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Skardu Adventure FAQ

Fitness Level

Moderate-Intensive: This Skardu region adventure involves some days of trekking at high altitudes. Guests who come on this tour need to have the appropriate fitness level and hiking experience. That said, no level of fitness can prepare you for how your body will perform at altitude.

Every person’s body is different, but having a comfortable fitness level will only benefit you in the mountains. Ideally, our guests will have already spent some time at or above 4,000 meters. EPIC will ensure that our group has proper time to acclimatize when on the multi-day trek to Barah Broq. Our trekking days will certainly not be “death marches” and all trekking days are of reasonable distance and intensity.

Who should apply?

The perfect candidate:

  • You want to learn new things about a fascinating country and step out of your comfort zone.
  • You are comfortable in the mountains.
  • You love being part of an adventure team.
  • You’re a keen hiker and maintain decent fitness.
  • You don’t need to be connected to the internet.
  • You’re a team player and understand that plans sometimes change.
  • You are keen to head on a real adventure.
  • You have experience trekking at altitude.
  • You are capable of trekking for 5-8 hours per day.
  • You do NOT have a fear of heights.
  • You are interested in getting to know the “real and wild Pakistan”.
  • You have done a fair bit of traveling before.
  • You have a basic understanding of cultural awareness.
  • You have a positive attitude and want to gain new amazing life experiences.

Why do I need to book a Tour? Can I visit Pakistan on my own?

This tour is extremely good value, however it’s not as cheap as traveling in Pakistan on your own. We handle logistics, provide you with unique connections, and allow you to see the best of the country in a relatively short time-frame. We believe in paying our staff competitive wages and a sizable chunk of your tour fee goes directly towards a community project in Pakistan. If you want to visit Pakistan as cheaply as possible, go independently.

What is the food like in Pakistan?

Food in Pakistan is pretty repetitive – there’s a lot of daal, chicken, and rice. We will try to mix this up where possible by taking you to some great restaurants but if you want a luxury tour, this is not for you – please don’t apply.

Note: In general, the food in Pakistan is SPICY (especially in Punjab). Again, we always do our best to accommodate dietary needs, but keep in mind that options can be limited at times if you can’t do spicy food. There will ALWAYS be some decent vegetarian and non-spicy items, but you also need to have realistic expectations regarding Pakistani cuisine, which can be meat-heavy, and SPICY. Please let us know early on if you have any diet restrictions/preferences.

Will there be sweet, sweet WiFi on our trip?

Once we leave Naran, WiFi is basically non-existent. Whilst there may be small amounts of phone coverage on the trip, you should view this adventure as a chance to unplug. We have had instances of people complaining about the lack of WiFi on the trip – If you want to be connected to your phone the whole time, DO NOT APPLY FOR THIS TRIP. In today’s world, disconnecting is an ever important necessity to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Coming on our Pakistan adventure is a chance for you to disconnect and breathe some fresh mountain air!

If you have experienced difficulties whilst trekking at altitude in the past, this trip may not be for you.

Once you have secured your spot, we will arrange a call so that we can have a brief debriefing/interview. The interview is a chance for your tour leader to get to know you better before the start of the tour. If we don’t think you’re quite right, we will refund 100% of your money. This is a real adventure; we want adventurers…

What kind of guides will we have?

The tours are led by one of two western leaders, all of whom are mountain leaders and are experienced outdoorsmen. Chris Lininger or Ralph Cope are assisted by local Pakistani crew consisting of our driver, Mr. Kahn, and our local Balti partner Mr. Zahid. 

Check out our meet the team page here.

What is the Accommodation like in Pakistan?

Prices are based on the sharing of rooms and single (same sex) members of the group will typically be put together. We will be using budget guesthouses/hotels that offer very comfortable, but simple, facilities. Sometimes rooms might be without air-conditioning (although the rooms in Lahore we will definitely have AC).

In The Fairy Meadows; we will have two or three large wooden cabins (with food burning stoves!) which we will be sharing. Note: hot water is not always available in hotels, especially in the mountains. Whilst on the multi-day Barah Broq Trek EBT will provide tents, meals, hot drinks, etc.

Guests MUST bring their own sleeping bags, sleeping pad, and coffee/tea mug.

Single supplement: If you wish to have a private room to yourself, we can arrange this – the single supplement cost is £300; accommodation in Pakistan is expensive. Please note that even if you do opt for a single room, this will only be possible in Lahore / Fairy Meadows / Astore.

Does EBT sort out my Pakistani Visa?

You will need to arrange your visa yourself before you arrive in the country.

Where do I need to apply for my visa?

Visas can only be arranged in the country your passport is from so if, for example, you have a British passport you must sort your visa in the UK. If you are out of your home country, we recommend posting your passport back to your home country and getting a friend or family member to do it. You can also usually get a visa in another country if you have a residency visa there. You will need a letter of invitation for your visa application and we will provide this, as well as tips on how to make the visa application as stress-free as possible, once your spot is confirmed.

Please note your LOIs, which you need for your visa applications, are included in the cost of this tour and will be sent out to you approximately three to four months before the start of the tour.

If I Visit Pakistan, Will I have Problems Visiting Other Countries?

We receive many questions about this topic, so let us clear the air. Travelers to India, Israel, the USA, Europe, etc have never faced any particular restriction or been denied entry just because they have visited Pakistan. We have been to Pakistan more times than we can count at this point, and we have never faced issues returning to the USA, the UK, Australia, Canada, Europe or going to India . There are no official rules saying that if you visit Pakistan, then you can’t enter India, Israel, etc. You can simultaneously hold Indian and Pakistani visas in your passport also without issue.

What sort of equipment do I need to come on this trip?

We will provide a full kit-list a little closer to the time. You will not need to spend a fortune on expensive gear but decent multi-purpose hiking shoes, proper clothing, sun protection (hat), trekking poles, and a decent jacket are a must.

Is Insurance included in the tour?

No it is not. To travel on this tour, you must have travel insurance. We will provide recommendations closer to the time. If you don’t buy travel insurance, you will not be allowed to come on the tour.

Will the trip run exactly as the itinerary is planned?

Well, hopefully, but keep in mind that this is a real adventure. The planned Skardu adventure itinerary and activities are subject to change for a variety of reasons. Travel almost always involves unexpected situations so things might need to be rearranged at times.

However, it is important to remember that travel is all about the journey, and so even the unexpected situations we may face should be treated as part of the overall experience. If we encounter issues we will get them sorted to the best of our ability.

Where will I need to fly into to start the tour?

You need to arrive into Islamabad, Pakistan and be at the hotel/meeting spot by the morning of day 1. Ideally you will arrive a day early to rest and gear up for the start of our adventure. You will be picked up from the airport by a member of our team providing you arrive within 24 hours of midday on day 1. If you arrive outside of those days, you’ll need to sort your own transfer – advice will be provided.

This trip also finishes in Islamabad, so it will be from here where you take your flight home.

Is pre-tour/post tour accommodation provided?

​Your accommodation is NOT included for the days leading up to the start of the tour or the days after the tour has ended. Day 1 is the first day accommodation is included. If you need an affordable place to stay before or after the tour starts/ends, we can provide recommendations. It is possible to find a very nice hotel room for $45-50/night (less if you share the room with a fellow tour guest).

Do I need to sign a release waiver?

All tour participants will be required to sign an industry-standard waiver releasing Epic Expeditions from any liability related to any aspect of this Skardu Region Pakistan adventure Tour.

We want adventurers…

This is an adventure… things may not always go as planned and if they don’t, we will be there to solve problems as quickly and efficiently as possible. You will get out of this trip what you put into it; a positive attitude, willingness to get to know the locals, and enthusiasm are all important.

While the tour itself is not super strenuous, please note that it can involve the following: somewhat long days, a good amount of trekking, being in the sun in potentially hot temperatures, a few very long journeys by bus, early morning wake-ups, cold nights at altitude , and other similarly challenging scenarios. Hiking with your personal gear (should be no more than 5-10 kilos) is to be expected – porters available on the treks.

Epic Expeditions staff are there to lead you into the mountains and provide you with an amazing experience through our unique contacts – we are not there to be your servants. We are there to guide you through Pakistan in a mode of utmost professionalism, laugh with you, trek with you, and overall have an awesome time bonding as a group.

Have a question about this tour?

Feel free to send us a message using our contact page!

Adventure Guide

Hailing from the Toronto region of Eastern Canada, with a background as a former standout athlete (hockey of course) and a  love of mountain adventure, Clark is a welcomed addition to the Epic team.

In addition to being a keen photographer and adventurer, Clark brings his brilliant sense of humor, leadership skills, and positive attitude to everything he puts his mind to. 

When he is not leading trips, he is working on taking over the hard apple cider game in Canada as a skilled craft brewer. 

Adventure Guide

Noemi grew up in the mountains of German-Speaking Switzerland where she naturally developed a deep love and respect for mountain environments.

She is a talented photographer, aspiring climber, and speaks at least 5 languages fluently including Arabic (and probably a few more that we don’t know about), which she taught herself in a matter of months by watching YouTube videos. 

Noemi has spent the last several years traveling, hiking, and photographing her way around many different countries in the Middle East, South and Central Asia, and Europe, and we could not be more stoked to welcome her to the Epic team! 

Adventure Guide

As our man on the ground in Mongolia, there is not much this legend can’t do. As a native the Bayan-Ölgii province of the Western Mongolia Altai, Syerik has been working as a guide and tourism entrepreneur…

for the past several years and is one of the rising stars in Mongolia adventure travel industry. 

He is currently building a beautiful Ger (Yurt) camp near his hometown where he will host Epic Mongolia team members on our trip as well as other travelers from around the world! 

He is the perfect guide for your trip to Mongolia. Serik did an amazing job giving us a well rounded experience in the Altai NP region and down in the Gobi…
The food was fantastic and Serik gave us many opportunities to learn about the Kazakh culture in that region including traditional meals. (I can’t recommend enjoying the milk tea enough!)

– Coastal

Head of canine operations

Choriza started off life as a care-free vagabond on the streets of Madeira Island without any place to call home. From the moment we met her, we knew this dog was just different, and it was pretty much love at first sight. 

She gave up the dog street life in favor of joining her new dad Chris to become a full-time member of the Epic family towards the end of 2022.

These days she can be found listening in on the fringes of important Epic business meetings while half-asleep on the couch. She is a keen hiker, lover of mud, rare steak, and might just be the sweetest little dog we have ever seen. 

Adventure Guide

An experienced trek leader and
IFMGA aspirant ski guide, avid alpine climber, devoted adventure photographer.

Organized and guided trekking expeditions, climbs and ski tours in Tajikistan’s Pamirs, Patagonia, Peru, Morocco, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, Georgian and Russian Caucasus and Kamchatka.

A full member and meets the organiser of the British Alpine Club. Visited over 40 countries, lived in the UK for four years. Certified first-aider.

We joined Andrew on a fantastic trip to the Fann Mountains in Tajikistan, pure nature and magnificent scenery! Andrey was super prepared and led us safely up and down numerous passes and through some rough and icy cold rivers. Thank you for a very memorable trip, your planning and prep was excellent!

– Monika Steinlechner

epic expeditions team

Adventure Guide

Our man in Nepal, Sandip is what we like to call a “Swiss Army Knife”. There is not much Sandip can’t do when it comes to helping Epic to run our expeditions smoothly in Nepal.

His tireless work ethic, passion for all things trekking in the Himalayas, and smart decision-making mean that Sandip is a truly invaluable member of our team.

Sandip is passionate about showing visitors to his country an amazing time, and he goes above and beyond to make sure that happens. 

His company Himalayan Masters is Epic’s trusted partner in Nepal and one of the country’s top new tour agencies.

We really enjoyed the entire journey, and I would like to say that Sandip is truly professional. He guided us and he is a hardworking person, providing us with the best service and taking care of each one of us. Plus, he is super funny! The kind of professionnal you always want to find on your path for your explorations! 

– Alexandra Ruth

Fairy Meadows

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Our Favorite Experiences

#1 Sunrise from Reflection Lake

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#2 Hiking to Nanga Parbat Base Camp

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#3 Playing cricket with the locals

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Trips Where We Visit Fairy Meadows

Our flagship Pakistani adventure tour.  Road trip with some  hiking and cultural immersion.

A trekking-style tour that features some very remote locations, inlcuding a K2 viewpoint.

Adventure Guide

João has born in the mountains of Madeira Islands in Portugal. Nature lover, writer, musician, guide, for him, a day without contact with outdoor vibes is a nightmare. 

With a degree in Cultural Studies in Portugal and a Master of Arts in Global Cultures and Creativity in the U.K.

João found out what really matters in life can be found on the trails, and in the contact with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Guiding, crazy trekking missions, and sharing observations about the natural world, – these are some of João’s passions. 

After trekking to K2 Base Camp and exploring all over Northern Pakistan, he fell in love with the country and the local people. His experiences resulted in his desire to share these feelings with the world.

João is one of the most experienced guides at Epic and his skillset and positive mindset in the mountains is second to none

When not in Pakistan, João is  guiding and exploring in the Madeira Islands trails –  discovering some of the hidden treasures on his Portuguese Island.

João I can not thank you enough for the off the beaten paths and views you keep giving. Definitely one of the most challenging and amazing hikes we did 1200m meters all the way up to Fanal forest and circling back to the hidden village. Wow!

– Jeffery 

travel hunza valley

Adventure Guide

Sohail is the newest addition to the Epic team and we are beyond stoked to have him on board. As a veteran of the Karakoram and a native of Karimabad in Hunza, there is not much Sohail can’t do in the mountains. 

Besides having the ability to speak more languages than we can count, Sohail has explored every corner of Gilgit Baltistan and logs more trekking miles 

in a year than most people will do in a lifetime. As of the summer of 2022, Sohail has summited Gasherbrum 1, Gasherbrum 2, and K2 – three of Pakistan’s five 8000-meter peaks. Sohail guides several trips including our annual bespoke expeditions but specializes in Hunza Valley tours.

Chris and Sohail, and the team at Epic are FANTASTIC! Highly recommend anyone to do a tour with ‘Epic’. They have the perfect balance of fun, excitement and wild adventures, tied in with being super professional and ensuring your safety/health in a foreign environment. Don’t waste a moment and book a tour with these guys as the value for money is UNREAL!

– Borgan

iran travel tour

Adventure Guide

Pedro’s been traveling all around the globe since 2009. His keen interests in documentary photography, rural life, and local people from different ethnic groups have been the focus of many of his professional projects.

Since 2012, he has developed his passion for travel and awesome shared experiences into a full-time adventure photography tour leader position.

Pedro has found himself continuously going back to the Middle East, with his likely favorite destination being Iran. Pedro lead his 11th tour in Iran with Epic in spring 2020

When Pedro’s not traveling the world with Epic Expeditions, you’ll find him based in the western south of Portugal planning he’s next adventure missions, logistics and working out his photos in local exhibitions.

 I loved the combination of hiking, camping around breathtaking scenery mixed with the cultural aspects. The guide (Pedro) is knowledgeable and work very hard to make the trip as memorable as possible. All in all an epic adventure with some extremely epic individuals! Go for it, you won’t regret it!

– Coastal

Diane Bouvet

Adventure Admin / Marketing

After fleeing from the corporate fashion world in Paris towards the start of 2020, Diane has been working as a web developer and graphic designer remotely from various bases across the globe

She brings all of her incredible design and organizational power to Epic Expeditions and is responsible for many of the beautiful behind-the-scenes design elements. 

Diane has been to Iran and to Pakistan twice including all over Gilgit Baltistan and KPK.

k2 gondogoro la trek

Head of Operations | Guide

A veteran of Pakistan travel, Ralph is an experienced guide, photographer and writer who specializes in documenting remote locations. 

Not one to simply go where everyone else does, he insists on exploring new and lesser-known areas.

Together with Epic Expeditions, he shows people parts of Pakistan that most other operators don’t even know about. He is particularly fond of the village of Barah, which he believes will become just as famous as Hunza one day.

Just got back from EBT’s Trekking Amongst Giants 15 day tour. The experience was first class. Ralph, our head guide, ensured that the entire trip ran smoothly and relatively on time (a bonus for anyone travelling in Pakistan). We had so many unforgettable days on the tour and the trekking was well-planned, safe but also a rewarding challenge. 

– Calvin


Traveling to a non-tourist destination can be a little intimidating but EBT takes all of the worry and trepidation away. From the pre-trip call to meeting the wonderful staff in person you can tell that you are dealing with a company that has a passion for what they do each and every day. Ralph, Zahid, and Khan were supportive, kind, and always willing to go the extra mile to make sure that everyone on the trip was getting what they wanted out of the experience.

– Katrina 

adventure tours pakistan

Founder | Adventure Guide | Director

Since he started exploring the world, Chris has been seeking out every shade of adventure in various parts of the globe and had visited more than 70 countries along the way. 

Over the last 10 years, Chris has logged more than 7000 trail miles across five continents and climbed multiple 6000 + 7000 meter peaks in Pakistan and Nepal.

A few years back, a distant dream and a deep passion for the mountains and the people of Pakistan led Chris to co-found Epic Expeditions at a time when foreign adventure tourism in Pakistan was almost nonexistent. Since then, Chris has guided more than 20 expeditions to various parts of Northern Pakistan.

Chris believes in using photography and powerful adventure experiences to dismantle negative stereotypes regarding what mainstream media considers “dangerous” countries while facilitating unique and meaningful memories in the mountains for countless people from around the globe. 

For him, an ideal start to the day begins with a steaming cup of good coffee, the beam of a headlamp, alpine boots, and a camera in hand.

He lives in Madeira Island when not leading expeditions in far-flung lands. 

Chris also works as a writer and photographer on his blog Off the Atlas – an adventure travel blog all about Pakistan.  

Read this interview our staff did with Chris to learn more about him!

Chris believes in Pakistan and its people, and he believes in the value of journeys shared with others and family cultivated on the road. Honesty and integrity are at the heart of what he does, and this really shines through in his work as a guide. He also makes great coffee – whether at 5am in an empty guesthouse or half way up a Himalayan peak.”

– Will De Villers

Pakistan is a magical country! Had 3 of the best weeks of my life thanks to Epic Backpacking Tours with owner, and one of our awesome guides, Chris. From detailed itinerary, preparation with an equipment list, and visa assistance. To amazing food, great porters, helpful guides, and great accommodations. Epic really hit home run after home run. […]

Their desire for adventure and amazing trip is just as high as yours. Bring a good pound of coffee for the trip. French press coffee every morning and no average tin coffee, plus you’ll be in your guides good books.

– Clark Tyler

epic backpacker tours

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