The Hindu Kush Trek

Day 1 – Islamabad ✈️

Start your adventure with arrival at Islamabad International Airport. After settling into your hotel, enjoy a half‑day city tour—visit Faisal Mosque, Margalla Hills viewpoint and local bazaars. This introductory day helps you acclimatize and soak in the energy of Pakistan’s modern capital. A relaxing evening with traditional cuisine sets the tone for the days ahead.

Day 2 – Drive to Bumburet / Kalash Valley 🚐

A long scenic drive (roughly 12 hours) leads you from Islamabad into the mystical Kalash Valley, one of Pakistan’s most unique cultural enclaves. Emerging landscapes change from lush plains to rugged mountain roads. Upon arrival, settle into a guesthouse and embrace your first glimpse of Kalash traditional villages, forests, and smiling locals.

Day 3 – Explore Kalash Valley 🏞️

Spend a full day immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of the Kalash people. Wander through Bumburet (and potentially Rumbur or Birir), visit local shrines and meet villagers in their vivid traditional attire. Enjoy valley walks along rivers and forests, and learn about their animistic traditions and handcrafted embroideries.

Day 4 – Drive back to Chitral 🚙

Drive back to Chitral town (approx. 1.5 hours), where you prepare for the trek ahead. Time is available for organizing gear, packing, meeting your trekking team, and exploring the bazaar or Chitral Fort. Overnight in a hotel, resting up before you head into the high mountains.

Day 5 – Drive to Kiyar / Start Trek to Kiyar Village 🏕️

Travel by jeep or vehicle from Chitral toward the trailhead, then trek into the mountains to Kiyar (roughly 3000 m). This first trek day is moderate in length. You’ll walk through pine‑tree forests, alpine streams, and step into high meadows. Camp in Kiyar village surrounded by mountain peaks and the crisp mountain air.

Day 6 – Trek to Kiyar High Camp (3500 m) 🌄

A shorter trek (3 hours) takes you from Kiyar village to the high camp. As you ascend, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of surrounding ridgelines, distant peaks of the Hindu Kush, and flower‑dotted meadows. The campsite offers a peaceful night under starlit skies.

Day 7 – Trek to Ovir Pass & Ovir High Camp (4337 m) 🏔️

Ascend to the historic Ovir Pass (4,337 m) and then descend slightly into Ovir High Camp. The trek offers expansive views across the high mountainscape. At camp, feel the dramatic alpine setting, with crisp air and panoramic vistas of peaks and glaciers. A perfect spot to reflect on the journey so far.

Day 8 – Trek from Ovir High Camp to Mujhen (2927 m) 🌾

This descent day brings you down into verdant Mujhen at 2,927 m. Walk through meadows, clear streams and changing vegetation zones—from alpine tundra down to forested subalpine zones. Camping here gives you a restful night closer to valley life.

Day 9 – Jeep to Zani Pass (3840 m) & Trek to Shagram (2760 m) 🚜

Take a jeep transfer up to Zani Pass at around 3,840 m, then trek down to Shagram village at 2,760 m. This mixed day of vehicle and walking offers dramatic landscapes, from high mountainous roads to tranquil village scenes. Camp in Shagram valley, framed by forests and peaks.

Day 10 – Trek from Shagram to Sherniak (3540 m) 🌲

Trek through forests, riversides and alpine slopes to reach Sherniak camp at 3,540 m. Enjoy the contrast of lower‑valley greenery with snow‑tipped heights above. The camp site is surrounded by meadows and pine trees—ideal for a peaceful night.

Day 11 – Trek from Sherniak to Shogor Biasun (4038 m) 🌤️

A relatively long walk ascends to Shogor Biasun at 4,038 m. Expect sweeping views of distant summits, glacier outlets, and dramatic ridgelines. The terrain becomes more alpine, with sparser vegetation and crisp air. Camp amid rugged highland beauty.

Day 12 – Trek Shogor Biasun to Tirich Mir Babu Camp (4724 m) 🏞️

A challenging day’s trek leads you to Babu Camp at 4,724 m beneath the soaring Tirich Mir massif. Traverse rocky paths, small glaciers, and high mountain ridges. Arrive at base camp to revel in majestic views of the highest peak in the Hindu Kush range.

Day 13 – Acclimatization or Free Day at Babu Camp (4742 m) 🧘

Spend a rest day here to acclimatize—relax, explore nearby ridges, or simply gaze at the towering peaks. Light walks, stretching, and absorbing the surreal serenity help prepare your body for the return trek.

Day 14 – Trek from Babu Camp back to Sherniak (4–5 h) ⛺

Descend from Babu Camp toward Sherniak, retracing part of your ascent. Enjoy a more relaxed pace as you cross high meadows and ridge lines. Arrive at Sherniak and camp again under open skies.

Day 15 – Trek from Sherniak to Shagram (5–6 h) 🚶

Continue descending toward Shagram village, passing through forested valleys and streams. The altitude drop makes the trek easier, and the afternoon brings softer light on the hills. Camp in familiar grounds of Shagram.

Day 16 – Drive from Shagram/Shangram to Chitral valley 🚗

A scenic jeep drive takes you from Shagram back to Chitral valley. Cross high passes again and descend into the greener valley below. Overnight in a hotel in Chitral, celebrate your successful trek among Khowar‑speaking locals.

Day 17 – Travel Chitral → Islamabad ✈️

Depending on weather and flight schedules, either fly or drive from Chitral to Islamabad. Use any extra free time to shop or reminisce on this journey through remote mountains and unique cultures. Final hotel stay in Islamabad.

Day 18 – Reserve / Departure Day 🛫

An optional reserve day allowing flexibility in case of delays or weather. If not needed, board your onward flight from Islamabad. Bid farewell to this incredible adventure—end of services.