Chilam Joshi Festival

• Altitude: 540 m

On the first day of this great adventure we will start by exploring Islamabad in the afternoon. We will visit the Heritage Museum to understand and explore the culture of the many nations living in Pakistan. Afterwards we will have lunch and go ahead to explore the Pakistan Monument. Later we will visit Faisal Mosque, the famous landmark of the city, and then continue to drive towards the highest viewpoint of Islamabad (Pir Sohawa / Daman-e-Koh). We will also explore the market and, after a taste of traditional food, call it a day with a scoop of ice cream from a famous ice cream shop.

Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale, Prestige Residence or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Islamabad.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks

• Altitude: 975 m

This day we will set out towards Swat, a beautiful hill station in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. We will drive on the newly constructed motorway that has shortened the journey from Islamabad to Swat. Swat was a former princely state and also a center of Buddhist civilisation centuries ago. We will explore the White Palace, archaeological sites of ancient Buddhist civilisation, and the bazaar.

Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Shelton's Rezidor, PTDC Motel or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Swat.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks

• Altitude: 1,050 m

Today we will set out from Swat to Chitral. We will travel through the Lowari Tunnel, about 10.4 km long, that connects Dir and Chitral. In the past, before the construction of the tunnel, passengers travelled via the Lowari Pass and the Chitral region was disconnected from the rest of the country for six months. We will reach Ayun this day — one of the closest villages to the Kalasha tribes and a beautiful valley in its own right. Our stay will be at the Ayun Fort, which has beautiful biological gardens and a bird's-eye view of the valley and river.

Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Pamir Inn, Tirich Mir View Hotel or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Chitral.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks

• Altitude: 1,100 m

Today we will go to Rumbur Valley, one of the main villages of the Kalasha tribe, to experience the Chilam Joshi Festival celebrated to welcome spring. We will walk to the town center to experience the unique culture of the Kalasha people. Today we will have lunch in a local house and experience Kalasha food. Later in the evening we will travel to stay in Bumburet.

Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at PTDC Motel or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Kalash.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks

• Altitude: 1,100 m

On this day we will start exploring the Bumburet Valley. We will visit the local museum, the Kalasha graveyard and the town center. Later we will join the mega festival as all the tribes gather in Bumburet. We will dance, take photographs and interact with the Kalasha tribe to experience this unique culture firsthand. Later we will travel to Chitral and stay the night at Pamir Hotel alongside the Chitral River.

Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Pamir Inn, Tirich Mir View Hotel or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Chitral.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks

• Altitude: 1,494 m

Today we will explore Chitral Town. We will visit Chitral Fort, the seat of the ancient kingdom of Chitral, and the Shahi Mosque within the fort premises. We will then travel to Birmoglasht on the mountain top, which offers a bird's-eye view of the valley and a chance to sight the markhor indigenous to this region. We will have lunch at Birmoglasht. If there is an ongoing polo match in Chitral, we will visit the polo ground for the thrilling event, then explore Chitral Bazaar. Dinner will be at the hotel.

Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Pamir Inn, Tirich Mir View Hotel or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Chitral.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks

• Altitude: 2,359 m

On this day we will travel from Chitral Town to Mastuj, the main village of the Yarkhun Valley that borders Gilgit-Baltistan on one side and Afghanistan on the other. We will travel through many villages of Chitral along the river gorge. Once we arrive in Mastuj we will take a walk around the village and meet the local community. We will stay in Mastuj for the night.

Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at PTDC Motel Mastuj or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Mastuj.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks

• Altitude: 2,217 m

On this day we will travel from Mastuj to Gupis, also known as Khalti, part of the Ghizer District of Gilgit-Baltistan. We will travel via the Shandur Pass and through many villages of Laspur, with a short stop at Shandur to experience the high alpine Shandur Lake and the Shandur Polo Ground — the highest polo ground on the planet. We will pass the high pastures and meadows of Barsit, Langar and Teru, and make a short stop at the lush green Phandar Valley with its still lake. Upon arrival at Khalti we will check in, rest, then explore nearby villages and photograph Khalti Lake. We will have trout fish as one of our cuisines today.

Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at PTDC Motel or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Gupis.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks

• Altitude: 1,500 m

On this day we will travel from Khalti to Gilgit, the capital city of the Gilgit-Baltistan region. Upon arrival we will check in and rest. After lunch we will visit Kargah Nala and the famous Buddha carving. Later we will explore the Gilgit Bazaar and taste "Mantu" (dumplings). We will relax and stay in Gilgit before starting the journey to the "Land of Legends" — Hunza.

Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Riveria Hotel Gilgit, Marco Polo Hotel or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Gilgit.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks

• Altitude: 2,500 m

This day will be different and exciting as we travel to Hunza. Hunza is a full package offering beautiful scenery, glaciers, high-rising mountains, lakes, culture, heritage, an international border, and the eighth wonder of the world — the Karakoram Highway. As we start our journey we will see the old Silk Route used for trade centuries ago. We will stop at the Rakaposhi Viewpoint to enjoy tea or coffee and feel the breeze from the "Mother of Mist." Arriving in Karimabad, the view of Rakaposhi will stun every nature lover. We will visit Baltit Fort and Altit Fort, explore Karimabad Market, and visit the famous Eagle's Nest viewpoint for sunset over the mighty peaks.

Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Hilltop Hotel Hunza, World Roof Hotel or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Hunza.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks

• Altitude: 2,700 m

On this day we will travel to northern Hunza and go boating on Attabad Lake. The pristine glacial water and the color of the lake against the barren mountains will leave you stunned. We will continue through many villages of Upper Hunza and enter Khunjerab National Park at Deh, experiencing the amazing journey on the Karakoram Highway. On our return we will stay at Passu.

Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Sarai Silk Route, Passu Ambassador Hotel or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Passu.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks

• Altitude: 2,500 m

On this day we will start by walking around Passu Village, seeing people working in the fields and visiting a local house to experience the architecture and way of living of the Wakhi community of Pakistan. We will visit Borith Lake, another alpine lake with beautiful colors, and walk across the Hussaini Suspension Bridge to experience the thrill of the mountains. We will then travel to Hopper Valley and be stunned by its beauty, with a hike to Bualtar Glacier. Tonight we will enjoy the dances and music of the people of Hunza.

Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Sarai Silk Route, Passu Ambassador Hotel or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Passu.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks

• Altitude: 2,409 m

On this day we will travel to Besham from Hunza. Besham is another beautiful hill station with lovely views. We will make short stops along the way. (Depending on the season and road conditions, an overnight in Naran/Kaghan may be arranged as an alternative.)

Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Besham Hilton Hotel, PTDC Motel or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Besham. Alternative: Parhena Cottages, Hotel deManchi or equivalent in Naran.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks

• Altitude: 540 m

On this day we will travel to Islamabad. On our way we will visit Taxila Museum and the ancient Buddhist sites of the Gandhara civilisation. We will then continue to Islamabad, about 45 minutes from Taxila, and have our farewell dinner at the Monal Restaurant.

Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale, Prestige Residence or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Islamabad.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks

• Altitude: 540 m

Every good thing has to come to an end. This is the day when we finally bid farewell to our guests and fellow members. The tour ends this day.

Meals: Breakfast