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:

Exploria

Tour code:

230711

Specialist Group:

Fifty+

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 12

Physical rating:

Low, Medium

Age range:

10-80

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Meat, Jain, Halal

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Interests:

Cultural, History

Private Available:

Request A Private Tour

From: $3000 $2906 Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$95

NB: Prices correct on 11-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

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

  • Explore Islamabad, the lush capital of Pakistan.

  • Discover ancient Buddhist sites in Swat Valley.

  • Stay with a Chitral prince and tour his gardens.

  • Walk through the stunning Kalash Valley

  • Visit the UNESCO-listed Baltit Fort in Hunza

Places You'll See

Hindu Kush Tour Northern Pakistan 2024 -25

Hindu Kush Tour Northern Pakistan 2024 -25

Hindu Kush Tour Northern Pakistan 2024 -25

Hindu Kush Tour Northern Pakistan 2024 -25

Hindu Kush Tour Northern Pakistan 2024 -25

Hindu Kush Tour Northern Pakistan 2024 -25

Hindu Kush Tour Northern Pakistan 2024 -25

Hindu Kush Tour Northern Pakistan 2024 -25

Itinerary

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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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    We are a registered and licensed tour company based in Pakistan since 2017.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

Reviews of this operator

Leonardo  

Unforgettable

20-May-2023

Together with my girlfriend we travel from Uruguay to Pakistan by mid May through Exploria.pk. Our tour started in Islamabad and included Fairy Meadows (incredible place and landscapes), Hunza and all arround, Lahore and back to Islamabad. We did more than 3000 km going from -0 temperaturas to more than 40grades. We made the majority of the tour by car with a team of guide (Farman) and driver (Bilal) that performed perfectly, giving us assistance in every thing we needed and beyond, showing us how the deepper Pakistan is, telling how people is including the possibility to meet local people and listen folk music among other things as making possible to experience local food. We are more than happy to have discovered Pakistan and break the myths occidental people have about such an amazing country. We hope to be back sooner than later! Thanks Exploria who made all arrangements as per our request with very nice and comfortable locations. Thanks guys, we will always remember with a smile on our faces the days with you.

Shahida  

My eighteen days tour with Exploria Tour was very interesting and exciting.

19-Dec-2023

One of the best countries I have visited beyond my expectations. From the day of our arrival to the end of our most exhilarating adventures was well executed by the Exploria team..My special thanks to the tour guides Karim and Nawaz very accommodating went the extra mile to make this tour most enjoyable for us...Hunza Valley very scenic breathtaking landscape diversity of culture, humbleness of the people very heart warming. My biggest challenge was Nanga Parbadt Mt adventure. Will definitely recommend it to anyone most hair -raising experience to gain confidence in oneself. Well done !to the Exploria team, will definitely recommend to family and friends..

Floxey  

Pakistan at its best

19-Dec-2023

I can not say enough great things about Afir and his amazing company! They made Pakistan real, interesting, safe! I recommend them without hesitation or reservations!

Ateeq  

Hunza valley 5 day tour

19-Dec-2023

We have just returned from a 5 day tour of Hunza Valley with Exploria Pakistan. From the initial contact with Exploria and booking process, all the way through to the logistics, the trip itself and departure from Gilgit, Exploria have been beyond excellent in their management, communication and execution of the trip. All our requirements were facilitated in a charming manner and the quality of service offered by Exploria is in line with top international tour operators. The hotels recommended by Exploria were absolutely the best that Hunza has to offer; the guide we had was incredible, knowledgeable and supremely professional and had an innate knowledge of the region and the sites. Exploria were on hand for everything we needed. They ensured our safety and comfort throughout the trip. They were flexible in accommodating our requirements and changes and helped make this experience a once in a lifetime trip. Hunza is heavenly in its beauty and culture; I will highly recommend that tourists coming from outside Pakistan to visit go through Exploria for such a trip - it makes the experience even better!

Prima Latha  

An amazing experience that will be difficult to top!

19-Dec-2023

Recently returned from a solo trip to North Pakistan. This was a spectacular trip. North Pakistan is breathtakingly beautiful. Exploria PK was the 5th tour operator I contacted and am so thankful that I eventually booked my private tour with them. All communications was with Ajmal who helped plan the entire trip for me. Stress free, easy and prompt communication via email & whatsapp. He was very fast in his responses too and from the start of our communication he promised that as a solo female traveler my experience in North Pakistan will be safe and smooth and that he will assign a guide who will best suit my requires – he kept his promise! What impressed me with Exploria PK services is that Ajmal continued to check in on me upon my arrival into Islamabad on Day, throughout my stay in North Pakistan and also upon my return back home. RESPECT! I was assigned Rashid as guide for my private tour and he was equally amazing. Rashid kept me safe on the roads and gave me an amazing experience. The best were the road trips – the views of the mountains around every corner was jaw-dropping. The whole trip was wonderful. Everyday was filled with great moments. I was well taken care and the hospitality in North Pakistan stands out from everything else. This was hands down the best travel experience for me. I had an amazing time. Highly recommend Exploria PK. Just book your tickets and leave everything else in the good hands of Ajmal. Well done Ajmal & Rashid! My soul will forever thank you both for giving me amazing memories that will last a lifetime. THANK YOU!

Noe Cafesse  

Amazing

19-Dec-2023

Took the tour to Khunjerab with them about a month ago, everything worked out better than promised!, it was easy and cheaper than if I had gone by myself, also saved precious time that I could use to stay in Passu for some extra time, going with a guide was totally worth too, would have missed so much without him. Ajmal, the owner is very energetic and responsable person that will do everything to make sure things work well with the tour, he even continued to help me trough my time in Pakistan up to the point I consider him a friend now. They are the most trustworthy tour company I saw there and by far. Thanks Exploria!

Argentina
Bano Meer  

Northern Pakistan Tour

19-Dec-2023

I would recommend Exploria to all my friends and family. My trip was well organised and within my budget. Tour guides Nawaz and Raheem together with driver Imraan and Noor did an excellent job of fulfilling our wishes for a memorable experience. They were friendly and polite. Thank you Exploria for your excellent service.

South Africa
Bruno  

Beautiful glaciers!!

23-Sep-2023

I went to Pakistan on a 10 day trip with my daughter in September 2023. The experience is highly recommended. They organized a guide who was with us for the full 10 days and who was able to explain to us both the cultural and nature aspects of the trip. Excellent!

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1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Sunday

Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 15, 2025
$3000 $2906

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$95

Friday - Friday

Aug 01, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025
$3000 $2906

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$95

Monday - Monday

Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 15, 2025
$3000 $2906

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$95

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 01, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025
$3000 $2906

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$95

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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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