An introduction to Pakistan, a country much vilified in Western media with impressions of Islamic fundamentalism, communal violence and martial law. In actuality Pakistan contains some of Asia's most awe-inspiring landscapes, amazing trekking and a multitude of cultures with a long tradition of hospitality. The country offers a vast archaeological heritage, with sites such as Moenjodaro and Taxila & Takht-i-Baht, seats of the Indus Valley and Gandhara civilizations respectively. In addition to these sites, Pakistan boasts a wealth of architecturally significant buildings, many dating from the Moghul Empire in places like Lahore,Rothas Fort & Peshawar.

The legendary Khyber Pass is the most important pass connecting Pakistan and Afghanistan. Invaders have used the pass to reach India since the times of Alexander the Great.

A scenic flight first over the Himalayan and the Karakoram mountain ranges gets us to Skardu the capital of Baltistan. Perched at an elevation of 2286 meters, Skardu is set in a magnificent landscape of towering mountains, deep gorges, resounding waterfalls, and calm, deep, lakes. East of Skardu is another high mountain wonderland. Khaplu Village is perched on a large slope carved by glaciers and forested with various fruit trees.

Driving through the "Grand Canyon" of Northern Pakistan, we reach the ancient Silk Road town of Gilgit linking Western China with this region to see a Polo match and the impressive rock carvings of the Buddha near Kargah.

Finally we reach the Hunza Valley, also known as "Shangri La" from James Hilton's novel "Lost Horizons", an area of stunning natural beauty. Down in the valley the Hunza River thunders along; rising above that are endless terraces of orchards irrigated by the water from the glaciers nestled in the huge Karakoram Mountains towering above.