Echoes Of History. Moments Of Fun
Experience the thrill of a 14-day road trip through the majestic Karakoram and Hindu Kush Mountain ranges in Northern Pakistan. The Range is a large, rugged mountain system in Central Asia, spanning the borders of Pakistan, India, and China, known for containing K2, the world’s second-highest peak. It features the highest concentration of peaks over 8,000 meters globally and possesses the most extensive glaciers outside the polar regions.
The range is characterized by its high peaks, steep slopes, deep valleys, and unique glaciers. The highest peaks of Karakurum Range are K2, Gasherbrum I, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum II (K4), Rakaposhi, Nanga Parbat.
Skardu Valley
Our excursion begins with a scenic flight from Islamabad to Skardu, the capital of Skardu District, positioned in the Karakoram mountain range at an altitude of nearly 2,500 meters. The city is distinguished by its dramatic landscapes, featuring vast deserts, high mountains, and glacial lakes, and functions as a crucial hub for tourism, mountaineering, and trekking to celebrated peaks like K2. Skardu also functions as a gateway to the Indus River and its surrounding valleys, renowned for their abundance of fruits and rich Tibetan-influenced cultural heritage.
Hunza Valley
While advancing forward, we traverse beneath the shadow of Nanga Parbat, the world’s 9th highest mountain. Next, we undertake an unforgettable road trip along the iconic Karakoram Highway, arriving at Hunza valley, a mountainous valley and historic region in Gilgit-Baltistan, celebrated for its spectacular scenery, towering peaks, glaciers, and a rich cultural legacy comprising historic forts, Organic villages, Handicrafts, Dry fruits and distinct traditions. Once a sovereign state, it is now a district acknowledged for its tourism attractions.
Shandur Pass
Next as we continue our journey further will witness the breathtaking Shandur Pass known for the Shandur Polo Ground, the highest polo ground in the world, and the annual Shandur Polo Festival held there. At an elevation of approximately 3,700 to 3,738 meters, the pass connects the Chitral and Gilgit valleys and features breathtaking natural scenery.
Chitral District
Upon crossing Shandur Pass, we will enter the Chitral region, characterized by the Hindukush mountains, including the Terichmir peak, and inhabited by the Muslim Kho people and the ancient Kalasha Tribe. Chitral is renowned for its lush green meadows, high pastures, music, hospitable people, fruits, glaciers, streams, and organic food. The majority of the population speaks the Khowar language, although six other languages are also spoken.
Bumburait Kailasha Valley
The Kalash are a distinct religious minority in the Hindu Kush mountain range, believed by some to be descendants of Alexander the Great’s troops, with a culture that contrasts with surrounding Islamic communities. They have unique pagan traditions, observing three festivals annually, and enjoying dance, song, and locally prepared wine. Their culture is characterized by a unique language, vibrant clothing styles, nature worship, and a rich architectural heritage.
Peshawar City
Peshawar, the capital and largest city of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, boasts a storied history spanning over two millennia, with roots tracing back to at least 539 BCE. Positioned east of the Khyber Pass, it holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited city in South Asia. Peshawar is distinguished by its cultural richness, historic architectural landmarks, Caravansarais, delectable local cuisine, Qehwa Khanas, and engaging storytellers. Furthermore, it is affectionately known as the ‘City of Flowers’ and serves as a nucleus for Gandhara art, with a notable collection of Buddhist sculptures housed within the Peshawar Museum. Peshawar’s historic significance as a trade route hub, linking to the Silk Road, is undeniable. The city’s vibrant bazars offer an enthralling experience that is not to be missed by tourists.
Overview of the Trip / Costing
| Start Destinations | End Destination | Price Per Pax | Number of Pax | Group Size | Price Pax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islamabad | Islamabad | 2400 € | 01 – 03 | 4 – 6 | 2200 € |
| Hunza / Skardu | — | 2100 € | 06 – 08 | 08 – 10 | 2000 € |
| Chitral | — | ||||
| Peshawar | — |
Inclusion
All accommodation
Breakfast
Transport
Guiding
Meals in the Kalasha Valleys
Internal flight Tickets
Bottled water
Entrance fees
Exclusion
Any necessary visas
Travel Insurance
Flights to Pakistan
Lunch & dinner
Other Drinks
Tips of the Guide & Driver
How We Will Move On
Day 01 Islamabad
Pick up from the airport drop to hotel for rest, incase we have time to walk around the markets of Islamabad.
Day 02
Fly to Skardu. Assuming a morning flight, we will have time to drive out of Skardu town and visit Shigar, famous for its impressive rock-built fort.
Overnight in Skardu.
Day 03
From Skardu, join the renowned Karakoram Highway and head to the legendary Hunza Valley. Stop at viewpoints to marvel at giant 7500 m peaks and have lunch in Gilgit. Visit Baltit Fort upon arrival in Hunza. Use Hunza as a base to explore the surrounding area.
Overnight in Hunza.
Day 04
Visit the ancient forts of Altit and Baltit, traditional residences of the Mirs of Hunza. Along with the fort, the Karimabad bazar offers an ideal opportunity for tourists to shop traditional Handicrafts, caps, Shawls, dry fruits.
Overnight in Hunza.
Day 05
Today, we will traverse the recently formed Attabad Lake, en route to Passu. The 30 km long lake, created in 2010 following a massive landslide that dammed the Indus river, is a notable landmark. At Passu, we will visit the glacier and the renowned Husseini rope bridge. Overnight accommodation will be arranged in Passu.
Day 06
We will depart Passu and drive to the highest point of our trip, the 4693 M high Khunjerab Pass, which marks the border between Pakistan and China. The route takes us through the Khunjerab National Park, where we may be fortunate enough to spot Ibex or Markhor. Golden Marmots are commonly seen near the pass. We will then return to Gilgit. Overnight accommodation will be arranged in Gilgit.
Day 07
A morning in Gilgit to visit the Kargah Buddha statue and see a little of this frontier city.Then start the three day drive from Gilgit to Chitral. The road between Gilgit and Chitral crosses through the Hindu Kush. Overnight in Gupis.
Day 08
We proceed with our journey through the Hindu Kush, making a stop at Phandur and traversing the 3700 M Shandur Pass, renowned for being home to the world’s highest polo ground. Shundoor polo ground is situated at an highest altitude, annually there is a polo festival between the teams of Gilgit & Chitral. Overnight accommodation will be in Mastuj.
Day 09
The final leg of our journey takes us from Mastuj to Chitral.Chitral is the mist fascinating valley of Hindukush, it has highest peak of Trich Mir, Lush green meadows, Ancient culture, melodious music & above all the kind hearted, soft spoken people, who would not feel you away from home. It’s around 5 hours journey from Mastuj to Chitral during journey one can enjoy the valleys on both sides of the river, Overnight accommodation will be in Chitral. Overnight stay in Chitral
Day 10
Bumburait Valley
Following a brief exploration of Chitral, we will embark on a drive to the Kalasha Valleys, where we will spend two days visiting Rumbour and Bumboret valleys. We will be staying in locally owned guesthouses, indulging in locally grown cuisine, and sampling locally produced wine.We will enjoy the local dancing & Musical nights, where the local girls & boys used to perform. The days will be spent relaxing, walking, or taking a jeep ride to the Kalasha villages in these secluded valleys. We will ensure that our accommodation is with Kalasha families, providing an opportunity to immerse oneself in the unique culture of the Kalasha. This day will be spent in the more serene Rumbour Valley. Rumbur Valley is one of the most fascinating valleys of Kailashs tribe. Overnight accommodation will be in the Kalasha valleys.
Day 11
Today, we will explore the bustling Bumburet Valley,fist of all we will visit the old structure houses of the local Kailasha people, we will try the local wallnut breads, locally home made wine. Interesting to see is the cemetery of the Kalasha tribe, they used to keep their dead bodies openly in a box along with the deceased belongings, latter we will visit the Kalasha culture museum. We will spend the night in the Kalasha valleys.
Day 12
We will embark on a lengthy drive from the Kalasha valleys to Peshawar. This full-day drive will include passing through the 10km long Lowari tunnel, which connects the Chitral region to the rest of Pakistan. Latter we will enter the lush green valley of Dir, along side the road one can see beautiful villages, lush green fields, after drive of around 10 hours we will arrive at Peshawar, will spend the night in Peshawar.
Day 13
We will spend a full day in Peshawar. As the gateway between the subcontinent and Central Asia, the city’s rich history is evident in its old city, where diverse faces and aromas converge. We will explore the famous bazar of story tellers in the middle of the city, Kabuli Gate is one of the famous gates, which direction is towards Kabul. In Peshawar Pashtuns, Hazara, Tajik, Chitrali, and Uzbek faces mingle, and business is conducted over cups of Qawa (cardamom-flavored green tea).The local food is rich in flavor specially Lamb Barbecue, Breads & Afghani Rice are top on the menu. We will spend the night in Peshawar.
Day 14
We will return to Islamabad.
Transfer to airport.
End of Trip.
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