The Hindukush Adventure
Duration:
15 days
Next Departure:
April 2022
Airport:
Islamabad
Reference:
CH236A
Summary:
Home to some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world, thriving cities, colourful markets and warm hospitality, a trip to this part of the world is bound to excite even the most seasoned travellers. On this amazing journey along the Northwest Frontier, you will drive from the capital Islamabad, through majestic scenery, to the ancient kingdom of Chitral. Here we will spend two days with the Kalash before heading towards the Shandur Pass to one of the most beautiful places on earth, Hunza. We will complete our circuit by returning to the Islamabad, exploring the stunning valley of Kaghan along the way.
Please note that there is a festival departure each year, and overnight stops may vary slightly on the individual departures so please see the itineraries for further details.
Itinerary:
Day 1: ISLAMABAD
After a lazy start we take a look around Islamabad visiting the Faisal Mosque and National Heritage Museum before taking dinner in the Margalla Hills.
Day 2: ISLAMABAD - SWAT VALLEY
Today sees us heading into the Northwest Frontiers territory and the beautiful Swat Valley where we will get a glimpse into the Buddhist history of this region and visit newly opened swat museum.
Day 3: SWAT VALLEY - CHITRAL
This morning we continue our journey north heading to Chitral and the local guest house.
Day 4 & 5: CHITRAL - KALASH VALLEY
Day 4: We will enjoy the gardens and some local walks before heading into the Kalash via the valley of Rumbor to the village of Balanguru.
Day 5: We'll have ample time to mingle with the local villagers and learn about their way of life. We can also enjoy an optional walk to visit the Nuristani community.
Day 6: KALASH - CHITRAL
After some more exploration in the Kalash Valley we return to Chitral where we may catch a game of polo in the wonderfully friendly town of Chitral.
Day 7: CHITRAL - MASTUJ
Today we take one of earth's most dramatic drives to the start of the Wakhan Corridor before visiting the local fort at Mastuj.
Day 8: MASTUJ - KALTI
Drive to Shandur Pass tonight we sit out under the stars overlooking the lake.
Days 9, 10 & 11: KALTI - GILGIT - HUNZA
Day 9: Mt Rakaposhi is a breathtaking site on this drive that comes after the Christian cemetery at Gilgit.
Day 10: We will stay at the hotel which has one of the best views of the valley and spend a full day in Hunza, we'll be able to visit the UNESCO maintained Baltit Fort, Altit Fort ,Hunza river , take local walks along water channels as well as meeting the friendly locals in Karimabad.
Day 11: Surrounded by 7000m peaks, this spot has amazing views. We'll head north up the KKH for more stunning mountain vistas, to walk on the Hope Glacier and see the Attabad Lake formed when a landslide hit the area.
Day 12: HUNZA - GILGIT
Today we head back to the KKH and lunch at Rakaposhi View before returning to Gilgit.
Day 13: GILGIT - NARAN
We have an early start for a long but scenic drive to Naran or Besham depending on the season.
Days 14 & 15: NARAN - KAGHAN - ISLAMABAD
Continuing towards Islamabad we stop off to the neighbouring valley of Kaghan.
Day 15: The tour ends this morning in Islamabad.
Additional Information:
The above schedule should be taken as a guide only. Inclement weather may cause delays in our journey, whether we are on foot or travelling by vehicle. Our schedule has been planned to allow for variations and where necessary, spare days will be used to compensate for these changes. Our guide reserves the right to make modifications or alterations to the trip schedule in the best interests and safety of all involved. A flexible approach will allow us to efficiently and effectively achieve trip objectives.