14 Day Naltar Pakhora and Assumbar Pass Trek: Unique Adventure in Karakorum and Hindukush

City tour of the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. In sharp contrast to the ancient and historical cities and towns of Pakistan, the Federal Capital Islamabad is a new city modeled on the pattern of many new and modern western capitals. Half day city tour of Islamabad. Overnight at a hotel or guest house

Rawalpindi – is a bustling town strategically located between the Punjab and Azad Kashmir. It has a strong colonial influence and possesses a large military cantonment with the headquarters of the Pakistan Army. It is the sister city of Islamabad, and is essentially the older sister of Islamabad. To locals, Old bazaars, such as the Raja Bazaar, retain their oriental character, with artisans who still create in the old-fashioned way: designing jewelry, pounding out copper and brass items, fashioning cane baskets, hand-carving walnut furniture.

Ten hours driving along the Naran and Kaghan Valley or on the 8^th wonder of the World the Karakoram Highway which is worth to enjoy the diverse towns, cities and villages with unique culture of the people along Hazara and Kohistan regions of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province formerly it was North West Frontier Province and the mighty Indus River flows down from the Karakoram and Himalaya Mountains. In route we stop at ancient rock carvings close to Chilas of left by travelers, pilgrims, traders on their way to Sub-continent and Central Asia. It dates back to 5000-1000 BC the purpose of their journey on the rocks in different languages.

The journey begins on the the 8th wonder of the world Karakorum Highway to Gilgit in two hours. We will witness the Nanga Parbat the second highest mountain in Pakistan and the junction point of the Three Mountain Ranges Karakorum, Hindukush and Himalaya and visit to Gilgit bazaar. After the lunch to Naltar for our adventure destination.

Two hours along the beautiful village of Nomal and on narrow Naltar road along the river. Hidden in the mountains up a dramatic barron gorge 19 km long, the surprisingly green and lush of Naltar adds to the joys of your holidays. Overnight stay in a hotel at 2880 m with spectacular views in the surrounding area. You will dive into nature by the evening. Manage porters here for the next trek. 

NALTAR-LOWER SHANI

 It takes 6 hours if you start trek from other village otherwise, we can drive 12 km in jeep it takes about one hour more or less to 7 color Kutu Lake surrounded by birch trees then start trek from here to the Lower Shani will take 4-5 hours along the Naltar River passing through thick forest and Gujar settlements with awesome views all the way the walk is quite smooth. Ahead the views of numerous snow-capped peaks are eye-catching. Shani Peak 5,887m, the dramatic triple headed Twins 5,798 and 5,700m visible further north, many more to see. We will camp at Lower Shani at 3,800m, quite lush, fed by a small stream edge with flowers; pink bistort, purple geraniums, blue gentians, white edelweiss and many more. Herds of animals roam the hillsides.  

5-6 hours continue on a good path along the edge of the Shani Glacier for two hours and then another 3 hours to Upper Shani is completely ascending, climbing straight ahead with zigzagged path through knee-deep flowers (during mid-July to August) and up a wide grassy shoulder. You come out on a big plateau featuring herds grazing yaks, cows and horses. There are several beautiful campsites with clear streams and spring water and great views of overhanging seracs. Camp at 4,100 meters on the plateau with exciting views the night will be about 10C.

 6-8 hours the first two hours to climb up with stones and snow takes you to the flat top of the pass from where we have mind-blowing views of snow covering mountains in a distance to the northeast over Passu in Hunza. From the pass you will continue to drop down towards Pakhora Ishkoman all the way descending on the glacier for two hours and then on the crest of the moraine down to Kuriu Borth. The usual campsite is at about 3,900m nearby a big red stone that gives the name kurui Borth (red stone in Khowar Language is spoken in Ishkoman). Here it is better to move down another one hour to UCh, a beautiful place with Lush green meadows in a thick forest of pine, birch and willow trees. Overnight stay.

Five hours descending the two hours along the trees and then on a clear donkey path all the way down narrow gorge winding and zigzags. The river stays down to your right there are several small waterfalls along the way. Pakhora is the largest village in Ishkoman. We will drive down to Chatorkhan for an overnight stay in a hotel to relax after this tiring trek. Hot shower and washing in the beautiful Garden of Royal Guest House. A hearty traditional dinner and then a musical night singing songs and dancing (if you are interested) a bone fire in a beautiful Royal Garden. Overnight in sweet dreams.

You will have a two hour walk to Dain Water Fall above the village or you can hire a car if you wish. It is worth visiting here to interact with local people to explore the life of the mountain communities of Hidukush. The views from the waterfall are dramatic because you can see Hindukush and Karakoram mountains both. Overnight stay in the Guest House.

Here we offer several hiking and trekking within the valley and traverse routes to side valleys in the surrounding. 

An hour drive to Asumbar and trek to Charunji 5-6 hours ascending on a clear path passing through summer villages. The stream flowing down along your side is heart-touching. There is a thick forest along the way, stunning views of tiny peaks and meadows. Camp at Charunji 3,600 meters. Overnight stay in a tent.

A Journey Through Alpine Beauty

Enjoy a captivating trek along small streams and stunning vistas as you ascend toward Janali. Along the way, you’ll pass the Gujar Nomads’ huts at Bortha Borthi, famous for their iconic large stone. Continuing further, the Asumbar Pass comes into view, marking your approach to the next campsite.

Arrive at Janali, a beautiful green flatland whose name means "playground" in the local language. According to local lore, shepherds once played polo here, adding to its unique charm. This alpine region, above the tree line, offers a surreal landscape of colorful rock formations and hanging glaciers.

Spend the night in a tent, surrounded by the pristine beauty of this remarkable place.

Trek to Mayur ascending 400 m up smoothly to the pass 4,410m. Then descending down to the lush green meadows with willow bushes. The highest point of your trek at the Asumber Pass from where we can have a panoramic of snow-capped peaks and dramatic plateaus around. Above all, in a distance we would see the highest mountain of Hindukush Trichmir 7,870 meters, and other numerous peaks above 5000 meters in the surrounding.  Mayur is beautiful place with couple of summer huts where a stream joins from the east Mayur Lake to Asumbar Stream that gives an awe-inspiring attractions of the landscape here. Overnight stay in tent.

Descent to Sandhi and Yasin Valley Highlights

Descend through the scenic Asumbar Valley to Sandhi and Yasin, passing summer houses with herds of goats, fields of wheat, and barley. The trail narrows into a stunning valley, leading to the jeep road near Sandi village, where we’ll visit the historic Mudori Fort. A short climb offers panoramic views of the picturesque Yasin Valley.

Yasin Valley, rich in history, serves as a gateway to iconic trekking routes, including Thui Pass, Darkot Pass, and Ghamubar Pass. End the day with an overnight stay in a comfortable hotel, immersed in the valley's charm.

Today we will do the amazingly scenic road trip from Yasin to Gilgit early to head up the the Shandur Road that leads to the “Roof of the World” the highest Polo ground Shandur the road goes to Chitral to the North West of (KPK)  often called one of the world’s greatest road trips. We’ll drive along the turquoise waters of the Ghizer River which is a home Trout Fish nearby Gupis and down to Gilgit and Chilas. The views along this route are truly breathtaking.

Regrettably, this day marks the end of our adventure, but we leave with our hearts and minds full of special memories of one of the world’s most miraculous and stunning trip in our life. Overnight in a hotel Shangrila Chilas with magnificent view of mighty Indus River.

There are two options, the one is via Babusar Pass 4,100m through Naran and Kaghan Valley with awesome highlights Lulusar Lakes, Naran, Kaghan and Balakot. The other option via Besham on Karakorum Highway and Hazara Motorway to the capital of Pakistan. Overnight stay in hotel.

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We wish you have a very safe journey with unforgettable memories from Discover Pakistan!