Pakistan 14-Day Itinerary 2026

Follow our 7-day Northern Pakistan itinerary for Days 1-6. The route covers Islamabad, the Kaghan Valley, Babusar Pass, and the full Hunza Valley experience including Karimabad, Attabad Lake, Passu and the option of Khunjerab Pass.

Key highlights: Faisal Mosque, Saif-ul-Malook Lake, Rakaposhi viewpoint, Baltit Fort, Eagle's Nest, Attabad Lake boat ride, Passu Suspension Bridge.

Full Day Drive

Depart Karimabad early for Skardu via Gilgit (280 km, 7-8 hours). The road follows the Gilgit River and then the Indus, winding through narrow gorges with towering mountains on either side. Stop in Gilgit for lunch and visit the Kargah Buddha. The landscape becomes increasingly stark and dramatic as you approach Skardu — arid desert valleys flanked by massive rock walls.

Arrive in Skardu by late afternoon. Check into your hotel and take a stroll along the Skardu Bazaar. The town sits at 2,228m in a wide valley surrounded by jagged peaks.

Stay: Skardu — Budget: K2 Motel (from $12) | Mid: Mashabrum Hotel (from $40) | Luxury: Shangrila Resort (from $100)

Morning

Visit Shangrila Resort (PKR 300 entry), famous for its heart-shaped Lower Kachura Lake with an old aircraft fuselage converted into a restaurant. The lake reflects the surrounding mountains in perfect mirror images. Continue to Upper Kachura Lake (30 minutes by jeep, PKR 4,000 return) — far less visited and even more beautiful, with crystal-clear turquoise water surrounded by cliffs.

Afternoon

Hike up to Skardu Fort (Kharpocho Fort) for panoramic views over the Skardu Valley and the Indus River. The fort dates to the 16th century. Visit the Skardu Rock, a sacred Buddhist carving. In the afternoon, drive to Katpana Desert (Cold Desert), one of the highest deserts in the world at 2,226m — sand dunes surrounded by snow-capped mountains create a surreal landscape.

Evening

Dinner at Café de Bone & Beyond or a local restaurant. Skardu is famous for apricot-based dishes, dried fruits, and mamtu (Balti dumplings). Fresh trout from the streams is excellent.

Full Day

Day trip to Deosai National Park (2 hours from Skardu by jeep, PKR 8,000-12,000 return). At an average elevation of 4,114m, Deosai is the second highest plateau in the world and one of the most remarkable landscapes on the planet. In summer (July-September), the plateau transforms into a carpet of wildflowers stretching to the horizon. The park is home to the endangered Himalayan brown bear, golden marmots, Tibetan red foxes and Himalayan ibex.

Drive across the plateau to Sheosar Lake, a pristine glacial lake at 4,142m that reflects the surrounding peaks. The silence and vastness of Deosai is humbling. Bring warm clothing — even in summer, temperatures can drop to freezing at this altitude.

Return to Skardu by evening. Pack for an early departure tomorrow.

Deosai is only accessible July to September. If visiting outside these months, spend an extra day in Skardu exploring Satpara Lake, Manthoka Waterfall, or the side valleys.

Option A: PIA Flight (Recommended)

Fly PIA from Skardu to Islamabad (1 hour, PKR 10,000-15,000, ~$36-54). The flight is spectacular — you fly past Nanga Parbat with K2 visible in the distance. Warning: Skardu flights cancel frequently due to weather. Book but have the drive as backup. If your flight is cancelled, take the bus (22-24 hours).

Option B: Drive (Split Over 2 Days)

If flying is not possible, drive from Skardu to Chilas (8-9 hours) and overnight, then Chilas to Islamabad the next day (10-12 hours via KKH). This adds an extra day to the itinerary.

Arrive in Islamabad by afternoon/evening. Rest, restock supplies, and prepare for the Lahore leg.

Morning

Take a Daewoo Express bus from Islamabad to Lahore (4.5 hours, PKR 1,500-2,500, ~$5-9, comfortable, A/C, reclining seats) or fly PIA/Serene Air (1 hour, PKR 6,000-10,000). The motorway is smooth and modern. Arrive in Lahore by lunch.

Afternoon

Check into your hotel in the Gulberg or Mall Road area. Head straight to the Walled City for a walking tour. The Old City is a labyrinth of narrow lanes, Mughal-era havelis (mansions), spice markets and food stalls. Visit the Wazir Khan Mosque (1634), considered the most beautifully decorated mosque in Lahore, with its extraordinary faience tile work.

Evening

Dinner at Food Street (Gawalmandi) — an entire street of restaurants serving Lahore's legendary cuisine. Start with nihari (slow-cooked beef stew) at Waris Nihari, then try halwa puri at Phajja Siri Paye. Lahore's food scene alone justifies the trip.

Stay: Lahore — Budget: Lahore Backpackers (from $10) | Mid: Luxus Grand (from $50) | Luxury: Pearl Continental Lahore (from $120)

Morning

Visit the Badshahi Mosque (1673), one of the largest mosques in the world, built by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The red sandstone and white marble structure can hold 100,000 worshippers. Entry is free. Directly adjacent is the Lahore Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site, PKR 500). Explore the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors), Naulakha Pavilion, and the Alamgiri Gate.

Afternoon

Walk through the Lahore Old City gates — Delhi Gate, Roshnai Gate, Bhati Gate. Visit the Minar-e-Pakistan in Iqbal Park, marking where the Pakistan Resolution was passed in 1940. Take a horse-drawn tonga ride through the lanes for the authentic Old Lahore experience.

Evening

Visit the Shalimar Gardens (UNESCO, PKR 300), built by Shah Jahan in 1641 — three terraced levels with over 400 fountains. They are particularly beautiful at sunset. Dinner at Cooco's Den, a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Badshahi Mosque with live Sufi music.

Morning

Start with a traditional Lahori breakfast: halwa puri with channay (chickpea curry), lassi, and paye (trotter soup) from Butt Karahi. Visit the Lahore Museum (PKR 500), which houses the famous Fasting Siddhartha sculpture and Gandhara art from the ancient Buddhist civilisation of northern Pakistan.

Afternoon

Explore Anarkali Bazaar, one of the oldest markets in South Asia, selling everything from embroidered fabrics to jewellery and spices. Visit the Fakir Khana Museum (private family collection spanning centuries). For contemporary culture, check out the Alhamra Art Gallery or the Aga Khan-funded Walled City regeneration projects.

Evening

Final food crawl: Lakshmi Chowk for seekh kebabs grilled over charcoal, Heera Mandi for karahi (wok-fried) chicken, and Nishat Road for BBQ. End at the Packages Mall food court or a rooftop café for a modern Lahore contrast.

Morning

Sleep in and enjoy a leisurely Lahori breakfast. Visit the Tomb of Jahangir (PKR 300) across the Ravi River, or the Badshahi Mosque again if you want more time. Pack and check out.

Afternoon

Drive to the Wagah Border (30 km from Lahore, 45 minutes). The daily flag-lowering ceremony between Pakistan and India is one of the most electrifying spectacles in South Asia. Thousands of spectators from both sides cheer, dance and wave flags as soldiers from both countries perform an elaborate goose-stepping ceremony. Arrive by 3 PM to get good seats (ceremony starts ~4:30 PM in summer, 4 PM in winter).

Evening

Return to Lahore and fly home from Allama Iqbal International Airport, or take the Daewoo bus back to Islamabad (4.5 hours) for a departure from Islamabad Airport.

• Islamabad
• Hunza Valley
• Skardu
• Deosai National Park
• Lahore
• Karakoram Highway

• Best Time to Visit
• Getting Around
• Safety Tips
• Pakistan Food Guide
• Visa Requirements