Travel from Islamabad to the breathtaking Chitral Valley via the Swat Motorway. After a quick pause at the Swat Motorway Rest Area, continue driving along the N-45 highway, taking in the natural beauty of the surrounding environment. You will pass through the magnificent Lowari Tunnel on your way to Chitral. Finally, if arrive in Chitral Valley, you may immerse yourself in its rich cultural legacy and breathtaking scenery. The estimated travel time from Islamabad to Chitral is around 9 to 10 hours. Explore Chitral's attractions, including the Shahi Mosque, Shahi Qila, the Polo Ground, Governor Cottage, and the Chitral Museum.

Take a two-hour jeep journey from Chitral to Birmoghlasht, which translates as "walnut flat". When you arrive, tour the surrounding area of the summer palace. From this vantage point, you may enjoy stunning views of Chitral town to the north and the spectacular Terichmir mountain, which is the highest top of the Hindu Kush range at 7,700 meters.

Traveling to Chaghbini from Birmogh Lasht is a quick yet beautiful excursion. Within 30 to 45 minutes, the terrain turns into a calm, tranquil setting where one may actually connect with nature. As you tour Chaghbini, soak in the breathtaking landscapes that surround you. The Hindukush range reaches into the horizon, with Terichmir's peak towering above at 7,700 meters. Owir Pass, at 13,700 feet, leads to Terichmir's base camp and provides a view of the beautiful green valley of Owir below.

The area beneath a big cedar tree (whose top was severed by a lightning strike) behind the inspection and watcher house is known as Chaghbini, which means "place where there is always shade." The views from Birmogh Lasht and Chaghbini are spectacular, with an almost 360-degree panorama. Tirich Mir lies to the north, Buni Zom to the northeast, and Ghariet to the southeast.

Travel west from the rest house (2925m) along the ridge's south-facing trail through the conifer forest. Choose between two routes to Kasavir, where the track clearly curves north. Both roads are shaded by cedar and Chilghoza pine forests, with the occasional oak, holly, and juniper tossed in for good measure. A steep path descends spectacularly down a lateral slope in two hours to Kasavir, but you'll need a game observer to guide you. Alternatively, you can do the lengthier but more gentle descent down the Ishperudeh Nala. Ishperudeh means 'white place' in reference to the light-colored cliffs above. Continue north from the curve, passing a spring in 15 minutes and arriving at the Ishperudeh Nala in another 15 minutes. Cross the river and make your way along the bank.

As you reach Kasavir, the game watchers' route leads you through abandoned apple and walnut orchards and across two canals above the Chitral Gol's left bank.Cross the Ishperudeh Nala and head upstream for a short way until you find a suitable spot to ford the Chitral Gol. Kasavir (2195m) is the location of the ex-Mehtar of Chitral, Saif Ul Mulk Nasir's, now-dilapidated hunting bungalow on the other bank of the river.

Mroi Lodini (the Markhor viewing point), a large rock outcrop visible from Chaghbini, is located a few minutes' walk above Kasavir. Climb Mroi Lodini and look west across the river at the grassy plateau and rugged rocks above. Markhor is usually visible at dusk. Mroi refers to all Markhor, while Shahrah refers to adult males and Majher to women and children.

The ascent from Kasavir is steep and hot, so start early to avoid spending too much time hiking in direct sunshine. The Ishperudeh Nala trail is more gradual, easier to follow, and the better choice.

An alternate route takes the Chitral Gol downstream for two hours to Merin (1980m), then another hour to the booster. However, in June and July, rising water makes this road unusable.

A circuit can be completed by returning to Chaghbini via Gokhshal. It is easier to visit Gokhshal first, then Kasavir in an anticlockwise loop.

Cross the river to the grassy Kasavir Lasht (plain), then ascend a path above the canyon to Kushunisuk. Then, after 15 minutes on an exposed and narrow track along the ridge overlooking the gorge, descend northwest for 30 to 45 minutes to Gokhshal (2650 metres).

From Chaghbini (2925m), follow the trail south along the ridge through open forest to the head of the Ishperudeh stream, passing by a spring. (Avoid the ridge top trail, which leads to a class 3 rock face crossing before continuing on the softer trail described below.) Then head up a grassy slope to the rocky Ishperudeh ridge. The pass, the lowest point, is a little notch to the south (left) of a larger, higher saddle. Follow a cattle trail (used by cows) for two hours, passing the junction with the class 3 route on the right. Gokhshal An (3720m) is another 45 minutes to an hour away and offers panoramic views from Lowari Pass to Buni Zom.

Descended cautiously over steep, loose gravel switchbacks to the softer vegetated slopes 30 minutes below. After 10 to 15 minutes, pass a little spring, then cross two small clear streams and follow the trail above the actual right bank of the second stream. Instead of continuing through the clear forest, cross another little creek and follow its true right bank for another fifteen minutes. After reaching the valley bottom in 30 minutes, take the trail along the true left bank of the Gokhshal stream for another 30 minutes to the tin-roofed game-watchers' home at Gokhshal (2650 metres). There are walnut trees nearby, as well as a spring among the willows. The house is situated in a breathtaking amphitheater-like rocky canyon, with a nearby pine-forested boulder area. Unfortunately, cows graze nearby, leaving no grass or faeces mounds beneath the trees.

To return from Chaghbini to Birmoghlasht, retrace their steps and take in the scenery along the route. As you traverse this journey, remember to admire the peaceful environment and natural beauty that surround you. The Hindukush range, with Terichmir Peak rising at 7,700 meters, remains awe-inspiring, providing vistas of the beautiful Owir Pass, which rises to 13,700 feet. Your return to Birmogh Lasht is full of breathtaking moments, making your hike a really unforgettable adventure in the midst of Chitral's natural splendor.

Drive from Birmogh Lasht to Chitral town, then return along the same route. Starting from the Summer Palace, where you may have stopped to tour earlier, you travel along a route with breathtaking views of the beautiful Terichmir and the famed Owir Pass. As you descend, the lush green valley of Owir spreads out below you, giving a stunning background for your return trek to Chitral. The trip takes around two hours and provides a stunning and fascinating view of the region's hilly environment and natural splendor.

On this day

Begin your exploration by visiting the Shahi Mosque and Shahi Qila, two of the city's most renowned attractions. The mosque is recognized for its exquisite construction, and the Qila (fort) provides insight into Chitral's rich past. Don't miss the bustling bazaars, where you may buy traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.

Visit the region's natural splendor, head out to the picturesque valleys around Chitral. The Kalash Valley is known for its distinct Kalasha culture, whilst the Bumburet Valley provides breathtaking vistas of lush foliage and crystal-clear waterways.

The travel from Chitral to Islamabad usually takes 9 to 10 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The journey is picturesque, traversing through high terrain and providing stunning vistas along the way. Make sure to stop in any of the attractive villages and towns along the way, such as Dir and Swat, to enjoy the region's natural splendor. Once in Islamabad, you may visit the city's various attractions, such as the Faisal Mosque, Daman-e-Koh, and Lok Virsa Museum.

We also have a contingency day in your travel arrangements in the event of unanticipated delays. This entails setting aside an additional day for your vacation so that you may change your itinerary if necessary. This might be due to inclement weather, road closures, or unforeseen occurrences during your route. This extra day helps address such circumstances without significantly disrupting your travel plans, resulting in a smoother and more pleasurable vacation overall.

Meals included: Breakfast

Our staff will transfer all our guests to the airport on their respective departure timings. The checkout time of all our partner hotels is 12pm.