Explore Pakistan’s wildest and most exotic tribal frontier
Rub shoulders with Pathans in the bustling bazaars of Peshawar, one of the very oldest cities in Asia, then drive through the wild Hindu Kush mountains, below the inspiring peak of Tirich Mir, to explore ancient Buddhist sites, including the wonderful archaeological complex of Taxila. Sleep in unique Kalash Kafir tribal villages, whose inhabitants are believed by some to be the descendants of the troops of Alexander the Great, then visit evocative historic frontier forts at Chitral and Mastuj, before climbing up onto the splendid heights of Shandur Pass for remarkable mountain views and finally drive back to Islamabad.
Pakistan
North West Frontier Province
Duration
14 days
Mountain Tour, Tribal Tour,
Wildlife Tour & Culture Tour
Leisurely
INTRO TO THE NORTH-WEST FRONTIER PROVINCE
Travel across the plains of northern Pakistan for a cultural tour in a private vehicle. Drive over Malakand Pass to explore ancient Buddhist sites and then head deeper into the Hindu Kush mountains to explore the valleys of the Kalash Kafir tribes, visit historic frontier forts, then climb high onto the summer grazing pastures of magnificent Shandur Pass, home of the most fiercely contested polo match in the world. Finally, drive back south again and reflect on your epic journey in the modern political capital of Islamabad.
We head across the plains of northern Pakistan to explore the historic bazaars of Rawalpindi and then Peshawar, renowned as one of the oldest cities in all Asia, pausing to marvel at the ancient Buddhist archaeological complex at Taxila, before passing through Kyber Gate along the tribal road to Afghanistan. We drive over Malakand Pass, deeper into the Hindu Kush mountains, exploring ancient Buddhist sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage archaeological complex of Takht-i-Bahi and reach Mingora in the fertile Swat Valley. Next, we venture away from the main trail to explore the infamous valleys of the Kalash Kafir, whose origins are lost in the mists of time. We continue northwards to the wild frontier towns of Chitral and Mastuj, visiting their historic forts, all the time travelling under the shadow of Tirich Mir, the greatest mountain peak in the Hindu Kush range.
Having taken a side trip to soothe our feet in the hot springs of Garam Chasma, we continue our journey still deeper into the mountains, now closely following the ancient trade route between Chitral and Gilgit, before rising out of the valleys one more time to reach the lofty summer pastures of Shandur Pass, scene of the most fiercely contested annual polo match on earth.
We then drive from Chitral through the Hindu Kush mountains back to Peshawar.
So, we finally return to the plains and take a well-earned rest back in the comfortable, modern capital of Islamabad where we enjoy the peace of Pakistan’s iconic Shah Faisal Mosque.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Meeting a kaleidoscope of tribal merchants in the historic bazaars of Rawalpindi and Peshawar
- Strolling through the ancient Buddhist archaeological complex of Taxila
- Passing through the Khyber Gate on the road to the Afghan frontier
- Climbing up to Takht-i-Bahi, probably the most beautiful of all upstanding Gandharan monasteries
- Heading through fertile Swat Valley
- Sleeping in the tribal villages of the mysterious Kalash Kafir
- Spellbinding views of Tirich Mir, the tallest mountain in the Hindu Kush
- Washing our feet in the natural hot springs of Garam Chasma
- The atmospheric, historic frontier forts of Chitral and Mastuj
- Driving up and onto the lofty mountain pass at Shandur
- Exploring the mesmerising Rohtas Fort
- Reflecting upon our journey at the iconic Shah Faisal mosque.
PLACES TO BE VISITED
- Islamabad – Rawalpindi – Taxila – Peshawar – Khyber Pass* – Malakand Pass – Takht-i-Bahi –Mingora – Swat Valley – Kalash Valleys – Chitral – Garam Chasma – Parwak –Mastuj – Shandur Pass – Rohtas Fort – Islamabad
KEY INFORMATION
- We have set departure dates for this group tour. Please see ‘Dates’ section for more information
- This tour can also be organised as a bespoke tour at other times of the year
- Maximum group size – 8
- Similarly, if this itinerary is not exactly what you have in mind, please do contact us for a discussion as all itineraries can be adapted according to your wishes
- In exceptional circumstances, local conditions may require the route to be altered in your interests at short notice
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Reception: airport or station reception and transfer upon your arrival in Islamabad &
final drop-off at the end of your trek or tour as per the standard itinerary. (For clients arriving earlier and or departing later, special arrangements can be made for accommodation and/or airport transfers if required or requested – additional charges will be calculated for this.) - Full escort: our treks and tours are fully escorted by an official, local, English-speaking guide
- Accommodation: all accommodation (13 nights)
- Meals: all meals (14 days)
- Transport: all transport with professional drivers throughout your tour. This will either be a private car or an air-conditioned minibus (depending upon the group size) from Islamabad to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Once in the more mountainous regions of your tour, you will switch to a private 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser (or similar)
- Permits: all restricted area permits as required
- Entrance fees: all entrance fees to sites & parks
- Activity fees: all fees for activities included in your itinerary
- Documentation: provided documents include a personalised itinerary for your tour, a full risk assessment of your route, a bespoke equipment list and facts about the country.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visas
- Tips
- Soft drinks & items of a personal nature
- Camera fees
DATES
Forthcoming set group tour dates (maximum 8 pax or 3 per 4×4 Land Cruiser):
– Mon 7th September to Sun 20th September 2026
– Tues 7th September to Mon 20th September 2027
Bespoke, private tours:
Please talk with us if you would prefer a private, bespoke, tailor made tour for dates of your own choosing.
PRICES
PRICE PER PERSON
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
£2550
£275
If this itinerary is not exactly what you have in mind, please do contact us for a discussion as all itineraries can be adapted according to your wishes
DAY 1
Arrive at Islamabad
You will be met at Islamabad airport by your driver and guide and immediately transfer to your hotel in Islamabad. Once you are settled into your hotel, you will begin your full day of sightseeing of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
We will begin in the old city of Rawalpindi with a visit to Raja (King) Bazaar. Amongst others, we pass through the silver and gold bazaars where we will see craftsmen working in traditional, time-honoured fashion.
We then head out from Rawalpindi to Islamabad, the modern capital city of Pakistan, along Murree Road, the main street linking the twin cities.
Quite apart from its inspiring, contemporary architecture, Islamabad is renowned for its open, green spaces: no less than 50% of the city’s 350 square miles is designated as protected park area. We drive up in to the Margalla Hills to Daman-e-Koh (meaning ‘foot hills’) and gain a bird’s eye view right across the city.
Finally, we head back down to Shah Faisal Mosque, named after the late King Faisal I of Saudi Arabia. As the national mosque of Pakistan, it is the best know landmark in Islamabad, the sixth-largest mosque in the world and the largest within South Asia.
Overnight at hotel
DAY 2
Drive from Islamabad to Peshawar via Taxila
After breakfast we leave Islamabad, heading along the historic Old Trunk Road to the remarkable archaeological site of Taxila, just 35 miles away.
Taxila was once the hub of oriental high culture under a succession or rulers and dynasties. Originating from the Satrapy of the Persian Achaemenian Empire in the 6th century BC, it was subjugated by Alexander the Great and the Greeks in 327 BC. Under the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC, the city developed into a major centre of philosophy, art and education, after which the dynamic Gandhara period flourished from 1st century BC until 7th century AD.
In all, there are no fewer than eight sites belonging to different phases of occupation to be explored here, the settlement of Sirkap and Jaulian monastery being amongst the very best-preserved. We also make time to visit Taxila museum.
We continue our road journey to Peshawar, capital of the North West Frontier Province, one of the most ancient and culturally vibrant cities in Central Asia, and strategically situated at the mouth of the Kyber Pass. The story of Peshawar is one of countless invaders, each bringing their own peoples, each adding their own layer of culture, traditions and customs to its complex history. Today, it is predominantly the story of the Pathans which prevails, the daring and fearless race of legend, who now inhabit the city.
We check in to our hotel and in the afternoon begin our exploration of this fabulous historic city, beginning with a visit to the Museum of Peshawar where we enjoy its rich collection of treasures particularly belonging to the region’s Ghandara period.
Next, we pass through the Kabuli Gate, one of the 16 gates which used to surround the city up until the 1950s, and enter the oldest section of Peshawar. We venture through unforgettable Qissa Khawani Bazaar, ‘the street of storytellers’. It has acquired this name because for centuries trading caravans from as far away as Russia and China used to converge here at which point merchants would rest and exchange stories about their adventures.
We move on through the coppersmith’s bazaar which flourished as long ago as the first century BC. Our visit leads us onwards to Mahabat Khan’s mosque, the oldest in Peshawar, built in 1670 by the then Governor of Peshawar during the reign of the Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan. The architect seems to have been emulating the impressive Badshahi Mosque of Lahore, constructing six small minarets in between two huge minarets, each towering 110 feet into the air.
We visit Sethi House Museum, built by the Sethi family, a Hindu trader family from Punjab, who migrated from Jhelum to Peshawar in the early 19th century. The beautiful house is designed in a Bukhara (Central Asian) architectural style.
Finally, we head beneath the ramparts of the monumental Balar Hisar Fort, originally built between 1526 and 1530 by Babar, the first of the Moghul emperors, then rebuilt by Hari Singh Nalva, under the guidance of French engineers, in 1830.
Overnight at hotel.
4 hours driving
Drive from Peshawar to Landi Kotal*, Khyber Pass* and return to Peshawar
*Currently it is unfortunately not possible to visit Landi Kotal and Khyber Pass for security reasons. Therefore, until circumstances change, we will for now only travel as far as Khyber Gate (Bab-i-Khyber) and then visit the smuggling markets on Jamrud Road on our return to Peshawar.
Khyber Pass has taken on an almost legendary status being the narrow gateway through which almost every invader of Pakistan from the west has needed to pass since time immemorial.
The pass effectively begins 15 miles west of Peshawar at the Bab-i-Khyber watchtower, which we are able to visit. Serving as a gateway to the pass itself, it is considered to be the most famous post-independence structure in Khyber Agency. Overlooking the gate, stands the imposing structure of the nineteenth century Jamrud Fort.
On our return to Peshawar, we stop at the smugglers’ markets on Jamrud Road, infamous for selling goods smuggled into Pakistan from Afghanistan over the Khyber Pass, thereby avoiding paying taxes.
We return to our hotel after which you are free to enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
3 hours driving
Drive from Peshawar to Mingora via Takht-i-Bahi and Malakand Pass
We set off in our vehicles for Mingora.
First, we visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Takht-i-Bahi. Beautifully situated on a hill top overlooking the plains, this remarkably well-preserved Indo-Parthian ancient Buddhist monastery, is considered to be among the most impressive Buddhist remains in all Gandhara. Founded in 1st century BC, it remained in constant use until 7th century AD.
After climbing over Malakand Pass (1362m), we see Churchill’s Picket, a small fortress located on a small hilltop, Damkot Hill, where a young, Winston Churchill, the future British Prime Minister, was involved in a skirmish in 1895, nearly losing his life. We continue to the ancient archaeological site of Barikot. Known as ‘Bazira’ in antiquity, the settlement was captured by Alexander the Great in 327 BC during his Indian campaign.
We drive on to visit Shingerdar Stupa, built by King Uttarasena to house his collection of Buddha relics before, shortly afterwards, arriving at Mingora.
Mingora is one of the twin capitals of Swat Valley, the other being Saidu Sharif, just 3km to the south. Green and prosperous, it is blessed with plentiful, fast-flowing rivers. Today inhabited by a cosmopolitan mix of Pathans, Kohistanies and Gujars, it has been coveted by many through the ages. From the ancient Greeks of Alexander the Great to the Mughals during the time of Akhbar, successive dynasties have risen to power, conquered this valley, made it their home, and then fallen again.
If time permits, we will first visit the Swat Museum in Saidu Sharif which principally holds a quite superb collection of Ghandara sculptures, statuettes and friezes recovered from the many Buddhist archaeological sites in Swat, including Butkara.
Overnight at hotel.
4 hours driving
Drive from Mingora to Bumbaret
Today we undertake a long drive to the beautiful Bumburet Valley, the largest of the three Kalash valleys and the first of two that we will explore.
The exact origin of these people is lost in antiquity. Some believe they are the descendants of Alexander the Great’s soldiers left behind when he retreated from Asia. Certainly, the Kalash have inhabited the valleys for at least 1500 years.
Until the end of the last century, there used to exist in the region two distinctive types of Kafirs (Infidels): the Red and the Black. However, following their conquest by the Amir of Afghanistan, the Red Kafirs converted to Islam while the Black (Kalash) Kafirs remained true to their traditional beliefs and customs. Their unique communal rituals remain closely linked to their daily and seasonal life cycles.
Today, the Kalash women wear black gowns of course cloth in summer and hand-spun wool dyed black in winter, with attractive headgear made of woven wool, adorned with cowrie shells and buttons.
Overnight at guest house.
8 hours driving
Drive from Bumbaret to Rumbur
Today we drive the short 10 miles of rough piste through dramatic river valley scenery from Bumbaret to a second picturesque Kalash valley, Rumbur.
In particular, we will focus upon the hamlets of Balanguru and Kalashgram. We will have the opportunity to visit an ancient Kalash temple, decorated with wooden horses and human figures, and a roofed terrace which provides the venue for colourful dances and singing, notably during festival times.
Overnight at guest house
1 hour driving
Drive from Rumbur to Chitral
Today we head out of the Kalash valleys back to the Chitral Valley and then northwards on the short drive to Chitral itself where we immediately check in to our hotel.
In the afternoon we begin our tour of Chitral on foot, exploring the streets and alleyways of this small, bustling mountain town. Merchants from as far afield as the Punjab and Afghanistan peddle an eclectic selection of merchandise, from semi-precious stones to locally woven cloth and from famous Chitrali caps to old military medals.
Next, we visit the Shahi Mosque, built by the ruling mehtars of Chitral, located right on the banks of the Mastuj river. Beyond the mosque, to the north, snow-covered Tirich Mir (7708m), the highest peak in the Hindu Kush range, rears majestically above the whole valley.
Close by is Chitral Fort, now a private residence, which is perhaps best known for its role in the Siege of Chitral of 1895. The British army, besieged within following a local uprising, was only eventually saved by the desperate arrival of fresh cannons famously brought to their aid by Colonels Kelly and Roberts, General Low and Captain Ross from Gilgit and over Shandur Pass.
Overnight at hotel
2 hours driving
Drive from Chitral to Parwak via Garam Chasma
Today we take an excursion to the small settlement of Garam Chasma, meaning ‘Hot Springs’.
Located in a side valley to the north-west of Chitral, our journey takes us first northwards along the Mastuj River and then westwards up a beautiful side valley following a rough jeep track leading towards the Afghan border.
Garam Chasma is famous for its sulphur springs which reputedly have various healing properties, including the ability to treat arthritis as well as skin irritations and infections such eczema.
We drive back to the Kunar valley and then head still further northwards. This was the traditional route which has been used for centuries by traders operating between Chitral and Gilgit. We pass villages perched on occasional, isolated areas of cultivatable land up on the far side of the valley, high above the river.
We stop at the village of Parwak on the edge of the Kunar river, also known in its upper reaches as the Mastuj river or Chitral river. This amazing river has its source just away to the north below the Broghil Pass, near the Afghani Wakhan Corridor, and flows southwards until joining the Kabul river in eastern Afghanistan.
Overnight at guest house.
6-7 hours driving
Drive from Parwak to Shandur Pass and return to Mastuj
Today we start by driving further along the Kunar river and reach Mastuj. This remote and beautiful village lies 75 miles to the north-east of Chitral close to the confluence of the Yarkhun and Mastuj rivers.
From Mastuj, the jeep track at once cuts back on itself before veering steeply upwards, zigzagging further into the stark mountains, all the while still following the historic trading route between Chitral and Gilgit.
Finally, the track arrives at Shandur Pass (3720m), a vast plateau filled with alpine flowers, with perfect high-level grazing ground used by local pastoral farmers for their yaks. Two delightful lakes lie alongside.
Today the pass is perhaps most famous for the fiercely competed polo match played here annually between the horsemen of Chitral and Gilgit. However, it is also famous for being the pass over which Colonel Kelly fought his way from Gilgit in 1895 on his way to relieve British troops besieged in Chitral fort.
After spending time on the pass, we turn around and drive back to Mastuj where we sleep for the night.
Overnight at hotel
4 hours driving
DAY 10
Drive from Mastuj to Chitral
After breakfast, we pay a visit to Mastuj fort, believed to have been built at the time of the Katoor Dynasty, which ruled over Chitral and its neighbours in the eastern Hindu Kush region for over 450 years from around 1570 until 1947. The fort was probably originally built around 1780 although it has clearly been subject to later rebuilding.
We then drive back to Chitral. In the afternoon, once we have checked into our hotel, we are free to explore Chitral independently, to visit any outstanding sights and to complete any last-minute souvenir hunting.
Overnight at hotel
4 hours driving
DAY 11
Drive from Chitral to Peshawar
Today we set off early in anticipation of a long drive from Chitral to Peshawar via Lowari Tunnel.
Once we have checked into our hotel at Peshawar, we are free to continue our exploration of the city, to visit any outstanding sights and to complete any last-minute souvenir hunting.
Overnight at hotel
8 hours driving
Drive from Peshawar to Rawalpindi
Today we drive back from Peshawar to Rawalpindi. En route, we stop at Attock bridge to see the confluence of the Indus and Kabul rivers.
Once back at Rawalpindi, and once we have checked into our hotel, we are free to explore Rawalpindi independently, to visit any outstanding sights and to complete any last-minute souvenir hunting.
Overnight at hotel.
3-4 hours driving
Drive from Rawalpindi to Rohtas Fort* via Mankiala Stupa and return to Rawalpindi
After breakfast we drive out from Rawalpindi and pause at Mankiala Stupa. The stupa was built to commemorate the spot, where according to the Jataka tales, an incarnation of the Buddha called Prince Sattva sacrificed himself to feed seven hungry tiger cubs.
We continue to Rohtas Fort. This magical complex, one of the most imposing historical monuments in all Pakistan, was built in 1540 by Sher Shah Suri for the purposes of maintaining control over the local Ghakkar tribe. Situated strategically on the Grand Trunk Road, it originally housed 12,000 soldiers.
In the afternoon, we drive back to Rawalpindi.
Overnight at hotel.
*Please note that temperatures between June and August on the plains of Pakistan can be very hot in which case alternative, local excursions will be organised
5 hours driving
Depart from Islamabad airport
Today is a free day up until your transfer back to Islamabad airport in good time for your departure flight.
