Walk in the footsteps of Alexander the Great, Moguls & Viceroys in this ancient land that few tourists experience.
Join our incredible expedition along the Golden Indus and see River Gypsies, Mystic Sufis, Glorious Desert shrines, and Vibrant bazaars all with expert guides and accompanied by Australian Foreign Correspondents.
LAST MINUTE SPECIAL OFFER - 12% OFF ALL BOOKINGS BY JAN.18TH, 2019. WAS $6188 Per Person - NOW REDUCED TO $5525.
Why would you go if Smartraveller.gov.au says to reconsider:
https://smartraveller.gov.au/Countries/asia/south/Pages/paki…
Not sure why you would ignore this advice.
Ok, what a bunch of baseless comments from most people.
Have you ever visited Pakistan to make those comments ?
Have you ever watched videos online by travelers who have been to Pakistan ?
Have you ever met a PAKISTANI here in Australia to find out what Pakistan is like ?
All of the negative commentary here is baseless and only speaking of what the Western Media shows you and by the way they show the war created by Western countries themselves… If Pakistan or Afghanistan or any other middle eastern country was so bad, why does the Australian Gov send their troops to fight the war ?
Please do not make negative comments about any country or religion if you don't know what you are talking about. The places offered in this trip are absolutely breathtaking and totally worth it. Pakistan and Pakistanis are amazing people, the only way to know the truth is to visit the country. Yes, like any other country please respect their values / traditions / etiquette and you will do just fine.
Unfortunately our media only shows negative aspects of a few countries and I believe we all as adults know why…
Happy travelling !
people in Pakistan don't afford the freedom of people to wear what they like in Thier country and yet when they come to western countries they want locals to put up with their dress code and love sharia law in this country. Hypocrisy
And they know better English than people here. Clueless
source?
A lot of the critism is directed at the price.
But Pakistan (beautiful countryside and generally the people are exceptionally welcoming) isn't for the Bali type of tourist.
But if you do go, brush up in your cricket (especially Pak vs Aus), that will get you more favours and special treatment then anything else.
@Umar511986
Have you ever visited Pakistan to make those comments ?
My parents backpacked through Pakistan and the Stan countries in the 70's with a group of hippie Europeans, things seem to be even worse now. They had some very close calls, especially the ladies. They literally had to get on the tour bus and race out of one of the villages when the local men started grabbing the women very aggressively.
Have you ever watched videos online by travelers who have been to Pakistan ?
While some videos are genuine, many are sponsored and nothing more than advertorials. And that goes for videos of any country or destination. Take them with a pinch of salt.
Have you ever met a PAKISTANI here in Australia to find out what Pakistan is like ?
Yes one of my childhoods friends. His family fled Pakistan as Christian refugees. You can draw your own conclusions about a country that people have to flee.
All of the negative commentary here is baseless and only speaking of what the Western Media shows you and by the way they show the war created by Western countries themselves…
No the comments are not all baseless, even if you wish that to be the case.
If Pakistan or Afghanistan or any other middle eastern country was so bad, why does the Australian Gov send their troops to fight the war ?
I know you think that sentence sounds logical but it isn't. Western countries are there to prevent those regions becoming terrorist factories (see Afghanistan pre-911) and avoid leaving a power vacuum that leads to tribal and Islamist takeover. It is not because they think the middle east is inherently good, bad or other.
While you criticise what you consider the Western media narrative you repeat anti-Western propaganda.
Unfortunately our media only shows negative aspects of a few countries and I believe we all as adults know why…
Is there a grand conspiracy you would like to share with us?
All harsh comment asides, this reminds me being objective, neutral and even critic about your own country is a good barometer of a nice country.
This is quite different response compare to when I said I don't want to visit the Philippines due to the risk coming from recent events caused by sitting president. 🤔
Going through the comments I'm amazed there are no negs yet
First I saw a post from "Underworld" !!(no pun intended). Thanks OP. At office, it has become a popular topic of debate today.
As a Pakistani, I just came here to read some hate, ignorant and media brainwashed comments
I think the deal itself is irrelevant. This is a classic case of "troll voting" where the up-voters themselves would never actually pay this price for a 12 day tour of one of the cheapest countries in the world, or actually recommend it to any of their personal friends that would have been waiting for a 12% discount (the "sophisticated" traveler would probably lose the saving from missing a day of work).
I think each and every deal on this site gets such up-votes. Up-votes is never equivalent to the number of purchases.
The deal is in no way irrelevant, but I too think the price is on the higher side and must have included flights to be fair. The extra premium is probably due to the expert Australian guides.
I agree this prob shouldn't have as much + votes as it does, most/all of the replies indicating they've been say its pretty expensive. So i can't really see how this is a bargain.
But I don't think its troll voting. Its prob more "I'm trying not to look racist" voting lol.
… if you are interested in Pakistan … buy a cheap airfare and travel independently. AUD$4,000 goes a long way in Pakistan … you could easily live and travel in comfort for 3+ months. The big cities and many of the tourist places are safe. The locals are very hospitable, the food is great and a rudimentary knowledge of Pakistani cricket players is a great ice breaker. But do your homework unlike me … I went to the Swat Valley 10 years ago and there were no tourists in this very beautiful part of world (scenery like Switzerland). The hotel owner demanded that a policeman with AK47 accompany me on hikes in the mountains. He was a chilled out guy and good companion for walks and I did that for several days. Everyone we met was super friendly. The take away from this is that even in unsafe parts of the world the vast majority of people are ordinary folks who have families, jobs and they take pleasure in meeting people from other countries.
The tour is very very expensive and is not even including the most picturesque northen area like Hunza valley or skardu…These northern Gilgit Baltistan areas are way more safer then this tour even without much security..The security situation in Pakistan has changed a lot and a lot safer to travel but always think twice and keep the governments advisory in mind before taking the decision to go Pakistan…
Mark Weins went with his family, either he's a very irresponsible parent or the country isn't THAT bad and you can go without dying
you can go without dying
Thanks, that makes me feel better
Not worth risking your life.
No deal…
This looks amazing!!! Timing doesn't work for me, but would love to do this at some time in the future
How do you compare this with other countries let’s say US?
“The CDC figures show that 14,542 people were killed in firearm homicides in 2017, a rate of 4.6 per 100,000 that held steady on the previous year. That was up from an equivalent rate of 4.2 in 2015 and 3.6 in 2010.”
Original article;
https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/dec/13/us-gun-death…
Stop believing what the media says about Pakistan. Speak to people who have been there. The media loves to exaggerate so that people keep reading their stuff. Many of my friends who have been there absolutely loved it!
Also New Delhi is a rape capital of the world. Does it mean that women from Australia stop going there just coz of that reason?
Or even stop going to CHINA for all the stuff is out there in the media! Yet a lot travel to China from Australia.
I think it’s unAustralian to be racist and or trolling. The guy was just posting a deal. This was all off topic. Stop acting like bullies.
There is a smart saying, never judge a book by its cover. ;)
Also, don't forget, if you are actually foolish enough to take this trip, be careful what cup you drink your water from (as you could be framed and sentenced to death).
I don't want to go further as it will just probably incite the SJW mob, but look up Asia Bibi if you want more info.
Once you read up on that, take note that after she was "released", the government made deal with an extremist party to keep her in the country, knowing she would probably be murdered.
If that's how they treat their own, imagine how they treat outsiders..
Facts do tend to trigger that lot.
Being a Pakistani, We blame Afghanistan for terrorism and often Paki people call Afghanistan a terrorist country whereas the world (including Aus) sees us as terrorist country. What an Irony :D
Where was Osama bin Laden sheltered in his final years?
iv been to skardu - if you love mountains and surreal landscape, id highly recommend going to k2 base camp . Pakistan has 4 x 8000m peaks and a place called fairy meadows is something out of fairy tale. when your travelling to northern areas (mountain region), there are army check posts where you check in for security reasons, (takes only 5 mins) but its not the police, its the damn army practically providing foreigners security in the northern regions and no one f**s with pak army :D (unless your last name is bin laden) LOL….
check this surreal footage
You should be concerned about security but i think it can happen anywhere and purely luck based. Iv had really bad experiences living in #1 city Melbourne, our workplace has been broken into 13 times in the past 6 years, iv been assaulted by my kiwi neighbour, racially abused at work and in public transport, my car broken into twice and items stolen, phone being stolen from work place by a customer! Yet i never bash Melbourne for it, its just my luck. Iv never had a single penny stolen when i was in pakistan, although we had some crazy adventures on the road but nothing like bandits etc so ya i guess when you travel, your risking your safety to an extent no matter where you go (from NZ rape stories to mexico kidnappings & US shootings)
I liked your video. While the landscape is incredible you can't more or less say risk is the same everywhere. It's not.
even if someone pays me $5525 to go there, i wouldn't..
Thanks for letting us know.
Why do you even wanna travel? Stay the (profanity) home and have some beer
Beautiful country. Afghanistan too. Some of the mountainous parts are absolutely breathtaking.
If the locals are anything like one of my Pakistani neighbours, then you're in for a treat. That family is great.
I watched Mark Wiens go around Pakistan and it looked pretty awesome. He took his wife and toddler and didn't have any problems. I think if you have a guide with you it'll be fine
Lol , you have $200 Cebu flights for example vs this = should not be on site and is Rip Off . Maybe 80% Off is getting to about par . Surprised no negatives .
This ain't a "deal" in my opinion. The post reads more like an ad (Walk in the footsteps of Alexander the Great…. jeez). I'm also surprised there are no negatives. If you want to travel and pay for an expensive tour instead of doing it yourself, might as well go with G Adventures. At the moment they have 25% off selected tours on selected departures plus 4.20% Cashback from Cashrewards.
I am going there next month with my Pakistani friend for 2 weeks.
O bargain has become trolling central. Such a pity bullies, racists are even allowed here. I guess this would be the demise of this website. Should be rebranded more like oztroll or something
Everyone who thinks Pakistan is a risky country to visit is a racist.
Everyone who tells a joke is a troll.
Every opinion you don't like should be banned.
It’s not that, it’s the negativity people like you are obsessed with. If you have a personal view on something, no one asked to express it. Just shows how shallow and insecure people like you are!
The guy posted a deal. What’s wrong with that? If you are really so passionate about global security then why don’t you go out and work for amnesty international or something. People like you hide behind the screen and troll.
It’s really a shame and unAustralian!
It’s not that
Well it certainly seems like that, and doubly so after your last comment.
Having a somewhat interest in a topic is now an obsession?
A lot of projection and silly accusations from you.
Most of my comments are constructive, if you even care to read them. Any negativity I have is based on a realistic view of the risks. Maybe a little sarcasm in some of my quips, but who is immune to that.
People like you hide behind the screen and troll
Says the anonymous commenter sitting behind a screen at a keyboard.
It’s really a shame and unAustralian!
Whoa! You brought out the big guns. You shamed me! (cries)
@rokufan: TBH clearly you have some beef with the country this post is about. Lack of insight into your behavior is another issue. Bullies often have no insight. What you call “constructive criticism” is nothing more than reflection of your inability to regulate your behavior . It’s the fact, you don’t seem to accept is the biggest problem here.
What about the Aboriginal people of Australia?
TBH clearly you have some beef with the country this post is about.
No I don't. Quote me to make your point.
Also, quote me where I've bullied.
What you call “constructive criticism” is nothing more than your frustrations you have.
Again quote me. Show me my own unconstructive criticisms that represent my supposed frustration!
What about the Aboriginal people of Australia?
Whataboutism fail.
@abdalian: What about them? This conversation has nothing to do with them.
What about the latest Marvel superhero movie? The latest Ben & Jerry's icecream flavor? See how dumb a debating tactic that is? It is the equivalent of yelling "look over there!".
@abdalian: You are such a perfect example of an NPC.
I have not said a single thing about Aboriginal people. But you think you can just yell racist to win an argument anyway.
You racist!
Your comments are actually amusing. Maybe you are a genius troll playing this dumb character.
Almost everything sounded okay till you brought up that "unAustralian" line. Now it sounds like a current affair.
@eurofoti: What are you talking about? Almost nothing he said was ok. An incoherent mess of baseless accusations and insults. Rarely have I encountered such an irrational commenter.
You mean the neg comments or the positive comments are rasicst?
Pakistan is one of the most amazing countries I've ever been to. Would love to go back and go up North this time (was the middle of winter when I was there last time).
I assume this tour includes a Letter of Introduction for visa support. Otherwise it can be kind of difficult to get a visa. Although it is much easier here to get it, than in Europe or North America.
What areas did you go to? What particularly did you like about it?
Yes. The tour is inclusive of official invitation and expedited visa support.
I went to Lanore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Rohtas Fort (probably my favourite fort on the subcontinent), Peshawar (an amazingly interesting city - one of my Top 3 favourites in the world), Takht-i-Bahi, Multan, Quetta, through Balochistan across to Taftan on the Iran border (crossing into Iran).
This was almost 8 years ago now.
The people are amazing, perhaps only second to Iran in friendliness and hospitality. The history is amazing. It's not setup well for western tourists but that's the appeal.
anyone having any concern about security issue give mark weins pakistan tour a watch. you'll thank me later
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mIzRYh8jGA
Reconsider your need to travel to Pakistan due to the volatile security situation and high threat of terrorist attack, kidnapping and sectarian violence.
Do not travel to the Federally Administrated Tribal Areas of Northern Pakistan (FATA), Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (excluding Chitral district) and Balochistan due to the extremely dangerous security environment and the ongoing counter-insurgency operation in FATA. See Safety and security.
If you need to go to Chitral district, travel only by commercial aircraft as the road passes through 'do not travel' areas. See Safety and security.
Do not travel to border areas with India due to the volatile security situation and heightened security arrangements along the border. Within this region, risks are somewhat lower in the cities of Lahore, Wagah, Kasur, Narowal and Sialkot, to which the general advice to 'reconsider your need to travel' applies. See Safety and security.
If you need to go to Karachi, consider additional security precautions. While the situation has improved noticeably, in recent years there has been a high death toll from political and sectarian violence in the city. See Safety and security.
The number of terror attacks in Pakistan has fallen in recent years but attacks have become more lethal. On 13 July 2018, over 150 people were killed in a suicide attack in Balochistan. On 14 March 2018, an explosion near a police checkpoint on the outskirts of Lahore resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries. See Safety and security.
Terrorist attacks can occur anywhere and at any time in Pakistan. Places frequented by foreigners are at particularly high threat of attack. Areas where people congregate after Friday prayers could also be targeted. Plan your movements carefully and be vigilant at all times. See Safety and security.
There is a high threat of kidnapping across the whole of Pakistan but particularly in Karachi, Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and the FATA. If, despite our advice, you travel to such areas, seek professional security advice and adopt effective personal security measures. See Safety and security.
Security at the Australian High Commission in Islamabad is at a high level and under constant review. Staff have been advised to minimise their use of restaurants and not linger in shopping areas. See Safety and security.
The security situation in Pakistan could deteriorate with little warning. You are responsible for ensuring you can depart Pakistan at short notice and that your travel documentation (including visa) remains current. See Entry and exit.
Forced marriages are illegal. See Laws.
Only official advice from our Government as I found it amusing all the advice in the thread stating how safe it is .
There are 10 times more mass killings, murders etc in USA. What about South Africa? India?
Would you say the same for such a place or is it because you belong to the “white western” world and consider everything else a high risk!
Such reports from DFAT etc are always there to protect themselves legally and they throw in everything in there. In case someone uses the government for not keeping the public informed etc.
People in Indonesia / Bali get executed for drug related offenses. Would you go to the airport and stop anyone boarding a plane? Substance use is highly prevalent in Australia.
What about visiting dictatorships of the Middle East such as Saudi Arabia, Dubai etc. would that prevent you from boarding Emirates and stopping over in the Middle East?
You guys just love the negativity
You guys just love the negativity
We love facts actually.
Fact: Profar provided the DFAT travel advisory for Pakistan.
Fact: Pakistan is also on many lists of the most dangerous places in the world.
Fact: The USA is not.
Fact: Calling people who state facts you don't like racist makes you a terrible person and most likely a racist yourself.
Not negativity just plain facts .
What about the facts on visiting US or South Africa or South America?
Do you put your so called facts on the table then?
He gave you plenty of facts, the entire copy and paste of the DFAT travel advisory for Pakistan.
You have a severe case of whataboutism. When deals are posted for one of the other 200+ countries in the world we can talk about their risks.
Looking at the facts the simple question is would I want my kids to go there and the answer is no . Not even for free .
Actually here in Australia we are multi cultural . You seem to have some kind of beef with using quotes like "white western " world . Get over it .
Well intolerant people like you are the reason we have discrimination and racism in our Australian way of life. This country belongs to the Aboriginal people and you are just a settler. You need to get over your internal sense of insecurity.
You can keep your kids where you want to keep them. No one asked you for your opinion. If you want to be a responsible parent then teach them tolerance and equality. Not division and discrimination like you do. May be they might become better people one day! Who knows?
Buy a mirror, mate.
I think your referring to yourself . I'm sticking to facts , your the one trying to bring in racism and discrimination . My last piece covers you .
Don't worry about that guy. He is very irrational.
So bad me for having an opinion : price is rip off to a place the Australian Government advises : Reconsider your need to travel to Pakistan due to the volatile security situation and high threat of terrorist attack, kidnapping and sectarian violence.
Nice I can say my opinion :)
Given the divisive nature of the discussion about this deal, we would like to make a few extra points about our Golden Indus Expedition and Pakistan as a destination. We hope that in providing further clarification we do not offend anyone, as this is not our intention.
Undiscovered World specialises in off the beaten path destinations and organising adventure travel packages, voyages and expeditions to places where other companies don't operate, and we offer experiences that aren't available elsewhere. One of the main reasons we offer these tours, is to challenge negative stereotypes and help people become more informed about parts of the world that aren't always portrayed in a positive light by the news media. All of our expeditions are conducted in the highest levels of comfort and safety.
Our company was founded by Australian foreign correspondents who have between them almost 70 years of combined experience reporting for the ABC, SBS and the BBC in 124 countries around the world, including multiple assignments in Pakistan. In a world that is facing huge issues with over-tourism, we are catering to a niche travel market that is looking for unique experiences and destinations - not battling huge crowds, packed beaches, and Instagram obsessed selfie-stick wielding visitors.
Our Golden Indus expedition will be accompanied by two Australian foreign correspondents and an Australian based Pakistan antiquities specialist as our expedition leader. The tour will be utilising 4 and 5 star hotels throughout the journey with luxury air-conditioned transport including English speaking drivers, security detail and a Pakistani guide who will accompany the group throughout the tour. At each of the stop points along the journey we will meet various English speaking experts; Archeologists, Wildlife experts, Sufi mystics, Authors and photographers who will provide in-depth guiding of the various sites and attractions that are not available to the casual visitor.
We are following the path of the Indus River which takes in the sites of several ancient civilisations and some of the best preserved archeological sites on the sub-continent which are rarely visited by outside tourists.
None of our expedition takes place in any part of Pakistan that has been designated as 'Do Not Travel'. We acknowledge that some parts of Pakistan have been designated by the DFAT website as 'Reconsider your need for travel'. DFAT travel advice is often generalised, and is not constantly updated per specific region. It is also often based on media reports, and the advice of 3rd party countries. Sometimes, it is exaggerated, and not always relevant to the threat level against tourists. As experts in travelling to challenging parts of the world, we receive independent advice from international security experts, with daily updates about each region of Pakistan and an assessment of threat levels. Our itinerary has been planned with precise input from security advisers in the UK, Pakistan, and Australia, including former members of the Australian Defence Forces. We use the same private security firms that work with broadcasters like the ABC & BBC, multi-national corporations, and the United Nations, so we are confident about the advice and support that we receive. Although our views on travelling to Pakistan and other parts of the world sometimes differ to government travel advisories, we take all DFAT advice very seriously and have the utmost respect for their guidelines. All of our expedition members and guests are registered in advance with the Australian embassy in Islamabad and we will be in constant communication with them throughout our journey.
To suggest that we place profits before safety is untrue, unwarranted and extremely offensive.
In relation to Pakistan, no Australian tourists have been killed or injured through acts of violence or terrorism on Pakistani soil in over two decades. Given the statistics garnered over recent years, Australian visitors are far more likely to lose their lives due to violence or accidental death in Thailand, the USA or Mexico, than in Pakistan.
As mentioned previously, Covermore insurance, one of Australia's largest travel insurance companies provides comprehensive coverage in Pakistan (and elsewhere) regardless of DFAT travel advice. The cost of the policy for the 13-day expedition is approximately $185 which includes full medical evacuation and cancellation of travel plans.
Our description of Pakistan offering much to 'sophisticated travellers' was in reference to people who are 'well travelled, and open minded' rather than visitors wearing top hats and monocles, although guests are most welcome to wear both if it suits them.
In our experience of travelling throughout the country we have found Pakistanis to be exceptionally generous, warm and welcoming people, who are proud of their country, its history and their achievements. Taking great care of guests, their comfort and their needs are deeply embedded in Pakistani culture.
Given the high levels of luxury accommodation, comfort and safety that we offer on this expedition, over almost two weeks, along with the expert guides and foreign correspondents, we believe that the discounted tour price offers exceptional value for money. We are only able to offer this deal until the end of this week because we need to allow sufficient time to arrange Pakistan visas.
We believe it makes no sense to compare apples to oranges, so comparing our expedition to Pakistan to a trip to India, or a river cruise in Europe isn't helpful. People are free to make their own choices about what destinations they choose to travel to. Likewise, it is obvious that if people hire their own vehicles as a group and stay in cheaper accommodation, they can save money by travelling independently. However, the experience will be very different from the specialised luxury expedition that we are offering here.
As mentioned earlier, we are happy to address any concerns that prospective guests may have regarding Pakistan, or any of the destinations where we provide our tours. Please get in touch and we'll endeavour to respond quickly and accurately to any questions that you may have. Thanks for reading and happy travels.
In relation to Pakistan, no Australian tourists have been killed or injured through acts of violence or terrorism on Pakistani soil in over two decades.
Does it matter if it a local , foreigner . anyone that killed in these attacks .
Given the statistics garnered over recent years, Australian visitors are far more likely to lose their lives due to violence or accidental death in Thailand, the USA or Mexico, than in Pakistan.
The reason why is huge numbers of Australians visit those countries vs the tiny few that vistis Pakistan . You have pro ratio figure to be fair ?
None of our expedition takes place in any part of Pakistan that has been designated as 'Do Not Travel'
The whole country is clearly deemed :Reconsider your need to travel to Pakistan due to the volatile security situation and high threat of terrorist attack, kidnapping and sectarian violence.
I think keeping to facts they have more resources than you or me .
Yep, shifty use of the numbers.
Australian tourist deaths/injuries, why not just use all tourists, unless they are trying to produce a deceptively small number.
The reason why is huge numbers of Australians visit those countries vs the tiny few that vistis Pakistan . You have pro ratio figure to be fair ?
Exactly, low number of tourists compared to other destinations, means low number of deaths, but that doesn't mean low risk. I'd want to see a percentage figure.
Bottom line: the fact that the tour needs a security detail says all you need to know.
Name one statement I have said that is racist ?
Or maybe to you racism , is not providing a rosy picture about a clearly dangerous country . And again information from facts from smartraveller.gov.au .
Or maybe I racist for stating the plain truth of how rip off the price of this deal is ?
Are you associated with the OP and if so please state ?
But again its easy as a keyboard warrior not to do so .
Please watch what you are saying rofar, do not link me to someone elses's account. I have been respectful in my posts. Now you are slandering me over another person/s post. I am not hiding behind an anon account.
I think OP I have a right to ask a question to someone on the thread calling me racist !
I support your right to do that profar. His post was out of line, but it has nothing to do with me as the OP. I don't support such views. Likewise, the repeated assertion that our price is a rip-off to be offensive and ill-informed. However, you are of course entitled to your point of view. I am happy to discuss the value and safety concerns regarding this expedition with anyone who would like to contact us. Peace.
Nice Op at least we agree on something :)
Well op can organise this for you for free… Hey op, plz help out mate… Haha