Brief Description
Having traveled to Northern Pakistan multiple times, we've crafted a finely tuned program for you. This journey through northern Pakistan showcases the picturesque regions of the Hunza Valley, Chitral, and the Kalash Valley. Our adventure begins with a breathtaking flight from Islamabad over the Himalayas and Karakoram to Gilgit. Our first stop is Karimabad, the administrative center of the Hunza region, renowned for its highly educated population with distinctive fair skin and blue eyes. We'll traverse the famous Karakoram Highway, marvel at the stunning blue-green Attabad Lake, and experience the exhilaration of crossing the Hussaini Suspension Bridge..
In the Hunza Valley, we'll explore villages, immersing ourselves in local culture and traditions. The beautifully dramatic village of Passu will be a special focus. We'll also visit the Baltit (12th century) and Altit Forts, significant historical sites boasting unique architecture.
Our journey continues to Chitral, Pakistan's northernmost region, where we'll explore the valley and the city's main attractions. We'll also enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Phander Valley and along the serene blue Phander Lake.
Finally, we'll reach the Kalasha Valleys—Bamburat, Rumbur, and Birir. This area is home to the Kalash people, a religious and ethnic minority in Pakistan with a distinct culture and language. To conclude our journey, we will fly back to Islamabad, and from there, we will fly back home.
Basic Information
Dates: 17-26 August 2025;
Duration: 8 nights/9 days;
Group: 6/8 participants;
Price of the program in Pakistan WITHOUT international flights: 1,890 euros/person.
The price includes:
Guides: company guide (Pavel); local guide;
Transportation: transfers with air-conditioned bus throughout Pakistan; transportation with 4x4 jeeps in the Chitral and Kailash regions; two domestic flights - Islamabad-Gilgit and Chitral-Islamabad. If the return flight is canceled due to bad weather, the transfer will be done by minibus.
Food: all breakfasts and dinners.
Accommodation: 8 nights in the best hotels in the regions, in double rooms with bathrooms and toilets in the rooms; Supplement for a single room - $245/person.
Entrance tickets: entrance tickets to archaeological sites and museums, as well as fees for national parks;
Documents/Visa: Special letters required for obtaining a Pakistani visa;
The price does not include: international airfares; all lunches; visa for Pakistan (2); travel insurance (if you do not have one, we can arrange it for you); other personal expenses.
(1) Flights
Note: The group will fly from Sofia, Bulgaria to Islamabad via Istanbul, Turkey. We can arrange airfare from your home country to Istanbul or directly to Islamabad. If you choose to fly separately from the group, we will also arrange a transfer to the hotel in Islamabad. Please contact us to explore the available options.
Departure: Istanbul 20.15 - Islamabad 03.35;
Return:
Islamabad 05.05 - Istanbul 09.00;
(2) Visa requirements for Pakistan depend on your nationality. Please contact us for more details.
Program
Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad, Pakistan; Flight to Gilgit and Transfer to Karimabad
Our journey begins as we arrive in Islamabad. From there, we'll embark on a short but spectacular one-hour domestic flight to Gilgit, nestled in the Gilgit-Baltistan province of northern Pakistan. This flight is a highlight in itself, offering breathtaking views of towering peaks and majestic mountains. Upon landing, we'll transfer to Karimabad, the captivating capital of the Hunza Valley. After a brief rest to acclimate, we'll spend the afternoon exploring Karimabad on foot, including a visit to the historic Baltit Fort. Our first day concludes with an overnight stay in Karimabad.
Day 2: Karimabad, Hyderabad Village, and Altit Fort
Our morning begins with a leisurely two-hour stroll along the Babar canal from Karimabad to Hyderabad. As we walk, we'll have the opportunity to chat with locals tending their gardens and going about their daily work.
Next, we'll visit Altit Fort and the Duiker viewpoint. The fort, an architectural marvel built in stages over 800 years, stands majestically on a cliff 300 meters above the Hunza River. Duiker, a small village perched at about 3,000 meters above Altit, offers a breathtaking panorama of central Hunza, its surrounding peaks, and the Hoper Glacier. After soaking in these stunning views, we'll return to Karimabad for the night.
Day 3 in the Hunza Valley
Today, we will explore the upper Hunza Valley. Our journey will take us along the Karakoram Highway that connects Pakistan and China. During our drive, we will have the opportunity to admire the stunning Attabad Lake, known for its vibrant blue-green color. We will pass through Hussaini, where we will encounter an intriguing suspension bridge with noticeable gaps between the planks. While there are other suspension bridges in the area, this particular one is located in a picturesque setting, offering a thrilling adventure as we cross it.
Our journey continues to Passu, one of the region's most picturesque villages. It offers breathtaking views of Tupopdan Peak (6,106 meters), also known as "Passu Cathedral." You can explore a gallery of photos, text, and videos from our trip to the area here. On our return, we'll also visit the charming village of Gulmit.
Day 4: Hunza to Phandar
Today, we'll journey to the Phandar Valley, often called "Little Kashmir" for its stunning beauty. The valley is home to Phandar Lake, a popular tourist destination that provides an idyllic setting for walks, photography, and exploration. We'll spend the night in a modest hotel, immersing ourselves in the local atmosphere.
Day 5: Phandar to Chitral
Our adventure continues as we make our way to Chitral, Pakistan's northernmost region—a place seldom visited by tourists. We'll enjoy leisurely walks and hikes through the lush, fertile valley, which stands out even among the impressive landscapes of the Karakoram and Himalayan ranges. Upon reaching Chitral town, situated at an elevation of 1,500 meters, we'll explore its main attractions. These include the vibrant bazaar, the historic fortress, a picturesque riverside mosque, the museum near the playground, and the biodiverse Chitral Gol National Park.
Day 6: Kalash Valley and Its Surrounding Villages
Today, we'll journey to the Kalash Valley, encompassing the Bumburet, Rumbur, and Birir valleys. Situated on the fringe of the monsoon belt, this region boasts lush vegetation, including towering walnut and fruit trees. In the valley's lower fields, locals cultivate wheat, vegetables, and fodder. Meanwhile, the steep ridges separating the valleys, rising to heights of 3,000 meters, are blanketed in verdant evergreen forests.
Day 7: Kalash Valley
Today, we'll delve deeper into the Kalash Valley. This unique area is home to the Kalash people, a fascinating religious and ethnic minority in Pakistan with their own distinct culture and language. We'll explore various villages throughout the region, immersing ourselves in the local way of life. As night falls, we'll stay overnight in the area, allowing us to fully experience the charm of this remarkable place.
Day 8: Kalash to Islamabad
Today, we'll fly from Kalash to Islamabad. If our flight is canceled due to inclement weather, we'll have a ground transfer to the capital, which will take up most of the day. Should the flight proceed as planned, we'll have extra time to explore Islamabad, focusing on the city's impressive mosque—the capital's main attraction. Even with a ground transfer, we'll still enjoy visiting this landmark in the evening before checking into our hotel.
Day 9 Flights back home
Transfer to the airport for departure back home.
Please email us if you would like information about this trip or to sign up. We will respond as soon as possible and keep you updated on the organisation and all other details of the trip. If you are a ready-made group of at least 5 or 6 people (maximum 8), we can discuss dates that work for your group. You can also sign up for future organised and planned trips. To join the list, please send us your names. That's it!
