Night 1
See Tripadvisor ReviewsRoomy Isb Atlas Hotel
Centrally located in a popular area of F-7 Markaz in Islamabad, this hotel is known for cleanliness and friendly staff.
Explore northern Pakistan on this fascinating 8-day guided overland adventure
Welcome to the wondrous Chitral Valley of Pakistan! The Chitral Valley Overland Tour will take you on an 8-day guided adventure to discover the natural beauty and richness of this ancient region. You’ll encounter the indigenous culture of the Kalasha people, explore historic sites and traditional gathering places such as mosques and markets, and all against the backdrop of majestic and rugged mountains.
Don’t miss the chance to spend an incredible night in a fully serviced wilderness campsite on the massive Shandur Pass plateau, where you’re sure to see the Milky Way clearly and drift off to peaceful sleep under a star-filled sky. Even the drive between Chitral and Islamabad is an exciting journey full of jaw-dropping scenery in the Hindu Kush mountain range. The Chitral Valley Overland Tour is an unforgettable experience you do not want to miss!
Often described as the most scenic and peaceful region of Pakistan, Chitral is filled with dramatic landscapes that include the vibrant green valleys, jagged and snow-capped peaks, and charming mountain pastures that can be found in the Hindukush Range. Chitral beauty also extends beyond the breathtaking landscape to include the culture and customs of the region’s ancient inhabitants.
The region is home to the Kalasha, a culturally and genetically distinct group of people that inhabit the Kalash Valley and were once thought to have been descendants of Alexander the Great’s soldiers due to their unique customs and genetic make-up. While this has since proven to be untrue, the beautiful Kalash people and their wonderful traditions remain a mystery that wait to be explored on a Chitral and Kalash tour.
Welcome to Islamabad, Pakistan! Meet your guide and/or group leader at the airport and head to your hotel for an introduction and tour briefing. Spend the evening sightseeing in the capital city of Islamabad and enjoy a fantastic dinner with an even better view at the Monal Restaurant in Margalla Hills. Spend a comfortable night in the hotel resting up for the start of your tour!
Get an early start for the long drive from Islamabad to Chitral. The ride will pass quickly as you sit comfortably in a private, air-conditioned vehicle and witness the incredible scenery all around you. The journey takes you through many towns and villages, including Malakand, Lower Dir and Upper Dir. Bypass the Lowari Pass (3,118 m / 10,230 ft), which is an experience but adds significantly to the travel time, by taking the Lowari Tunnel. When you reach Chitral, you will be enthralled by the beauty of this lovely river valley surrounded by the mighty mountains of the Hindu Kush mountain range.
Leave Chitral early in the morning to explore the Kalash Valley. The Kalasha people have a unique, well-preserved culture including their own religious beliefs, language, and way of life. It is believed that they may be descendants of five lost soldiers from Alexander the Great’s army. This culture is so extraordinary that UNESCO has listed them for consideration as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. You will have the opportunity to meet some local Kalasha people to learn more about their rituals and culture. A visit to their cemetery and museum will help you learn even more. The Kalash Valley is made up of three villages: Bumboret, Birir, and Rumber, and you will have the opportunity to visit all three.
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the Chitral Valley today! Begin with a visit to Chitral Fort, a historic fort from the 14th Century. Continue to the Shahi Mosque, then the Chitral Museum, and finally visit a traditional market at the Old Chitral Bazaar. All of that just in the first part of the day! Spend the afternoon at Chitral Gol National Park, where you will witness the wonder and grandeur of the Chitral Valley. Head back to your hotel full of new impressions and experiences, ready for a good night’s rest.
The Shandur Pass (3,770 m / 12,369 ft) is often called the roof of the world because it is both massive and beautifully lush and green. Leave early in the morning to make the most of your time in this amazing place. The journey takes you through the picturesque villages of Jenali Koch, Booni, and Mastuj. You will also pass the shimmering splendor of Shandur Lake. In the summer, the plateau is full of small streams. There is even a well-known polo field at the Shandur Pass, which hosts the Shandur Polo Festival annually in July. The festival is a fascinating experience if you time it right to attend. Whenever you visit, camping here and spending the night watching the Milky Way under a star-filled sky is a deeply moving experience.
Overnight Location: Camping at Shandur Pass
Take time today to absorb the unforgettable beauty of the Shandur Pass and the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains before returning to Chitral. You will travel back on the same road, but in the opposite direction the views seem new and different. A different sun angle or cloud pattern can change the appearance of the landscape entirely, and you’ll enjoy another day of spectacular scenery.
Say farewell to the incredible Chitral Valley that has become familiar after your time exploring it and board the private, air-conditioned coach that will take you back to Islamabad. Once again you will pass through the same towns and villages, including Malakand, Upper Dir, and Lower Dir. The majestic peaks of the Hindu Kush range will surround you once again as you travel back toward the big city.
Sadly, your time on the Chitral Valley overland tour has come to an end. After breakfast, your group leader and/or guide will assist you in your transfer to the Islamabad airport for your return flight.
Pricing for this guided tour to the Chitral Valley is based on the number of guests on your trip.
Prices below are per person:
Enjoy 6 nights in hotels as listed below, plus 1 night in a fully serviced wilderness campsite. In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement of $275USD to have a private room in hotels as a solo travelers. In some cases, there may be other solo travelers, and if desired we can try to match you with participants of the same sex.
Centrally located in a popular area of F-7 Markaz in Islamabad, this hotel is known for cleanliness and friendly staff.
This cozy hotel is a great option to stay in Chitral due to it’s location, good food and friendly hosts.
Stay on the top of the world under the Milky Way in fully serviced wilderness campsite in Shandur Pass.
This cozy hotel is a great option to stay in Chitral due to it’s location, good food and friendly hosts.
Centrally located in a popular area of F-7 Markaz in Islamabad, this hotel is known for cleanliness and friendly staff.
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners are included.
Accommodations in hotels as described above (based on double occupancy) for 6 nights, plus 1 night in a fully-serviced wilderness campsite.
Is Pakistan safe for travellers?
Pakistan is becoming a more popular destination for foreign tourism, however you should always check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview on the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provides advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may chagne depending on your nationality. Travel advice from the US Department of State and other Governments can change at any point. All clients must assume and accept the risks associated with travel in Pakistan, and knowing that access to evacuation and/or consular support may not always be available. In such a case, our public liability cover does not extend to include cover for claims arising out of war and terrorism risks. 10Adventures.com Inc cannot be held liable for any incident, claim, loss or damage, caused in this regard. Your travel insurance must ensure that you have adequate cover for travel through the region.
How hard is this Chitral Valley Overland tour?
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. It is not very physically demanding but takes you to high altitude.
Is this tour at high altitude?
Yes, this tour goes to high altitudes, which impacts almost all people to some extent. In some cases the altitude simply makes the trekking more difficult, in some cases high altitudes can cause serious medical issues. It is required to have health and medical insurance that is valid for high altitude travel and it is recommended you talk to a travel medical clinic to learn more about medical options for high altitude trekking.
Do I need a Visa?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on this Chitral Valley Tour?
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your travel insurance.
How do I get to Islamabad to start this tour?
Your guide and/or tour leader will meet you at Islamabad International Airport (ISB). You are responsible for your flights to and from this airport.
Are tours in English?
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
Where does the tour end?
Your guide and/or tour leader will arrange for your return to Islamabad International Airport (ISB) in time for your return flight.
Can this tour be customized?
Yes! You can choose to extend your stay in Islamabad before or after your tour. You can also choose to add a trek or fly between Islamabad and Chitral to see the mountains from the air. You can also choose to combine the Chitral Valley tour with a tour of the Hunza Valley, or both the Hunza and Skardu valleys.
Do I need vaccines?
Check with your family doctor.
All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.
Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.
Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.
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Google ReviewStephen L.
I’ve been using 10Adventures route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10Adventures made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
Lina K.
I’ve adventured around a lot of Canada and the US, but I’ve always wanted to explore other parts of the world. I felt a bit scared before booking my trip to Israel, but my conversations with the team at 10Adventures helped ease any worry. I can’t wait to explore more of the world!
Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
Mikael V.
My wife Sarah and I had a great experience booking our 7-day cycling trip through Portugal via 10Adventures. The communication between us and Nadine leading up the trip was top-notch!
Alexandra D.
Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
Eric S.
Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
Valeria R.
I tend to have a lot of questions before travelling and was so happy to find that the team at 10Adventures responded to every single one of my inquiries in a timely fashion. I was never left waiting and waiting for a response. This was much appreciated!
Isabella N.
I have horrible dietary issues making it super hard to book a pre-planned trip sometimes, but the communication through 10Adventures helped me navigate this situation! I am so grateful for all of their help. I cant wait to book with them again!
Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
Wow! I am so happy with the experience I had with booking through 10Adventures for my tour in Italy! I worked with Nadine and she was super easy-going and helpful when it came to tweaking the itinerary provided on the website. 10/10 would book through 10Adventures again.
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. It is not very physically demanding but takes you to high altitude.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
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