Shandur Pass Jeep Safari
The Shandur Pass Jeep Safari is a 9-day 4x4 journey from Swat and Chitral over the Shandur Pass (approx. 3,700 m), home of the highest polo ground in the world, through the Ghizer Valley to Gilgit and Hunza.
- Duration9 Days
- DifficultyEasy
- RouteChitral – Shandur – Hunza
- Best SeasonJune – September
- Vehicle4x4 jeep
Over the Roof of the World
The Shandur Pass links the Hindu Kush valleys of Chitral with the Karakoram valleys of Gilgit. Its wide, grassy top is home to the highest polo ground in the world, where the famous Shandur Polo Festival is held each July.
On this jeep safari we drive through Swat and the Lowari Tunnel to Chitral, visit the Kalash valley of Bumburet, cross the Shandur Pass and follow the lakes of the Ghizer Valley to Gilgit, finishing in Hunza.
Trip Highlights
- Cross the Shandur Pass and its polo ground
- The Kalash valley of Bumburet
- The lakes of the Ghizer Valley at Phander
- The Swat Valley and the Lowari Tunnel
- Finish in the Hunza Valley
- Time the trip for the Shandur Polo Festival in July
Itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Islamabad
Our team meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel.
Overnight: HotelDay 2Islamabad to Swat
Drive via the Malakand Pass into the Swat Valley.
Overnight: HotelDay 3Swat to Chitral
Through Dir and the Lowari Tunnel to Chitral.
Overnight: HotelDay 4Kalash valley
Day trip to Bumburet and its Kalash villages.
Overnight: HotelDay 5Chitral to Mastuj
Up the Chitral valley to Mastuj.
Overnight: GuesthouseDay 6Shandur Pass to Phander
Over the Shandur Pass to the lakes of Phander.
Overnight: GuesthouseDay 7Phander to Hunza
Down the Ghizer Valley to Gilgit and on to Karimabad.
Overnight: HotelDay 8Hunza, fly from Gilgit
Morning in Hunza, then drive to Gilgit and fly to Islamabad.
Overnight: HotelDay 9Depart
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your flight home.
Overnight: —Jeep tracks in the mountains and deserts change with weather and season; routes may be adjusted for safety. Your guide will always put safety first.
What's Included
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Hotels and guesthouses along the route
- Domestic flight Gilgit–Islamabad, or road transport if flights are cancelled
- Private 4x4 jeep (Toyota Land Cruiser, Prado or similar) with an experienced local driver
- English-speaking guide
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Fuel, tolls and parking
- Letter of invitation (LOI) for your Pakistan visa
Not Included
- International flights to and from Pakistan
- Pakistan visa fee
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and drinks
- Tips for guide and driver
- Anything not listed under "Included"
Moments from the Trail
Why Choose the Shandur Pass Jeep Safari?
The Shandur Pass Jeep Safari is a classic journey across northern Pakistan, linking Chitral, Gilgit and Hunza in one trip. In early July it can be timed for the Shandur Polo Festival.
Riders can do the same route on our Shandur Pass Motorbike Tour. For an even bigger journey, see the Grand Northern Pakistan Jeep Safari.
Before you travel, read our Pakistan visa guide and our advice on travel insurance, or browse all our jeep safari tours in Pakistan.
Plan the rest of your trip
Good to Know
Comfort
Days are long, with gravel roads around Shandur, but no walking is needed.
Vehicles & Drivers
We use well-maintained 4x4 jeeps with experienced local drivers who know every track. A maximum of 3–4 passengers per jeep keeps you comfortable.
Permits & Safety
Foreigners register at police checkpoints along the route, which our guide handles.
When to Go
June to September is the best time; the Shandur Pass is closed by snow in winter. Read our guide to the best time to visit Pakistan.
Reserve Your Place on the Tour
Message us with your preferred dates and group size, and our team will send you full details and a quote for your Shandur jeep safari.
