Ovir & Tirichmir BC

Drive from Islamabad to Bumburet Kailash via Dir and Lawari Tunnel. The journey is full of fun and highlights. Traveling from Islamabad to Peshawar and on Sawat Motorway is an incredible journey through the majestic towns of Khyber Pukhtun Khaw Province—the footprints of Alexander the Great, who pass through here on his way to the sub-continent. The Archaeological sites of Takht-e-Bai and the beautiful Sawat Valley are on your way this day. Arriving Kalash Valley passing through Ayun is one of the most beautiful villages in Chitral. Turning to Kalash Valleys, there is a magnificent view of Tirich Mir.  Overnight stay in a local lodge/guest house. 

Altitude: 5,413 ft (1650M)

Travel Time: 400 km/10 hours’ drive

A unique Kailash Valley, the remaining minority of approximately 4,500 people live in three isolated but beautiful valleys: Bumburet, Rambur, and Berir. The people of Kailash have a rich culture and are very strong-footed about their identity. These people stand out from the remaining tribes, cultures, and communities due to their distinct traditions, religious practices, and festivals. Options are available for day hikes as well. Overnight stay in a local lodge/guest house. 

Altitude: 5,413 ft (1650M)

In the morning, drive to Chitral, one and a half hours to the central city. After visiting Shahi Mosque and Fort. Later, a six-hour drive to Kiyar village along the charming villages in the valley to Kiyar. It is the last village from where our hike begins to the Ovir and Zani Passes to Terichmir Base Camp.  The walk is full of highlights and stunning views of the surrounding. Overnight in tents.

Bumburet-Chitral: 1.5 hours’ drive 28 km

Chitral- Kiyar: 55 kms/4 hours’ drive 

Altitude at Kiyar: 9,842 ft (3000M)

Relatively easy trek from Kiyar to Kiyar High Camp. 2-3 Hours, 4 km, 330m ascent. 

This day is easy and smoothly begins from the campsite. The route passes through a thick forest with stunning views of the Hindukush Mountains. There is a clear path to the camp—overnight tents at 3,500 meters.

Altitude: 11,482 ft (3500M)

Hiking Time: 3 hours 

Trekking from Kiyar High Camp to Anougouch Camp over Ovir Pass offers an exhilarating adventure amidst breathtaking mountain scenery. This trek is estimated to take around 4-5 hours, covering a distance of approximately 4.7 kilometers. With an ascent of 837 meters and a descent of 637 meters, it promises both challenging uphill sections and rewarding downhill stretches.
As we board this trek, be prepared to immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the surrounding landscapes. The trail will lead us through diverse terrain, including lush alpine meadows, dense forests, and rocky paths. Along the way, you’ll encounter stunning vistas of snow-capped peaks, flowing waterfalls, and winding rivers, creating a truly unforgettable experience.

Altitude:12,139 ft (3700M)
Hiking Time: 5 hours

The trek from Anougouch to Mujhjen is a breathtaking adventure through the region’s scenic landscapes. As you start your journey, you’ll board a jeep that will take you on a thrilling ride for approximately two and a half hours. The route offers stunning views of the surrounding Hindukush Mountains, lush valleys, and winding trails.

Upon reaching Uthool, you’ll find a serene camping spot to set up your tents for an overnight stay. The peaceful ambiance and the starry night sky make it an unforgettable experience. You can enjoy the tranquility of nature, relish delicious meals cooked over a campfire, and share stories with your fellow trekkers.

Altitude: 9603 ft (2,927M)

Hiking Time: 4 hours

Jeep to Zani pass (also called Tirich Ann, which means pass by locals) 3,800 m and trek down to Shagram. Zani Pass offers breathtaking views of Tirich Mir, Saraghar Sar, and the other peaks of the high Hindu Kush on one side and Buni Zom range on the other. Overnight in tents.

Altitude: 9055 ft (2760M)
Hiking Time: 4 hours

Trekking for four to five hours across the summer pastures of Athak and Bandok to Shenyak, a birch and willow tree jungle at the base of lower Terich Glacier. There are fantastic views in the surrounding Saraghar Sar 6,700m, Terich River, waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and more. The campsite is a beautiful place with birch and juniper trees.

Shenyak Altitude: 11154 ft (3,400M)

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

From Sherniak, it is a few hours of the smooth hike along the river to the end of the Tirich Glacier. From here, we will have a tricky trail to Shoghor Basing. Getting on the glacier with boulders makes it disappointing. However, a white glacier offers a smooth walk further up. It takes about four hours to cross on the white ice. The end to crossing on rough boulders to a beautiful sandy campsite Shoghor means sand which gives its name. The views ahead of the white-headed peaks are awe-inspiring. The opposite of this spot where the Lower Tirich Glacier meets the Tirich Glacier is a superb view of Tirich Mir up the Lower Tirich Glacier. Approximately 500m ascent. Overnight in tents.

Altitude: 13,248 ft (4038M)
Hiking Time: 6 hours

Continue climbing up the north side of Tirich lateral moraine for the first two hours. Smoothly to Istor-o-Nal Base Camp under the beautiful peak (Istor-o-Nal 7,403M) is the 3rd highest mountain in the Hindu Kush region. Overnight in tents.

Altitude: 14,435 ft (4,400M)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

A three hours’ hike will take us to Tirich Mir Base Camp (Babu Camp), from where one can see Gol-Lasth Zom, Aspe Sufaid, Noshaq, and Istoronal, but not Tirich Mir is visible until you go to the glacier. The place looks exactly like Concordia on K-2 Base Camp, where four glaciers meet in Babu Camp. However, this is Tirich Mir base camp but not the right spot to have a clear view of Tirich Mir. The campsite is on a lateral moraine with a bit of spring water we need to collect the spring to one place to make it usable. Overnight stay in a tent at 4,700 meters.

Altitude: 15,419 ft (4700M)
Traveling Time: 3-4 hours

Trek down to Sheniak (7-8 hours). Overnight in tents

Trek back to Shagram (6-7 hours). Overnight in tents

Drive back to Chitral by jeep on the same road we came with the same views and highlights. Overnight in hotel.

Shagram – Chitral: 6-7 hours’ drive (7 hours)

Drive back to Swat via Lawari Tunnel. Overnight in hotel

Chitral – Mingora Swat: 240 kms/7 hours’ drive

Drive to Islamabad via Motorway. In route, a visit to Taxila for sites of the Gandhara Civilization is available. Overnight in hotel. 

Swat – Islamabad: 235 kms/4 hours’ drive

TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT FOR A HOMEBOUND FLIGHT. 

Important Note:

We always do the best in our power to follow the set itinerary. However, it can change occasionally based on temporary access restrictions, weather, lodging/campground availability, guest ability/injury, and natural disasters like heavy rains, flooding, and other potential causes.  Sometimes we experience unforeseen happens to affect the plan.