Pakistan
 
While not always considered a top destination due to political unrest, Northern Pakistan has remained relatively safe and isolated from the problems found elsewhere in the country. Greg Mortenson’s books, Three Cups of Tea and Stones into Schools, have returned attention to this area and describe it in an accurate, manner-of-fact way. Even the most experienced travelers will feel awed by Pakistan's spectacular mountain landscapes, hospitable people, and engaging cultures.
The road from Chitral to Skardu over the Shandur Pass, part of it on the Karakoram Highway, is an amazing journey through valleys with unique scenery, cultures, and incredible mountain views. You don't need to trek to the high mountains of the Karakorum to visit this area as short day-hikes will get you to amazing places. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere in the cozy village of Chitral—meet with locals, sample curries at food stalls, and shop for colorful shawls at the bazaar. Travel to Pakistan is sure to provide a new perspective about the world and help you understand the needs of the remote communities described by Greg Mortenson in his books.
Our Personal Picks
- The spectacular mountain scenery of the Karakoram Highway
- Trekking to Concordia, the confluence of 3 glaciers near K2
- The Shandur Polo festival
- Shopping in Pakistan’s bustling bazaars
When to Travel
Pakistan’s climate is composed of three general seasons: Cool (October to February), hot (March to June) and monsoon (July to September). May through October is the best time to visit the north, although tourism peaks from June to August and popular areas can become crowded. Southern Pakistan is best in the winter months, as the summer can be stifling hot. Monsoons arrive in July and linger through September affecting much of central and eastern Pakistan; however, regardless of the rain, these months can still provide pleasant travel experiences.
Visa Information
Both US and Canadian citizens must have a visa to enter Pakistan. A single entry visa costs $120 for US citizens and $78 for Canadian citizens. We recommend applying for your visa through CIBT Global Visa and Passport Professionals.
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Photo courtesy of the Central Asia Institute
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2010 Red Lantern Journeys President's Tour: Pakistan Three Cups of Tea Fundraiser
A tour to Pakistan isn’t for everyone, but to pique the interest of adventure-seeking travelers, Red Lantern Journeys has designed an exclusive, small-group tour to Northern Pakistan to raise funds for the Central Asia Institute. Our inaugural tour to this country involves a remarkable driving odyssey through the mountains of Northern Pakistan following in the footsteps of Greg Mortenson, Founder of the Central Asia Institute (CAI) and New York Times best-selling author of Three Cups of Tea and Stones into Schools. Ambrose Bittner, founder and CEO of Red Lantern Journeys and photojournalist Beb C. Reynol will lead the tour scheduled for the end of September 2010.
The Central Asia Institute name is used with its permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement, expressed or implied, of any product, service, company, or individual.
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