Mystic Valleys Of Hunza & Kalash Tour
About this tour
Embark on an incredible journey to see the confluence of the world's highest mountain ranges: the Karakoram, the Himalayas, and the Hindu Kush as you travel along the Karakoram Highway through the dramatic, deep gorges of the Indus. Visit stunning sites like the Baltit Fort Museum and the Altit Fort at Karimabad. Also, spend a few days in Hunza and learn about the local culture and lifestyle. After it than we move to Western part Chitral and Kalash valley.
Drive along the Karakoram highway and pass the highest point of Khunjerab Understand the local culture at Hunza Karimabad
Visit Gulmit, Passu and Khunjerab pass Marvel at the ancient Altit Fort & Baltit Fort Museum Admire the breathtaking view from the Nanga Parbat Viewpoint Look at the 7th century Buddha carving at Kargah Valley Explore Chitral and Kalash valley the Upper and Lower Swat Valley
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Islamabad, Pakistan
Today on arrival at Airport I am Sherbaz Tour and mountain guide Connect with you , and transfer you to the hotel. Spend the day at leisure in Islamabad exploring Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, and Rawal Lake. Evening back to Hotel. Enjoy the local foods in the food streets.
Day 2: Islamabad Motorways Toll Plaza, Islamabad, Pakistan to Naran Valley, Naran, Pakistan
After freshening up, drive to Besham/Narran. En-route visit Taxila, the capital of Buddhist Gandhara civilization. It is reputed as one of the most important archaeological sites of the sub-continent. See the ruins of a former city (Sirkup), a former monastery (Julian) built on top of a hill, and the splendid site museum that contains the artifacts recovered from the excavation sites. Here one could also see the gold and silver coins of Alexander the Great (326 BC) and local kings. After Taxila, proceed towards the Karakoram Highway, passing through the lush green valleys of Mansehra District, enjoying the beautiful landscapes of the valley. Karakoram High way is the joint effort of Pakistan and China. Its completion took 20 years. 300 Chinese and 600 Pakistanis sacrificed their lives for the completion of this road. Overnight stay at Hotel. (5/6 hours, 200 km)
Day 3: Naran Valley, Naran, Pakistan to Gilgit-Baltistan
Go for a morning drive on KKH to Gilgit. The capital city of the Northern areas of Pakistan. At Thakot, cross the Chinese bridge to enter the gorge of the Indus River. For centuries the traders and Buddhist missionaries used this branch of the Silk Route. There are many rock carving sites of that time: Shatial rock carving is one of them. Have lunch in Chilas and then, make a stop at Thalichi for the best views of Nanga Parbat (8,125m), the 9th highest peak of the world and the second-highest after K2 in Pakistan, also known as the killer mountain. Rakaposhi (7,788m) and the Haramosh range can also be viewed from here. Afterwards, arrive at the meeting point of the mountain ranges. The three highest mountain ranges of the world Karakoram, Himalayas and Hindukush meet where the Indus River is joined by the Gilgit River. Later, continue along Gilgit River, overnight at Hotel. (9/10 hours, 320 km)
Day 4: Gilgit to Hunza Nagar
Drive out from Gilgit to re-enter the town from the historic route, crossing a suspension bridge over the river. At Kargah, visit the rock-carved Buddha from the 7th century AD. In ancient times, the Kargah valley used to be the travelling route of the Buddhist monks to go to Taxila. Stroll down the colourful Bazaars of Gilgit. The tour will continue to the beautiful, breathtaking Hunza valley through a scenic route. On the way, see the old Silk Route used by the Buddhist monks and traders. En route, take a halt at Rakaposhi's (7,788m) viewpoint. Enter the Hunza valley and arrive at the capital Karimabad. Overnight at Hotel. (2/3 hours, 110 km)
Day 5: Hunza Nagar to Karimabad
Spend a day free in Karimabad for short walks to Altit and Baltit Forts and other explorations in Hunza Valley. The people of Hunza are famous for their long lives. See some beautiful peaks of the Karakoram ranging from Karimabad; Rakaposhi 7788m, Diran 7266m, Ultar 7400m, Golden 7027m peak and the Nagar valley on the left bank of Hunza river. In Hunza, each family grows enough wheat, maize, apricots, and walnuts for its own use. The people are mostly self-sufficient, making their own clothes, shoes, wooden and stone bowls, and growing their own food. The people are very friendly and cheerful. In the afternoon, walk to Ultar glacier, follow the irrigation channel through the village or stroll through the single lane bazaar for better views of soaring peaks around you. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 6: Hunza Nagar to Passu
Today, go for a short drive through the heart of Karakoram. Make a stop at the village of Gulmit, in the shadow of the virgin Gulmit tower. Stroll through the village fields, visit the Polo ground and old houses. Later, take a short trek to Gulkin glaciers and Borit Lake. As you end your hike near Borit Lake, the transport will pick for 15 km drive to Passu. Passu is a small charming village in the backdrop of soaring Passu Cones, with Passu and Batura glacier at short walking distance. Walk through the village to see the village life. Some 70 years ago, Passu used to be the second-largest settlement in Hunza after Karimabad. The glacier upstream on the Hunza river moved down to create a large dam that later broke and destroyed the fertile fields and houses. Now the river occupies the major share of the valley, with the village on its right bank. Walk to the Passu glacier and Passu Lake (45 minutes one way). From the snout of the glacier, witness fascinating views of Shispar ( 7,611 m) and Passu Peak (7,478 m). Visit the famous suspension bridges of Passu; these 800 feet long bridges over the Hunza River are still in use by local people. Overnight at Lodge.
Day 7: Passu to Gupis Fort, Gupis
Drive to Gupis valley with occasional drop-offs from the jeep for exciting walks along the trek. Then, bid farewell to the Karakoram range and enter the Hindukush range. Wild landscape meets us during the drive as this route is visited by much fewer people and is snow-covered during the winters, so only nomads move with their flock of goats, searching the higher slopes for green pastures. Guest House overnight. (6/7 hours – 3200meters)
Day 8: Gupis Guest house, Gupis to Mastuj Chitral, Mastuj, Pakistan
From Gupis valley -Phander the Jeep-track passes over the Shandur Pass (3500m) to Mastuj. At Shandur top, we leave the jeeps and walk over the pass to the highest Polo ground in the world. Every year, a grand festival of Polo takes place where teams from all of North Paãistan meet together to decide the Champion of the year. Many enthusiasts attend the festival from every village, who Camp here for days to see their team progress towards glory. Then, drive to Larkspur village. After Laspur village, a zigzag jeep track descends down towards Mastuj, Continue to drive to Mastuj for overnight camping. (6/7 hours – 3000 meters)
Day 9: Mastuj Chitral, Mastuj, Pakistan to Chitrāl, Pakistan
Head for a morning drive from Mastuj village, along the Chitral River, which is flowing in the main valley bed. The landscape of the Hindukush range appears much arid and dry, as this area is outside the reach of the monsoon and receives very little rain. Stop at a small village for lunch and then continue enjoying fascinating views of snow-clad peaks reaching 4,500 meters. Arrive Chitral and after some rest, drive to Kalash valley. Visit Bumburet and Birir villages in Kalash valley to experience the unique landscapes and meet the local population during their daily life. Overnight Guest House in Birir village. (6/7 hours – 250 meters)
Day 10: Chitrāl, Pakistan to Kalash, Chitrāl, Pakistan
Drive to Kalash valley visit Rumbur and Bomboret valley. Explore local century old traditions, meet local people and observe their unique culture. Evening back to local Guest House. Approximate driving distance is 3 hours.
Day 11: Kalash Valley Road, Chitrāl, Pakistan to Swat, Pakistan
Go for a morning drive to Swat. Proceed towards Lowari Pass (3,200 meters). The ascend is very interesting as it encounters around 96 Hair-pin turns to bring you to the top of Lowari Pass. Descend to Dir, Chakdara and Malakand Pass. Arrive Swat, a land that shines with fruit-laden orchards, flower-filled slopes, meandering rivers, rumbling streams, and is surrounded by the mighty ranges of the Hindu Kush and Karakoram. The valley is 3,250 feet above sea level, Saidu Sharif and Mingora are the towns that form the twin capital of this area. Arrive and transfer to hotel for overnight in Mingora.
Day 12: Swat, Pakistan to Islamabad, Pakistan
Head to Islamabad while travelling on the Grand Trunk Road laid down by the Pathan Emperor of the United Indian Empire: Sher Shah Suri. Stop for a photo at the meeting point of Indus and Kabul Rivers just beyond Attock Bridge. Enter Faisal Mosque, the landmark of Islamabad. Visit Daman-e-Koh on top of the hill for a panoramic view of Islamabad. Then, drive on Constitution Avenue looking at President's House, Parliament, Supreme Court & other state buildings. In the evening, proceed to Airport to board your return flight.
What's included
Transport private Car throughout journey Car Fuel / Gas Hotel meals Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner Fresh fruits and Nestle water unlimited Trekking materials tents and all gear if needed Cook and kitchen staff Trekking supplies and foods Professional Driver and tourist guide Visa invitation letter All Parking fee All trekking gears
International travel tickets Personal Shopping Alcohol (Islamic country )
Languages spoken
What to know
Altitude & Terrain: Expect high passes (up to 3,700m-4,100m). Roads are winding with hairpin turns—be prepared for adventurous drives. Weather: Northern Pakistan can be cold even in summer. Pack layered clothing, rain protection, and sturdy trekking shoes. Culture & Etiquette: Hunza & Nagar people are known for hospitality and self-sufficiency. Kalash communities follow unique traditions respect local customs and ask before photographing. Connectivity: Limited mobile and internet coverage in remote valleys. Health & Safety: Carry personal medicines and stay hydrated. Moderate fitness is helpful for short treks and village walks. Essentials to Pack: Warm layers and rain jacket. Comfortable walking shoes. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and reusable water bottle. Camera for stunning landscapes. This tour is a blend of natural grandeur and cultural depth from the mighty Karakoram peaks to the vibrant Kalash traditions, guided by Mr. Sherbaz, it offers both scenic beauty and authentic cultural encounters.
Route & locations
Islamabad, Pakistan