10 DAYS  ITINERARY (Day by Day)

DAY 01:   ARRIVAL ISLAMABAD          

Arrival Islamabad today. A member of the Vertical Explorers staff will meet you at the airport and escort you to the hotel. Today either you can relax or you can enjoy an exploratory walk in the old part of Rawalpindi; wander past the vegetable and spice markets, beautifully carved old houses and trucks, cows pestering the vegetable vendors, catch traditional craftsmen at work in silver and gold bazaars .You will then continue on the main street linking the Twin cities - Murree Road - before arriving at the gleaming new capital, Islamabad. You pass shining new buildings and thousands of park areas - a full 50 percent of the 350 square mile site is set aside for parks. You will then stop at the Shakar Parian to catch a bird's eye view of Islamabad. Our next stop will be Shah Faisal Mosque which is the landmark of Islamabad.

Meals provided: Welcome Dinner
Accommodation: Marriott Hotel, Pearl Continental Hotel, Sunrise Hotel, Civic Hotel, Regency Hotel

DAY 02:   ISLAMABAD - DIR

Today we will start our journey by morning towards Swat Valley. On our way we will have short break at Taxila, the heart of Gandaran Civilization. Passing the Frontier town of Mardan and Takht-e-Bahi, the most impressive and complete Buddhist monastery in Pakistan, we cross Malakand Pass and descend down to Swat valley.After crossing Swat river you can see the “Chakdara Fort” above which is the ”Churchill picket” and Chakdra museum. We will have a brief visit of Chakdara museum and Chatpat archeological site. Our drive from Islamabad to Dir is about 7-8 hours and its takes us through heavenly places.

Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: PTDC. Dir Continental, Almanzar Hotel, Green Hotel

DAY 03:   DIR – CHITRAL

From Dir it takes five to six hours drive via Loweri Passes to reach Chitral Valley.  This drive to Chitral via Lowari pass is spectacular and you will enjoy each moments of this long drive. The Lowari Pass at a height of 3,100 meters with zigzag descend of breathtaking views of Chitral Valley are as fascinating g as any other alpine valley.

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Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hindukush Heights, Tirch Mir View

DAY 04:  CHITRAL – KALASH

Today we leave to the most exciting part of our tour is visit to Kalash Valley, the home of the Kafir-Kalash or "Wearers of the Black Robes", a primitive pagan tribe. Their ancestry is enveloped in mystery and is the subject of controversy. A legend says that five soldiers of the legions of Alexander of Macedonia settled in Chitral and are the progenitors of the Kafir-Kalash.

The Kalash women wear black gowns of coarse cloth in summer and hand-spun wool dyed in black in winter. Their picturesque headgear is made of woolen black material decked out with cowry shells, buttons and crowned with a large colored feather. You can also visit a typical Kalash house to observe their life style and Kalasha Museum in Bumboret.

Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Alexandar Post, PTDC Motel, Kalash Guest House

DAY 05:     KALASH -- FREE DAY

Today is reserved as a free day to experience Kalash culture or you can take a day hike over to the other village of Kalash Valley, for our lunch we will be having packed light lunch with us with some juices and biscuits. It’s a magnificent short trek into the beautiful Birrer valley of Kalash.

Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation:  Alexandar Post, PTDC Motel, Kalash Guest House

DAY 06  KALASH  - SHANDOOR LAKE ( Shandoor Festival)

Today morning from Kalash valley we will drive to Chitral and onward to Shandur lake(highest polo ground on earth) through the scenic villages of Boni, Mastuj, Laspur to the lake side tented village of Shandur. Today leave for Chitral via  Langar, Barsat, Shandur Pass, world highest polo ground. At Shandur Pass we will take a tea break and then continue our drive through scenic villages of Laspur, Mustuj and Boni towards Chitral.a spectacular flight to takes us to Peshawar city. After transfer to hotel and a short break we set off to explore this ancient historical city, which homes to the most hospitable hosts of the world, the Pathans! It’s where Alexander the Great came with his Army, where Buddhists flourished their Buddhism and the great Babur marched through historic Khyber Pass to conquer South Asia in 1526 and set up the Moghal Empire in the Indo-Pakistan subcontinent. We will be visiting the Old City, Qissa Khawani Bazaar, Mosque of Mahabat Khan and Peshawar Museum. In case of flight cancellation we recourse to travel by road via spectcular Lowari and Malakand passes to Peshawar.

Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mobile camp

DAY 07:    SHANDOOR POLO

Free day to enjoy polo or hike up to the side mountains.

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Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mobile camp

DAY 08:    SHANDOOR POLO - PHANDAR          

After the final match we will drive to idyllic Phandar lake.

Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mobile camp

DAY 09:   PHANDAR - BESHAM/ ISLAMABAD

Today morning departure flight for Islamabad from Gilgit. With clear skies we will be able to board a plane and be back at our hotel in Islamabad in 45 minutes. If the weather is not so favorable and the flight doesn’t come, then we will have to drive the Karakoram Highway to Rawalpindi through the narrow gorge of the Indus River . The outcome is in the lap of the Gods, so we will be praying that they’re on our side! If we are able to fly down, for those who want to escape the heat of the city a very pleasant excursion is up to the former British hill station at Murree. The faded remnants of the town’s colonial past can be seen in its gable-roofed buildings and small Anglican churchyard. This excursion is not included in the trip price but if several members of the group wish to make this journey a private vehicle and driver can be hired locally for a very modest sum.

Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: PTDC. Dir Continental

DAY 10:  BESHAM – ISLAMABAD

Upon arrival transfer to your hotel in Islamabad/Rawalpindi. Evening sightseeing. If unable to fly on day 9th. this day will be use to transfer from Besham to Islamabad by road on KKH.

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Meals provided: None
Accommodation: Besham Continental Hotel, PTDC Motel Besham, Marriott Hotel, Pearl Continental Hotel, Sunrise Hotel, Civic Hotel, Regency HotelSunrise Hotel, Civic Hotel, Regency Hotel

POSSIBLE      EXTENSION

DAY 09   PHANDAR – PASSU

Leave for Hunza, driving along the Hunza river on the Karakoram Highway which links China with Pakistan. The valleys of Hunza and Nagar are some of the most beautiful valleys in the northern parts of Pakistan. The people of this area are known for their legendary good health, longevity and hospitality. Rakaposhi accessible only by 4 to 5 hrs. Walk from the road, dominates the whole valley. This area is full of apricots, apples, grapes and peaches. After 4 hours drive through this beautiful valley, we will reach Gulmit Village, a lovely remote village of Hunza.

Drive: 05-06 hrs

Meals provided: Breakfast,
Accommodation: Marcopolo Inn , Passu Ambassador Hotel

DAY 10: PASSU - KHUNJERAB PASS - KARIMABAD

Today’s drive will take us to Khunjerab Pass, situated at a height of 4,733 is fascinating landscape. You will enjoy a short trip up to Khunjerab Pass on Karakoram Highway; it gives some of spectacular sceneries for photographers. Enroute visit Borit lake, Husaini suspension bridge, Passu Glcaier and Gulkin glacier.

Drive: 04-05 hrs

Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hunza Baltit Inn Hotel, Darbar Hotel, Hill top Hotel

DAY 11:   KARIMABAD - DUIKAR

Today we will visit Baltit and altit fort and then have short trek along the water channel of Barbar, which is a source of watering to fields as well as household use. This trek gives marvelous views of Diran Peak and Golden peak and Rakaposhi just making them in front of you.
Today evening our next destination is a heavenly place, Duiker! Nestles at the top of Central Hunza, Duiker is a beautiful place with marvelous views of Hunza and Nagar Valleys. And the sun set and sunrise are the views one can remember forever.
 

Walk: 05-10 hrs

Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hunza View Hotel, Eagle Nest Hotel, Hunza Darbar Hotel 

DAY 12:   HUNZA  – NALTAR - GILGIT

Day trip to Naltar, 3 hours drive, a lush green valley surrounded by Hindukush range, glaciers and pine trees. This place is known for its wild life like Markhor, Ibex and snow Leopards.

Drive: 06-07 hrs

Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Jamal Hotel, Park Hotel, Serena Hotel, Riveria Hotel

DAY 13:   GILGIT - BESHAM/ ISLAMABAD

Today morning departure flight for Islamabad from Gilgit. With clear skies we will be able to board a plane and be back at our hotel in Islamabad in 45 minutes. If the weather is not so favorable and the flight doesn’t come, then we will have to drive the Karakoram Highway to Rawalpindi through the narrow gorge of the Indus River . The outcome is in the lap of the Gods, so we will be praying that they’re on our side! If we are able to fly down, for those who want to escape the heat of the city a very pleasant excursion is up to the former British hill station at Murree. The faded remnants of the town’s colonial past can be seen in its gable-roofed buildings and small Anglican churchyard. This excursion is not included in the trip price but if several members of the group wish to make this journey a private vehicle and driver can be hired locally for a very modest sum.

Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: PTDC. Dir Continental

DAY 14:  BESHAM – ISLAMABAD

Upon arrival transfer to your hotel in Islamabad/Rawalpindi. Evening sightseeing. If unable to fly on day 9th. this day will be use to transfer from Besham to Islamabad by road on KKH.

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Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Alexandar Post, PTDC Motel, Kalash Guest House

DAY 15:  BESHAM – ISLAMABAD

Upon arrival transfer to your hotel in Islamabad/Rawalpindi. Evening sightseeing. If unable to fly on day 9th. this day will be use to transfer from Besham to Islamabad by road ok KKH.

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Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Besham Continental Hotel, PTDC Motel Besham, Marriott Hotel, Pearl Continental Hotel, Sunrise Hotel, Civic Hotel, Regency HotelSunrise Hotel, Civic Hotel, Regency Hotel

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End of Tour