Shah Jinali and Thui An Trek

Day 1 – Islamabad 🏙️

Arrive at Islamabad International Airport and settle into your hotel. After a refreshing rest, embark on a half‑day city tour exploring Islamabad’s top sights—like the majestic Faisal Mosque, Lok Virsa Museum, and the bustling Raja Bazaar. This intro day combines urban charm with culture and comfort to ease you into the adventure.

Day 2 – Islamabad → Kalash (Bumburet) 🚙

Set off on a long drive (approximately 12 hours) through scenic valleys to reach the remote Bumburet Kalash Valley at around 1,100 m altitude. Along the way, soak in the lush landscapes and changing terrain. Overnight camping in Bumburet amidst towering peaks and the unique culture of the Kalash people.

Day 3 – Kalash Valley 🌄

Spend the day immersed in the vibrant culture of the Kalash tribes. Visit traditional villages, meet local people, observe their distinct customs, and explore the high‑valley settlements. Return to your hotel in Bumburet for a restful night at 1,650 m elevation.

Day 4 – Kalash → Chitral Valley 🚗

After breakfast, drive about 1.5 hours to Chitral. Use the afternoon to prepare for the upcoming trek: gear check, briefing with guides, and sorting logistics. Overnight stay in Chitral at approximately 1,500 m.

Day 5 – Chitral → Rua 🚙

Embark on an exhilarating 8‑hour jeep ride from Chitral to Rua at 2,820 m. Enjoy dramatic mountain vistas surfacing as you climb through remote landscapes. Camp overnight in Rua, surrounded by alpine tranquility.

Day 6 – Trek Day 1: Rua → Dershal 🥾

Begin the trek: walk 6–7 hours, covering roughly 16 km and gaining elevation from 2,820 m to 3,300 m. The trail follows the sparkling Rich Gol, crosses a footbridge, passes Moghlang and climbs through marble‑lined valleys. Camp in Dershal among birch and juniper trees in a scenic riverside setting.

Day 7 – Trek Day 2: Dershal → Shah Ghari 🥾

Trek about 6.2 km in 2–2½ hours, ascending to 3,690 m. Follow the left bank of tributaries, cross glacial streams, and reach Shah Ghari—a traditional Gujar encampment with stone shelters. Weather permitting, acclimatization may allow extension toward Ishperu Dok.

Day 8 – Trek Day 3: Shah Ghari → Ishperu Dok (via Shah Jinali) 🌄

Ascend for 4–5 hours, trekking 7.1 km from 3,690 m to the pass at around 4,140 m, then descend gently to Ishperu Dok High Camp (3,990 m). Behold the vast “King’s Polo Field” plateau and stunning mountain panoramas from the Shah Jinali Pass before settling into a high meadow camp.

Day 9 – Trek Day 4: Ishperu Dok → Yashkist 🥾

Descend approximately 1,140 m over ~9.7 km in around 4 hours to reach Yashkist at 2,850 m. Navigate several footbridges, canyons, and glacial tributaries as the gorge opens into the wider Yarkhun Valley. Camp near riverbanks amid pastoral settlements.

Day 10 – Drive to Nichagh (Gazin) 🚙

After breaking camp, take a jeep ride of about 5 hours to Nichagh in Gazin at 3,050 m. This offers time to recuperate as you move closer toward the Thui An section of the trek. Camp overnight in the serene high valley.

Day 11 – Trek: Nichagh → Golpigol 🥾

Hike 5–6 hours over about 3,100 m rolling terrain into Golpigol. Experience the height of alpine meadows, distant peaks lining the horizon, and the valleys deepening as you approach Thui’s route. Camp at Golpigol surrounded by dramatic views.

Day 12 – Trek: Golpigol → Gashushi via Thui An 🏔️

One of the most challenging and rewarding days: crossing Thui Pass at around 4,500 m. Trek to Gashushi at approximately 4,067 m. Marvel at panoramic 6,000 m peaks encircling vast meadows and the snaking Aghost‑Bar Glacier below. Overnight camp in high alpine serenity.

Day 13 – Trek: Gashushi → Shotaling 🏕️

Descend to Shotaling (3,185 m) over 5–6 hours. Enjoy a gentler trail through glacial-fed valleys and alpine pastures, with frequent views of snow‑tipped summits. Camp in Shotaling surrounded by peaceful isolation.

Day 14 – Trek & Drive: Shotaling → Nialti → Gupis 🚖

Hike down to Nialti at around 2,800 m, then board transport onward to Gupis. The final trekking section transitions back into road travel. Overnight stay in a hotel in peaceful Gupis valley.

Day 15 – Drive: Gupis → Gilgit 🚗

After breakfast, drive approximately 5 hours to Gilgit. Settle into your hotel, reflect on the journey, and enjoy connecting with a town central to Northern Pakistan’s travel networks.

Day 16 – Gilgit → Naran or Fly to Islamabad ✈️/🚗

Choose between a flight back to Islamabad or a scenic drive over the Babusar Pass to Naran. Either route showcases dramatic landscapes, alpine lakes, and high mountain roads. Overnight in Naran or Islamabad depending on your choice.

Day 17 – Islamabad → Taxila → Islamabad 🏛️

If driving from Naran, stop at Taxila’s UNESCO World Heritage archaeological sites. Otherwise, if already in Islamabad, spend the day visiting Taxila or resting. Evening return to your hotel in Islamabad for one last night.

Day 18 – Departure from Islamabad ✈️

Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your homeward flight. Conclude your 17‑night/18‑day journey filled with mountain magic, cultural insights, and alpine memories.