A Local Perspective

Hunza

  • Hunza: A Local Perspective - ISHKAR
  • Hunza: A Local Perspective - ISHKAR
  • Hunza: A Local Perspective - ISHKAR
  • Hunza: A Local Perspective - ISHKAR
  • Hunza: A Local Perspective - ISHKAR
  • Hunza: A Local Perspective - ISHKAR
  • Hunza: A Local Perspective - ISHKAR
  • Hunza: A Local Perspective - ISHKAR

Hunza: A Local Perspective

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£500.00
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£500.00
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Regular price
£500.00
Sale price
£500.00
Regular price
Sold out
Unit price
per 
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Travel beneath Northern Pakistan's soaring peaks, and delve into the fascinating history of the Hunza Valley for 11 days.

This journey is undertaken with a small group of curious travellers (maximum 8 people) curated by ISHKAR, and led by a local Pakistani guiding team for in-depth perspectives and discussions on the region.

The total price for the eleven days is $3,990. Our next departures will take place in May & September 2024, starting and ending in Islamabad.

For travellers wanting to stay on, an optional 4 day guided extension to Fairy Meadows, including hiking to Nanga Parbat basecamp can be added (at extra cost).

We interview all those that apply to join the trip. Once selected, participants will be required to pay a 30% non-refundable deposit of $1200 to secure their place on the trip. If booking within 60 days of departure, full payment is due on confirmation. International flights not included, see below for details. 

To express your interest and for further information, please contact us at: explore@ishkar.com, or book a consultation with us by clicking on the button above.

What?

Explore the high altitude landscapes and ancient villages of northern Pakistan with local guides.

Where?

The province of Gilgit-Baltistan where we will explore the remote, rarely visited and high altitude mountain valleys which climb away from the Hunza river in the extreme north of Pakistan.

When?

The trip will run from in May & September 2023, starting and ending in Islamabad.

For those staying longer, the extension including Fairy Meadows and a hike to Nanga Parbat basecamp will be an additional four days.

Who?

You do not need to be an experienced mountaineer or an expert photographer to join the trip. We seek those that are adventurous with a curious mind. A base level of fitness is also required for the trip.

We will be a small team of between 4 to 8 people. Throughout the trip, you will be accompanied by a competent local guide who speaks fluent English.

Due to high demand we interview everyone who applies to ISHKAR trips. Your group travel experience is as important to us as the destination experience.

Cost & Booking Information

The total price* for the trip is $3,990.  A non-refundable deposit of $1200 is required to secure your place on the trip.

Please note that by paying the deposit, you agree to abide by our Terms & Conditions.

For further information, please contact us at: explore@ishkar.com

* Single supplement applied where requested.

** Where international payments are due, we request that you ensure the full amount is received, after all bank charges have been levied as per the price and currency stated on the invoice stated.

Reviews

Reviews

Detail

OUR DESTINATION

Gilgit-Baltistan is home to some of the world’s most jaw-dropping landscapes, with more than fifty mountains over 7,000 metres, and 5 over 8,000. For millennia ancient trade routes have snaked their way through the verdant valleys which lie between these high peaks, carrying goods, ideas and influences between south Asia, Afghanistan and nearby China. 

Even with recent upgrades to the Karakoram highway, this region remains stunningly remote. This is reflected in Hunza being home to some of the world’s rarest languages, a few of which are only spoken by a few hundred people. By securing special permissions, we will be visiting parts of the region few tourists ever get to see.

ISHKAR Travel - Explore Pakistan

YOUR GUIDE

Amin Noor will be your guide to Northern Pakistan's Hunza Valley. Amin, with over 20 years of guiding experience in the region has many connections. He will be introducing you to many of them throughout the trip. 

Amin has introduced many famous climbers to the mountain ranges of Northern Pakistan, and has climbed several of the peaks around 6000 metres in the Karakoram Range.  Amin has also worked in earthquake disaster response in Pakistani Kashmir (AJK) and the Balakot areas.

Beyond his experience in working with famous mountaineers in Northern Pakistan's iconic mountain ranges, Amin will introduce ISHKAR travellers to the music, food and beauty of Northern Pakistan - introducing those he guides to the soul of the region.

Photographer : © Victoria Teagles (2021 ISHKAR traveller to Hunza)

GROUP TRAVEL

One of the best things about going on an ISHKAR trip is the group of people with whom you travel. Our trips attract informed, critically minded and adventurous people from all around the world.

Some of you will be drawn by the prospect of spending time in the remote wilderness, others will be drawn by the chance to learn about a fascinating and often misunderstood part of the world.

We get to know everyone who applies to our trips over the phone. In this way we can curate groups guaranteed to enjoy sharing this extraordinary experience together.  What unites everyone is the same curious spirit and desire to get far away from the typical tourist trails.

ISHKAR Travel - Explore Pakistan

Photographer : Matthieu Paley

THE PRICE

The price for this once in a lifetime trip is $3,990. It will include all food, transport and single room accommodation whilst in country.  You will be assisted by guides who know the region inside out, providing access to areas rarely seen by tourists.

For those wishing to stay longer, an optional four day extension to Fairy Meadows with a hike to Nanga Parbat basecamp is possible for an additional payment of USD$590. A minimum of two travellers are required for this extension to run.


Email to apply now: explore@ishkar.com

Book a consultation with us: Click here.
Call us on +44 7500 963326

* Single supplement applied where requested.

** Where international payments are due, we request that you ensure the
full amount is received, after all bank charges have been levied as per
the price and currency stated on the invoice stated.


Photographer : © JB Flanc (2021 ISHKAR traveller to Hunza)

TRAVEL SECURITY

We are uncompromising when it comes to the safety and security of our travellers and will not hesitate to alter plans or cancel trips due to changing security dynamics. In recent years, the security situation in Pakistan has improved considerably.  We will be travelling to Hunza which is a safe region, out of the reach of any turbulence in other regions of Pakistan.

Please see our Travel Security page for more information.


Photographer : © JB Flanc (2021 ISHKAR traveller to Hunza)

ISHKAR Team Members

Your ISHKAR point of contact for the trip is Kate Bloomer. If you have any queries about the trip:

Email: explore@ishkar.com
Book a consultation: Click here.

Kate Bloomer ~ Head of Travel

Kate brings a decade of experience designing tailormade tours for curious and discerning travellers. While she's explored corners of almost every continent, and lived on three, she's particularly drawn to the Middle East and Central Asia, and to parts of the world are a challenge to understand and navigate.

Kate has long admired ISHKAR's ethos and their dedication to exposing open-minded individuals to lesser known and misunderstood destinations through crafts, storytelling and travel. She first worked with ISHKAR on a trip to Socotra in 2021 and is proud to now be contributing her expertise to the team.

Contact:
kate@ishkar.com
+44 7500 963326


Highlights

01 / A LOCAL PERSPECTIVE

Learn first-hand about the region and its cultural complexities, led by Amin as he introduces you to the changing landscapes of Northern Pakistan, both cultural and literal.

02 / CLIMB IN THE KARAKORAM MOUNTAINS

Take a deep breath and feel the expanse of the Karakoram mountains that we will walk around and sleep below during the trip. 

03 / SWAP STORIES

Pass time swapping stories with people from some of the world’s most remote and high altitude communities.

04 / MUSIC OF THE VALLEYS

Share a meal with local musicians in the Chapursan valley while listening to their music and poetry.

Testimonial

This was one of my most memorable trips. Thank you Ishkar for really taking us beyond the headlines. I feel in love with Pakistan – the people we met were so receptive to us and each place you selected was perfect. Thank you for being super considerate about how we engaged with the people and the environment. And I made some great friends

Neha, ISHKAR traveller to Hunza 2021

Seeing ISHKAR’s philosophy and values up close and in person made me love this company

Molly, ISHKAR traveller to Hunza 2021

The balance of the rugged mountains against the warmth of the people and their hospitality make this a unique trip and the efforts that Ishkar put into get this whole trip organised were apparent as it ran so smoothly and was a incredible experience from start to finish. I would love to go again and reconnect with the people we met this time round

Shahin, ISHKAR traveller to Hunza 2021

Is it safe in Pakistan?

In recent years, the security situation in Pakistan has improved considerably. In 2018, there were an estimated 484,000 visits by British nationals to Pakistan. We will be travelling to Hunza which is a safe region, out of reach of any turbulence in other regions of Pakistan. We liaise directly with organisations within the regions of our travel in order to remain up to date with any ongoing changes. We will be informing local authorities of our travel plans, using reputable agencies, staying on established routes, and will remain as a group throughout.

Why travel with us?

We are proposing a different new travel experience. With years of experience and a network of fantastic contacts, we want to show people the Pakistan we know. This trip will be about meeting inspiring people, visiting extraordinary places and experiencing a true adventure in one of the world’s most beautiful and yet least visited regions.

What is included in the cost?

The cost includes domestic flights, all accommodation, guiding, transport/transfers in Pakistan, breakfast, lunch and dinner, entrance fees. It does not include international flights into and out of Islamabad, visa fees, insurance, excess luggage charges, cameras, alcohol, additional food and drinks, medical expenses, tipping.

When do I need to book?

As early as possible, this trip is likely to book up fast. Due to high demand and to ensure the best group fit, we interview all those that apply to join the trip. Once selected, participants must pay the $800 non-refundable deposit to secure their place. 

The final balance needs to be paid 60 days prior to departure - you can pay this online, or via bank transfer directly to us. 

To express your interest, please email us at explore@ishkar.com

How easy is it to get a visa?

Very simple - we will provide you with additional documentation to help with your application, along with advice for your country of residence. 

Will we have a guide?

Throughout the trip, you will be accompanied by our guide Amin who speaks fluent English (and Japanese and Urdu!) and knows the mountains well. 

Do I need special travel insurance?

You will be expected to have full travel insurance that covers the region. If you are unsure if the policy covers you we can suggest the specialist insurance providers.

Will I be able to travel on my own?

We will stay as a group for the duration of the trip. You may choose to travel on your own before the start or after the finish of the trip, but whilst travelling with ISHKAR you are requested to remain with the group.  If you would like to stay on and explore longer, please talk to us so we can assist you with arrangements (at additional cost)

Do I need any vaccinations?

Please speak with your doctor to ensure you have the correct vaccinations for remote travel in Pakistan.

What do I need to bring?

We will send you a more detailed handbook before leaving, including recommended reading and clothing.

Where will we be staying?

We will be staying in a mixture of guesthouses in addition to camping whilst hiking in the more remote corners of the Hunza valley. You will have your own room throughout. 

Can I come on my own?

Yes of course. Individuals and small groups are equally welcome. Personally, we also think this could be the perfect trip to experience with a friend, parent, child, or partner!

What is the food like?

All meals are included. Pakistani dishes are known for having aromatic and sometimes spicey flavours. There are vegetarian options in most places but please consult us if you have very specific dietary requirements.

When do I need to book my flights?

If you are thinking of applying, please email us at explore@ishkar.com and we will send you the flights you will need to book, in order to ensure that all travellers arrivals in to Islamabad are coordinated.

Can I book even if I don’t live in the UK?

Yes of course. You will just need to arrive at Islamabad airport in time to catch the domestic flight.

Do I need to have a good camera for the trip?

No, feel free to bring any camera you wish, including just using the camera on your phone.

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