Chitral & Kalash Valley Tour – Summer and Autumn – 9 Days

 

Duration

9 Days

Group Size

4-8 People

Season

Summer & Autumn

Overview

About This Trip

The Chitral and Kalash Valley Tour offers a unique blend of cultural exploration and natural beauty in Pakistan’s remote northwestern region. This 9-day adventure takes you through the breathtaking Lowari Pass, the enchanting Kalasha Valleys, and the rugged landscapes of the Hindu Kush mountains. Experience the rich traditions of the Kalash people, explore the historical town of Chitral, and marvel at the pristine beauty of Shandur Pass, home to the world’s highest polo ground.

Why This Tour?

Cultural Immersion: Discover the ancient customs and unique way of life of the Kalash community, one of the world’s last remaining pagan tribes.

Scenic Wonders: Journey through dramatic mountain passes, lush green valleys, and picturesque villages nestled in the Hindu Kush.

Historic Exploration: Visit Chitral Fort, the Shahi Mosque, and the historic polo ground at Shandur Pass.

Wildlife & Nature: Spot rare species like the Markhor and Golden Eagle while exploring Chitral Gol National Park and the surrounding valleys.

Comfort & Adventure: Enjoy a well-organized tour with comfortable accommodations, expert guides, and a balance of adventure and relaxation.

Itinerary

Day 01: Islamabad

  • Arrival at the Islamabad International Airport
  • Pick up from the Islamabad Airport by our Guide and Driver
  • Drive to Hotel and Check In 
  • Rest at the Hotel
  • Meet our team and briefing about the adventure a head
  • Prepare yourself for the adventure a head
  • Night Stay in Islamabad

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Islamabad Serena Hotel
  • Luxury: Roomy Signature Hotel
  • Standard: Grand Islamabad Hotel

Day 02: Islamabad to Ayun

  • 🚙 Distance: 400 km – Drive Time: 8-9 hours
  • Departure from Islamabad after breakfast
  • Drive on M-1 Motorway & Swat Expressway
  • Stop at Dir for tea and refreshments
  • Drive through the scenic Lowari Tunnel (10.4 km)
  • Stop at Lowari Pass Viewpoint (if open)
  • Arrival in Ayun Valley
  • Check-in at the riverside resort
  • Night stay in Ayun/Chitral

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Hindukush Heights/Ayun Villa
  • Luxury: Legend Hotel/Ayun Fort
  • Standard: Chitral Bnb

Day 03: Ayun to Kalash & Chitral

  • 🚙 Distance: 100 km (round trip) ⏳ Drive Time: 4-5 hours
  • Breakfast at the resort
  • Drive to Kalasha Valleys (Bumburet & Rumbur)
  • Explore Bumburet Valley
    • Kalash Museum
    • Wooden houses & terraced fields
    • Meet the Kalash community
  • Visit Rumbur Valley
    • Ancient Kalash shrines
    • Traditional Kalash handicrafts
    • Lunch at a local Kalash house
  • Drive to Chitral Town
  • Visit:
    • Chitral Fort (Mehtar’s Palace)
    • Shahi Mosque (17th-century Mughal-era mosque)
    • Chitral Bazaar (handicrafts, Chitrali caps, dry fruits)
  • Check-in at the hotel in Chitral
  • Night stay in Chitral

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Hindukush Heights
  • Luxury: Legend Hotel
  • Standard: Chitral Bnb

Day 04: Chitral to Chitral Gol National Park & Booni

  • 🚙 Distance: 110 km – Drive Time: 4-5 hours
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Visit Chitral Gol National Park
  • Spot Himalayan Ibex & Markhor
  • Visit Governor’s Cottage Viewpoint
  • Explore forest trails & waterfalls
  • Drive towards Booni
  • Arrival in Booni
  • Short hike to Booni Zom Viewpoint (Hindu Kush panorama)
  • Check-in at a guesthouse in Booni
  • Night stay in Booni

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Best Westren Hotel, Boni
  • Luxury: Best Westren Hotel, Boni
  • Standard: Alam Guest House/Boni Guest House

Day 05: Booni to Shandur Pass & Back

  • 🚙 Distance: 150 km (round trip) – Drive Time: 6-7 hours
  • Breakfast at the guesthouse
  • Drive towards Shandur Pass (3,700m)
  • Stop at Laspur Village (Chitrali culture & hospitality)
  • Explore Shandur Polo Ground (world’s highest polo field)
  • Visit Shandur National Park
  • Spot Golden Eagles & Himalayan Marmots
  • Shandur Lake & surrounding meadows
  • Picnic lunch at Shandur Lake

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Best Westren Hotel, Boni
  • Luxury: Best Westren Hotel, Boni
  • Standard: Alam Guest House/Boni Guest House

Day 06: Booni to Chitral

  • 🚙 Distance: 110 km ⏳ Drive Time: 3-4 hours
  • Breakfast at the guesthouse
  • Drive back to Chitral Town
  • Stop at Mulkhow Valley (for stunning views)
  • Arrival in Chitral & check-in at hotel
  • Free evening for shopping & relaxation
  • Night stay in Chitral

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Hindukush Heights
  • Luxury: Legend Hotel
  • Standard: Chitral Bnb

Day 07: Chitral to Islamabad

  • 🚙 Distance: 400 km ⏳ Drive Time: 8-9 hours
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Drive back towards Islamabad
  • Stop at Dir for lunch
  • Pass through Lowari Tunnel & Kohistan Region
  • Arrival in Islamabad
  • Check-in at your Hotel
  • Night stay in Islamabad

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Islamabad Serena Hotel
  • Luxury: Roomy Signature Hotel
  • Standard: Grand Islamabad Hotel

Day 08: Islamabad City Tour

  • Departure for city tour (local travel within Islamabad)
  • Visit Faisal Mosque (largest in Pakistan), Daman-e-Koh (Margalla Hills viewpoint)
  • Explore Pakistan Monument (national heritage site), lunch at Monal Restaurant (scenic views)
  • Visit Saidpur Village (cultural heritage), stroll in F-7 Markaz
  • Return to hotel
  • Night stay in Islamabad

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Islamabad Serena Hotel
  • Luxury: Roomy Signature Hotel
  • Standard: Grand Islamabad Hotel

Day 09: Departure from Islamabad

  • Departure for Islamabad International Airport
  • Transfer to airport for flight home

Itinerary

Day 01: Islamabad

  • Arrival at the Islamabad International Airport
  • Pick up from the Islamabad Airport by our Guide and Driver
  • Drive to Hotel and Check In 
  • Rest at the Hotel
  • Meet our team and briefing about the adventure a head
  • Prepare yourself for the adventure a head
  • Night Stay in Islamabad

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Islamabad Serena Hotel
  • Luxury: Roomy Signature Hotel
  • Standard: Grand Islamabad Hotel

Day 02: Islamabad to Ayun

  • 🚙 Distance: 400 km – Drive Time: 8-9 hours
  • Departure from Islamabad after breakfast
  • Drive on M-1 Motorway & Swat Expressway
  • Stop at Dir for tea and refreshments
  • Drive through the scenic Lowari Tunnel (10.4 km)
  • Stop at Lowari Pass Viewpoint (if open)
  • Arrival in Ayun Valley
  • Check-in at the riverside resort
  • Night stay in Ayun/Chitral

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Hindukush Heights/Ayun Villa
  • Luxury: Legend Hotel/Ayun Fort
  • Standard: Chitral Bnb

Day 03: Ayun to Kalash & Chitral

  • 🚙 Distance: 100 km (round trip) ⏳ Drive Time: 4-5 hours
  • Breakfast at the resort
  • Drive to Kalasha Valleys (Bumburet & Rumbur)
  • Explore Bumburet Valley
    • Kalash Museum
    • Wooden houses & terraced fields
    • Meet the Kalash community
  • Visit Rumbur Valley
    • Ancient Kalash shrines
    • Traditional Kalash handicrafts
    • Lunch at a local Kalash house
  • Drive to Chitral Town
  • Visit:
    • Chitral Fort (Mehtar’s Palace)
    • Shahi Mosque (17th-century Mughal-era mosque)
    • Chitral Bazaar (handicrafts, Chitrali caps, dry fruits)
  • Check-in at the hotel in Chitral
  • Night stay in Chitral

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Hindukush Heights
  • Luxury: Legend Hotel
  • Standard: Chitral Bnb

Day 04: Chitral to Chitral Gol National Park & Booni

  • 🚙 Distance: 110 km – Drive Time: 4-5 hours
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Visit Chitral Gol National Park
  • Spot Himalayan Ibex & Markhor
  • Visit Governor’s Cottage Viewpoint
  • Explore forest trails & waterfalls
  • Drive towards Booni
  • Arrival in Booni
  • Short hike to Booni Zom Viewpoint (Hindu Kush panorama)
  • Check-in at a guesthouse in Booni
  • Night stay in Booni

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Best Westren Hotel, Boni
  • Luxury: Best Westren Hotel, Boni
  • Standard: Alam Guest House/Boni Guest House

Day 05: Booni to Shandur Pass & Back

  • 🚙 Distance: 150 km (round trip) – Drive Time: 6-7 hours
  • Breakfast at the guesthouse
  • Drive towards Shandur Pass (3,700m)
  • Stop at Laspur Village (Chitrali culture & hospitality)
  • Explore Shandur Polo Ground (world’s highest polo field)
  • Visit Shandur National Park
  • Spot Golden Eagles & Himalayan Marmots
  • Shandur Lake & surrounding meadows
  • Picnic lunch at Shandur Lake

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Best Westren Hotel, Boni
  • Luxury: Best Westren Hotel, Boni
  • Standard: Alam Guest House/Boni Guest House

Day 06: Booni to Chitral

  • 🚙 Distance: 110 km ⏳ Drive Time: 3-4 hours
  • Breakfast at the guesthouse
  • Drive back to Chitral Town
  • Stop at Mulkhow Valley (for stunning views)
  • Arrival in Chitral & check-in at hotel
  • Free evening for shopping & relaxation
  • Night stay in Chitral

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Hindukush Heights
  • Luxury: Legend Hotel
  • Standard: Chitral Bnb

Day 07: Chitral to Islamabad

  • 🚙 Distance: 400 km ⏳ Drive Time: 8-9 hours
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Drive back towards Islamabad
  • Stop at Dir for lunch
  • Pass through Lowari Tunnel & Kohistan Region
  • Arrival in Islamabad
  • Check-in at your Hotel
  • Night stay in Islamabad

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Islamabad Serena Hotel
  • Luxury: Roomy Signature Hotel
  • Standard: Grand Islamabad Hotel

Day 08: Islamabad City Tour

  • Departure for city tour (local travel within Islamabad)
  • Visit Faisal Mosque (largest in Pakistan), Daman-e-Koh (Margalla Hills viewpoint)
  • Explore Pakistan Monument (national heritage site), lunch at Monal Restaurant (scenic views)
  • Visit Saidpur Village (cultural heritage), stroll in F-7 Markaz
  • Return to hotel
  • Night stay in Islamabad

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Islamabad Serena Hotel
  • Luxury: Roomy Signature Hotel
  • Standard: Grand Islamabad Hotel

Day 09: Departure from Islamabad

  • Departure for Islamabad International Airport
  • Transfer to airport for flight home

Packing List

Travel Essentials:
  • Valid passport with visa (if required)
  • Printed copies of travel documents (itinerary, permits, and ID)
  • Local currency (Pakistani Rupees) for personal expenses
Clothing (Seasonal Considerations):
  • Summer (June-August):
    • Lightweight, breathable clothing (cotton shirts, trousers)
    • Light jacket or fleece for cooler mornings and evenings
    • Sun hat or cap and sunglasses for sun protection
  • Autumn (September-November):
    • Layered clothing (long-sleeve shirts, warm sweaters)
    • Medium-weight jacket for chilly mornings and nights
    • Warm hat and gloves (for higher altitudes in late autumn)
    • Modest attire for visiting cultural and religious sites
    • Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes (hiking boots for treks)
    • Scarf or shawl (optional for cultural sensitivity and warmth)
Personal Items:
  • Sunscreen (SPF 30+), lip balm, and moisturizer
  • Reusable water bottle (with a filter if preferred)
  • Tissues and wet wipes for convenience
Health & Safety:
  • Personal medications (If any)
  • Motion sickness tablets (for mountain drives)
  • Face mask and hand sanitizer
Electronics & Accessories:
  • Mobile phone and charger (with a travel adapter if needed)
  • Camera or GoPro to capture scenic views (optional)
  • Power bank (for remote areas with limited electricity)
Extras:
  • Small backpack or daypack for daily essentials
  • Umbrella or lightweight rain jacket (for summer showers)
  • Travel journal or notebook for documenting your journey
Travel Essentials:
  • Valid passport with visa (if required)
  • Printed copies of travel documents (itinerary, permits, and ID)
  • Local currency (Pakistani Rupees) for personal expenses
Clothing (Seasonal Considerations):
  • Summer (June-August):
    • Lightweight, breathable clothing (cotton shirts, trousers)
    • Light jacket or fleece for cooler mornings and evenings
    • Sun hat or cap and sunglasses for sun protection
  • Autumn (September-November):
    • Layered clothing (long-sleeve shirts, warm sweaters)
    • Medium-weight jacket for chilly mornings and nights
    • Warm hat and gloves (for higher altitudes in late autumn)
    • Modest attire for visiting cultural and religious sites
    • Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes (hiking boots for treks)
    • Scarf or shawl (optional for cultural sensitivity and warmth)
Personal Items:
  • Sunscreen (SPF 30+), lip balm, and moisturizer
  • Reusable water bottle (with a filter if preferred)
  • Tissues and wet wipes for convenience
Health & Safety:
  • Personal medications (If any)
  • Motion sickness tablets (for mountain drives)
  • Face mask and hand sanitizer
Electronics & Accessories:
  • Mobile phone and charger (with a travel adapter if needed)
  • Camera or GoPro to capture scenic views (optional)
  • Power bank (for remote areas with limited electricity)
Extras:
  • Small backpack or daypack for daily essentials
  • Umbrella or lightweight rain jacket (for summer showers)
  • Travel journal or notebook for documenting your journey

Key Information

  • Key Destinations: Islamabad, Ayun, Kalash Valleys (Bumburet & Rumbur), Chitral, Booni, Shandur Pass.
  • Highest Altitude: ~ 3,700m (Shandur Pass).
  • Best Season: May to October (summer and autumn).
  • Difficulty: Moderate – Suitable for travelers with a basic fitness level; includes long drives and light to moderate trekking.
  • Tour Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights.
  • Entry Requirements: Valid passport with a visa (for international travelers).

FAQs

01

What is the best time to visit Chitral and the Kalash Valleys?

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02

Do I need any permits to visit the Kalash Valleys?

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03

Is this trip suitable for all age groups?

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04

What type of accommodation is provided?

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05

What should I pack for the trip?

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06

How difficult are the treks and hikes?

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07

Is it safe to travel to Chitral and Kalash Valleys?

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08

Can I participate in Kalash cultural festivals?

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09

Is there internet and mobile connectivity during the trip?

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10

What kind of food is available during the trip?

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11

What transportation is provided during the trip?

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12

Can the itinerary be customized?

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TOUR EXLCUSION/INCLUSION

01

What You Get?

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02

What You Don’t?

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Location

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