Trip to Skardu & Kalam – 13 Days

➔ The road journey between Gilgit and Besham is quite lengthy and the road condition is not optimal.
➔ In the event that Babusar Top is open and the route through Naran-Kaghan valley is taken, the road condition is improved.

➔ There are three hours set aside in the evening (6:00 pm-9:00 pm) and three hours in the morning (7:00 am-10:00 am) for your convenience.
➔ In the North, many hotels do not have heaters, but you can request double blankets if needed. Some hotels may also provide heating mattresses.

➔ There are no mandatory vaccinations for entry into Pakistan. However, if you are taking medication for conditions like diabetes or heart problems, it is recommended that you carry the necessary medicines in your carry-on luggage to ensure that you have them with you in case your main luggage is delayed.

➔ During the spring and autumn seasons, the average daytime temperature in Northern Pakistan is around 15-20 Celsius, while the average nighttime temperature is around 10-15 Celsius. In the summer, the average daytime temperature in Northern Pakistan is around 20-30 Celsius, while the average nighttime temperature is around 15-25 Celsius. In Islamabad, the average daytime temperature during spring and autumn can be 25-30 Celsius, while the nighttime temperature is around 15-25 Celsius.

➔ Islamabad accepts credit cards such as Visa and Master Card, but it’s advisable to carry cash in Pakistani Rupee while traveling outside the capital. The official currency in Pakistan is Pakistani Rupees (PKR), and carrying a small amount of cash can come in handy while buying snacks, fruits, drinks, or souvenirs on the way. If you need to convert foreign currency, you can do so in Pakistan. However, it’s important to note that any US dollars issued earlier than 1996-2009 will be considered 15% less than their actual value. Also, torn, dirty, or stamped notes can decrease their value by at least 10%. Therefore, it’s recommended to bring US dollars issued after 2009 to avoid any inconvenience.

➔ When it comes to tipping, it is customary to give 4-5 USD per day to your local guide and driver in Pakistan. However, you are free to give more based on the quality of their service. Keep in mind that this amount may seem small to you, but it is highly valued by the locals. As for tipping hotel and restaurant staff, it is recommended to give at least 100 PKR directly to them if they have provided you with any additional services that have made your stay more enjoyable. Other tipping is at your discretion.

➔ Throughout the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to savor the diverse and delicious food that the region has to offer. We provide breakfast and dinner during the tour, and the food menu is mostly similar to Indian cuisine. We offer a rotation of chicken, beef, mutton, vegetables, rice, and soups every day. We also provide local and Western breakfast options, along with tea. However, if you have a preference for certain foods or get tired of the same menu every day, we recommend bringing your comfort food such as sambal, canned food, or instant noodles.

➔ In the region, the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Type C (2 round pin) and type D (3 round pin) plugs are commonly used for electronic devices. It is recommended to bring appropriate adapters for your devices if they are not compatible with these plug types.

➔ You can find laundry facilities in many hotels and towns during the trip. However, it’s recommended to plan ahead and choose a two-night stop to ensure you have enough time to get your laundry done and returned to you in time.

➔ The guided tour will take you to the highest altitude of approximately 4793 meters at the Khunjerab Pass – the border between Pakistan and China. The visit to this place will be limited to a maximum of one hour for photography. The average elevation in Northern Pakistan during the tour will be between 1000-2000 meters. The highest altitude during a Trekking Tour, on the other hand, will depend on the itinerary decided for the tour.

➔ We suggest bringing a small or medium-sized suitcase with wheels. For weight restrictions, if you are flying with Thai Airways for your international flight, you are allowed one checked bag of up to 25 kg and a carry-on bag weighing up to 7 kg. For domestic flights with PIA Pakistan Airlines, you are allowed one checked bag weighing up to 20 kg and a carry-on bag weighing up to 7 kg.

➔ It’s important to wear comfortable and sturdy walking shoes with good support, particularly if you’re planning to explore the Northern regions of Pakistan. If you’re traveling during the spring, it’s advisable to bring along a windproof jacket, sweater, jeans, rain jacket, scarf, cotton socks, and comfortable walking shoes. It’s also recommended to pack some T-shirts with both long and short sleeves to protect yourself from the strong UV rays, as well as lightweight cotton trousers.