Photography Pakistan

Arrival on an International Flight to Lahore, followed by check-in at the Pearl Continental Hotel, Lahore, a hotel located in a busy district where art and originality combine to create a unique atmosphere. The sparkling facade and chic environment reflect the vibrant history of Lahore, a city long associated with glamour, intellectuals, and cultural life.

In the evening, explore the city’s food culture through Lahore Street Food, a culinary tour through bustling areas such as Gawalmandi and the famous Food Street in Anarkali. The streets offer a diverse landscape of flavours, including tandoori dishes, biryani, spicy snacks like gol gappay, and desserts such as kulfi. The experience also allows interaction with passionate street vendors while discovering the traditions behind Lahore’s cuisine.

The night concludes with a visit to the Shrine of Shah Jamal, the tomb of a 17th-century Sufi saint. Pilgrims gather here weekly as dhol drums play and devotees perform dhamaal, a trance-like devotional dance that has taken place for centuries.

Begin the day exploring the historic Shahi Hammam, also known as the Royal Baths, located in the Walled City of Lahore. Built during the Mughal era, the bathhouse features elaborate frescoes, ornate domes, intricate tile work, and multiple chambers, including hot and cold baths, changing rooms, and massage areas.

Continue to the magnificent Wazir Khan Mosque, completed in 1641 during the Mughal era. The mosque is celebrated for its colourful tile mosaics, floral motifs, and intricate calligraphy. Its vibrant blues, yellows, and turquoise patterns decorate the courtyard, entrance gates, and prayer hall, creating one of the most visually striking architectural sites in Lahore.

Later, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Lahore Fort Complex, a historic fort whose origins date back to the Hindu Shahi dynasty. The complex expanded significantly under Mughal rulers such as Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb. Structures like the Sheesh Mahal reflect the grandeur of Mughal architecture, while later Sikh and British periods added additional layers of history.

The evening concludes with Qawali Night, a performance of traditional Sufi devotional music focused on themes of love, devotion, and longing.

Experience Mela Chiraghan, an annual Sufi festival held in Lahore, celebrating the region’s spiritual heritage. The festival lasts several days and features dance, singing, poetry recitations, and fireworks.

Devotees gather at shrines, including the shrine of Data Ganj Bakhsh, and participate in colourful processions offering flowers. The vibrant performances and cultural atmosphere make this festival particularly popular among photographers seeking to capture the visual richness of Lahore’s traditions.

Depart Lahore and travel to Islamabad. After arrival, check in at the Islamabad Serena Hotel, a five-star hotel that reflects the culture and heritage of Pakistan’s capital city.

Later, visit Raja Bazar, one of Rawalpindi’s oldest and busiest marketplaces. Its narrow streets are lined with shops selling clothing, electronics, accessories, and household goods. The bazaar also offers numerous street food stalls serving dishes such as paaye, nihari, bun kebabs, and samosas, creating a lively and colourful shopping environment.

Take a morning flight from Islamabad to Gilgit, followed by a scenic drive through mountain landscapes toward Hunza.

Arrive at the Serena Altit Fort Residence, located beside the historic Altit Fort and surrounded by the Royal Garden. The location offers uninterrupted views of Hunza Valley and surrounding peaks, including Rakaposhi, Ultar, and Diran.

Later explore Altit Fort, one of the oldest monuments in Gilgit-Baltistan at around 1,100 years old. Originally the residence of Hunza’s hereditary rulers, the Mir, the fort’s Shikari Tower remains a significant historic structure overlooking the valley.

Visit Baltit Fort, an ancient fort in Hunza Valley dating back roughly 700 years. The fort once served as the seat of power for the Mirs of Hunza and overlooks Karimabad. After falling into decay, it was restored through a programme supported by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture and is now operated as a museum.

Later, travel to Eagle Nest View Point, a scenic vantage point offering panoramic views of Hunza Valley and surrounding mountain peaks.

Journey further into the mountains to see the dramatic Passu Cones, a series of sharp, cathedral-like peaks that are among the most recognisable landscapes in northern Pakistan.

Continue to Ondra Poygah, a community tourism initiative located in Gulmit village. The name refers to the steps built by the local community connecting the village to the ancient Ondra Fort, once a strategic lookout point built by local rulers in the 16th century.

Later visit Attabad Lake, a striking turquoise lake created in 2010 when a massive landslide blocked the Hunza River. The lake now stretches approximately twelve miles and submerged the original village of Attabad.

Depart Hunza and stop at Rakaposhi View Point, offering spectacular views of Rakaposhi, one of the highest peaks in the Karakoram range.

Continue the drive from Hunza to Gilgit before checking in at the Gilgit Serena Hotel.

Travel through mountainous terrain from Gilgit to Phandar Valley, a remote valley known for its dramatic river landscapes and alpine scenery.

Drive from Phandar to Mastuj, crossing Shandur Top, a high-altitude plateau at approximately 3,700 metres often referred to as the “Roof of the World.” The region is famous for hosting the annual Shandur Polo Festival between teams from Chitral and Gilgit.

Check in at Mastuj Fort Cottages, Chitral.

Travel from Mastuj Valley to Chitral Valley and check in at Hindukush Heights, a lodge situated on a hilltop decorated with local wood carvings and art, offering views of the surrounding Hindu Kush mountains.

Explore UNESCO Biosphere Garam Chashma, a mountainous region recognised under UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere programme.

Nearby Gol National Park forms part of the reserve and hosts diverse wildlife including snow leopards, Asiatic black bears, markhor, Tibetan wolves, red foxes, and numerous bird species such as golden eagles and Himalayan vultures.

Visit Kalash Valley, home to the indigenous Kalash people who maintain a distinct culture, belief system, and traditions. The Kalasha practice a form of ancient polytheism and celebrate major festivals such as Chilim Josh, Uchal, and Choimus.

The valley includes the settlements of Rumbur, Bumburet, and Birir, where local communities continue traditional agriculture, livestock rearing, and handicrafts.

Overnight at Ayun Fort Inn.

Travel from Ayun to Swat Valley and check in at Swat Serena Hotel, a hotel set among gardens in the lush Saidu Sharif valley. The property blends colonial and Art Deco architecture with views of the surrounding Hindu Kush mountains.

Drive from Swat Valley back to Islamabad and check in again at the Islamabad Serena Hotel.

Departure from Islamabad with a Private Transfer to the airport to conclude the journey.