Mountain Village & Cultural Tour 16 D / 15 N
2024
october 19 to november 2
16 days / 15 nights
2025
APRIL 13 TO 28
This combination of sightseeing and trekking highlights the best of the Gilgit Baltistan region of Pakistan. North Pakistan is also known for its beautiful autumn colors and spring blossoms, particularly in the mountainous regions such as the Karakoram, Hindu Kush, and the Himalayas. Hence, we are offering this tour in autumn and spring. Embark on a captivating journey through Gilgit-Baltistan, a land of unmatched beauty and cultural diversity. Our tour highlights include Hunza Valley, where you can explore ancient forts, terraced fields, and majestic peaks like Rakaposhi and Ultar Sar. Venture to Fairy Meadows and discover the enchanting meadows beneath Nanga Parbat, offering panoramic Himalayan views. In Ishkoman Valley, experience rugged landscapes, tranquil rivers, and ancient rock carvings in this hidden gem of the region. Immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions and festivals of the Kalash people amidst the Hindu Kush mountains. Marvel at the towering peaks, glaciers, and pristine valleys of the Karakoram and Hindu Kush ranges. Join us for an unforgettable adventure where nature's grandeur meets cultural richness in Gilgit-Baltistan.
itinerary
DAY 1 Arrival in Islamabad
Our representative/guide will be at Islamabad International Airport to pick the group and transfer to the hotel (the new airport is about 40-45 at minutes’ drive from Islamabad city). In the afternoon, a half day city tour will include a visit to Faisal Mosque, which was built in 1986, Pakistan Monument, Lok Virsa where you have a breathtaking aerial view of Islamabad from Daman-e-Koh. Drive back to hotel for an overnight stay. After dinner will have brief session on the next day trip with our guide in the hotel. Now, it is your time to relax and sleep.
DAY 2 Islamabad to Swat (980 meters)
We will leave early morning after having breakfast in the hotel. The journey on from Islamabad to Swat will be an exciting and enriching experience, offering stunning views of the countryside and the opportunity to see some of Pakistan's most remarkable cultural and historical sites. This is a beautiful journey that's full of stunning scenery and exciting experiences. There are some of the historical sites to experience all the attractions.
We will visit to Takht-e-Bai is a historic archaeological site located in the Mardan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan. It is known for its rich cultural and historical heritage, and is a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts. Takht-e-Bai was once the site of a large Buddhist monastery and is considered one of the earliest Buddhist sites in the region. We will explore the remains of the monastery, including stupas, shrines, and courtyards. There is a stunning view of the Mardan city and the surrounding from this historical site. Overnight stay in Rocks & City Hotel Swat.
Drive time: 6-7 hours
DAY 3 Swat to Kalash (1670 meters)
The day is full of stunning natural beauty, and there are many things to see and explore. Some of the highlights include the breathtaking Kunar River Valley, the majestic Hindu Kush Mountains, the fascinating Kalash Valley, picturesque waterfalls and rivers, and the many small villages that dot the route. It's a great way to get an insight into the culture and life of local communities. On this day, we will explore the Kalash region which includes a visit to Rumbur village where we meet the locals and enjoy the cultural beauty of the Kalash Valley.
Drive time: 5-6 hours
DAY 4 Kalash to Mastuj (2,360 meters)
This morning, we leave very early after breakfast. The drive will take us through the beautiful Chitral City with stunning views of Terichmir the highest Mountain of Hindukush Region and the surrounding. We will have explore the city before heading towards Mastuj and Shandur Pass. The journey from Kalash to Mastuj to the north of Chitral is an exciting and breathtaking experience. Along the way, you will pass through incredible mountain peaks, lush green valleys, and beautiful rivers. Along the way, you will come across the villages Boni, Meragam, Senoghor, and many more along the Yarkhun River. You will enjoy the incredible views of the surrounding mountains such as Terichmir 7,870m (the highest Mountain in Hindukush Range), Boni Zom, Istro Nal,and other snow-covering peaks throughout the journey with the colors of autumn.
Mastuj, is a small town in the north of Chitral and center of Upper Chitral which serves as the junction for Yarkhun Valley and Shandur Pass to Gilgit-Baltistan. This is an incredible journey that will leave you with unforgettable memories of the amazing landscape and culture of valley.
Drive time: 5-6 hours
DAY 5 Mastuj to Phander (3,700 meters)
An exciting drive takes us to Phander Valley via Shandur Pass at 3,740 meters. This is the highest polo ground in the world and a highlight of the journey along with the crystal clear Shandur Lake. The scenery is eye-catching along the beautiful villages of Harchin, Brok, Sore Laspur as we ascend towards Shandur Pass. We will have a photo stop of the surroundings and Shandur Lake. Another two and half hours of driving will take us to the lush green Phander Valley along crystal clear lakes. The Phander River is a home to Trout Fish that flows down all the way to Gilgit. We will stop for pictures and eat on the way and have the real taste of trout fish directly from the river (you may enjoy your own fishing as well).
Drive time: 7-8 hours
DAY 6 Phander
We will spend a day exploring Phander Lake by foot and enjoy the gorgeous fall colors of this valley as we connect with the local people of the Ghizer valley.
DAY 7 Phander to Yasin Valley (2,500 meters)
We drive to Yasin Valley from Phander wich is one of the most beautiful places in north of Pakistan. It played very important role in the history of Gilgit-Baltistan as it was once the center of Little Blore during Tahitian rule from 747 to 752 BC. We will visit Yasin Fort and Mudori Fort and learn about its heart-breaking story. There is a great view of Yasin Valley from the remains of Mudori. Yasin is home to several short and long trekking routes that connect to the east to Ishkoman and to the west Yarkhun and Broghil Valley in the North of Chitral over the famous Darkot and Thui Pass. We stay overnight in hotel having a delicious traditional dinner of the Valley.
Drive time: 1.5 hours
DAY 8 Yasin to Ishkoman Valley (2,300 meters)
This is an amazing day which involves driving through charming villages along the beautiful Ghizer River. The road journey offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. We will reach in Ishkoman in three hours where we will have lunch. Today, we will explore the fascinating Ishkoman Valley which is home several attractions. The upper Ishkoman Enmit valley is the gateway to Wakhan Corridor. The villages lie below the Karakorum Mountains in the east and Hindukush to the Southwest. We will visit Dain waterfall - a beautiful place with stunning views of the villages and snowcapped peaks. Along the way, we will visit some of the traditional homes to experience the local culture. In the evening, we will enjoy a local music and festivities.
Drive time: 3 hours
DAY 9 Ishkoman to Karimabad (2,500 meters)
To day, we will drive on Shandur Road along the crystal clear Ghizer River passing through enchanting village of Punial and Ishkoman. The surroundings are eye-catching with village on both sides of the river. We will visit Kargah Buddha Rock Carved from the 7th century nearby Gilgit. Gilgit is the administrative center of north Pakistan. It is as an amazing place with spectacular views of Rakaposhi and Haramosh Peaks. We will stop for lunch after a brief visit to the city. After lunch, we will drive on the famous Karakorum Highway where we see the stunning views of Hunza Valley including Rakaposhi, one of the most beautiful mountains of Karakorum.
We will reach Karimabad, a place know for some of the friendliest locals in the region. In the evening, we will witness the mesmerizing sunset view at Eagle’s Nest Duiker and an awe-inspiring view of Hunza. Duiker is situated at an altitude of 2935 meters.
Drive time: 4-5 hours
DAY 10 Karimabad Sightseeing & Passu
We will start our day by visiting fairy-tale like castle of Baltit, above Karimabad, which is a landmark built about 900 years ago. In 2004, it was enlisted as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites. After lunch, we will drive to Gulmit on Karakorum Highway passing through Attabad Lake with spectacular views of the Karakorum Mountains. In the evening, will have enjoy traditional cuisines in a local restaurant. We will iammerse ourselves in local culture and tradition while visiting tourist attraction like the old house, Gulmit Museum and the old village. We stay at a hotel in Gulmit.
DAY 11 - Passu Sightseeing
Today, we will enjoy our drive to the area’s main highlights such as the Hussaini Suspension Bridge, Borith Lake - the view point of the white Passu Glacier, Passu Cones, Passu village, and Batura Glacier view point. We stay in Gulmit for the night.
DAY 12 Fairy Meadows Trek
We will leave early morning on the same route we came up via Raikot Bridge on the Karakorum Highway. We will stop at the Junction of three mountain ranges (Karakorum, Hindukush and Himalaya) along with the joining point of Indus and Gilgit River. The next stop will be at Thalichi on the view point of Nanga Parbat, the second highest mountain in Pakistan and 9th in the world.
We then drive two hours on an adventurous road to Tato in 4-wheel Jeeps. We will walk 2 to 3 hours to Fairy Meadows where we see amazing views of Nanga Parbat. We stay in a hotel in Fairy Meadows and enjoy the bonfire in the evening with stunning views of Nanga Parbat and the village.
DAY 13 Side trip to Nanga Parbat View Point & Base Camp
Today, you have the choice to hike to Nanga Parbat View point and further on to the Base Camp. The hike is easy amidst thick pine forest towards Bayal Camp and view point of Nanga Parbat. The hike from the viewpoint to base camp is rated easy to moderate depending the weather. Overnight stay in Fairy Meadows.
DAY 14 Drive to Besham/Naran
We hike down to Tato and return via jeep to Rakot Bridge as we drive towards Naran or Besham, depending on the road conditions. The 7-8 hour journey affords us stunning views with a touch of the local cultures along the way. We drive over Babusar Pass to get to Naran as we pass through Kaghan Valley.
DAY15 Drive from Naran to Islamabad
We drive back to the capital city of Pakistan while passing through beautiful towns and villages. We will stop at different historical places like Taxila the Gandhara Archaeological Sites and many more. Overnight Stay in a hotel in Islamabad.
DAY 16 Fly home
We take you to the airport to catch your flight home with so many wonderful memories to take with you.
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Watch the recording of our trip meeting on this Pakistan tour via this link.
TRIP / TREK STYLE
This trip is a combination of sightseeing and trekking. You’ll be sleeping in hotels and cottages the entire time. The Fairy Meadows 3 day trek is rated easy to moderate. The highest elevation is 3,850 meters at Nanga Parbat base came. The trek is rated easy to moderate with a minimal chances of high altitude sickness.
pricing
2024
Per person for a group of
2 persons: $2980
3-12 persons: $2690
Maximum group size: 12
(Pricing for Spring 2025 tour will be published shortly)
HOW TO BOOK
You must fill out an application form and send the deposit of $895. You will receive an invoice to make the payment upon completion of the form below.
The trip balance is due 90 days before the departure date.
For solo hotel and/or teahouse stays, a single supplement fee applies.
Private tours with your date of choice are available upon request. Send us an email via equity@browngaltrekker.com.
Please read the TERMS & CONDITIONS and LIABILITY WAIVER before booking.
Click on BOOK NOW to reserve your spot!
INCLUSIONS
Hotel accommodation on shared basis with breakfast
English speaking guide
Letter of invitation for obtaining visa
Entrance fees to archaeological sites and museums
Air conditioned transportation
Tips at hotels/restaurants
Mineral water (1 bottle of 1.5 liters per person per day
Porterage at hotels
EXCLUSIONS
All items of personal nature, such as sim card, souvenirs etc.
Lunch & dinner not noted in the itinerary
Day use room in case of flight delay/cancellation
Tips for guides and drivers
GEAR LIST The gear list will be provided to confirmed participants.
FLIGHTS
International flights are excluded. You must fly to Islamabad Airport from your home country. Clients must book their own flights and send a copy of their flight itinerary by e-mail to equity@browngaltrekker.com no later than the trip balance due date.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
After making a deposit, you are required to obtain appropriate travel and medical evacuation insurance through Global Rescue. Proof of travel insurance must be provided via electronic mail to equity@browngaltrekker.com no later than the trip balance due date. Failure to obtain travel insurance by the trip balance due date will result in cancellation and no refund of your trip deposit and/or applicable cancellation fees as noted in the Terms & Conditions.
Note: If you opt to buy your insurance from a company other than what we recommend, please ensure that the insurance you purchase covers high-altitude trekking as there is a limited number of companies that provides such type of coverage.
VISA & VACCINATIONS
Please check ahead of time as to the visa requirements. You are responsible for securing your own visa. For most visitors, Pakistan requires application for visa ahead of time via their e-visa portal online so we advised that you obtain your visa months in advance. Check the CDC website for up-to-date information on vaccine requirements.
COVID-19 TRAVEL CONDITIONS
Please consult with the U.S. State Department, the CDC website, or the website of your embassy for up-to-date information on travel.
TRIP NOTES
Upon booking, you will receive trip notes that include the recommended gear list.