TGA Pakistan

Festival Dates: 15th December – 22nd December

This winter, get a mind-blowing experience at the Hunza Valley as The Golden Adventure (TGA) brings an opportunity to be a part of the Choimus Kalash winter festival. A recommended trip for those who want to dive into the history and cultural bounty of Kafir Kalash tribes. These are said to be situated in the three remote valleys of Bumboret, Rumbur and Birir, which lie at the central core of the Hindukush mountain.

We kick off the tour from the capital of Pakistan, Islamabad and make our first stop at the Shah Faisal Mosque. The mosque has all the architectural splendour to be stated as a wonder of the world. After a close look at the majestic might of Faisal Masjid, a stroll across the traditional bazaars of Rawalpindi awaits you. The twin cities of Pakistan would be honouring the guests with hospitality.

As we take the Grand Trunk Road, a city that housed the famous Gandhara civilization in the 6th Century BC to 7th Century AD, would be the next stop. Taxila as it is named, pays homage to the archaeological museum that has a collection of Gandharan art and ancient artifacts. After the Taxila Museum, the excavated sites of Bhirmound, Sirkap and Sirsukh would add to our 15-day tour.

The road takes us to the very beautiful Swat Valley which ought to be called heaven. It finds fame for being home to Buddhist communities from the 2nd Century BC to the 9th Century AD. Those excavated sights along with the museum at Saidu Sharif would diversify the trip with a burst of interest.

As we move through the villages in the mountains, we reach the upper stretches of the valley. We take jeeps from there on to penetrate the mountain village of Dir up to the Lawari Pass, 3118 meters high.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Chitral.

We make progress through the lovely mountain landscape to reach Chitral Town which offers heavenly views of the highest peak of the Hindukush range, Tirich Mir (7708 meters).

Then we visit the Chitral Fort and mosque before proceeding to the Kalash valleys. Kalash valleys remained fortress to the Kalash tribes who were discovered to be descendants of Alexander’s army which passed through these parts in 327 BC.

The tour reaches its destination as the villages of Bumboret and Rambur arrive. You can feast your eyes upon the housing and beauty of the area along with zestful interaction with the community.

itinerary

Day 1
Day 1 : Islamabad
www.tripmypakistan.com

The first day of this eminent journey will start with exploring the capital of Pakistan in the afternoon. We will witness the Heritage Museum to understand and traverse the traditions of multiple nations living in Pakistan.

A visit to the Pakistan Museum will be followed by lunch. Afterwards, we will pay a visit to Shah Faisal Mosque, the famous historic point of Islamabad city. Continue to drive towards the apex of Islamabad (Pir Sohawa /Damn e Koh)

Day 2
Day 2: Drive to Swat Valley (975m)

Travel towards Swat which is a glorious hill station in the KPK province previously known as NWFP. (North Western Frontier Province)

We will navigate on a newly erected motorway which has squeezed the expedition from  Islamabad to Swat.

Swat was a previous princely state and also the core of Buddhist enlightenment centuries ago.

We will survey the white palace, archaeological sites of the bygone Buddhist civilization and the bazaars.

 

Day 3
Day 3: Drive to Chitral (1050m)

We travel from Swat to Chitral. Operate through Lowari tunnel which is about 10.4 km long and links Dir to Chitral. Before the erection of the tunnels, travellers made it through the Lowali Pass. The Chitral Region was detached from the rest of the country for 6 months. We will see Ayun on this day.


Ayun is the adjacent village to Kalash tribes and also a wonderful valley to participate in and traverse the place. Our stay will be at the Ayun Fort which possesses eye-catching gardens and its location offers an aerial perspective of the valley and the river.


Day 4
Day 4: Drive to Rambur Valley to witness the Uchal Festival (1100m)

Today, the party will drive to Rambur Valley to witness the Kalash Festival and will traverse the surrounding areas. The patrons will meet the local Kalashis and notice their traditions and formalities. Spend the night at Bumboret to experience a bonfire and traditional dances.

Day 5
Day 5: Explore Bumboret Valley, Kalash (1100m)

We start off with the exploration of Bumburet Valley followed by a visit to the local museum, the Kalash Graveyard and the Town Centre.

 Afterwards, we will be part of a local festival where we meet people from all the tribes. Dance and photography are customary.  Later on, Chitral will be our destination where we spend a night at the Pamir Hotel alongside Chitral River.

 

Day 6
Day 6: Explore Chitral (1494m)

Today, we visit Chitral Fort, the capital of the elderly kingdom of Chitral, followed by a visit to Shahi Mosque situated in its surroundings.

We will arrive at the apex of the mountain to see Birmoglasht’s aerial view of the valley. After noticing the indigenous Markhors, the National animal of Pakistan, lunch will be served.

In case any Polo match is taking place, it will be a part of the routine after which we trek to the bazaars. Dinner will be held at the hotel.


Day 7
Day 7: Drive to Mastuj Village (2359m)

On day 7, we travel from Chitral Town to Mastuj which is the core village of Yarkhud. Yarkhud borders Gilgit Baltistan on one side and Afghanistan on the other. While travelling alongside the river gorge, we visit various villages of Chitral. On reaching Mastuj, a meetup will be held with the locals to take a stroll across the village. Overnight stay at Mastuj

Day 8
Day 8: Proceed to Ghizer District via the Shandur Pass (2217m)

Today, we travel from Chitral to Gupis which is also known as Khalti. Khalti is a part of the Ghizer District of the Baltistan region. Travel through various villages of Laspur will take place via the Shandur Pass.

A minor stay at Shandur will allow us to visualize the high alpine Shandur Lake and the highest polo ground in the world, located there. We will go through highland pastures and the Meadows of Barsit, Langur and Teru followed by a stay at Phandar Valley which is crystal green and has a glorious still lake.

On arrival at Khalti,  we check in to the hotel and after having some rest we explore the village for some photography. A trout fish would be served in the main course.

Day 9
Day 9: Drive to Gilgit (1500m)

On arrival at the capital city of Gilgit Baltistan region i.e., Gilgit,  we check into the hotel and after having some rest, lunch will be served. Next is the visit to Kargah Nala and Dudha Carving. 

Before our journey to Hunza which is also known as the land of legends, we explore the Gilgit bazaar and the Famous dish Mantu. Overnight stay in Gilgit. 


Day 10
Day 10: Drive to Hunza Valley (2500m)

Travelling to Hunza will be accompanied by glorious scenery, sky-touching mountains, glaciers, lakes, traditions, heritage, an international border and the 8th wonder of the world; the Karakorum Highway.

During the journey to Karakorum, we are gonna witness the old Silk Road used for trading centuries ago. On a short stay at Rakaposhi, a cup of tea or coffee will welcome us in the gentle breeze coming from the mother of mist.

KArimabad welcomes us with fascinating sceneries.

Rakaposhi's view will be loved by every nature lover because the ultra-visible apex will glance over our heads. A visit to Baltit Fort and Altit port will be followed by a visit to Eagle's Nest viewpoint to witness the sunset

Day 11
Day 11: Exploration of Hunza (2700m)

While travelling to northern Hunza, boating at Atabad Lake awaits. The crystal clear glacier water and barren mountains will be an attraction. Travelling further, we explore the Hunza Bazaars and enter the Khunjarab National Park at Deh where we experience the amazing stretches of Karakorum highway. On our return, we stay at Passu.

Day 12
Day 12: Tour to the Passu Village (2650m)

We start with a walk at Passu to greet the locals followed by a visit to a local
house to visualize the architecture and tradition of the Wakhi Community of
Pakistan. Visit Borith Lake which is another alpine lake with glorious colors.

On a walk to Hussani Bridge, the heightened mountains would provide breathtaking sights. Feasting our eyes on the stunning beauty of Hopper Valley followed by mounting the Bathura Glacier. On this night, we will enjoy the traditional music and dance of Hunza.

Day 13
Day 13: Drive to Besham from Hunza (950m)

Today while traveling from Besham to Hunza, we will have short stays to watch the beauty of Besham

Day 14
Day 14: Drive towards Islamabad (540m)

Today, we travel from Besham to Islamabad followed by a visit to Taxila Museum and elderly Buddhist sites from the Gandhara Civilization.

From Taxila, Islamabad is 45 minutes away where we will have our last dinner at the Monal Restaurant.

 
Day 15
Day 15: Fly out and farewell

Nothing is forever, today we bid farewell to our guests and fellow members. The tour ends with the transfer to the airport. 

Scroll to Top