Shandoor, Ghizer, Yasin & Ishkoman — 6 Days

Midnight departure from Islamabad through Hazara and the Kaghan Valley. Breakfast near Naran, then a climb to Lulusar Lake and Babusar Pass at 4,173m before descending to the Indus. A brief stop near Chillas for lunch, then the final run along the Karakoram Highway into Gilgit city before sunset.

After breakfast in Gilgit, head north-west into Ishkoman — a side valley even less visited than Yasin. A short stop at the graceful Ishkoman Bridge before arriving at Baam e Dunya, the most atmospheric guesthouse in the valley. The afternoon is spent at the trout fish farm built into the hillside and wandering through the royal gardens. Dinner and overnight at Baam e Dunya.

Depart Ishkoman and rejoin the Ghizer valley road, heading west toward Gupis. Lunch in Gupis, then a stop at the beautiful Khalti Lake just outside the village — a serene turquoise lake with a pebbly shore and perfect reflections on calm mornings. Continue into Yasin Valley for the evening, checking in at Fort Hotel for dinner and overnight.

An early start from Yasin to reach Phandar before mid-morning — then straight out on the all-day Shandoor excursion. The pass at 3,734m is the highest polo ground in the world: a wide plateau with a glacial lake and views of the Hindu Raj and Hindukush. Return to Phandar for dinner and overnight at Sada Bahar Resort on the lakeshore.

After breakfast at the lakeshore, begin the drive back east through the Ghizer valley. Stop in Gahkuch for lunch and a visit to the fort that once guarded this stretch of the valley. Arrive in Gilgit by late afternoon and check back in at Dumaani Inn for a final evening in the city — a chance to explore the bazaar and visit the Nili Market before dinner.

Early breakfast and departure at 7am for the long return to Islamabad via Babusar Pass. Brief stop at Lulusar Lake and Babusar Top before descending into Kaghan, with lunch at Naran and a relaxed final drive back to the city, arriving late at night.