Shandur Polo Festival

Upon arrival at Islamabad Airport, transfer to the hotel. A representative/guide will be present at Islamabad International Airport to pick up the group and provide transportation to the hotel. The new airport is approximately 40-45 minutes from Islamabad City. In the afternoon, a half-day city tour will be arranged, including visits to Faisal Mosque, built in 1986, the Pakistan Monument, Lok Virsa, and a breathtaking aerial view of Islamabad from Daman-e-Koh. After the tour, we will return to the hotel overnight. Following dinner, there will be a brief session with our guide in the hotel to discuss the itinerary for the next day’s trip. Now, it is your time to relax and sleep.

Islamabad Altitude: 1,663 ft (507M)

Accommodation: Hotel

We will leave early after breakfast. The journey from Islamabad to Swat will be an exciting and enriching experience, offering stunning countryside views and the opportunity to see some of Pakistan’s most unique cultural and historical sites. Here are some of the best places to see: This beautiful journey has stunning scenery and exciting experiences. There are some historical sites to explore and enjoy all the attractions.

We will visit Takht-e-Bai, an archaeological site in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan. It is known for its rich cultural and historical heritage and is a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts. Takht-e-Bai was once the site of a large Buddhist monastery and is considered one of the earliest Buddhist sites in the region. We will explore the remains of the monastery, including stupas, shrines, and courtyards. There is a stunning view of Mardan City and the surrounding area from this historical site.

Altitude: 3,215 ft(980M)

Traveling Time: 6-7 hours

Accommodation: Hotel

The day is full of stunning natural beauty, and there are many things to see and explore. Some of the highlights include the breathtaking Kunar River Valley, the majestic Hindu Kush Mountains, the fascinating Kalash Valley, picturesque waterfalls and rivers, and the many small villages that dot the route. It’s a great way to get an insight into the culture and lifestyle of the region. 

This route has stunning natural beauty and many things to see and explore. Some highlights include the breathtaking Kunar River Valley, the majestic Hindu Kush Mountains, the fascinating surroundings, picturesque waterfalls and rivers, and the many small villages that dot the route. It’s a great way to get an insight into the culture and lifestyle of the region. 

There are amazing site valleys as well that have amazing tourist attractions that are including Murughzar, Malam Jaba, Kalam, Osho Forest, and many more to enjoy holidays.

Altitude: 5,479 ft (1670M)

Traveling Time: 5-6 hours

Accommodation: Hotel

This morning, we will leave very early after having breakfast at the hotel. The drive took us through the beautiful city of Chitral, offering stunning views of Terichmir, the highest mountain in the Hindukush region, and its surroundings. We made a short stop in the city to see the sights before heading towards Mastuj and Shandur Pass.

The journey from Kalash to Mastuj north of Chitral is an exciting and breathtaking experience. Along the way, you pass through incredible mountain peaks, lush green valleys, and beautiful rivers. You’ll come across villages like Boni, Meragam, Senoghor, and many more along the Yarkhun River. The journey offers incredible views of surrounding mountains such as Terichmir (7,870m), the highest mountain in the Hindukush Range, Boni Zom, Istro Nal, and other snow-covered peaks.

Mastuj is a small town in the north of Chitral and serves as the center of Upper Chitral, as well as a junction for Yarkhun Valley and Shandur Pass leading to Gilgit-Baltistan. This incredible journey will leave you with unforgettable memories of the amazing landscape and culture of the valley.

We will drive another two and a half hours from here to Shandur Pass. The scenery along the way is eye-catching, with beautiful villages like Harchin, Brok, and Sore Laspur. As we ascend and wind towards Shandur Pass, we’ll be treated to panoramic views. On Shandur Pass, there is an incredible scene akin to a mini-city during these three days. Thousands of people from all over Pakistan and even other countries come here to experience it.

Altitude: 7742 ft (2,360M)

Traveling Time: 5-6 hours

Accommodation: Camp

The Shandur Polo Festival is celebrated every year in the second week of July. The Shandur Pass is the highest polo ground in the world and one of the most beautiful places in the region. It’s a great place for trekking and camping as well.

These three days are full of fun and mind-blowing activities that we will enjoy from morning until late at night. We will have delicious camping meals during these days.

We will enjoy the fantastic festival full of colorful activities like folk songs, dancing, cultural shows, and, above all, the freestyle polo matches between the Gilgit-Baltistan team. The spectators from both sides get more emotional than the players, which adds to the beauty of the matches played by the teams on the ground. We enjoy all the unique activities that are a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

 Altitude: 12139 ft (3,700M)

Traveling Time: 7-8 hours

Accommodation: Camp

The journey from Shandur to Gupis is an unforgettable experience. We will pass through some breathtaking villages of Gilgit-Baltistan, especially the lush green Phander Valley, which offers exciting beauty with a couple of blue-sky lakes and crystal-clear rivers. The Phander River is home to Trout Fish that flows downstream to Gilgit. We will stop for pictures and to eat along the way and have the real taste of trout fish directly from the river (you may even enjoy your own fishing as well).

We will stay overnight at Hotel Gupis, located at the junction of Phander and Yasin Valley. It has a remarkable confluence of two rivers with stunning views.

Altitude: 7139 ft (2,176M)

Traveling Time: 5-6 hours

Accommodation: Hotel

On this day we will drive to Yasin Valley from Gupis, which is one of the most beautiful places in the north of Pakistan. It has played a vital role in the history of Gilgit-Baltistan. Yasin Valley was once the center of Little Bolor during Tibetan rule from 747 to 752 BC. We will visit Yasin Fort, where some remains can still be seen, and then proceed to the stunning villages. We will also visit Mudori Fort, which has a heart-rending story. The remains of Mudori offer a great view of Yasin Valley. Exploring the villages and experiencing the hospitality of the local people is a unique and beautiful aspect of this place.

Yasin Valley is home to several short and long trekking routes. These routes connect the east to Ishkoman and the west to Yarkhun and Broghil Valley north of Chitral, passing over the famous Darkot and Thui Pass. We will stay overnight in a hotel and enjoy a delicious traditional dinner from the Valley.

 Altitude: 8202 ft (2, 500M)

Traveling Time: 2-3 hours

Accommodation: Hotel

This is an amazing day driving through charming villages of the land of lakes, Ghizer, along the beautiful Ghizer River. The road journey offers stunning views of the surroundings. We will reach Ishkoman in three hours, check into the hotel, have a hearty lunch, and relax. The afternoon is yours; you are free to visit the surroundings. There are some fish farms worth visiting.

Today, we will explore the fascinating Ishkoman Valley, home to several attractions. The upper Ishkoman Enmit Valley is a gateway to the Wakhan Corridor. A charismatic trek leads to the beautiful Korumbar Lake and over Korumbar Pass (4,200 m) to Broghil, north of Chitral. The villages are nestled under the shade of the Karakoram Mountains in the east and the Hindukush to the southwest. We will visit Dain waterfall, a beautiful place with stunning views of the villages and snow-capped peaks. The best part of today is visiting some of the traditional homes to experience and explore the local culture and meet the people. It will be an unforgettable day in the valley. By the afternoon, we will be back at our hotel. In the evening, we will enjoy a musical night.

Altitude: 7545 ft (2300M)

Traveling Time: 3 hours

Accommodation: Hotel

 We will drive on the Shandur Road along the crystal-clear Ghizer River, passing through the enchanting villages of Punial and Ishkoman. The surroundings are eye-catching, with villages on both sides of the river. We will visit the Kargah Buddha Rock, carved in the 7th century, near Gilgit. Gilgit serves as the administrative center of northern Pakistan. It is an amazing place with spectacular views of Rakaposhi and Haramosh Peaks. After a brief visit to the city, we will stop for lunch.

After lunch, we will head off on the 8th wonder of the world, the Karakoram Highway, which offers stunning views of the Hunza Valley. Rakaposhi, one of the most beautiful mountains in the Karakoram range, the remains of the old Silk Road, and the collision point of the Indian Tectonic plates are the main highlights of this road journey. We will reach Karimabad, an incredible tourist destination known for its stunning beauty. The tourist-friendly people of the valley warmly welcome overnight stays in hotels.

Altitude: 8202 ft (2,500M)

Traveling Time: 4-5 hours

Accommodation: Hotel

We will start our day by visiting the fairy-tale-like castle of Baltit, located above Karimabad. This landmark was built about 900 years ago and was tentatively enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004. After lunch at a traditional Hunza home, we will visit Altit Fort and Duiker. We will witness the mesmerizing sunset view at Eagle’s Nest in Duiker, which offers an awe-inspiring view of Hunza. Duiker is situated at an altitude of 2935 meters above sea level. In the evening, we will witness the sunset view from the Eagle’s Nest and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the mountains. This place also offers superb views of Hunza Nagar. We will then drive back to our hotel for a delicious dinner.

Gulmit is the capital of Gojal, a small village located at about 2400m, well above the flooded river. Much has changed here since the new ’Attabad Lake’ rise. There are also many superb days walks near the Karakoram Highway from Gulmit. The Gulmit Museum, filled with traditional ethnic artifacts, is housed in a room of Raja Hussain Ali Khan’s house beside the Marco Polo Inn and is well worth a visit. Old Gulmit is located at the north end of the polo ground. Here, you will find the Mir of Hunza’s summer residence, which is no longer used, the old Shia mosque with carved woodwork, the Tomb of Silum Khan III, water mills, and old houses. Drive to Passu, which offers some of the area’s best day walks and longer hikes. The village is over 150 years old and holds the grazing rights up the north side of the 56km long Batura Glacier, allowing it to support large herds of yaks, cattle, sheep, and goats, but it is less fortunate with its agricultural land.

We will visit the Hussaini Suspension Bridge and then drive back to our hotel for an overnight stay.

Altitude: 7874 ft (2,400M)

Traveling Time: 2-3 hours

Accommodation: Hotel

Today is another fascinating day as we embark on the same route to Gilgit and then down to Chilas. Along the way, we will stop at the junction of three great mountain ranges: Karakoram, Hindu Kush, and Himalaya. Another highlight of this spot is the confluence of the Gilgit and Indus Rivers. The mighty Indus River will accompany us throughout our journey to Besham. We will also take a break at the viewpoint of the Killer Mountain, Nanga Parbat, which stands at an impressive height of 8,126 meters, making it the second-highest mountain in Pakistan and the ninth-highest in the world. We expect to arrive in Chilas late afternoon and spend the night in Islamabad.

Altitude: 4724 ft (1,440M)

Traveling Time: 6-7 hours

Accommodation: Hotel

A scenic journey on the Karakoram Highway to Besham, Thakot, Mansehra, Abbottabad, and finally Islamabad is full of wonders. You can witness the mighty Indus River, the picturesque Kohistan region, and many other captivating sights along the way. We will make stops en route to enjoy the breathtaking views, savor delicious snacks, and capture memorable pictures. By evening, we will reach Islamabad for an overnight stay.

Traveling Time: 8-9 hours 460Km

Islamabad is a beautiful capital city of Pakistan with plenty of places to explore! The Margalla Hills and Daman-e-Koh are great places to take in the views and get some exercise. Faisal Mosque is a must-see for its unique design and beautiful architecture. The Pakistan Monument is great for learning about the country’s history. We will also visit the Lok Virsa Museum to glimpse Pakistani culture and heritage. There are many more places to enjoy in the federal capital during your holidays. A farewell dinner party from Discover Pakistan in a local restaurant and a goodbye session await you. Now it’s time to pack, relax, and prepare for your sweet home plane. 

Transfer to Islamabad International for the homebound flight!