Questions travellers often ask us
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Planning your trip
When is the best time to visit Pakistan?
It depends where you are going. The northern mountains are best from May to October, with blossom in spring and golden autumn colour in October. The plains, deserts and Sindh are best in the cool months from November to February, when the summer heat has gone.
How many days do I need?
Our programs run from day trips to 22-day expeditions. Mountain journeys take time — Islamabad to Gilgit is usually two days by road — so allow at least a week for a northern valley trip, and two weeks or more to combine several valleys or add a trek.
Can you customize the itinerary?
Yes. You choose the destinations, pace and activities, and we put the package together — every program on this site can be shortened, extended or combined with other places.
Can I combine Hunza and Skardu?
Yes. Gilgit and Skardu are 6 – 8 hours apart by road, and Hunza is 2 – 3 hours north of Gilgit, so the two fit well into one trip. Our Gilgit Baltistan Naran Tour includes both.
Do you organize trips for small groups or couples?
Yes — we arrange treks for as few as two people, as well as family holidays, school groups and corporate events for up to 1,200 guests.
Flights and transportation
What happens if a domestic flight is cancelled?
Flights to Gilgit and Skardu only operate in clear weather and are often delayed or cancelled. If a flight is grounded on one of our treks, we continue by road instead. We recommend keeping a spare day at the end of a northern trip before your international flight home.
How long do journeys take?
Longer than the distances suggest — mountain roads are slow, and landslides or snow can add hours. Our travel guide lists typical times for the main routes.
What vehicles do you use?
Cars, vans and coaches on motorways and main roads, and four-wheel-drive jeeps on mountain tracks, chosen to suit your group and route.
Can you meet me at the airport?
Yes. We meet and assist guests at Islamabad airport, transfer them to their hotel, and offer a VIP meet & greet service for corporate travellers.
Safety and practical information
Is it safe to travel in Pakistan?
Advice differs from area to area and changes over time, so read your own government’s travel advice before you book and again before you travel. Some border areas are closed to visitors. If anything concerns you, ask us about the current situation on your route.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Make sure your policy covers every region and activity on your itinerary — including trekking at altitude and helicopter evacuation if you are going into the mountains.
What about altitude sickness?
Above about 2,500 m the body needs time to adjust. Our treks climb slowly to allow acclimatization, and our first-aid trained guides watch for symptoms. The only cure is to descend, and your guide may ask you to go down if symptoms persist.
What emergency support is available?
Local guides are with you throughout, and we arrange medical treatment if required, emergency evacuation from the mountains or anywhere in Pakistan, and helicopter rescue.
Are there rules about photography?
Photographing military installations, bridges and airports is prohibited. Always ask before photographing people, and especially women.
Packages and payments
What is included in a package?
Each program page lists the services included on that trip — typically hotels, transport, guides and permits, and on treks the camping crew, equipment and meals. Your written quotation sets out exactly what is and is not included.
Why are there no fixed prices on the website?
Every trip is priced for your group, dates and choices — group size, season, hotel standard, flights or road, and the number of days all make a difference.
How much is the deposit, and what are the cancellation terms?
The deposit, when the balance is due and the cancellation and refund terms are set out in your written quotation. Please ask us about anything that is not clear before you pay.
Hotels and comfort
What kind of accommodation do you use?
Hotels and guesthouses in towns, chosen to suit your budget, and full camping on treks — tents, sleeping mattresses and bags, a mess tent, kitchen and toilet facilities, set up by our crew.
Can I request a single room or special meals?
Tell us when you enquire about room arrangements, dietary needs or a particular hotel category, and we will confirm what is available on your route.
What is the food like on a trek?
Three meals a day plus hot drinks, cooked by our camp crew — porridge, eggs and local breads for breakfast, a packed or trailside lunch, and soup, curry with roti and dessert for dinner.
Booking and support
How do I book?
Send us an enquiry with your dates, group size and interests, or call our Islamabad office. We usually reply within one or two working days with a suggested program, and confirm it once you are happy with the details.
Can you help with visas and permits?
We assist with visa requirements and process trekking, mountaineering and filming permits. Visa applications themselves are made online through the Government of Pakistan’s official visa system.
Who will look after me during the tour?
Local guides travel with you throughout. On treks, experienced Himalayan Holidays guides lead the group, with a cook, kitchen crew and porters, and the guide gives a full briefing in Rawalpindi before you set off.
Do you organize corporate events?
Yes — team building retreats, outdoor conferences and shoots, in luxury tents for up to 1,200 people.
Let’s build your package together
Tell us about your event or holiday and we will design a program that fits your needs, interests and budget.