Karakorum Highway & Chitral Valley
Karakorum Highway & Chitral Valley
Karakorum Highway & Chitral Valley
21 Days Starting and ending in Islamabad, Pakistan
Visiting: Islamabad, Naran, Fairy Meadows, Astore Valley, Nanga Parbat, Skardu, Shigar Valley, Gilgit, Hunza Valley, Karimabad, Gupis, Mastuj, Chitral, Rumbur Valley, Bumburet Valley
Tour operator:
Tour code:
566
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 10
Age range:
12-85
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of Northern Pakistan with the "Karakorum Highway & Chitral Valley" tour. Traverse the legendary Karakorum Highway, hike to the enchanting Fairy Meadows, and explore the majestic Deosai Plains. Discover the rich history and culture of the region with visits to the Shigar Valley, Khorpocho, Baltit, and Altit Forts. Marvel at the serene beauty of Borith Lake and the thrilling Hussaini hanging bridge. Enjoy guided mountain hikes, including optional treks to Nanga Parbat Base Camp and Herrlikoffer Base Camp. Experience the vibrant local life and stunning vistas, all while traveling in rugged 4x4 vehicles and staying in comfortable accommodations. This adventure tour promises an immersive and exhilarating journey through some of Pakistan's most iconic and picturesque destinations.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Islamabad, Afternoon City Tour
Location: Islamabad
Accommodation Name: Islamabad hotel
This morning we will welcome you to Pakistan at Islamabad airport and transfer you to your hotel. At 2pm your guide will meet you at the hotel and take you on an afternoon tour of Pakistan's modern capital. Our visits will include the huge Faisal Mosque, which is the 6th largest in the world and the biggest in South Asia. We'll also visit the Pakistan Monument which was constructed to symbolise the unity of the Pakistan people, and the impressive Heritage Museum which presents the history and living traditions of the people of Pakistan both from the main stream and the remotest regions of the country.
Extra nights are available in the hotel before the tour starts if morning arrival flights are not available or convenient.
Day 2 : Islamabad To Naran Via The Jaulian Monastery & Sirkup Old City. Visit Naran Bazaar
Location: Naran
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Naran
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We leave modern Islamabad this morning and start our drive up into the hills to the north. Our journey takes us along the photogenic, 160km-long Khagan valley, which is embraced by the forested peaks of the lesser Himalayan range. Along the way we visit the Jaulian Monastery and Sirkup Old City. Explore the ruins of Jaulian, a Buddhist monastery, and imagine the serene lives of monks who once resided there. Finally, walk among the relics of Sirkup, a bustling city from the Kushan era, picturing its grand streets and marketplaces. Naran is one of Pakistan's most popular summer holiday spots and is famous for its colourful panorama. Naran itself is situated on the banks of the Kunhar river, and we have some time to look around before spending the night here. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Naran Bazaar. Browse vibrant stalls overflowing with handcrafted souvenirs, local textiles, and delicious street food. You can also engage with friendly vendors and discover unique treasures that capture the essence of this mountain town.
Day 3 : Cross The Babussar Pass. Hike To Fairy Meadows
Location: Fairy Meadows
Accommodation Name: Fairy Meadows Huts
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Prepare for some serious hairpin bends today as the road climbs up to the Babussar Pass (4175m) and then descends again towards Chilas, situated on the banks of the mighty Indus River. En-route we'll stop for a break at Lalusar Lake. We continue up the Karakorum Highway to Raikot Bridge (2300m) and then follow a narrow jeep track to Tato village. The track clings to the side of the mountain with steep drops below and we'll be thankful for our experienced driver! We leave the vehicles at Jhel Village there and take a 2-3 hour/5km trek to Fairy Meadows (3300m). This is a strenuous uphill walk, which includes a gradual climb for most of the route, with one steep final section of around 30 minutes (total elevation gain around 650m). Horses can be hired locally for around 3000Rs per person (approx. GBP 13 / USD 18) if you don't want to walk up. This a legendary place, well named by German climbers, and has an unsurpassed view of Nanga Parbat (8125m).
Day 4 : Free Time Or Treks In The Mountains Around Fairy Meadows
Location: Fairy Meadows
Accommodation Name: Fairy Meadows huts
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fairy Meadows (3300m) is one of the most picturesque places in the world, and the start of some fantastic mountain trekking routes. There are two options today. The easier choice is a 2-3 hour trek through dense prime forest, and then through birch trees and along shallow streams up to Beyal Camp (3500m). This is a summer settlement for the local shepherds and has stunning views of Nanga Parbat. An easy walk takes you back down to Fairy Meadows to enjoy a camp fire after dinner. The other, tougher option is continue on from Beyal Camp for another 3 to 4 hours to reach Nanga Parbat Base Camp (3967m, 500m ascent). Suitable for fit, and experienced trekkers, this is an 8 to 9 hour round trip, but well worth it if you're up for it. For those preferring a more relaxed pace, Fairy Meadows is a good location for a relaxed stroll, or wildlife spotting; keep your eyes peeled for marmots, Himalayan ibex, and colorful birds. The remote location of Fairy Meadows makes it a perfect spot for star gazing at night.
Day 5 : Hike Down To Tato, Drive To Tarashing
Location: Astore Valley
Accommodation Name: Tarashing guest house
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We'll leave Fairy Meadows reluctantly this morning and after breakfast hike back down to Tato (approx. 1 1/2 to 2 hours), pick up our vehicles again, and then drive on to Tarashing, through the magnificent, pine forested Astore Valley which feels reminiscent of Austrian scenes (around 3 to 4 hours drive). The roads become smaller and narrower and eventually we reach the remote village of Tarashing, the last village at the head of the jeep road towards the Rupal face of Nanga Parbat. The village is watered by Tarashing Glacier which follows the route to the base camp. The fields around the village offer picturesque scenery and the flower blossom in summer is superb.
Day 6 : Hike To Nanga Parbat-Herrligkoffer Base Camp
Location: Nanga Parbat
Accommodation Name: Tarashing guest house
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We have another stunning mountain trek today. We'll start by driving from Tarashing (2911m) into the the Rupal Valley, following the Tarashing (or Chhungphar) glacier's lateral moraine before crossing it and continuing to Rupal Village. From there we hike through small settlements and past herds of yaks and cattle to the Herrligkoffer Base Camp (3550m) at the foot of Nanga Parbat. The camp site is named after a German mountaineer, Karl Herrligkoffer, who led the first successful expedition to reach the peak of Nanga Parbat in 1953. The overal trek is around 8km, taking around 4 hours. Back at Tarashing, there will be free time in the village to chat to friendly locals and see how life is lived in these remote areas where the glacial water supply is vital and ever decreasing.
Day 7 : To Skardu Via Desosai National Park
Location: Skardu
Accommodation Name: Skardu hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our route today takes us through the Deosai National Park. These plains are a contrast to the steep valleys we've traversed so far, and lie between the Indus River and the souther extension of the Himalayas. The altitude averages 3800m, and the undulating green, flower-filled meadows are surrounded by snow capped peaks. Fresh water lakes abound, helping to make this seldom disturbed area a haven for wildlife, including Brown Bear and Markhor. After driving across the plains, we continue to Skardu, the capital of the Baltistan region. Known as 'Little Tibet', this area has one of the highest clusters of mountains in the world, and has ancient ties with nearby TIbet. We'll break the journey to Skardu at the beautiful Satpura Lake, another large lake at the foot of the plains, and visit the Manthal Buddha, a large granite rock into which a picture of Buddha has been engraved, probably sometime in the 8th century. This is one of the most important relics of Buddhism in the Skardu region.
Day Trip To The Shigar Valley
Location: Shigar Valley
Accommodation Name: Skardu hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We take a day trip from Skardu to the fertile Shigar Valley today. We'll cross the Indus River, and head up the Shigar River which is surrounded by wide flat sand banks, deposited when the water levels are high. The lush green valley is a great contrast, and is well known for its fruit orchards. Shigar is inhabited mostly by Balti people of Tibetan descent, and has many historical buildings of architectural significance associated with the Noorbakhshi Sufi community. We'll visit the Amborik Mosque, and have lunch at Shigar Fort. After returning to Skardu we can take a late afternoon hike to Khorpocho Fort, built in the 8th century on a hill overlooking Skardu. The main fort was destroyed in 1840, though the impressive boundary walls remain.
Day 9 : Skardu To Gilgit Via Katchura Lake
Location: Gilgit
Accommodation Name: Gilgit Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we'll drive back to the main Karakorum Highway and the town of Gilgit. The road hugs the banks of the Indus river all the way, and we can see various stretches of white water rapids. We'll make a stop on the way at the Katchura Lakes, and look out for the local wild apricot trees. Gilgit is an important town, and was part of the Kushan Empire in teh 1st to 3rd centuries. Buddhism persisted after the Kushan demise, though few traces remain - one being the Kargah Buddha, a rock wall carved in the 7th century. Gilgit is surrounded by high peaks, the most impressive being Rakaposhi (7,788m). We'll arrive in time to visit the old British cemetery and the lively and eclectic bazaar. If we're lucky we may be able to see a Polo match; Polo is extemely popular through the region and matches between neighbouring towns happen throughout the summer.
Day 10 : Hunza Valley, Borith Lake, Passu Glacier View
Location: Hunza Valley
Accommodation Name: Passu Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We drive north again today on the newly reconstructed Karakorum Highway. Passing under the shadow of Rakaposhi, our two hour journey leads us to the former kingdom of Hunza, called “the epitome of mountain grandeur” by Eric Shipton. It is a fairy tale land surrounded by beautiful rugged & snow capped mountains; including Ultar (7,388m), Lady Finger (6000m), Diran (7,266m) and Rakaposhi (7,788m). In the Upper Hunza Valley, we'll take a walk for around two hours from Borith Lake (2600m), up to a stunning viewpoint alongside the huge Passu Glacier. The saline waters are supposed to be good for the skin, and many people take a dip here in the summer months. The site is also an important sanctuary for migrating wildfowl. From the glacier, a path leads back down to the Karakorum Highway. We'll return to our hotel and there feast on some of the best food of the trip with both Indian and Chinese influences creating mouth watering dishes.
Day 11 : Passu To Karimabad
Location: Karimabad
Accommodation Name: Karimabad hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A short drive and walk after breakfast this morning brings us to the world famous Hussaini Suspension Bridge. Considered the second longest man made hanging bridge in the world, this stretches for several hundred metres across the Hunza River, with widely spaced wooden boards and a few wire ropes being all that is between you and the rushing river below. Take care if you want to cross it! We'll then follow the river downstream and visit Gulmit village, Pamiri Musical School, a local museum and discover the KORGAH weaving center, where traditional craftsmanship meets modern social impact. This center supports women artisans in rural Pakistan, empowering them through the creation of beautiful, hand-woven textiles. Witness skilled weavers at work, learn about their ancient techniques, and perhaps even take home a unique piece that carries with it a story of sustainability and female empowerment. In Karimabad, the main town of the Hunza Valley, we'll visit the Baltit Fort which was the old palace of the Mirs of Hunza. About 700 years old, the Baltit Fort sits on the edge of a cliff with a ravine below and the Ultar glacier in the distance.
Day 12 : Drive To Gupis
Location: Gupis
Accommodation Name: Gupis Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We head south and then west in to the Hindu Kush Mountain Range. The road from Gahkuch to Gupis has breathtaking views along the Gupis valley where people go about their everyday lives farming the fertile land. Our hotel offers an amazing view down the valley to Phander Lake, which is famous for trout fishing
Day 13 : Drive To Mastuj Via The Shandur Pass
Location: Mastuj
Accommodation Name: Mastuj Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our journey continues through alpine meadows, weaving our way through turquoise rivers and streams to take us over the mighty Shandur Pass (3720m), which is also home to the highest Polo ground in the world. Here every July, Chitralis and Gilgities fight it out on the Polo field for the coveted trophy. Driving on, we catch a glimpse of snow capped Tirich Mir mountain and reach the quiet village of Mastuj where we spend the night.
Day 14 : Drive To Chitral
Location: Chitral
Accommodation Name: Chitral hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This traditional route has been used for centuries by the traders between Chitral and Gilgit. After lunch we explore the streets and alleyways of Chitral town. The bazaar, overshadowed by the icy ramparts of Tirich Mir (7708m) up valley, has a really interesting atmosphere, with merchants from as far as the Punjab and Afghanistan peddling an eclectic selection of merchandise - semi-precious stones, locally woven cloth, the famous chitrali caps, old medals,etc. Visit the Bazaar and dinner at Kabuli Restaurant.
Day Trip To Garam Chashma
Location: Chitral
Accommodation Name: Chitral hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we drive to Garam Chashma, famous for its hot sulphur springs and well known for their healing abilities and attract many people who wish to be cured from varied ailments ranging from migraines to sterility. Drive back to Chitral in the afternoon where you'll have some free time.
Day 16 : Drive To The Rumbur Valley. Learn About The Kalash People
Location: Rumbur Valley
Accommodation Name: Rumbur guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, we will visit the fascinating Kalash people who inhabit the nearby valleys of Rumbur, Bumburet and Birir. The exact origin of these people is lost in antiquity - some believe they are the descendants of Alexander the Great’s soldiers left behind when he retreated from Asia - but they have inhabited these valleys for at least 1500 years. The Kalash women wear black gowns of coarse cloth in summer and hand-spun wool dyed in black in winter, with picturesque headgear made of woven wool, adorned with cowry shells and buttons. We visit Rumbur village and overnight stay at Saifullah Guest House.
Day 17 : Nuristani Village & Bumburet Valley
Location: Bumburet Valley
Accommodation Name: Rumbur guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, we'll walk to Nuristani village and back to Rumbur, before we drive on to the Bumburet Valley. We visit Bumburet village and Kalash Museum.
Day 18 : Summer Palace Visit, Birmoghlasht
Location: Chitral
Accommodation Name: Chitral hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we'll return to Chitral, where we visit the Summer Palace on the hilltop (2743 meters) above the town at Birmoghlasht. The Mehtar, former rulers of Chitral used to stay there during the summer season. We'll have a short hill walk, where we'll have lunch with views. Then we drive back to Chitral and visit Old Mosque.
Day 19 : Chitral To Islamabad Flight
Location: Islamabad
Accommodation Name: Islamabad hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We intend to fly back to Islamabad today, however due to the mountainous region, weather may not allow us this luxury. If this is not possible, we shall make the journey by road. Payment for the flight would be made locally if this upgrade is necessary.
Day 20 : Visit Taxila And Islamabad
Location: Islamabad
Accommodation Name: Islamabad hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a short drive we visit Taxila Museum and the remains of Jaulian monastery. Taxila, was once the seat of Oriental culture. It was first mentionned as a satrapy of the Achemenian empire in 6th century BC. It was invaded by Alexander the Great, and passed along to other rulers until finally reaching the hands of Ashoka the Great, who moulded the city into a center of learning. The creative Gandhara period followed shortly thereafter and Taxila remained a center of learning, philosophy and art until the 5th century C.E. In the afternoon we proceed to half day city sightseeing of Islamabad. We will begin at the old city of Rawalpindi, at the Raja(king) Bazaar. A stop in the silver and gold bazaars will allow us to catch traditional craftsmen at work. We will then continue on the main street linking the Twin cities - Murree Road- before arriving at the new gleaming capital. We continue our visit at Daman-e-koh, situated at an altitude of 1100 meters which provides bird’s eye view of Islamabad. Then we will visit Shah Faisal Mosque before returning to our Islamabad hotel where we spend the final night.
Day 21 : Departure From Islamabad
Location: Islamabad
Accommodation Name: N/A
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your time is free today until we transfer you back to Islamabad airport for your flight home. Extra nights and additional guiding and transport are available in Islamabad or Rawalpindi if you would like to extend your stay, perhaps to add on a visit to Lahore to see the Fort, Mosque and Gardens. Please contact us for details.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation in comfortable hotels, guesthouses, and cabins.
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Airport Transfers
Airport arrival and departure transfers.
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Domestic Flight
Domestic flight from Chitral to Islamabad.
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Transport
Transport in rugged 4x4 vehicles.
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Visa Invitation Letter
Visa invitation letter.
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Sightseeing Tours
Sightseeing tours in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
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Guided Mountain Hikes
Various guided mountain hikes throughout the route.
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Pakistani Clothes
Pakistani clothes (Shalwaar Chemise).
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Meals
Three meals per day.
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Tea and Coffee
Tea and coffee in the morning and afternoon.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights are not included.
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Visas
Visas are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory but not included.
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Drinks, Snacks, and Tips
Drinks, snacks, and tips are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Other personal expenses such as laundry are not included.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions are not included.
More Info
Get a true taste of Pakistan with our 21-day tour which takes you in small groups, with local guides, into the heart of this stunning country. Travelling in groups of three in open top jeeps, this stripped back experience gives you the chance to get a true sense of the culture and landscape. Beginning the tour in Islamabad, we will travel up the Karakorum highway which cuts through the mighty peaks of the Himalaya, Karakorum and Hindu Kush mountain ranges. This is a route seldom travelled by foreign tourists, and gives you jaw dropping views. Stretch your legs with a trek to the base camp at Nanga Parbat and receive a traditionally Pakistani warm welcome at Kalash Valley before hiking to the Passu Glacier. Channel your inner dare devil as you cross the death-defying suspension bridge before heading over the Shandur Pass to Chitral and back to Kalash Valley. This tour is one that will really change your life
Mode of Transport
In Northern Pakistan our transport is mainly by 4x4 jeep with some transfers in either a car or Land Cruiser. In Southern Pakistan we prefer to use a car or 4x4 (Land Cruiser or similar) with air conditioning.
Accommodation
In both areas we use basic hotels, almost all with en-suite facilities. We do offer an upgrade to a single room – please enquire before your departure.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transport is used during the tour?
In Northern Pakistan, the transport is mainly by 4x4 jeep with some transfers in either a car or Land Cruiser. In Southern Pakistan, a car or 4x4 (Land Cruiser or similar) with air conditioning is preferred.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation in basic hotels, almost all with en-suite facilities. There is an option to upgrade to a single room, which should be inquired about before departure.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes three meals per day, along with tea and coffee in the morning and afternoon.
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Is there an option for a single room upgrade?
Yes, an upgrade to a single room is available. Please inquire before your departure.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes various guided mountain hikes, sightseeing tours in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, and visits to several historical and natural sites such as the Karakorum Highway, Fairy Meadows, Deosai Plains, Shigar Valley, and more.
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What should I do if I don't want to hike to Fairy Meadows?
Horses can be hired locally for around 3000Rs per person (approx. GBP 13 / USD 18) if you don't want to walk up to Fairy Meadows.
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What happens if the flight from Chitral to Islamabad is canceled due to weather?
If the flight is canceled due to weather, the journey will be made by road. Payment for the flight would be made locally if this upgrade is necessary.
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Deosai National Park?
Deosai National Park is a haven for wildlife, including Brown Bear and Markhor. The undulating green, flower-filled meadows and fresh water lakes make it a perfect habitat for various species.
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What is the significance of the Kalash people?
The Kalash people inhabit the valleys of Rumbur, Bumburet, and Birir. They have a unique culture and are believed to be descendants of Alexander the Great’s soldiers. They have inhabited these valleys for at least 1500 years.
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What is the difficulty level of the hike to Nanga Parbat Base Camp?
The hike to Nanga Parbat Base Camp is suitable for fit and experienced trekkers. It is an 8 to 9 hour round trip with a significant elevation gain.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes, if you are travelling solo. On our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions, we will pair you up with a tent buddy of the same sex when we camp and the same goes for twin & shared rooms in hostels, so there is no need to go it alone! If you specifically would like to request your own single room whilst on the trip, this may be requested subject to availability and additional fee.
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How many people do you take on your Trips?
On most of our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions our vehicles can carry a maximum of 24 travellers, the average however is around 16-20 on any one trip. Our Small Group Adventures have a maximum of 18 people per Tour Leader, although again the average is around 10-14 people.
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Oasis Overland 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 oasis overland charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 33% of booking price.
At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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