14-Day Swat Valley Trekking Tour with Chitral and Kalash Valley

14 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

Traverse the rocky and hilly corners of the incredible Swat Valley on a 14-day journey through Peshawar, Chitral, the Kalash Valley, Sorlaspur, Kachikani Pass,...

Duration: 14 Days · Tour type: Private · Activity level: Moderate · Accommodation: Included · Standard · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: No · Cities: Islamabad, Peshawar, Mingaora, Chitral, Swāt, Lower Dir · Languages: English

About Peshawar

Pakistan

Peshawar

Peshawar sits on the verge of the precipitous Khyber Pass, its old city awash with bazaars and minarets. Come and explore this ancient frontier town of the Persians with a local local guide.

Explore Peshawar Pakistan All destinations

What's Included

Accommodation.
Meals: half board at hotels and full board during the trek.
Transportation.
Camping facilities.
Porterage of 15 kg during the trek.
Tips.
Entrance fees.
English-speaking mountain guide.

Not Included

Domestic and international airfare, and airport taxes.
Any expenses due to force majeure, flight cancellation, landslides, natural calamities, or acts of God.

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Islamabad and Transfer to Peshawar

Arrive in Islamabad. Arrive in Islamabad. Transfer by an air-conditioned coach to Peshawar. Transfer by an air-conditioned coach to Peshawar. On arrival in Peshawar, check in at the hotel. On arrival in Peshawar, check in at the hotel. Later, enjoy a city tour. Stroll through the bazaar of storytellers, Kissa-Khawani Bazaar, and visit the historic Mahabat Khan Mosque and the traditional Caravan Serai next to it. Later, enjoy a city tour. Stroll through the bazaar of storytellers, Kissa-Khawani Bazaar, and visit the historic Mahabat Khan Mosque and the traditional Caravan Serai next to it. If time permits, visit the splendid collection of Gandhara Buddhist sculptures at Peshawar Museum. If time permits, visit the splendid collection of Gandhara Buddhist sculptures at Peshawar Museum. Stay overnight at the hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel.
2

Day 02

Road Journey to Chitral via Swat and Lowari Pass

Have breakfast at the hotel, then proceed by road to the fabled valley of Chitral. Pass through the lush green plains of Peshawar and ascend the Malakand Pass, which brings you into the Swat Valley. Have breakfast at the hotel, then proceed by road to the fabled valley of Chitral. Pass through the lush green plains of Peshawar and ascend the Malakand Pass, which brings you into the Swat Valley. Drive briefly through the Swat Valley and arrive at the village of Dir for lunch. Drive briefly through the Swat Valley and arrive at the village of Dir for lunch. From Dir, leave the asphalt road and continue on a jeep track to ascend Lowari Pass (3,200 meters), the gateway to Chitral Valley. From the top of the pass, enjoy fascinating views of the Hindukush mountains stretching northward. From Dir, leave the asphalt road and continue on a jeep track to ascend Lowari Pass (3,200 meters), the gateway to Chitral Valley. From the top of the pass, enjoy fascinating views of the Hindukush mountains stretching northward. The descent of the pass is even more interesting than the ascent, with 96 hairpin turns leading down to the valley floor. The descent of the pass is even more interesting than the ascent, with 96 hairpin turns leading down to the valley floor. Pass through the dry and rocky landscape and arrive in Chitral town. Pass through the dry and rocky landscape and arrive in Chitral town. Stay overnight in Chitral. Stay overnight in Chitral.
3

Day 03

Chitral Town Tour and Excursion to Kalash Valley

Embark on a morning tour of Chitral town. Embark on a morning tour of Chitral town. Stroll through the narrow single-lane bazaar with Tirich Mir (7,708 m), the highest summit of the Hindukush range, as a dramatic backdrop. Stroll through the narrow single-lane bazaar with Tirich Mir (7,708 m), the highest summit of the Hindukush range, as a dramatic backdrop. Later, drive by soft-top 4x4 jeeps from Chitral town to Bomburet village in the Kafir Kalash Valleys. The journey takes about an hour and a half. Later, drive by soft-top 4x4 jeeps from Chitral town to Bomburet village in the Kafir Kalash Valleys. The journey takes about an hour and a half. Arrive in the Kafir Kalash Valley, where a tribe of around 3,000 people lives, practicing an old religion that is a mix of animism and fire worship. Arrive in the Kafir Kalash Valley, where a tribe of around 3,000 people lives, practicing an old religion that is a mix of animism and fire worship.
4

Day 04

Drive from Kalash to Sorlaspur

Drive by soft-top 4x4 jeeps through the main Chitral Valley early in the morning. Drive by soft-top 4x4 jeeps through the main Chitral Valley early in the morning. Follow the Mastuj River upstream through the dry landscape of the Hindukush range, passing many small villages perched on rock faces. Follow the Mastuj River upstream through the dry landscape of the Hindukush range, passing many small villages perched on rock faces. Enjoy fascinating views of Tirich Mir (7,708 m), Buni Zom (6,551 m), and Drassan Peak (6,553 m) as you drive northeast. At Mastuj village, turn south on the jeep track to arrive at the small, charming village of Sorlaspur. Enjoy fascinating views of Tirich Mir (7,708 m), Buni Zom (6,551 m), and Drassan Peak (6,553 m) as you drive northeast. At Mastuj village, turn south on the jeep track to arrive at the small, charming village of Sorlaspur. Stay overnight at the campsite. Stay overnight at the campsite.
5

Day 05

Excursion to Shandur Pass Polo Arena

Drive to the Polo Arena. This wide, flat pass is covered with snow from November to May. In summer, it turns into a lovely pasture with two small lakes. Drive to the Polo Arena. This wide, flat pass is covered with snow from November to May. In summer, it turns into a lovely pasture with two small lakes. Every year, polo lovers from northern Pakistan gather here to choose the Polo Champion of the year. Every year, polo lovers from northern Pakistan gather here to choose the Polo Champion of the year. Camp overnight at Sorlaspur. Camp overnight at Sorlaspur.
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Day 06

Trek from Sorlaspur with Chitrali Porters

Begin the trek with Chitrali porters carrying the loads. Begin the trek with Chitrali porters carrying the loads. Walk through the mountains along the Laspur River. After three to four hours of walking, arrive at the village of Nalgar, the last permanent settlement on this trek. The tiny village is surrounded by birch and willow trees and fields of wheat and barley. Walk through the mountains along the Laspur River. After three to four hours of walking, arrive at the village of Nalgar, the last permanent settlement on this trek. The tiny village is surrounded by birch and willow trees and fields of wheat and barley. After resting at the village, continue southwest for another three hours on foot to the meeting point of the Bashkar River and the Kachikani River. After resting at the village, continue southwest for another three hours on foot to the meeting point of the Bashkar River and the Kachikani River. Camp overnight at 3,415 m. Camp overnight at 3,415 m.
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Day 07

Trek to Khunzazoe

Begin the trek and take a 90-degree turn to the southeast, following the Kachikani River. Then cross the river on a footbridge to walk along the right side of the river. Begin the trek and take a 90-degree turn to the southeast, following the Kachikani River. Then cross the river on a footbridge to walk along the right side of the river. At lunchtime, arrive at a small pasture with some bushes and greenery. At lunchtime, arrive at a small pasture with some bushes and greenery. Continue walking through a landscape that is typical of the Hindukush: dry and barren. Continue walking through a landscape that is typical of the Hindukush: dry and barren. Walking through the boulders, arrive at your campsite at Khunzazoe, meaning "the place of the queen." In this landscape, it is a royal place with greenery and a freshwater stream, surrounded by snowy peaks in every direction, rising from 4,871 to 5,500 m. Walking through the boulders, arrive at your campsite at Khunzazoe, meaning "the place of the queen." In this landscape, it is a royal place with greenery and a freshwater stream, surrounded by snowy peaks in every direction, rising from 4,871 to 5,500 m. Stay overnight at the campsite. Stay overnight at the campsite.
8

Day 08

Crossing Kachikani Pass

Start the trek early to cross Kachikani Pass before the snow becomes soft and difficult to walk on. Approach the glacier covered with small stones, then move onto snow, where the ascent becomes gradually steeper for about an hour. Start the trek early to cross Kachikani Pass before the snow becomes soft and difficult to walk on. Approach the glacier covered with small stones, then move onto snow, where the ascent becomes gradually steeper for about an hour. As you approach the wide pass, the ascent becomes easier. From the top of the pass at 4,766 meters, enjoy magnificent views of the snow-covered peaks of the Hindukush and the forested green slopes of the Swat Himalayas. The immediate descent from the pass is steep, narrow, and covered with soft snow, requiring careful footing. As you approach the wide pass, the ascent becomes easier. From the top of the pass at 4,766 meters, enjoy magnificent views of the snow-covered peaks of the Hindukush and the forested green slopes of the Swat Himalayas. The immediate descent from the pass is steep, narrow, and covered with soft snow, requiring careful footing. After an hour of steep descent, the slope becomes easier and more relaxing to walk on, with many glaciers flowing in different directions. After an hour of steep descent, the slope becomes easier and more relaxing to walk on, with many glaciers flowing in different directions. Camp overnight at Bokhtshal (3,875 meters). Camp overnight at Bokhtshal (3,875 meters).
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Day 09

Trek through Lakes and Pastures to Shonz

A rewarding and romantic walk follows through the gradually descending valley, filled with turquoise blue lakes, occasional waterfalls, and groves of birch and willow shrubs. A rewarding and romantic walk follows through the gradually descending valley, filled with turquoise blue lakes, occasional waterfalls, and groves of birch and willow shrubs. Follow the Bokhtshal stream through the valley to the point where it is joined by another stream flowing from Bashkaro Pass in the north. The meeting place of the two streams, called Shonz, is also a popular summer settlement for the Gujjar nomads. This tribe visits the summer pastures every year with flocks of goats, sheep, donkeys, and horses to feed on the abundant grass of the pasturelands. They stay here in June before moving on to higher grazing grounds, and in September and October they descend from the mountains to the plains of the Indus Valley to spend the winter. Follow the Bokhtshal stream through the valley to the point where it is joined by another stream flowing from Bashkaro Pass in the north. The meeting place of the two streams, called Shonz, is also a popular summer settlement for the Gujjar nomads. This tribe visits the summer pastures every year with flocks of goats, sheep, donkeys, and horses to feed on the abundant grass of the pasturelands. They stay here in June before moving on to higher grazing grounds, and in September and October they descend from the mountains to the plains of the Indus Valley to spend the winter. Meals and overnight at Shonz camp. Meals and overnight at Shonz camp.
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Day 10

Trek to Mahodand Lake

Begin with an easy downhill trek through the green wooded valley. Begin with an easy downhill trek through the green wooded valley. About an hour after leaving camp, cross the stream and continue along the left bank on a wide track. About an hour after leaving camp, cross the stream and continue along the left bank on a wide track. Around lunchtime, arrive at the summer settlement of Diwanger, where a few houses built of stone and wood provide shelter for goats during bad weather. Around lunchtime, arrive at the summer settlement of Diwanger, where a few houses built of stone and wood provide shelter for goats during bad weather. Continue on the gradually descending, well-marked trail to Mahodand Lake, a charming freshwater lake set in a wide meadow. Around the lake are Deodar and pine trees that add to the beauty of the scene. The lake also attracts fishing enthusiasts who come here to try their luck for the famous trout fish of Swat. Enjoy fascinating views of Falaksair (5,918 m), the highest summit of Swat Valley. Continue on the gradually descending, well-marked trail to Mahodand Lake, a charming freshwater lake set in a wide meadow. Around the lake are Deodar and pine trees that add to the beauty of the scene. The lake also attracts fishing enthusiasts who come here to try their luck for the famous trout fish of Swat. Enjoy fascinating views of Falaksair (5,918 m), the highest summit of Swat Valley. Stay at Mahodand camp (2,890 meters). Stay at Mahodand camp (2,890 meters).
11

Day 11

Mahodand Lake to Kalam

Board soft-top 4x4 jeeps for a short drive through the pine forests of Swat to the popular summer resort of Kalam. At Kalam, the valley opens into a fertile little plain that was once the basin of an ancient lake. The town is inhabited by Kohistanis from the upper Indus River Valley and by the dominant Pathan population. Pathans speak Pushto, which is also spoken in southern Afghanistan. Board soft-top 4x4 jeeps for a short drive through the pine forests of Swat to the popular summer resort of Kalam. At Kalam, the valley opens into a fertile little plain that was once the basin of an ancient lake. The town is inhabited by Kohistanis from the upper Indus River Valley and by the dominant Pathan population. Pathans speak Pushto, which is also spoken in southern Afghanistan. Arrive and check in to the hotel. Arrive and check in to the hotel. Enjoy lunch at the hotel. Enjoy lunch at the hotel. Explore the single-lane bazaar and the town. Explore the single-lane bazaar and the town. Stay overnight in Kalam. Stay overnight in Kalam.
12

Day 12

Drive to Mingora via Shingardara

Begin the drive to Mingora. Begin the drive to Mingora. Make a short stop in Swat Valley to visit the Gandhara Buddhist Stupa at Shigardara. Make a short stop in Swat Valley to visit the Gandhara Buddhist Stupa at Shigardara.
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Day 13

Drive to Islamabad via Takht-I-Bhai

Board air-conditioned transport for the drive through the lower Swat Valley to Islamabad. Travel through the lush green Swat Valley and its orchards, then arrive at the broad Malakand Pass, the normal entry and exit point of the valley. Board air-conditioned transport for the drive through the lower Swat Valley to Islamabad. Travel through the lush green Swat Valley and its orchards, then arrive at the broad Malakand Pass, the normal entry and exit point of the valley. En route, visit the best-preserved Buddhist monastery at Takht-I-Bhai, dating back to the 1st century AD. Built on top of a rocky hill and surrounded by the fertile green fields of the Peshawar Valley, the monastery stands in a peaceful setting. En route, visit the best-preserved Buddhist monastery at Takht-I-Bhai, dating back to the 1st century AD. Built on top of a rocky hill and surrounded by the fertile green fields of the Peshawar Valley, the monastery stands in a peaceful setting. Arrive in Islamabad and check in at the hotel. Arrive in Islamabad and check in at the hotel.
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Day 14

Departure from Islamabad

Drop off at the airport. Drop off at the airport.