Full Board
Family Friendly
March to September
12 Days
The 12-Day Heritage Tour of Northern Pakistan is a culturally immersive journey through the historic heartland of Baltistan, covering Skardu, Shigar, and Khaplu valleys. Designed for travelers interested in history, architecture, and traditional lifestyles, this tour explores ancient forts, centuries-old mosques, Buddhist rock carvings, and royal capitals of the former Balti kingdoms. Balanced with stunning landscapes—alpine lakes, cold deserts, and river valleys—the itinerary offers comfortable travel, light walks, and meaningful cultural encounters. Ideal for international tourists, historians, photographers, and cultural explorers, this tour reveals Baltistan’s rich heritage against the dramatic backdrop of the Karakoram Mountains.
The 12-Day Baltistan Heritage Tour is an immersive journey into “Little Tibet,” a region defined by its unique blend of Tibetan, Balti, and Islamic traditions. This tour moves beyond the typical sightseeing routes to focus on the preservation of 17th-century architecture, the legacy of the Yabgo Dynasty, and the spiritual heritage of the oldest mosques in the Karakoram.
Over 12 days, you will stay in restored fort-palaces, walk through ancient organic villages, and explore the medieval streets of Skardu, Shigar, and Khaplu. This tour is designed for those who appreciate the intersection of history and landscape, offering a deep dive into the stories behind the stone walls and wooden carvings of the Baltistan highlands.
Is this tour right for you? The Baltistan Heritage Tour is a culturally focused trip with minimal physical strain, though some light walking on uneven village paths is required.
A key focus of this tour is the work of the Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan (AKCSP). Many of the sites you visit are models of sustainable tourism where heritage restoration has directly revitalized local economies.
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
|---|---|
| Airport transfers & all ground transportation | International airfare & visa costs |
| Domestic flights (if mentioned in itinerary) | Travel & medical insurance |
| Hotel accommodation (twin-sharing) | Meals not specified in itinerary |
| Meals as specified in itinerary | Tips & gratuities to staff |
| Professional English-speaking guide | Optional activities outside of itinerary |
| All sightseeing as per program | Additional hotel nights |
| Entrance fees to forts & heritage sites | Early departure or itinerary changes |
| All tolls, taxes & parking | Rescue or emergency costs |
| Basic first-aid kit | Personal expenses & shopping |
| Local operational support throughout tour | Force majeure expenses |
The Baltistan Heritage Tour price starts at $2,800 USD per person for a luxury heritage package. This includes stays in palace hotels, domestic flights, private 4×4 transport, all entrance fees to forts/museums, and a specialized heritage guide.
Yes! Our “Luxury Heritage” tier includes overnight stays at Serena Shigar Fort and Serena Khaplu Palace. These rooms are former royal chambers restored with modern comforts while maintaining their historical authenticity.
Baltistan is called “Little Tibet” because its language (Balti), architecture, and ethnic roots are closely linked to Tibet. This tour focuses on how this heritage has evolved and integrated with Islamic traditions over the centuries.
Pack lightly, ensuring that you have all the essentials. Extra layers of clothing, including weather jackets, are a must because of the unpredictability of the weather.
We are local specialists with deep ties to the Balti community. Our guides don’t just show you buildings; they tell the stories of the dynasties and people who lived there, providing a deeper layer of understanding than any standard tour.
Isabelle Mary –
The palaces and forts are magnificent! Truly a cultural feast.