Route 16

Culinary Retreat with Asad Monga at Silk Route Lodge

Package Price: $1,700

Imagine cooking with fresh, locally grown ingredients, foraging wild herbs, and baking fresh fruit cakes—all while surrounded by the breathtaking peaks of Hunza. Silk Route Lodge is partnering with renowned chef Asad Monga to bring you an exclusive culinary retreat that blends adventure, tradition, and innovation.

From fruit picking to farm-to-table cooking, you’ll experience the true essence of seasonal eating. Learn to craft unique dishes like seabuckthorn tarts and pumpkin focaccia, using nutrient-rich local produce and Hunza’s famed apricot and walnut oils.

This is more than just a retreat—it’s a journey into the heart of Hunza’s food culture, guided by a chef who has represented Pakistan on global culinary stages. Whether you’re a passionate home cook or simply a food lover, this is your chance to explore, create, and savor the flavors of the mountains.

Limited spots available! Sign up now to be part of this extraordinary experience.

The Food
Pakistan, a region with 5000 BC years old history, boasts a diverse culinary heritage influenced by its various regions, climates, and centuries-old traditions. Pakistani cuisine is a vibrant mix of flavors, with aromatic spices, tender meats, fresh vegetables, and array of traditional breads and rice dishes.

Hunza had limited access. It is nestled deep in the Karakoram range and was accessible via a mule track only, some 50 years ago. Its cuisine is a reflection of its unique landscape, simple yet wholesome, focusing on fresh, locally grown produce. Hunzai people traditionally consume nutrient-dense food that supports their active lifestyle, with dishes often featuring grains, like barley, wheat & millet, along with vegetables, fruits, lean meats cooked in super healthy apricot or walnut oils.

The Chef
Asad Monga is a Chef from Karachi, Pakistan – he studied and trained professionally in the culinary arts from France and Kuala Lumpur. Currently, he cooks innovative seasonal food for private events, culinary retreats and his instagram followers. His goal is to explore the seasonality in Pakistan and curate warm experiences for his guests.

Some of his notable work includes:

  • Head chef at Test Kitchen by Okra (2019-2022)
  • Culinary Retreats in Hunza & Karachi (2022- present)
  • Seaside excursions in Karachi documented on Instagram
  • Represented Pakistan’s Culinary team at the SCO summit in Pakistan feeding 9 heads of states and 140 international delegates.

Asad Monga has partnered with Silk Route Lodge to host 5 seasonal culinary retreats and eventually run a Test kitchen for the local community in Hunza. The retreats offer a comprehensive culinary experience. Participants not only engage in cooking sessions but also explore the natural beauty of Hunza, enhancing their appreciation of the region’s culture and cuisine.

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TRIP ITINERARY: 9 Days and Nights

Day Location Activities
Day 0 Islamabad Arrival at Islamabad Airport, transfer to guest house, rest and recover from jet lag.
Day 1 Islamabad Local culture introduction, local cuisine, shopping, sightseeing (Faisal Mosque, Golra Train Station).
Day 2 Skardu → Gulmit Scenic flight to Skardu, 6-hour drive to Gulmit with local cuisine stop, welcome dinner at Silk Route Lodge.
Day 3 – 7 Hunza Hunza Food Retreat Activities:
– Foraging trips & farm visits
– Cow milking & cheese making
– Live cooking class with Chef Asad Monga
– Exploring local cuisine, tourist sites, and off-beat treks
– Stargazing & cold water dips
– Old heritage forts
– Traditional meals at locals’ homes
Day 8 Hunza → Islamabad Early morning departure, flight from Skardu to Islamabad, rest, and city dinner in the evening.
Day 9 Islamabad Checkout and farewell, airport drop-offs.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

PRICING

  • The tour is priced at $1,700 for an all inclusive mountain culinary experience in Pakistan.

INCLUDED in PRICE

  • Accommodation (twin sharing): 3 nights in Islamabad and 6 nights in Gulmit, Hunza
  • 3 meals a day
  • Cost of transport and activities as outlined in the itinerary
  • Domestic air tickets
  • Visa invitation letter & facilitation

NOT INCLUDED in PRICE

  • International return ticket to Pakistan
  • Medical expenses
  • Tips & donations
  • Travel / accommodation for the days before/after the trip is not included in the fee but we can facilitate such arrangements

CANCELLATION & REFUNDs

  • Until 2 months before the trip dates, participants are able to cancel with full refund
  • Within two months of the trip dates, $500 cancellation charges will apply.
  • In case of force majeure situation, participants will be provided refunds subject to a charge of 15% of total trip price. If the trip is cancelled by the organizers for any other reason, then a full refund will be made.
  • All refunds will be processed 10 days after the trip ends.
  • Exchange risk is to be borne by the participants and the Rupee amount will be transferred at the prevalent exchange rate.