Pakistan: Lahore & Hiking the Karakoram Mountains

Welcome to Pakistan, known as the Land of the Pure, in Urdu. A country full of natural wonders seemingly undiscovered by tourists. Your adventure starts in Islamabad where you will meet your CEO and fellow travelers at the Welcome Meeting this afternoon. Then head to the Shah Faisal Mosque for sunset. Listen as the maghrib prayer echoes over this unique mosque, welcoming you to Pakistan. Stay: Hotel Hillview Islamabad

This evening, join your CEO and group to prepare for your five day trek that starts tomorrow. Review the trekking route and difficulty levels throughout. Discuss best practice for managing high-altitude sickness and guidelines for responsible trekking. Stay: Destination Hotel Khaplu (B/L/D)

Upon arrival at camp, some warm refreshment will be served as you get settled in. Dinner will be served in the mess tent, and will feature a mix of local Pakistani specialties as well as continental and regional dishes. Tea, coffee and green tea will be available at any time throughout your stay. Stay: Dunsa Campsite (B/L/D)

Boiled water for drinking will be available for refilling your water bottle throughout the journey. Stay: May Sikhpa Campsite (B/L/D)

Listen as the mountain birds sing you awake and breathe in the crisp mountain air as you emerge from your tent. After a hearty breakfast, trek for around 5 km to La Brangsa High Camp. As we hike, listen for the grunts of yaks or the bleating of goats being led by local shepherds. Today's relatively moderate trek is mostly through green meadows, with a small stream crossing to keep you on your toes, literally! There will be moments to rest on the trek and to interact with the shepherds up in the summer pasture. We'll arrive in the afternoon to La Brangsa, and after setting up camp, enjoy some free time. Learn to play cricket with the locals or chat to your local porters who would be thrilled to share a good conversation with you as you relax after the hike. Stay: La Brangsa Campsite (B/L/D)

Enjoy an early breakfast, as we head out straight after sunrise to prepare to summit Thallay La Mountain. Gain about 620 meters in altitude today as you climb a steep trail to reach the top. Summiting a mountaintop after a challenging hike is one of life's unique thrills as a human being. Conquering a physical challenge with like-minded peers to gain your reward-an expansive birds-eye-view of our planet earth as very few get to see her. This summit is perhaps made all the more special by how relatively untouched it is by mass tourism. After some well-deserved celebrating, rest and of course some photos, we'll descend towards our next campsite for the night. Arrive and set up camp at Bukhma campsite and dig into a hearty, celebratory, Pakistani meal. Tonight is your last night camping so enjoy a peaceful last evening under the stars. Stay: Bukhma Campsite (B/L/D)

Today is our last day of trekking through the Thallay La trail. From Bukhma campsite, we'll hike down the remaining 14 km to reach Shigar. Enjoy the last kilometers with mountain flowers, snow capped jagged mountains and flowing glacial streams in view. After arriving to Shigar, say goodbye to the incredible local guides and staff that helped us through the passage. Then relax at Shigar Fort, a converted historic building, and enjoy some refreshments. Tonight, we spend a much earned night in a hotel in Shigar and a enjoy warm dinner as a group. Stay: Dynasty Hotel (B/L/D)

In the case that the flight from Skardu to Islamabad is cancelled, we will take the scenic route and drive to Islamabad. We'll pass through the breathtaking Babusar Pass and picturesque lakeside towns like Naran. Stay: Hotel Hillview Islamabad (B/L)

Drive from Islamabad to the city of Lahore this morning, on a highway that connects Pakistan to Afghanistan, China and other Central Asian countries. After arriving to the hotel, we'll head out to visit the Badshahi Mosque, one of Pakistan's most beautiful and iconic landmarks. Dinner will be at Lahore Food Street, filled with historic buildings, stoning views and most importantly, delicious meals. Stay: Avari Xpress Gulberg (B/D)

Explore the best of Lahore today on a tour of the city, visiting some of the most historic places in all of Pakistan, including the ancient Walled City of Lahore. Known as the cultural and historical heart of Lahore, the Walled City dates back to the Mughal era, in the year 1000. Spend time exploring the narrow streets and bustling bazaars. In the afternoon, visit Wagah Border between Pakistan and India. With a complicated history, witness as these two countries come together every evening for a flag-lowering ceremony, highlighting a dual showcase of patriotism that exists almost nowhere else on earth. In the evening, celebrate your incredible adventure with your CEO and fellow travelers by choosing to dine together a final time. Stay: Avari Xpress Gulberg (B)

Depart at anytime. (B)