Discover one of Asia’s most extraordinary botanical regions with this 12-day Alpine Flora and Nature Exploration. Magpie Tours has lovingly designed this tour for botanists, photographers, nature lovers, and curious travelers. The itinerary combines alpine botanical exploration, mountain landscapes and cultural heritage, for a truly memorable expedition in the high mountains of northern Pakistan. We will visit remote mountain ecosystems renowned for their high-altitude alpine flowers, medicinal plants, and diverse flora, from Skardu, Deosai Plains, Astore Valley, Rama Lake, Naltar Valley, to Hunza Valley. This trip especially features the Deosai National Park, which is one of the world’s highest plateaus and home to many rare plant species and wildflowers in its vast grassy plains.
This customized tour package begins in Islamabad. We will first fly to Skardu, where high mountain lakes nestle in the rugged Karakoram ranges. Jeeps will take us 4114 meters above sea level to the Deosai Plains, to experience the sweeping vast plateau, meandering rivers, and its world-famous wildflower wonders. From here we will descend to Astore Valley, to explore the lush flora of Rama Lake and its surrounding cedar and pine forests. Next on the itinerary is Naltar Valley, which features three small alpine lakes and a diverse range of endemic herbs and medicinal plants. After enjoying these excursions in natural biodiverse beauty, we will arrive in Hunza Valley for a blend of nature and culture. Marvel at the centuries-old forts in Altit and Baltit, as well as the sapphire Attabad Lake and pristine Passu Cones. The serene ecosystem of Borith Lake in Upper Hunza functions as a bird sanctuary and is home to a mix of temperate to alpine plants adapted to cold arid conditions. Unwind in the traditional orchards of Hunza, and enjoy souvenir shopping in the cobbled lanes of old Karimabad, before descending from paradise via the lush green Naran Valley. Wrap up cherished memories of this expedition back in Islamabad with the capital city’s delightful cuisine. Your freshly-acquired knowledge of northern Pakistan’s botanical wealth will surely remain a highlight of lifetime memories!