Classic Northwest Frontier
Example Itinerary
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Overview
The Northwest Frontier was the birthplace of Wild Frontiers and therefore has extra special significance to us here. This trip is focused on spending time with the wonderful Kalash, worlds away from the Islamic Pakistan you are imagining - as well as taking in some of the most spectacular mountain scenery of the Hindu Kush. On this spectacular trip along the famous Northwest Frontier you will drive up from the capital Islamabad, through the spectacular Swat Valley, to the haven of Ayun. Here ...
The Northwest Frontier was the birthplace of Wild Frontiers and therefore has extra special significance to us here. This trip is focused on spending time with the wonderful Kalash, worlds away from the Islamic Pakistan you are imagining - as well as taking in some of the most spectacular mountain scenery of the Hindu Kush. On this spectacular trip along the famous Northwest Frontier you will drive up from the capital Islamabad, through the spectacular Swat Valley, to the haven of Ayun. Here you will spend time in the fascinating kingdom of Chitral, including visiting Chitral Town, Mastuj and the Shandur Pass and spend two days with the Kalash. You will complete your circuit by returning to Islamabad flying down from Chitral. 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.
Relax and enjoy...through our partners you'll have support on the ground as well as 24-hour emergency assistance in the UK.
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 2 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 region's ancient Buddhist past. Once you have checked into your hotel, you can 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 Maqsood Ul Mulk, one of the princes of Chitral.
Day 4 AYUN
Today will be a day to relax and enjoy your spectacular surroundings after a long day of driving. You will be free to enjoy the beautiful garden and orchards of Prince Maqsood Ul Mulk - an old friend of Wild Frontiers. Standing at the entrance to the Kalash Valleys, surrounded by wonderful views, this is a lovely laid-back place to stay and recover from your long journey. Ask your host about the village walk options, we definitely recommend that you make time to head down the hill into Ayun to wander through the peaceful village where locals will often invite you into their homes giving you a real insight into what life is like up in this remote Chitrali village.
Day 5 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 6 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 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 7 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 8 CHITRAL
This morning you'll travel on towards Chitral National Park to see the markhor, a kind of mountain antelope and favoured prey of the snow leopards. In the afternoon, you will visit the historical Chitral Fort, Royal Mosque and take a stroll through the old bazaar, a reminder of the heydays of the Silk Road.
Day 9 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 you wind your way up the Mastuj Valley, passing Tirich Mir and Boni Zong, 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 10 MASTUJ
After breakfast you will drive to the Shandur Pass, stopping for tea en route at Sor Laspur as well as a picnic lunch on top of pass (3,800m). Visit the beautiful Shandur Lake and the world famous Shandur Polo ground before picking up the vehicle again and driving back to Mastuj.
Day 11 MASTUJ - CHITRAL
Another spectacular drive today, you will leave the Yarkund Valley at the top of which lies Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor and wind your way down the Mastuj Valley, passing the northern face of the 6000m peak Boni Zong, and the eastern flank of Mount Tirich Mir. The drive will take about 5 hours and on arrival in Chitral you will be taken to your hotel.
Day 12 CHITRAL - ISLAMABAD
Rise early for breakfast before beginning the long drive back to Islamabad. Pass through the new Lowari Tunnel, before coming down into Dir. From here, you will drive on to Islamabad on a journey which will take a total of around 12 hours.
Day 13 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.
Islamabad Serena Hotel, Islamabad
The Islamabad Serena Hotel stands at the foot of the Northern Hills in six acres of landscaped gardens in the centre of Islamabad. The Moorish and Mughal architecture and interiors have been achieved using indigenous materials such as hand-hewn marble and hand-woven fabrics. The 197 rooms and suites are well furnished in a distinct Punjabi and Swati style and they afford magnificent views of the Margalla Hills and Rawal Lake; all have air-conditioning, internet access and flat screen televisions. Leisure facilities include a fully equipped gymnasium and an outdoor pool. A variety of dining options is offered at the five in-house restaurants accompanied by folk and music shows in the evenings.
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.
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 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.
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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
MEALS
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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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