Check out our newest adventure: festival season with nomads in Mongolia!
Check out our newest adventure: festival season with nomads in Mongolia!
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Dust off the duffels and test those trekking boots – this is going to be a good one!
Thank you for choosing Epic for your next big adventure. We’re stoked to have you on board for our K2 Base Camp Trek and can’t wait to host you in a new land.
Soon, we will get to experience soaring mountains, unique cultures, and new friendships together. The trip couldn’t come any sooner!
Below, you will find all the actions and documents you need to prepare.
1
We need it to begin hotel bookings, arrange transport, and organize other pre-trip logistics.
2
Download the trip info packet – your main source of information – as well as the supplementary packing list.
3
We recommend buying plane tickets and inquiring with insurance companies as soon as the trip is confirmed.
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Three months prior to your trip starting, we will be requesting any remaining balances be paid.
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Once the final balances have been settled, we will share the necessary resources to apply for your visa.
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Special lodging requests, like single supplement, must be submitted three months before your trip starts.
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Please make sure that you share a digital copy of your visa (PDF or JPG) prior to traveling.
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Fill out the participant form with your details e.g. arrival time, airport pick-up, insurance policy, dietary needs, etc.
Yes! Trips are priced for shared rooms and tents, and you’ll always be paired with someone of the same sex. If you’d prefer your own space, a private hotel room and private tent combo (single supplement) is $650 USD, or just a private tent for the trek is $400 USD.
Single supplements are limited on each trek. A few months before departure, we’ll reach out by email with the available spots so you can decide if you’d like to book one.
If you’d rather book it sooner, just email us anytime at contact@epicexpeditions.co.
Your included accommodation starts on the evening of Day 1. If you’re arriving early (which we recommend for jet lag and flight delays), you’ll need to cover those nights yourself. We can either suggest places or get you booked into the same hotel as our guides so you’re all set.
In Islamabad, you’ll be at a comfy 3-star hotel in the city center (with AC). In Skardu, we use simple but cozy guesthouses near the main bazaar (fans instead of AC). Once we hit the trail, it’s all tents.
Airport pick-up isn’t included in the trip price, but we can book it for you if you’d like. About two months before your trek, we’ll send out the trip participant form where you can request the service and share your arrival details (date, time, flight number).
If you prefer to take a taxi from the airport, there’s plenty of them; just be sure to agree on the fare upfront. You shouldn’t pay more than 2000 PKR for the ride.
If you requested an airport pick-up in the trip participant form, no worries; your driver will be waiting for you outside the airport with an Epic Expeditions sign. Just grab your luggage, head out the main exit where people are waiting, and walk straight ahead. He will be there.
Epic doesn’t rent gear for this expedition, and Skardu only has a couple of small shops with a very limited selection. Only in case of emergency should you rely on these local suppliers. Bring all the essentials from home (boots, sleeping bag, warm layers, jacket, etc.) so you know you’re covered and not stressing at the last minute.
Pakistan runs on cash. ATMs are fine in Islamabad, but once we leave the city, they are practically non-existent. Bring USD, Euros, or GBP banknotes in perfect condition and change them in Islamabad (airport money changers are usually open, and if not, there are options in the city).
Plan on carrying about $200–250 USD (in rupee equivalent) for personal expenses like meals during free time, drinks, or souvenirs.
Pro tip: for USD exchanges, only $100 and $50 bills are accepted. Don’t expect to use your credit card anywhere.
Tipping is a big part of the culture in Pakistan and helps support the amazing local crew who make the trek happen.
Plan on $450–600 USD total:
At the start of the trip, you’ll sign a standard waiver that covers the basics of how things work on expeditions. Once the adventure begins, if you decide (or need) to leave early, any extra costs – e.g. hotels, meals, transport, flights, etc. – are yours to cover. We’ll still help you with logistics and make sure you’re safe, but expenses past that point are your responsibility.
If you’ve already paid your trip balance and have to cancel before departure, you can roll your balance over to a future expedition with us. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on cancellations.
Yes. The areas we visit are safe and welcoming. Balti people have a long history with mountaineering groups and are used to seeing trekkers from all over the world. Pakistan is conservative, but it’s not under Sharia law, and most people are friendly, curious, and happy to meet travelers.
Chat with us now!
Chat with us now!
Trip Leader
Pema is a woman of many talents. The things she has achieved by the age of 30, most people can’t even imagine doing in a lifetime.
Born in Kathmandu, Nepal to Tibetan Parents, Pema moved to the USA at a young age.
A keen interest in mountains, photography, and free diving launched a career of full-time world travel and big-time adventures.
Pema is one of the most experienced members of our trip leader staff. She has summited multiple 8000-meter peaks and completed countless multi-day treks in the Himalayas and Karakoram.
Throw on top of all of that a bright personality who brings out the best in people, and you have the recipe for an excellent trip leader. That’s Pema.
General Manager for Pakistan Operations
“Our man in Pakistan” is one way to describe the legend and our dear friend, Nisar Hussein.
Nisar grew up on the outskirts of Karakoram National Park in the Gilgit Baltistan region of Northern Pakistan. His village, Kanday, is literally at the foot of some of the world’s highest mountain ranges.
He has a deep passion and love for the Pakistani mountains and truly believes in the potential for tourism in Pakistan to be a force for good in local communities.
These days he helps run our Pakistani field operations from his dual bases in Islamabad and Skardu.
Nisar possesses a work ethic beyond compare and is likely behind all of the little details that make our trips in Pakistan so special.
Trip Leader
Hailing from the Toronto region of Eastern Canada, with a background as a former standout athlete (hockey of course) and a love of mountain adventure, Clark is a welcomed addition to the Epic team.
In addition to being a keen photographer and adventurer, Clark brings his brilliant sense of humor, leadership skills, and positive attitude to everything he puts his mind to.
When he is not leading trips, he is working on taking over the hard apple cider game in Canada as a skilled craft brewer.
Meet him during : K2 Base Camp Trek
Trip Leader
Noemi grew up in the mountains of German-Speaking Switzerland where she naturally developed a deep love and respect for mountain environments.
She is a talented photographer, aspiring climber, and speaks at least 5 languages fluently including Arabic (and probably a few more that we don’t know about), which she taught herself in a matter of months by watching YouTube videos.
Noemi has spent the last several years traveling, hiking, and photographing her way around many different countries in the Middle East, South and Central Asia, and Europe, and we could not be more stoked to welcome her to the Epic team!
Meet her during : Discover the Celestial Mountains | Island Peak Climbing Expedition
Adventure Guide
As our man on the ground in Mongolia, there is not much this legend can’t do. As a native the Bayan-Ölgii province of the Western Mongolia Altai, Syerik has been working as a guide and tourism entrepreneur…
for the past several years and is one of the rising stars in Mongolia adventure travel industry.
He is currently building a beautiful Ger (Yurt) camp near his hometown where he will host Epic Mongolia team members on our trip as well as other travelers from around the world!
“
He is the perfect guide for your trip to Mongolia. Serik did an amazing job giving us a well rounded experience in the Altai NP region and down in the Gobi…
The food was fantastic and Serik gave us many opportunities to learn about the Kazakh culture in that region including traditional meals. (I can’t recommend enjoying the milk tea enough!)
– Coastal
Head of canine operations
Choriza started off life as a care-free vagabond on the streets of Madeira Island without any place to call home. From the moment we met her, we knew this dog was just different, and it was pretty much love at first sight.
She gave up the dog street life in favor of joining her new dad Chris to become a full-time member of the Epic family towards the end of 2022.
These days she can be found listening in on the fringes of important Epic business meetings while half-asleep on the couch. She is a keen hiker, lover of mud, rare steak, and might just be the sweetest little dog we have ever seen.
Trip Leader
An experienced trek leader and
IFMGA aspirant ski guide, avid alpine climber, devoted adventure photographer.
Organized and guided trekking expeditions, climbs and ski tours in Tajikistan’s Pamirs, Patagonia, Peru, Morocco, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, Georgian and Russian Caucasus and Kamchatka.
A full member and meets the organiser of the British Alpine Club. Visited over 40 countries, lived in the UK for four years. Certified first-aider.
“
We joined Andrew on a fantastic trip to the Fann Mountains in Tajikistan, pure nature and magnificent scenery! Andrey was super prepared and led us safely up and down numerous passes and through some rough and icy cold rivers. Thank you for a very memorable trip, your planning and prep was excellent!
– Monika Steinlechner
Meet him during : Trekking in the Fann Mountains
Adventure Guide
Our man in Nepal, Sandip is what we like to call a “Swiss Army Knife”. There is not much Sandip can’t do when it comes to helping Epic to run our expeditions smoothly in Nepal.
His tireless work ethic, passion for all things trekking in the Himalayas, and smart decision-making mean that Sandip is a truly invaluable member of our team.
Sandip is passionate about showing visitors to his country an amazing time, and he goes above and beyond to make sure that happens.
His company Himalayan Masters is Epic’s trusted partner in Nepal and one of the country’s top new tour agencies.
“
We really enjoyed the entire journey, and I would like to say that Sandip is truly professional. He guided us and he is a hardworking person, providing us with the best service and taking care of each one of us. Plus, he is super funny! The kind of professionnal you always want to find on your path for your explorations!
– Alexandra Ruth
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Our flagship Pakistani adventure tour. Road trip with some hiking and cultural immersion.
A trekking-style tour that features some very remote locations, inlcuding a K2 viewpoint.
Trip Leader
João has born in the mountains of Madeira Islands in Portugal. Nature lover, writer, musician, guide, for him, a day without contact with outdoor vibes is a nightmare.
With a degree in Cultural Studies in Portugal and a Master of Arts in Global Cultures and Creativity in the U.K.
João found out what really matters in life can be found on the trails, and in the contact with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
Guiding, crazy trekking missions, and sharing observations about the natural world, – these are some of João’s passions.
After trekking to K2 Base Camp and exploring all over Northern Pakistan, he fell in love with the country and the local people. His experiences resulted in his desire to share these feelings with the world.
João is one of the most experienced guides at Epic and his skillset and positive mindset in the mountains is second to none
When not in Pakistan, João is guiding and exploring in the Madeira Islands trails – discovering some of the hidden treasures on his Portuguese Island.
“
João I can not thank you enough for the off the beaten paths and views you keep giving. Definitely one of the most challenging and amazing hikes we did 1200m meters all the way up to Fanal forest and circling back to the hidden village. Wow!
– Jeffery
Meet him during : Lost World of Europe | Discover the Hunza Valley | K2 Base Camp Trek
Adventure Guide
Sohail is the newest addition to the Epic team and we are beyond stoked to have him on board. As a veteran of the Karakoram and a native of Karimabad in Hunza, there is not much Sohail can’t do in the mountains.
Besides having the ability to speak more languages than we can count, Sohail has explored every corner of Gilgit Baltistan and logs more trekking miles
in a year than most people will do in a lifetime. As of the summer of 2022, Sohail has summited Gasherbrum 1, Gasherbrum 2, and K2 – three of Pakistan’s five 8000-meter peaks. Sohail guides several trips including our annual bespoke expeditions but specializes in Hunza Valley tours.
“
Chris and Sohail, and the team at Epic are FANTASTIC! Highly recommend anyone to do a tour with ‘Epic’. They have the perfect balance of fun, excitement and wild adventures, tied in with being super professional and ensuring your safety/health in a foreign environment. Don’t waste a moment and book a tour with these guys as the value for money is UNREAL!
– Borgan
Meet him during : Discover the Hunza Valley
Trip Leader
Pedro’s been traveling all around the globe since 2009. His keen interests in documentary photography, rural life, and local people from different ethnic groups have been the focus of many of his professional projects.
Since 2012, he has developed his passion for travel and awesome shared experiences into a full-time adventure photography tour leader position.
Pedro has found himself continuously going back to the Middle East, with his likely favorite destination being Iran. Pedro lead his 11th tour in Iran with Epic in spring 2020
When Pedro’s not traveling the world with Epic Expeditions, you’ll find him based in the western south of Portugal planning he’s next adventure missions, logistics and working out his photos in local exhibitions.
“
I loved the combination of hiking, camping around breathtaking scenery mixed with the cultural aspects. The guide (Pedro) is knowledgeable and work very hard to make the trip as memorable as possible. All in all an epic adventure with some extremely epic individuals! Go for it, you won’t regret it!
– Coastal
Adventure Admin / Marketing
After fleeing from the corporate fashion world in Paris towards the start of 2020, Diane has been working as a web developer and graphic designer remotely from various bases across the globe
She brings all of her incredible design and organizational power to Epic Expeditions and is responsible for many of the beautiful behind-the-scenes design elements.
Diane has been to Iran and to Pakistan twice including all over Gilgit Baltistan and KPK.
Head of Operations
A veteran of Pakistan travel, Ralph is an experienced guide, photographer and writer who specializes in documenting remote locations.
Not one to simply go where everyone else does, he insists on exploring new and lesser-known areas.
Together with Epic Expeditions, he shows people parts of Pakistan that most other operators don’t even know about. He is particularly fond of the village of Barah, which he believes will become just as famous as Hunza one day.
“
Just got back from EBT’s Trekking Amongst Giants 15 day tour. The experience was first class. Ralph, our head guide, ensured that the entire trip ran smoothly and relatively on time (a bonus for anyone travelling in Pakistan). We had so many unforgettable days on the tour and the trekking was well-planned, safe but also a rewarding challenge.
– Calvin
“
Traveling to a non-tourist destination can be a little intimidating but EBT takes all of the worry and trepidation away. From the pre-trip call to meeting the wonderful staff in person you can tell that you are dealing with a company that has a passion for what they do each and every day. Ralph, Zahid, and Khan were supportive, kind, and always willing to go the extra mile to make sure that everyone on the trip was getting what they wanted out of the experience.
– Katrina
Meet him during : Trekking Amongst Giants | Discover the Celestial Mountains | K2 Base Camp Trek
Founder | Trip Leader | Director
Since he started exploring the world, Chris has been seeking out every shade of adventure in various parts of the globe and had visited more than 70 countries along the way.
Over the last 10 years, Chris has logged more than 7000 trail miles across five continents and climbed multiple 6000 + 7000 meter peaks in South America, Pakistan, and Nepal.
A few years back, a distant dream and a deep passion for the mountains and the people of Pakistan led Chris to found Epic Expeditions at a time when foreign adventure tourism in Pakistan was almost nonexistent. Since then, Chris has guided more than 65 expeditions to various corners of the earth (and counting).
Chris believes in using community and powerful adventure experiences to dismantle negative stereotypes regarding what mainstream media considers “dangerous” countries while facilitating unique and meaningful memories in the mountains for countless people from around the globe.
For him, an ideal start to the day begins with a steaming cup of good coffee, the beam of a headlamp, alpine boots, and a camera in hand.
Although he is originally a native of Southern California, he now lives in Madeira Island, Portugal, when he is not leading expeditions in far-flung lands.
Chris also works as a writer and photographer on his blog Off the Atlas – an adventure travel blog all about Pakistan.
Read this interview our staff did with Chris to learn more about him!
“
Chris believes in Pakistan and its people, and he believes in the value of journeys shared with others and family cultivated on the road. Honesty and integrity are at the heart of what he does, and this really shines through in his work as a guide. He also makes great coffee – whether at 5am in an empty guesthouse or half way up a Himalayan peak.”
– Will De Villers
“
Pakistan is a magical country! Had 3 of the best weeks of my life thanks to Epic Backpacking Tours with owner, and one of our awesome guides, Chris. From detailed itinerary, preparation with an equipment list, and visa assistance. To amazing food, great porters, helpful guides, and great accommodations. Epic really hit home run after home run. […]
Their desire for adventure and amazing trip is just as high as yours. Bring a good pound of coffee for the trip. French press coffee every morning and no average tin coffee, plus you’ll be in your guides good books.
– Clark Tyler
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