Hindu Kush Adventure, Pakistan

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 most worldly travellers. Having run trips here for more than a decade, 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.

Our itineraries therefore focus on these intriguing locations, giving intrepid travellers the chance to experience these unspoilt lands and cultures that have remained unchanged for centuries. This trip has been designed to offer a magical blend of ancient cultures and truly
gargantuan scenery. From Chitral and the Valleys of the Kalash - a Pagan community living in the mountains & we journey to the Shandur Pass, Hunza and Skardu, famous for its mountaineering landscapes.

“With every part of the adventure being organised, coping with all the twists and turns associated with travelling in frontier territory, Wild Frontiers delivered 110% on our expectations.” Nigel Heppenstall.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Highlights:
• Spend three days with the Kalash
• Stay the night at our own wild hideaway
• Watch a game of frontier polo
• Travel over the Shandur Pass
• Visit Hunza and Skardu

Day 1: Islamabad: Start the tour at midday from your hotel, meeting your group and tour leader. We will then head to Rawalpindi for lunch and take time to explore the bustling markets, before returning to our hotel to freshen up, and taking dinner in the Margalla Hills.
Hotel (L, D)

Day 2: Islamabad & Chitral & Ayun: This morning we take an early flight* from the capital to arrive in the sleepy mountain town of Chitral. After relaxing in the garden of the Mountain Inn, (our very own Fawlty Towers!), we will wander through the streets and markets of Chitral,
absorbing the friendly local atmosphere, meeting the shopkeepers and sampling their wares. After lunch and a game of frontier polo & should there be one, we will travel on to Ayun and check into the wonderful home of Maqsood Ul Mulk, one of the princes of Chitral.
Guesthouse (B, L, D)

*Should the flight be cancelled due to bad weather we will drive this route stopping for lunch in Dir

Day 3: Ayun, Chitral: Today we have all day to relax and enjoy the Prince's beautiful garden and take one of the many wonderful village walks nearby. With polo being played on alternate days, if we did not catch a game the day before in the afternoon, we will drive the 45mins
back to Chitral Town otherwise we will stay put in this heavenly spot.
Guesthouse (B, L, D)

Day 4: Ayun & Kalash: After breakfast we will drive in to the Kalash 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. The journey takes about two hours, though most people prefer to walk the last few miles through the gorgeous valley. After lunch we will meet the Kalash and go for walks around the village, or further afield to visit some of our friends in Grum or Kalashagrum.
Guesthouse (B, L, D)

Day 5: Kalash: Spending all day in the valley, we take a special walk up towards the Afghan frontier to visit the Nuristani community in Shakanande, the last village in the valley. In 1893, so as to avoid enforced conversion to Islam in their homeland across the border, the
ancestors of this tribe fled into British India where they set up home. Although eventually they converted they still live in the original style, which differs quite considerably from the Kalash. We should be back for a late lunch leaving plenty of time for more short walks or simply relaxing in the village and chatting to the Kalash.
Guesthouse (B, L, D)

Day 6: Kalash & WF Hideaway: After breakfast there will be an optional trek up through the valley to spend the afternoon and night in Wild Frontiers' own guesthouse, situated on a stunning cliff-side just above a charming Kalash family. The afternoon will be free to potter around the hut, walk along the water channels or simply stare out over what is one of the most beautiful spots imaginable. In the evening we have the chance to sample Kalash fruity wine and fabulous goat's cheese. It should be made clear that the Hideaway is a three hour walk from the village on at times a grueling path: clients have been known to curse us on the way up & but never once they're there! Anyone wishing to stay behind will be looked after by Yassir, Saifullah's son, who is a fluent English speaker and taken on some local walks to visit some of his relations.
Hideaway (B, L, D)

Day 7: Kalash & Chitral Town: Having returned from the mountain hideaway, we will drive back to Ayun and from here to Chitral Town, where we will check into the Mountain Inn. This is a lovely (if slightly quirky) hotel with charming staff and a gorgeous garden. After lunch we
will have time to wander the sleepy bazaar, witness another game of frontier polo, or go to see the Makhor & wild goats & in Chitral Gul. Dinner will be at the hotel in the garden.
Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 8: Chitral & Mastuj: After breakfast we will visit the fort, scene of the famous siege, and then 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 Yarkund Valley at the top of which lies Afghanistan's Wakhan Corridor. Here we will stay at the PTDC hotel next to the fort. If Col. Khushwalqlt Ul Mulk, son of the last great Mehtar, is around we will pay him a visit.
Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 9: Mastuj & Phander: After breakfast we will drive to the Shandur Pass, stopping for tea en route at Sol Laspur. We will then have a picnic lunch on top of pass at 3,800 metres before walking down onto the Langer from where we will pick up the jeeps again and drive on to
Phander. Here we will stay at the lovely new PTDC hotel over-looking the lake. As night falls we shall sit out under the stars, beside a big fire. Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 10: Phander & Gilgit: After breakfast we will drive on to Gilgit. Once again, it is a stunning trip through some of northern Pakistan's most dramatic scenery. We will stop for lunch at a chaikhana in Garkuch and in the late afternoon arrive in Gilgit where we stay just outside the town at the lovely Serena Hotel. In Gilgit we will be able to take a walk through the bazaar and visit the Christian cemetery.
Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 11: Gilgit & Hunza: Now we realise we've used quite a few superlatives while describing this particular trip, and all for good reason, but you have to believe us now when we tell you that on this short drive & as you round the corner and see the titanic form of Mount Rakaposhi basking in the sun, right beside the road & you will simply be blown away. We will take lunch on the way & at the Rakaposhi
View Restaurant & before continuing on to Karimabad. In Karimabad (Hunza) we will stay at the spectacularly located Eagles Nest. This amazing hotel is situated, as the name suggests, 3,000m above sea level and 500m above the valley floor, with panoramic views of seven 7,000m peaks!
Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 12: Hunza: Today those that wish can have a water channel walk down into Karimabad where we will have lunch either with our guides' family or on one of the rooftop restaurants. After this we will have time to relax, shop and wander, before taking a sightseeing trip to the
famous Baltit fort, recently restored by UNESCO to a fantastic standard. In the late afternoon we'll return to Eagles Nest.
Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 13: Hunza & Skardu: An early return via Karimabad and then on to the beautiful mountain valley of Skardu. Although a long drive this is a spectacular route, along the Indus and through the heart of the Karakorums. We will then stay at the wonderful Tibetan style Shigar
Fort ‘heritage' Hotel.
Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 14: Skardu: Today we drive to the fertile Shigar valley that was one of the 5 major kingdoms of Baltistan. Majestic views of Haramosh range surround us, and we shall see the gigantic sand dunes on the other side of the Indus. After lunch can take a walk (one hour each way) to the “organic village” via an old trail at the foot of Kharpocho Fort. We return to the Fort for the evening.
Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 15: Skardu & Islamabad: This morning we will take the spectacular flight* back to Islamabad. In the afternoon we will take a wander around the city, sightseeing and shopping, before having dinner in the Margella hills overlooking the city and returning to our hotel. *Should the internal flight unexpectedly be postponed due to bad weather we will take the next couple of days to drive the Karakoram Highway
back to Islamabad, stopping overnight in Besham.
Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 16: Islamabad: After a relaxing morning and any last minute shopping, we will travel out to Taxila, taking a look at the museum and some of the amazing sites from the Gandhara period. (Depending on the current security situation, there is also a possibility of visiting Peshawar on a day trip.) Return to hotel to freshen up before taking our final trip dinner.
Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 17: Islamabad: The tour finishes after breakfast at the hotel in Islamabad.
(B)

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

Fri 30 Jul 10 to Sun 15 Aug 10

+44 [0]20 7736 3968