17-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in Pakistan
Pakistan is a land of staggering contrasts, where the rugged peaks of the Himalayas meet the sophisticated legacy of the Mughal Empire. This 17-day itinerary is designed for the discerning traveler who seeks both the thrill of adventure and the comfort of world-class hospitality. You will traverse the country in style, utilizing private transfers and domestic flights to maximize your time in each breathtaking destination.
From the serene turquoise waters of Attabad Lake to the vibrant, spice-scented streets of Old Lahore, every detail of this journey has been crafted to provide an exclusive experience. Indulge in private gallery viewings, high-altitude glamping, and gourmet dining overlooking some of the world's most iconic landscapes.
Day 1: Islamabad, Pakistan - Capital Elegance
Arrival at Islamabad International
Upon arrival, enjoy a VIP greeting and private limousine transfer to the Islamabad Serena Hotel. Settle into your suite and enjoy the lush gardens of the capital's premier luxury property.
Lunch at The Monal
Take a scenic drive up the Margalla Hills to dine at Monal. This renowned restaurant offers panoramic views of the entire capital city while serving traditional Pakistani platters.
Faisal Mosque Private Tour
Visit the iconic Faisal Mosque, an architectural marvel. Your private guide will explain the unique Turkish-influenced design and the history of this massive landmark.
Fine Dining at Wild Rice
Enjoy an evening of Pan-Asian cuisine at Serena’s flagship restaurant, featuring authentic flavors and a sophisticated atmosphere.
Day 2: Islamabad, Pakistan - Art & Culture
Pakistan Monument & Museum
Explore the blooming petal structure of the Pakistan Monument. The onsite wax museum provides a detailed look into the nation's independence history.
Heritage Lunch in Saidpur Village
Wander through the restored ancient village of Saidpur. Enjoy a traditional lunch at Des Pardes, situated within a historic stone building.
Lok Virsa Museum Private Gallery
Witness the incredible diversity of Pakistan's ethnic groups at the Lok Virsa Museum, focusing on folk heritage and traditional crafts.
Tea at the Marriott
Relax with a high tea session at the Marriott Islamabad, a popular spot for the city's diplomatic elite.
Day 3: Skardu, Pakistan - Gateway to the Peaks
Scenic Flight to Skardu
Take a breathtaking morning flight over the Himalayas and Karakoram. Keep your camera ready for views of Nanga Parbat and K2.
Check-in at Shigar Fort
Check into the Serena Shigar Fort, a 400-year-old restored palace. This unique luxury hotel offers a blend of history and modern comfort.
Shigar Valley Walk
Explore the organic gardens and local architecture of Shigar with a private guide, visiting the historic mosque and village center.
Palace Dinner
Dine in the historic hall of the fort, enjoying Balti specialties like Mamtu (dumplings) prepared by master chefs.
Day 4: Skardu, Pakistan - Alpine Serenity
Shangrila Lake Exploration
Visit the famous heart-shaped Lower Kachura Lake at Shangrila Resort. Enjoy a private boat ride on the crystal-clear waters.
Upper Kachura Lake Hike
A short, easy hike takes you to the deep blue Upper Kachura Lake, where you can enjoy fresh grilled trout for lunch at a lakeside terrace.
Soq Valley Excursion
A short drive into the nearby Soq Valley offers secluded views of the rushing Indus River and stunning rock formations.
Stargazing at the Fort
Return to Shigar for an evening of stargazing. The lack of light pollution here makes for a brilliant celestial display.
Day 5: Skardu, Pakistan - Desert & Waterfalls
Sarfaranga Cold Desert
Visit one of the highest deserts in the world. Experience the unique landscape of sand dunes surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
Mantoka Waterfall
Drive to the impressive Mantoka Waterfall, a cascading sheet of water perfect for a luxury picnic organized by your hotel.
Kharpocho Fort
Visit the ancient fort overlooking Skardu city for a sunset view of the Indus River valley.
Riverside BBQ
Enjoy a private BBQ dinner set up along the banks of the Shigar River.
Day 6: Gilgit, Pakistan - The Roof of the World
Drive to Gilgit
Embark on a scenic 5-hour drive via the Skardu-Gilgit road, following the dramatic Indus River gorge.
Gilgit Serena Hotel Lunch
Arrive and check in at the Gilgit Serena, an oasis of luxury in the rugged north. Enjoy lunch overlooking the Gilgit River.
Kargah Buddha
Visit the 7th-century rock carving of the Buddha, a testament to the region's rich Buddhist history.
Bazaar Exploration
Take a guided walk through the Gilgit Bazaar to see precious gemstones and local handicrafts.
Day 7: Hunza Valley, Pakistan - The Shangri-La
Drive to Karimabad
Continue your journey into the Hunza Valley. Stop at the Rakaposhi Viewpoint for a close-up look at the 7,788m peak.
Check-in at Luxus Hunza
Arrive at Attabad Lake and check into Luxus Hunza, where every room offers floor-to-ceiling views of the turquoise water.
Altit Fort & Royal Gardens
Explore the 1100-year-old Altit Fort and its impeccably maintained royal gardens, managed by the Aga Khan Cultural Service.
Attabad Lake Jet Ski
Enjoy the evening on the lake with private jet skiing or a luxury boat cruise at sunset.
Day 8: Hunza Valley, Pakistan - To the High Border
Khunjerab Pass Expedition
A full-day excursion to the Pakistan-China border, the highest paved border crossing in the world at 4,693 meters.
Passu Cones Viewpoint
On the return leg, stop at the majestic Passu Cones for photos and lunch at the Glacier Breeze Café (famed for its apricot cake).
Borith Lake Relax
A quiet stop at Borith Lake, a saline lake popular for bird watching and tranquility.
Starlight Dinner
A private dinner on the deck at Luxus Hunza overlooking the illuminated Attabad Lake.
Day 9: Hunza Valley, Pakistan - Karimabad Heritage
Baltit Fort Tour
Visit the iconic Baltit Fort, inspired by Tibetan architecture and perched high above Karimabad.
Cafe de Hunza Lunch
Enjoy a casual but high-end lunch in the heart of the village, sampling the region's famous walnuts and local honey.
Duikar Sunset
Drive up to the Eagle's Nest in Duikar for the most famous sunset spot in Hunza, with views of seven peaks over 7,000 meters.
Traditional Music Night
Return to your hotel for an evening of live traditional rubab music and local dance.
Day 10: Lahore, Pakistan - The Cultural Heartland
Fly to Lahore
Take a morning flight from Gilgit back to Islamabad, connecting to the vibrant cultural capital, Lahore.
Check-in at Pearl Continental
Check into the Pearl Continental Lahore, the city's landmark hotel, known for its grand lobby and excellent service.
Shalimar Gardens
Walk through the UNESCO-listed Mughal gardens, famous for their complex water fountains and marble pavilions.
Dinner at Food Street
Dine at Haveli or Cooco’s Den on the roof, with a direct, stunning view of the illuminated Badshahi Mosque.
Day 11: Lahore, Pakistan - Walled City Wonders
Badshahi Mosque Private Tour
Explore one of the world's largest mosques, an absolute masterpiece of the Mughal era constructed in red sandstone.
Lahore Fort & Mirror Palace
Visit the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) within the Lahore Fort, showcasing intricate glass tilework.
Wazir Khan Mosque
Visit the most ornately decorated mosque in South Asia, famous for its incredible fresco work and Kashi-kari tilework.
Royal Bath (Shahi Hammam)
See the beautifully restored 17th-century Mughal baths, a triumph of conservation.
Day 12: Lahore, Pakistan - Border Rituals
Lahore Museum
View the world-famous Fasting Buddha and the vast collection of Gandhara art at Pakistan's premier museum.
Lunch at Yum Chinese
Indulge in Lahore's sophisticated fine-dining scene with upscale Chinese cuisine in the Gulberg district.
Wagah Border Ceremony
Experience the high-energy military ceremony at the Pakistan-India border from the VIP enclosure for the best views.
Steakhouse Dinner
Enjoy a premium steak dinner at The Gaucho or Rare in the posh Gulberg neighborhood.
Day 13: Lahore, Pakistan - Leisure & Shopping
Gulberg Shopping Tour
Visit high-end boutiques on M.M. Alam Road, featuring world-class Pakistani designers like Maria B and Elan.
Hi-Tea at English Tea House
Enjoy a sophisticated afternoon tea with a selection of pastries and local savories.
Lawrence Gardens Walk
Visit the historic Bagh-e-Jinnah, featuring colonial-era architecture and the Quaid-e-Azam Library.
Japanese Fusion at Sakura
Dine at Sakura, the city's finest Japanese restaurant located inside the Pearl Continental.
Day 14: Multan, Pakistan - City of Saints
Private Transfer to Multan
A 4-hour drive via the modern M4 motorway takes you to the ancient city of Multan.
Check-in at Ramada by Wyndham
Check into the city's most prestigious hotel and enjoy a refreshing lunch by the pool.
Shrine of Shah Rukn-e-Alam
Visit the majestic tomb of the Sufi saint, an architectural wonder with its massive dome and blue tilework.
Hussain Agahi Bazaar
Wander through one of the oldest markets in South Asia, famous for Multani blue pottery and hand-embroidered fabrics.
Day 15: Karachi, Pakistan - The Metropolis
Fly to Karachi
Take a direct flight to the coastal metropolis of Karachi, Pakistan's largest and most modern city.
Check-in at Movenpick Karachi
Settle into your executive suite at the Movenpick, located in the heart of the business district.
Mohatta Palace Museum
Visit this stunning pink Jodhpur stone palace, now an art museum showcasing Pakistan's artistic heritage.
Dinner at Kolachi
Enjoy a world-class seaside dinner at Do Darya. Kolachi is famous for its incredible BBQ and ocean-front atmosphere.
Day 16: Karachi, Pakistan - Coast & Culture
Quaid-e-Azam Mausoleum
Pay respects at the white marble tomb of Pakistan's founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Lunch at Okra
Dine at Okra, widely considered the best Mediterranean restaurant in Pakistan, located in the upscale Zamzama area.
Clifton Beach & Oyster Bay
Take a private boat tour from the marina or enjoy a luxury sunset camel ride on the sands of Clifton Beach.
Farewell Dinner at Cafe Flo
Celebrate your final night with authentic French cuisine in an elegant garden setting.
Day 17: Karachi, Pakistan - Final Farewells
Zainab Market Shopping
One last stop for high-quality leather goods and pashminas at the city's most famous market.
Farewell Brunch
Enjoy a lavish Sunday-style brunch at the Avari Towers, featuring both local and international delicacies.
Private Transfer to Airport
A final private escort to Jinnah International Airport for your departing flight.
Departure
Board your flight home, carrying memories of an epic Pakistani odyssey.
Best Time to Visit Pakistan
The ideal time for this nationwide journey is during the shoulder seasons: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to October). During these months, the northern areas like Hunza and Skardu are accessible and stunning, with blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. The southern cities like Lahore and Karachi are pleasantly warm, avoiding the extreme heat of the summer months (June to August) and the dense fog of mid-winter.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Pakistani Rupee (PKR). While luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, and major shops in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi accept international credit cards (Visa/Mastercard), cash is still king in the northern regions and local bazaars. It is highly recommended to carry some PKR for tips and small purchases. Tipping is customary in Pakistan; 10% is standard at restaurants, and small tips for drivers and porters are greatly appreciated.
Getting Around Pakistan
For a luxury itinerary, the best way to travel between major cities like Islamabad, Skardu, Lahore, and Karachi is via domestic flights. Airlines like PIA, Serene Air, and Airblue offer reliable service. Within the northern regions, a private 4x4 vehicle (such as a Toyota Prado) with a professional driver is essential for comfort and safety. In cities, private chauffeur-driven cars are the preferred method for the discerning traveler, providing a seamless and secure experience.
