North of Pakistan: Kingdom of Gandhara and Kalash Circuit - Swat - Kalash - Hunza - Baltistan

Pakistan, discover this 21-day trip

Nord du Pakistan Gandhara Kingdom et Kalash Tour - Swat - Kalash - Hunza - Baltistan

Trip Description

This tour is designed to discover the hidden treasures of the ancient history of Gandhara and the wonders of nature in the northern valleys of Pakistan. The Gandhara civilization (500 BC) is particularly fascinating. The museums of Taxila, Peshawar, and Swat house the finest remains of this civilization, but the most intriguing part remains the visit to the archaeological sites scattered throughout Taxila, Swat, and other parts of northern Pakistan. Driving along the Karakoram Highway, we can recap history by visiting the petroglyphs found along the Indus, Gilgit, and Hunza rivers. These carvings not only bear the "golden books" of passage by traders and pilgrims, but also represent the natural beliefs of fairy worshippers. Alongside the journey through history, one enjoys the splendors of nature while traveling through the valleys of Swat, Indus, Gilgit, and Hunza. From dense pine forests to high mountain passes, thundering rivers, picturesque valleys, terraced fields, orchards, breathtaking gigantic peaks, and shining glaciers form the outstanding features of nature. An additional bonus will be our visit to the Kalash valleys. The culture of the Kalash is unique and completely different from the various ethnic groups surrounding them. They are polytheists and nature plays a very important and spiritual role in their daily lives.

Accomodation

No accomodation information available

Stay program

day 1
Islamabad
Welcome to Pakistan! Your Adventure Pakistan guide will be waiting for you at the airport and will take you to your hotel. Depending on your flight's arrival time and/or your preferences, you can rest or go for a half-day or even a full day of sightseeing in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The guided tour will include a selection of some of the following sites: Faisal Mosque, government buildings on Constitution Avenue, Shakar Parian Park with its rose and jasmine garden, Pakistan Monument, Islamabad Museum, Lok Virsa Heritage Museum, Rawal Lake, Saidpur Village, Daman-e-Koh to admire the twin cities. Overnight in Islamabad.
day 2
Taxila - Peshawar
Drive from Islamabad to Peshawar with a sightseeing stop at Taxila along the way. Taxila was the center of the ancient Gandhara kingdom. We will visit the museum as well as the archaeological sites of Jaulian and Sirkap, where many Buddhist artifacts can be observed. Optional: Add an extra day of sightseeing in Peshawar to discover various interesting places in the city: the Kanishka Stupa, Gorkhatri, the Peshawar Museum, Islamia College, Qissa Khawani Bazaar (the bazaar of storytellers), and Bala Hisar Fort.
day 3
Swat
In the morning, we will visit the Peshawar museum and, after that, we will head to Swat to explore two ancient Buddhist sites: Takht-i-Bahi and Sahr-i-Bahlol; overnight in Swat. Takht-i-Bhai is a Parthian archaeological site. After first being a Zoroastrian complex, it was later converted into a Buddhist monastic complex. It dates from the 1st century BCE and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. Sahr-i-Bahlol (Seri Bahlol) is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is not far from Takht-i-Bahi. It is said to contain the remains of Buddha, but the area has not been properly excavated.
day 4
Swat
Full day to visit the Swat Museum, tour the Swat Valley to enjoy the incredible landscapes, and visit various Gandhara sites.
day 5
Chitral
Today will be a full day of driving as we leave the Swat valley and head towards Chitral via Dir. Upon arrival, we pass through the bazaar and take a look at the Chitral fort. Overnight in Chitral.
day 6
Kalash
Full day of visits in the Kalash valleys. The culture of the Kalash is unique and completely different from the various ethnic groups surrounding them. They are polytheists and nature plays a very important and spiritual role in their daily life. As part of their religious tradition, sacrifices are offered and festivals are organized to give thanks for the abundant resources of their three valleys. Kalasha Desh (the three Kalash valleys) is composed of two distinct cultural areas: the valleys of Rumbur and Brumbret form one, and the valley of Birir the other, the latter being the most traditional of the two. Important Kalash festivals: Joshi Festival (spring): from approx. May 13 – 16 Utchal Festival (summer): from approx. August 21 – 23 Phoo Festival (autumn): around mid-October Chaumos Festival (winter): from approx. December 7 – 22
day 7
Kalash
Free day in the Kalash valleys. Meet the local people or simply relax at your hotel or guesthouse.
day 8
Phander Lake
We leave early in the morning for a 6-hour drive to the Shandur Pass, where the famous polo match is played every year. From there, we head towards the Ghizer Valley. Our destination is the magnificent Phander Lake, famous for its trout fishing. Overnight at Phander Lake.
day 9
Gilgit
From Phander, we travel to the capital of Gilgit-Baltistan, the city of Gilgit. In or near Gilgit, we can visit: the Gilgit Bazaar, the Kargha Buddha, and the Buddhist rock carvings of Danyor. Overnight in Gilgit.
day 10
Karimabad
While driving on the famous Karakoram Highway to Hunza, you will see spectacular landscapes with high mountains, first those of the Himalayas, then those of the Karakoram ranges. We will make a short stop at the Rakaposhi viewpoint, from where we can admire a magnificent and close-up view of Rakaposhi peak (7788 m). Upon arrival in Karimabad, we will visit the Baltit Fort, the village of Ganish and/or the Altit Fort. In the late afternoon, we will head to Duikar to watch the sunset from the viewpoint above the Eagle's Nest hotel. Overnight in Karimabad. Optional: spend the night in a hotel in Duikar if you wish to have the opportunity to also see the sunrise from the viewpoint.
day 11
Karimabad
Free day to spend in Karimabad. You can relax at your hotel or guesthouse, or take a nice walk through the town or the fields. Additional visits are also possible, for example: a day trip to the Hoper glacier and the Nagar valley, or a day hike to Ultar Meadows.
day 12
Gulmit
From Karimabad, we will head towards Gulmit (Upper Hunza). We will stop at several interesting places along the way, such as the "sacred rocks" at Haldeikish, which contain ancient Buddhist rock carvings, as well as at Attabad Lake. Upon arrival, we will visit various sites in and around the village of Gulmit, including a small museum, the old house/carpet center, the local music school, the polo ground, as well as the Husaini suspension bridge. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Gulmit. Optional: add one or more extra days, for example to take a beautiful hike between the Passu glacier and Borith Lake and/or take a day trip to the remote Shimshal valley.
day 13
Gilgit
From Gulmit, we drive further north to the top of the Khunjerab Pass (4733 m), which is located at the border between Pakistan and China. After visiting the border, we will drive to Gilgit for our overnight stay. The Khunjerab Pass has been used for millennia. It is part of the ancient Silk Road and is the highest paved border post in the world. As we ascend to the top of the Khunjerab Pass, we will cross the Khunjerab National Park, famous for its Marco Polo sheep.
day 14
Skardu
Today, it will be a full day of driving (lunch halfway included) from Gilgit to Skardu. Fortunately, the road and the constant change of scenery, with small villages along the way, will offer us many opportunities to enjoy it. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Skardu.
day 15
Shigar
A day of sightseeing to discover the incredible diversity of nature and beautiful villages in and around the Skardu and Shigar region, including the Skardu Fort, Kachura Lake, the cold desert of Katpana, and Shigar Fort. Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel in Shigar (or Skardu).
day 16
Khaplu
A 3-hour drive will take us to Khaplu, where we can enjoy a nice walk to a viewpoint from where you can have an incredible view of the whole region. Then, we will visit the Khaplu Palace and the Chaqchan Mosque. In the afternoon, we will return to Skardu. Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel in Skardu. Option: add one or more extra day(s) in Khaplu for additional visits in the region, for example by visiting the Hushe valley with its superb mountain views and beautiful hiking options.
day 17
Chilas
Today will be a full day of driving from Skardu to Chilas. If the weather is clear, we may be able to get a breathtaking view of Nanga Parbat (8125 m - the 9th highest mountain in the world) from a viewpoint next to the road. We will also visit the junction of the three largest mountain ranges in the world: the Himalayas, the Karakoram, and the Hindu Kush. On the way, we will examine ancient Buddhist petroglyphs at various locations, including at the Alam bridge and in Chilas.
day 18
Fairy Meadows
From Chilas, we go to the Raikot bridge. There, we will take 4x4 jeeps for a very spectacular journey of about 1 hour to the village of Tatto. From there, you should expect a hike of 2 to 3 hours to Fairy Meadows. Overnight stay in a refuge. (If you do not wish to carry your luggage or cannot hike, it is possible to rent a donkey or a horse.)
day 19
Fairy Meadows
Full rest day at Fairy Meadows or a day hike to Beyal, Raikot, facing the Nanga Parbat base camp. Possibility to explore the surroundings of British Columbia. In the afternoon, return and overnight in huts.
day 20
Besham or Naran
2 hours walk from Fairy Meadows to the village of Tatto, then by 4x4 to Raikot bridge (less than 1 hour). Transfer by AC car or minibus to take you to Besham or Naran. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Besham or Naran. During the summer months, we may be able to take the shorter route over the Babusar Pass to enter the beautiful Kaghan Valley and spend the night in a hotel in Naran.
day 21
Islamabad
After breakfast, we begin the last part of the KKH if we are driving from Besham, or we will continue our journey through the Kaghan Valley if we are driving from Naran. In the afternoon, we will arrive in Islamabad. Here, you can rest or do some last-minute souvenir shopping. We will take you for a special farewell dinner at the top of the Margalla Hills. After dinner, transfer to the airport for your return flight. Option: add one or more nights in Islamabad depending on your flight schedule and preferences, in case you wish to do more sightseeing in the capital and/or its surroundings.