“We arrived safe and sound from our wonderful trip to heritage sites of Taxila, Lahore, Harappa, Moenjodaro and Sukkur. Our guides and drivers were great, as was the hotel. You and your company did an outstanding job. We will definitely use you on future trips.”
Lisa & Rachel, 12/20/08, Taxila, Lahore, Sukkur
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“I am quite well though sad to have ended such a memorable holiday! I truly hope that more people visit Pakistan to see the beauty of your land and the warmth of your people firsthand.
Ahh, did you know that I hassled Sharif almost every day regarding the ‘comments, suggestions, criticisms, etc.’? I think I told you in one of my many boring, emails that as long as I was outside enjoying nature I was fine with the itinerary. Well I stayed true to my comment. I was so content with visiting northern Pakistan for the first time that I had no complaints or criticisms! Truly I was well taken care of by Sharif, Latif and Amman, sweet Amman – you know they were all one of a kind. They seemed to read me like a book and before I even knew I was cold or hungry or tired they had my sleeping bag out or snacks available or made me take a break. My only complaints are on a personal level and by that I mean they are geared toward me. I wish I had been in better health, I wish I knew what I had wanted and stayed in the mountains longer. Next time I will know better.
I do appreciate how you have been so helpful and so patient. Thank you for everything.”
Bertha Horcasitas, 11/19/2008
KKH, Skardu, Thale La, Shigar, Deosai, Nanga Parbat Rupal Face, Astore, Naltar, Karimabad, Passue, Sust, Shimshal, Dastghil Sar, Gilgit, Naran Kaghan, Murree
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“We had a wonderful holiday and everything went as planned, thank you. The group of people was exceptionally good. Thank you for your help organizing this trip! Best regards.”
Anita, 11/9/08, Lal Suhanra National Park
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“We had a wonderful trip that was both rich in experience and filled with a great sense of personal accomplishment. Everything went smoothly and we were met by your great team. Since we didn’t have to worry about logistics, we could focus all of our energies on the experience itself. All the people associated with Vertical Explorers were terrific, with special praises to our guide Nabi. He was extraordinary. He made the trip for us. Thanks for your part in making this a memorable life experience.”
David & Zohra, 11/6/08, KKH, Gilgit, Hunza
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“I just wanted to let you know we had a great time. The Taxila sites were as interesting as was Moenjodaro. I enjoyed the places stayed, enjoyed my guides and the drivers. I was met at the airports and guides made sure always got off on time. Thanks for your help. I would certainly go on another Vertical Explorers trip.”
Subra , 10/15/08, Taxila, Moenjodaro, Karachi
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“THANK YOU for organizing my holiday so well! I was spoilt rotten by being picked up everywhere and everyone was very friendly. It was great to come back from a long day of travel to a lovely hotel room. I have been very impressed with Vertical Explorers and you have been great and very efficient and professional – thank you!”
Kate, 10/5/08, Nanaga Parbat Rupal face, Astore, Hunza & Skardu
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“Wow. What a great trip! You did a great job. Our guide, Imran, was outstanding. I am ready to start planning our next trip with Vertical Explorers to Afghanistan.”
Steve, 10/1/08, KKH, Naltar, Giglit, Bagrot
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“It was a great trip! The guide was awesome. We had good weather and the views were incredible. We were treated like royalty! Thanks for putting together this wonderful adventure, hoping we can squeeze in another trip in coming years to Snow Lake Hipsar La or Grand Karakoram Traverse or Nanga Parbat Circuit.You were great to work with and I would use Vertical Explorers again on my next adventure.”
Monika, 10/1/08, K2 Gondogoro La, Karakoram
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“The trip was truly all that I imagined and then some! I really was interested to find that some of the outlying areas truly are still as primitive as I have read about. Your arrangements and transfers were all “first rate”. Thank you again, for a superb effort and a job well done. I shall return for another trip and hope we can work together again.”
Andrew, 09/12/08, K2 Gondogoro La, Nanga Parbat Rupal Face, Deosai, Naran Kaghan
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“I’m truly sorry that it has taken me so long to respond. Work has been extremely busy for both Robby and myself since we have returned from Pakistan. We normally are never this busy! Pakistan has been on our minds, and we are both still working on finishing up our trip notes and selecting which photos to post on our website…its a work in progress and hopefully we will have it up online soon. Inshallah!
Our Northern Areas journey was fantastic…we have only the best memories from our trip there. The itinerary that Saeed helped us develop was excellent as we had a nice, broad overview of many Northern Areas, which is fantastically beautiful and the stuff of dreams. We never knew how gorgeous the scenery would be up North…even though we had read the reviews of other travellers who were equally enamoured. I know that tourism in Pakistan is still developing, and wanted to provide you with some feedback that future customers may find helpful.
- Pre-trip planning: The trip dossier that you provided (with recommended packing list) was very helpful and gave us a good expectation of what to expect. Of course, situations constantly change, so remind your clients to remain flexible…for example, we had planned on attending the Boroghil Festival but were unable to because it was cancelled. Conditions in Pakistan are fluid and clients should keep that in mind when they are booking a tour.
- Payment: I must admit, if we weren’t repeat customers, I would have been a bit leery about making full payment in advance of arrival. I think many of your other clients may have the same fears, so it would be helpful for them to read about other client’s testimonials so they have ease of mind that they are dealing with a reputable company. The more feedback from a wide range of clients, the better. That way, any potential clients will realize that VE isn’t some “fly by night” operation but has had numerous years of experience catered to foreign guests.
- Itinerary: Thank God for Saeed! He worked with me to custom build an itinerary that would suit Robby’s and my interests…I think the recommended itineraries on your website are equally invaluable. They give the first time visitor to Pakistan a good first impression of what the country has to offer. Even after our second trip to Pakistan, I am still stunned at the wide range of activities that are possible in Pakistan (i.e. camel riding in the South, trout fishing, kite flying, camping, trekking, white water rafting, etc). One thing that most clients to Pakistan realize already, although it wouldn’t hurt to mention, is that in the Northern Areas, many of the destinations are at high elevations. Being in the best possible shape one can be is vital! Our daily hikes were physically challenging at times…I can’t even imagine what it must be like to trek one of the routes labeled “tough” considering the easy treks weren’t that easy!
- Food: We really like how, unlike many of the other tours we take in other countries, VE allows complete flexibility on our food stops and choices. If we feel like eating Chinese food, no problem. Or if we want to skip lunch to catch in an extra sight, so be it. It really was nice not to be tied down to eating at a certain restaurant at a certain time. My favorite dish now is karai! I love that stuff. Oh, and the apricots in full bloom everywhere…delicious. I had no idea there were sooooo many types of Apricots in Pakistan. Free for the picking….
- Hotels: Very good. We like the PTDC chain and found them to be very friendly, clean and hospitable. The Shigar Fort was our favorite….two huge thumbs up! One thing we didn’t realize was how electricity would be limited at some places, with the generator only kicking on from 8 pm – 10 pm. Something to let clients know so they can be ready to charge their batteries!
- Guides: Saeed is our favorite! We were really sad he had a family crisis and couldn’t be with us the entire trip but it was completely understandable as family comes first. Zia did a good job taking over from Saeed. He tried his very best to ensure that we were satisfied and happy, which is all we can really ask for in a guide.
- Drivers: Both Hamid and Jan were EXCELLENT! We loved them both. They were very careful, cautious drivers who paid attention to the road and to our safety. Always courteous, friendly and uncomplaining…the perfect drivers.
- Vehicles: Our first jeep had mechanical problems that started on our first day. We stopped several times to have it looked at, but the problem persisted. Due to our itinerary, we realized the first place we’d be able to swap out vehicles would be Gilgit, so we had to put up with the jeep for about a week until we could get a replacement jeep. The replacement jeep was great, and we had no further problems throughout the trip.
- People and Culture: Pakistanis are some of the most amazing people on earth. Nothing quite prepares you for the attention and hospitality that is encountered in Pakistan. Of course, it really helps to respect the local culture, so I’d strongly advise clients to adopt the local dress (shalwar kameez) for both men and women. Very comfortable and practical…easy to hand wash and dry. Thanks so much for arranging ours beforehand…we loved them!
In closing, I think that Pakistan is one of the most alluring countries we’ve visited (and we’ve been all around the world). Something compels us to return again and again. In fact, we are already scheming about our return trip and where we want to visit! We really hope more tourists visit and enjoy all that Pakistan has to offer. If you’d like to share our testimonial with everyone, feel free. We’d be happy to answer any questions folks might have. Oh, and photos/trip notes will be posted on our website soon: http://www.thinkbigadventures.com. Click on Pakistan and then “Northern Areas”…”
Becky Clark Thomas & Robby, 09/12/08
Takht Bhai, Chakdara, Chatpat, Dir, Lowari Pass, Birrir, Rumbor, Chitral, Mastuj, Shandur Polo, Phandar, Hundrap lake, Gilgit, Astore, Deosai, Skardu, Khapulo, Shigar, Rondu, Naltar, Karimabad, Nagar, Passu, Fairy Meadows, KKH & Murree
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“I wanted to tell you how wonderful everything was every day. There were no “glitches” at all. Every one, who met us was wonderful, as were the accommodations and meals. We were all delighted. Our guide was knowledgable and paced us perfectly. Thanks for all your work with us.”
Dr Zara, 09/10/08, Karimabad, Khunjerab Pass, Passu, Naran Kaghan, Fairy Meadows
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“I am now back to France but I hope I will come back to your country soon!
I enjoyed the all trip I had last month and I will try to send you other French travelers (I will meet on Tuesday a French lady who will be in Pakistan in October and I will speak about Vertical Explorers with her). I will be pleased to help you in any tourism project you could have with France. If you are interested in, I can put you in contact with some of them.I am already think about my next vacation.”
Caroline GL, 08/31/08, Chitral, Kalash, Dir, Peshawar, Ghizer, Gilgit, Hunza, Nagar, Skardu, Deosai, Shigar, Khapulo, Astore, KKH, Naran
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“Well, I have been home for two weeks, recovered from my jet lag and am starting to get my pictures sorted out! I am enclosing the pix of the “Yak” that “chased” us and hope that you can make an identification.
I can’t thank you enough for such a memorable trek. It was everything I hoped it would be. Trekking Baltoro glacier and Gondogoro la was the dream of a life time and you set me up with the best guide in the country. Everything was smoothly arranged and I just only had to sit back and enjoy. Thanks for your courtesy and professionalism.
Anyhow, please feel free to use my comments on your testimonial page and if you want me to re-write or re-phrase it in the form of a “recommendation” please let me know as I would be happy to do so.
Thank you once again for the best day ever and if I get back (which I hope becomes a reality) you can be sure I’ll be calling on you.
All the best and I hope you have many more wonderful days ahead.”
Kathryn, 08/19/08, Trango Tower BC, K2 BC, G I and G II BCs & Gondogoro La,
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“I enjoyed very much my trip to Pakistan and thank you for your excellent assistance.
I was wonderfully taken care of by your most friendly staff I ever met.
My next trip to Pakistan is on a way soon so I will definitely contact you again and also will recommend your company to my friends.”
Kanao Yamaoka, 07/21/08, Peshawar, Takht Bhai, Taxila, Kalar Kahar, Rohtas Fort, Lahore, Makli, Thatta, Karachi
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“Hello, This is specially to say a very big thank to your organization for the wonderful efforts in making our trip a memorable one in such a good rates. the details of our tour have been cared off by Vertical Explorers so that this fact let us simply enjoy visiting Northern Areas with so many beautiful places, Rivers, Streams, Valleys, Lakes and forts and kind and curious people.
Our guide Mr Saifullah had an excellent knowledge and were very caring and friendly. Our driver Mr Ikram Ali was very professional and Capable on driving through Karakaram Highway.
Hotels throuhgout the journey were very good and clean and had a very good enviorment.
Tour Incharge has spent considerable efforts to make necessary arrangements for the success of the tour.Thanks for making our trip a safe, clean, comfortable and memorable one.
I must say that one should see the beauty of northers areas of Pakistan, Karakaram Highway the eight wonder of the world,valleys and lakes of Pakistan.
If somebody is asking for a recommendation, I recommend Vertical Explorers’ services without hesitation”
Dr Muhammad Mansoor Majeed, 07/18/08, KKH, Shandur Polo, Phandar, Karimabad, Khunjerab National Park, Passu
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“It is with pleasure and full confidence that I am able to recommend Vertical Explorers. As a seasoned traveler, having experienced all kinds of holidays over 50 years in different countries and different continents, our K2 trek/vacation had plenty to measure up against. Without hesitation, my wife and I emphatically agree it was the greatest holiday experience we have ever had. Our Northern Areas tour combined spectacular sights, fascinating history, and the excellent company of our guide. An unparalleled level of service began with our first email enquiry, and continued until the moment we departed Pakistan. The destinations and accommodations incorporated into the tour could not be faulted. I would strongly recommend them to anybody seeking a safe, insightful and highly comfortable Pakistan Vacation”
Daphne & David Murray, 07/15/08, K2 Gondogoro La, Fairy Meadows
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“We traveled with Vertical Explorers to the Northern Areas, and also on a sightseeing tour in Kalash and Chitral this June. Both trips where excellent! The guide where very pleasant and informative, and driving an air-conditioned vehicle was wonderful for us from the cold north. We will definitely use Vertical Explorers again if, or more correctly when, we return to Pakistan”
Ingrid Hunnes, Thor Harald Killi, Guttorm Bringa & Gry A. Fjeldstad, 07/02/08, Kalash, Chitral, Dir, Peshawar
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“In August 2006 we came to Pakistan on a trip organised by Vertical Explorers. We were a little hesitant about entering Pakistan (not to mention the technicalities of the trek) at first, but after pre-trip correspondence with Syed, and subsequently meeting him at the airport our minds were put at rest.
We found the people of Vertical Explorers and of Pakistan in general to be extremely welcoming and helpful throughout our trip. Our 16 day trek up to the famous “Snow Lake” and over the Hispar-La remains one of the most memorable trips of our life. Since then we have trekked in Nepal, Chile, and India but the un-spoilt remoteness of this part of the world cannot be beaten.
The organization of our trip cannot be faulted. We experienced a few difficulties with the weather on the pass, but our reliable guides and porters helped us all they could, throughout the experience, making it as pleasurable as possible. For a full blow by blow account, please see my blog, here;
http://bentubby.blogspot.com/2006/08/lost-on-glacier-in-pakistan.html
We look forward to returning to Pakistan in the near future to do some more trekking in this beautiful part of the world. Vertical Explorers will certainly be our first port of call, and we recommend them to anyone considering trekking in Pakistan.”
Ben and Kerry Tubby, 04/05/07, Snowlake, Hispar La, Hunza, Fairy Meadows, KKH, Skardu
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“My wife and I used Vertical Explorers for a month long visit to Pakistan in 2005. Our guide was Shigri who also helped us plan the itinerary. From first to last nothing was too much trouble for Shigri, despite some challenging weather conditions forcing us to change our route half way through. Pakistan is a beautiful country with fantastic trekking opportunities and stunning scenery. Arranging a trip with a guide was not significantly more expensive than travelling independently, but gave us the security of being with a local to open doors and helped to give a unique insight to a fascinating country. I would have no hesitation in recommending Vertical Explorers.”
Jerry Dunn, Travel Inspirator, Independent Travel Made Easy, http://www.travelinspirator.com, 03/13/07
Lahore, Islamabad, Fairy Meadows, Gilgit, Skardu, Thale La, Khapulo, Shigar, Naltar, Karimabad, Passu, Chapurson, Sost, Khunjerab National Park
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“Robby and I had a wonderful time in Pakistan with Saeed and Wajid Ali. We actually written up our experiences and posted some photos on our website.
http://www.thinkbigadventures.com/central%20asia/centralasiaindex.htm
you can share it with your future potential clients if they are curious as to the type of service VE provides.
Trip was really wonderful and we are amazed that we were able to see and do so much! We are sorry we didn’t have a chance to meet you, but hopefully there will be more opportunities.
Saeed was very professional and we enjoyed him as our guide. From our reception at the airport to the departure, he always did his best to make sure that we were having a great time. Wajid Ali was an excellent driver…very safe and reliable. Both of them definitely represent VE very well.
We were quite grateful that Saeed and Wajid Ali were so flexible for our needs. Although we asked for the Regale Internet Inn (Lahore), once we saw it and there were only dorm rooms available, we were quite pleased that Saeed recommended an alternative. Same for the hotel in Peshawar…Saeed booked us at the VIP house instead of the one we asked for, and it was fantastic. So the lesson we learned is to allow you (VE) to recommend hotels to us! Not the other way around…because your company has much more experience and knows which hotels guests will be happy with.
For attitude, service, responsiveness, both Robby and I felt very lucky with Saeed and Wajid Ali. Both of them are very easy to get along with, very polite, respectful and friendly. I think the only fault is that they were too eager to please, and we made them very tired throughout the tour! We felt quite bad that they weren’t getting a lot of sleep each night, but both of them assured us that it was quite normal for them to sleep very little.
We weren’t able to see everything that we wanted to, but part of that was my fault since I knew I had requested many sights in such a short amount of time….I think that to do everything we wanted to, we would have to spend about more days.
The vehicle was kept immaculately clean by Wajid Ali, who had a lot of pride in keeping it clean, safe, and away from potential accidents! He is very careful, and a very good driver. We were very happy with him.
Saeed was really wonderful and we have a very good impression of Pakistan because of him! He always went out of his way to help us. For example, we had to reconfirm our tickets, and PIA said that our names were not on the list, and only 10 seats were left. Saeed made all the necessary phone calls, found out where the local PIA office was in Peshawar, and helped us rebook our flight. He was really invaluable, and we were quite happy with his services and care. http://www.thinkbigadventures.com/central%20asia/centralasiaindex.htm
So overall, we loved our experience with VE and would definitely recommend your company to potential clients. We hope to visit Pakistan in the Summer of 2008, and if we do, we will be in touch again.”
Becky & Robby, 02/12/07, Lahore, Rohtas Fort, Kheowra, Kalar Kahar, Islamabad, Taxila, Takhat Bai, Peshawar, Charsadda
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“I must certainly thank you and Vertical Explorers for preparing such a wonderful trip for us! We had a superb time and it couldn’t have gone more smoothly. Traveling, guide scheduling – all went so comfortably. Everything ran smoothly from the first to the last day, very well organized and completely hassle free. We especially loved Swat for its beauty of the land and mountains! and the tranquility of the lakes.
We had excellent guides everywhere – they met us on schedule, they took great care of us and showed us the personality of their own culture. We were certainly welcomed as Americans and appreciated – which surprised me because given the history of the US over there.
Thanks again for putting together a trip that gave us a lot of people contact and much countryside visiting. It was truly memorable.”
Joe, Lucy, Ben MacLean and Claudia Dodge, 01/24/07
Multan, Bahawalpur, Uch Sharif, Sukkur, Moendodaro, Thatta, Bhit Shah, Makli, Karachi, Malam Jabba, Swat
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“We just wanted to thank you and your company for providing us with an experience of a lifetime. In December we have spend a week in Swat and Peshawar region with the crew of Vertical Explorers. They have demonstrated an extreme professionalism and skill even in tough situations. Excellent comfort and food compared to the severe conditions we were. Thank you once again, and if anyone we know is thinking Pakistan, we will send them your way!”
Pam Solvang & Pat Gavin, 12/20/06, Swat, Malam Jabba Sky Resort, Peshwar, Takhat Bhai
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“Everything was exceptional – I honestly can’t thank you or praise you enough for your thoroughness, attention to detail and over-the-top effort and friendly attention in planning this trip for us. It was a great trip! At Shigar people treated us royally. I felt like a guest of the family, and their place is as nice as you said it would be. The food there is excellent. I put on a few pounds in spite of walking and riding. I especially enjoyed seeing the stars at night and the sunrise, sunset at Duikar Hunza.
We stayed at lots of different places over the course of our visit, but one that I really liked and recommend was the Shigar Fort Residence. It is a new place just at the bank of Shigar river, nicely set up on a hillside, very clean and private. The dining area is wonderful – sort of a tented affair with stone floors. Everything you shared about Northern Area was right on and gave me the confidence to venture forth into an unknown land.”
Natasha Spillane, Mooil kim and Peter Kendall, 11/12/06, Shigar, Hunza, Gilgit, Skardu
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“In August 2006 my wife Lucy and I made a 14–day trek from Askole to Hushe, the Baltoro valley and Gondogoro La. This was organized by Vertical Explorers, recommended to us by friends in the Fell and Rock Climbing Club of the English Lake District. They had originally met Shair Ali, a few years earlier when he was working as a guide for individuals or groups, throughout the Karakoram.
Our guide on trek was Ali, an engaging 24 year old from Shigar, who is a student at college and hoping to become an engineer. In addition we had a cook and an assistant cook, both from Shigar, porters, all of whom worked extremely hard and were great fun to be with. Lucy and I had a robust and spacious North Face tent to sleep in; we also had a kitchen tent and separate dining tent. As we got higher and being late in the season the dining tent was very cold in the evening and on reflection it might have been easier (and warmer) if we had all eaten together in a larger kitchen tent.
The section from Shigar to Hushe passes through remote valleys and involves crossing on high pass with stunning views of major 8000 meter peaks. This is in contrast to the picturesque and fertile Shigar valley, which during the popular summer months can be busy with trekking groups, but being late summer was quiet and the locals engaged with harvesting their crops and bringing livestock down from the higher pastures.
I have been trekking and climbing in the Karakoram and Himalayas, intermittently, since 1986 and over the years have used a number of different agencies to help with the arrangements. I can honestly say that Vertical Explorers provided the best and most personalized service that I have ever had. I will certainly be using them again and have no hesitation in recommending them to others.”
Tom and Lucy, 11/02/06, K2 Gondogoro La, Hushe, Skardu, Shigar, Khapulo
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“You operate a very organized and efficient company where by safety of your clients is paramount. However this commitment to safety does not impede on the immense joy and fascinating insights into the cultural diversity that your company provides. The dedication of all the staff is genuine & sincere with regular service well beyond the expectations of a business relationship. I thoroughly recommend VE to any individual who would like to experience the best of Pakistan.”
Mark F, 08/20/06, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Lahore, Rawlapindi, Islamabad
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“Working with Vertical Explorers’ team is an absolute pleasure; they clearly give great value to the qualities that make a successful planner/ operator partnership: trust, equity, creativity, mutual compromise, and tremendous hard work.”
Charlie Keenan, 08/15/06, Naran Kahgan, Training Workshop
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“We had an outstanding time and guide in South Pakistan and were enthralled with the historical places of Uch Sharif, Pak Pattan in south, as well as many other great historical monuments. Itinerary was accurate, accommodation very comfortable, we were pampered all along
the trip to south, with excellent meals provided at breakfast, lunch and supper. Keep us informed of other great trips that you plan & we hope in the not too distant future to return to Pakistan & North too! The trip was just wonderful! “
Beth Innes, Georgiana Mentis, 02/25/05, Uch Sharif, Pak Pattan, Bahawalpur
