Adventure Tour- Hindukush Mountain Bike

The Hindukush and Karakoram mountain ranges lie mostly in the Chitral, Gilgit and Hunza areas. These remote mountain fiefdoms have historically been difficult to access, and as a consequence have been left on their own. The British Raj thus tried to establish a presence in these areas, and met with stiff resistance principally from the elements, and the tribes inhabiting these mountain valleys.

The last valley to be subdued was Chitral, as the hostile Afghan tribes were able to use the terrain to their advantage. A British outpost came in Chitral under severe attack in 1895, and the besieged garrison was rescued after a dramatic effort by Colonel William and his contingent of 250 men. This rescue force made the first known crossing of the Shandur Pass (3720 m.), and ever since that time this route from Chitral to Gilgit has been a favorite for adventurers.

Day 1: Islamabad - Arrive in Islamabad and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon city sight seeing. We will begin at the old city of Rawalpindi, at the Raja (King) Bazaar. A stop in the silver and gold bazaars will allow us to catch traditional craftsmen at work. We will then continue on the main street linking the Twin cities - Murree Road - before arriving at the gleaming new capital. We pass shining new buildings and thousands of park areas - a full 50 percent of the 350 square mile site is set aside for parks. We will then stop at the Shakar Parian, "Sweet Hills" to catch a bird's eye view of Islamabad. Our next stop will be Shah Faisal Mosque which is the landmark of Islamabad. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Peshawar - After breakfast drive to Peshawar. Upon arrival transfer to the Hotel. Afternoon city tour. We begin by visiting the rich museum of Peshawar, which houses treasures of the Gandhara period. Proceed to old Peshawar through the Kabuli Gate - one of the sixteen - to the Qissa Khawani bazaar, "the street of story tellers", and witness unusual and unforgettable sights. We will also visit the coppersmith's bazaar, which flourished from the 1st century B.C. to the 5th century A.D. Continue to Mahabat Khan's mosque, built in 1670 by the Governor of Peshawar under Moghal Emperor Shah Jahan. Our tour will pass by Balar Hisar Fort, built by Babar in 1526 - 30, and rebuilt by Hari Singh Nalva, under the guidance of French engineers in 1830. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Dir - After breakfast drive to Dir. Dir has a well wooded countryside with fine views. There are several places of historical interest to be seen on the way to Dir among which Talash Valley, Kat Kala Fort and Timargarha are quite rich in their archeological heritage left by the Aryans, Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims. This beautiful town is inhabited by the upright and fierce, yet very hospitable and friendly Pathans whose prestige and honor is earned, maintained and avenged by a bullet. Upon arrival transfer to the Hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Drosh - After breakfast bike to Drosh. Overnight in tents.

Day 5: Chitral - After breakfast bike to Chitral. An isolated valley among the Hindu Kush Mountains little is known about the history of Chitral. Alexander the Great marched through here in 326 BC, leaving behind Greek traditions which to this day are reflected in the customs of the indigenous population. An early Sanskrit inscription records that the country was under King Kaipal of Kabul, a Buddhist king. After various short - lived regimes, the Mehtras came into power, and ruled the small kingdom for over three hundred years. The last Mehtra, Saifur Rehman, strained relations with the neighbouring state of Dir by refusing to marry the princess. The Nawab of Dir threatened to march against the King, who thus threatened, turned to the Government of Pakistan for assistance. The state of Chitral was subsequently incorporated into the then new state of Pakistan. Chitral is a small valley that is overshadowed by the Trichmir Mountain, 25,230 feet high, and divided into two sub- sections by the rapid flowing Mastuj River. The city acts as a base for many trekking and hiking expeditions, and its pure mountain air attracts many who wish to relax. The Kafir Valleys provide an interesting diversion for the locals consider the Kafirs as heathen and totally unacceptable, for they are unbelievers. The hot sulphur springs close to the city are well known for their healing abilities and attract a good many who wish to be cured from varied ailments ranging from migraines to sterility. Upon arrival transfer to the Hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Chitral - After breakfast full day free at leisure OR optional Kalash Valley excursion. Bamboret is the largest of three valleys about 2 hours jeep drive from Chitral. There used to exist two distinctive types of Kafirs (Infidels), the red and the Kalash (Black) until the end of the last century. The Red Kafirs were conquered by Amir of Afghanistan and converted to Islam. The Kalash were however not harmed and to this day maintain their pagan rites. We travel to a picturesque valley only 10 miles from Bamboret. Our guide will show you the hamlets of Balanguru and Kalashgram. A short but trying walk up to the steep ridge is rewarded with an ancient Kalash temple decorated with wooden horses and human figures. The gay and jocand Kafirs are given to the lively dances and music, they worship and seek help from their gods only when they are in trouble. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7: Mastuj - After breakfast bike to Mastuj. Mastuj, a beautiful village 76 miles to the North-East of Chitral. The jeep track carves its way through the stark and rugged mountains. This traditional route has been used for centuries by the traders for trade between Chitral and Gilgit. The perilous jeep road connects to a wide plateau with a lake and a Polo field. At the famous Shandur Pass at 12,250 feet. Annual polo matches are played between the Chitralis and the Gilgities. Overnight in tents.

Day 8: Laspur - After breakfast bike to Laspur. Overnight in tents.

Day 9: Shandur - After breakfast bike to Shandur. Shandur Pass, altitude 3,720 meters, has a beautiful plain area with two lovely lakes adorning it. It has the historical significance due to Col. Kelly who labored over the pass with his men to relieve the troops besieged in Chitral in 1895. Overnight in tents.

Day 10: Phandar - After breakfast bike to Phandar. Phander Lake is an idyllic place; the good NAWO rest house is situated on a ridge overlooking the flat meandering river on one side and down a cliff face into the deep blue of the lake on the other. Phander's other name is "Angler's Paradise ". This trout laden serene lake allows one forget the bumpy and trying jeep journey. Overnight in tents.

Day 11: Phandar - After breakfast leisure day at anglers Paradise "Fishing". Overnight in tents.

Day 12: Gupis - After breakfast bike to Gupis. Gupis is on a distance of 110 Km and approx 6 hrs drive from Gilgit. This is where you turn north for the Yasin Valley - A former Kingdom like Punial with plenty of water, making this perhaps the prettiest. Villages are stacked up the mountain side and surrounded by steeply terraced fields. Gupis is a reasonable fishing spot of the delicious trout fish with plentiful of water. This makes Gupis much prettier. Overnight in tents.

Day 13: Singal - After breakfast bike to Singal. Overnight in tents.

Day 14: Gilgit - After breakfast bike to Gilgit. For the adventure-loving tourist, be he a hiker, angler, art lover, mountaineer or polo enthusiast, or be he merely interested in exotic people and their lifestyles, there are a few places in the world that can be compared to Gilgit. Gilgit is an old tribal town that acted as a rest stop for weary travelers on the Silk Route - the famous road from China to the Arabian Sea. It has flourished over the centuries, lying practically untouched by the teeming herds of conquerors. Gilgit is located in the heart of the Karakoram Range, surrounded by lofty peaks, the most majestic being Rakaposhi. Gilgit is both accessible by road and by air; the road, newly constructed along the path of the ancient Silk Route, is an unforgettable journey through winding valleys and tumbling waterfalls. By air, the PIA flight follows the Kunhar River as it winds through the Kaghan Valley, and beyond that it follows a narrow cleft in the mountains before alighting at Gilgit. Upon arrival transfer to the Hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 15: Gilgit - After breakfast, enjoy a day at leisure or excursion to Hunza (Optional). Karimabad is the delightful old capital of the Hunza Kingdom. From Karimabad, with its souvenir shop, post office and tea shop, you can obtain a magnificent view of the valley laid out below you and of the peaks behind. The Aliabad / Karimabad area is sprinkled with wild flowers and blossoming fruit orchards. We will spend half our day in these two towns enjoying the greenery and delighting in the sound of babbling brooks. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 16: Besham - After breakfast drive to Besham. Besham is a little transit village now beginning to assume the features of a modern town and has the trappings of modern civilization - petrol stations, cafes, restaurants, hotels, barber shops and bazaars. It is the junction for Swat Valley via the scenic Shangla Pass into Khawzakhela; Kaghan Valley via Manshera and Gilgit. Upon arrival transfer to the Hotel. Overnight at the hotel.