G Adventures is operating its first Pakistan tours

G Adventures this June is launching its first trips to Pakistan. The company will offer three tours ranging from nine to 13 days.

Two of the itineraries are in the company’s Active line of tours and feature the Thallay La Trail; the third itinerary is for younger travelers.

The Thallay La Trail was once the only link between the ancient kingdoms of Khaplu and Shigar and was vital for trading. With the addition of modern roadways, the trail is now mostly used by hikers and shepherds. 

G Adventures said it is working with Thallay Valley villagers to help them earn supplemental income by working as porters, chefs and guides. Communities in the region see few tourists, the company said. 

“This particular region of Pakistan is close to the border with Laddak in India and is quite isolated, seeing very few foreign tourists aside from K2 climbers,” said product vice president Yves Marceau. “The season is short here, and the G Adventures trips are designed to have the maximum impact on the local communities and economy over these months.”

Travelers opting for the Thallay La Trail itineraries will immerse themselves in local life and learn about the trail’s importance while hiking through the mountains. Guests will stay in the original forts and castles of Khaplu and Shigar, which have been converted into hotels to spur economic development. 

“Trekkers will have a comfortable start and end to the trek, but also have the kind of experience that traders would have had in the centuries when the trail was active,” the company said. 

The Karakoram Highway, Local Eats & Village Life itinerary, designed for travelers ages 18 to 39, starts in Lahore before bringing travelers off the beaten path. Lahore highlights include visits to the Badshahi Mosque and the ancient Walled City of Lahore before setting off for the Lesser Himalayas. Travelers will eat lunch with a local family in Hunza village. 

The nine-day Hike the Karakoram Mountains itinerary, graded as a “demanding” activity level, takes guests on an 11-day trip beginning in Islamabad before flying to Skardu and driving to Khaplu town. The following day, travelers will embark on a five-day trek on the Thallay La Trail. While hiking, guests will travel alongside villagers and summit Thallay La Mountain before returning home from Islamabad. 

The 11-day Lahore & Hiking the Karakoram Mountains follows the same itinerary until after summiting the mountain, when travelers will visit Lahore before returning home. Travelers will enjoy street food and visit the Wagah Border between Pakistan and India.