Tour Type
Photography Trip
Pakistan

Discover Pakistan with George Cooper

12 Days 11 Nights

Tour Details

Hey, I'm George, and I'll be co-hosting this trip alongside Destination Pakistan. I'm a photographer and content creator, and have been taking photos for more than 10 years now. In recent years, I've become obsessed with visiting lesser-known and lesser-visited countries, and I've had some of the best experiences of my life doing so. If people think a place is "too cold", then it usually finds itself at the top of my list! As soon as I set foot in northern Pakistan in autumn 2025, I knew I wanted to return. It's one of my favourite places on Earth, and I can't wait for you to experience the beauty of these lands and its people for yourself.


 

Trip Route

Itinerary

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  1. Introduction

    This is a 12 days and 11 nights journey through some of the most beautiful places in Northern Pakistan, including Fairy Meadows, Nanga Parbat Basecamp, Hunza Valley, Skardu, Passu Cones, Shangri-La Lake, Shigar Valley and the famous Cold Desert. This trip is perfect for autumn lovers, families, couples, solo travelers, and photographers who want to experience Pakistan at a relaxed and comfortable pace. You will see Hunza covered in golden autumn colours, enjoy stunning sunset views from the historic Baltit Fort, take a peaceful boat ride on the bright blue Attabad Lake, visit beautiful Shangri-La Resort and Upper Kachura Lake, and horse ride on the unique Sarfaranga Cold Desert. Guests will stay in carefully selected, comfortable hotels with breathtaking mountain views, and all travel will be done in smooth, air-conditioned vehicles. Destination Pakistan will be hosting and managing the trip, ensuring George Cooper’s clients have a safe, memorable, and well-organized experience from start to finish

  1. Day 1 Touchdown in Islamabad, Welcome to Pakistan! The Adventure Begins

    Your journey begins in Islamabad, where most international flights arrive around 4–5 AM. Because of this early arrival, travelers should book the hotel room for the night before landing to ensure a smooth check-in. After airport pickup, guests rest and recover from the flight, followed by a welcome dinner in the evening. Islamabad is warm and humid, so light and comfortable clothing is best. 

    Hotel: Grand Islamabad Hotel 
    https://grandislamabadhotel.com/

  2. Day 2 The Epic Drive Toward the Himalayas, Into the Mountains

    Day 2 starts early (around 6:00 AM) for the long and scenic drive to Chilas, which takes 10–12 hours depending on road and mountain traffic. The route follows river valleys and dramatic cliffs, requiring motion-sickness pills for sensitive travelers. Weather changes throughout the journey, so having layers and water is useful.
    Hotel: Shangri-la Chillas
    https://www.shangrilahotels.pk/

  3. Day 3 Off-Road Jeep Adventure & Trek to Fairy Meadows

    Day 3 is the move toward Fairy Meadows. After breakfast, travelers shift to jeeps for a 1.5–2-hour off-road ride to Tattu Village. From there, a 3–4-hour hike begins, gaining around 500 meters in altitude. This hike is of medium difficulty, and horses are available for visitors who do not wish to walk for approximately PKR 10,000 one-way. The location has no Wi-Fi and limited power, so power banks are recommended. Dinner and overnight stay are included.

    Hotel: Fairy Meadows Viewpoint

  4. Day 4 Trek to Nanga Parbat Basecamp – 9th Highest on Earth

    After an early breakfast, travelers begin the trek to Nanga Parbat Base Camp. The walk from Fairy Meadows to Bayal takes 1.5–2 hours, followed by another 3 hours to reach the main base camp, reaching about 3,900 meters in altitude. This is a moderate to challenging hiking day, and slow walking with good hydration is advised to reduce altitude symptoms. Lunch is served at Bayal, and the night is spent there, where temperatures can drop close to freezing in October

    Hotel: Fairy Meadows Viewpoint / Huts at Bayal Camp.

  5. Day 5 Descend & Drive to the land of Peaks, Hunza Valley

    On Day 5, the group descends from Bayal and Fairy Meadows back to Tattu Village, then returns by jeep to Raikot Bridge. After lunch near Jaglot, the group continues by road to Hunza Valley, a long but scenic trip. This day can be tiring, and comfortable travel clothing is recommended. Dinner and hotel stay in Hunza are provided.

    Hotel: Eagle Nest Hunza
    https://eaglesnesthotels.com/

  6. Day 6 Central Hunza Valley (Forts, Culture & Sunset Views)

    Day 6 is a relaxed day exploring central Hunza with shorter driving distances. Travelers visit Altit Fort, Baltit Fort, Karimabad Bazaar, and Café de Hunza before enjoying sunset views from Eagle’s Nest. Good shoes are recommended for uphill walking, and evenings may be cold, so a light jacket is useful.

    Hotel: Eagle Nest Hunza
    https://eaglesnesthotels.com/

  7. Day 7 Upper Hunza Adventure (Attabad, Passu & Yak Burgers)

    On Day 7, the group explores Upper Hunza, including Attabad Lake, Hussaini Suspension Bridge, and the famous Passu Cones, with lunch at Yak Grill. Total travel time is normally 2–3 hours. we will stay in Passu Village and Wi-Fi is limited or expect no wifi in Passu.

    Hotel: Passu Shilmin Resort

  8. Day 8 Baskochi Summit Hike & Overnight in Gilgit

    Day 8 includes a scenic hike to Baskochi viewpoint overlooking Attabad Lake. The trek takes around 3–4 hours round-trip and is medium difficulty. After descending, the group travels to Gilgit for the night. Sunblock, comfortable trekking shoes, and snacks are useful for the hike.

    Hotel: The Mandarin Inn Gilgit
    https://www.instagram.com/themandarininn/

  9. Day 9 Sarfaranga Cold Desert & Shangri-la Dreams

    The next day, the group drives 3-4 hours from Gilgit to Skardu, visiting Shangrila Lake and the famous Cold Desert. This desert offers exceptional filming locations and seasonal activities such as horse riding and quad biking. Sunglasses and sun protection are recommended due to strong sunlight reflecting off the sand.

    Hotel: Al Noor Starlet 
    https://www.alnoorstarlethotel.com/

  10. Day 10 Valleys & Glamping Nights

    Day 10 includes a visit to Chunda Valley and an optional hike to Masur Rock, which takes about 2–3 hours and is medium difficulty. Overnight glamping is arranged at Katpana Desert, where facilities may have limited charging points, so guests should ensure their cameras and devices are powered before departure.

    Hotel: Glamp Katpana
    https://www.instagram.com/glamppakistan/

  11. Day 11 Skardu to Islamabad – Fly or Road Mission

    On Day 11, the group flies from Skardu to Islamabad, but flights depend on weather conditions. If cancelled, then return to Islamabad is completed by road, taking 12–16 hours with a night stop in Chilas or Besham. if flight is successful then its a complete free and rest day in islamabad.

    Hotel: Grand Islamabad Hotel 
    https://grandislamabadhotel.com/

  12. Day 12 Farewell and Drop-off

    The final day includes airport drop-off, with travelers advised to book international flights on Day 12 after 6 PM to allow for possible delays.

What's Included

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  • Durartion
    12 Days 11 Nights
  • Language

    ENGLISH

  • Includes
    • Airport Transfers
      One way Domestic flight (weather permitting)
    • Accommodation as per itinerary
    • Meals (Breakfast & Dinner) 
    • Transportation in AC Mini van or Mini Bus
      Meetup with locals and mountaineers
      Cultural Musical Night
      4/4 Jeeps wherever required
      Bonfires
      Entry Tickets
    • Local Tour Guides
    • Welcome gift pack
    • Visa assistance (if required)
    •  
  • Not Included
    • International airline tickets
    • Lunch
    • Personal expenses
    • Travel Insurances
    • Unforeseen circumstances 

Select a departure month
  • Upcoming departures
  • October 2026
Select The Travel Month
Upcoming departures
  • Tuesday
    20 Oct, 2026
    Saturday
    31 Oct, 2026
    🌐 English
    $ 1650.00

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