Remember that two weeks will not be enough time to explore all of Pakistan, much alone even half of it, before you start looking for tickets and accommodations. You would be able to see a limited number of the most popular travel spots in the nation, which are primarily in the northern and north-eastern regions, using this itinerary.
But don't worry, since these sites will astonish you with their beauty, mystique, and culture. Travel enthusiasts have the freedom to merely wander and explore at their own pace in Pakistan because to the country's low tourism and development levels.
Day 1: Lahore
Pakistan's cultural epicentre is Lahore, and deservedly so. It is one of the oldest cities in the area, and throughout its imperial history, it has been ruled by the Hindus, the Ghaznavids, the Ghurids, and the Mughals. Later, it was taken from the Mughals by the Persians, who later lost it to the Sikhs, who were ultimately vanquished by the British.
Lahore transformed into a vibrant metropolitan hub for all kinds of artists and traders as a result of all of this activity. Visiting Lahore for a full day and a half is essential in order to see the city's well-known Badshahi and Wazir Khan mosques, Shahi Hammam, and Sufi and Sikh sites. Shalimar Gardens and the Lahore Fort are additional must-see locations. Catch authentic Pakistani food at the Mall Road food court at the end of day one.
Day 2: A little more of Lahore and then fly off to Islamabad
Plan a late-evening or overnight trip to Islamabad, then spend the morning exploring the Walled City neighbourhood to experience Lahore's heart right in front of you. Here, you'll find carts, stalls, and businesses offering everything from breakfast to cobbling in the narrow lanes inside mediaeval gates. Bring cash because you might be tempted to buy a lot of souvenirs. The stunning Jahangir mausoleum that was constructed nearby is also well worth a visit. You still have time, if you act quickly, to visit the Pakistan-India border, where you can witness exhibitions of marching soldiers and nationalistic crowds supporting them on both sides. Prepare yourself to arrive at a calm and tranquil Islamabad next.
Day 3: Islamabad
Depending on when you get there, you might want to have dinner at the magnificent Monal restaurant, which has a view of the entire city, or you might want to go straight to bed. When you first wake up, stop by the Shah Faisal mosque and the Pakistan Monument between morning and midday for some Instagram-worthy photos before travelling to Daman-e-Koh to experience the city's flora. If you can, attempt to schedule a flight to Gilgit for the same day as your flight to Islamabad since there should only be a brief layover.
If not, there are several excellent eateries and coffee shops in Pakistan's capital city that you would like. Flights to Gilgit might occasionally be delayed by weather, so you might need to extend your stay or take a 15-20-hour bus ride with NATCO buses to get there.
Day 4 and 5: Gilgit Valley and Fairy Meadows
The Himalayas, Hindukush, and Karakoram mountain ranges are located in Pakistan's scenic and lovely north, and Gilgit is your entryway there. The Gilgit Valley and its surroundings are breathtakingly beautiful. You might travel two hours to the magnificent Fairy Meadows, a rich green grassland next to the towering Nanga Parbat of the Himalayan range, which rises to a height of 8,125 metres.
Relax here for a half-day in the spotless environment. Don't pass by the Gilgit Bridge, which spans the raging Gilgit River. The Buddha statue known as Kargah Buddha that was carved into the cliff could be your next stop. The stunning Naltar Valley, close by and well worth a visit, has rest areas, ski runs, and tiny Alpine forests, lakes, and glaciers are all present.
The nearby valleys of Danyore, Bagrot, Nomal, and Oshikhandas can also be explored using Gilgit as a base. Even if Gilgit may be beautiful, you should not spend too much time there given that you only have two weeks. Instead, continue on and discover more.
Day 6 and 7: Gilgit to Minapin plus Rakaposhi base camp
Minapin, a small but picturesque settlement with breathtaking mountain views and a trail leading to the Rakaposhi Mountain base camp, is a diversion located about 75 kilometres from Gilgit. Regardless of whether you choose to complete the easy-medium level trek all the way to base camp, you will still enjoy the walk on the trek trail and the surrounding vistas. If you decide to go on the walk, you will need two days to get there and back as well as camping gear. There are many glaciers along the route, which may only be traversed from May to September.
Day 8 and 9: Karimabad, Hunza and nearby villages
The distance from Minapin to the Hunza region, where Karimabad village is situated, is not very great. You will be surrounded by mountains that tower above 7,000 metres high on all sides where you are. The hamlet offers a wide range of affordable and upscale lodging alternatives, including Hunza Lounge and Serena Inn. Given that Ismailis make up the majority of Karimabad's population, the atmosphere and culture are highly relaxed and open. The local ladies can be seen working and walking the streets without a head or facial covering. They will even welcome and converse with you.
The two mediaeval forts of Altit and Baltit, which date back centuries and are a popular cultural and tourist destination in Karimabad, must be seen. After spending a few hours exploring the area, you can go to the Eagle's Nest for a 360-degree panorama of the valley and the magnificent Rakaposhi, Diran, and Lady Finger mountains. Karimabad is a great starting point for day treks and excursions to nearby gorgeous locations including Passu Village and the captivating Attabad Lake.
Day 10: Karimabad to Skardu
On day 10, depart from Karimabad and travel the beautiful Karakorum Highway for six hours to reach Skardu. Once more, the town of Skardu is breathtakingly gorgeous. It is situated where the Shigar and Indus rivers meet, dividing the Himalayas from the Karakoram mountain range. Due to the presence of four of the fourteen eight-thousander peaks that are the highest in the world, including K2, Skardu is a very popular tourist destination.
One of the biggest attractions in this area is Skardu Fort, which was constructed by the Moqpon dynasty rulers of Baltistan in the eighth century. The Shigar Fort, which is situated on the journey to K2, is another location worth seeing. Around 400 years old, Shigar Fort is also referred to as Fong Khar, or the Palace on the Rock in the local tongue. The Raja of Shigar's royal residences were renovated and are now home to a splendid guest house and a museum dedicated to Balti culture. Try to stay here for at least one night if you can to experience what it was like to be a royal 400 years ago.
Day 11: Skardu and nearby areas
Drive a 4WD outside of Skardu to the Deosai plains and nearby lakes including Shangrilla, Satpara, and Kachura. On paved and gravel roads, the trip to the Deosai plains takes about three hours one way. On the road, at a distance of about 45 minutes, is Satpara Lake.
Once in Deosai, you can relax by Schesoar Lake and soak in the scenery while munching on some goodies. When you return to Skardu later, attempt to stop at Lower Kachura Lake or Shangri La, both of which are around 32 kilometres away.
Day 12 and 13: Fly from Skardu to Islamabad (and luckily) to Chitral
Skardu to Islamabad is a daily one-hour flight away, and if you're lucky or have your travel plans in order, you might be able to arrive in the capital on one of the two days when the flight to Chitral is scheduled. If so, you can take an hour-long trip to Chitral and take advantage of the opportunity to drive directly to the mystical Kalash valleys, which are located about three hours away from Chitral.
The three valleys of Kalash are Bumbret, Rumboor, and Birir. According to legend, the Kalashi people are descended from the soldiers who served in Alexander's armies, and the world is fascinated by their vibrant attire, distinctive culture, and animistic religion. The final two days of day 12 and day 13 could be spent in any of the three.
If you are not able to catch a flight to Chitral you could explore Rawal Dam and the Lake view park or head to the nearby archaeological site of Taxilla.
Day 14: Islamabad
Your final stop will be Islamabad, where you can catch a flight to continue on to the next exciting chapter of your life. If you have extra time, you can go to the Lok Virsa or the Cultural Museum, or you can just relax as you'll probably be exhausted from all the travelling on your final day in Pakistan.
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