8 Days Pakistan: Kalash To Khyber Tour (Pakistan)

Following the footsteps of Alexander the Great we traverse the legendary Khyber Pass and visit archeological sites that reflect the blending of old Buddhist culture and Ancient Greece. Travel through the breathtaking Hindu Kush range and visit the mysterious Kalash people. Feel an aura of oriental romance and mystery in Peshawar and its storytellerŐs bazaar.

Day 01 Friday: Arrive Islamabad
Khush Amdeed as we are welcomed at Islamabad airport and transferred to our hotel. In the afternoon
we visit the old garrison town of Rawalpindi followed by a scene into modernity at Islamabad. This is followed by the Shakarparian (sweet hills) Garden, which gives us a panoramic view of Islamabad before driving past various modern streets and buildings - graceful with a touch of Islamic architecture. Our tour culminates at one of the world's largest mosque- Shah Faisal Mosque, which also houses a University specializing in Islamic Philosophy and Law.
Overnight: Crown Plaza Hotel or upgrade to Marriott Hotel, Islamabad (1 night)

Day 02 Saturday: Islamabad / Taxila / Swat (Drive 256 km / 158 miles)
Before we head off on the Grand Trunk Route we take a brief tour of the old garrison town of Rawalpindi. Our next stop is Taxila, which was once the seat of oriental culture. It is famous for the rare specimens of stucco from the Gandhara period excavated from Sirkap and various Buddhist Stupas & Monasteries. The museum houses objects and sculptures dating from 4thC. BC. to 5thC. AD. We then continue on to Swat Valley. Driving on the picturesque Malakand Pass we first visit the famous Churchill's Picket en route.
Overnight: Rock City Hotel or upgrade to Serena Hotel, Swat (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 03 Sunday: Swat
A tour of Saidu Shariff and it's colorful twin town of Mingora with a visit to the impressive Swat Museum which is richly stocked with local artifacts followed by Butkara site and a tour of the colourful bazaars of Mingora. In the afternoon we tour Islampur Weaver's Village, where we'll get an insight into the traditional and rural life of the Swatis. This village has a very highly developed traditional weaving industry using traditional textile, designs and local materials. Most of the embroidery consists of small circular mirrors woven into the design making it a unique piece of cloth. (B, D)

Day 04 Monday: Swat / Chitral (Drive 216 kms / 133 miles)
We take the picturesque Lowari Pass to Chitral. Lying in the midst of the Hindukush Range, it's one of the world's most beautiful regions. Chitral offers enchanting scenery in the shadow of the majestic Trich Mir, at 7708m, is the highest peak of the Hindukush Range. The people of Chitral, the "Kho", show traces of Persian and Turkish ancestry.
Overnight: Chitral Guest House or upgrade to PTDC Motel, Chitral (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 05 Tuesday: Chitral
Chitral is most famous for the Kalash people who inhabit the southwestern part of the region. The "Kalash Country" is spread over three valleys: Bomboret, Birir and Rambur. Kalash have fascinated anthropologists and historians by their obscure origins, colouful festivals, curious customs & rituals. We visit the valley of Birir, where there is a settlement of the Kalash community. Guru, the main village, is perched on a hillside as if stuck to the steep slope. We meet women in their long black robes and their attractive headgear, skillfully made entirely of cowry shells and buttons. (B, D)

Day 06 Wednesday: Chitral / Peshawar (Flight is subject to weather & back log)
Morning we take a spectacular and breathtaking flight* over the Hindukush Mountains to Peshawar. Set in a valley of colours and flowers, this legendary city has many secrets. Her story is one of many cultures, peoples, traditions and customs that even today the aura of oriental romance and mystery has been preserved. Afternoon, our city tour starts with the Peshawar Museum, which houses a rich treasure of art, sculpture and historical relics from the Gandhara period (300 BC to 300 AD). We then visit the city sites including the aesthetic Mahabat Khan Mosque, Yadgar Square culminating the day at the popular Qissa Khawani Bazaar (Storytellers bazaar), We have time to stroll in the many narrow lane alleys with a great opportunity to see and meet the local folks.
Overnight: Grand Hotel or upgrade to Pearl Continental Hotel, Peshawar (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 07 Thursday: Khyber Pass
This morning a trip to the historic Khyber Pass - a silent witness to countless great events in the history of mankind. Conquered by the Greeks, ruled by the Buddhists, destroyed by the Huns, rebuilt by the Brahmins and still later invaded by the great Moghuls. It is reputed that the army of Alexander the Great of Macedonia crossed this pass in 327 BC, this pass has been a major player in the formation of the political region as we know it today. Afternoon is free to experience the cultures and hospitality of the Pathans. (B, D)

Day 08 Friday: Depart Peshawar
We bid Khuda Hafiz, the traditional farewell, to the famous land of the North West Frontier Province, the land of the Pathans and the Kalash, and the custodian of the Khyber Pass after an interesting insight into history of the days of yore. (B)

 

Khyber Gate enroute Khyber Pass

Clock Tower Peshawar Bazaar

Shingardar Stupa Swat

Takht Bahi UNESCO World Heritage site

Baltit Fort Karimabad Hunza

Hussaini Bridge Hunza

Please contact us for costing details.