Mountain Kingdoms and Cultural Wonders of Pakistan

Islamabad

Upon arrival in Islamabad, we will enjoy lunch before setting off to explore this modern yet historic city. Our first stop will be the impressive Faisal Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, known for its contemporary design and breathtaking structure. We will then visit the iconic Pakistan Monument and Museum, where you can learn about the country's rich history. Continuing our exploration, we will stop by the Heritage Museum, which showcases traditional crafts and local artisans at work. Here, you’ll have your first opportunity for some shopping. We will finish the day with an early dinner at the scenic Sayed Par Village before returning to our hotel.

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Chitral

After breakfast, we embark on a remarkable journey to Chitral, an ancient kingdom nestled in the mountainous region. The drive will be an adventure in itself, taking us through Chakdarra and over the historic Lowari Pass, a place where Winston Churchill once saw military action in the 1890s. Along the way, we’ll take in the breathtaking scenery and might even witness a polo match, a sport deeply rooted in the local culture. We will stop for lunch at Dir, recharging ourselves before continuing the drive, which will take approximately 7-8 hours in total. Upon arrival in Chitral, we will relax and settle into our hotel for the evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Chitral

Kalash

Today, we venture into the enchanting Rumbor Valley to visit the Kalash people. Our local guide and friend, Yashill, will accompany us as we explore the village and its fascinating traditions. After a hearty lunch, we will witness the preparations for the vibrant festival that the Kalash are renowned for. The valley offers a deep insight into the unique culture of this indigenous tribe. Their customs, beliefs, and way of life are a stark contrast to the rest of Pakistan, and today we will immerse ourselves in the anticipation of the upcoming festivities.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Kalash

The highlight of the day is the Chilam Joshi Spring Festival, a mesmerising celebration of colours, culture, and music. We will watch the locals engage in traditional dances to the rhythmic beat of drums, with women dressed in stunningly vibrant costumes adorned with gold, silver jewellery, and intricate headgear. The men wear their traditional shalwar kameez and woollen waistcoats, giving the festival a picturesque charm. The festival is a time of joy and matchmaking, where young people have the chance to find their future spouses. You’ll witness rituals like the offering of milk to their gods, symbolising prayers for bountiful harvests and healthy livestock.

Kalash

Chitral

This morning, after breakfast, we take a scenic drive to Bomberat to visit the Kalash Tribal Museum, where we’ll learn more about the rich history and unique traditions of the Kalash people. We may also get a chance to visit a local school in the area. After a short break with tea, we’ll proceed to explore the ancient cemetery in Karkal, where wooden coffins are placed in boxes above the ground, an intriguing glimpse into the customs of the Kalash. Following lunch in the valley, we will return to Chitral, where we can visit a local hat maker and take a drive to the mountains to spot the rare and majestic Markhor, Pakistan’s national animal.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Gupis

Today promises an unforgettable road trip as we journey to Gupis. The route is one of the most scenic in the world, offering ample opportunities for photo stops and tea breaks along the way. We will cross the Shandur Pass, known as 'the roof of the world,' standing at a staggering 3,736 metres. This pass is home to the highest polo field in the world, where the famous Shandur Polo Festival takes place. Along the way, we’ll have the chance to walk and soak in the vast beauty of this high-altitude wonder. Dinner will feature fresh river trout, offering a delightful end to the day.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Gilgit

Today, we depart for Gilgit, driving through the stunning junction of the Karakoram Highway and the Hindu Kush, following the river as it guides us to our destination. Upon arrival, we will visit the historic British Cemetery, a solemn reminder of the region’s colonial past. Lunch will be served at the Serena Hotel, where you can relax and take in the majestic views of the surrounding mountains from the peaceful gardens. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure before we are treated to a special evening of hospitality at Eshan’s house. His family will prepare an array of local dishes using fresh produce grown in their own garden.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Gilgit

Passu

Our journey continues along the Karakoram Highway, offering more captivating landscapes as we head toward Passu. Along the way, we will pass the iconic 'Passu Cones,' a series of jagged mountain peaks, and stop to meet a local craftsman who creates intricate wooden products powered by a traditional waterwheel. There will be an opportunity to purchase handmade items here. We will also stop to view ancient petroglyphs along the roadside before enjoying lunch at the Rakaposhi Viewpoint, where the snow-capped Rakaposhi peak towers above at 7,788 metres. After lunch, we will take a scenic boat ride on the turquoise waters of Attabad Lake. The day ends at a hotel overlooking the spectacular Passu Cones, where Yak meat will be featured on the dinner menu.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Karimabad

Today’s adventure takes us to the Khunjerab Pass, the highest paved international border crossing in the world, standing at a remarkable 5,000 metres. This point marks the border between Pakistan and China and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. As we drive through Khunjerab National Park, we may spot herds of yaks roaming the high-altitude landscape. Our lunch stop will be in the border town of Sost, the last town before China. After lunch, we will visit the serene Bovit Saltwater Lake and the ancient suspension bridge before continuing our journey to Karimabad, where we will stay overnight.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Karimabad

This morning, we visit the centuries-old Baltit Fort, perched in the Hunza Valley. Its strategic position along the Central Asian Silk Route has attracted merchants and explorers for centuries. Built around 700 years ago, Baltit Fort was traditionally the residence of the Mir of Hunza. The fort offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's history and boasts stunning views of the Ulter Glacier. After exploring the fort, we will enjoy tea and walnut cake, a local delicacy. Later, we will visit Altit Fort, located nearby. This 1,100-year-old fort and its iconic Shikari Tower were restored in 2007. In the evening, we’ll head to ‘Eagles Nest’ to watch the sunset over the surrounding mountains, with a chance to spot the Needle peak in the distance.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Gilgit

Today, we drive along the river to the Hoper Valley, where we’ll meet the local Mohaan people, known for their traditional gold-panning techniques. After a scenic walk to the viewpoint, you’ll have the option to descend and explore the Hoper Glacier up close. We will have lunch in the picturesque countryside before visiting Ganash, a 1,000-year-old Silk Road village and UNESCO World Heritage site. The village offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient trade routes and cultural exchanges. By evening, we return to Gilgit, where we will stay in a charming Colonial-era hotel and enjoy a delicious dinner.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Gilgit

Skardu

We set off on a spectacular drive to Skardu, following the Indus River Road. Along the way, we will stop at several breathtaking viewpoints, including the Nanga Parbat viewpoint, where you can marvel at the ninth-highest mountain in the world, standing at 8,126 metres. We will also witness the convergence of three of the world’s highest mountain ranges: the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush. After a stop at the beautiful Shigar Lake Resort for lunch, we will continue our journey and spend the night in the historic Shigar Fort, a stunningly restored fortress surrounded by picturesque landscapes.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Khaplu

Today, we drive through the scenic valleys to Khaplu, stopping at the stunning Matokha Waterfall along the way. We will also visit the confluence of the Sheyok and Indus rivers, a place of natural beauty and historical significance. Our journey concludes at Khaplu Fort, where we will spend the night. This magnificent fort offers not only a glimpse into the region’s royal past but also incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Skardu

We begin our day with a visit to the vibrant Skardu Bazaar, where you can explore local markets and perhaps purchase some traditional handicrafts. Afterward, we’ll visit the serene Satpara Lake and the unique Cold Desert, a high-altitude desert known for its surreal landscape. We will also visit the ancient Ambrik Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in the region. The day concludes with a return to our hotel in Skardu for a restful night.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Skardu

Islamabad

This morning, we fly from Skardu back to Islamabad, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the towering Nanga Parbat (8,126m) on the right side of the plane and the awe-inspiring K2 (8,611m) on the left. Upon arrival, we will visit the Tracks Art Workshop, where you can observe local artisans at work. In the evening, we will enjoy a farewell dinner at Sayed Pur Village, reflecting on the incredible journey we’ve shared before returning to our hotel for the night.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Islamabad - Departure

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Islamabad and head to the airport for your flight home, marking the end of this unforgettable adventure through the majestic landscapes and rich cultural heritage of northern Pakistan.

Meals Included: Breakfast