11D10N Best of Pakistan: Lahore, Islamabad & Passu Glacier (AILG)

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<p>Welcome to Pakistan. Arrive at anytime and meet your included arrival transfer at the airport. This evening, join your CEO and group for a welcome meeting.</p>
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<p>Embark on an exploration of Lahore, a vibrant city steeped in culture and history, ideal for the curious traveler. Discover its iconic landmarks, including the magnificent Badshahi Mosque and the ancient Walled City of Lahore. Stroll through its narrow streets, immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of bustling bazaars, and delve into the rich heritage of Pakistan. In the evening, witness the renowned flag-lowering ceremony at the Wagah Border, a symbolic event at the boundary between India and Pakistan. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at Lahore Food Street, where historic architecture, stunning views, and exquisite Pakistani cuisine await.</p>
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<p>Drive towards Islamabad this morning after filling up on breakfast. On the way, we’ll stop at the Chakwal Canyon for a local farming experience, where we’ll help pick fresh produce alongside our local guides. We sit down together for a delicious BBQ lunch. Before heading off, jump into a trolley for a tour of the incredible Chakwal Canyon. Continue the scenic drive along the Punjab countryside and check into the hotel once we arrive in Islamabad. Spend evening free in the city to explore the bustling life of Islamabad.</p>
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<p>Enjoy a free morning in Islamabad. For lunch, opt to join your CEO and fellow travelers at Melody Food Street. Fill up on a kebab or flavorful biryani. Then drive to Saidpur village and visit the art and craft shops, and walk through the village streets. At sunset, visit Shah Faisal Mosque during prayer hour and witness Islamic practices firsthand in this stunningly large mosque. Conclude the day with a meal together at a local favorite Afghani restaurant.</p>
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<p>Fly from Islamabad to Gilgit this morning. Then drive to Hunza Karimabad along the Karakoram Highway, visiting historic points from the ancient Silk Road. Upon arrival to Karimabad, we’ll be greeted with a warm welcome from our local host families. As our guides, we’ll experience local life in the lower Hunza with village activities and a special traditional lunch. In the evening, head to Duikar for a magical sunset.</p>
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<p>Head to Passu for the day, known for its beautiful landscapes and glaciers, and stop at Attabad Lake for a photo stop along the way. This morning, we’ll visit the Korgah Carpet Center, a local initiative created by five local women looking to improve the quality of their own lives and those of their community. The center aims to empower women in Hunza through traditional carpet weaving. Then visit the Gulmit Old House, renowned for its intricately carved doors and windows. Enjoy lunch at the Old House, a restaurant ran by local women supporting their families. On the way to Passu Glacier, stop at Borith Lake in hopes to see som migratory birds in this sanctuary. Drive from Borith Lake to Passu and start the hike up to the glacier. We’ll even have a chance to walk on the pristine ice of the glacier. After working up a massive appetite, join your CEO at the Food Pavilion, a local restaurant led by Lal Shehzadi, a local female entrepreneur who has served as a local inspiration to fellow women to embark on opening their own restaurants and local establishments.</p>
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<p>Enjoy a leisurely day in Karimabad, with the option to relax, explore cultural landmarks such as Altit Fort, or embark on an exhilarating jeep safari to Kho Meadows. In the afternoon, reconvene with your CEO and fellow travelers for a guided hike from the Karimabad Bazaar to Baltit Fort. Along the way, pass by charming handicraft shops and local settlements. Upon reaching the fort, you may opt to purchase a ticket for a guided tour or explore independently, capturing artistic photographs of the breathtaking scenery. In the evening, consider joining your CEO for dinner at the Karimabad Bazaar.</p>
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<p>Feel transported back in time with a guided tour of the Ganish Settlement, the earliest settlement along the historic Silk Road. Discover its 400-year-old mosques and ancient watchtowers, rich with history and cultural significance. After the tour, drive to Hooper Valley and choose between an easy and a more challenging hike. The easy 20 minute hikes brings you to a beautiful lookout point of the glacier and allows time to relax in this beautiful place. Or choose to do the longer 2 hour hike that allows you to walk on the glacier.</p>
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<p>Visit a local host family for the day in Khanabad. Connect with the locals and learn about their daily way of life while cooking a traditional meal. Explore the village with your local hosts, the highlight being the Youth Garden, a local tree plantation project with over 50,000 trees planted by local youth. After the visit, drive to Gilgit and check into our hotel for the night.</p>
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<p>Take a morning flight to Islamabad and drive to Taxila, home to the famous truck art. These fun, decorated trucks represent different ethnic groups, advocate for change or express historical experiences. Discover how Pakistani truck art has become so much more than just making an old vehicle look nicer. Head to the Dharmarajika Stupa, an important Buddhist monastic complex that makes up part of the Taxila ruins. Then visit the Taxila Museum and the collection of ancient artifacts from the historic Taxila Ruins. In the evening, enjoy one last meal together to reflect on an amazing adventure in Pakistan.</p>
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<p>Depart at any time.</p>
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