PAKISTAN
WOMENS EXPEDITION

Yes. At Adventuress in the Wild we work with tour operators who are providing trips for anybody who identifies as a woman. We have found that women are more likely to step out of their comfort zone and try new activities when they are surrounded by other supportive women. All of the tour operators we work with believe that adventure is for every woman no matter your background, ability, body type, or orientation.

Some of the places on the itinerary are 2,900m above sea level, which can cause altitude sickness. Please see the ‘Health’ section of the Essential Trip Information to ensure you are familiar with signs of AMS and get familiar with it.

The flights to and from Gilgit / Islamabad are often delayed or cancelled due to weather conditions. If this is the case, we will try for the next available flight or fall back on vehicle transfer if this isn’t possible. Although long travel days can be tiresome, they offer a unique perspective on both landscape and lifestyle.

This expedition will be an unforgettable experience, especially with the insights and experience of your local female leader as well as the time spent with local business owners, social enterprise teams and host families. You’ll learn new skills, new recipes, and crafts, and get a taste of village life.

Excluding the Gulmit guesthouse, there is an optional single supplement available on this trip that includes all hotel stay nights. Please ask your Adventuress Travel Mentor for further information.

Passport scans are required at the time of booking for domestic flights

Included internal flights use Pakistan Airlines.

WHEN IS THE FINAL PAYMENT DATE

This adventure can be booked with a £200 deposit. The remainder of the balance will be paid 70 days prior to departure. If booking within 70 days prior to departure then full payment will be required.

WHERE DOES THIS TRIP START? 

Grand Islamabad Hotel
Street #1, E-11/1, MPCHS, Islamabad Islamabad PAKISTAN
Phone: +92 512304846
Fax: +92 518316786

Instructions

Islamabad International Airport is approximately 28 km from the city centre.

The taxi ride from the airport to your first hotel takes approx 45 minutes and costs between PKR 500-1,500. Daewoo Cab and Metro Cab are reliable intra-city taxi services and the ride share apps such as Uber or Careem are also available here.

We can assist with pre-booking an arrival transfer from the airport – enquire with your Adventuress in the Wild Travel Mentor. Please advise your flight arrival details, including which airport in Istanbul, at least 14 days prior to your departure. You will be met in the arrivals hall after clearing customs if you have already purchased this transfer and you will be greeted by your driver with a sign board outside the entrance of the International Arrival Area. Please ask your driver to confirm your name.

If you have any problems with your flight, such as delays or you cannot locate the representative, please call the number given in the problems and emergency contact section below.

WHERE DOES THIS TRIP END? 

Grand Islamabad Hotel

Street #1, E-11/1, MPCHS, Islamabad Islamabad PAKISTAN

Phone: +92 512304846

ACCOMMODATION 

Hotel (7 nights), Traditional Guesthouse (4 nights)

Please be aware that the itinerary is meant as a guideline only and may change. If there is a lack of availability at the preferred accommodation the operator will use a similar standard of accommodation.

Sometimes immediate check-in on arrival isn’t possible. If this is the case, you can store your luggage and do some exploring. Some hotels have the option of shared day rooms until your rooms become available.Accommodation at the guesthouses and homestays may sometimes be basic and the bathrooms might have cold water only and have a mixture of air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned rooms. Sometimes power may be turned off, usually for a few hours in the early afternoon. Most of the hotel properties have a restaurant or cafe serving local food.

Showers

Some hotels may only have hot water available at peak times (morning and evening) for showering. Speak to reception if you need hot water outside of these times.

Room Issues

Please speak to the hotel and your tour leader right away if you have any issues with your room, rather than your travel agent so that the problem can be addressed without delay.

Pakistan Homestays

We think that homestays are a great way to facilitate meaningful exchanges between locals and travellers and to really get a feel for a place. It also contributes towards Responsible Travel.

So what does a homestay involve? Well…that depends. From your own experience, you’ll know that family life is varied. We don’t want this experience to feel forced or fake so the idea is that the families carry on regardless and that you become part of the routine. That might mean helping with dinner, grocery shopping, or joining a soccer game! While your leader will give you some tools to interact with your family (such as some simple local words/phrases) the international language of big smiles and lots of sign language should stand you in good stead!

You are not obliged to participate in these activities. We believe that the more you put in the more you get out of an experience, but we also understand that you may just want to chill out, grab a book or your camera, and go for a wander – and that is fine too.

Ultimately, we believe that simply being there and being part of the family dynamic gives a more realistic understanding of the local way of life.

In homestays, one common sleeping space may be the case as this is often how locals sleep. Plenty of blankets are provided and you can of course ask for more if you are cold. Thermal layers and fleece can help during very cold nights too.

Lastly, be aware that some homestays in Pakistan have shared drop toilets and no showers. So mind your step and bring your biodegradable wet wipes!

Day Rooms & Early Check-in

Day rooms are provided for shared group use before or after overnight train journeys for when your booked rooms are being serviced. There are some days that we will not be able to check in and a day room is not available. 

Please note, if you have booked a single supplement, this does not apply to these day rooms. Your leader may be able to assist you in booking a room (depending on availability) until our regular trip rooms become available for an additional charge. Please talk to your leader at the Welcome Meeting if this is a service you would like to request.

ITINERARY DISCLAIMER 

Itinerary Changes

Itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. You must review this information before travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway.

Optional Activities

A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers is listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn’t an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and may be on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it’s recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist.

Where activities are considered medium or high risk, the operators safety and credentials have been sighted and assessed. Although you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed and as such your staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your discretion and risk.

VISA, PASSPORT AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 

Passport

Most countries expect that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Please ensure the name on your passport matches the name on your booking and airline tickets. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Your Adventuress Travel Mentor will contact you when this is required. Take a copy of the main passport pages and other important documents with you, and leave another copy at home with family or friends.

Visas & Entry Requirements

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so you must check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Your Adventuress Travel Mentor will also be happy to point you in the right direction with acquiring visas. Visas can take several weeks to process, so familiarise yourself with any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time.

Letter of Invitation for Pakistan Visa Application

When you apply for your visa you will need a Letter of Invitation. This will be sent to you by your Adventuress Travel Mentor three to four months before departure. If this doesn’t arrive, please email us with your booking number and trip details.

Please note that this information can change at any time. Please always refer to https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/ for up to date information.

TRANSPORT

Private Vehicle, Plane

Transport in Pakistan 

You can see every manner of transport available on Pakistan’s main roads from the biggest trucks down to the smallest cycle and everything in between. Roads are very busy, very chaotic, and very noisy with the horn liberally used as a form of communication.

Your private vehicle drivers are experienced and well-trained but if you are uncomfortable with your driver, please always let your tour leader know immediately. They have complete authority to remove groups from local transport if the driver is not driving safely. Please ensure you wear your seat belt at all times.

Travel Times

Distances don’t behave in the same way as they do at home and 100km may take much longer than you would expect, regardless of whether you are on a highway or not.

Auto Rickshaws

Auto-rickshaws are small, motorised three-wheeled vehicles and are a very common form of transport in Pakistan and do not have seatbelts. You will experience the use of these on this trip.

Flights 

International airports in Pakistan are increasingly modern (especially in the major and tourist cities). You must have a copy of your flight ticket and passport to enter the airport. Changes to schedule and delays do occur, especially when visibility is impacted by weather conditions.

MONEY MATTERS 

Spending Money

You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget accordingly. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling.

The official currency of Pakistan is the Pakistan Rupee (PKR). Please note you will not be able to pay for services in any other currency.

Credit Cards, ATMs and Money Exchange

Tourist shops and some restaurants in big cities generally accept credit cards but most smaller venues take cash only. Exchange bureaus generally offer the best rates for foreign currency and it is better to exchange currency in Islamabad as you will find limited facilities in rural areas.

Many major towns and cities have ATMs in Pakistan, and credit or debit cards are a convenient way to access money. Foreign cards are not accepted at all banks (Islamic banks won’t take foreign cards) and ATMs can run out of cash. You should also keep in mind that your withdrawing limit may vary regardless of your limit/availability at home. This can be as low as the equivalent of US$100 per day. 

Cards with the Visa logo are most readily recognised, although MasterCard is also commonplace. International transactions carry a fee for each charge. Check with your bank before leaving home that your card can be used as a debit card in Pakistan and what the transaction fee is. We also recommend notifying your bank that you are going overseas to guard against your cards being frozen if used in other countries.

Departure Tax

The departure tax is Pakistani Rupees 2,800 (approx. USD 20) payable in cash. 

Tipping 

Tipping can be an appropriate way to recognise great service when travelling. While it may not be customary in your home country, it is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many of our destinations and is greatly appreciated by the people who take care of you during your travels. It is always best to avoid tipping with coins, very small denomination notes, or dirty and ripped notes, as this can be regarded as an insult rather than the goodwill gesture it is intended to be.

Optional Tipping Kitty

On Day 1 of your trip, your group leader or local representative may discuss with you the idea of operating a group tipping kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount and your group leader or local representative distributes tips for drivers, local guides, hotel staff and other services included on your trip. This excludes restaurant tips for meals not included in your itinerary. The group leader or local representative will keep a running record of all monies spent which can be checked at any time, and any funds remaining at the end of the tour will be returned to group members. We have found that this is the easiest way to avoid the hassles of needing small change and knowing when and what is an appropriate amount to tip. Participation in this kitty is at your discretion, and you are welcome to manage your tipping separately if you prefer. Please note the tipping kitty excludes tips for your group leader or local representative.

Your Tour Leader

You may consider tipping your group leader or local representative for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference however as a guideline US$3-4 per person (in local currency), per day, can be used. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your group leader or local representative on your trip.

Local Guides

Throughout your trip, you may at times have a local guide in addition to your leader. We suggest around USD 2-4 per person, per day for local guides.

General

Restaurants: 8 -10% of the total bill amount is appropriate.

CONTINGENCY FUNDS

Your operator will try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond their control. They reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. 

Please note we or the operator are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). 

Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in US$ but local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

MEDICAL AND HEALTH INFORMATION 

General Health

You will need good general health for this trip. If you are unwell, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements.

Read through the itinerary carefully and assess if this style of trip is for you. Please note that if a traveller is deemed unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, your operator reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without a refund.

We recommend you consult with your Dr regarding medical travel information and necessary vaccinations before departure. A first aid kit and personal medical requirements are also recommended as they may not be easily found locally. Check your government’s foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements if you are carrying medical supplies.

Air Pollution

October-February can see air pollution levels spike to hazardous levels which can increase the risk of respiratory problems. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, particularly heart and lung conditions, you may be especially affected. Your group leader or local representative can assist you in obtaining a face mask if required. Please pack (reusable) face masks as a precaution.

Altitude Sickness

Travellers heading to altitudes above 2,500 metres are at risk of altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS). This can be life-threatening and can affect anyone, regardless of physical fitness. If you have previously had altitude sickness, engage in physical exercise, or consume alcohol before acclimatising, or have respiratory health issues you are more at risk of developing AMS. If your trip involves high altitudes, consult your doctor for personalised advice before you depart. Here are some normal symptoms of being at altitude that you do not need to worry about:  

 -Periods of sleeplessness
– Occasional loss of appetite
– Vivid, wild dreams at around 2500-3800m in altitude
– Unexpected momentary shortness of breath, day and night
– Periodic breathing that wakes you occasionally
– Blocked nose
– Dry cough
– Mild headache

If you are feeling nauseous, dizzy, or are experiencing other symptoms, let your group leader or local representative know immediately.

If it is deemed unsafe for you to continue trekking they will arrange for you to descend to a lower altitude.

Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

Malaria is a risk as is dengue fever, especially after the monsoon period. Other mosquito-borne diseases are less frequent (including Japanese encephalitis, chikungunya fever, and filariasis) but also occur. Preventative measures like wearing long clothing, using repellent, and being indoors around dusk and dawn are advisable. 

Consult a medical professional regarding medication you can take against malaria. For more information, see the World Health Organisation’s fact sheets: http://www.who.int/neglected_diseases/vector_ecology/mosquito-borne-diseases/en/

Other Infectious Diseases

Tap water is not safe to drink. There are many water-borne, food-borne, parasitic, and other infectious diseases (including meningitis, cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, tuberculosis, diphtheria, and rabies) that are common in Pakistan. Seek medical attention if you have a fever or suffer from diarrhea or you suspect food poisoning. Avoid homemade or unlabelled alcohols, these can be poisonous.

Polio Vaccination

If you are planning to stay in Pakistan for 4 weeks or more, proof of polio vaccination given 4 weeks to 12 months before departure from Pakistan, may be required on exit. If you are unable to provide this, you may need to be vaccinated before leaving Pakistan.

Food and dietary requirements

On this trip you will experience a wonderful array of food and your group leader will happily suggest restaurants to try. 

Meals are generally not included in the trip price to allow for more flexibility in deciding where and what to eat. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. Groups often eat together to enable you to sample more dishes as well as share each other’s company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know before departure.

Although the food in Pakistan is undeniably delicious, it’s not necessarily the ‘clean-eating’ diet you may be expecting. There’s a lot of oil, meat and bread. Like India, Pakistan’s hygiene standards can sometimes be lacking and stomach troubles are common. This is just a part of travelling in the developing world. You will be directed towards restaurants with better hygiene, especially in tourist areas.

Eating in Pakistan can be difficult at times if you are vegetarian. Meat is a daily staple, and if your host cooks up a feast and is unaware of your diet that could be awkward. Veganism is particularly difficult as many dishes will include butter, ghee butter or yoghurt and may not be considered. Furthermore, vegetarian dishes are sometimes cooked with meat stock or in the same pot as meat. Veganism is not a concept in Pakistan.

Problems and emergency contact information

The aim is to provide the best possible holiday experience but the very nature of travel and the areas we visit means things can occasionally go awry. If this occurs while you are on your trip, discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

There may be times when a situation can not be resolved to your satisfaction and if this happens, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

If you wish to provide online feedback please do this within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please also be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will allow us to resolve the issue in real time.

Who is the trip host?

All group trips are accompanied by group leaders or local representatives. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Your operator endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training another group leader or local representative.

They will provide you with information, offer suggestions for things to do and places to visit and recommend local eateries. You can expect a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. If you want to know more about the local culture at a specific location then they can recommend a local guide service.

SAFETY 

Your operator will try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond their control. They reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. 

Please note that Adventuress in the Wild or the operator are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). 

Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in US$ but local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

Women’s Safety

Women should exercise caution when travelling in Pakistan. Reported cases of sexual assault against women are increasing; recent sexual attacks against female visitors in tourist areas and cities show that foreign women are also at risk. 

To ensure peace of mind, some simple steps you can follow are:
– Dress more conservatively than you do at home and respect local dress customs and codes.
– Avoid isolated areas when alone at any time of day. These include beaches, parks, lanes.
– Avoid travelling alone on public transport, or in taxis or auto-rickshaws, especially at night
– Get a taxi from hotel taxi ranks and use pre-paid taxis at airports. Avoid hailing taxis on the street.
– Make sure your driver has identified themselves before you set off if you are taking a taxi from the airport.
-Ask a travel companion to accompany you where possible if you leave your compartment on an overnight train

Personal Belongings 

There is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft while travelling, especially in touristy areas. We encourage you to walk together on main, well-lit thoroughfares and to exercise caution. Vigilance on public transport is always adviseable. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front and not hanging your bag over the back of your chair will reduce opportunity.

Free Time

During your trip you’ll have some free time to do with as you wish.. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary over safety concerns if deemed necessary.

Scams

Scams have been reported involving ATM and credit cards, train tickets, taxis, temple donations and tourist guides, throughout Pakistan. Report it immediately to the nearest police station if you are scammed and they will issue you with an official loss report for insurance purposes. Please note that there is no action they can take to recover your belongings or money.

Who is the guide?

The operator of this tour is Intrepid Travel

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. Make sure that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. 

We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company’s 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative.

If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank’s name and your credit card details. 

Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver 

Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.

Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You’ll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.

See some suggestions in the packing list that are helpful tips on what you specifically need for this trip. You’ll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, swimming suit, waterproof pouch/bag for phone, hiking shoes and jacket etc. when you’re exploring during the day.

Due to the diversity and breadth of our trips, our ultimate packing list should be used as a guide only and is not intended to be a complete packing list to suit every trip.

If you have any questions about what to pack, please get in touch with our team.

Travel documents

• Passport
• Visas if required
• Travel insurance policy
• 24 hr emergency travel insurance contact and policy number
• Flight e-tickets
• Your travel itinerary
• Photocopies of important documents
• A print out of your trip’s Essential Trip Information
• Spare passport photos
• Youth/student/seniors cards for travel discounts
• International driving licence if needed
• Diving licence if needed
• Cash/credit cards
• $500 USD contingency fund in cash
• Money belt or pouch

Luggage

On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage. Most travellers use a small, wheeled suitcase although the type of luggage most suitable will vary depending on your trip and destination. Please refer to the packing section of your Essential Trip Information for any specific luggage requirements. You will also need a daypack/bag to use during the day.

• Main luggage
• Daypack
• Padlocks & keys

Personal items

• First aid kit
• Personal medication/prescriptions
• Glasses & sunglasses
• Contact lenses and solution
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Insect repellent
• Antihistamine/insect bite cream
• Antibacterial gel/wipes
• Motion sickness tablets
• Travel vaccination certificates
• Aspirin and/or paracetamol
• Rehydration powder
• Anti-diarrhoea pills
• Toiletries
• Travel hair dryer
• Shaving equipment
• Small travel towel
• Small sewing kit and safety pins
• Consult your doctor for detailed advice on any medications

Travel accessories

• Electrical adapter for the country you are travelling to
• Camera and equipment
• Spare batteries/charger
• Local language phrase book
• Phone
• Portable games/playing cards
• Something to read
• Water bottle
• Pen/paper/diary
• Travel pillow
• Cloth/reusable shopping bags
• Torch/flashlight
• Water purification method
• Photos or postcards of your home country/family/pets to share with locals
• Binoculars
• DVT socks

Clothing

Please check your Essential Trip Information for details on appropriate clothing for your itinerary and destination. On some trips access to laundries may be limited so you may need to plan to hand wash your own clothes while on trip. For longer trips we recommend you choose clothing that is easy to wash and fast drying.

• Sun hat
• Windproof jacket
• Long-/short-sleeved shirts
• Jeans/trousers/shorts/skirts
• Socks/underwear
• Flip-flops
• Sleepwear

Cold weather

• Thermal underwear or base layers
• Warm hat
• Gloves
• Hand warmers  
• Waterproof boots
• Warm socks
• Scarf

Swimming

• Swimwear
• Beach towel
• Reef shoes
• Reef-safe sunscreen

Wet weather

• Raincoat/waterproof jacket
• Umbrella
• Waterproof bags for rain protection
• Waterproof trousers

Walking or hiking

• Walking/trekking shoes
• Trekking/leech socks
• Hiking poles/walking sticks

Camping

• Inner sleep sheet
• Travel pillow
• Camping mattress
• Sleeping bag
• Head torch/lamp

Essentials for Pakistan:
– Pillow or travel pillow
– Travel towel
– Closed in shoes. We highly recommend that you take a pair of comfortable, closed-in hiking shoes. Closed-in shoes will help to protect your feet from cuts and scratches when walking in the mountains, and will also act as a barrier protection in rare cases against bites or stings.
– Lightweight long clothing. You will need to bring a mixture of lightweight clothing, some warm items for the evenings. Women must cover their legs at all times, and no sleeveless tops as Pakistan is a Muslim country. Men can wear shorts however it is very uncommon. Ex-military, camouflage or military style clothing and equipment is NOT recommended.
– Warm fleece and beanie for morning and evening activities.
– Swimwear
– Sun protection – hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
– Insect repellent

Recommended:

– Optional sleeping bag/sleeping sheet for homestays. Mattresses and blankets will be provided so this is up to you. It can get very cold at night in the desert and mountainous regions of Pakistan.
– A good quality headlamp or torch.
– Waterproof/windproof jacket is a good idea for wet days, and early morning or evening activities when it is cooler.
– Personal medical kit. Large kits will be on hand at the lodges and from your leader (on trips that have a dedicated trip leader) but we recommend you carry items such as mild pain killers, electrolytes and bandaids.
– Camera with spare battery or power pack.

Optional:

– Ear plugs if you are a light sleeper.
– A good book, a journal or smart phone with music player.

Valuables:

We strongly recommend that you photocopy or photograph all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. While not valid, these will make obtaining replacements much easier. Do not keep them together.

Batteries / Power: 

You will have access to power for recharging batteries every couple of days but carrying an extra battery or power pack is always advisable, just in case.

Conservative Dress:

Pakistan is a traditional Islamic nation and modest dress is required. Men can wear shorts but they are not very common and they are not allowed in religious areas. Loose fitting cotton pants are preferable for the heat. Tank tops should not be worn however short sleeve shirts that cover your shoulders are acceptable for men.

Women must wear a headscarf when visiting mosques although some of your fringe showing is acceptable. We recommend always having a headscarf with you to cover up in religious places or conservative areas to avoid unwanted attention. Tights with loose long linen or cotton shirts are acceptable, or even long light cardigans. These need to be long enough to cover your bottom. Your group leader will advise you of what attire is appropriate during the welcome meeting.

Open-toed sandals are acceptable for both sexes and slip-on footwear are handy to have on-hand as you have to take your shoes off before entering mosques and homes.
You will be taken to shop for local clothing, headscarfs, shalwar kameez (the local pants/top worn by men and women) on Day 2 of the itinerary.

Luggage Limit:

One small soft-sided bag plus a day pack (no more than 15-20 kgs in total per person) is essential. Hard/externally framed suitcases are not recommended as they are difficult to store, harder to move around and can damage equipment or travellers’ belongings. Excess luggage can usually be stored at your arrival/departure hotel if your arrival and departure point are the same place and can be collected after your trip.

Domestic flights in Pakistan have strict weight limits – 20kg of check-in luggage and 5kg of carry-on hand luggage per person is included with your flight ticket.

Let us know if you would like to pay for your trip in instalments. The first instalment will always be the required deposit amount. Instalments are only available if making payments before the trip’s final payment date. The entire balance must be paid on the final payment date. 

Contact us at info@adventuressinthewild.com for more information

This booking will be subject to Intrepid Travel’s Booking Conditions, and Adventuress in the Wild Booking Conditions