Complete Northern Pakistan
Example Itinerary
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Overview
Enigmatic, edgy and intriguing, Pakistan often makes the headlines for all the wrong reasons. However, it is a land filled with colour and contrast, offering the adventurous traveller a stunning wealth of culture, tradition and natural beauty. This remarkable journey encompasses everything from remote mountain communities and breathtaking scenery, to bustling bazaars and lively cities, as you travel from the streets of Islamabad, deep into the valleys of the Hindu Kush, Karakoram and Himalayas....
Enigmatic, edgy and intriguing, Pakistan often makes the headlines for all the wrong reasons. However, it is a land filled with colour and contrast, offering the adventurous traveller a stunning wealth of culture, tradition and natural beauty. This remarkable journey encompasses everything from remote mountain communities and breathtaking scenery, to bustling bazaars and lively cities, as you travel from the streets of Islamabad, deep into the valleys of the Hindu Kush, Karakoram and Himalayas.
This is our most comprehensive tour of Northern Pakistan where you really will see it all! Starting in the capital you will head up through the Swat Valley to the haven on Ayun and on to stay with the Kalash tribe. Crossing over to the Northeast of the country you will continue to Mastuj then up over the Shandur Pass and across to Gilgit before heading north to the wonderful Hunza for a few days. Next you will head back down the Karakoram Highway to Gilgit then out east to Shigar, Khaplu (to stay in a WF favourite property) and Skardu. The final stretch of your journey takes you up to Deosai Plateau then Fairy Meadows to enjoy more spectacular mountain scenery then down through Naran back to Islamabad.
Pakistan is a country close to our hearts… and for good reason. Having run trips here for more than two decades, we understand the political complexities of travelling to this fascinating country and by making the most of this unparalleled depth of knowledge are confident of providing the most innovative and authentic trips to the region, utilising the best guides, transport and accommodation.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
How Tailor-Made Works
Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.
Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.
At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.
Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.
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Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 ARRIVE ISLAMABAD
Arrive into Islamabad airport, where you will be met by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon, kick off your tour with a visit the Institute of Folk Heritage, known as Lok Versa – a small ethnological museum displaying numerous costumes and artefacts from all over Pakistan – and from here proceed to the Faisal Mosque. When this impressive house of worship was built in the 70s, it was the largest in the world and houses an Islamic university specialising in Philosophy and Law. Finally you can visit the Marghalla Hills to enjoy magnificent views over the city before taking dinner at one of the many restaurants in old Islamabad where Saidpur Village still survives amid the modern planning.
Day 1 ISLAMABAD - SWAT VALLEY
Today you will start your journey north by driving through the Northwest Frontier and into the beautiful Swat Valley. Follow the GT Road to Malakand Pass, Butkhela, Chakdara and Saidu Sharif. Until quite recently this region was out of bounds to foreign tourists, but now it has opened up again offering you a great chance to explore the regions ancient Buddhist past. Once you have checked into your hotel, you'll visit the local museum, packed with many fine Gandharan artefacts, and other Buddhist sites. Then visit the famous archaeological site of Butkara, which is one of oldest Buddhist stupas in Ghandhara.
Day 3 SWAT VALLEY - AYUN
After breakfast you will embark on a spectacular drive, passing Chakdara - where young Winston Churchill saw action back in the 1890s - before continuing over the Lowari Pass (or going through the new tunnel) and into the ancient kingdom of Chitral. Here you'll drive on to Ayun, where you'll check into the wonderful home of Prince Maqsood Ul Mulk - an old friend of Wild Frontiers. Encircling the fort is the farm and an orchard growing seasonal fruits. The Prince is a keen botanist so be sure to take a walk in the garden to admire the impressive variety of roses. Standing at the entrance to the Kalash Valleys, surrounded by wonderful views, this is a lovely laid-back place to end your day.
Day 4 AYUN - KALASH VALLEY
After breakfast, you will drive into the Valley of Rumbor and the village of Balanguru where you stay with our good friend Saifullah Jan, the chief spokesperson for the colourful Kalash people. You also have the option of walking the last few miles through this gorgeous valley. The Kalash, numbering approximately 3,000, are the smallest religious minority of Pakistan. Unlike the other minorities in the country, they live exclusively in a particular geographical area; the three valleys of Birir, Bumburet and Rumbur. Situated in the Hindu Kush between the Afghan Border and Chitral Valley, the Muslim label the community Kalash Kafirs' (non-believers) and their area Kafirstan.
Day 5 KALASH VALLEY
After breakfast drive to the Bumburet Valley, the most picturesque of the three, scattered with villages and long, fertile stretches of cultivation. Upon arrival do spend as much time with the Kalash families as possible, learning about their culture, lifestyle and how they are slowly transitioning into the modern world.
Day 6 KALASH VALLEY - CHITRAL
Today you will leave the beautiful Kalash Valleys. Heading back down the winding rocky tracks through the soaring Hindu Kush mountains, you will continue your journey towards the sleepy and conservative mountain town of Chitral. Hopefully you can catch a game of mountain polo, if a match is being played, before checking into your hotel for the night.
Day 7 CHITRAL - MASTUJ
After breakfast you will drive to Mastuj, 110 km north-east of Chitral town, in a 4x4 jeep. This is one of the most beautiful and dramatic drives you are ever likely to take as we wind our way up the Mastuj Valley, passing Tirich Mir and BoniZong, before finally entering the Yarkund Valley at the top of which lies Afghanistan's Wakhan Corridor. On arrival you can take a stroll around the village before retiring to your hotel.
Day 8 MASTUJ - YASIN VALLEY
Today after breakfast you will drive to the Shandur Pass, stopping for tea en route at the top of the pass at 3,800 metres. From here, if you'd like, you can walk to the Langer – a beautiful plain used for grazing the yaks and dzos – where you can enjoy a nice picnic lunch before getting back in your jeep again and drive on to Yasin Valley.
Day 9 YASIN VALLEY - GILGIT
After breakfast you will travel on to Gilgit through some of Northern Pakistan's most dramatic scenery.
Day 10 GILGIT - HUNZA
After breakfast stop off in town to visit the Christian cemetery before yet another amazing drive, leading you up the Karakoram Highway beside the titanic form of Mount Rakaposhi and on into the beautiful Hunza valley. The sight of this great mountain, all 7,788 metres of it, basking in the sun beside the road, will surely leave you speechless. You can have lunch on the way at the Rakaposhi View Restaurant where you will witness the longest continuous vertical view anywhere on earth, before continuing on to the region’s main town of Karimabad.
Day 11 HUNZA
Today head up above Karimabad town for a water channel walk with spectacular views out across the valley. Head back down into town where you can have lunch on one of the rooftop restaurants. After this you will have time to relax, shop and wander, before taking a sightseeing trip to the famous 15th century Baltit fort, once the seat of power in the Hunza state and recently restored by UNESCO to a fantastic standard. In the late afternoon you'll return to your accommodation.
Day 12 HUNZA
Enjoy a day at leisure in one of the most beautiful places on earth. You may instead like the option to explore further, and drive out to Nagar Valley to take a short walk on the Hoper Glacier, or enjoy a visit to the lake at Attabad. In January 2010 a massive landslide blocked the Hunza River, which submerged 22km of the KKH by forming a beautiful azure lake. Here you can take boat ride towards the northern shore giving a great opportunity to photograph the famous cathedral peaks.
Day 13 HUNZA - GILGIT
Today, you will begin your journey south down the famous Karakoram Highway to Gilgit. Your route will take you via the Rakaposhi view point providing a fabulous opportunity to view this gigantic mountain basking in the sunlight. The journey will take around 4 hours as you enjoy stops along the way.
Day 14 GILGIT - SHIGAR
Early this morning enjoy a short tour of Gilgit with your guide, stopping off at the popular polo grounds and the very typical mountain bazaar. Next leave Gilgit and drive through the narrow gorge that is known as the "Grand Canyon" of Northern Pakistan, following the course of the untamed Indus River to Shigar.
Day 15 SHIGAR - KHAPLU
After having breakfast take a walking tour of the 14th century Amburiq Mosque that received a UNESCO award for restoration and the restored Khanqah. Following this, continue your drive on to Khaplu to check into your hotel. In the afternoon explore Khaplu Palace, the village and the Khanqah (a place of spiritual retreat which also housed journeymen).
Day 16 KHAPLU
Today you are free to relax and enjoy the hotel or partake in the many activities available from the hotel. Why not witness a polo game, visit the rock carvings at Saling, explore the 18th century majestic Khaplu Khanqah mosque, ride on horseback through the beauty of Baltistan, take a stroll through Khaplu or see the hotels many projects, such as the Bara wool spinning centre and the Khaplu Women’s Vocational Training Centre.
Day 17 KHAPLU - SKARDU
You will be driven from the ancient kingdom of Khaplu, 105 kilometres west to Skardu, on a journey of around 2 hours. You can enjoy a walk through the town's main bazaar to the 'organic village' via an old trail at the foot of Kharpocho Fort. See if you can catch a game of Polo at the town's main field and visit the K2 museum at the K2 Motel. This is an ideal way to experience the capital of Baltistan and understand the life of the locals and the mountaineers that visit.
Day 18 SKARDU - DEOSAI - RAMA LAKE
After an early breakfast, continue your journey to the Deosai Plateau National Park. This plateau is a stunning 4,000m high wildlife wilderness complete with an array of wild flowers at certain times of year. Enjoy a hearty picnic lunch with views of the Himalayas before continuing on to the alpine meadows of Astore and Rama Lake.
Day 19 RAMA LAKE - CHILAS - FAIRY MEADOWS
Continue the road journey towards Chilas today. Once you leave the alpine meadows of Rama and Astore, you will enter thes Astore Gorge, one of the most dramatic and impressive landscapes in the world. Eventually reach Raikot Bridge, where you will switch to local 4x4 jeeps and continue up a narrow and steep mountain road to Fairy Meadows. The drive is quite the adventure, but well worth it!
Day 20 FAIRY MEADOWS
Fairy Meadows, locally known as Jut, is a grassy pasture near one of the base camp sites of the mighty Nanga Parbat Mountain (8126m). Today you will hike towards Nanga Parbat base camp, passing through lush green meadows and pine forests and surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery.
Day 21 FAIRY MEADOWS - NARAN
Today say goodbye to this peaceful haven as you start your journey back down and on to Naran. Make a short stop at the top of the 4100-metre-high Babusar Pass to enjoy the stunning view of the Himalayas, Karakorum and Hindu Kush mountain ranges before proceeding to Naran.
Day 22 NARAN - TAXILA - ISLAMABAD
Today you will continue your journey stopping en route in Taxila, a fascinating Buddhist university town, dating back to the Ghandaharan era of Alexander the Great. Departing Taxila, you will continue the short distance to Islamabad for your final night.
Day 23 DEPART ISLAMABAD
This morning you will be transferred to the airport in time to catch your onward flight.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Hindu Kush Heights Chitral, Chitral
This is one of Wild Frontiers favourite hotels in the world! By far the best hotel in Chitral, Hindu Kush Heights is in a class of its own… the loving care and attention which has gone into this place is evident the moment you walk in the door. Michael Palin in his book Himalaya writes, on page 28, "The Hindukush Heights hotel is set on the side of a hill with a fine view of the valley and Chitral town. The emphasis is firmly on local design and craftsmanship… In the garden the heat smells of rosemary and jasmine." Hindukush Heights has its own hydro electricity and the water into the hotel is gravity-fed from a mountain spring. A tastefully decorated dining room serves a variety of tasty dishes. Vegetables are supplied from the hotels own organic garden. The hotel is situated a 20-minute drive from the centre of town.
Serena Hotel Gilgit, Gilgit
The Serena Hotel is set in six acres of rugged landscape in Jutial Village and has breathtaking vistas of the snow-capped peaks surrounding the Gilgit Valley. The hotel has 43 simply furnished rooms with stunning views of Mount Rakaposhi and the Jutial Nala and offers all modern comforts and amenities including air-conditioning, telephone and cable TV. The Dumani Restaurant serves Pakistani, Chinese and continental dishes and has a beautiful panoramic view over the Hunza River, Gilgit River and Danyore Valley. The Jutial Lounge serves light cooking gardens of the hotel. The Hotel offers its guests high standards of service in a luxurious, friendly environment in keeping with local culture and traditions.
Hunza Darbar Hotel, Hunza
One of the best hotel options in the area, Darbar Hotel has forty rooms, of which five are suites. All rooms feature modern bathrooms, a television and mini bar, whilst some rooms also offer wonderful views of Hunza Valley. The top-floor restaurant provides the best views for the valley, accompanied by Pakistani, continental and Chinese cuisine. Alcohol is available to non-Muslims only. For alternative options, visit the nearby bazaar and restaurants.
Islamabad Hotel, Islamabad
The Islamabad Hotel is well located, close to Melody Market and the Rose and Jasmine Gardens. Islamabad International Airport is only 13 miles away so transfers are quick. The rooms are fully equipped to international three star standards, featuring satellite TV, minibar, coffee & tea making facilities, hairdryers and individual climate control. Amenities include a fitness room and three restaurants specialising in Chinese cuisine.
Kalash Guesthouse Rumbur, The Kalash
The Kalash Guesthouse Rumbur is our favourite place to stay while visiting the Kalash. Owned and run by our good friend Saifullah Jan, one of the chief spokespeople for the Kalash, it’s a lovely place beside the river, close to the heart of the community of Balanguru. Meals are taken in the garden. It's a perfect place, to be close enough to the action but not so close that you have no privacy.
Concordia Motel, Skardu
Stay in Concordia Motel in Skardu for some of the best views of Skardu Valley, the Indus River and Kharpocho Fort. Just off the main road, the hotel is built around a courtyard and is right opposite the Kharpocho Fort. Although not the most luxurious hotel, the views, clean rooms and quality of service more than make up for the lack of glamour. Choose to stay in a standard or deluxe room with an en suite bathroom and wake up to views of the Indus River. Soak up the gorgeous scenery on the shared balcony with a cup of tea or take photographs from the rooftop. The restaurant serves hearty Pakistani cuisine to charge hikers who visit the area and the little shop in the courtyard provides clothing and maps.
Serena Khaplu Palace, Khaplu
This 19th Century Fort has recently been restored to its former glory by the Aga Khan Foundation and as such is an excellent escape in this rural area of Baltistan. Located just outside of the town, the combination of idyllic surroundings, beautiful courtyard and gardens as well as wonderfully authentic rooms makes Khaplu Fort a brilliant place to pause if travelling through this area. There are several atmospheric lounges with views over the surrounding countryside while the flat roof also makes for an excellent place to relax with a good book. A little bit of luxury in this remote area which is also just a short distance from the Wild Frontiers supported school at Baylegon.
Hindu Kush Heights Mastuj, Mastuj
Made up of 6 cosy chalets in the orchard of the old fort, this is the best accommodation in Mastuj. The setting on the side of a hill provides fantastic views over the town and the valley. The rooms are within chalets dotted around the property and each is comfortable and well maintained, with private bathrooms and comfortable beds. Hindu Kush Heights has its own hydroelectricity and the water into the hotel is gravity fed from a mountain spring. Vegetables are supplied from the hotels own organic garden and are used to create tasty dishes, served in the cosy dining room. From here you are also allowed to visit the old fort which is an interesting experience. As the ancestral home of Prince Siraj Ul Mulk (owner of the HKH hotel chain), the site now also has a small number of walk in tents, a shower and toilet block and restaurant area. If part of a small private group or on a tailor-made adventure, either going to or coming from the Shandur Pass, this is the perfect place to stay.
Ayun Fort, Ayun
Home to Prince Maqsood Ul Mulk, this charming seven room guesthouse sits on the site of the old fort of Ayun, at the entrance to the Kalash Valleys, an hour south of Chitral Town. Surrounded by a stunning garden with epic views of the towering Tirich Mir, the highest mountain in the Hindu Kush, you couldn’t wish for a more relaxing place to stay. All the rooms are stylishly decorated, with decent en suite facilities, there’s a lovely balcony from which to take in the views, and a charming dining room in which traditional Chitrali food is served. An old friend of Wild Frontiers, Price Maqsood is a wonderful host who can regale you not only with stories about the history of his family but also about the many variety of roses in his garden, not to mention over 60 pines and a peaceful fruit orchard.
Serena Shigar Fort, Shigar
Located in the beautiful province of Baltistan in the Northern Areas of Pakistan, Shigar Fort Residence is the result of a unique heritage conservation project, which offers guests the opportunity to experience the restored original architecture of a 17th century Raja fort-palace. Opened as a guesthouse in 2005, following an intensive six-year restoration undertaken by the Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan, the original 400-year old building was brought back to life following a careful strategy of adaptive re-use and restoration. The result is a combination of authentic original 17th century architecture together with the modern amenities and services of a modern guesthouse. There are 20 rooms organised in two buildings; the original old fort palace - where architecture style and features have been meticulously restored - and the new garden house building with rooms newly built using traditional materials and building techniques. Facilities include a gift shop, guest kitchen, overnight laundry service and a restaurant that specialises in local Pakistani dishes, including traditional BBQ and Iftar dinners, featuring organic produce, fish, and meat.
Raikot Sarai, Fairy Meadows
At an altitude of 3306m, the Raikot Sarai is your ultimate mountain escape within the forested Fairy Meadows in Gilgit, Pakistan. Popular amongst hikers, from the accommodation go in search of the Raikot Glacier or the Nanga Prabat. The two brothers who own the resort have been welcoming guests since 1992 and they have set the path for responsible tourism within the region. Stay within a basic cabin or tent overlooking the ‘Killer Mountain’. The Bhul Café, named after the first mountaineer to summit Nanaga Prabat, serves limited local cuisine, and the Khushbek lounge serves the same, complete with sheesha. The accommodation may be very basic but the peaceful mountain location more than makes up for it. For those not wanting to walk, horse-riding and polo can be arranged from the accommodation.
Serena Hotel Swat, Swat Valley
A secure and harmonious retreat nestled among six acres of meticulously cultivated lawns and gardens in the lush valley of Saidu Sharif, Swat Serena Hotel seamlessly captures the region’s rich culture, heritage and beauty while offering every modern comfort. Arriving guests marvel at our unique blend of colonial and Art Deco styles. The inviting architecture is complemented by scenic views of tranquil rose gardens and the snow-capped Hindukush Mountains. The in-house restaurant is designed in the beautiful Pakistani style, perfectly matched with some of the regions finest food. The pool and fitness centre allow guests to relax after exploring the historical Vazir House, home to the hotels six Heritage Suites. The badminton courts and table tennis are great for socialising with other guests.
Fort Hotel Yasin, Yasin Valley
Located to the northwest of Gilgit lies the beautiful Yasin Valley. Once considered a potential strategic route during The Great Game, the valley not only offers stunning mountain scenery but also the opportunity to spend some time in a less-visited part of this northern route. Lying at the heart of the valley is the Fort Hotel Yasin, a simple but comfortable addition to the area. Each of the 11 rooms are spacious and clean, with the majority offering western-style en suite bathrooms.
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Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
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WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
Expert travel consultants
Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Clem
Clem is our Pakistan expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Clementine by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258
OTHER ITINERARIES IN PAKISTAN
Check out our group tours in Pakistan
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to Pakistan. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
View Group Tours in Pakistan