Sustainability &
Climate Action
Women’s Empowerment
& Girls Education
Community Engagement &
Development
Cultural Heritage
Protection
We believe travel can do more than open your eyes to new landscapes and cultures. It can create meaningful change, support communities, and leave a positive imprint on the world. Every journey we craft carries a deeper purpose — one that connects travelers with the people, places, and causes that truly matter. Learn More
Selected journeys are guided by women or contribute profits to girls’ education and organizations helping women rebuild their lives.
Departures are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 2 guests.
Prices are in US dollars, per person, based on double occupancy.
Single Supplement Optional.
Embark on a transformative 18-day yoga retreat in Hunza Valley, Pakistan where wellness meets cultural heritage in the heart of the Karakoram. Each day begins with sunrise yoga framed by towering peaks and ends with healing practices under twinkling skies.
You will walk through ancient forts, visit the Sacred Rock of Hunza, glide across turquoise Attabad Lake, Gulmit Village, and hike to Fairy Meadows beneath Nanga Parbat. Through it all, meet artisans, support women-led initiatives, and feel the quiet pulse of mountain communities. This is more than a journey it’s a path to renewal, connection and deep presence in one of Pakistan’s most magical regions.
You arrive in Islamabad, greeted at the airport by your Venus Trails guide, who will accompany you throughout the journey. After settling into your hotel and refreshing from your flight, you gather for a brief orientation over a cup of chai or coffee. This first moment allows you to meet your fellow travelers, share a few travel stories, and set intentions for the days ahead. The pace is intentionally gentle, helping you land comfortably into the rhythm of Islamabad before the adventure begins.
Later in the morning, take a relaxed city walk through Islamabad’s leafy streets, catching glimpses of the Margalla Hills in the distance. The calm yet lively city offers an initial taste of Pakistan’s culture and history, a perfect contrast to the high mountains you will explore in the coming days. If time permits, your guide introduces you to a short visit of Faisal Mosque, an iconic landmark where modern architecture meets spiritual serenity.
After lunch, enjoy a guided wellness session featuring a gentle yoga class to help your body adjust to travel and prepare for the mountain air ahead. The evening is reserved for a light exploration of Islamabad’s dining scene, with dinner at a restaurant emphasizing local flavors and fresh ingredients. This introduction to Pakistani cuisine is designed to be both welcoming and nourishing, allowing you to experience the culture through taste.
As night falls, return to the hotel for rest and reflection. Use this quiet time to journal, meditate, or simply admire the city’s skyline against the Margalla Hills. This gentle first day sets the tone for the retreat: a harmonious blend of wellness, discovery, and connection, ensuring that both body and mind are ready for the journey that lies ahead.
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Rise early for a gentle yoga session to wake the body and prepare for travel. After breakfast, transfer to Islamabad Airport for your domestic flight to Skardu, surrounded by the soaring peaks of Gilgit-Baltistan. The short flight itself offers breathtaking views of mountains, valleys, and rivers, setting the tone for the adventure ahead. Upon arrival in Skardu, your guide meets you for the onward drive to Shigar, a scenic journey through river valleys and rolling hills, where the landscapes shift from rugged cliffs to verdant villages.
In Shigar, settle into your accommodation and refresh. The afternoon begins with a short yoga session focusing on stretching and relaxation to counteract travel fatigue. Then, enjoy a guided walk around Shigar town, taking in the historical Shigar Fort, which has stood for centuries as a testament to the local Balti culture. Your guide shares stories of the fort’s history, its restoration, and its significance in preserving regional heritage. This is also an opportunity to meet local artisans, learning about traditional crafts that have been handed down through generations.
Dinner is a warm, communal affair featuring local cuisine, giving you a first taste of Balti flavors. The day closes with a restorative evening yoga session under the stars, accompanied by the gentle sounds of the valley. The combination of wellness, history, and landscape gently introduces you to the pace of life in northern Pakistan.
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Begin the day with a sunrise yoga session, connecting with the crisp mountain air and serene surroundings of Shigar. After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive toward Khapolu, passing through dramatic valleys and rivers that reveal the rugged beauty of Gilgit-Baltistan. The journey is dotted with photo stops, allowing time to take in panoramic views of terraced fields, distant peaks, and traditional stone houses.
Arriving in Khapolu, check into your accommodation before setting out for a short exploration of the village. Khapolu is known for its traditional Balti culture and unique architectural style. Walk through narrow lanes lined with stone homes, learning about local customs and the daily lives of residents. Visit the village mosque and interact with local families who maintain centuries-old crafts, gaining insight into their approach to sustainability and community living.
After lunch, enjoy an afternoon yoga session focusing on grounding poses and mindful breathing, allowing your body to restore energy after the drive. Dinner is prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, reflecting the region’s culinary heritage. The evening closes with a meditation session under the stars, offering a quiet reflection on the valley’s tranquility and the cultural encounters of the day.
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Wake early for a gentle yoga session with views of surrounding peaks before embarking on a remarkable drive toward Astore, passing through the vast and wild Deosai Plains. Known as the Land of Giants, Deosai is home to rolling grasslands and abundant wildlife, offering a rare glimpse of untouched natural beauty. Stop along the way to stretch, photograph, and take short walks across the plains, immersing yourself in the quiet grandeur of this high-altitude plateau.
Arriving in Astore, check into your accommodation and refresh. The afternoon includes a guided walk to explore Astore’s surrounding villages and historical landmarks, including local forts and mosques that narrate the region’s rich history. During this exploration, your guide shares stories of the valley’s communities and their close connection to the environment, highlighting women-led initiatives that contribute to preserving both culture and ecology.
Evening yoga focuses on restorative stretches and breathing techniques to soothe the body after a day of travel and discovery. Dinner features local specialties, offering a taste of Astore’s culinary traditions. The day closes with reflection time under a clear mountain sky, preparing the mind and body for the journey to Gilgit the following day.
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Begin the day with an energizing morning yoga session to prepare for your journey from Astore to Gilgit. The drive offers sweeping views of valleys, rivers, and snow-capped peaks, a constantly changing panorama that reflects the raw beauty of northern Pakistan. Upon arrival in Gilgit, check into your accommodation and take a moment to rest before exploring the town.
Gilgit is a vibrant hub with a rich history as a crossroads along the ancient Silk Route. Take a guided walk through the town, visiting local markets where artisans sell handwoven textiles, traditional jewelry, and locally crafted goods. Your guide shares stories of Gilgit’s cultural evolution, highlighting how communities have preserved their traditions despite modern pressures. Stop at notable historical sites, such as Kargah Buddha, a centuries-old rock carving that offers a glimpse into the region’s Buddhist past.
In the afternoon, enjoy a gentle yoga session designed to restore energy and stretch tired muscles after the drive. Dinner features locally inspired dishes, giving you a taste of the culinary traditions of Gilgit-Baltistan. The evening is free for personal reflection, journaling, or stargazing—an opportunity to connect with the valley’s tranquility and prepare for the adventures ahead.
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Wake early for a morning yoga session with mountain vistas that set a peaceful tone for the day. After breakfast, drive from Gilgit to Minapin, a small village nestled in Hunza’s stunning landscapes. The journey follows the Hunza River, passing terraced fields and villages where traditional life continues at its own pace.
In Minapin, enjoy a guided walk through the village and surrounding fields. Learn about the local community’s sustainable practices, their agriculture, and artisanal crafts. Your guide introduces you to women-led initiatives, highlighting how local women contribute to cultural preservation and environmental stewardship. These encounters offer meaningful insight into daily life in the valley and provide opportunities for authentic cultural exchange.
Afternoon yoga focuses on gentle stretches and breathwork, helping you unwind and stay connected to the serene environment. Dinner is a warm, communal affair featuring local cuisine prepared with fresh ingredients from the valley. The day closes with reflection or meditation, allowing you to absorb the peaceful energy of the mountains before tomorrow’s hike.
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Start the day with an early yoga session to energize the body for a moderate day hike. After a nourishing breakfast, embark on a guided trek to Hapakun, a scenic high-altitude meadow known for its breathtaking views of surrounding peaks and terraced valleys. Along the trail, pause to observe local flora, traditional irrigation channels, and terraced fields, gaining insight into how communities harmonize with their environment.
The hike provides opportunities to interact with villagers along the way. Learn about local customs, sustainable farming, and women-led initiatives that support community development. Your guide shares historical context, including the valley’s connections to trade routes and cultural heritage.
Return to Minapin in the afternoon for a restorative yoga session, focusing on stretching and mindful breathing to soothe muscles after the hike. Dinner features local specialties, allowing you to experience the tastes of Hunza’s culinary traditions. The evening closes with reflection under the clear mountain sky, a perfect time to journal, meditate, or simply appreciate the tranquility of the surroundings.
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Begin the day with sunrise yoga set against the panoramic views of Rakaposhi and Ultar peaks. After breakfast, drive to Karimabad, the bustling heart of Hunza. This town offers a unique blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty. Start with a visit to Baltit Fort, a 700-year-old residence of the Mir of Hunza, and explore its timbered architecture, terraced gardens, and the stories that shaped Hunza’s history.
After lunch, wander through Karimabad’s vibrant bazaar. Meet artisans producing handwoven textiles and traditional crafts, and enjoy light snacks made from locally grown ingredients. Your guide introduces women-led initiatives, highlighting how local enterprises sustain livelihoods while preserving culture. Afternoon yoga focuses on restorative poses and breathwork, providing a pause for reflection amid the day’s discoveries.
Evening activities include a short cultural talk on Hunza Valley’s history and traditions, offering deeper insight into its people, customs, and ecological practices. Dinner features a blend of local flavors and fresh ingredients, giving a true taste of the valley. As night falls, enjoy the view of the peaks from your accommodation and settle in for a restful night, ready for the next leg of the journey.
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Begin the day with an early morning yoga session, taking in the panoramic views of Hunza Valley from Karimabad. The crisp mountain air and quiet surroundings provide the perfect setting for mindful movement and breathwork, preparing you for the day ahead. After breakfast, take a scenic drive to Duiker, a high vantage point offering some of the best views of Hunza’s terraced villages and surrounding peaks.
At Duiker, enjoy a guided walk through the village and nearby trails. The area is known for its traditional homes, orchards, and fruit-laden terraces. Along the way, your guide introduces the local community, sharing insights into their daily lives, agricultural practices, and cultural traditions. This is also an opportunity to learn about women-led initiatives, from local craftwork to sustainable farming practices, which empower the village while preserving its heritage.
Lunch is served in a local guesthouse or picnic setting, featuring fresh ingredients sourced from nearby orchards and fields. After lunch, return to Karimabad for an afternoon yoga session focusing on restorative poses and gentle stretching, ideal for relaxing tired muscles and integrating the day’s experiences. Evening is free for personal reflection, journaling, or enjoying the valley’s changing light as the sun sets behind the towering peaks. Dinner offers local flavors, connecting you to the culinary traditions of Hunza.
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Start the day with sunrise yoga overlooking the Hunza Valley, letting the early light energize your body and mind. After breakfast, travel to Attabad Lake, a stunning turquoise lake formed by a 2010 landslide. Along the way, admire the dramatic cliffs and river valleys that characterize the Karakoram landscape.
At Attabad, enjoy a serene boat ride across the lake, absorbing the peaceful surroundings and photographing the dramatic scenery. Walk along the shoreline, observing local life and chatting with community members who have adapted to life around the lake since its formation. Lunch is served at a local café or picnic spot by the water, offering freshly prepared dishes from the valley.
Return to Karimabad in the afternoon for a restorative yoga session, focusing on gentle stretches and mindful breathing to release tension from travel. The evening is free for personal reflection, photography, or a quiet walk through the village streets. Dinner brings a blend of local flavors, highlighting produce and ingredients sourced sustainably from the valley’s farms. Attabad Lake provides a tranquil interlude, combining natural beauty with wellness and cultural insights.
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Begin the day with an energizing morning yoga session, embracing the crisp air and panoramic mountain views. After breakfast, drive to Passu, a village famed for its stunning peaks, including the iconic Passu Cathedral and glaciers that glisten in the sunlight. Stop along the way for short walks and photo opportunities of the dramatic Hunza landscape.
In Passu, enjoy a guided exploration of the village and surrounding trails. Your guide shares insights into the local Balti culture, highlighting sustainable practices in agriculture and traditional crafts. Meet community members and, where possible, visit women-led initiatives that support local livelihoods and preserve cultural heritage. Lunch is enjoyed in the village, featuring dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Return to Karimabad in the afternoon for a restorative yoga session, focusing on stretching and breathwork to integrate the day’s experiences. Evening is free to relax, journal, or enjoy the changing light on the peaks and valleys. Dinner provides another opportunity to savor the region’s flavors while connecting with fellow travelers in a warm, communal setting.
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Wake up to a gentle yoga session, taking in the mountain vistas and fresh morning air. After breakfast, drive back to Gilgit for exploration of its historical and cultural highlights. Begin with a guided visit to Gilgit Bazaar, where you can observe local life, shop for handicrafts, and meet artisans preserving centuries-old traditions.
Later, visit historical sites such as Kargah Buddha, a rock carving reflecting Gilgit’s ancient Buddhist heritage, and nearby forts or mosques that reveal the region’s layered history. Lunch is served in a local eatery, offering regional specialties and opportunities to support women-led or family-run businesses.
Return to your accommodation in the afternoon for a restorative yoga session focusing on stretching, balance, and mindfulness. The evening provides time for reflection, journaling, or a quiet walk in Gilgit’s charming streets. Dinner is served locally, providing nourishment and a connection to the flavors and culinary heritage of northern Pakistan. Gilgit acts as a cultural hub on your journey, blending history, community, and wellness.
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Wake early for a gentle sunrise yoga session, letting the crisp mountain air energize your body for the day ahead. After breakfast, drive toward Fairy Meadows, one of the most picturesque locations in Pakistan, with sweeping views of Nanga Parbat, the ninth-highest peak in the world. The drive is scenic, passing through river valleys, terraced fields, and small villages, offering a glimpse into daily life in the mountains.
Arrive at the base and embark on a short hike to reach the meadows. Along the trail, pause to take in panoramic views, photograph alpine flora, and interact with local guides and shepherds who share stories of the region’s history and culture. Upon arrival at Fairy Meadows, settle into your rustic yet comfortable accommodation nestled in the heart of nature.
After lunch, enjoy a restorative yoga session set against the backdrop of Nanga Parbat. The afternoon offers free time for exploration, photography, or simply relaxing amidst the meadows’ serene beauty. Evening meditation under the stars allows you to reflect on the day, connect with the surroundings, and embrace the sense of tranquility that makes this place so magical. Dinner features fresh, locally prepared ingredients, celebrating the flavors of the region.
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Start the day with sunrise yoga in the meadows, embracing the fresh mountain air and the peaceful soundscape. After a nourishing breakfast, embark on a guided hike exploring the surrounding trails, wildflowers, and glaciers. Your guide introduces local folklore, the history of the region, and environmental conservation efforts that protect this fragile ecosystem.
Spend time interacting with local villagers, learning about their sustainable practices and women-led initiatives that preserve both community and culture. Picnic lunch amidst the alpine scenery offers a quiet moment to absorb the breathtaking surroundings.
Return to the lodge in the afternoon for a gentle yoga session focusing on restorative poses and mindful breathing. The evening allows for reflection, photography, or simply enjoying the sunset over Nanga Parbat. Dinner is served communally, bringing the group together to share stories, insights, and experiences from the day.
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After morning yoga and breakfast, descend from Fairy Meadows and begin the scenic journey toward Naran, passing through lush valleys, rivers, and mountain passes. This long drive offers opportunities for photography, short walks, and observation of local villages. Stop along the way to stretch and enjoy the natural scenery.
Arrive in Naran by late afternoon. Check into your hotel and relax after the day’s journey. If time permits, visit local markets or nearby viewpoints to absorb the region’s atmosphere. Dinner is served at the hotel, allowing travelers to unwind and prepare for the final leg of the journey back to Islamabad.
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Begin the day with morning yoga to refresh and energize before the long drive to Islamabad. After breakfast, depart Naran, enjoying the scenic landscapes along the way. Time permitting, visit Taxila, an archaeological site with ruins dating back to the Gandhara civilization, offering insight into Pakistan’s ancient history.
Arrive in Islamabad by late afternoon and check into your hotel. Evening yoga focuses on gentle stretches and mindfulness, providing closure to the journey’s wellness practices. Dinner is served at the hotel, allowing travelers to reflect on the retreat, share experiences, and celebrate the connections formed over the past two weeks.
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Begin your final morning with a short yoga session to honor the retreat experience, followed by a nourishing breakfast. Spend any remaining time reflecting, journaling, or enjoying the hotel surroundings. Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your onward flight, carrying memories of majestic mountains, cultural encounters, and moments of peace cultivated throughout the journey. This farewell marks the end of a transformative experience, connecting wellness, culture, and discovery across northern Pakistan.
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The ideal time is May to October. Summer offers green valleys, blooming flowers, and accessible hiking trails, while early autumn brings crisp air and clear skies for mountain views.
Yes, all yoga sessions are suitable for all levels, with gentle, restorative, and guided practices.
Moderate. Some trekking is included (Hapakun, Fairy Meadows), but there are rest periods, drives, and opportunities to adjust intensity.
Accommodation ranges from comfortable lodges and guesthouses to boutique mountain resorts, selected for comfort, cleanliness, and immersion in nature.
Yes. Meals are locally sourced and freshly prepared, and vegetarian or special dietary requests can be accommodated with prior notice.
Altitudes reach up to Fairy Meadows (~3,300 m). The itinerary includes gradual acclimatization, gentle activities, and plenty of rest. Travelers with specific health concerns should consult their doctor before booking.
