How much does a Pakistan trip cost?

Local costs are low, but the requirement for private transport and specialist guides in the north makes the overall tour price comparable to other Central Asian destinations.

Do I need a visa for Pakistan?

Yes, most visitors need a visa. The e-visa system has simplified the process significantly for British, US, and Australian citizens.

Is Pakistan safe for solo travellers?

Foreigners are generally very well-received and safe. However, due to the remote terrain and logistical complexities, many travellers prefer the security and ease of a guided small group tour.

What currency should I take?

Take US Dollars (clean, new notes) or Pounds Sterling to exchange in major cities. ATMs are available in Islamabad and Gilgit but are rare in the smaller northern valleys.

How physically demanding are the tours?

Tours in the north are moderately to highly demanding due to long drives on winding mountain roads, high altitudes, and basic infrastructure in remote areas.

PakistanFrom £3,095

Pakistan Tours & Holidays

Discover a land of intense diversity and profound allure, where the world’s mightiest peaks meet ancient Silk Road history and the fabled Hunza Valley.

Best timeMay–Oct (North)
Time zoneUTC+5
CurrencyPKR
LanguageUrdu, English & regional
Travel styleAdventurous, mountainous & cultural
Transport4x4s, flights & coaches
VisaVisa required (e-visa available)

Overview

An introduction to Pakistan

Pakistan remains a fiendishly impossible country to package, and perhaps for this reason its allure is profound and enduring. No single visit should seek to condense what must be one of the world most diverse and intense travel destination.

Undiscovered Destinations Pakistan tour combines some of the countries most spectacular mountain scenery and explorations of fascinating historic sites, and ample opportunity to observe village and rural life - it a truly memorable experience for any visitor.

Explore

Pakistan

Our journeys

Tours in Pakistan

Small-group departures led by local experts, plus private tailor-made itineraries shaped around your interests, pace and dates.

Pakistan – Into the Mighty North

This encompassing adventure of Pakistan’s spectacular northern regions takes travellers to a near mythical land, where traditions have changed little in centuries and the scenery is simply among the best on the planet. We begin by exploring the modern capital of Islamabad, before making our way towards Baltistan, travelling the fabled Karakoram Highway and the spectacular seasonal Babusar Pass. We explore the Hunza, an area of jaw-dropping magnificence blessed with idyllic villages and people of genuine warmth, a region that some purport to have inspired the legend of Shangri La. Along the way we will delve into the rich history – a chain of dramatic forts and watchtowers as well as other historical wonders such as ancient petroglyphs. We also join the locals in the heady blend of vivid, vibrant bazaars, feasting on sumptuous local dishes, marvelling at mighty glaciers and shimmering turquoise lakes carving through dramatic valleys, and of course pausing endlessly to drink in the inspiring panoramas of the snowclad summits of the Himalaya and Karakorum ranges.

From

£3,095

All tours

Why visit

What makes Pakistan worth the journey

Unfiltered Authenticity

As one of the world's least-commercialised travel destinations, Pakistan provides a raw and genuine experience for the intrepid traveller.

Rich Archaeological Heritage

From the Indus Valley Civilisation to the Buddhist ruins of Gandhara, the country is steeped in layers of ancient history.

Next departure to Pakistan

Pakistan – Into the Mighty North

14 Aug 2027Guaranteed departurefrom £3,095 pp

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Highlights

The highlights of Pakistan

The Karakoram Highway

Travel one of the highest paved roads in the world, a fabled route winding through the heart of the world's mightiest mountain ranges

Hunza Valley

Experience the magnificence of the original 'Shangri-La', a lush valley surrounded by soaring 7,000-metre peaks and ancient forts.

Taxila Ancient Ruins

Wander through the compelling UNESCO-listed ruins of Taxila, once a key trade hub of the ancient world and a centre of Gandharan civilisation.

Babusar Pass

Navigate the dramatic high-altitude pass connecting the Kaghan Valley to the Chilas region, offering thrilling mountain vistas.

Silk Road Forts

Explore the historic Baltit and Altit forts, which have stood as guardians over the Hunza Valley for centuries.

Rural Village Life

Observe the fascinating cultures of local ethnic groups through frequent village visits, experiencing the legendary hospitality of the mountain people.

Pakistan rewards travellers who slow down — the best stories are found off the tour-bus route.

From the field

When to go

Picking the right season for your trip

Sweet spot: May

The best time to visit Northern Pakistan is from May to October. During these months, the mountain passes, including the dramatic Babusar Pass, are open and the weather is generally clear and pleasant for exploring the Hunza Valley and the Karakoram region. Spring (April to May) brings beautiful blossoms to the valleys, while autumn (September to October) offers stunning golden foliage. The lower-lying areas and cities like Islamabad can be very hot from June to August, while winters in the north are severe and many high-altitude routes become impassable.

Live weather

Pakistan

Looking to travel outside the typical windows? Our Pakistan tailor-made team can advise on the best time for you.

From the journal

Stories from the region

Dispatches, field notes and practical advice from our specialists.

All stories

Asia & Pacific

Cambodia or Laos: Why You Might Not Have to Pick Just One

Cambodia and Laos sit side by side in South East Asia, yet asking which one to visit may be the wrong question. Cambodia pulls you in with the scale of Angkor Wat and the weight of its history in Phnom Penh, while Laos moves at a gentler pace along the Mekong and through hill tribe villages that time seems to have passed by. Rather than choosing, many travellers are discovering a natural overland route that links both, tracing the Mekong south through Laos before crossing into Cambodia's temples, coastline and jungle. Here's how the two compare, and why the journey between them might be the real destination.

Jim Louth·25 Aug 2026

Asia & Pacific

Chasing Waterfalls in Laos: A Guide to the Country's Most Spectacular Falls

From the famous turquoise pools of Kuang Si to the thundering rapids of Khone Phapheng, Laos hides a waterfall trail unlike anywhere else in Southeast Asia. Here's where to find the best of them, from busy favourites to the quiet spots most travellers never see.

Jim Louth·6 Aug 2026

Asia & Pacific

Things to Do in Ulaanbaatar: A First-Timer's Guide to Mongolia's Capital

The best things to do in Ulaanbaatar include visiting Gandan Khiid Monastery and the Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan, exploring Sükhbaatar Square and the Chinggis Khaan National Museum, and taking day trips to Hustai National Park or Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. Round out a visit with Mongolian food, a night of traditional throat singing, and a walk through Narantuul Market. Give Mongolia's capital two to three days rather than a rushed afternoon, and it earns its place as the first chapter of any Mongolian adventure.

Jim Louth·29 Jul 2026

Voices from the road

What travellers say about us

Reviews from across our small-group programme. Independently rated 4.9 Excellent on AITO by 250+ travellers.

“Your local representative is very professional, responsive, and friendly. Our guide, Aamir, was in daily contact with them, and they were always responsive to our requests. We had the pleasure of meeting them at the end of our trip. Our car was very comfortable and in excellent condition. Our driver, Haider, was also great. The tour was truly magnificent and well-balanced. Our guide and driver were super friendly, communicative, warm, and full of humor. In short, we had a great time with them. I absolutely loved this trip! I often travel to faraway destinations, and this trip will remain one of my fondest memories! Everything was perfect! The itinerary, the constantly magnificent scenery, the encounters with the ever-smiling and welcoming people, and the well-chosen accommodations. With the wonderful Aamir and Haider, we were with good friends and we had a wonderful time with them which contributed to the success of this beautiful journey. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to this wonderful adventure!”

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Beatrice Martune, Australia

“The driver was very helpful and willing to please at all times.”

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Traveller from the UK

“The tour leader, Olaf Stals, did a sterling job. Charming, accessible, enthusiastic and a good communicator. Olaf has an in-depth knowledge of the mechanics of seamless travelling and managed the group very effectively. The tour was challenging but very good organisation and professional tour leadership made it a success.”

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Gustavo Musto, Uruguay

“When asked by other travellers why I book with Undiscovered Destinations, it's because of the chance to visit places few, if any, other tour operators go to. ”

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Oliver Grumitt, UK

“The tour leader, Olaf Stals, did a sterling job. Charming, accessible, enthusiastic and a good communicator. Olaf has an in-depth knowledge of the mechanics of seamless travelling and managed the group very effectively. The tour was challenging but very good organisation and professional tour leadership made it a success.”

Read full review

Gustavo Musto, Uruguay

“Given the countries involved, I thought the accommodation was better than I expected. Our guide was knowledgeable. He was kind and provided snacks and stories to while away the very long driving days. ”

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Traveller from the UK

“An excellent trip. We saw all that we expected to and more. Very good guide, helpful and considerate. Tour met and exceeded my expectations ”

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Martin Robathan, UK

“Quite the best guide and driver we have encountered in 45 years of travel.”

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John Davies, UK

“You have a good choice of more adventurous options. Standards are good. Prices competitive”

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Stewart Mitchell, UK

“This was our first trip with Undiscovered Destinations and we were very impressed. You have some very interesting itineraries so we hope we will travel with you again and we will certainly be recommending Romania to our friends”

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Anne Walton, UK

Can’t find the right fit?

Every one of our Pakistan journeys can be rebuilt around your dates, pace and interests — or we’ll design something entirely new.

Tailor my trip

Tailor-made journeys

Didn’t find your
perfect Pakistan trip?

We’ll build one around you.

Prefer to travel at your own pace? Our tailor-made Pakistan holidays let you design a journey around your own specific interests. Whether you want to focus on high-altitude trekking in the Baltoro region, spend longer exploring the ancient Buddhist sites of the Swat Valley, or enjoy a more leisurely discovery of the Hunza Valley, we can create the perfect itinerary. Every tailor-made trip includes private 4x4 transport, expert local guides, and flexible accommodation options from boutique hotels to traditional mountain lodges.

Your dates

Travel when it suits you

Private group

Just you, family or friends

Your pace

Linger longer, skip the rest

Bespoke extras

Private guides, rare access

Start planning your trip Speak to a specialist

Typical reply within 3 working days · No obligation · Trusted by travellers since 2004

How it works

1Tell us what you have in mind
2We build an itinerary + quote
3Refine until it feels right

Est. 2004

20+ years of
bespoke travel

Meet your expert

Mark Huggins

Travel consultant and Tailormade Specialist

I have been fortunate enough to travel to almost 100 countries across every continent except Antarctica—which remains firmly at the top of my bucket list.

What I love most about travel is the sense of freedom and the anticipation of the unexpected. You never quite know what lies around the next corner. It might be waking in a remote Guyanese rainforest to the deafening chorus of Howler Monkeys, discovering a rare frog species found only on the summit of a Venezuelan tepui, chatting about cricket with passionate locals aboard a train in India, or joining an impromptu game of badminton with young monks in Bhutan. I also enjoy connecting with a destination through its food, discovering the stories, traditions, and people behind the local cuisine—most recently while travelling through Georgia.

Choosing favourite places is almost impossible, but a few experiences stand out. Marojejy National Park in north-eastern Madagascar is a breathtaking rainforest that feels as though it has been lifted straight from Jurassic Park, home to the critically endangered Silky Sifaka, one of the world's rarest primates. More recently, I treasured a rail journey through Romania with my son, lying in our sleeper compartment with the window open on a warm evening as we watched the golden landscapes of Transylvania drift by. Another unforgettable highlight was trekking through Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for a truly humbling encounter with the magnificent Mountain Gorillas.

More recently, exploring the incredible biodiversity of Panama and the lush coffee-growing region of Colombia provided yet more memorable experiences, each offering a wonderful combination of spectacular scenery, fascinating wildlife, and warm local hospitality.

Next on the horizon is Kazakhstan, where I am developing an exciting new itinerary. I'm looking forward to discovering the immense landscapes, rich nomadic heritage, and hidden treasures of this remarkable Central Asian nation.

For me, travel is far more than simply visiting new places—it's about meaningful experiences, genuine human connections, and moments that stay with you long after you've returned home. It is a privilege I never take for granted, and one that continues to fuel my curiosity and passion for exploring the world.

With more than 25 years of experience helping travellers turn their dream journeys into reality, I'd feel privileged to help you plan your next adventure. Whether you're looking to join a carefully curated small-group tour or would prefer a bespoke tailor-made itinerary, I can help create an unforgettable travel experience almost anywhere in the world.

Ask Mark about Pakistan Email directly

Questions, answered

Planning a trip to Pakistan?

Local costs are low, but the requirement for private transport and specialist guides in the north makes the overall tour price comparable to other Central Asian destinations.

Before you go

Essential information

Shared across all tours that visit this destination. Read alongside your individual tour dossier for trip-specific details.

Foreign Office travel advice

Before booking, please familiarise yourself with the UK FCDO advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We constantly monitor advice and adjust itineraries to ensure we avoid any restricted areas or zones of concern.