Hunza Swat Tour Package

Experience Pakistan’s northern region’s breathtaking beauty and rich history with our customizable Hunza Swat tour package. With roaring rivers, waterfalls, and meandering streams, Swat Valley is known as the Switzerland of the East, boasting alpine meadows, fruit-laden orchards, and snow-covered hills. 

On the other hand, the Hunza Valley, also known as the Land of Legends, is famous for its culture, landscape, and traditional hospitality, inspiring James Hilton’s “Lost Horizon”. 

Immerse yourself in the beauty of both valleys and explore their unique historical and cultural landmarks.

Top Places to Visit

• Balakot 
• Besham
• Chillas 
• Lulusar Lake
• Babusar Top
• Hunza
• Nanga Parbat Viewpoint
• Rakaposhi Viewpoint
• Baltit Fort
• Altit Fort
• Khunjerab Pass
• Sost
• Hussaini Bridge
• Naran
• Swat Valley
• Bahrain or Kalam
• Mahudand Lake
• Ushu Forest
• Kalam
• Malam Jabba

Best Time to Visit

Experience the best of both valleys with our Hunza Swat tour package, available from April to October, when the weather is mild. Swat Valley is at its prime from April to May, when lush green carpets cover the slopes, and June to August offers a respite from the summer heat. In Hunza Valley, the tourist season runs from April to October, allowing you to witness the region’s natural beauty and cultural richness. 

Famous Festivals

Thukhum Rezi Hunza Festival

Thukhum Rezi marks the start of the agricultural season. It is celebrated in the Hunza Valley with classic polo matches, music and dance performances, and symbolic farming. The festival ends with collective prayers for peace and harmony in the valley. Each household prepares unique traditional dishes SEMN, BAAT, and KHAISTA  to share with others. The festival is held between March 5th and 8th.

• Shimshal Kuch Festival

Shimshal Kuch is a festival celebrated in a remote village in the upper Hunza region. It marks family and cattle reuniting after spending five months in the Pamirs. Shepherds sacrifice goats on the Shimshal Bridge to thank God for the safe return of their families and herds. The festival takes place from October 15th to 18th in Shimshal Valley.

• Chineer Hunza Festival

Chineer is a harvest festival celebrated during the first week of July in the Upper Hunza region when the barley crop is ripe. Families led by the head of the household gather in the barley field with a traditional meal to pick and bake the barley. Afterward, everyone gathers to eat local dishes and pray for a good harvest. It is a celebration of the only crop season in the mountains.

• Baba Ghundhi Hunza Festival

The Baba Ghundi Festival celebrates the remarkable service of Baba Gundi, a Sufi saint who spread Islam and eradicated evil in the upper Gojal region. The festival includes sports such as Buzkashi, Nice Bazi, Polo, yak races, and tug-of-war. 

It brings together Wakhi people from the border regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan to revive centuries-old trade traditions. The festival occurs from July 21st to 23rd at the Buzrug “Baba Gundi” mystical shrine in Chipurson Upper Gojal Valley, Hunza.

• Kalam Mela or Swat summer festival 

The Kalam Summer Festival is an annual event in the Kalam region, about 100 km from Swat City. Celebrated every year since 2010, it was initiated to mark the return of peace in Swat after three years of militancy. The festival offers a range of exciting sports events, including paragliding and jeep rallies and traditional music concerts featuring Kathak, horse, and Chitral dance performances. 

Organized jointly by the KPK Tourism Development Authority and the Pakistan Army, the festival is modeled after the Shandur Polo festival and is held from July to August each year. 

Be sure to mark your calendars and cherish Swat Valley’s cultural richness and festive spirit.

Famous Food

The Swati people are known for their delicious traditional cuisine, including Rice Haleem, Chapli Kebab, Tikka, Mutton/Lamb/Chicken Karahi, and popular Peshawari dishes. Unlike other Pakistani cuisines, Swati food is typically non-spicy. 

One must-try dish in Hunza Valley is Molida, which is a local specialty made by combining small pieces of wheat shape (bread) with milk, butter, and apricot oil. The unique blend of ingredients gives Molida its distinct taste, making it a must-have when visiting Central Hunza or Gojal.

Historical Background 

Hunza Valley

The Hunza Valley boasts a rich cultural heritage from the 8th century B.C. It was once home to Buddhist and Hindu civilizations, and the people of Hunza are believed to be descendants of Alexander the Great’s army. Their unique language, vibrant music, and art intertwine the valley’s history.

Swat Valley

Swat Valley, located in the foothills of the Karakoram range in the Western Himalayas of Pakistan, is an awe-inspiring and picturesque valley with a rich history. The valley witnessed the passage of Alexander the Great in 326 BC and the establishment of the Gandhara civilization, which facilitated the spread of Buddhism to China and Southeast Asia via the Silk Road.

Miangul Abdul Wadood established the current State of Swat in 1917, and the British recognized it as a Princely State in 1926. Wadood united the feuding tribes and transformed Swat into an efficient state with modern infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, roads, and a fair justice system. The establishment of the first girls’ school in 1922 marked the beginning of rapid social and infrastructural development. 

Swat became a part of Pakistan on October 14, 1969. It was recognized as a princely state by the United Kingdom in 1926, and the ruler joined Pakistan after it gained independence in 1947, retaining significant autonomy. The state was abolished in 1969 due to the Swat Liberation Movement, and the region was incorporated into Pakistan. The valley has also been home to famous personalities, including Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai.

Itinerary

DAY 0

Exploring Lahore & Islamabad

• Depart on an epic journey to Hunza from Lahore (depending on your location) to Islamabad with Lahore Pick and Drop Point as the starting point.

Day 1

• Depart from Islamabad and head towards Swat.
• Make a stop at Madyan Playground to enjoy the scenic beauty of this famous hill station.
• Proceed to Bahrain and explore the town on the Swat River’s banks.
• Overnight stay in Swat Hotels.

Day 2

•  Visit Mahodand Lake in Ushu and spend the day exploring Mataltan.
•  Overnight stay in Kalam.

Day 3

• Depart from Kalam and make a stop at Bahrain.
• Continue the journey towards Besham, with a short stay at Madyan.
• Overnight stay at Besham Continental Hotel.

Day 4

• Drive from Besham to Gilgit, stopping at the Nanga Parbat Viewpoint.
• Overnight stay in Gilgit at Rupal Inn.

Day 5

• Explore Hunza by visiting Altit Fort, Baltit Fort, and the Eagle’s Nest Viewpoint.
• Marvel at the snow-crested mountains and enjoy the stunning views.
• Overnight stay in Hunza.

Day 6

• Drive to Khunjerab National Park and visit Attabad Lake.
• Experience the natural beauty and learn about the formation of the lake.
• Overnight stay in Hunza.

Day 7

• Make stops at Rakaposhi viewpoint and Babusar Top.
• Reach Naran and enjoy an overnight stay.

DAY 8

Returning to Islamabad/Lahore

• Say goodbye to the serene beauty of Swat as you check out of the hotel and embark on your journey back to either Lahore or Islamabad.

FAQs

How long is the Hunza and Swat tour?

The tour’s duration might vary, but it usually lasts between 7 and 8 days.

Is the tour package customizable?

We offer customizable options to cater to travelers’ specific preferences and needs.

What makes Swat unique?

Swat is renowned for its stunning mountainous landscape, including the Karakoram and Hindu Kush mountain ranges. Visitors can enjoy hiking, trekking, and meditation in the area. It is a geographical region defined by the Swat River and characterized by its mountainous landscape within the Hindu Raj mountains (eastern Hindu Kush). It encompasses a variety of features such as mountains, gorges, and valleys, spanning an elevation range from 600 meters in the south to over 6000 meters in the north. The highest peak in this region is Falakshair, reaching an impressive height of 6261 meters.

Why is Swat Valley called Switzerland of Pakistan?

Swat Valley is often called the Switzerland of Pakistan because of its natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and abundant wildlife. The valley is home to lush forests, stunning mountains, and scenic locations, including Kalam, Mahodand Lake, Malam Jabba, Takht-i-Bahi, Saidu Sharif, White Palace, Ushu Forest, Mingora, and Buddha Stupas.

What is Swat Valley?

According to the 2017 National Census, Swat Valley, a district in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, has a population of 2,309,570. It is Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s fifteenth-largest district by area.

Which is the largest valley in Swat Valley?

Kalam is the largest valley in Swat and a major tourist attraction.  The valley is home to many waterfalls and streams, making it an ideal place for hiking. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Kundol Lake, Mahudand Lake, Gabriel, Utror, and other scenic spots.

When is the best time to visit Swat?

Swat is a year-round destination, but October to November is the best time to visit due to ideal weather conditions, lower travel costs, and fewer crowds. The temperature peaks around 14°C (57°C) in summer.

Is Swat Valley safe to visit in December?

Swat’s weather in December is cool, with a minimum temperature of 16°C/3°C, making it an enjoyable time to visit. While it is safe to travel to Swat Valley, visitors should take necessary precautions and check for any travel advisories. The evenings can be spent outdoors, while mornings and evenings are best enjoyed indoors due to cooler temperatures.