Hindu Kush Tour Northern Pakistan 2024 -25
Hindu Kush Tour Northern Pakistan 2024 -25
Hindu Kush Tour Northern Pakistan 2024 -25
15 Days Starting in New Islamabad Airport Rd, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan and ending in Islamabad International Airport, Airport Avenue, Islamabad, Punjab, Pakistan
Visiting: Islamabad, Swat, Swat Valley & Restaurant, Kalash, Kalash Valley Road, Chitrāl, Mastuj, Yasin Valley, Gilgit, Hunza valley, Attabad , Naran, Taxila
Tour operator:
Tour code:
230711
Specialist Group:
Fifty+
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Age range:
10-80
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat, Jain, Halal
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Private Available:
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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, colorful markets, and warm hospitality, a trip to this part of the world is bound to excite even the most travelers. Having run trips here for more than ten years, we understand the political complexities of traveling 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 Islamabad via the Buddhist University town of Taxila.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Tour Starts In Islamabad
Location: Islamabad
Accommodation: Hotel, Homestay, Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today the tour starts in Islamabad, 'City of Islam', Pakistan's capital city. It replaced Karachi in 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 dotted with traditional houses and mosques. The group flight doesn't arrive until late evening so anyone arriving early might want to take a stroll and familiarise themselves with the city.
Day 2 : Islamabad - Swat Valley
Location: Swat
Accommodation: Hotel, Homestay, Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we will start our journey north by driving through the Northwest Frontier and into the beautiful Swat Valley. Until 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 region's ancient Buddhist past. Once we have checked into our hotel we’ll visit the local museum, packed with many fine Gandharan artifacts, and other Buddhist sites.
Day 3 : Swat Valley - Ayun
Location: Swat Valley & Restaurant
Accommodation: Hotel, Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast
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: Kalash
Accommodation: Hotel, Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 beautiful Kalash Valley. It's a home to small minority community of Kalasha Tribe which are only 3000 now. Most people prefer to walk the last few miles through this gorgeous valley.
Day 5 : Kalash Valley
Location: Kalash Valley Road
Accommodation: Hotel, Homestay, Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we maximise our time by walking in and around the valley to enjoy the local scenery and experience the local hospitality.
Day 6 : Kalash - Chitral
Location: Chitrāl
Accommodation: Hotel, Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we have more time to explore the valley before driving back to the sleepy mountain town of Chitral. We hope to catch a game of mountain polo in the late afternoon if a match is being played, before checking into our lovely local hotel and having dinner.
Day 7 : Chitral - Mastuj
Location: Mastuj
Accommodation: Hotel, Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 8 : Yasin - Gilgit - Hunza
Location: Yasin Valley
Accommodation: Hotel, Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 - Gilgit - Hunza
Location: Gilgit
Accommodation: Hotel, Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we will have enough time to explore the Beautiful Yasin Valley. We will visit Muduri fort in Yasin, Hundur valley. In the afternoon, 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, Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 have lunch in town. In the afternoon those who 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: Attabad
Accommodation: Hotel, Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive 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 28 km of the KKH by forming a beautiful azure lake. VIsit Borith Lake, Hussaini suspension bridge, and Passu cones.
Overnight in Upper Hunza.
Day 12 : Hunza - Gilgit
Location: Gilgit
Accommodation: Hotel, Homestay, Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast
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: Naran
Accommodation: Hotel, Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 canceled regularly 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: Taxila
Accommodation: Hotel, Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 : Tour Ends
Location: Islamabad
Accommodation: Hotel, Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast
If time allows there will also be a chance for some last-minute shopping before our farewell.
Check out from the hotel before noon. Airport drop off and end of the tour :)
What's Included
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Accommodation
Our expert team carefully selects handpicked hotels based on each destination, ensuring top-rated accommodations in prime locations. Every hotel offers private bathrooms and essential amenities, with breakfast included at all of them.
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Guide
An experienced English-speaking guide will accompany you throughout the tour in Northern Pakistan, ensuring continuity and a seamless experience from start to finish. For tours including Northern and Southern Pakistan, each region will have a separate guide, ensuring specialized knowledge and expertise throughout your journey. For groups of fewer than 03 members, our trusted guide may also serve as your driver, ensuring a seamless and personalized experience.
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Meals
Complimentary breakfast is included at the hotels. For groups larger than 04 members, all three meals will be provided at no extra cost. For groups of 4 or fewer, meals are not included. This tour offers Vegetarian, Vegan, and Halal food options on request. Simply let Exploria know the food option that you prefer.
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Additional Services
? Letter of invitation and visa assistance ? Domestic Air-tickets ? Hotel Accommodation ? Airport Transfers ? Complimentary breakfast at hotels ? Private transportation at your disposal ? Fuel ? Jeep charges to Fairy Meadows ? Services, Accommodation, and Food of the guide ? Parking fee, water bottle each day, sim card with internet
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Transport
? Private transportation will be at your disposal. ? All the vehicles are comfortable Airconditioned and best fit for the route. ? We offer 4x4 Jeeps/Land Cruisers in off-road destinations where needed. ? One of the following vehicles will be provided based on the group size.
What's Not Included
Additional Services? Pre-Post departure Accommodation ? Tips ? Tickets ? Personal Expense
Accommodation
Our expert team carefully selects handpicked hotels based on each destination, ensuring top-rated accommodations in prime locations. Every hotel offers private bathrooms and essential amenities, with breakfast included at all of them.
Mode of Transport
4WD private vehicle offroader only.
A private Toyota Landcruiser will take you on this beautiful adventure.
The same vehicle will be used throughout the tour.
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
An experienced English-speaking guide will accompany you throughout the tour in Northern Pakistan, ensuring continuity and a seamless experience from start to finish. For tours that include both Northern and Southern Pakistan, there will be a separate guide for each region, ensuring specialized knowledge and expertise throughout your journey. For groups of fewer than 03 members, our trusted guide may also serve as your driver, ensuring a seamless and personalized experience.
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Can I customize the itinerary or add additional activities?
Absolutely! We can tailor the itinerary to suit your preferences and add activities such as paragliding, and rock climbing, or cultural experiences like visiting local villages or attending traditional events
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What accommodation options are available?
Accommodation options range from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts, depending on your preferences and budget. We can recommend suitable options based on your needs.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We are a registered and licensed tour company based in Pakistan since 2017.
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Is Pakistan Safe to travel?
Pakistan spans a vast territory, with Northern Pakistan standing out as a prime tourism destination. It boasts safety comparable to any global travel hotspot, while its people offer hospitality that surpasses most places you may have experienced.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You will have to pay the extra changes for a single supplement. The cost of a single supplement is added along the tour.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you've booked a private tour and wish to change the date, no charges will be incurred if you notify us at least 20 days prior to the tour's departure. Any changes made after this period will result in a deduction of 20% of the tour cost. For fixed departures, the remaining balance can be applied towards future bookings, but refunds will not be issued.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Most of the travelers visiting Pakistan are adventure and trekking lovers. Most of the guests will be between the age of 30 - 60 who have explored the world already
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Free Date Changes
Exploria allows you to make 7 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 80 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exploria allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exploria, 50 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exploria requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 41 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exploria charges.
Up to 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 39 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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