Pakistan: Women's Expedition

Khush amdeed! Welcome to Pakistan. Your adventure begins in capital city of Islamabad. The ‘City of Islam’ was built in the 1960s to replace Karachi as the nation’s capital and is divided into eight zones including the commercial district, educational sector, diplomatic enclave, residential areas and green area. It’s an extensively (and successfully) planned city on a site chosen for its accessibility to the rest of the country and its location close to the army headquarters and disputed Kashmir area. You'll have a welcome meeting tonight at 6 pm, but if you arrive early, maybe check out Lake View Park and the Lok Virsa Museum, dedicated to the preservation, documentation and promotion of Pakistan’s cultural heritage. After the meeting, you’ll have a group dinner at the hotel.

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Today, you’ll explore Islamabad with your local female leader, who will teach you about some of the history of both the city and Pakistan as a whole. First, drive to the Taxila ruins – a UNESCO World Heritage-listed complex that’s not only the largest Buddhist site in the country, but also an important witness to years of cultural evolution. Then, stop by a truck art workshop where you can see trucks being decorated with the vibrant art known on Pakistani roads. As you carry on, stop to see the ‘shalwar kameez’ – the traditional dress of loose-fitting trousers and a long shirt, worn in various forms by men, women and children. Be sure to cover up for your final stop today – visit to the female-only section of the Faisal Mosque, which was the largest mosque in the world upon its completion in 1986, said to hold 10,000 worshippers.

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Depart Islamabad this morning on a flight to Skardu. Being the gateway to the Karakoram Mountain Range, it’s a popular spot for hikers and outdoorsy types, and your day will be spent exploring all that Skardu has to offer. First, head to Kharpocho Fort (translating to The King of Forts), then head to see the epic sight of the Katpana Desert in Skardu Valley. These wide open desert dunes are backdropped by the snowy mountain peaks and are really a sight to behold. Then, it’s on to the Manthal Rock Buddha – a sculpture dating back to the 8th century – and the Skardu Bazaar, where you can pick up any snacks or souvenirs that might be calling your name.

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Travel north on the Karakoram Highway to Gulmit today – also known as the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, the road was built in conjunction with China and connects the two countries at the Khunjerab Pass. Passing through the Karakoram Mountain Range, it’s sometimes referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World thanks to the level of engineering that went into its construction, not to mention the phenomenal views on either side of the road. Stop at a viewpoint along the way, where you can see the 7788 m Rakaposhi Mountain. For dinner tonight, indulge in some local yak burgers and the region’s famous apricot cake.

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Spend the day exploring the village of Gulmit with the other women in your group. Located in a deep valley by the Hunza River, Gulmit has existed for hundreds of years and is surrounded by mountains and glaciers. Trek out to the ruins of Ondra Fort, which sits atop a rocky outcrop above Gulmit and would’ve once commanded views of several strategically important passes in the area, though there’s no doubt the sentries of old were just as distracted by the jaw-dropping scenery as you will be. Then pop into the home of a local family to enjoy some tea together while you chat with your hosts about life in this remote part of Pakistan. Take a walk through town and visit a carpet-weaving centre run by the local women, and a one-of-a-kind salon in one of the oldest houses in town. Tonight, you’ll be treated to a traditional performance by a band who will play their local instruments, sing songs with you and teach you some traditional dance moves.

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Enjoy some time in Pakistan’s fresh mountain air as you trek out to Borith Lake and Passu Glacier. The lake sits at an altitude of 2600 m and you can soak up some sun or go for a swim (it’s saltwater) after trekking to Passu Glacier. It wasn’t so long ago that walking was the primary means of transport here, with some villages in the region only gaining road access as late as 2003. After lunch, travel to the village of Passu, located on the banks of the Hunza River. When you arrive, wander the streets filled with stone houses and fruit trees before heading to a local’s home. Here, the women of the house will teach you how to make some local Hunzai dishes like molida (a mixture of buttermilk, cheese and bread), graal (pancakes usually served with apricot or walnut oil and mulberry sauce), dawdo (noodle soup) or chaapshuro (flatbread stuffed with meat).

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This morning, you’ll visit Lake Attabad – formed in 2010 after a massive landslide that killed 20 people and displaced thousands. The landslide essentially dammed the Hunza River for five months, creating a lake that measures some 21 km across. Thankfully, the dam held and the lake is now a popular tourist destination renowned for its intensely blue water. After your visit, travel to Karimabad – the capital of the Hunza District, known for its locally made handicrafts and scenic views. Take a short walk to Baltit and Altit forts, which were restored by the Aga Khan Foundation and have stood in the region for over 700 years. The Aga Khan Foundation also runs several projects focusing on empowering local women. There’ll be an opportunity to visit one of the groups and chat to them about their work, followed by lunch at cafe run by the local women. After spending the day exploring Hunza valley, you'll head to Aliabad and spend the night in a female owned hotel.

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Visit the strikingly black Hopar Glacier this morning. On a short hike, you’ll head near the glacier for remarkable views over the Hopar Valley. Then, spend the afternoon in here in a local's home, where you'll make lunch together, learning some more traditional recipes and a bit about their lives and culture. Enjoy the meal together with your hosts, then head back to your hotel for the night.

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This morning, you’ll travel back to Skardu by private vehicle. It will be another long travel day, so get stuck into your podcast or favourite playlist as you watch the scenery out the window. Along the way, you’ll make a few stops to stretch your legs and appreciate the views.

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Today, board your flight to Islamabad. When you arrive, you’ll see evidence of the British colonial period at Golra Railway Station – built in 1882 in a Victorian style, this is a working station and popular museum, established in 2003 and celebrating the past 150 years of rail travel in Pakistan. Then, see the Pakistan Monument – a national symbol that commemorates the unity and heritage of the country. Shaped like a blooming flower, the monument features four large petals representing Pakistan's four main cultures (Punjabi, Sindhi, Pakhtun and Balochi) and three smaller petals symbolising its minority regions. Inside, the intricate artwork and murals depict significant moments and figures from Pakistan's history. The panoramic views of Islamabad from the monument make it a picturesque spot.

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Spend your final full day in Pakistan exploring the nearby city of Rawalpindi. Visit the Markazi Jamia Masjid – one of the oldest mosques in the city. With beautiful frescos, mosaics and paintings, the mosque is a cultural icon. Then, head to the Rawalpindi markets to pick up any souvenirs you’d like to take home. This afternoon, you’ll visit a local beauty salon where you can chat to the local women and learn about their work, lives and culture. While you’re here, you may like to treat yourself to a facial or manicure. Lastly, head to the 500-year-old Saidpur village, known for its varied religious and cultural heritage for a final dinner with your group.

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Your expedition comes to an end today and you’re free to leave the accommodation at any time after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.