September-October. 

Keep in mind that this is NOT the ideal time to visit the cities, but a few days will be bearable. October can sometimes have cool spells too, and comes with plenty of golden colors in the mountains. While many treks are closed by September, you’ll still have a few camping options!

The past few years have been extremely hot in the Karakoram, with temperatures exceeding 90°F in high altitude areas in July 2025. Landslides frequently occur from July to August, though this is the best season for many alpine passes such as Gondogoro La/ K2 Base Camp.

Unless you just want to explore the cities and spots in Sindh, I’d avoid visiting Pakistan in the winter (November-April) as you’ll be missing out on some of the very best parts and experiences. 

I know you have probably heard otherwise, but Pakistan is so much safer than the media makes it out to be. The authorities are very protective of foreign tourists, so you won’t actually be able to get near anywhere dangerous. 

Gilgit Baltistan is especially safe and culturally very different from the cities in the mainland, which are more like India or Afghanistan. As a solo female traveler, I felt safest in Hunza and most on edge in Rawalpindi in Punjab, which seems to be common. 

What’s the ideal amount of time for a Pakistan itinerary?

Two to three weeks is great for getting to see a lot of the highlights! Though if you have time to spare, you can’t go wrong with a month or longer.

What are the best places to visit in Pakistan?

After years spent living here, I’ve got to go with the following:

1. Hunza Valley
2. Skardu
3. Rakaposhi Basecamp
4. Naltar

Don’t forget travel insurance for Pakistan

Whilst Pakistan is a super safe place to visit, there are also inherent risks with traveling overseas, especially if you’re planning on hiking in remote regions. I always recommend getting comprehensive insurance coverage before heading off on a trip.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Ahhh, I love talking about Pakistan, and if you’ve made it this far, I have a feeling you’re soon going to see what I’m so obsessed about. 

I hope that these 2-3 week Pakistan itinerary and travel tips have helped you plan for your adventure to the Karakoram mountains! You can always extend your trip within a mountain destination with one of the MANY multi-day hikes throughout GB.

I’ve spent more than four years exploring this country (and calling it home) and rest assured that no matter what your final itinerary ends up being, you’re in for a wild and beautiful ride! Have the best trip to Pakistan, you’ll soon see why this is the most underrated high altitude place on the planet 😉