(14 days; 6 days trekking from Chitral to Swat; 8 nights camping and 5 nights hotels )

Peshawar, the capital of North West Frontier Province, is our kick off point for the trip. From here we travel overland, over 3,200 meters Lowari Pass. We visit the Kafir Kalash, a tribe living in isolated Hindukush who trace their origin to the lost warriors of Alexander the Great. Visit the highest polo ground in the world from where we start our 5 days trek through the rocky Hindokush landscape, over the 4,750m Kachikani Pass to descend in lake-filled alpine green wonders of Upper Swat. We then make our way down the valley and end the trip in Islamabad.


Itinerary

DAY 01:-Arrive Peshawar
Arrive at Islamabad , transfer by an air-conditioned coach to Peshawar. At Peshawar we will check in at the hotel. Afternoon city tour: Visit the historic Mahabat Khan Mosque and the traditional Caravan Serai next to it. Time permitting, visit the splendid collection of Gandhara Buddhist sculpture at Peshawar Museum. Overnight stay at hotel.

DAY 02: -Enter Chitral
Breakfast at hotel, proceed for the fabled valley of Chitral by road. Passing through the lush green plains of Peshawar, we ascend the Malakand Pass that brings us to the Swat valley. We drive shortly through the Swat valley to arrive at the village of Dir for lunch. From Dir we leave the asphalt road and drive on jeep track to ascend of Lowari Pass (3,200 Meters), the gateway of Chitral Valley. The descend of the pass is more interesting than the ascent, as we take 96 hair-pin turns to get to the valley floor. Passing through the dry and rocky landscape we arrive at Chitral town. Overnight stay at motel.

DAY 03: -Visit Kalash
Morning tour of Chitral town. Stroll down the narrow single lane bazaar in the backdrop of Tirich Mir (7,708 M), the highest summit of Hindukush range. Later drive by soft top 4x4 jeeps from Chitral town to Bomburet village in Kafir Kalash Valleys. The journey takes about an hour and a half. Arrive Kafir Kalash valley the home of “Infidels Wearing of Black Robe” a tribe of some 3,000 people practicing their old religion that is a mix of animism and fire worship.

DAY 04:-Kalash to Sorlaspur
Morning drive by soft top 4x4 jeeps for exciting drive through the main Chitral valley, following the Mastuj river upstream. As we drive through the dry landscape of Hindu Kush range, we also pass many small villages perched on rock faces. Jeep tracks lead from here to the side valleys and villages. Enjoy fascinating views of Tirich Mir (7,708 M), Buni Zom (6,551 M) and Drassan Peak (6,553 M) as you drive North-east. At Mastuj village we turn south on the jeep track to arrive at the small charming village of Sorlaspur, meals and overnight at Camp at 3,003 meters.

DAY 05: -Shandur Pass
At 3,734 m above sea level is the highest Polo arena in the world. This wide, flat pass is covered with snow from November to May. In summer it turns into a lovely summer pasture and with two small lakes. People of the area claim that Polo had originated here. Every year Polo lovers from Northern Pakistan gather here to choose the Polo Champion of the year. Camp overnight at Sorlaspur.

DAY 06:-Start the Trek
From Sorlaspur we start our trek with Chitrali porters carrying the loads. We walk through the mountains along the Laspur river. After three to four hours walk we arrive at the village Nalgar which is the last permanent settlement on this trek. After rest at the village we continue in South-west for another three hours walk to the meeting point of Bashkar river with Kachikani river. Overnight Camp at 3,415m.

DAY 07:-Trek to Khunzazoe
As we start the trek in the morning we take a 90 degree turn to south east and follow the Kachikani river, then crossing the river on a foot bridge to walk on the right side of the river. At lunch time we arrive at a small pasture with some bushes and greenery. As we continue walking, the landscape is typical Hindukush: dry and barren. Walking through the boulders we arrive at our campsite Khunzazoe, meaning “the place of the queen”. In this landscape it is a royal place with greenery and a fresh water stream, surrounded by snowy peaks in all direction, rising from 4,871 to 5,500m. Overnight Camp at 3,750m.

DAY 08: -Trek over Kachikani Pass
Today we start the trek early to cross the Kachikani Pass before the snow becomes soft and difficult to walk over. At dawn we start the trek with Kachikani glacier visible in west at four hours walk over lateral moraine. From the top of the pass at 4,766 meters we have magnificent views of snow covered peaks of Hindukush and forested green slopes of Swat Himalayas. After an hour of steep descend the slope becomes easier and relaxing to walk on, with many glaciers flowing in different directions. Camp overnight at Bokhtshal at 3,875 meters, a pleasant summer pasture with birch trees and Himalayan flowers in June and July.

DAY 09:-Trek to Shonz
A rewarding and romantic walk through the gradually descending valley filled with turquoise blue lakes, occasional water falls and grooves of birch and willow shrubs. We follow the Bokhtshal stream flowing through the valley to the point where it is joined by another stream flowing from the Bashkaro Pass in the north. Meals and overnight at Shonz camp at 3,200 meters.

DAY 10:-Trek to Mahodand lake
An easy down hill trek through the green wooded valley. About an hour after we leave the camp, we cross the stream and approach the left bank on a wide track. Around lunch time we arrive at the summer settlement of Diwanger, with few houses built with stones and wood to provide the shelter for the goats during bad weather. Walking on gradually descending well marked trek we arrive at Mahodand lake, a charming fresh water lake situated in a wide meadow. Enjoy fascinating views of Falaksair (5,918 m) the highest summit of Swat valley. Mahodand camp at 2,890 meters.

DAY 11:-Mahodand Lake - Kalam
Board the soft top 4x4 jeeps for short drive through the pine forests of Swat to the popular summer resort station of Kalam. Arrive and transfer to hotel to enjoy a hot shower after many camping nights. Lunch at hotel afternoon free for exploring the single lane bazaar and the town. Dinner and night stay at hotel.

DAY 12: -Kalam - Mingora
An interesting 100 kilometers drive along the Swat river to the twin cities of Mingora and Saidu Sharif that forms the traditional capital of former Kingdom of Swat. We pass interesting small towns on our way, including Madyan and Bahrain that are known all over Pakistan for their needle work handicrafts. The wood work of Swat is also impressive as today we see many displays of this intricate wood work in small towns. At Mingora we visit the Gandhara Buddhist archaeological museum that displays exquisite works on Stone and Stucco sculpture from 1st to 3rd century AD. Later visit the Buddhist Stupa from 2nd century AD at Butkara. Evening free for walking through the narrow old bazaar of Mingora. Meals and overnight stay at hotel.

DAY 13: -Arrive Islamabad
Board Air Conditioned transport for drive through the lower Swat valley to Islamabad. Arrive Islamabad and transfer to hotel night stay and dinner.

DAY 14: -Fly home
Transfer to airport for your departure flight.

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