14-Day Northern Pakistan Adventure Ghizer & Chitral: Of the Beaten Track

Upon arrival in Islamabad, you will be transferred to your hotel to rest and refresh. In the afternoon, we will explore the capital city of Pakistan, visiting key landmarks such as Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, and Lok Virsa Museum. By the evening, we will have a detailed briefing about the 14-day trip, followed by a Q&A session with group members. An early night’s rest is recommended to prepare for an early departure the next day.

We will begin our journey early in the morning from Islamabad. The first three hours will be on the Hazara Motorway up to Thakot, followed by the Karakoram Highway, often called the 8th wonder of the world. The mighty Indus River will accompany us, sometimes on our right and sometimes on our left. We will make stops for photography, tea, and lunch while enjoying stunning views. After approximately 10 hours, we will arrive in Chilas, a district headquarters of Gilgit-Baltistan. Overnight stay at a hotel in Chilas.

Our journey continues along the Karakoram Highway towards Gilgit, then we take the Shandur Road westward. Today, we will have our first view of the magnificent Nanga Parbat (8,126m) and witness the junction of three great mountain ranges: the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindukush. We will also see the confluence of the Indus and Gilgit Rivers. In Gilgit, the capital of Gilgit-Baltistan, we will have lunch and take a short walk through the bustling bazaar. On our way to Ishkoman, we will visit a historical Buddha carving from the 7th century. In the afternoon, we will arrive in Ishkoman, known as "The Land of Love." Overnight stay at a cozy guesthouse surrounded by a beautiful garden with fruit trees.

After a relaxed breakfast, we will explore the natural beauty of Ishkoman Valley. We will visit the Immit Valley, a gateway to the Wakhan Corridor, from where a mesmerizing trek leads to Karambar Lake and Broghil Valley in Chitral. After lunch, we will hike to Dain Waterfall, offering breathtaking views of lower Ishkoman Valley, where the Hindukush and Karakoram mountain ranges meet. We will also interact with local communities, visit old houses, and learn about the valley’s history and culture. In the evening, we will enjoy a traditional music night with local dances and songs.

A 6-7 hour trek will take us through spectacular landscapes with panoramic views of the Karakoram and Hindukush mountains. We will pass through lush green meadows, crystal-clear streams, and scenic valleys before reaching Shukargah Lake, a serene paradise at 3,800 meters, surrounded by snow-covered peaks. The path is adorned with juniper trees and wild roses. We will camp overnight under the starry sky.

We will take short hikes around the lake to explore its pristine surroundings. For those who wish to challenge themselves, there are several peaks above 5,500 meters that can be climbed. This day is dedicated to relaxation, photography, and soaking in the beauty of the mountains.

We will retrace our route with a 4-5 hour trek back to Chatorkhand, enjoying the magnificent views of the Hindukush Range along the way.

A scenic three-hour drive will take us to Yasin Valley. Along the way, we will visit Hopper Garden, a beautiful tourist spot. We will follow the Shandur Road up to Gupis, traveling alongside the Ghizer River, which is famous for rafting during early spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). Yasin Valley is one of the most historical villages in Ghizer, serving as a hub for short treks to Ishkoman and Yarkhun Valleys. Overnight stay at a cozy hotel with local food and warm hospitality.

We will visit Yasin Fort, Muduri Fort, and the historic Darkot Village, which connects Broghil and Gilgit to the Wakhan Corridor in Afghanistan via Darkot and Broghil Passes. Darkot is also a base for several stunning treks, including Darkot Pass to Broghil and Attar and Punji Passes to Ishkoman Valley. We will spend the night in the same hotel.

A 6-hour drive will take us along the picturesque Shandur Road, passing through Phander Valley, known as “The Land of Lakes.” The highlight of the day is crossing Shandur Pass (3,700m), home to the world’s highest polo ground and the stunning Shandur Lake. We will enter Chitral district and stay overnight in Mastuj, one of the region’s main towns.

We will embark on a four-hour drive through the scenic villages of Upper Chitral. Along the way, we will be mesmerized by breathtaking views of Boni Zom (6,400m), Istor Nal, and Tirich Mir (7,789m), the highest peak in the Hindu Kush Range. By lunchtime, we will arrive in Chitral town, where we will visit the historical Shahi Mosque and Chitral Fort. After lunch, we will continue our journey for another two hours to reach Rumbur, one of the main villages of the Kalash Valley. Here, we will stay overnight in a simple yet comfortable hotel, where we will also get to enjoy authentic Kalasha cuisine.

Today, we will immerse ourselves in the rich traditions of the Kalash people, one of the most unique indigenous communities in Pakistan. We will start by exploring the typical Kalasha village in Rumbur before heading to Bumburet, the largest and most developed Kalasha settlement. The best time to visit is during one of their festivals, where vibrant celebrations, music, and traditional dances bring the valley to life. In the evening, we will enjoy a cultural evening with the Kalasha community before staying overnight in Bumburet.

We will leave the Kalash Valley behind as we set out on an exciting six-hour journey towards Swat Valley. The route takes us through the rugged yet stunning landscapes of Chitral, following the Chitral River—often referred to as the Kabul River—before reaching the Lowari Tunnel, which connects Chitral to the Dir District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. By afternoon, we will arrive in Swat, where we will explore some of the region’s historical sites, such as the Butkara Stupa and Mingora Bazaar. In the evening, we will savor delicious local Swati cuisine before resting overnight at a hotel in Swat.

On our final day, we will take the scenic Swat Motorway back to Islamabad, enjoying the lush green views of Swat Valley along the way. En route, we will visit the UNESCO-listed Takht-e-Bahi archaeological site, an ancient Buddhist monastery that offers breathtaking views and historical insights. By evening, we will arrive in Islamabad, where we will celebrate the end of our journey with a farewell dinner. Finally, we will drop participants at Islamabad International Airport for their homebound flights, wishing them a safe journey with unforgettable memories of Pakistan’s stunning landscapes and rich culture.