Route 16

25/05/2022

from a thriving career in finance to tourism.. leading a life of passion Sobia Maq

23/02/2022

Calling out to adventure loving students!
Route16 is ready to take you on a road trip to the roof of the world! Join us for this epic journey to Hunza! From ancient forts to hanging rope bridges across torrential rivers, turquoise lakes, staggering glaciers, local bazaars; and the old silk route from China weaves through here. You can pick the most delicious organic fruits [apricots, pears, apples] off the trees as you wonder in the valleys and hamlets - it has something to offer for everyone.

WHEN: April 2 - 9, 2022

Sign-up by: February 28, 2022 using this form: https://forms.gle/TL8GAhoXYtzCPhgVA
Payment by: March 5, 2022

WHO CAN JOIN?
This trip is open to all students plus their partners. Fill out the form for each applicant separately

01/01/2022

Happy New Year from Route16!

12/11/2021

10/11/2021

Located about 5 hours drive from Islamabad, Malam Jabba is a hill station and ski resort in the Swat Valley. In winters, the place is famous for tourism owing to winter sports, adjacent views of beautiful snow-covered mountains, and thick green forests, and some amazing hotels. And of course as you drive up, you cannot miss the juicy oranges or the Chapli Kebabs from Takht Bhai!

Even if you are a complete novice, the local boys will surely get you skiing in no time at all! Watch our very own, Sobia Maq, skiing skillfully (or maybe not so skillfully) down the slopes. Thankfully this did not end in a fall!

So if you want to test your skiing skills, Route16 will take you to Malam Jabba this winters! Connect with our travel experts to plan your customized trip. Give us a call now on +92 300 203 1294 or send us an email at [email protected]

09/11/2021

Do you miss Pakistan – the streets you grew up in or the games that you played with your childhood friends? Do you want to introduce the country to your children? We, at Route 16, understand exactly how you feel!

If you are a non-resident Pakistani (NRP), we would love to reintroduce the emerging Pakistan to you and take you on a journey of your own country!

We understand that most trips to Pakistan involve family commitments and marriages to attend. From day trips to activities spread out over multiple days, we can help you manage your touristy aspirations while keeping the family happy.

Let Route16 show you the beauty and emerging prospects of Pakistan. We will take you to cultural heritage sites and the tallest mountains; from savouring street food without getting indigestion; to submerging you into art galleries and engaging in development work - anything is possible.

There is more: we can organise meetings with corporate & banking professionals, and young entrepreneurs if you wish to explore investment opportunities to partake in building Pakistan’s future.

Now offering customized trips for NRPs all across Pakistan. Let us know when you wish to visit; and the rest is our responsibility. You can call us at or email us at

See you in Pakistan!

05/11/2021

Treat your employees to a corporate retreat with Route 16!

Whether you want to collaborate and brainstorm OR allow your employees to find a new way to grow as a team through a variety of fun activities, Route16 can plan a customized retreat that will ensure your choice of experiences. Choose the destination and dates, and we will take care of all of the logistics and planning of the trip.

So, what are you waiting for? Give us a call now on +92 300 203 1294 or send us an email at [email protected].

03/11/2021

ATTENTION TEACHERS & STUDENT COUNSELORS!

We are offering customized trips for O/A level students. From outdoor activities which help in fostering team-building, to problem-solving and leadership skills that will make them socially responsible, we aim to deliver an experience that would support the students in their future and help them to become well-rounded citizens.

So if you are looking to take your students on a journey where they can reflect on the purpose of life, discover themselves, and define their priorities, reach out to us at Route16. We can together explore new landscapes, languages, lifestyles, history, and culture or chill out at a retreat away from the study grind.

To know more, send us an email with your preferences at [email protected] or call us on +92 300 203 1294.

02/11/2021

Calling out all the travel enthusiasts who have been crazy-stuck and busy in their mundane work lives. Here is a chance for you to retreat into nature and beautiful landscapes so you can take a gentle breather from the daily hustles. Route 16 will take you to beautiful destinations across Pakistan.

Our travel experts are here to help and guide you. Contact us by sending us an email at [email protected] or call us on +92 300 203 1294.

31/10/2021

Are you a student daring to embark on a road less traveled with your friends & classmates?
Route 16 invites you to experience Pakistan’s unique culture and its hospitality. We will design an itinerary that makes your holiday meaningful and cater to your professional and personal interests.
Route 16 has been arranging holidays for students from the world’s top universities since 2016. From trekking on mountains; to submerging in city life; to walking through heritage streets and meeting policy makers, – we will provide end-to-end facilitation for your trip.
You can connect with us by phone at +92 300 203 1294 or email us at [email protected].

29/10/2021

Pakistan Trek, a flagship project of Route 16, had our international participants from Harvard Kennedy School, meet with the honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Imran Khan, to engage in a discussion entailing public policy. The Prime Minister, then Chairman PTI, was kind enough to take out time for the students who had travelled to Pakistan from the USA.

Route16 believes in encouraging dialogue that will facilitate better understanding of the on-ground realities in Pakistan. If you are a student or professor looking to bring your colleagues to Pakistan, reach out to us at Route16 to help you plan a learning and exciting trip to Pakistan!

Our CEO, Sobia Maqbool, who is a Harvard alumna herself, will help you curate the perfect trip to Pakistan. You can contact us at +92 300 203 1294 or email us at [email protected].

26/10/2021

Pakistan Trek, an endeavor of Route 16, has delivered a variety of experiences for students from the top universities of the world that have helped shaped their views of Pakistan beyond the narrative on popular media. Deep conversations with civilian leadership to expert journalists have made the holiday experience more meaningful and insightful!

The video features participants of 2018 Harvard Pakistan Trek engaged in a conversation with the two-times Academy award-winning journalist Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy.

If you are a student living abroad and wish to visit Pakistan along with your friends, connect with us. We will guide you, plan your itinerary, and ensure you have the trip of a lifetime to our beautiful country.

For bookings and details, call us at +92 300 203 1294 or you can email us at [email protected]

Sharmeen Obaid

24/10/2021

There is no place on earth like Skardu; it is the gateway to several 8,000 meters plus peaks in the northern Gilgit-Baltistan region. Stark Mountains made of rock and stone, peaks covered with glittering white snow and at the foot of these giant mountains are vast tracts of soft fawn coloured sand.

If you have ever dreamt of travelling to Skardu, autumn is the perfect season for that but its ending soon. So hurry up and plan your next best trip with us!

Route 16 is taking bookings for customized trips to Skardu. For bookings and details, call us at +92 300 203 1294 or you can email us at [email protected]

22/10/2021

Pakistan Trek, an endeavor of Route16, features engagements with high profile professionals with the objective to change the narrative of the country.
In the picture: Marvi Mazhar, an architect and researcher, met with the students of Harvard Kennedy School at Pakistan Chowk - a landmark heritage site in Karachi. She briefed the students about the historic significance of the place and her efforts to remodel the space in response to the pressing need to bring back art and culture to the people!

If you are a student and want to explore Pakistan with your friends, while enjoying the culture and hospitality this country has to offer, reach out to us and let us plan a trip for you!

Connect with our experts and they will ensure your well being and safety. Call us at +92 300 203 1294 or you can email us at [email protected]

PAMIR TIMES

17/10/2021

Autumn in Northern Pakistan features luxuriously green orchards (mostly cherry, apricot, apple, pears, peaches), roaring rivers, and meadows stretching in all glory. If you enjoy travelling, leaf-peeping, foliage-filled hikes, photography, etc., this is the ultimate season to hit the road.

Route 16 is all set and prepared to make this autumn a season for you to remember. Hurry up and plan your trip with us before Autumn ends (10th November).
This fall, we are offering customized trips in one of these heavenly locations in Pakistan:
- Skardu
- Chitral
- Hunza

Contact Route 16 now by sending us an email at [email protected] or call us on +92 300 203 1294.

PAMIR TIMES Daily Pakistan Travel diary Skardu Baltistan HUNZA Chitral Paradise

16/10/2021

All the Adventurous girls out there!
When was the last time you had a getaway trip with your girlfriends? When you adventured over mountain tops; held beautiful sunsets and starry skies in your eyes?
It is officially and the northern regions are coloured in gold and yellow! Let the beautiful fall be your motivation to wander off into the mountains.
So, don’t wait and plan your next best trip with Route 16.
Give us the dates and we’ll do the rest. From planning your itinerary; to making bookings and arrangements; to ensuring your safety and security - we will cover it all for you.

Connect with us:
> Ph: 0300-2031294
> Email: [email protected]

14/10/2021

It is in the crispy cold nights and nature painted in gold that all forms of art comes to life. Yes, autumn is here!
To make it more beautiful, Route 16 is arranging customized trips to the three most beautiful locations exhibiting the colors of Autumn. The destinations are:

1- Chitral
2- Skardu
3- Hunza

Autumn is beautiful (and short-lived too) so hurry up and plan your next travel journey with us now! All you need to tell us is where and when you want to go and we will design the perfect itinerary for you!
PS: The ideal time for autumn trips are from Oct 15th till the second week of November, so hurry up and plan accordingly!

For information or details, connect with us at: +92 300 203 1294 or email us at: [email protected].

10/10/2021

“Travelling has the ability to take you out of your daily routine and into new surroundings and experiences which can reset your body and mind.”

Mental health issues can affect all aspects of life. Struggling with depression and anxiety can rob oneself of daily pleasure. At times, you might find yourself struggling with simple day-to-day tasks.

This World Day, take some time out for yourself to unwind and release stress by surrounding yourself in nature, which offers a sense of quiet solace.

Route 16 can customize and plan ideal retreats for you and your loved ones that can help you reset your body and mind. Contact Route 16 now by sending us an email at [email protected] or call us on +92 300 203 1294.

09/10/2021

From lush green valleys filled with beautiful lakes, running rivers, and majestic mountains to the rich archaeological adventures and ancient culture, we like to think we offer the very finest trips and holiday tours.
Here’s Julia Metzner from London Business School sharing her experience of traveling to and how the trip has shaped her perspective of the country!
Book your trips with Route 16 by sending us an email at [email protected] or call us on +92 300 203 1294. Our travel experts are here to help and guide you to plan a perfect escapade based on your choice and convenience.

09/10/2021

Our CEO and Co-Founder Sobia Maq will be joining the Hackathon 2021 as a Mentor for Education, Travel & Tourism, and Fintech.
> About the event:
The GovTech Hackathon 2021, presented by KPITB, Code for Pakistan, and the World Bank will take place ONLINE and In-Person, from Oct 8-10. For details, check out the post below!

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Technology Board - KPITB Code for Pakistan Kpfata Education-Watch Digital Youth Summit

Announcing Sobia Maqbool as a Mentor for Education, Travel & Tourism, and Fintech at the GovTech Hackathon 2021.

Ms. Sobia has over 15 years of professional experience in senior management roles in the development and financial services industry. She has worked with regulators in Bahrain, Turkey and Pakistan for capital market development. She is a trainer on the subject of risk analysis of a broad spectrum of financial institutions and corporate entities, and has conducted training programs both locally and internationally.

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The GovTech Hackathon 2021, presented by KPITB, Code for Pakistan, and the World Bank will take place ONLINE and In-Person, from Oct 8-10!

06/10/2021

Calling out all the travelling enthusiasts who have been crazy-stuck and busy in their mundane work lives. Here is a chance for you to retreat into nature and beautiful landscapes so you can take a gentle breather from the daily hustles. Route 16 will provide you with breathing space in the beautiful destinations across Pakistan.

Our travel experts are here to help and guide you. Contact us by sending us an email at [email protected] or call us on +92-300-2031294.
PAMIR TIMES

Established in 2016 by Sobia Maq and Adnan Afaq, two senior financial sector specialists, we create end-to-end travel experiences with a mission to celebrate diversity and touch lives.

03/10/2021

If you are looking to take a break from your hectic routine with a weekend getaway, we have the perfect plan for you!
Route 16 is excited to announce its special packages for Day Trips. All you have to do is select your favorite destination for this weekend, contact our representative and we will share a detailed plan with you.
Reach out to us now!

29/09/2021

Experience the rich colors of autumn in Chitral with Route 16!

'Chanchhori' - the fall of leaves is the local name of the autumn season in Chitral. This season has a romantic connotation in the local language in which it found frequent description in the folklore including poetry and songs giving it a romantic touch.

As the season has set, the villages in the valleys of Lot Koh, Kalash, and Upper Chitral have been blanketed in yellow, red, and golden giving a breathtaking view.

Book your trip with now to witness the autumn colors of Chitral and experience its traditional cuisine and culture.
For details and sign-up, visit us at: https://forms.gle/dy1HtJ854cMixigx8 or email us at [email protected]

Adnan Afaq Sobia Maq PAMIR TIMES

27/09/2021

Message from our Co-founder Adnan Afaq on !
Route 16 will organize perfect trips so you can experience the scenic beauty of Pakistan, its culture, traditions and the hospitality of its people.
For details, contact our travel experts now by sending us an email at [email protected] or call us on +92 300 203 1294.

27/09/2021

Travel to Pakistan to witness and experience the rich culture, hospitality and tradition!
This year, the theme of is "Tourism for Inclusive Growth"! On this day, let's recognize the potential of the tourism sector to drive the prosperity of the nation.
Happy Tourism Day!

25/09/2021

Ever thought of going on an adventure to far away mountains of Himalayas/Hindu Kush /Karakoram.
Don’t hesitate. We arrange outbound and thrilling trips for everyone from first time travelers who need security comfort and lots of fun to thrill seekers.
We will arrange good accommodation and feed you great food. Take care of transport, what to do and see.
Here’s Teuta Kacaniku sharing her experience of visiting the beautiful Hunza with Route 16.
Follow Route 16 to stay updated about our upcoming trips and tours.

22/09/2021

Throwback to our trip to Kalash, back in 2018!
Route 16 is back with an extravagant trip to discover and experience the heavenly beauty of Kalash, its culture, and to celebrate the colorful Phool festival, happening mid-October.
The 5-day trip, starting from 13th – 17th October, is an ultimate luxurious trip that includes twin sharing, all meals, end to end transport including 4 wheel drive for Kalash Valley tours, local tour guide & activities.
All you need to bring is an adventurous spirit and good vibes!

For more details, fill this form https://forms.gle/dy1HtJ854cMixigx8 or email us at [email protected]

Event page: https://www.facebook.com/Route16pk/events

20/09/2021

An autumn adventure to Kalash featuring Phool festival, happening mid-October, between 13th to 17th!
Route 16 is launching its luxury tour to Chitral, an ideal season when Chitral is blanketed in yellow as autumn sets in.
During our 5-day trip, we will be joining the locals in celebrating the Phool festival/Autumn Festival, an annual colorful two-day festival in Birir Valley celebrated with high spirit and zeal. This festival marks the harvesting of grapes & walnuts and celebrated by dancing and singing to local tunes. We will also explore the remains of old estate homes and palaces in Chitral.
Join us in capturing the romantic spirit of Chitral and Kalash Valleys in a five-day luxury trip and discover the joy of immersing yourself in its pagan culture.
For details and registration, click on the link below:
https://bit.ly/3nMHqxW

PAMIR TIMES Travelore Adventures (Group)

17/09/2021

Happiest Birthday to Wajdan from Team Route 16!
As part of his first birthday celebrations, Wajdan sent Joydaans to the Al-Amyn Model School in Hunza. We are grateful to Tabish Jaleel Shaikh and Joy-Daan for their support and participation during our trip to Hunza and we are looking forward to more such collaborations to support the community.
Stay tuned to our social media channels to learn more about our work.
Al-Amyn Model School Gulmit Gojal - Hunza PAMIR TIMES

17/09/2021

ROUTE16 COMMUNITY PROGRAM!
Supporting our vision to give back to the community, Route 16 has been providing scholarships to the students of Al-Amyn Model School Gulmit Gojal - Hunza in Hunza in addition to stipends for teachers. Recently, Route16 partnered with Joydaan to distribute gift boxes to the children of Al-Amyn School.
A big thank you to Joy-Daan and Tabish Jaleel Shaikh for their endless support!
For more about our community work, reach out to us at [email protected]

15/09/2021

Come to explore the beauty of Chitral with Route 16!
Chitral is undoubtedly the most romantic and captivating place in the majestic Hindukush range. The landscape is extremely mysterious, with its steep harsh mountains, lush green valleys and the stunning pagan civilization in the Kalash valley.

Chitral tours are one of the top cultural retreats of Pakistan and attract both local and international tourists!

Contact our travel experts now by sending us an email at [email protected] or call us on +92 300 203 1294, to discover Chitral, its breathtaking beauty, and enchanting culture.

11/09/2021

Throwback to exploring the scenic beauty of Pakistan with students from London Business School.
Our trek participant Lindsey McDaniel shares her travel experience with Pakistan Trek - a product by Route 16, and how the trip shaped her perspective of the country.
Follow Route 16 now and stay tuned to all the upcoming trips and tours!

07/09/2021

Join us for the upcoming webinar on Do's and Don't of Applying for Study Abroad, where our Co-founder Sobia Maq alongside Saira Akram of Fyr - Career & Education Advisors will be sharing their experiences and some very useful tips as you go about applying for study abroad.
For more details, check out the post below 👇

06/09/2021

Remembering our National Heroes!
Soldiers, Officers and Martyrs - we salute you.
Pakistan Zindabad 💚