Tour Type
Culture & Adventure Tours
Pakistan

Horseback Expedition Pakistan 2026

10 Days 9 Nights

Tour Details

This expedition is not a sightseeing tour it is a carefully designed horseback journey into regions that remain largely untouched by mass tourism.

 

The journey begins in Islamabad, followed by a dramatic drive through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa into the cultural heart of Chitral. Crossing the legendary Lowari Tunnel, the landscape shifts from green valleys to rugged mountain terrain. In Upper Chitral’s Laspur Valley, riders meet local horsemen and prepare for the trail ahead.

 

From Day 4, horses become the only means of travel. The trail ascends toward the vast Shandur Plateau, known as the “Roof of the World,” before heading into completely off-grid territory. The route to Kukush Lake and Gothbar follows paths not found on commercial trekking or riding maps—remote, silent, and breathtaking.

 

Camping at high altitude, riders experience three nights of pure wilderness: bonfires under star-filled skies, reflections of turquoise lakes at sunset, and mornings broken only by the sound of wind and horses. Cultural interaction is genuine and unfiltered, shared through stories, meals, and daily life with local communities.

 

The expedition concludes with a scenic descent into Phandar Valley, followed by a road journey through Ghizer, Gilgit, and the Karakoram Highway, offering views of legendary peaks like Nanga Parbat before returning to Islamabad.

 

  • This expedition is ideal for:
  • Experienced riders
  • Adventure travelers
  • Explorers seeking off-the-map experiences
  • Overseas Pakistanis looking for a deep, meaningful connection with the northern landscapes

 

Horseback Expedition Pakistan 2026 is not just a trip it’s a journey into the last true wilderness of Pakistan, where adventure still feels real.

Trip Route

Itinerary

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  1. Introduction

    Horseback Expedition Pakistan 2026 is a rare, expedition-style horse trail through the untamed highlands of Upper Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan, designed for riders and explorers seeking something beyond commercial tourism.

     

    This 10-day journey combines remote horseback travel, wild camping, extreme-altitude landscapes, and authentic cultural encounters. From the historic valleys of Chitral to the hidden alpine routes of Kukush Lake and Gothbar, the expedition follows trails where roads disappear and wilderness takes over.

     

    Between Days 4 and 7, the journey becomes a true horse expedition crossing high plateaus, alpine meadows, and isolated settlements accessible only on horseback. 

     

    Nights are spent under open skies, beside glacial lakes, and around bonfires with local horsemen who know these mountains by heart.

     

     

    Starting and ending in Islamabad, this expedition offers a once-in-a-lifetime blend of adventure, culture, and raw nature, making it one of the most unique horseback journeys ever offered in Pakistan.

  1. Day 1 Arrival in Islamabad
    • Arrival at Islamabad International Airport
    • Meet & greet by Destination Pakistan expedition team
      Transfer to hotel
      Trip briefing & equipment check
      Welcome dinner with expedition introduction

     

    Meals: Dinner
    Accommodation: Ambiance Boutique Art Hotel 

  2. Day 2 Travel To Ayun Villa

    Drive Time: 10–12 hours
     

    • Early breakfast
      Scenic drive through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
      Cross the historic Lowari Tunnel
      Arrival in Chitral town by evening
      Short walk along Chitral River

     

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (en route), Dinner
    Accommodation: Villa Ayun 

  3. Day 3 Upper Chitral and Travel to Laspur

    Travel Time: 5–6 hours

     

    • Breakfast with mountain views
      Drive along the Chitral River to Booni
      Enter the culturally rich Laspur Valley
      Reach Harchin village, gateway to the trail
      Meet horsemen, load gear, saddle fitting
      Cultural interaction with local Wakhi & Khow communities

     

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation: Guesthouse / Lodge in Harchin

  4. Day 4 Shandur Plateau (HORSE TRAIL BEGINS)

    Riding Time: 5–6 hours
    Altitude: 3,700 m

     

    • Early breakfast
      Mount horses and begin ascent towards Shandur Plateau
      Ride through alpine meadows, shepherd camps & high passes
      Reach Shandur by late afternoon

     

    Evening Experience:


    • Camping under open skies
      Bonfire 
      Local music & cultural storytelling
      Silence, stars, and raw wilderness

     

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (trail), Dinner
    Accommodation: Camping (Night 1)

  5. Day 5 Ride towards Kukush Lake

    Riding Time: 5-6 hrs including breaks
    Altitude: 3,800 m

     

    • Sunrise over Shandur Plateau
      Breakfast at camp
      Ride towards the hidden Kukush Lake
      This route is not part of any commercial trail
      Arrive at turquoise Kukush Lake, remote & untouched

     

    Activities:


    • Trout fishing (optional)
      Exploration walk around the lake
      Sunset reflections on still waters

     

    Evening:


    • Barbecue dinner
      Bonfire beside the lake

     

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (trail), Dinner
    Accommodation: Camping (Night 2)

  6. Day 6 Ride from Kukush Lake To Gothbar

    Riding Time: 4-5 hours

     

    • Breakfast with lake views
      Ride through high-altitude grazing lands
      Cross narrow trails, streams & wide pastures
      Descend into Gothbar, a rarely visited settlement

     

    Evening:


    • Relaxed camp setup
      Bonfire under stars
      Storytelling with local horsemen

     

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (trail), Dinner
    Accommodation: Camping (Night 3)

  7. Day 7 Final horse ride to Barsat

    Riding Time: 3–4 hours
    Drive: 1–2 hours

     

    • Final horse ride to Barsat
      Official end of the horse trail
      Transfer by vehicle to Phandar Valley
      Visit Phandar River & lakes (optional)

     

    Evening:


    • Comfortable stay after expedition days
      Hot shower & relaxed dinner

     

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation: Hotel / Guesthouse in Phandar

     

  8. Day 8 Phandar to Gilgit

    Drive Time: 6–7 hours

     

    • Breakfast
      Drive through Ghizer Valley
      Scenic stops along Gilgit River
      Arrival in Gilgit town

     

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation: Hotel in Gilgit

  9. Day 9 Gilgit to Chillas / Besham / Naran

    Drive Time: 7–9 hours

     

    • Breakfast
      Drive along Karakoram Highway
      Views of Nanga Parbat massif (weather permitting)
      Overnight stop based on road & season

     

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation: Hotel

  10. Day 10 Return to Islamabad

    Drive Time: 6–8 hours


    • Breakfast
      Final scenic drive back to Islamabad
      Drop-off at the airport or hotel

     

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

What's Included

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  • Durartion
    10 Days 9 Nights
  • Language

    ENGLISH

  • Includes
    • Airport Transfers
    • Accommodation as per itinerary
    • Meals (Breakfast & Dinner) 
    • Transportation in AC Mini van or Mini Bus
      Meetup with locals and mountaineers
      Cultural Musical Night
      4/4 Jeeps wherever required
      Bonfires
      Entry Tickets
    • Local Tour Guides
    • Welcome gift pack
    • Visa assistance (if required)
  • Not Included
    • International airline tickets
    • Lunch
    • Personal expenses
    • Travel Insurances
    • Unforeseen circumstances 

Select a departure month
  • Upcoming departures
  • June 2026
Select The Travel Month
Upcoming departures
  • Monday
    15 Jun, 2026
    Wednesday
    24 Jun, 2026
    🌐 English
    $ 3000.00

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