Experience a rare expedition to the heart of Pakistan's Gem country. Do you want to go to an active Emerald mine in the famous Swat Valley this October? Do you want to witness how the gem trade works in Pakistan? Do you want to visit the Historical Gem Market, Namak Mandi? All guided by our founders, from pickup at the airport to drop-off, an exclusive, all-inclusive expedition of your own.
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Land in the Vibrant Capital City of Pakistan, surrounded by the stunning Margalla hills. If time permits, explore the local city. Enjoy a special welcome dinner at a restaurant. Meet the team and fellow adventurers.
Venture deep into Swat Valley, described as the Switzerland of Pakistan and home to the Emerald mines. Explore the local historic sites and visit the nearby river to witness the emerald washing and local auctions.
Get a Guided tour of the Biggest emerald mine deposit in Asia, Pakistan, in Mingora, if safe, get to go inside the mines. Later on, go to the local emerald trade centre and see emeralds from rough to cut.
Visit the surrounding mountain resort, a beautiful alpine-rich landscape with fresh oxygen-rich air. Chair-lift up the mountain. Experience the thrill of Pakistan's highest Zip-Line and other activities, then travel back to Mingora if time permits, continue to explore the local markets, and in the evening, have a bonfire.
Get a Guided tour of the Historic Gemstone market, which has a Gem trade history older than 400 years. A rare market that has material siphoning in from all over Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and the world. Enjoy a special Dumba BBQ meal.
Continue exploring the market. Namak Mandi has many lapidary shops, from manufacturing to wholesale shops. The market has many gemstones, for example, Lapis Lazuli by the tonnes stored in its basements and shops. If time permits, we will explore the local historic areas and travel back to Islamabad during the evening or the following day.
Final breakfast, if time permits, further explore Islamabad and an evening flight back to your homes with new connections, knowledge about the trade and memories.
Every logistical detail is handled so you can focus entirely on the experience.
Carefully selected hotels throughout your journey.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included daily with local cuisine, if time permits. Includes tea and snacks also.
Private vehicles and transfers between all destinations with fuel.
Guided fully by our founders, both fluent in English.
Every Experience listed in the itinerary.
All tolls and local fees paid.
All necessary gear and equipment for activities included.
Visa's are covered, and access to Internet is provided when available.
Detailed itinerary, maps, and essential travel information.
Experts in the field guiding you through Pakistan's remote gemstone regions from airport pick up to drop off.
Co-founder and Head of Gemmology
Born in London, Fluent in English. Co-founder of Origin Gems®. Specializing in gemstone origin research and documenting remote gemstone localities and Gem trade across Pakistan. Head of Gemmology at Origin Gems®, GIA Alumnus.
Co-Founder and Head of Geology
Fluent in English. Co-founder of Origin Gems®. Field researcher focused on mineral deposits, mountain geology, and remote mine exploration across Pakistan's rugged terrain. Head of Geology at Origin Gems®.
Mines Visited +
4 Years Experience in Field Exploration +
Years Combined Experience in Gem trade +
Field Expeditions
Together, Talha and Moez combine gemology and geology to provide rare access to Pakistan's most fascinating gemstone regions, mines, and mineral deposits.
Official Origin Gems® Expedition Certificate of Completion.
Professional networking contacts within the regional gem trade, including guidance from our founders.
Gain Access to our continuing on ground expedition insights and exclusive updates.
In-depth knowledge of how mining and trade works in Pakistan.
How accurate origin reporting impacts the local communities and can help you in selling gemstones.
Understand the price of material at the source and learn knowledge on how to negotiate.
Behind-the-scenes access to the emerald trade of Swat and gem trade in Pakistan.
Immersive local cultural integration across diverse regional landscapes
Hands-on gemstone dealings across various levels.
Program fee is GBP 2,870 per person, all-inclusive within Pakistan. A single simple price, so you can enjoy the experience in full.
Single occupancy · Your own private room throughout · Private rooms are subject to availability. If unavailable, alternative nearby accommodation may be arranged or the difference refunded depending on the number of shared nights.
Find answers to common questions about our products and services
Yes, Pakistan is safe. Safety is our top priority. Our founders have been to many regions and have on ground experience and will be with you all the way from pick up at the airport to drop off at the airport.
In certain areas, armed police escorts may accompany the group as an additional precaution and local protocol, although these are often provided as a routine security measure rather than in response to any specific threat.
No prior gemology experience is required. The expedition is designed for both enthusiasts and professionals, and includes educational guidance on emerald formation, mining, trade and other experiences that are fully guided.
Yes, there will be opportunities to purchase gemstones directly from local traders, if help is needed we will help you in negotiating prices and identifying stones.
Photography is generally allowed in most areas, but permission may vary at specific mining sites and trading areas. Guidance will be provided on where it is permitted.
Full refund available until 30 August 2026, 12:01 AM (UK time) minus £50 administrative fee.
After this deadline, all payments become strictly non-refundable.
Exceptions only apply in the case of visa rejection, minus incurred administrative or processing costs.
No refunds shall be issued for withdrawal, cancellation, or change of mind after the deadline.
We want to be able to give each adventurer not only an experience they will enjoy but be able to give time to each participant. Having a smaller group allows us to do that.
