Enjoy hiking &trout fishing on Horseback Trails with bonfire camping &shooting stars in pristine wildernessaround 6 lakes including Basqar Gol & Kokush lakes. Wildlife watchingibex & yak in brown bear country. Wildlife Safari in Chitral Gol National Park &Tushi Game Reserve. End the tour in Kalash Valleys &soaking in hot springs.

Tour Summary

This 10 night 11 days tour is the outdoorsmen’s an excellent opportunity to explore the 6 great lakes of Chitral and Ghizr the Khowar speaking high country’s best kept secrets where you will have close encounters with wildlife as you pass through brown bear country.

Besides, you also pass through Kalash Valleys as the Kalasha have also been recognized as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Also on the itinerary are Chitral Gol National Park and Tushi Game Reserve and get to see the successful conservation of the endangered markhor wild mountain goat, the snow leopard by the WWF whose trophy hunting attracts famous hunters from around the world where single bids have fetched upwards of US$ 200,000 per animal.

On the way pass through motorway and Chakdara Expressway and cross Swat, Panjkora Dir and Chitral Rivers and countless streams and forests. Lift the lid on daily life and traditional culture as you travel with experienced local drivers tour guides and get to know Chitral’s warm and hospitable people. The six day hiking trail is ideal for everything from a short backpacking trip to the full go from start to finish.

Otherwise known as pack trips, these excursions are fully customized and can include fishing, hiking, and of course, horseback riding through some of the most remote areas of Chitral and neighbouring Ghizr (Gilgit Baltistan). We will hit the trail head at Harchin (Laspur Valley) where you will cover 17 km on foot and then head up the trail to Bashqar Gol camp. These trips range from one day and may subject to your interest level may involve from two days to 6 days long. (For a full experience, three is recommended).

Camp accommodations consist of wall tents with wood stoves and cots with foam pads. All meals are homemade and, except for the occasional lunch on the trail, served in our camps grounds in tents. Other amenities subject to demand can include a shower tent and outhouse tent for privacy and comfort while experiencing the great outdoors. Our trips provide the opportunity to fish the back county streams, encounter wildlife, and see the remote wilderness of the breath taking landscapes in Basqar Gol, Langar Kokush area and Chumarkhan besides Shandoor. We recommend calling or emailing with any questions or concerns before booking.

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Chitral and Ghizr the Khowar speaking belt of Pakistan, isn’t as dry as it looks, and its stream fishing isn’t limited to big-name waters such as Baha and Kokush, Andarab and Gupis but includes Langar and Laspur Rivers and even the Bashqar Gol Lake. Here in the Hindu Kush Range, lakes are mostly above 12,000 ft altitudes while the peaks may even thrust from 14,000 to 17,000 feet into the sky, and large trout fin placidly in remote lakes.

It’s a region full of varied trout opportunities, from high mountain lakes to productive streams which drain the flanks of some of Pakistan’s most spectacular peaks.

The excellent stream fishing, combined with exotic trout in the high lakes, makes the area a sought-after destination for adventurous anglers.

High County Trout Fishing in the Hindu Kush Mountain Lakes & Streams

The Basqar Gol and Langar Rivers are home to numerous lakes and connecting streams, with an appealing mix of both trout and local snow trout.If you plan to go trout fishing on horseback  then Pamir Trotters can make the proper arrangements where you can try your fishing in four lakes with the exception of the two lakes at Shandoor that has no fish but sits next to the world’s highest polo ground at 12,250ft.

Best of all, nowhere else in Pakistan offers trout as big as here. If you are not into trout fishing and interested in horseback trails then you may opt for this simpler version that will put your adrenaline to the test as you cover approximately 110 kilometers on foot in the Hindu Kush High Country of Chitral and Ghizr (Gilgit Baltistan).

Access over these lakes and streams covers approximately 110 kilometers of hiking trails mostly in trout reservations and brings anglers close to prime trout lakes located in the pristine wilderness area, which has some of the largest trout in the region. To reach the lakes from trailheads such as Harchin Village requires a 17 to 18 km hike to Bashqar Gol and likewise a 24km hike to Baha and Kokush Lakes. Most reservation trailheads lie only 8 to 10 miles from productive golden trout lakes.

Pamir Trotters offers the best option of a guided horseback trip into these trout paradises. This trip offer easy access to remote lakes containing large fish. In addition, you may pack in more gear and food than you could carry in just a backpack.

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Pamir Trotters horseback Trails.

The last leg of the tour takes you through Kalash Valleys and a wildflife safari into Chitral Gol National Park and Tushi Game Reserve and the Hot Springs.

Packed with meaningful travel experiences, this is a must-book itinerary supporting culture and heritage of important Kalash tribes and offers the unique experience of joining in on traditional dances in the three valleys In the Hindu Kush mountains.

In Basqar Gol, Langar and Chumurkhan you pass through brown bear and yak country and pass through some of the most scenic alpine summer pastures.

Enroute Chitral you pass through the motorway and Chakdara Expressway and cross Swat, Panjkora Dir and Chitral Rivers and countless streams and forests. Lift the lid on daily life and traditional culture as you travel with experienced local drivers tour guides and get to know Chitral’s  warm and hospitable people. The seven day trek takes you through the tranquil forests teeming with wildlife.

UNESCO listed Kalash culture as “Intangible Cultural Heritage” in November 2018. The decision was announced during the 13th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee meeting organised in Mauritius. The ethnic Kalash minority community of Kalash. Chitral Valley a former princely state is renowned the world over for its culture, landscape, friendliness and hospitality. In Chitral Gol National park the majestic Terich Mir peak dominates Chitral’s skylines apart from Ishperdair, Sharasroong and many others can be clearly viewed from your hotel room. Each morning you wake up a 180 degree sun rises amid the melodious songs of the countless bird species including mayon (golden oriole) and khanjol (blue whistling thrush).

Explore Kalash Valleys and summer palace and encounter wildlife in Chitral Gol National Park amid and the Tushi Game Reserve and take a stroll into history at Chitral fort and museum. This journey will leave you flabbergasted at every step you take.

Head to one of Pakistan’s most iconic sites, and learn of its past as you stand face to face with history at Kalasha Dur Museum before heading to the short treks that each day culminates with highlights of the day with epic story telling events. Listen to stories told from father to son from generation to generation that gives you a perspective that cannot be gained from a history book but rather an authentic and emotional experience. Bask in the 1880s nostalgia and its charm, as you enjoy a dinner with your new Kalasha friends.

• You also visit the Chitral Gol National Park in a 4×4 jeep to summer palace located within the park which is a wildlife reserve and a sanctuary for the endangered markhor wild mountain goat. The national park is also the habitat of the snow leopard and it also houses wolves, lynx, marmots, rabbit, monal pheasant snow cock, partridges, golden eagle and many other flora and fauna species at one time used to also have black bears and musk deer.
• This 7750-hectare wildlife sanctuary lies west of Chitral city at an hours drive and has an average altitude of 8000 feet (2500m) and highest elevation at Doni may be approx. 15000 ft (5000m), encompassing the watershed of Chitral Gol. Chitral Gol National Park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1979 and a National Park in 1984.
• You will also get opportunities to see the national bird of Pakistan, chakor, national animal markhor and national tree, deodar besides spotting markhor using binoculars on the snowcapped ridges. The rich biodiversity of flora, fauna and habitats of endangered markhor and snow leopards, lynx, black bears, monkeys, ibex, musk deer, Tibetan wolf, wild sheep, foxes, jackals, civets, marmots, rabbits, and also has wild medicinal herbs.
• See the Add Ons  in each tour Itinerary for each valleys for further details on the length and duration of the trek.
• This trip in the Hindu Kush mountains is another great opportunity for a true digital detox. Star gazing under the milky way galaxy (on clear starry nights) and witness vast, ever-changing landscapes by day.
• To embark on this you must come prepared as the fitter you are, the more enjoyable all the hikes will be.

• Please read the packing list carefully and bring all essential items with you. Your suitability to the weather in the area is an important factor to consider before you travel. Be prepared for all elements – rain, wind and extreme cold and possibilities of coming across torrential floods in the valleys.
• It needs to be kept in mind that facilities will be more basic on this part of the tour than others. We’ve sourced our accommodation very carefully and picked the best possible hotels or guest houses in line with the Pamir Trotters style of travel, but please note that service and accommodation may differ from standards at home.
• ADD On Options that will leave your trip memorable may include:
• If you plan to add extra 2-3 trekking days (advance weeks written notice is required), Pamir Trotters can arrange trekking and camping under the stars along the Gazkuru (Birir Valley), Gree Ann, Acholga and Rawelik between the Kalash Valleys of Bumborate and Gangalwat in Rumboor.
• Optional events (subject to interests and advance intimation) includes singing, dancing, drum groups, art, athletic competitions (during daytime), and a variety of other events, all to celebrate and honor their beautiful culture that you get to witness.
• You get to listen firsthand the powerful story telling by Kalash story tellers in each valley and leave the area informed of the rich cultural traditions that shed light on Kalash folk lores and tales of things past as you enjoy music.

Tour Highlights

• Experience the culture of ethnic endangered minorityKalash Community declared a UNESCO World Heritage.
• Wildlife watch and sunset views over Terich Mir peak at Chitral Gol, National Park and Tushi game reserve.
• Option of Kalash dance&musical shows
• Enjoy local Pakistani or Chitrali cuisine
• Opportunity to interact with Kalash communitymembers strictly subject to permissions only.
• Spectacular views of hundreds of peaksover Hindu Kush Range including Terich Mir the highest peak of the Hindu Kush Ranges towering over 26,000 ft, Sharasroong, Isperdair and Booni Zom.
• Lawari Tunnel Pakistan’s longest road tunnel 8.6 km altitude 8000 ft (2500m), Summer Palace (2500m)
• Rivers(Swat, Dir, Chitral) and countless  tributaries and streams and trout fish farms
• Kalash Valleys, Churchill Picquet at Chakdara named after famous WWII British PM Winston Churchill who faced stiff resistance from Pathan tribes at Malakand.
• Summer Palace at Birmogh Lasht (Walnut Meadows), Chitral Gol National Park a wildlife sanctuary, and Tushi Game Reserve
• Sightseeing of Chitral Fort famous for the 1895 Siege of Chitral where British garrison was besieged amid a local power struggle and rescued underSurgeon Major George Scott Robertson the senior British officer, Shahi Masjid (Royal Mosque) and Pass by Nagar Fort.
• Bazaarsof Drosh and Chitraland Garam Chashma and Booni, MastujUpper Dir
• Islamabad Peshawar Motorway and Chakdara Expressway
• Sightseeing in Islamabad & Rawalpindi
• Museums, Chitral and Kalash Dur Bumborate
• Hot Springs -INJIGAAN
• Mastuj Fort
• Make new friends
• Story Telling Evenings and Kalash musical and cultural shows
• BBQ & Trout Fish (comes with extra costs)
• Discountedcultural travel

Whats Included / What’s Not Included

What’s included

• Toyota Hiace High Roof with fuel and experienced local driver
• 02 night stay(s) at Islamabad or equivalent
• 03 night stay(s) at Terich Mir View Hotel Chitral or equivalent
• 03 night stay(s) at CAMPING
• 02 Jeep(s) (4 x 4) for Summer Palace Chitral Gol National Park, Kalash Valleys and Hot Springs Garam Chashma
• Toll taxes, parking fees, drivers food and accommodation
• Implementation of government SOPs/Guidelinesin case of new pandemic variants.
• All domestic flights if air travel is involved (Checked Baggage Allowance: 20kg, Hand Carry: 7kg)
• All road transfers including airport transfers
• All hotel accommodation in Pakistan (twin sharing room)
• All trekking accommodation in Pakistan (twin sharing dome tent)
• All camping site fees and bridge fees
• All trekking logistics (all tents, non-personal equipment and tools etc)
• All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) and beverages/water during meals
• Snacks including dry fruits and tea/coffee during the trek
• Free refills of boiled drinking water on the trek
• Licensed professional guide (government requirement)
• Government trekking permit fees and paperwork
• Waste management fees (government requirement)
• Islamabad and Chitral city tours including all entry fees
• Support staff (cook, assistant(s) etc)
• Porters – personal luggage (14kgs)
• Storage service for baggage in Chitral (for leaving a bag behind in Chitral before going on the trek)
• First aid medicine kit (basic)
• Satellite phone for emergencies
• Trekking map and trip achievement certificate

What’s not included

• Unforeseen expenses e.g. road blocks etc
• Anything not mentioned in “What’s Included”
• Personal travel insurance (Recommendation/Rescue Partners: Global Rescue)
• Visa to Pakistan (five supporting documents will be offered)
• International airfare
• Personal equipment (e.g. trekking shoes, down jacket, walking sticks etc)
• Personal mountain equipment (crampon, mountaineering boot, ice axe, harness, two carabiners, helmet etc)
• Extra nights in Islamabad (hotel check in/out is 12pm) – additional USD 67 per night
• Additional trek weight/baggage: USD 11 per kg
• Storage service for baggage in Islamabad: USD 28 per bag/piece
• Tips/gratuities for guides, porters, staff etc
• Miscellaneous (minibar, bottled water, phone calls, laundry, souvenir etc)
• Early Windup/Return Costs (e.g. early return from trek due to any reason)
• Costs due to Force Majure (e.g. earthquake, landslide, floods, etc)