16-Day Epic Family Discovery Route in Pakistan
Pakistan is a land of profound beauty and warmth, offering families a chance to explore ancient civilizations and breathtaking mountain ranges at a relaxed pace. This 16-day itinerary is crafted for those traveling with children, prioritizing comfort, safety, and accessible landmarks while maintaining the spirit of an epic adventure.
From the wide, stroller-friendly boulevards of Islamabad to the mystical walled city of Lahore and the sapphire waters of Attabad Lake, your family will be immersed in a culture that treats guests like royalty. We use a combination of comfortable private transfers and domestic flights to ensure the journey is as enjoyable as the destination.
Day 1: Islamabad, Pakistan - Welcome to the Capital
Arrival at Islamabad International Airport
Complete your entry formalities at this modern airport. The facility is stroller-friendly and equipped with family lounges.
Check-in at Islamabad Serena Hotel
Relax at one of the city's most secure and luxurious hotels, featuring beautiful gardens and a kid-friendly pool area.
F-9 Park (Fatima Jinnah Park)
Let the children burn off post-flight energy at this massive urban park. It features well-maintained walking tracks and large playgrounds.
Dinner at Monal (Pir Sohawa)
Drive up the Margalla Hills for a panoramic view of the city. The restaurant offers a variety of cuisines and a lively atmosphere perfect for families.
Day 2: Islamabad, Pakistan - Icons and Culture
Faisal Mosque
Visit the iconic national mosque of Pakistan. The vast marble courtyard is impressive and provides plenty of space for families to walk around.
Lok Virsa Heritage Museum
Explore Pakistan's diverse regional cultures through life-sized dioramas and folk art. It is educational and engaging for children.
Daman-e-Koh Viewpoint
A mid-level viewpoint in the hills offering great photos of Islamabad. Monkeys are often spotted here, which is usually a hit with the kids.
Saidpur Village
An ancient village turned into a tourist hub with cafes and a small museum showcasing the city's history before modernization.
Day 3: Lahore, Pakistan - The Cultural Heart
Drive to Lahore via M-2 Motorway
Enjoy a smooth 4.5-hour drive on one of the best motorways in South Asia. The service areas are modern with clean restrooms and food courts.
Lahore Hotel Check-in
Settle into your accommodation in the Gulberg area, known for its central location and family-friendly dining options.
Greater Iqbal Park
Visit the Minar-e-Pakistan and enjoy the dancing fountains. The park is vast and offers buggy rides for kids.
Dinner at Food Street Fort Road
Dine on a rooftop overlooking the illuminated Badshahi Mosque for an unforgettable introduction to Lahori cuisine.
Day 4: Lahore, Pakistan - Mughal Grandeur
Badshahi Mosque
One of the largest mosques in the world. Its massive red sandstone courtyard is easy for families to navigate.
Lahore Fort (Shahi Qila)
Explore the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors). Hiring a local guide here is recommended to hear the fascinating stories of Mughal kings.
Walled City Walk (Delhi Gate)
Take a colorful rickshaw ride through the narrow streets of the old city to see the Shahi Hammam and Wazir Khan Mosque.
Anarkali Bazaar
A vibrant, bustling market where you can shop for traditional handicrafts and fabrics. A great place to experience local life.
Day 5: Lahore, Pakistan - Border Ceremonies
Shalimar Gardens
A UNESCO World Heritage site. These Persian-style gardens offer a peaceful, stroller-friendly environment for a morning stroll.
Lunch in Gulberg
Enjoy international or local cuisine in Lahore's modern commercial hub.
Wagah Border Ceremony
Drive to the border for the daily flag-lowering ceremony. The high-energy parade is a unique spectacle that kids usually find very exciting.
Liberty Market Shopping
A final chance to pick up some Lahori silk or leather goods before heading north.
Day 6: Islamabad, Pakistan - The Transit Day
Return Drive to Islamabad
A relaxed return journey via the motorway. Stop at the Salt Range for photos.
Centaurus Mall
A modern mall where you can restock on any supplies (diapers, snacks) needed for the mountain portion of the trip.
Early Dinner & Packing
Prep your bags for the domestic flight to the mountains. Keep a day-pack ready with warm layers.
Rest at Guest House
Stay near the airport or in F-6/F-7 sectors to ensure a quick departure the next morning.
Day 7: Gilgit, Pakistan - Gateway to the North
Flight to Gilgit
This is one of the most scenic flights in the world, passing by Nanga Parbat. Note: Flights are weather-dependent.
Gilgit City Exploration
Visit the Kargah Buddha, a 7th-century rock carving just outside the city.
Drive to Hunza (Karimabad)
A stunning 2-hour drive along the Karakoram Highway (KKH). The road is paved and comfortable.
Check-in at Hunza Serena Inn
Located in Karimabad, this hotel offers incredible views of Rakaposhi and is very welcoming to families.
Day 8: Hunza Valley, Pakistan - Ancient Forts
Baltit Fort
Walk up the steep but paved path to this 700-year-old fort. The museum inside offers a great look at local history.
Lunch in Karimabad Bazaar
Try the local 'Walnut Cake'—a calorie-dense and delicious treat that children love.
Altit Fort and Royal Garden
Visit the older Altit Fort. The surrounding garden is a peaceful place for kids to play among apricot trees.
Sunset at Eagle's Nest
A short drive to Duikar for a breathtaking sunset over the entire Hunza Valley. You can see seven peaks over 7,000 meters.
Day 9: Hunza Valley, Pakistan - Turquoise Waters
Drive to Attabad Lake
A 45-minute drive through the 'Friendship Tunnels' leads to this stunning sapphire-blue lake.
Boating on Attabad Lake
Take a safe, family-sized motorboat ride across the lake. Life jackets are provided and the water is remarkably calm.
Lunch with a View
Eat at one of the lakeside cafes, enjoying the contrast of the blue water and rugged mountains.
Return to Karimabad
Spend the evening relaxing at the hotel or browsing local gemstone shops.
Day 10: Gulmit, Pakistan - Village Life
Passu Cones Viewpoint
Stop for photos of these iconic, jagged peaks. The viewpoint is right on the KKH and very accessible.
Hussaini Suspension Bridge
For adventurous families (and older kids), visit this famous bridge. Even just watching from the shore is a great experience.
Lunch in Gulmit Village
Visit a traditional house (ha) and learn about the Pamiri culture of the Upper Hunza people.
Passu Glacier Walk
A very short, easy walk to the edge of the glacier that is manageable for most children.
Day 11: Khunjerab Pass, Pakistan - Top of the World
Day Trip to Khunjerab Pass
Drive to the highest paved border crossing in the world (Pakistan-China). The road is excellent and fully paved.
Khunjerab National Park
Look out for Himalayan Ibex and Marmots along the way. Marmots are often visible near the road.
The China Border Gate
Take photos at the iconic gateway. Note the altitude (4,600m), so keep physical activity light.
Return to Sost or Gulmit
A scenic drive back down through the rugged canyons of the Karakoram.
Day 12: Hopper Valley, Pakistan - The Moving Glacier
Drive to Hopper Valley
Across the river from Karimabad, this valley offers a different perspective and lush green orchards.
Hopper Glacier Viewpoint
You can see the 'black glacier' from a viewpoint cafe. It is one of the fastest-moving glaciers in the world.
Village Orchard Walk
Walk through the cherry and apricot orchards, which are particularly beautiful in spring and autumn.
Local Music Night
Many hotels in Hunza organize evening folk music sessions which are very family-friendly.
Day 13: Gilgit, Pakistan - Relaxation and Rivers
Drive back to Gilgit
Take a slow drive back, stopping at the collision point of the Continental Plates.
Lunch by the Gilgit River
Enjoy fresh trout at a riverside restaurant, a local specialty.
Gilgit Bridge Rickshaw Ride
A fun, short rickshaw ride across the suspension bridges in the city center.
Local Bazaar Shopping
Buy authentic Hunza caps (Pakkul) and dried fruits as souvenirs.
Day 14: Islamabad, Pakistan - Return to the City
Fly back to Islamabad
If the flight is canceled due to weather, your backup is a private car drive via the scenic Babusar Pass (seasonal).
Hotel Check-in and Rest
Return to a familiar hotel in Islamabad to relax after the mountain journey.
Pakistan Monument
Visit this architecturally stunning monument representing the four provinces. The museum inside is very high-tech.
Farewell Dinner at Kabul Restaurant
Try authentic Afghani/Peshawari cuisine in the F-7 sector, famous for its mild and kid-friendly kebabs.
Day 15: Taxila, Pakistan - Ancient Footsteps
Day Trip to Taxila
A 1-hour drive to this UNESCO World Heritage site, which was once a center of Buddhist learning.
Taxila Museum
See an incredible collection of Gandharan art. The museum is well-organized and stroller-accessible.
Julian Monastery
Visit the ruins of the ancient university. Some parts require walking up steps, so baby carriers are recommended over strollers here.
Return to Islamabad
Enjoy a final evening at leisure in the city.
Day 16: Islamabad, Pakistan - Final Farewells
Last Minute Souvenirs
Visit the shops in F-6 Markaz for high-quality pashminas, brassware, and local honey.
Leisurely Lunch
Have a relaxed final meal at a cafe in the Kohsar Market area.
Relax at the Hotel
Utilize the hotel facilities or late check-out options before your flight.
Transfer to Airport
A comfortable 30-minute drive to the airport for your journey home.
Best Time to Visit Pakistan
The best time for this multi-region itinerary is during the shoulder seasons: Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to October). During these months, the northern areas like Hunza are accessible and stunningly beautiful with blossoms or fall colors, while the plains (Islamabad and Lahore) are pleasantly warm rather than scorching. Summer (June-August) is great for the mountains but can be very hot in Lahore, and Winter (December-February) is ideal for Lahore but most mountain roads will be blocked by snow.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Pakistani Rupee (PKR). While high-end hotels and large malls in Islamabad and Lahore accept international credit cards (Visa and Mastercard), Pakistan is still very much a cash-based society, especially in the Northern Areas. ATMs are widely available in major cities, but it is wise to carry enough cash for your entire stay in Hunza and Gilgit. Tipping is customary but not mandatory; 5-10% at restaurants is well-appreciated.
Getting Around Pakistan
For families, the most comfortable way to travel between Islamabad and Lahore is via a private car or the premium Daewoo Express bus. For the journey to the North, a domestic flight from Islamabad to Gilgit is the fastest option, though it is prone to weather cancellations. Within the Hunza Valley, hiring a private 4x4 Jeep with a driver is the standard and safest method for navigating mountain roads. For city travel in Islamabad and Lahore, ride-sharing apps like Careem and Uber are reliable and offer air-conditioned cars.
