Vital Information

Passport and Visa

Participants of all nationalities are required to have a valid passport with six months remaining validity and a visa for Pakistan. Visas must be applied online at Pakistan Visa Portal.


Letter of Invitation

You will need a letter of invitation (LOI) which our office will provide along with the requisite documents including Adventure Tours Pakistan license copy and National Identity Card of the host.


Validity of Visa 

Usually a trekking visa is issued for three months with 30 days validity. Do note that the 30 days’ validity starts on the date of arrival. For example your visa is issued on March 15 and valid for three month but you arrive Pakistan on June 20th, your visa will expire on July 19th. In case your stay is longer than 30 days, an extension is possible after arrival in Pakistan.


Please make sure that you have the correct travel documents and a valid visa for Pakistan.


Trekking Permit

For treks that belong in the restricted areas, a trekking permit is required and the security clearance process usually takes 30-45 days. It is highly recommended to apply at least 60 days in advance to avoid delays. Your application for visa is linked with the application for the trekking permit.


Treks that belong in open areas don't require a trekking permit.


Personal Insurance

It is a mandatory requirement to have an insurance policy for accidents, medical and helicopter evacuation covering at least $30,000. You can choose an insurance company of your choice. SafetyWing Travel Insurance has great benefits and coverage. They provide online services without hassles.


Dress

In the cities like Islamabad, there is no problem if you are in western dress but in remote regions including Skardu, you will need to have a full dress (covering your body).


Local Crew

The local crew includes a licensed guide, cook, assistant cook, porter’s Sirdar, and porters. Our guides and cooks are well-experienced, strong, supportive and friendly. They performed their duties with full dedication to facilitate our valued clients.


Group Joining Instructions

The tour starts and ends in Islamabad. Adventure Tours Pakistan, guide or representative will be at the airport to pick the clients with the welcome signboard of Adventure Tours Pakistan.  We can also make reservations for pre and post nights if anyone arriving early or departing late.


High Altitude Hiking

Treks rated as Strenuous hikes on rocky, glacial terrain and some exposed section makes a tough trek, but provides some of the most stunning views in the world.  All participants must be physically fit and capable of walking for about 6-8 hours a day as the highest point of some treks is above 5150 m. However, the itineraries are designed in such a way that provides acclimatization by gaining height gradually, which allows the body to adjust to reduce air pressure at higher altitudes. For more details you can tap here on Back Packer.


Personal Gear

A list of personal equipment is provided below so that you can make a personal kit according to your needs:


Local Time

Pakistan falls in one time zone, which is Pakistan Standard Time (PKT). This is UTC+05:00 — that is, five hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time.


Electricity

The power plugs and sockets in Pakistan are of type C and D. Type C plug has two round pins & the type D plug has three round pins arranged in a triangular pattern. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. It is recommended to bring power plug adapter. Type-G power plugs and sockets are also used in Pakistan.


Currency and Exchange

Major currencies including US Dollars, Euro & GB Pounds can be exchanged in Islamabad and Skardu as well. However, the exchange rate in Skardu is not as good as compared to Islamabad. You can check the foreign currency exchange rate here at NBP Rate Sheets. The exchange rates in the open market differ from the bank rates.


Tips

Tip for a guide, cook, assistant cook, Porter’s Sirdar and porters are customary. However, it is absolutely at the discretion of clients to decide about the amount of tips.


Baggage Allowance

Airlines offering domestic flights including PIA offer 20 kg (1 piece) on a domestic flight in economy class to/from Skardu. For an extra baggage (1 piece up to 20 kg), they charge PKR 5800 currently which is subject to change.


Equipment (Shopping/Rental)

Personal clothing, packing items or bags, personal medical kit, personal trekking gears can be purchased/rented in Skardu. Some of the items may not be available on rent and need to be purchased. Please confirm with us in advance.


Departure Taxes

No departure taxes are applicable at Pakistan international airports. However, you can check with your concerned international carrier before travelling.


Meals

3 meals a day will be provided during the hotel stay except for lunches and dinners in Islamabad.


Food during Treks

We do cater any special food requirements during trekking if any client has food allergies/intolerances or special dietary needs like vegetarian and vegan etc.


Breakfast during Treks

Below is the list of major items we provide in the breakfasts with a combination of four or five items a day:


Lunch during Treks

Below is the list of major items we provide at the lunches with a combination of three to four items a day during trekking:


Dinner during Treks

You will have a complete dinner with soup, two curries plus rice or Spaghetti or Macaroni & chapatti. There will be a dessert & green tea and coffee etc. as well:


Dessert during Treks


Any intolerance or allergies to the food items must be communicated in advance. If you have any personal choices that we can meet will also be provided.


Drinking Water

It is highly recommended to use mineral water in the cities and boiled/ filtered or purified water during the trekking. Do not drink running water from the rivers and streams.


Weather

The weather in Islamabad is extremely hot during the summer season. You can expect a temperature between 30-40 degrees centigrade. If you travel by road to Skardu, expect the weather to be very hot as well. In Skardu, the temperature is lower than Islamabad. However, day time is warm. Expect 25-38 degrees centigrade. During trekking on sunny days, expect the weather to be warm and hot without any shade. The weather can become extremely hot on some days. It is advised to have proper sun protection in the form of an umbrella, a wide-brim hat, and plenty of sunscreens. However, the weather in the nighttime is cooler above 4000 meters, you can even expect the temperature to get down to below zero and experience snowfall.


Who should do trekking?

Be prepared for wilderness treks, with no access to towns/villages and limited inhabitants during the whole duration (two weeks) of the trek. You may hike as high as 5150 meters and the trekking routes can be strenuous with river crossings, uneven terrain, glaciers, and boulders on the way. Treks are recommended for individuals with physical fitness and in good health. And should also know the techniques of using trekking equipment.


Booking and Deposits

The trip can be reserved upon as an initial deposit of 30% at the time of booking. The initial deposit shall not be refunded but can be transferred for a future trip.


Final Payment

We accept full trip cost at 30 days prior to the commencement of the tour. The payments are only accepted in cash/bank transfers in bank account. We don’t accept payments through credit cards. Please do not accept any invoice which is not generated by Adventure Tours Pakistan and sent through official email ID.


Cancellations & Refunds

Cancellations must be notified in writing to Adventure Tours Pakistan or the agent through which the trip is booked. Cancellation charges shall be levied as follows:


There shall be no refunds if you leave the trip for any reason whatsoever, either voluntarily or involuntarily, after the trip has begun. No refunds shall be made for any meals, accommodation or services not utilized. In such situations, the client will pay extra accommodation and transportation cost. 


Why Book with Adventure Tours Pakistan?

Adventure Tours Pakistan is one of the leading Destination Management and adventure Tour Company with over 35 year years’ experience. ATP has a chequered history handling more clients on this trek than any other adventure outfitter in Pakistan. We always strive to focus on the safety, and comfort of our valued clients without any discrimination.


Our Values

We have a designed set of values for our company which guides us to deliver the best travel experience to our clients, these values include:


Responsibility Towards Community 

We are aware of our responsibility towards the local communities, their customs, and the environment. Therefore, a part of our income is specifically allocated towards humanitarian activities including student support, skill development programs & micro credit loans to women without interest etc. Details can be provided on request.


Our Clients

We have worked with both local & foreign clients, and are proud to say that Adventure Tours Pakistan has competitive advantage over other service providers. We maintain a balance between cost and quality. Our business philosophy, and the secret to our success, is “Less profit equals more clients and more clients equals more profit.”