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Highlights
Explore northern Pakistan on this fascinating 8-day guided overland adventure
Meet the Kalasha people and experience their unique history, religion, culture, and hospitality.
Witness amazing views of the Chitral Valley from the Chitral Gol National Park.
Follow the Chitral River as you drive along a spectacular road through the Hindu Kush mountain range.
Visit the lush plateau of the Shandur Pass and spend a night camped there under the stars and the Milky Way.
Welcome to the wondrous Chitral Valley of Pakistan! The Chitral Valley Overland Tour will take you on an 8-day guided adventure to discover the natural beauty and richness of this ancient region. You’ll encounter the indigenous culture of the Kalasha people, explore historic sites and traditional gathering places such as mosques and markets, and all against the backdrop of majestic and rugged mountains.
Don’t miss the chance to spend an incredible night in a fully serviced wilderness campsite on the massive Shandur Pass plateau, where you’re sure to see the Milky Way clearly and drift off to peaceful sleep under a star-filled sky. Even the drive between Chitral and Islamabad is an exciting journey full of jaw-dropping scenery in the Hindu Kush mountain range. The Chitral Valley Overland Tour is an unforgettable experience you do not want to miss!
Chitral Valley
Often described as the most scenic and peaceful region of Pakistan, Chitral is filled with dramatic landscapes that include the vibrant green valleys, jagged and snow-capped peaks, and charming mountain pastures that can be found in the Hindukush Range. Chitral beauty also extends beyond the breathtaking landscape to include the culture and customs of the region’s ancient inhabitants.
The region is home to the Kalasha, a culturally and genetically distinct group of people that inhabit the Kalash Valley and were once thought to have been descendants of Alexander the Great’s soldiers due to their unique customs and genetic make-up. While this has since proven to be untrue, the beautiful Kalash people and their wonderful traditions remain a mystery that wait to be explored on a Chitral and Kalash tour.
Welcome to the wondrous Chitral Valley of Pakistan! The Chitral Valley Overland Tour will take you on an 8-day guided adventure to discover the natural beauty and richness of this ancient region. You’ll encounter the indigenous culture of the Kalasha people, explore historic sites and traditional gathering places such as mosques and markets, and all against the backdrop of majestic and rugged mountains.
Don’t miss the chance to spend an incredible night in a fully serviced wilderness campsite on the massive Shandur Pass plateau, where you’re sure to see the Milky Way clearly and drift off to peaceful sleep under a star-filled sky. Even the drive between Chitral and Islamabad is an exciting journey full of jaw-dropping scenery in the Hindu Kush mountain range. The Chitral Valley Overland Tour is an unforgettable experience you do not want to miss!
Chitral Valley
Often described as the most scenic and peaceful region of Pakistan, Chitral is filled with dramatic landscapes that include the vibrant green valleys, jagged and snow-capped peaks, and charming mountain pastures that can be found in the Hindukush Range. Chitral beauty also extends beyond the breathtaking landscape to include the culture and customs of the region’s ancient inhabitants.
The region is home to the Kalasha, a culturally and genetically distinct group of people that inhabit the Kalash Valley and were once thought to have been descendants of Alexander the Great’s soldiers due to their unique customs and genetic make-up. While this has since proven to be untrue, the beautiful Kalash people and their wonderful traditions remain a mystery that wait to be explored on a Chitral and Kalash tour.
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Chitral Valley Overland Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Islamabad
Welcome to Islamabad, Pakistan! Meet your guide and/or group leader at the airport and head to your hotel for an introduction and tour briefing. Spend the evening sightseeing in the capital city of Islamabad and enjoy a fantastic dinner with an even better view at the Monal Restaurant in Margalla Hills. Spend a comfortable night in the hotel resting up for the start of your tour!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Islamabad
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Islamabad – Chitral
Get an early start for the long drive from Islamabad to Chitral. The ride will pass quickly as you sit comfortably in a private, air-conditioned vehicle and witness the incredible scenery all around you. The journey takes you through many towns and villages, including Malakand, Lower Dir and Upper Dir. Bypass the Lowari Pass (3,118 m / 10,230 ft), which is an experience but adds significantly to the travel time, by taking the Lowari Tunnel. When you reach Chitral, you will be enthralled by the beauty of this lovely river valley surrounded by the mighty mountains of the Hindu Kush mountain range.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Chitral
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Chitral – Kalash Valley
Leave Chitral early in the morning to explore the Kalash Valley. The Kalasha people have a unique, well-preserved culture including their own religious beliefs, language, and way of life. It is believed that they may be descendants of five lost soldiers from Alexander the Great’s army. This culture is so extraordinary that UNESCO has listed them for consideration as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. You will have the opportunity to meet some local Kalasha people to learn more about their rituals and culture. A visit to their cemetery and museum will help you learn even more. The Kalash Valley is made up of three villages: Bumboret, Birir, and Rumber, and you will have the opportunity to visit all three.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Chitral
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Chitral Valley sightseeing
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the Chitral Valley today! Begin with a visit to Chitral Fort, a historic fort from the 14th Century. Continue to the Shahi Mosque, then the Chitral Museum, and finally visit a traditional market at the Old Chitral Bazaar. All of that just in the first part of the day! Spend the afternoon at Chitral Gol National Park, where you will witness the wonder and grandeur of the Chitral Valley. Head back to your hotel full of new impressions and experiences, ready for a good night’s rest.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Chitral
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Chitral – Shandur Pass
The Shandur Pass (3,770 m / 12,369 ft) is often called the roof of the world because it is both massive and beautifully lush and green. Leave early in the morning to make the most of your time in this amazing place. The journey takes you through the picturesque villages of Jenali Koch, Booni, and Mastuj. You will also pass the shimmering splendor of Shandur Lake. In the summer, the plateau is full of small streams. There is even a well-known polo field at the Shandur Pass, which hosts the Shandur Polo Festival annually in July. The festival is a fascinating experience if you time it right to attend. Whenever you visit, camping here and spending the night watching the Milky Way under a star-filled sky is a deeply moving experience.
Overnight Location: Camping at Shandur Pass
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Shandur Pass – Chitral
Take time today to absorb the unforgettable beauty of the Shandur Pass and the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains before returning to Chitral. You will travel back on the same road, but in the opposite direction the views seem new and different. A different sun angle or cloud pattern can change the appearance of the landscape entirely, and you’ll enjoy another day of spectacular scenery.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Chitral
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Chitral – Islamabad
Say farewell to the incredible Chitral Valley that has become familiar after your time exploring it and board the private, air-conditioned coach that will take you back to Islamabad. Once again you will pass through the same towns and villages, including Malakand, Upper Dir, and Lower Dir. The majestic peaks of the Hindu Kush range will surround you once again as you travel back toward the big city.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Islamabad
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 Departure from Islamabad
Sadly, your time on the Chitral Valley overland tour has come to an end. After breakfast, your group leader and/or guide will assist you in your transfer to the Islamabad airport for your return flight.
Overnight Location: None
Meals: Breakfast
Chitral Valley Overland Tour Price and Dates
Pricing for this guided tour to the Chitral Valley is based on the number of guests on your trip.Prices below are per person:
- Guided Groups of 2: USD2095 per person
- Guided Groups of 3: USD1650 per person
- Guided Groups of 4: USD1435 per person
- Guided Groups of 5-6: USD1250 per person
- Guided Groups of 7+: USD1135 per person
Accommodation on the Chitral Valley Overland Tour
Enjoy 6 nights in hotels as listed below, plus 1 night in a fully serviced wilderness campsite. In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement of USD275 to have a private room in hotels as a solo travelers. In some cases, there may be other solo travelers, and if desired we can try to match you with participants of the same sex.
What’s included in the Chitral Valley Overland Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations in hotels as described above (based on double occupancy) for 6 nights, plus 1 night in a fully-serviced wilderness campsite.
Transportation during the Tour
- Airport transfers on first and last day of trip
- Domestic transport by air-conditioned coaches (as described in itinerary)
- 4×4 Jeep ride to and from the Shandur Pass
- All tolls on the highways
Also Included
- Skilled and knowledgeable guides
- Safety equipment and first aid kits
- Emergency medical kit
- Visa support letter
Not included
- Clothing and other personal equipment
- Phone calls, laundry, and other personal expenses
- Tips
- Visa to enter Pakistan
- Flights to and from Islamabad, airport and departure taxes, excess baggage fees
- Travel Insurance
Optional Extras
- Extra hotel nights in Islamabad before or after the trip
- Flight from Islamabad to Chitral or Chitral to Islamabad
- Combine tour with Hunza Valley tour
- Combine tour with both the Hunza Valley and Skardu Valley tours
- Is Pakistan safe for travellers?
- How hard is this Chitral Valley Overland tour?
- Is this tour at high altitude?
- Do I need a Visa?
- Are meals included on this Chitral Valley Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Islamabad to start this tour?
- Are tours in English?
- Where does the tour end?
- Can this tour be customized?
- Do I need vaccines?
Pakistan is becoming a more popular destination for foreign tourism, however you should always check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview on the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provides advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may chagne depending on your nationality.
Travel advice from the US Department of State and other Governments can change at any point. All clients must assume and accept the risks associated with travel in Pakistan, and knowing that access to evacuation and/or consular support may not always be available. In such a case, our public liability cover does not extend to include cover for claims arising out of war and terrorism risks. 10Adventures.com Inc cannot be held liable for any incident, claim, loss or damage, caused in this regard. Your travel insurance must ensure that you have adequate cover for travel through the region.
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. It is not very physically demanding but takes you to high altitude.
Yes, this tour goes to high altitudes, which impacts almost all people to some extent. In some cases the altitude simply makes the trekking more difficult, in some cases high altitudes can cause serious medical issues. It is required to have health and medical insurance that is valid for high altitude travel and it is recommended you talk to a travel medical clinic to learn more about medical options for high altitude trekking.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your travel insurance.
Your guide and/or tour leader will meet you at Islamabad International Airport (ISB). You are responsible for your flights to and from this airport.
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
Your guide and/or tour leader will arrange for your return to Islamabad International Airport (ISB) in time for your return flight.
Yes! You can choose to extend your stay in Islamabad before or after your tour. You can also choose to add a trek or fly between Islamabad and Chitral to see the mountains from the air. You can also choose to combine the Chitral Valley tour with a tour of the Hunza Valley, or both the Hunza and Skardu valleys.
Check with your family doctor.
Customer Ratings
Hunza Guides is a leading destination management company in Pakistan.
