11 Days Chitral Hunza Tour
Overview
The connoisseur's route: Lowari to Chitral beneath Tirich Mir, the living Kalash culture of Bumburet and Rumbur, then the legendary crossing of Shandur: the world's highest polo ground: into Ghizer's green river country and on to Hunza. Two mountain cultures, one epic road.
Plan the journey with our private Hunza tours, hotels in Hunza, Hunza car rental, guided Hunza treks and international Hunza tours.
Trip Highlights
- Kalash Valleys: Bumburet and Rumbur
- Chitral town under Tirich Mir (7,708 m)
- Shandur Pass crossing (3,700 m)
- Phander Lake and Ghizer Valley
- Full central Hunza circuit to finish
Day by Day Itinerary
11-day planIslamabad to Swat
Motorway north; Mingora/Kalam side. The Swat and Kalam route is adjusted for road works, river conditions and seasonal access beyond the main valley towns. For Islamabad to Swat on day 1, the route uses practical meal and comfort stops without promising every roadside viewpoint; the guide reconfirms the arrival estimate and following start time as conditions become clear.
Max altitude 980 mSwat to Chitral
Swat to Chitral. For Swat to Chitral on day 2, the Swat and Kalam route is adjusted for road works, river conditions and seasonal access beyond the main valley towns. For Swat to Chitral on day 2, allow a full mountain-road day with meal, fuel and comfort stops agreed en route; the driver follows the road that is officially open and adjusts timing for traffic, weather and daylight.
Max altitude 1,500 mKalash Valleys day
Bumburet and Rumbur culture. The guide explains local etiquette before the visit, coordinates any hosted experience in advance and avoids treating homes, farms or working village spaces as staged attractions for visitors. For Kalash Valleys day on day 3, this is a respectful community visit with time for conversation, local food or crafts where arranged; the exact order follows local availability and does not assume access to private homes.
Max altitude 1,950 mChitral explore
Fort, bazaar, Tirich Mir views. Chitral and Kalash travel requires realistic mountain-road timing and respectful conduct in villages, particularly during community events. For Chitral explore on day 4, the guide explains the local history and allows unhurried time in the lanes, gardens and viewpoints; fort entry and any community visit follow the opening hours and rules in effect that day.
Max altitude 1,500 mChitral to Mastuj
Follow the river valley with planned village, meal and viewpoint stops. For Chitral to Mastuj on day 5, chitral and Kalash travel requires realistic mountain-road timing and respectful conduct in villages, particularly during community events.
Max altitude 2,359 mShandur Pass to Phander
Cross the polo-ground pass; lakeside night. Festival and match schedules are controlled locally and may shift, so the guide confirms the current programme before choosing arrival and departure times. For Shandur Pass to Phander on day 6, the day remains flexible around the official event programme and local access; the guide selects responsible viewing positions and explains etiquette before entering community spaces.
Max altitude 3,700 mPhander to Gilgit
Phander to Gilgit. Shandur and Phander access is seasonal; the final route depends on pass conditions, festival controls and daylight. For Phander to Gilgit on day 7, allow a full mountain-road day with meal, fuel and comfort stops agreed en route; the driver follows the road that is officially open and adjusts timing for traffic, weather and daylight.
Max altitude 1,500 mGilgit to Karimabad
Continue to Hunza, check in at the hotel and enjoy an easy evening. Central Hunza visits are sequenced around fort opening hours, village access and walking time between Karimabad, Altit and Ganish. For Gilgit to Karimabad on day 8, use the remaining time to settle in, exchange essential information with the guide and prepare a small day bag for the next stage; extra visits remain optional rather than promised.
Max altitude 2,438 mHunza heritage day
Visit Baltit and Altit Forts before travelling to Eagle's Nest for sunset. For Hunza heritage day on day 9, central Hunza visits are sequenced around fort opening hours, village access and walking time between Karimabad, Altit and Ganish.
Max altitude 2,850 mAttabad + upper Hunza
Attabad + upper Hunza. At Attabad Lake, any boating stop proceeds only when wind, lake conditions and the selected operator allow a safe departure. For Attabad + upper Hunza on day 10, the programme leaves time for the shoreline and viewpoints rather than treating the lake as a quick roadside stop; any boat ride is optional and subject to safe operating conditions.
Max altitude 2,600 mFly or drive back
Use the confirmed Gilgit to Islamabad flight where available. A weather-related road backup requires an additional day and revised departure arrangements. For Fly or drive back on day 11, the flight is used only when it operates safely; if it is cancelled, the guide explains the road plan, expected travel time and any hotel adjustment before the group leaves.
What’s Included
Included
- Hotel accommodation (breakfast included)
- Private vehicle with experienced KKH driver
- All fuel, tolls and parking
- confirmed-guest on-trip WhatsApp support
- All applicable taxes
- 4x4 vehicle for Shandur sector
Not included
- Lunches and dinners
- Entry tickets to forts and attractions
- Personal expenses and tips
- Travel insurance
- Kalash entry fees
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Shandur open?
Roughly June to October; outside those months the tour runs via the KKH with extra Swat/Chitral time.
Kalash festival dates?
Chilam Joshi (May) and Uchal (August): book months ahead for festival weeks.
Is this tour completely private?
Yes: your own vehicle, your own driver, and departure on any date you choose. No strangers, no fixed seats, and the daily plan flexes to your pace.
Can the trip begin at Gilgit Airport?
Yes: fly Islamabad to Gilgit (tickets booked at cost) and we start the itinerary from the airport, trimming the road days. A road backup is always planned in case mountain weather cancels the flight.
What happens if a domestic flight is cancelled?
Mountain weather cancels a share of Gilgit and Skardu flights, so every fly-based plan carries a costed road backup that activates automatically: you may lose a day, never the trip. Road-based itineraries are unaffected.
Is Khunjerab Pass included?
Not in the standard plan: this itinerary focuses elsewhere: but a Khunjerab day (4,693 m, open ~May to Nov) can be added to any private booking; ask for the extended quote.
Which hotels are used?
Named properties are confirmed on your quote; expect well-reviewed standard hotels, with deluxe and luxury upgrades available at booking. See our Hotels page for the full 65-hotel partner list and per-night rates.
Is this package suitable for children?
Yes for school-age kids and up who enjoy walking; drive-instead options exist for most active days.
Is the tour suitable for senior travellers?
Yes with reasonable mobility: vehicle access covers nearly every highlight, walking is optional, and we pace days generously. Tell us about any conditions and we’ll adapt the plan.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Completely: add or drop days, swap valleys, change hotel tiers or start cities; it’s your trip and re-quoting a custom version costs nothing.