1. When is the best time to join this tour for the Kalash Festival?

The Kalash festivals, such as Chilam Joshi (spring festival) in May and Uchal in August, are the main highlights of this itinerary, so it's best to time your trip around these dates. Since exact festival dates can shift slightly each year based on the lunar calendar, it's recommended to confirm current dates with us before booking.

2. Is the Shandur Pass route safe and accessible during this tour?

Shandur Pass is generally accessible from June to September, once winter snow has cleared from the road. As one of the highest mountain passes in the world, weather conditions can change quickly, so travel is subject to road and weather clearance on the day of crossing.

3. What kind of accommodation should I expect in remote areas like Bomburet and Mastuj?

Since Bomburet, Mastuj, and other remote stops are located in less-developed mountain regions, accommodations here are simpler compared to hotels in Islamabad or Hunza, often local guesthouses or small hotels. Despite the modest facilities, these stays offer an authentic experience of local hospitality and traditional food.

Hunza Adventure Guiding Tour | Explore Hunza Valley with Experts

Accomodation
2-3 stars hotels (in some places best available)
Arrival City
Islamabad
Departure City
Islamabad
Guide
Guided
Language
English
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner (normally included)
Mineral Water
Yes
Transportation
Car or Van/ grand Cabin 13 seats or Coaster/minibus, 21seats (4x 4 classical jeeps)
Minimum Age
18
Maximum Age
75

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Hunza And Kalash Valleys Tour

Embark on an extraordinary journey through northern Pakistan’s most captivating regions, where towering peaks, ancient heritage, and living traditions come together in perfect harmony. This tour begins in the breathtaking Hunza Valley, cradled beneath the mighty Karakoram range, where centuries-old villages, historic forts, and terraced orchards create a landscape straight out of a storybook. Wander through the legendary Baltit and Altit Forts, stroll the bustling streets of Karimabad, admire the surreal turquoise waters of Attabad Lake, and explore the quiet charm of Upper Hunza’s remote villages.

From there, venture into the remote and mystical Kalash Valleys of Chitral, home to the Kalash people, one of Pakistan’s most distinctive indigenous communities. Known for their vibrant traditional dress, unique festivals, timber-built homes, and centuries-old customs, the Kalash offer a rare glimpse into a culture unlike anywhere else in the world. Surrounded by the dramatic slopes of the Hindu Kush, this region invites you to experience authentic village life far removed from the modern world.

The Hunza and Kalash Valleys Tour brings together soaring mountain scenery, deep-rooted heritage, and vibrant local culture, offering travelers an authentic and unforgettable journey through the heart of northern Pakistan.

Trip Highlights

Baltit & Altit Forts – Explore centuries-old royal fortresses overlooking Hunza Valley
Karimabad – Wander through the cultural hub of Hunza with panoramic mountain views
Attabad Lake – Marvel at the striking turquoise waters formed by a natural landslide
Upper Hunza Villages – Discover peaceful settlements surrounded by orchards and glaciers

Day 01 :

Arrival in Islamabad

Arrival Islamabad airport, meet with our staff and transfer to the hotel in the rest of time sightseeing of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, overnight at hotel in Islamabad

Day 02 :

Drive to Chilas via Kaghan & Naran

After having breakfast drive from Islamabad to Chilas via Abbottabad, Mansehra, Kaghan Valley, Naran Valley and Babu Sar Pass 8-9 hours' drive, overnight at hotel in Chilas
(most of the tourists are doing like this/normal program)

Day 03 :

Continue to Karimabad, Hunza

Drive from Chilas to Kariamabad -Hunza 5-6 hours drive, visit to Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, Karimabad Bzaar

Day 04 :

Ganish Fort, Hopar & Duikar Viewpoin

In the morning visit to Ganish Fort, village then drive to Hopar and back to Karimabad, afternoon can do musical program (Shahman Dance) at hotel/or playground, then visit to Duikar, highest point of Valley, gives majestic view of Hunza-Nagar Valley and sun set and sunrise are unforgettable from here, overnight at hotel in Karimabad

Day 05 :

Drive to Passu

Drive to Passu 2 hours drive, en-route visit rock carving (secret rocks of Hunza), Ruby mine, Attabad Lake, Gulmit museum, Hussian suspension bridge, Borith Lake, then option to walk around 1-2 hours to Passu or drive to Passu Village, also can walk in Passu village, dinner in local tradition house with local food. Overnight at hotel in Passu

Day 06 :

Drive to Gopis/Phunder

Drive from Karimabad to Gopis/Phunder, 7-8 hrs drive 285 km, via Gilgit, Punial, Gakuch Gopis, you may make several stop in the way, Gakuch view point, at Khalti Lake- Tibetan bridge suspension on Khalti River – Ghizer and Yasin Rivers confluence etc. Overnight at hotel in Gopis or Phundere

Day 07 :

Drive to Mastuj via Shandur Pass

Drive from Gopis to Mastuj 8-9 hrs drive and 150 km via Shandur Pass 3800M, the highest POLO ground in the world and annual polo tournament is held between Chitral and Gilgit in the first or second week of July normally. You will make several stops up to the top at the view points and from Pass descending down Harchin Village along the bank of Laspur River. Arrival to Mastuji and transfer to the hotel overnight

Day 8 :

Drive to Chitral

Drive to Chitral 5-6 hrs and 120 km, sightseeing in Chitral, overnight at hotel in Chitral

Day 09 :

Drive to Bomburet – Kalash Festival

Drive from Chitral to Rumbure then to Bomburet 2hrs drive and 30 km distance from Chitral on off-road, follow up the festival events, overnight at hotel in Bomburet Dinner will be in local house and local food of Kalash

Day 10 :

Kalash Festival Day

Full day in Festival, follow up the festival events that depends where will be, overnight in Bomburet Valley at hotel
Hotel in Bomburet Kalash: Kalash Continental Hotel or similar one

Day 11 :

Drive to Swat Valley

In the morning drive from Bomburet to Swat Valley 160 km, 7-8 hrs and from Bomburet to Chitral 20 km then continue to Dir by tunnel and finally to Swat Valley. Overnight at Swat in Hotel

Day 12 :

Drive to Islamabad via Takht-e-Bahi

Drive from Swat to Islamabad and 4-5 hrs only drive, en-route visit to Takhet-e-Bahi (monastery) and Buddhist site of Budkada. Overnight at hotel in Islamabad

Day 13 :

Departure

Departure from Islamabad (drop the airport)