Pakistan 3 Cups of Tea Tour - 15 Days/14 Nights
 
Red Lantern Journeys 2010 Presidents Tour
Please join Red Lantern Journeys CEO, Ambrose Bittner, on this one of a kind tour to Northern Pakistan to raise money for the Central Asia Institute (CAI) schools. We are the only tour operator in North America with the courage to lead a trip to Pakistan and we hope you will join us on this small-group adventure to this safe and spectacular region.
Our inaugural tour to Pakistan involves a remarkable driving odyssey from Chitral over the Shandur Pass and on to Karimabad and Skardu on the Karakorum Highway. In many areas, we'll be following in the footsteps of Greg Mortenson, founder of the CAI and the New York Times best-selling author of Three Cups of Tea and Stones into Schools.
Scheduled for the end of September and early October 2010, please contact us for exact dates and recommendations for booking your international flights.
Special Emphasis on Photography
Red Lantern Journeys is pleased to introduce professional photojournalist and photography instructor Beb C. Reynol to lead the tour. Beb's extensive previous experience in Pakistan will be invaluable for engaging local people. He will also provide tips on cultural travel photography and conduct daily reviews of your photos during the trip.
Fundraiser for the Central Asia Institute - Red Lantern Journeys will donate $300 per person who signs up and goes on this tour. Personal donations by participants in the tour are also highly encouraged and will be collected and forwarded to the CAI by Red Lantern Journeys.
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Trip Highlights
- Driving over the Shandur Pass, site of the world's highest polo tournament
- Visit local families in small villages with ancient cultural histories
- Spectacular mountain scenery
- Visit the famous Gilgit Suspension bridge - the longest in Asia
- Travel photography instruction and advice from a seasoned Pakistan traveler and photojournalist, Beb C. Reynol
- A chance to travel with Red Lantern Journeys CEO and adventurer, Ambrose Bittner
The Central Asia Institute has agreed to recognize this tour as an official fundraising event. 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.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Islamabad
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel for check in. The rest of the day will be free. Please note that many flights arrive very late night. Overnight Islamabad. (no meals)
Day 2: Arrive Islamabad
Morning is free to sleep in and recover from your jet lag. In the afternoon, tour Islamabad with visits to the folk heritage museum, the Shakarparian Hills, Saidpur Village, Daman-e-Koh view point, Faisal mosque, and the Raja bazaar. Overnight in Islamabad. (All meals)
Day 3: Islamabad to Chitral
After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight to Chitral. After settling in and having lunch, enjoy an afternoon tour beginning at Shahi mosque and continuing on to the bustling Chitral bazzar. Stop at the local polo grounds in hopes of catching a match and later visit the Chitral Fort. Overnight in Chitral. (All meals)
Day 4: Chitral to Bumburet
After breakfast at your hotel, set out on a 3 hour drive through the beautiful Bumburet Valley, stopping for photo opportunities along the way. Upon arrival, have lunch at your hotel and then visit a Kalash neighborhood including an old graveyard, a Kafir prayer place, and a local home. Overnight in Bumburet. (All meals)
Day 5: Bumburet
After breakfast, embark on a full day excursion to Rumbur Valley. Return to Bumburet in the afternoon for free time and rest. Overnight in Bumburet. (All meals)
Day 6: Bumburet to Mastuj
After breakfast, embark on a full day drive to Mastuj. Arrive in the late afternoon. Overnight in Mastuj. (All meals)
Day 7: Mastuj to Gupis
Begin your full day drive in the morning to Gupis via Shandur Pass (3700m), known for the highest polo grounds in the world. Stop for lunch in Phander, and continue on to Gupis, arriving in the late afternoon. Overnight in Gupis. (All meals)
Day 8: Gupis to Karimabad
After breakfast, set out on a full day’s drive to Karimabad. Stop along the way in Gilgit for lunch and a visit to the Gilgit suspension bridge and the colourful bazaar. Continue on to Karimabad arriving in the late afternoon. Overnight in Karimabad. (All meals)
Days 9: Karimabad
After breakfast, tour Karimabad stopping first at the local bazaar. Continue on to learn some Pakistani history at the Baltit Fort and the Ganish Tower. Drive to Gulmit in the late morning and have lunch upon arrival before taking an afternoon walk through Gulmit village to the suspension bridge. Drive back to Karimabad in the late afternoon. Overnight in Karimabad. (All meals)
Day 10: Karimabad to Gilgit
Enjoy a morning free for photography or other activities on your own. Overnight in Gilgit. (All meals)
Days 11: Gilgit to Skardu
After breakfast, set out on a full day drive to Skardu. Arrive in Skardu in the late afternoon and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Skardu. (All meals)
Day 12: Skardu
In the morning visit Shigar Fort and take a walk through the village. Drive back to Skardu in the late afternoon. Overnight in Skardu. (All meals)
Day 13: Skardu to Islamabad
Fly to Islamabad in the morning. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the evening free to relax and explore the city on your own. Stay overnight in Islamabad. (If flight to Islamabad is canceled, drive to Chilas with overnight stop.) (All meals)
Day 14: Islamabad
Enjoy a free day to relax and explore on your own. Stay overnight in Islamabad. (If flight was canceled on Day 12, drive from Chilas to Islamabad with afternoon free.) Overnight in Islamabad. (All meals)
Day 15: Departure
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (Breakfast)
Rates
Per Person Rates (based on double occupancy)
$6850
Single Supplement: $800
Rates Include
- Airport transfers
- All tours and excursions as outlined in the itinerary
- All surface transportation as per the itinerary by air-conditioned vehicle or non-air-conditioned 4x4 jeep where required
- Hotel accommodation inclusive of all taxes and service charges
- All meals while on tour
- Services of a local English-speaking guide throughout the tour
- Entrance fees
- Flights from Islamabad to Chitral and from Skardu to Islamabad (assuming flights are operational)
- A $300 per person donation by Red Lantern Journeys to the CAI
Rates Do Not Include
- International airfare
- Airport departure taxes
- Visa fees
- Travel Insurance
- Tips and expenses of a personal nature
- Personal donations to the CAI
To Book This Tour
- Download, print, and fill out the Reservation Form for each person.
- Fax the form to 206-529-4803, or mail it with your non-refundable $1000 per person deposit to:
Red Lantern Journeys
1000 N. Northlake Way
Suite H Seattle, WA 98103
- Call Red Lantern Journeys with to let us know how you intend to pay for the tour. Final payment is due 45 days prior to departure. If your reservation is made less than 45 days prior to departure, full payment will be due to reserve your spot.
Payments can be made by personal check, bank wire transfer, or credit card. Upon receipt of your deposit, we will confirm your spot on the tour. Approximately 4 weeks prior to your departure, we will send you a final confirmation package containing your itinerary and detailed information on the logistics of your trip.
If the tour must be canceled due to insufficient sign-ups (less than 6), all payments received will be fully refunded.
Forms to Download (pdf file)
Reservation Form with Complete Terms and Conditions
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