Kalash Uchaw Summer Festival 15 Days

Our journey begins early in the morning, as we set out to explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Hazara Expressway and Kaghan Valley. The total travel time for this exciting adventure is approximately 7 hours, with a lunch break to refuel your bodies and minds. Upon reaching Naran, you will check into your hotel, ready to relax and unwind after a day full of awe-inspiring sights and experiences.

We will begin our journey by having an early breakfast and setting out for Gilgit. Our first stop will be Lulusar Lake, a breathtaking alpine lake nestled amidst the picturesque landscape. We will continue our journey and will reach the majestic Babusar Pass, a high mountain pass in the Himalayan Range at an altitude of 4,174 meters above sea level and is usually accessible from June to October. Will reach Chilas and continue travelling on the famous Karakoram Highway towards Gilgit. Stopover at the convergence point of the three mountain ranges, where the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush ranges intersect at Juglote near Gilgit. 

Today, we will explore the rich history and culture of a traditional frontier town, once regarded as the farthest frontier of the empire. Our adventure will take us through the Chirstian graveyard and Chinese Cemetery and bustling bazaar, before heading north on the Karakoram Highway towards the famed Hunza Valley. While traversing this stunning terrain, we'll encounter the majestic Mount Rakaposhi, a testament to the awe-inspiring beauty of the region. We will take a break for lunch at Rakaposhi View Restaurant, where we can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Upon our arrival in the picturesque town of Karimabad, we will be captivated by the mountains that envelop the area and the laid-back atmosphere of this charming destination. The location where we will be staying for the night is positioned at an elevation of 2,850 meters above sea level. The place where we'll spend the night sits at an elevation of 2,850 meters above sea level. From this vantage point, we'll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of five peaks over 7,000 meters high, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience during our stay.

Today we start our day with waking up early to witness the breathtaking sight of Rakaposhi peak turning flamingo pink as the sun rises. After breakfast, we will head to the other side of the valley to explore the Hoper Glacier. A picturesque lunch will be enjoyed at a garden café before driving to the newly formed lake at Attabad. The tour continues to Gulmit, where we can witness the carpet weaving center run by Wakhi women. Finally, the group will drive further north to the Batura Glacier and enjoy the stunning views of Passu Cones, Passu Glacier, and 7000m peaks. The day concludes with a return to Karimabad in the late afternoon. 

After having a delicious breakfast, we will visit Baltit Fort located in Karimabad, Hunza. This historic fort has been beautifully restored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, showcasing its rich cultural heritage. Baltit Fort is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which highlights its significance and importance in the region. We will take a break for lunch in town. After refueling, those who are interested can embark on a water channel walk around Karimabad. This walk offers a unique opportunity to witness the local culture and landscape while enjoying a leisurely stroll. In the afternoon, we will have some free time to explore the local shops in Karimabad. This is an excellent chance to buy souvenirs and experience the local craftsmanship. Café’ De Hunza is a popular spot to enjoy the best coffee and walnut cake in town, offering a delightful treat for those who wish to take a break from shopping.

After breakfast, we will begin our journey back to Gilgit and travel towards the Ghizer Valley. This stunning valley is nestled within the towering mountains of the northern region of Pakistan. The drive to Ghizer Valley is an inspiring experience, as it takes us through some of the most dramatic and beautiful landscapes the country has to offer. The region is rich in cultural heritage, with ancient forts, monasteries, and traditional villages that showcase the unique history and traditions of the people who lives here.  

Today’s drive is likely the most impressive of the tour, taking us through the Phandar and Laspur valleys, including a journey over the Shandur Pass. We will stop for tea at the Shandur Pass, which sits at 3,800 meters above sea level. Shandur is home to the world’s highest polo field, where top teams from Gilgit and Chitral engage in fast and aggressive matches. Nearby, Shandur Lake is renowned for its stunning reflections of the towering Hindu Kush Mountains that envelop it. This picturesque location offers a serene and peaceful break from the journey, allowing visitors to truly appreciate the beauty of the region. The Langer is a picturesque plain and is home to local shepherds who graze their cattle, yaks, donkeys, and sheep, adding a unique touch to the landscape. After a long day of exploring and taking in the stunning landscapes, we arrive at Mastuj; our resting place for the night. Here, we can unwind and reflect on the incredible experiences we’ve had during our tour.

After breakfast, we will take a short walk to the main road to capture views of the Tirich Mir Peak. From there, we can also see the Yarkhun Valley, which leads to Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor. Following that, we will embark on a beautiful drive along the Mastuj Valley, passing Tirich Mir and Boni Zong. In the late afternoon, we’ll head towards Chitral National Park to observe the markhor, before checking into our local hotel for dinner.

After breakfast, we proceed to explore Chitral bazaar, famous fort and landmarks. Following lunch we will continue our journey into the Kalash Valley of Rumbor village. The journey typically takes around two hours, although for those who prefer, there is also option to walk the final few miles through the stunning valley. After lunch, we will have the opportunity to interact with the Kalash people and take leisurely walks around the village. 

Spending the entire day in the valley, we relish the peak day of the Uchaw Summer Festival. During this season, the Kalash women warmly welcome back their men who have been tending to their goats and producing cheese in the high pastures. Similar to the harvest thanksgiving, the Kalash express gratitude for the passing summer and seek the gods’ assistance for the impending colds months. This period is marked by exuberant celebrations, characterized by vibrant music and dance. It’s also a time for courtship as returning shepherds seek potential brides.  

Today, we embark on a journey south, driving through the Northwest Frontier and into the picturesque Swat Valley via the Lawari Tunnel. For many years, the Swat Valley region was inaccessible to foreign tourist, but recent changes have allowed us to explore this beautiful area and its ancient Buddhist past. Upon arrival, we will visit the Buddhist remains of the ancient city of Barikot, the Shingerdar Stupa, and the Galigay Buddha before checking into tour hotel. These historical sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage and its connections to ancient Buddhism. 

This morning, we will explore the Swat Museum, which is filled with numerous Ghandharan artifacts. Later, we will visit the Butkara Stupa, the oldest stupa in Pakistan, believed to have been built by Ashoka around the third century BC. These historical sites offer insight into the rich cultural heritage of the region. Will visit the local Mingora bazaar to experience the local culture and shop for souvenirs. On our way south, we will pass through Chakdarra, a place where a young Winston Churchill once saw action in the 1890s. This stop allow us to learn about the area’s history and Churchill’s involvement in it. Our final journey will take us back to the capital city of Islamabad. Throughout our trip, we have learned about the region’s history and culture through visiting various historical landmarks.

Today, we will begin our day with a leisurely start and then embark on a short journey to Taxila to delve into the rich history of this captivating Buddhist University Town, which dates back to the Gandharan era during Alexander the Great’s time. After our exploration, we will make our way back to Islamabad.

In summary, the tour concludes after breakfast, followed by the departure of the group flight, signifying the successful completion of a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The participants will cherish the memories made during their time exploring the various attractions and forming connections with fellow travelers.