Hameez Qureshi of Teen Musafir on how mindful, community-driven travel is redefining female mobility
In a country where landscapes stretch from southern deserts to northern glaciers, travel remains an unequal privilege—especially for women. Founded in 2020, Teen Musafir is a community-driven platform committed to making group travel safer, more accessible, and culturally mindful across Pakistan. With hundreds of solo female travelers hosted in just one year and a team that is now 70% women, Teen Musafir is quietly reshaping narratives around women’s mobility. At its core, the venture addresses three persistent barriers: safety, permission, and accessibility.
We sat down with Hameez Qureshi to understand how a single phone call sparked a movement.
Mindful: How did Teen Musafir come to be?
Hameez Qureshi: Teen Musafir began with a simple but urgent vision: to build a travel community rooted in Pakistan. Many global communities exist, but very few are shaped by our realities. We noticed a major gap—travel for women was limited by safety concerns, permission barriers, and accessibility. Travel gives perspective. When you witness mountains, valleys, rivers—you understand how small you are in the universe, and how vast life can be. That perspective shouldn’t be gate-kept from women.
The turning point came during a trip to Turkey in 2020. My younger sister called, asking if I could convince our father to let her go on a school trip. His concerns were valid—safety, unfamiliar people, lack of structure. That conversation made us realize how widespread the issue was. That’s when Teen Musafir truly began.
Mindful: How do you ensure women feel safe on your trips?
H: Our surveys highlighted three concerns: safety, permissions, and accessibility. We started with safety. Our growth strategy wasn’t marketing—it was saying no. Every traveler goes through strict verification. We assess compatibility, temperament, and potential red flags.
Safety also means secure accommodations and vetted vendors. We often book entire resorts to avoid outsiders. Group travel also makes trips more affordable, helping more women participate.
Mindful: Is Pakistan’s travel infrastructure women-friendly?
H: Honestly, not yet—but there is progress. Organizations like Frontier Works Organization are improving roads and facilities. We are also working to improve accessibility ourselves, identifying northern locations where hygienic restrooms can be developed. Small changes matter greatly for women travelers.
Mindful: Teen Musafir is male-founded. How do you understand women’s needs?
H: Initially, through our sisters and friends. But we knew we needed women in leadership. Today, about 70% of our team are women. They design experiences, guide decisions, and keep us grounded in real needs.
Mindful: Tell us about your all-girls trip.
H: Our recent trip to Deerkot was designed entirely by women on our team—no male staff involved. The difference was remarkable. Women felt freer, more expressive. Bracelet-making sessions, heart-to-heart conversations, laughter without hesitation. When safety worries
disappear, joy expands. It took years to build the trust and infrastructure to make this possible.
Mindful: What would you say to parents hesitant about letting daughters travel?
H: Their concerns are valid—they come from love and experience. That’s why we speak directly with parents, explain our safety systems, and answer questions. We’ve hosted over 700 solo female travelers in one year. Trust grows through transparency.
Mindful: How do you ensure tourism benefits local communities?
H: First, we educate travelers about local cultures and sensitivities. Northern Pakistan is diverse—from Hunza to Kashmir—and respect is essential. Second, we work with local women artisans, helping them market their crafts directly. Tourism should uplift the people who live there.
Mindful: Which destinations in Pakistan inspire you most?
H: Fairy Meadows, overlooking Nanga Parbat, is unforgettable. Standing there, you feel humbled by nature’s scale. Everyone should experience that.
Mindful: What should travelers be mindful of when visiting northern communities?
H: Learn about the culture before you go. Respect local norms. Some communities are open, others private—both deserve respect. Travel is not just about seeing places; it’s about honoring people.
