Kalash Uchal Summer Festival

On the first day of this great adventure, we will start by exploring Islamabad in the afternoon. We will visit Heritage Museum to understand and explore the culture of multi nations living in Pakistan. Afterward, we will have lunch and go ahead to explore Pakistan Museum. Later, we will visit the 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 Super Market and after a taste of traditional food, we will call it a day after having a scoop of ice cream from a famous ice cream shop.

On this day we will set towards Swat which is a beautiful hill station in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province formerly known as NWFP. 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 Civilization centuries ago. We will explore the white palace, archaeological sites of ancient Buddhist civilization, and the Bazar.

Today we will set from Swat to Chitral. We will travel through the Lowari Tunnel which is about 10.4 km long that connects Dir and Chitral. In the past before the construction of the tunnel, the passengers traveled via Lowari Pass, and more over the Chitral Region was disconnected from the rest of the country for 6 months. We will reach Ayun this day. Ayun is the closest village to Kalasha Tribes and also a beautiful valley to experience and explore the place. Our stay will be in the Ayun Fort which has beautiful biological gardens and its location offers a bird’s eye view of the valley and river. We will spend the night at the Ayun Fort.

Today the participants will set towards Rumbur Valley to experience the Uchal Festival. They will explore the valley. They will experience the rituals of the Kalasha Tribe. There will be a lot of music and dance going on, participants can blend in and dance to the beat of the Kalasha Tribe. The guest will meet the local people of Kalash they will have the opportunity to learn about their culture and rituals. The guest will be staying in Bumburet for the night. The nights will continue with bonfires and dances.

On this day we will start exploring the Bumburet Valley. We will visit the local museum. The Kalasha Graveyard and the Town Centre. Later we will join the mega festival as all the tribes will gather in Bumburet. We will dance, do photography and interact with the Kalasha Tribe and experience this unique culture firsthand. Later we will travel to Chitral and stay at night in Chitral

Today we will explore Chitral Town. We will visit Chitral Fort the capital of the ancient kingdom of Chitral. The region was ruled by this fort. Later we will visit the Shahi Mosque of Chitral which is on the premises of the fort. We will then travel to Birmoglasht which is on the mountaintop. It offers a bird’s eye view of the valley as well as we might have a sighting of Markhor that are indigenous to this region. We will have lunch at Birmoglasht on this day. If there is an ongoing polo match in Chitral Town we will visit the polo ground and experience the thrilling polo event. Later we will explore Chitral Bazar. We will have dinner in the hotel.

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

On this day we will travel from Chitral to Gupis which is also known as Khalti. Khalti is part of the Ghizer District of Gilgit – the Baltistan Region. We will travel via Shandur Pass and drive through many villages of Larkspur. We will make a short stop in Shandur where we will experience the high alpine Shandur Lake and the Shandur Polo Ground which is the highest polo ground on the planet. We will pass through highland pastures and meadows of Barsit, Langar, and Teru. We will also make a short stop at Phander Valley is lush green and has a very beautiful still lake. Upon arrival at Khalti, we will check into the hotel and after some rest, we will go to explore the nearby villages and take some good photographs of Khalti Lake. We will have Trout Fish as one of our cuisines on this day.

On this day we will travel from Khalti to Gilgit. Gilgit is the capital city of the Gilgit-Baltistan Region. Upon arrival, we will check into the hotel and have some rest. After lunch, we will go to visit Kargah Nala and the famous Buddha Carving. Later we will go to explore the Gilgit Bazaar and will taste the “Mantu” (Dumplings). We will relax and stay at Gilgit for the night before we start the journey to the “ Land of Legends” – Hunza.

This day will be different and exciting as we will be traveling to Hunza now. Let me tell you that Hunza is a full package that offers beautiful scenery, glaciers, high-rising mountains, lakes, culture, heritage, an international border, and the 8th wonder of the world is called the Karakoram Highway. As we start our journey on the Karakoram Highway, we will see the old silk route used for trade which was made centuries ago. We will make a stop at Rakaposhi View Point and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and feel the breeze coming from the Mother of Mist. As we travel ahead towards Hunza we will have a view of magnificent peaks from the window seat and as we arrive in Karimabad. The view of Rakaposhi will stun every nature lover as this ultra-visible peak will glance over your head. We will visit Baltit Fort and Altit Fort this day and also explore Karimabad Market later we will visit the famous Eagle’s Nest View Point to experience the sunset over the mighty peaks.

On this day we will travel to Northern Hunza, and we will do boating in Attabad Lake. The pristine glacial water and the color of the lake with the barren mountains will leave you stunned. We will continue traveling further passing through many villages of Upper Hunza and entering Khunjerab National Park at Deh. We will experience an amazing journey on the Karakoram Highway. On our return, we will stay at Passu.

On this day we will start our day by walking around the Passu Village. We will experience people working in the field we will also visit 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. We will also take a walk on the Hussaini Suspension Bridge to experience the thrill of the mountains. We will further travel to Hopar Valley and get stunned by its beauty. We will hike to Baltoro Glacier. On this night we will enjoy the dances and music of the people of Hunza.

The guests will depart to Besham or Naran (depending on weather and other variables) from Hunza. If we take the road to Besham, we drive through Chilas and Dassu traveling along the Indus river on Karakoram Highway. However, we will try to return to Islamabad via Naran road/Babusar Pass (4,173m). This will give our guests the opportunity to explore additional locations. Our guests will spend the night in Naran or Besham.

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

Everything 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.