Golden autumn poplars in front of the snowy face of Rakaposhi

Signature

Northern Pakistan Grand Circuit

Every highlight in one unforgettable loop — Swat, Kumrat, the Kalash valleys, Shandur Pass, Gilgit and Hunza. Our most-requested private journey.

Duration13 days · 12 nights
DifficultyModerate
Group size2 – 10
StartsIslamabad
Rating5.0 (29 reviews)

Overview

Every highlight in one unforgettable loop — Swat, Kumrat, the Kalash valleys, Shandur Pass, Gilgit and Hunza. Our most-requested private journey. Best travelled June – September.

Islamabad
Swat
Dir
Kumrat
Chitral
Shandur
Gilgit
Hunza
Islamabad

Trip highlights

Malam Jabba
Pakistan's best-known ski resort, chairlift and zip line.
Swat
Kalam & Ushu Forest
Towering pines along the Swat river at 2,000 m.
Swat
Gateway to Kumrat
Sheringal and Thall lead into the Kumrat valley.
Upper Dir
Lowari Tunnel route
The scenic link road to Chitral under the Lowari Pass.
Upper Dir
Kumrat Forest camping
Riverside camps under giant deodar and blue pine.
Kumrat Valley
Jahaz Banda meadows
A 3,100 m alpine plateau of wildflowers and shepherd huts.
Kumrat Valley

Best months

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Islamabad → Swat
Swat Motorway to Mingora and Malam Jabba.
Day 2Kalam & Mahodand
Ushu Forest and the lake.
Day 3Swat → Upper Dir
Across to Dir via Chakdara.
Day 4Kumrat Valley
Forest camp by the Panjkora.
Day 5Jahaz Banda
Meadow day and bonfire.
Day 6Dir → Chitral
Lowari Tunnel into Chitral.
Day 7Kalash valleys
Bumburet and Rumbur with your guide.
Day 8Chitral → Mastuj
4×4 drive up the Yarkhun.
Day 9Shandur → Phander
Over the 3,700 m pass.
Day 10Phander → Gilgit
Down the Ghizer valley.
Day 11Gilgit → Hunza
Rakaposhi viewpoint and Karimabad.
Day 12Gojal & Khunjerab
Attabad, Passu and the border.
Day 13Return to Islamabad
Flight from Gilgit (weather permitting) or drive.

What's included

Included

Air-conditioned private transport (Grand Cabin / Prado on mountain sections)
Hotel stays on twin / triple sharing
Daily breakfast & dinner
Experienced driver and local tour guide
All toll taxes, parking and fuel
Entry tickets mentioned in the itinerary
24/7 support line during your trip
Dedicated 4×4 for the full circuit
Camping in Kumrat

Not included

Lunch, snacks and personal shopping
Jeep rides, boating or activities marked as optional
Travel insurance
Anything not listed under 'included'

Photos

What travellers say

Every detail was handled — from the Attabad boat ride to the room with the Rakaposhi view. Our guide knew every family in Karimabad.

AAyesha R.Lahore

I travelled solo and hired a guide for eight days. Safe, flexible and genuinely fun. He changed the plan twice for better weather and light.

DDaniel M.Manchester, UK

Our honeymoon was perfect. Clean hotels, a punctual driver and a surprise bonfire dinner by Mahodand Lake. Highly recommended.

HHamza & SanaKarachi

Frequently asked

Where do your tours start?

Most departures start and end in Islamabad or Rawalpindi. We can also pick you up from Lahore, Peshawar or Gilgit/Chitral airport on request.

Is northern Pakistan safe for families and solo travellers?

Hunza, Gilgit, Swat, Chitral, Kumrat and the Galiyat welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors a year. We monitor road and weather conditions daily, travel with experienced drivers and keep a 24/7 support line open throughout your trip.

What is the best time to visit the north?

April–May for blossom, June–August for high meadows and lakes (Kumrat, Kalam, Naltar), September–November for golden autumn in Hunza and Chitral, and December–February for snow in Murree, Nathia Gali and Malam Jabba.

Do foreigners need a special permit?

Most of our routes need only a valid Pakistani visa. A few border areas require a No-Objection Certificate (NOC); our team arranges it for you when your itinerary needs one.

How do I confirm a booking?

Send an enquiry or WhatsApp us. We confirm availability, share the final itinerary and invoice, and hold your seats with a 30% advance. The balance is paid before departure.