Explore northern Pakistan on this fascinating 8-day guided overland adventure
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.
Highlights of the Chitral Valley Overland
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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: $2,095 USD per person
- Guided Groups of 3: $1,650 USD per person
- Guided Groups of 4: $1,435 USD per person
- Guided Groups of 5-6: $1,250 USD per person
- Guided Groups of 7+: $1,135 USD 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 $275 USD 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.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Roomy Isb Atlas Hotel ★
Centrally located in a popular area of F-7 Markaz in Islamabad, this hotel is known for cleanliness and friendly staff.
Legend Hotel in Chitral
This cozy hotel is a great option to stay in Chitral due to it's location, good food and friendly hosts.
Fully serviced wilderness campsite ★
Stay on the top of the world under the Milky Way in fully serviced wilderness campsite in Shandur Pass.
Legend Hotel in Chitral
This cozy hotel is a great option to stay in Chitral due to it's location, good food and friendly hosts.
Roomy Isb Atlas Hotel ★
Centrally located in a popular area of F-7 Markaz in Islamabad, this hotel is known for cleanliness and friendly staff.
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)
- 4x4 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
Frequently Asked Questions about Chitral Valley Overland
Chitral Valley Overland Map
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