Swat and Kalash Valley

Travel Through History

Explore the bazars in Peshawar
Discover Greek influenced
Gandhara civilization in Swat
Kalash tribes ancient way of living
Travel through history in Taxila
See the amazing Ibex in Gol National Park

8 DAYS FROM

Physical Rating 2

Best time to visit: April - October

The morning is free to recover from your journey. In the afternoon we offer an optional walk to the Margalla hills surrounding the capital.
Later in the afternoon, the trek leaders will give a full trip briefing. We will conclude our evening with a group dinner, this will be an opportunity for everyone to get to know each other, ask questions and enjoy a restful evening before our journey begins.

We drive to the 2,000 year old city of Peshawar. Visit the Bala Hisar Fort in continuous use since the 7th century. Explore the Peshawar museum with the largest collection of Gahdhara art in the world. In the evening wander through the historic Qisa Khawani Bazar (story tellers bazar), before we settle in for a meal before returning to our hotel.

Drive to Swat, stopping at the 1st century UNESCO world heritage site of Takht-Bhai. Visit the Swat Museum with its collection of Gandharan statuettes and treasure from the valley of Swat. We will visit the remains of 2nd century Butkara stupa, believed to contain the ashes of Buddha. Later visit Udegram village where you will have the option to hike to Raja Gira’s castle, site with a history stretching from 1,000 BC to 14th century.

We will travel by road to Chitral Valley, stopping at the Chakdara Museum with its collection of first to seventh century Gandhara Art. The drive will take us through villages and small towns and we will reach our destination in the evening, where our first stop is Kalash Valley.

Birbir, Bumborete and Rumbur valleys are locally known as Kafiristan (the land of the infidels). These valleys are home to the 3,000 year old civilization of Kalash people who are spread in about 20 villages. The Kalash practice their own religion and their cultural practices are unique from all other ethnicities. If we are here in time for a Kalash festival. The celebration is a huge party, with lots of dancing, wine and feasting. We will witness the celebrations and you have an opportunity to wear traditional Kalash attire and participate in the festivities.

In the morning we travel to Chitral Gol National Park surrounded by high Hindukush mountains it is the natural habitat for Ibex, Snow Leopard, Lynx, Chakor, Ram Chakor, Pheasant and an assortment of birds and wild creatures. The rest of the day is free to relax in your hotel overlooking the Chitral Valley.

We take a morning flight to Islamabad. Our first stop is the UNESCO world heritage site of Taxila. The origins of Taxila as a city go back to 1500 BC and it was an important Buddhist Centre from 5th century BC to 6th Century AD. Taxila Museum is famous for its magnificent collection of Gandhara Art.
After Taxila we will head over to our hotel in Islamabad. The afternoon and evening are free to relax or join an organized shopping trip.

Our private transport will take you to
the airport.

Is this Trip for you?

All our tours feature a physical rating to help select the right vacation. Every one of tours require the ability to walk around sights unaided, while more active tours include longer walks or multi-day treks.

Level 1: A reasonable level of fitness is required but its more about spending time on your feet than covering large distances. You will be getting on and off vehicles, walking around sites and climbing steps.

Level 2: The typical day is busier and involves more steps or multiple sites visits every day. The trip might involve day hikes of 2-3 hours.

Level 3: You should enjoy hiking and feel comfortable hiking 3–6 miles with elevation with elevation gains/losses of up to 300m(1000 ft) per day. We suggest beginning a regular exercise regimen at least 2–3 months prior to departure.

Level 4: You should be comfortable with hiking 5-8 hours each day, up to 18km (11 miles) with as much as 3,000’elevation gain and loss or high altitude.

Level 5: Challenging for fit hikers with experience in multi-day treks in high altitude. These tours are not appropriate for novice hikers or even for experienced but unfit hikers.

If you have any questions, please reach us at info@thewander.travel