Discover Incredible Pakistan

***A Broke Backpacker Adventure***

Ahoy and welcome to the first ever Broke Backpacker adventure tour! The concept for Broke Backpacker Adventures is simple; these are not your average tours - these are real adventures in which you will get to peek behind the curtain and discover a side of a country which many people simply cannot imagine. Adventure by day, chill by night. That’s the plan... Imagine trekking across a shining glacier to an isolated shepherds hut, setting up camp for the night, sharing a cheeky smoke around a crackling bonfire and soaking in the stars as you give your feet a much needed rest… My mission is to get you guys into the mountains, to show you a side of Pakistan which is largely undiscovered, to introduce you to my Pakistani friends and family, to trek with you, to explore with you, to make sure you have a kick ass time. Pakistan is an amazing country but it can be tough to travel independently here; my job is to not only make sure you have an amazing time but also to take care of all of the paperwork, logistics and permits so that you can sit back, chill out and enjoy the experience. Pakistan has fast-become my favourite country in the world. This is a land of towering peaks and ancient glaciers, of swaying bridges and mountain villages. The ancient silk road leading all the way to China has been traveled by explorers and philosophers, conquerors and merchants, pilgrims and spies. Now is your chance to follow in their footsteps...

I have now spent a total of three months in Pakistan, I have plans to open a backpacker guesthouse in the mountains of Hunza and I feel truly lucky to have many fantastic Pakistani amigos throughout the whole of the country. I will be personally leading this tour with the help of my brother, veteran adventurer, Alex and a small team of local Pakistani contacts who will act as our ‘fixers’ within the country. This is an adventure unlike any other, this is Pakistan… Below is some more information about the tour. Have a read, let me know if you have any questions and if you wish to confirm your spot, just follow the instructions on the last page…

Gallivant across Pakistan Tour Leader: Will Hatton Tour Dates: September 1st - September 16th. Starting & Ending Point: Lahore

Adventure Itinerary Day 1: Lahore Arrival Arrive into Lahore airport where you will be met by myself and my team; we’ll ferry you to HQ where you can chill out and freshen up. In the evening, we’ll head for dinner and I’ll run you guys through the plan… Day 2: Explore Lahore After a morning’s orientation, we'll embark on a full day of exploring this sprawling city. Prepare to be amazed, intrigued, dismayed and amused as we join the fray and explore Lahore’s unique back alleys and streets. We’ll check out Badshahi Mosque; a marvel of Red Sandstone and polished marble (Taj Mahal, eat your heart out) as well as the nearby Lahore Fort which is said to have secret tunnels leading all the way to India. In the evening, we will visit the truly mesmerizing Grand Jamia Mosque, the second largest mosque in the world and a magical place to hear the Islamic call to prayer wash over the city. Later, we’ll feast upon traditional Mughal cuisine in one of the best known restaurants in Lahore.

Wazir Khan Mosque

Day 3: Rohtas Fort One of the most impressive forts in all of Asia, massive Rohtas Fort is rarely visited by foreigners and we may well have it all to ourselves. The fort is filled with exquisite carvings, sweeping views, towering battlements, bloody history and peaceful nooks and crannies from which to capture the perfect photo. After exploring for a few hours, we will push on to the greenest capital city in the world; Islamabad. *(Drive from Lahore to Islamabad via Rohtas Fort – approx. 5 hours)

Day 4: Islamabad and travel to Karimabad We’ll start the day with a quick jaunt around Islamabad, taking in some of the main sites and getting to grips with all the greenery; keep an eye out for wild marijuana growing along the city sidewalks! In the early afternoon, we’ll hit the road - the real attractions of Pakistan are in the north and to get there we need to travel along the world’s highest paved road, The Karakoram Highway. Travelling along The Karakoram Highway is an unforgettable experience; you will see peaks and valleys, rivers and glaciers. Twenty one of the world’s one hundred highest peaks are visible from the KKH and the journey is a great introduction to the mountains as civilization slips away behind us… *(Drive from Islamabad to Karimabad – approx. 17 hours - this is one of only two long travel days)

Days 5: Karimabad chill day Karimabad is the gateway to the mountains and a great place to unwind for a day. Wander the cobblestone streets, bargain for rubies and handicrafts, feast on Hunza cuisine, get to grips with the dark history of Baltit Fort, take a peek at the Silk Road from Altit Fort and watch the sun set over the river below.

Day 6: The Eagle’s Nest camping After a morning of exploring Karimabad, we’ll drive for thirty minutes up a steep switchback road to reach The Eagles Nest - The best viewpoint in all of Hunza and an incredible place to watch the sunset. Pink peaks and jagged cliffs spill away into the distance as the stars come out, this is a really magical place and will be the highlight of the trip so far; we will spend the night camping here and wake up early for sunrise (optional).

Day 7: Meet my Pakistani family! Following our adventures in Karimabad, we will head to the small village of Ghulkin, a truly special place where time stands still and mountains march away into the distance on all sides. This is one of the best places in Pakistan to trek, explore glaciers, snack on apricots, camp out under the stars and chat with the locals. We will be staying with my good friends Rehman and Sitara; both of whom speak excellent English (Sitara is the local teacher) and can give an insight into life in the mountains.

Accommodation in Ghulkin will be in one or two huge guest rooms and we will all be sharing a space. Conditions in the village are very clean (yes, there’s a western toilet!) but are also basic; electricity is sporadic and there is no phone signal. If you need constant access to Facebook this trip probably isn’t for you. Day 8: Onto the ice… Today we will be trekking deep into the mountains, strapping on some crampons and crossing the fabled white glacier. Hack a crack at climbing an ice wall (optional) with an axe and crampons, peek inside an ice cave, drink crystal clear water directly from the glacier and hunt for stunning quartz crystals peeking out of the ice. It will take about six hours to cross the glacier where we will reach a shepherd’s hut. We will set up camp for the night and soak in the stunning 360 mountain views. At night, assuming it’s clear, the stars will be incredible. Last time; I spotted nine shooting stars in ten minutes! *(The trek will take between 5-8 hours. Porters available for an additional fee)

Day 9: Hike back to Ghulkin Today, we return to Ghulkin via a different trekking route, this is easier than the day before and there is no mad rush. Keep an eye out for eagles and ibex in the mountains above you and soak in some of the freshest air you’ve ever tasted… Upon arrival in Ghulkin, we shall feast like the kings of old. *(Trek for 3-4 hours)

Day 10: Onwards to China! Today, we are off on an epic adventure… Travelling by minibus, we will head up towards Khunjerab Pass, stopping off along the way to visit a Snow Leopard being prepared for rehabilitation. The scenery from the road is truly incredible and we will make frequent stops for photos and chai. We will check out the infamous Passu Bridge (crossing optional!) and finally make our way up towards the Pakistan-China border crossing, the highest in the world. Set in a craggy bowl of mountains and surrounded by glaciers, this is a truly breath taking landscape steeped in history.

Day 11: Travel to The Fairy Meadows Leaving Ghulkin, we will travel to Raikot Bridge where we will transfer into 4x4s and traverse the legendary Fairy Meadows jeep track - think sheer drops and impossible hair-pin bends… In the distance, if the weather is clear, you will catch your first glimpse of Nanga Parbat; the most beautiful mountain in Pakistan and the ninth highest mountain in the world. This is the stuff adventure is made of! Arriving at the end of the jeep track we will then hike for two to three hours (porters and horses available for an additional fee). Arriving into The Fairy Meadows, we will spend the next couple of nights in comfortable log cabins with wood burners to keep us warm. *(Drive from Ghulkin to Raikot Bridge - 4 hours - then 1.5-hour jeep journey and 2 / 3 hour trek)

Day 12 - 13: Optional Treks around Nanga

The Fairy Meadows is the perfect place to chill out and unwind; watch the clouds dance past Nanga Parbat, the glacier snaking through the valley below, and explore the cool woods surrounding our log cabins. There are several optional treks available here ranging from two hours to eight hours and I will lead treks both days. If you’re not feeling it, you can chill in the camp. The Fairy Meadows is one of the best places in the world to chill out and watch the mountains. On the evening of day 13, we will have a bonfire beneath the stars!

Day 14: Travel to Lahore Leaving The Fairy Meadows behind, we will travel back to Raikot Bridge where we will pause for lunch before re-joining our minibus and beginning the journey back to Lahore. *(3 / 4 hours to reach Raikot Bridge, 15 hours to reach Lahore) Day 15: Arrive Lahore Arriving into Lahore, we will head straight to our guesthouse to freshen up. In the afternoon, we will have a bit of a debrief and I can provide practical advice for anybody planning on continuing to travel in Pakistan or to cross the border to either Iran or India. Early evening, we will head to the nearby Wagah Border to watch the famous, and hilarious, border closing ceremony. We will have a celebration meal in the evening before we part ways and finish this truly incredible adventure…

Day 16: Tour ends Today, our adventure group must sadly disband! I’ll be on hand to help you arrange any onwards travel you have planned to India or Iran or further travel within Pakistan. A transfer to the airport is included today for those who have to fly home.

Included in the tour cost: • Accommodation (mixture of shared rooms in clean guesthouses, camping, log-cabins). • Meals – 2 meals a day are included. • Transportation (high-end minibus and 4x4 jeeps). • All included activities and associated entrance / guide fees (forts) • Pakistani local staff; driver and problem solver extraordinaire. • Plenty tastier extras along the way. Not included in the tour cost: • Flights or other transportation to/from Pakistan • Meals and activities not mentioned • Travel insurance (you cannot come on this trip without insurance). • Passport and visa fees (approximately $100 per person, varies depending on your passport). • Tips for staff (optional)

Tour Details Physical Level: You do not need to be of superhuman fitness to come on this trip but a basic level of fitness is a must for anybody hoping to do the treks. Really, it’s your attitude that counts and the treks I have chosen are achievable.

Who should apply: The Perfect Candidate

• You want to learn new things and step out of your comfort zone • You’re a keen hiker or ready to give it a go • You don’t need to be connected to the internet 24/7 • You’re a team player and understand that plans sometimes change

Attitude: This is an adventure… things may go wrong and, if they do, I 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 very strenuous, please note that it can involve the following: somewhat long days, a good amount of walking, being in the sun in potentially hot temperatures, long journeys by bus or train (including overnight trips), early morning wake-ups and other similarly challenging scenarios. Hiking with your gear - porters available on the treks. Accommodation: Prices are based on the sharing of rooms and single members of the group will typically be put together, I will use your questionnaires to place similar members together. We will be using budget guesthouses/hotels that offer comfortable, but simple, facilities. Sometimes rooms might be without air-conditioning (although the rooms in Lahore and Islamabad, the two hottest places, will definitely have AC). Whilst in Ghulkin, we will be spread amongst a couple of very large communal guest rooms; these are clean, comfortable and a great way for us all to hang out. In The Fairy Meadows; single members of the group will band together to share the ‘mega-cabin’ with myself and Alex. Couples will have the option to be in smaller cabins or can join the mega cabin which is where we shall have our evening gatherings. We will be camping for at least one night on this trip. If you wish to have a private room to yourself, I can arrange this - the single supplement cost is $400 USD; accommodation in Pakistan is expensive. Visas: You will need to arrange your visa yourself before you arrive in the country. 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. There is only one way to get around this and that is by posting your passport back to your home country and getting a friend or family member to do it. You will need a letter of invitation for your visa application and I will provide this, as well as tips on how to make the visa application as stress-free as possible, once your spot is confirmed. Equipment: I will provide a full kit-list a little closer to the time. Camping equipment will be provided where applicable. You will not need to spend a fortune on expensive gear but decent shoes and a decent jacket are a must. Insurance: To travel on this tour, you must have travel insurance. I will provide recommendations closer to the time. Bringing a friend: Sign up as a duo and you both receive a 5% discount off the total cost of the tour.

Subject to Change: Keep in mind that the above itinerary and activities are subject to change. Travel almost always involves unexpected situations so things might need to be re-arranged 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 I will get them sorted to the best of my ability. Arrival/Departure Details: You need to arrive into Lahore on the 1st of September or earlier. The tour will properly kick off on the 2nd of September so we all need to be well rested and ready to dive in. If you do arrive early, I can arrange accommodation for you in Lahore depending on your budget and I will also be able to organize a private pickup from the airport for a nominal fee. I will arrive in Lahore 3 / 4 days before the tour begins and will be partying hard / arranging one thousand and one permits. For those who will remain in Pakistan once the tour is over, please let me know if you need any assistance whatsoever in terms of travel ideas and/or planning. I'd be more than happy to help you organize the remainder of your stay! Waiver: All tour participants will be required to sign a waiver releasing myself, “The Broke Backpacker, LLC” and “Backpackistan Adventure Tours” from any liability related to any aspect of this “Discover Pakistan” Tour. It's a standard formality but I just wanted to let you know ahead of time. Ready to book your spotl Just follow the instructions below! (Space is limited - maximum of 12 people)

Discover Pakistan Adventure Tour – 1st - 16th September. Tour Cost: $1850 If you wish to confirm, please forward a deposit of $ 500 USD using PayPal.com. You can send the payment to: will@thebrokebackpacker.com In the message, simply write your full name, your nationality (which passport you have) & “Wander Across Pakistan” Tour – September 2017. Once received, I will send you a confirmation email confirming your spot on the tour. *Please note: When transferring money via PayPal, kindly select the “I'm sending money to family or friends” option in order to reduce the fees charged. Thank you! (If you don't have a PayPal account, just let me know and we can arrange a bank transfer). Payment details: Deposit: $500 Balance: $1350 Refund policy: Deposit - Once paid, the deposit is non-refundable as it will be spent upon making in-country arrangements. Balance – If you cancel after paying the balance, the following applies to the $ balance paid… - Up to May 1st, 2017 - 50% refundable - After May 1st, 2017 - non-refundable Of course, if you have any questions at all about the “Discover Pakistan” Tour, please let me know and I would be more than happy to answer them. And I shall look forward to hearing from you and hopefully having you join what promises to be one hell of an adventure across this fascinating land!

Will The Broke Backpacker