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Overview
Pakistan is a country close to our hearts…and for good reason. Home to some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world, thriving cities, colourful markets and warm hospitality, a trip to this part of the world is bound to excite even the worldliest travellers. Having run trips here for more than twenty years, we understand the political complexities of travelling to this fascinating country and our paramount consideration has always been the safety of our clients.
Despite ...
Pakistan is a country close to our hearts…and for good reason. Home to some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world, thriving cities, colourful markets and warm hospitality, a trip to this part of the world is bound to excite even the worldliest travellers. Having run trips here for more than twenty years, we understand the political complexities of travelling to this fascinating country and our paramount consideration has always been the safety of our clients.
Despite the negative images painted by the press, we believe that most areas in Pakistan - particularly around Chitral and the mountains of the north - pose little or no danger within the current climate.
On this amazing journey along the Northwest Frontier you will drive up from the capital Islamabad, through stunningly spectacular scenery, to the ancient kingdom of Chitral. Here we will spend two days with the Kalash before heading on over the Shandur Pass to one of the most beautiful places on earth, Hunza. We will complete our circuit by returning to Islamabad via the Buddhist University town of Taxila.
HIGHLIGHTS
At a glance
MEALS
TRANSPORT
Local Prado or classic re-conditioned 1970s Willys jeeps between Chitral and Hunza; coasters everywhere else
GROUP SIZE
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
ENTRANCE FEES
FITNESS RATING
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
As an overall ethos, wherever possible we aim to use characterful accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience, not just offers a bed for the night. This can obviously vary dramatically from country to country and from trip to trip. On this trip it varies hugely from nice 3/4* hotels to small local guesthouses. It is important to stress that in certain places such as the Kalash Valley accommodation is basic, although you will almost certainly get en-suite facilities. In Mastuj depending on availability we will either stay in wooden cabins or fixed tents. There is a separate ablution block with toilets and showers.
FITNESS RATING
LOW: You should be comfortable walking around towns and cultural sites. May include some optional walks (typically 1-2hrs).LOW/MODERATE: May be of a long duration and/or involve numerous border-crossings. May include easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-3hrs/day). You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle.
MODERATE: May include several easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-5hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle. Previous experience of similar trips helpful.
MODERATE/HIGH: May involve several days of moderate hiking (up to 3-6 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
HIGH: May involve several days of moderate/strenuous trekking (up to 4-7 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a very fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
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 |
Map & Itinerary
Individual departures may vary so please refer to the information in the tour specific links in the Dates and Prices section below
Day 1 Tour starts in Islamabad: Sightseeing and Daman-koh
Day 1 Tour starts in Islamabad: Sightseeing and Daman-koh
Today the tour starts in Islamabad, 'City of Islam', Pakistan's capital city. It replaced Karachi back in the 1967 and is now the political and commercial heart of the country. Situated against the lush backdrop of the Margalla Hills it is a city where old and new collide. Leafy green boulevards are home to modern buildings, and shopping malls, but also dotted with traditional homes and mosques. After checking in to our rooms, available from 14:00 or possibly earlier, we have the chance to visit some of the famous sights of Islamabad including the Faisal Mosque, the largest in South Asia, and one of the largest mosques in the world, accommodating up to 100,000 worshippers at any one time. We will also take time to visit the Lok Virsa Museum, the first state museum of ethnology in Pakistan, representing the history and astounding diversity of country’s living traditions. We will also visit the Pakistan Monument and take in the views of the city from Daman-koh, a hilltop garden on the northern side of the city.
Day 2 Islamabad - Swat Valley: Bazeera, Barikot, the Shingerdar Stupa & Galigay Buddha
Day 2 Islamabad - Swat Valley: Bazeera, Barikot, the Shingerdar Stupa & Galigay Buddha
Today we will start our journey north by driving through the Northwest Frontier and into the beautiful Swat Valley. Once a region that was considered out of bounds to foreign tourists, it is now open again and offers us a great chance to explore the region’s ancient Buddhist past. We have the opportunity to visit the Buddhist remains of the ancient city of Bazeera, present day Barikot where Alexander fought a battle, the Shingerdar Stupa and Galigay Buddha, before checking into our hotel. Later we’ll visit the local museum, packed with many fine Gandharan artefacts. Covering just over 200km today we will be driving for around 5 hours.
Day 3 Swat Valley – Ayun: Historic Drive Through Chitral, & onto Ayun
Day 3 Swat Valley – Ayun: Historic Drive Through Chitral, & onto Ayun
After breakfast we will have a spectacular drive, past Chakdarra – where a young Winston Churchill saw action back in the 1890s – before continuing through the Lowari tunnel, and into the ancient kingdom of Chitral. Here we’ll drive on to Ayun where we’ll arrive in the afternoon and check into the wonderful home of Maqsood Ul Mulk, one of the princes of Chitral. This is a full day of driving as the winding roads lead us up into the mountains.
Day 4 Ayun - Kalash Valley: The Village of Balanguru & Meet the Kalash People
Day 4 Ayun - Kalash Valley: The Village of Balanguru & Meet the Kalash People
Today we have all morning to relax and enjoy the Prince’s beautiful garden and take one of the many wonderful village walks nearby. After lunch we will continue our journey into the Valley of Rumbor and the village of Balanguru where we stay with our good friend Saifullah Jan, the chief spokesperson for the colourful Kalash people. Most people prefer to walk the last few miles through this gorgeous valley. Please note that at times security restrictions don’t allow foreign visitors to stay in the Kalash valley but we will maximize our time spent in the region and then head back to Chitral for the night if these restrictions are imposed.
Day 5 Kalash Valley: Village & Valley Walks
Day 5 Kalash Valley: Village & Valley Walks
Today we maximise our time by walking in and around the valley to enjoy the local scenery and experience the local hospitality. This morning we should be able to take a walk up in the direction of the Afghan frontier to visit some small villages. We return to Balanguru for lunch and then for those who wish to we head out on another walk around the valley to understand more of the lifestyle of the Kalash people. These walks are optional, and you may wish to spend your time relaxing in the village.
Day 6 Kalash – Chitral: Wildlife Spotting at Chitral National Park
Day 6 Kalash – Chitral: Wildlife Spotting at Chitral National Park
This morning we have more time to explore the valley before driving back to the sleepy mountain town of Chitral. We’ll hope to catch a game of mountain polo and in the late afternoon if a match is being played and then we’ll travel on towards Chitral National Park to see the markhor, a kind of mountain antelope and favoured prey of the snow leopards, before checking into our lovely local hotel and have dinner.
Day 7 Chitral – Mastuj: Breathtaking Drive Up the Mastuj Valley, into the Yarkhun Valley
Day 7 Chitral – Mastuj: Breathtaking Drive Up the Mastuj Valley, into the Yarkhun Valley
After breakfast we will drive to Mastuj. 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 Boni Zong, before finally entering the Yarkhun Valley at the top of which lies Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor. We will take around 6 hours to make our way along this route. Here we will stay at a hotel next to the fort. On arrival we will take a stroll around the village.
Day 8 Mastuj - Ghizer Valley (3800m approx): Shandur Pass & Lake, The Langer, the Ghizer Valley & River
Day 8 Mastuj - Ghizer Valley (3800m approx): Shandur Pass & Lake, The Langer, the Ghizer Valley & River
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. Shandur boasts the highest polo field in the world, where the best teams from Gilgit and Chitral play very fast and aggressive matches. Nearby the Shandur Lake is famous for the vivid reflections of lofty Hindu Kush mountains that surround it, and The Langer is a beautiful plain used for grazing the yaks and dzos. From here we continue our drive on to the Ghizer Valley with it's colourful water and pleasant green and leafy outlook following the path of the Ghizer River. We will leave early and arrive into our hotel late today as we spend a full day driving through this spectacular landscape.
Day 9 Ghizer Valley - Gilgit – Hunza – Chalt - Karimabad
Day 9 Ghizer Valley - Gilgit – Hunza – Chalt - Karimabad
After breakfast we will travel on to Gilgit, a classic frontier town, once considered the furthest outpost of the empire. It was once an important staging post on the Silk Route, but ransacked by Tibetans and Chinese Sikhs during the passage of time. We will see the Christian graveyard here as well as the local bazaar, before heading to Hunza. The drive to Hunza is truly spectacular, and at Chalt, we will make a stop to see the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. Then as we round the corner and we see the titanic form of Mount Rakaposhi basking in the sun, right beside the road – the sight will leave you speechless. In Karimabad (Hunza) we will stay for the first night at a spectacularly located hotel, situated 2850m above sea level and 500m above the valley floor, with panoramic views of five 7,000m peaks!
Day 10 Hunza: Sunrise at Mount Rakaposhi & Baltit Fort
Day 10 Hunza: Sunrise at Mount Rakaposhi & Baltit Fort
Wake at around 5:30 to watch the rising sun turn the peak of Rakaposhi flamingo pink...optional of course! After breakfast we visit the famous Baltit Fort, restored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture to a fantastic standard. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. We will then take lunch in town. In the afternoon those that wish can have a water channel walk down around Karimabad before having a wander around the local shops where there will be plenty to buy. Café De Hunza serves best coffee and walnut cake in town!
Day 11 Hunza – Hoper Glacier - Attabad Lake – Gulmit - Hunza
Day 11 Hunza – Hoper Glacier - Attabad Lake – Gulmit - Hunza
After breakfast we will first drive to the other side of the valley to take a look at the Hoper Glacier. After this we’ll have lunch in a pretty garden café before driving an hour and a half further up the KKH to visit the newly formed lake at Attabad. In January 2010 a massive landslide blocked the Hunza River, which submerged 28kms of the KKH by forming a beautiful azure lake. At Gulmit we visit a carpet weaving centre run by Wakhi women. A little later we drive further north up to Batura Glacier, the fifth longest in world, and enjoy the stunning views of Passu Cones, the white Passu Glacier, and a number of 7000m peaks. In the late afternoon we return to Karimabad.
Day 12 Hunza – Lunch at Rakaposhi View - Gilgit
Day 12 Hunza – Lunch at Rakaposhi View - Gilgit
This morning we return to the Karakoram Highway for our drive to Gilgit stopping en route for lunch at the Rakaposhi View to take in the stunning backdrop. This afternoon we will drive back to Gilgit where we will check into our hotel set in a lovely garden with fantastic views of Rakaposhi and Bilchar Dubani.
Day 13 Gilgit - Snow-Capped Hills of Naran (4173m approx), Bazaars, & Rooftop Cafes
Day 13 Gilgit - Snow-Capped Hills of Naran (4173m approx), Bazaars, & Rooftop Cafes
Today we have a spectacular drive back towards Islamabad as we initially drive along the Karakoram Highway enjoying the mountain scenery and stunning countryside. Further downstream we switch to the Babusar road and cross a 4100m pass from where we can see some of the Himalayan, Karakoram and Hindu Kush mountains We continue our downhill journey through lush green Kaghan Valley where we may encounter nomadic shepherds with their flocks of fat-tailed sheep. Finally we drive past the beautiful Lulusar Lake surrounded by snow-capped hills, before arriving the bustling town of Naran. The majority of the people here are Pashtun and we may have the opportunity to have a stroll around the bazaar this evening or sit and watch the world go by in one of the rooftop cafes.(Please note that at this time of year flights are unreliable and can be cancelled on a regular basis due to adverse weather conditions so we plan to drive this very memorable route, and break our journey in Naran. Please note that if the Babusar Pass is closed due to snowfall we will return to Islamabad via Besham). Approximate drive time will be 12 hours today.
Day 14 Naran - Taxila, UNESCO World Heritage Site - Islamabad, Farewell Dinner
Day 14 Naran - Taxila, UNESCO World Heritage Site - Islamabad, Farewell Dinner
Today we continue our long journey south with over 250kms to cover, stopping en route in Taxila, a fascinating Buddhist university town, dating back to the Gandaharan era of Alexander the Great. After visiting this UNESCO World heritage site, we shall continue the short distance to Islamabad. Here we have our farewell dinner.
Day 15 Tour ends
Day 15 Tour ends
Today the tour ends after breakfast in Islamabad.
ACCOMMODATION USED ON THIS TOUR
Hill View Islamabad, Islamabad
The mid-range Hotel Hillview is set in the heart of Islamabad and offers 124 rooms and suites set over 4 floors. The rooms are modern in style, well-appointed and each has warm and welcoming decor. The restaurant offers both local and international cuisine and there are further options nearby such as the Kabul Restaurant and Afghan Bakery - both key eateries in town. Also close by is the Saeed Bookshop - the best bookshop in town - and a number of other useful stores. Comfortable, convenient and very well priced, this is a good option in Islamabad.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Eagle's Nest, Hunza
A two hours' testing yet rewarding walk (or an equally dramatic 30 minute drive) from the village of Karimabad, the Eagle's Nest sits at 2850 metres above sea level with fabulous views of the Hunza Valley, 500 metres below. Traditionally decorated with wood and stone, the hotel meets modern standards. The restaurant serves meals prepared with fresh local ingredients and all water is from a fresh spring and safe to drink. Treks in the area are varied and all have magnificent views, and a visit to the Ultar glacier is certainly a highlight. From a view point just above the hotel you can see six 7,000 metre peaks!
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.
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.
Northern Retreat, Naran
Surrounded by the beauty of Kaghan Valley, the Northern Retreat offers simple but comfortable accommodation near Naran. Facilities and rooms are modern and well-equipped, with the spacious rooms including en suite bathrooms. There is a restaurant with views out across the mountains.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation displayed here should be taken as a guide only. *Please refer to the Detailed Itinerary of your individual departure for more information.
PRIVATE HOLIDAYS: DATES DON’T FIT?
All group tours can be taken on a private basis.
Additional Details
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Kalash Valley Visit
On this tour you will have the privilege of staying with the people of the Kalash, a minority pagan tribe who live high in the mountains of the North West Frontier. The Kalash is a community that have been at the heart of Wild Frontiers from the very beginning, welcoming us and our travellers into their community and homes and inviting us to join in their festival celebrations. Staying in a locally owned guesthouse, usually in Balanguru Village, for a number of days we are supporting the local economy, while enjoying invaluable cultural interaction.
Through the Wild Frontiers Foundation we have supported the people of the Kalash on a number of community projects, including the purchase of land, in a safer area, to rebuild the Balanguru Village primary school after devastating floods washed the small school building down the valley in 2013. With further floodwaters destroying an already fragile infrastructure including homes, communal buildings, water channels and crops, in 2017 our foundation raised the funds to build a 100ft flood defence wall to help protect the village and community from future loss.
Reducing Single Use Plastic
We recognise the environmental issues and challenges around single-use plastic in many countries we visit and are actively working with our partners on the ground to reduce plastic waste on our tours and within the hotels and restaurants we visit. You can help to reduce your personal plastic waste by taking a refillable, filtered water bottle with you on your trip. Filtered water bottles can be refilled from water sources including your hotel room and restaurant taps, drinking fountains and refill stations. Every time you refill your bottle without the use of single-use plastic, you will be helping to reduce waste and protect the environment. Filtered Water Bottles | Wild Frontiers (wildfrontierstravel.com)
Supplementary Information
Lahore Post Tour Extension
Day 1 –
This morning you will be driven from Islamabad to Lahore.
En route you will stop off at Rohtas Fort, also known as Qila Rohtas, an exceptional example of early Muslim military architecture in Central and South Asia. Following the defeat of the Moghul Emperor Humayun in 1541, Sher Shah Suri built the strong fortified complex at Rohtas, a strategic site about 16km north-west of the city of Jhelum. On arrival in Lahore, you will be taken to your hotel for check-in.
Day 2 -
Lahore Full Day City Tour
Today you have a full day of guiding in Lahore. The historic capital of both the Moghul and Sikh empires, this city also played a significant part in the British governance of the Punjab. Home to a remarkable collection of cultural and historic highlights, your tour today will include visits to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Jahangir Tomb, Asif Khan Tomb and Noor Jahan Tomb, once richly decorated with floral fresco paintings on lime plaster. Following this, drive to the Shalimar Gardens and then on to the Wagah border where you will join the patriotic crowds to witness the extraordinary - and very bizarre - Wagah Border Ceremony. Watch the spectacle of the frontier guards of Pakistan squaring up to the frontier guards of India in an act of great bravado, pomp and ceremony, closing the gate between the two countries, each lowering their flags. This is a wonderful introduction to the relationship between the two great foes.
Day 3 -
Today your tour includes the wonderful assortment of artefacts and national history displayed at the Lahore Museum, the striking Badshahi Mosque built from red sandstone and the neighbouring Lahore Fort. In the early afternoon, head to the walled city of Lahore to view the hustle and bustle of day to day life in this city. If you walk through the busy bazaar, you can also visit the spectacular and recently restored Shahi Hammam, as well as the Wazir Khan Mosque. In the afternoon, you will visit the shrine of Hazrat Mian Mir, a famous Sufi
Muslim saint who resided in Lahore.
Day 4 –
Early this morning, you will be transferred from your hotel to Lahore Airport in time for your flight.
Please note that this tour extension will be with a Local Guide and not a WF Tour Leader and may be shared with other clients booked on your group tour departure. Accommodation is on a bed and breakfast basis. Please contact our Sales team for more details and costs.
Getting There
If you would like us to send you a quote for the suggested tour flights or on any alternative flight that may suit you better, please let us know, noting that for our US clients, we will most likely refer you to one of our preferred partners. For this trip our suggested flights from the UK (subject to change) are shown below.
If you wish to arrange your own flights you are completely free to do so and in this case we can arrange any transfers or supplementary accommodation that you may require. However please note that if you are planning on making your own flight arrangements, we recommend that you first check with us to see if the trip is guaranteed. We then suggest that you purchase flights that are flexible and ideally refundable as due to the nature of adventure travel, itineraries and destination accessibility can change at any time. For more information, please refer to our booking conditions.
| Flight Code | Departing | Arriving |
|---|---|---|
| QR 008 | London Heathrow (LHR) 16:00 | Doha International Airport (DOH) 00:40 |
| QR 614 | Doha International Airport (DOH) 02:20 | Islamabad Airport (ISB) 07:50 |
| QR 615 | Islamabad Airport (ISB) 09:45 | Doha International Airport (DOH) 11:30 |
| QR 001 | Doha International Airport (DOH) 12:55 | London Heathrow (LHR) 18:00 |
Visas & Vaccinations
VISAS
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here - https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa
For this tour UK passport holders currently require a visa for Pakistan.
Passports should ideally be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the end of your tour.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
VACCINATIONS & ADDITIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is a mandatory requirement for travellers to Pakistan coming from countries at high risk of the disease. Also, if your travels are for 4 weeks or more, you will be required to show proof of a Polio vaccination on exiting the country.
For all destinations, please make sure you are up-to-date with any standard vaccinations (e.g. MMR, Hepatitis A, Tetanus) as recommended by your local health care provider.
Malaria is present in some parts of Pakistan and precautions are essential.
For the most up-to-date information on all vaccination requirements and the most suitable anti-malarial tablets, we strongly suggest that you seek advice from your local travel centre or consult an official travel health website such as www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
Covid Testing: No mandatory testing is currently required for vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers.
If necessary further details will be sent out to you upon booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas & vaccinations are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Extensions
If you have more time available, why not arrive early to adjust to a new time zone or just to get a feel for the country before your tour starts? Or alternatively you might choose to allow a few extra days after the tour to relax or to undertake some further exploration.
The choice is completely yours and we can usually arrange anything from simply additional accommodation and transfers to full tailor-made itineraries.
Below is just a small sample of what you could do. Please contact the office for more details and to discuss your individual requirements.
Lahore Group Tour Extension
Why not add a 3 day extension in Lahore onto your Pakistan tour, and soak up the atmosphere, historical majesty and faded elegance of the Moghul and Raj eras, along with the bustling street life of Pakistan's traditional capital.
For more details refer to the Supplementary Information section.
Governmental Travel Advice
Many governments issue advice which highlights potential hazards their citizens might experience when travelling abroad. We strongly suggest you refer to your country’s particular advisory site before booking and contact us if you have any queries or concerns. Click to follow links to the advice of the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or the US State Department.
Non-UK citizens should consult the travel advice of their respective governments.
Warning
The FCDO sometimes advises against certain parts of this itinerary. The advice can change rapidly, currently it effects our itinerary in Swat, Chitral and along parts of the KKH.
Wild Frontiers has many years’ experience of running trips which contravene FCDO advice but these decisions that are never taken lightly and are always taken in conjunction with our local partners after extensive consultation. As part of the booking process, you will need to sign a disclaimer to confirm you have read the advice, that you are still happy to travel and that you will obtain travel insurance which is not invalidated by the FCDO advice.
For more information, please see the Insurance section or contact us. Non-UK clients should be sure to check the travel advice of their own governments as well as the small print of their insurance policies. Should you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Key Information
CLIMATE
The weather conditions can be extremely varied. In the mountains of the Hindu Kush, where you will be travelling at heights in access of 3,000 metres even in the middle of summer it can turn bitter with the occasional snow flurries falling. Temperatures in the Islamabad and the plains can be considerably higher than the mountains although in the autumn the weather is pleasant with warm days and nights getting cooler the higher you sleep. However, in the autumn months snow can come early so be prepared for some chilly temperatures especially at night!
IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?
It may sound obvious but Wild Frontiers tours are not always for everyone and it is important to us that the tour you choose is the most suitable. All our tours have a fitness rating as a guideline but you should check the day-by-day itinerary carefully. In certain instances we may ask you to complete a travel questionnaire before confirming your booking in order to ensure your suitability. Should you have any concerns about your ability to partake in any aspect of the tour then please contact the office.
KEY ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, as many of the activities are optional. Please note that some of the walks in the Kalash Valley are quite steep! Please also note that there are some long driving days on this trip, some of which are created by the nature of the roads rather than the distances covered.
Please note that in Pakistan administrative and security requirements can change overnight. At times the authorities may require additional checks and registration which can affect the itinerary. Visitors to Pakistan must adopt a flexible approach and awareness that the itinerary is fluid and overnight stops can change. Some of the journeys can be long and due to road conditions and as a result of the security accompaniment during the drives.
When travelling in jeeps, we open the roof when the weather permits to fully embrace the nature of adventure travel that this mode of transport allows and maximising our opportunity to enjoy the spectacular scenery.
THE NATURE OF ADVENTURE TRAVEL
We feel that it’s worth pointing out that while we will always strive to stick as close to the stated itinerary as possible, it may be necessary from time to time to make changes to our itineraries or services (due to weather, political and religious influences etc.) and this can happen with little or no notice. This unpredictability can be one of the most exciting aspects of adventure travel and for many of our clients often leads to unexpected highlights as the tour-leader necessarily adapts the tour to the changing conditions. However we are aware that this lack of assuredness may not suit everyone. As such, with the greatest respect, if you are someone who needs to know that everything will happen exactly as planned, we would kindly suggest that perhaps our tours are not for you. Adventure travel can be infectious and once you’ve caught the bug, it is likely to never leave you, but especially if this is your first such tour we would strongly urge you to give us a call if you have any concerns whatsoever about your suitability for this trip.
TRAVELLING SOLO AND SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour except the local guest houses in Ayun and the Kalash Valley, and in Mastuj.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
INSURANCE
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
General Information
TOUR PRICE
All our tours are priced on a land-only basis, giving you maximum flexibility when deciding how to get to and from your tour.
DEPOSIT
A 10% deposit is required to confirm your booking.
PROTECTION FOR YOUR MONEY
For further details please see our travelling with peace of mind page
WILD MILES
This tour will earn you 7514 Wild Miles
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
WILD FRONTIERS COMMUNITY
If you’re still not sure if this trip is right or just want to see get some different perspectives, then why not have a look at the wide variety of resources we have on our website? Browse our community section to read our blogs, watch videos and find out about our events.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
We are frequently asked what makes Wild Frontiers different from other tour operators. Visit our Why Wild Frontiers page to find out.