12 Days of Nowruz – A Journey from Lahore to the Highlands

Our journey begins in Lahore, the heart of Pakistan. We’ll walk through the courtyards of Lahore Fort and stand before the grand Badshahi Mosque. In the narrow streets of the Walled City, we’ll see colorful bazaars, smell freshly cooked food, and admire the beauty of Delhi Gate and Wazir Khan Mosque.

As the sun sets, we’ll enjoy dinner at Fort Road Food Street, with the Fort glowing in the background.

Today we leave Lahore and drive north. On the way, we’ll stop at the mighty Rohtas Fort, a 16th-century fortress.

By afternoon, we reach Islamabad, Pakistan’s modern capital. We’ll visit the Faisal Mosque, the Pakistan Monument, and the Lok Virsa Museum to get a taste of the cultures waiting for us in the north.

Did you know? Islamabad is one of the youngest capital cities in the world, built in the 1960s.

It’s time for the road trip of a lifetime. We’ll travel on the Karakoram Highway, also known as the 8th Wonder of the World. The road follows the Indus River, passing cliffs and ancient villages.

By evening, we reach Chilas, the gateway to Gilgit-Baltistan.

Travel tip: Keep your camera ready—this is where the Karakoram, Himalaya, and Hindu Kush ranges meet!

From Chilas, the mountains grow taller and whiter. We’ll stop at the Nanga Parbat View Point and the mighty Rakaposhi View Point.

By afternoon, we arrive in Hunza Valley. In Karimabad, the bazaar is full of excitement—locals buying eggs, dried fruits, and sweets for Nowruz.

Did you know? Hunza people are known for their long lives—many live well into their 90s!

Today is Nowruz, the first day of spring! The valley is alive with celebration. Children play egg-fighting games, families gather around bonfires, and music fills the air. We’ll enjoy traditional Hunza dishes like harissa and apricot sweets.

At night, villagers invite us to join their dances under the stars.

Travel tip: Keep a boiled egg in your pocket—you may be challenged to a fun egg fight!

With Nowruz still fresh, we’ll walk through orchards covered in apricot blossoms. A local family will show us a Haft-Sin table, where each item—apples, candles, sprouts—has a meaning of luck and renewal.

Later, we’ll visit Baltit Fort and Altit Fort, then enjoy an evening of folk songs and storytelling.

Did you know? Apricot wood is sacred in Hunza. Many families still cook on apricot-wood stoves.

We head deeper into Upper Hunza. The blue waters of Attabad Lake sparkle beneath the mountains. We’ll see the jagged Passu Cones and cross the famous Hussaini Suspension Bridge.

In the evening, we’ll join locals for Nowruz sports egg rolling, tug-of-war, and lots of laughter.

Leaving Hunza, we drive towards Skardu. The road is long but full of wonders river confluences, hidden villages, and towering cliffs.

By evening, we reach Skardu Valley, where Nowruz celebrations continue in the Balti style.

Did you know? Skardu is the gateway to K2, the second-highest mountain in the world.

Skardu celebrates Nowruz with great energy. If we’re lucky, we’ll watch a traditional polo match, taste local food like Balti momos and apricot soup, and explore the busy bazaar.

At night, bonfires light up the valley. We’ll sit with locals, enjoying music and stories around the flames.

Today we slow down and enjoy nature. At Shangrila Lake, red-roofed cottages reflect on calm water. A short hike takes us to Upper Kachura Lake, hidden among trees.

At night, we’ll join one last Nowruz bonfire, celebrating friendship and renewal.

This morning, we take a short but breathtaking flight back to Islamabad. If the skies are clear, we’ll see K2 and Nanga Parbat from the plane window.

We’ll spend the day relaxing in Islamabad, visiting Daman-e-Koh or simply resting before our farewell dinner.

With hearts full and memories overflowing, our journey ends today as we head to the airport. The mountains that welcomed us now wave us farewell, their snowy peaks etched forever in memory.

You’ll carry with you the spirit of Nowruz renewal, joy, and the warmth of mountain hospitality. Beyond the festivals and landscapes, what will remain are the stories, the laughter, and the friendships formed on this journey.