Pakistan: Hindu Kush Adventure
Pakistan: Hindu Kush Adventure
15 Days Starting and ending in ISLAMABAD
Visiting: Islamabad, Swat Valley Cold Drinks & Restaurant, Kalam, Ayun, Kalash Valley, Kalash, Chitrāl, Mastuj, Yasin Valley, Yasin Valley Road, Gilgit, Hunza Valley, Attabad Lake, Hunza, Naran, Taxila
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PAK2
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Physical rating:
Low, Low / Moderate
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Wild Frontiers with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
From:
$4563 (USD)Tour Overview
Pakistan is a country close to our hearts…and for good reason. Home to some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world, thriving cities, colourful markets and warm hospitality, a trip to this part of the world is bound to excite even the worldliest travellers. Having run trips here for more than fifteen years, we understand the political complexities of travelling to this fascinating country and our paramount consideration has always been the safety of our clients.Despite the negative images painted by the press, we believe that most areas in Pakistan - particularly around Chitral and the mountains of the north - pose little or no danger within the current climate.On this amazing journey along the Northwest Frontier you will drive up from the capital Islamabad, through stunningly spectacular scenery, to the ancient kingdom of Chitral. Here we will spend two days with the Kalash before heading on over the Shandur Pass to one of the most beautiful places on earth, Hunza. We will complete our circuit by returning to the Islamabad via the Buddhist University town of Taxila.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Tour Starts In Islamabad
Location: Islamabad
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: No Meals
Today the tour starts in Islamabad, 'City of Islam', Pakistan's capital city. It replaced Karachi back in the 1967 and is now the political and commercial heart of the country. Situated against the lush backdrop of the Margalla Hills it is a city where old and new collide. Leafy green boulevards are home to modern buildings, and shopping malls, but also dotted with traditional homes and mosques. The group flight doesn't arrive until late evening so anyone arriving early might want to take a stroll and familiarise yourself with the city.
Day 2 : Islamabad - Swat Valley
Location: Islamabad, Swat Valley Cold Drinks & Restaurant
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Today we will start our journey north by driving through the Northwest Frontier and into the beautiful Swat Valley. Until quite recently this region was out of bounds to foreign tourists, but now it has opened up again offering us a great chance to explore the regions ancient Buddhist past. Once we have checked into our hotel we’ll visit the local museum, packed with many fine Gandharan artefacts, and other Buddhist sites.
Day 3 : Swat Valley - Ayun
Location: Kalam, Ayun
Accommodation: Local Guest House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
After breakfast we will have a spectacular drive, past Chakdarra – where a young Winston Churchill saw action back in the 1890s – before continuing over the Lowari Pass (or going through the new tunnel) and into the ancient kingdom of Chitral. Here we’ll drive on to Ayun where we’ll arrive in the afternoon and check into the wonderful home of Maqsood Ul Mulk, one of the princes of Chitral.
Day 4 : Ayun - Kalash Valley
Location: Ayun, Kalash Valley
Accommodation: Local Guest House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Today we have all morning to relax and enjoy the Prince’s beautiful garden and take one of the many wonderful village walks nearby. After lunch we will continue our journey into the Valley of Rumbor and the village of Balanguru where we stay with our good friend Saifullah Jan, the chief spokesperson for the colourful Kalash people. Most people prefer to walk the last few miles through this gorgeous valley. Please note that at times security restrictions don’t allow foreign visitors to stay in the Kalash valley but we will maximize our time spent in the region and then head back to Chitral for the night if these restrictions are imposed.
Day 5 : Kalash Valley
Location: Kalash Valley
Accommodation: Local Guest House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Today we maximise our time by walking in and around the valley to enjoy the local scenery and experience the local hospitality. This morning we should be able to take a walk up in the direction of the Afghan frontier to visit some small villages. We return to Balanguru for lunch and then for those who wish to we head out on another walk around the valley to understand more of the lifestyle of the Kalash people. These walks are optional, and you may wish to spend your time relaxing in the village.
Day 6 : Kalash - Chitral
Location: Kalash, Chitrāl
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
This morning we have more time to explore the valley before driving back to the sleepy mountain town of Chitral. We’ll hope to catch a game of mountain polo and in the late afternoon if a match is being played and then we’ll travel on towards Chitral National Park to see the markhor, a kind of mountain antelope and favoured prey of the snow leopards, before checking into our lovely local hotel and have dinner.
Day 7 : Chitral - Mastuj
Location: Chitrāl, Mastuj
Accommodation: Wooden Cabins or Fixed Tents
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
After breakfast we will drive to Mastuj. This is one of the most beautiful and dramatic drives you are ever likely to take as we wind our way up the Mastuj Valley, passing Tirich Mir and Boni Zong, before finally entering the Yarkund Valley at the top of which lies Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor. Here we will stay at a hotel next to the fort. On arrival we will take a stroll around the village.
Day 8 : Mastuj - Yasin Valley
Location: Mastuj, Yasin Valley
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Today after breakfast you will drive to the Shandur Pass, stopping for tea en route at the top of the pass at 3,800 metres. From here, if you'd like, you can walk to the Langer – a beautiful plain used for grazing the yaks and dzos – where you can enjoy some time before getting back in your jeep again and drive on to Yasin Valley. Well known during the 'Great Game' era the Yasin Valley provided a possible route through the Pamirs and Hindu Kush for the Russians to reach Chitral and Gilgit. Today it has a pleasant green and leafy outlook following the path of the Ghizer River.
Day 9 : Yasin Valley - Gilgit - Hunza
Location: Yasin Valley Road, Gilgit, Hunza Valley
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
After breakfast we will travel on to Gilgit where we have a chance to take a look around this classic frontier town, once considered the furthest outpost of the empire. We will see the Christian graveyard here as well as the local bazaar, before heading to Hunza. The drive to Hunza is truly spectacular, as you round the corner and see the titanic form of Mount Rakaposhi basking in the sun, right beside the road – the sight will leave you speechless. In Karimabad (Hunza) we will stay for the first night at a spectacularly located hotel, situated 2850m above sea level and 500m above the valley floor, with panoramic views of seven 7,000m peaks!
Day 10 : Hunza
Location: Hunza Valley
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
This morning we visit the famous Baltit Fort, recently restored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture to a fantastic standard. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. We will then take lunch in town. In the afternoon those that wish can have a water channel walk down around Karimabad before having a wander around the local shops where there will be plenty to buy.
Day 11 : Hunza - Attabad Lake - Hunza
Location: Hunza Valley, Attabad Lake, Hunza
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Wake at around 5:30 to watch the rising sun turn the peak of Rakaposhi flamingo pink…not compulsory! After breakfast we will first drive to the other side of the valley to take a walk on Hoper Glacier. After this we’ll have lunch in a pretty garden café before driving an hour further up the KKH to visit the newly formed lake at Attabad. In January 2010 a massive landslide blocked the Hunza River, which submerged 28kms of the KKH by forming a beautiful azure lake. In the afternoon we return to Karimabad.
Day 12 : Hunza - Gilgit
Location: Hunza, Gilgit
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
This morning we return to the Karakoram Highway for our drive to Gilgit stopping en route for lunch at the Rakaposhi View to take in the stunning backdrop. This afternoon we will drive back to Gilgit where we will check into our hotel.
Day 13 : Gilgit - Naran
Location: Gilgit, Naran
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Today we have a spectacular drive back towards Islamabad as we drive along the Karakoram Highway enjoying the mountain scenery and stunning countryside. Flights at this time of year are unreliable and can be cancelled on a regular basis due to adverse weather conditions so we plan to drive this very memorable route, and break our journey in Naran. The majority of the people here are Pashtun and we may have the opportunity to have a stroll around the bazaar this evening or sit and watch the world go by in one of the rooftop cafes. Please note that if the Babusar Pass is closed due to early snowfall we will return to Islamabad via Besham.
Day 14 : Naran - Taxila - Islamabad
Location: Naran, Taxila, Islamabad
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Today we continue our journey stopping en route in Taxila, a fascinating Buddhist university town, dating back to the Gandaharan era of Alexander the Great. We then continue the short distance to Islamabad.
Day 15 : Sightseeing Around Islamabad And Tour Ends
Location: Islamabad
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Today we have the chance to visit some of the famous sights of Islamabad including the Faisal Mosque, the largest in South East Asia, and 5th largest mosque in the world. We will also take time to visit the Lok Virsa Museum and Pakistan Monument. If time allows there will also be a chance for some last minute shopping before our farewell dinner, after which the tour ends. Wash and change facilities will be made available to those on the group flight, which departs in the early hours of the following day.
What's Included
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MEALS
14 x Breakfasts, 14 x Lunches, 14 x Dinners
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TRANSPORT
On this tour we will use classic re-conditioned 1970’s Willys jeeps between Chitral and Hunza opening the roof when the weather allows. We are embracing the nature of adventure travel with this mode of transport as it maximises our opportunity to enjoy the spectacular scenery. We will use minibus coasters everywhere else.
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GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
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CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to carbon offset & tree planting projects for all bookings
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EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
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ACCOMMODATION
All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary
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ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
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FITNESS RATING
Low / Moderate
What's Not Included
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational .Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport .Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Key Aspects to Consider
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, as many of the activities are optional. Please note that some of the walks in the Kalash Valley are quite steep! Please note that in Pakistan administrative and security requirements can change overnight. At times the authorities may require additional checks and registration which can affect the itinerary. Visitors to Pakistan must adopt a flexible approach and awareness that the itinerary is fluid and overnight stops can change. Some of the journeys can be long and due to road conditions and as a result of the security accompaniment during the drives.
Visas
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact our recommended visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.com For this tour UK passport holders currently require a visa for Pakistan. Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements. Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
For this tour UK passport holders currently require a visa for Pakistan. Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
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What is the maximum group size?
12
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
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Dates & Availability
Friday - Friday
May 31, 2024 - Jun 14, 2024Friday - Friday
Sep 06, 2024 - Sep 20, 2024Friday - Friday
Sep 27, 2024 - Oct 11, 2024Friday - Friday
Oct 04, 2024 - Oct 18, 2024Monday - Monday
May 05, 2025 - May 19, 2025Sunday - Sunday
May 11, 2025 - May 25, 2025Saturday - Saturday
May 24, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025Saturday - Saturday
May 31, 2025 - Jun 14, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025Monday - Monday
Aug 18, 2025 - Sep 01, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Sep 20, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Wild Frontiers allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 90 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wild frontiers charges.
Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 51 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Wild Frontiers' COVID Promise
You will have the right to transfer without any transfer fee, from any of our trips at ANY time if your trip is not Covid Viable (see below).*
We will not ask you to pay your final balance if your trip is not yet Covid Viable.
If your trip is not Covid Viable, by 30 days prior to departure at the latest, we will cancel your holiday and you can either transfer your funds to another departure or have a refund.**
We will only consider a trip Covid Viable*** if pre-departure it meets all of the following criteria:
There is no national lockdown or ban on foreign travel for the period when your trip is due to depart.
Destinations on the tour must not be on the UK’s Red List. ****
No destinations visited on the tour have in place any significant COVID-19 restrictions for travellers.
Tourist visas (if required) are available.
There is reliable airline access to/from the start/end of the trip.
Following an assessment by both Wild Frontiers and our local partners we are confident that your trip is able to run in both a safe and enjoyable manner.*****
** If you were originally booked to travel before 30 April 2020 and transferred to a later date, or if you have a tailor-made booking, there may be some irrecoverable costs which we cannot refund. Please speak to us and we will be able to advise you if this is the case for your booking.
***Since our HQ is in London, Covid Viable status for our Group Tours will be assessed on UK-based travellers. However we are fully aware that many of our clients live in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. As such, when we deem a trip to now be Covid Viable, everyone booked will have a chance to review their own personal situation before deciding whether or not to remain booked on the trip. Anyone wishing to, will have the option to transfer without fees to another trip at this time. For tailor made bookings, we may also able to consider additional countries’ travel advice when deciding if a trip is Viable. Please discuss this with us at the time of booking.
**** This relates to bookings from UK clients only. We may operate trips to destinations which the British FCDO advise against travel for Covid reasons. If this is the case, anyone wishing to will have the option to cancel with a refund or transfer to another trip. In some cases we may choose to offer a tour to a Red destination but these will be at both clients’ and Wild Frontiers’ discretion and will be subject to alternative conditions to be discussed on an ad hoc basis.
*****If a destination, that we have deemed to be Covid Viable, subsequently fails any aspect of the criteria for two consecutive weeks, you will have the right under our Covid Promise to transfer without any fees.