Pakistan with Dominique: Hikes, Hospitality and Hot Chai

With most flights arriving early, one of our awesome guides will pick you up from the airport and take you to the hotel for some much-needed rest.

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Once refreshed, you'll enjoy a welcome lunch before heading to the Wagah Border ceremony between India and Pakistan, where marching, music, and patriotic chants create an electrifying atmosphere. You'll end the day with a hidden side of Lahore, sipping drinks in a secret speakeasy bar.

Learn about Pakistan’s history, culture and political situation with a local guide as you explore the Moghul wonders of Lahore, such as Badshahi Mosque, Wazir Khan Masjid, and Lahore Fort. Just wait until you see our lunch spot – it’s easily one of the most scenic places you've; ever eaten. You'll then head to Islamabad.

As we head north, we’ll drive through the world’s tallest mountain ranges, with incredible views at every turn. The whole day will be spent driving, but we’ll break it up with chai stops and delicious local food. After one of the most scenic bus rides of your life, we’ll arrive at a our hotel, where we’ll rest before starting our treks.

After breakfast, you'll jump into 4x4s for an exhilarating drive along what’s known as the world’s most treacherous road – don’t worry, the expert drivers know it like the back of their hand.

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From there, hike three hours to Fairy Meadows, a place that feels straight out of a dream. With Nanga Parbat towering in the distance, you'll watch the sunset and spend the night by the fire, enjoying some traditional dancing before settling into log cabins under a sky full of stars.

Today, you'll take on the 8-10 hour trek to Nanga Parbat base camp at 3,980m, with Raitkot Glacier on one side and the world’s ninth-highest peak watching over you.

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The trail is challenging but rewarding, and if you’re unsure about making it all the way, our guides are on hand to turn around at designated points. That said, the energy of the group often pushes people beyond what they thought possible.

With tired muscles from the previous day's hike, you'll hike back down to the jeeps and drive the world's most treacherous road once more. From here, you'll head to Hunza Valley, where you stay in Karimabad, known for its precious stones, dried fruits, local crafts, and panoramic mountain views.

It's a slow morning today in Karimabad – enjoy a coffee with mountain views, browse the local shops, or simply sleep in. After another incredible lunch, you can either hike to our next stay or take the bus. Our destination is Eagles Nest, a vantage point where endless snow-capped peaks stretch across the horizon.

Next up is Rakaposhi, the 27th highest mountain in the world, reaching an impressive 7,788 meters. You’ll hike 3-4 hours up to the campsite for the night, where you'll gather around a campfire, sip chai, and admire a sky full of stars.

Hike the final stretch to Rakaposhi base camp at 3,500m, a rewarding 2-hour climb with views that make every step worth it. After celebrating with a cup of chai, you'll descend and head to Ghulkin, where you'll stay with a local family. This homestay offers a unique chance to learn about Ismaili Muslim culture and see what village life is like.

Attabad Lake’s vivid blue waters are a striking reminder of nature’s power, formed by a landslide a few years ago. Start the day by hiking to Baskochi Meadows for sweeping views of the valley and lake from above. The second lake of the day is Borith, where you can go for a swim, chill and enjoy chai.

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In the evening we'll experience the trip's Wild Women Moment, a cooking class with Sitara, a local legend. You'll learn how to make traditional dishes from the region and learn about daily life as a women in Hunza.

It’s time to leave Northern Pakistan and make our way back to Islamabad. After days of adventure, the long bus ride is the perfect chance to catch up on sleep. We’ll stop along the way to fill our bellies and get our daily dose of chai, before spending the night in Naran, a popular town in Kaghan Valley.

From Naran, we'll head to our final destination of the trip. Islamabad offers a completely different vibe from Lahore, blending modern city life with natural beauty.

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A visit to Islamabad isn't complete without stopping at Faisal Mosque, the fifth-largest in the world. You'll then wrap up the trip in Saidpur Village, a heritage spot on the city’s outskirts, where you'll share our final dinner and reflect on the incredible journey you've had together.

Time to say farewell to your guides and new friends. We’ll take you to Islamabad International Airport, where your journey home begins – hopefully with plenty of stories to tell and plans to return.