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PAKISTAN
Pakistan
stands in a slating position like a running loin on the world glob in
between 60 to 70 longitude and 20 to 25 multitude. In the north there is
Vakhan Corridor, in the east there is China, in the south east lies India,
in the south there is Arabian See, in the west lies Iran and Afghanistan.
CLIMATE:
A very nice climate is blessed to Pakistan. The summer is
very charming and very pleasant in Northern Pakistan and winter is cold.
similarly summer is very hot and winter is very pleasant in Southern
Pakistan. According to the climatic conditions of the country tourism can
easily be continued round the year in Pakistan. On the basis of climatic
conditions of the country the following operational program is arranged by
the Karakorum Explorers:
1 Operational programs in Northern Areas
(Summer holidays ) Commencing from April to end of 2nd week of October.
2 Operational programs in Southern Pakistan
(Winter Holidays) commencing from 2nd week of October to end of
march.
Exceptionally Hunza valley is very different and attractive in two
short seasons:
1. The blossom (which starts from the fist week of April )
2. The multi colored season (which sets in from 1st
week of October.)
(these seasons come for a short period of 15 days only).
1. NORTHERN PAKISTAN
Northern area is the hub of the worlds greatest mountain
chains. K2 and Concordia , Chitral and the Hindukush, Rakaposhi and the
beautiful Hunza valley with its friendly people , Nanga Parbat and the
Himalayas, all names quicken the pulse of those who love mountains and their
people.
Northern Pakistan is blessed with the greatest mass of
high mountains concentration of lofty peaks on earth. With in a small area ,
lie 100 mountain peaks above 7000 meters, five of which tower above 8000
meters:
K-2 (8611 m), Nanga Parbat (8125 m) Gasherbrum 1 (8068
m), Broad Peak (8047 m) Gasherbrum 1 ( 8035 m), and the longest glaciers out
side polls on earth, where the mighty Himalaya, Karakorum, Pamir and
Hindukush all meet.
Most
of the areas where the tourist are stall relatively new phenomenon. There
was a time when accessibility to these remote areas was beyond the human
image and was totally in a natural lock-up due to lack of roads and
communication. It is on record that when the British India Govt. under the
command of Col. Durand moved its forces to conquer the small kingdoms of
Hunza and Nagar, in 1889.It faced great trouble and difficulties while
moving through the gorges with their equipment towards Hunza . The journey
was so difficult that a solder got Victoria Cross the British highest
military gallantry award in this small battle. The Story is very long and
there is no place to mention here. However, after construction of the 8th
wonder of the world," the Karakorum Highway" in 1976 , now the accessibility
to these areas is very easy.
Karakorum Highway & The Silk Road
An exciting overland journey from Islamabad over Karakorum Highway to Hunza
Valley & Khunjerab Pass, then over the scenic Shangla Pass to the fertile
Swat valley. The trip end at Peshawar, the historic gateway to Indian
sub-continent.
As you travel on Karakorum Highway, reputed as eighth wonder of the world,
you enjoy fascinating views of challenging peaks rising above 7,000 meters.
Nanga Parbat, at 8,125 m is the highest of peaks we see during our journey.
Then you arrive at the meeting place of the three highest mountain ranges of
the world: The Karakorum, Himalayas and Hindukush.
As you arrive at Khunjerab Pass at 4,733 m you are on the border of not only
China & Pakistan, but also of Pamir and Karakorum ranges. A trip to Swat &
Peshawar will introduce you to the historic Gandhara Buddhist heritage and
traditions of Pathan culture.
Itinerary:
| Day |
1 |
Islamabad - Besham |
| Day |
2 |
Sharkol - Gilgit { Meet The Indus} |
| Day |
3 |
Gilgit - Hunza {Karimabad} |
| Day |
4 |
Hunza {Full day excursion} |
| Day |
5 |
Karimabad - Passu {Upper Hunza Valley} |
| Day |
6 |
Gulmit - Chilas |
| Day |
7 |
Chilas - Swat |
| Day |
8 |
Swat |
| Day |
9 |
Swat - Peshawar |
| Day |
10 |
Peshawar (Khyber pass day excursion) |
| Day |
11 |
Peshawar - Islamabad |
| Day |
12 |
Departure |
2. SOUTHERN PAKISTANWe can avail and enjoy the cultural tours ,jeep safaris and hunting programs in
Southern Pakistan. The best season for Southern Pakistan starts from October to 1st
week of April .
Through this program we can enjoy from the Khyber Pass the ancient gate way to the sub
continent in north west of Pakistan to the shores of Arabian sea in south-west of
Pakistan.
Lahore:
Lahore is the heart, culture center of Pakistan and Paris of Asia. Winter is very
pleasant in Lahore. In the yellow sun you can enjoy and explore by visiting the historical
places in Lahore, without feeling any whom or cold.
Cholistan: Cholistan is famous for
its camel safaris. Winter is the best season to explore Cholistan. During summer it is
very hot.
Itinerary:
| Day |
1 |
Arrival Multan. |
| Day |
2-3 |
Multan / Bahawalpur / Lal Suhanra. |
| Day |
4-10 |
Lal Suhanra / Cholistan desert Camel Safari. |
| Day |
11 |
Bagh-o-Bhar / Ouch / Panjnad. |
| Day |
12 |
Panjnad / Multan. |
| Day |
13 |
Fly to onwards destination. |
INDUS CIVILIZATION TOUR
( PERIOD INVOLVED - 19 DAYS )
Pakistan has great potential for historical and archaeological sites from the Arabian
Sea Shore in the south to Khunjerab Pass in the upper north most of Pakistan. It starts
from Moenjodaro (the mound of the dead) from Sind to Harapa in Punjab and Gandhara
Civilization in Taxila and Swat in NWFP and so many in carvings discovered in various
location on Karakorum Highway to the North. Moenjodaro and Harapa are the worlds
oldest Civilizations dating as for back as 2000 BC and it is preceded in age only by the
Egyptian and Mesopotamian.
Itinerary:
| Day |
1-2 |
Arrive Karachi. |
| Day |
3 |
Karachi / Moenjodaro / Sukkar. |
| Day |
4-6 |
Sukkar / Bahawalpur / Lal Suhanra. |
| Day |
7 |
Lal Suhanra / Multan. |
| Day |
8 |
Multan / Lahore. |
| Day |
9-11 |
Lahore / Peshawar. |
| Day |
12 |
Peshawar / Swat. |
| Day |
13 |
Swat / Chilas. |
| Day |
14 |
Chilas / Gilgit |
| Day |
15-16 |
Gilgit / Islamabad |
| Day |
17-18 |
Islamabad. |
| Day |
19 |
Transfer to International Airport for fly to onwards destination. |
Pakistan Cultural Tour
Itinerary:
| Day |
1 |
Arrive in Lahore, Pakistan |
| Day |
2 |
Lahore |
| Day |
3 |
Lahore |
| Day |
4 |
Peshawar |
| Day |
5 |
Khyber Pass |
| Day |
6 |
Over the Malakand Pass |
| Day |
7 |
'Switzerland of the East' |
| Day |
8 |
The Karakorum Highway |
| Day |
9 |
Shangri-La |
| Day |
10 |
Roof of the world |
| Day |
11 |
Along the Silk Road |
| Day |
12 |
Rawalpindi |
| Day |
13 |
Departure |
Classic Pakistan
This fascinating and comprehensive tour of the highlights of Pakistan
explores the ancient cities of the Mughal empires, Buddhist sites of
interest as well as modern cities and timeless villages, perched in dramatic
landscapes of overwhelming beauty.
Itinerary:
| Day |
1 |
Arrival in Lahore. City tour of Lahore. |
| Day |
2 |
Fly to Peshawar. |
| Day |
3 |
Visit the old city and the bazaars. |
| Day |
4 |
Trip to the Khyber Pass (subject to permits being
obtained). |
| Day |
5 |
Fly to Chitral. |
| Day |
6 |
Explore the Kalash Valley from Chitral. |
| Day |
7 |
Day at leisure in Chitral. |
| Day |
8 |
Travel by road to the Swat Valley. |
| Day |
9 |
Visit the Swat Valley. |
| Day |
10 |
Day at leisure in Swat. |
| Day |
11 |
Drive to Islamabad. |
| Day |
12 |
Visit to Taxila. |
| Day |
13 |
Explore Islamabad and Rawalpindi. |
| Day |
14 |
Fly to onwards destination. |
Tour to Uch Sharif
Uch Sharif is one of the beautiful historical sites in Pakistan. Located at
the confluence of the Sutlej and Chenab, Uch Sharif is a wonderful tourist
destination. Different historians have different views about the history of
Uch Sharif, some say the town was there before the reign of Bikramajit. Uch
Sharif was under the Hindu ruler before Alexander's invasion.
Uch Sharif is basically famous for various beautiful shrines and tombs. The
beautiful shrines and tombs are what attract many tourists to Uch Sharif.
Uch Sharif has been divided into three sections, which are named after three
important personalities and rulers. Uch Bukhari is named after the name of
Hazrat Syed Jalaluddin Bukhari Surkhposh while Uch Jilani has borrowed its
name from Hazrat Shaikh Mohammad Ghaus Qadri Jilani. The third section is
Uch Mughlian is named after the Mughal rulers.
Uch Sharif Sofias
Jalal-ud-Deen Surkhposh (117-1272)
Another building near the mausoleum of Bibi Jind Waddi is the tomb and
mosque of Jalal-ud-Deen Surkhposh. The mosque is a flat roofed building,
which has suffered damages at various times. There is an inscription on the
main door that Sheikh Hamid ordered Mullah Ahmed in 1617 to repair the
building.
Jalal-ud-Deen Bukhari (1303-1383)
Hazrat Jalal-ud-Deen Surkhposh. His tomb is situated at a few minutes walk
from the tomb of Bibi Jind Waddi. Before setting down in Uch, he used to
travel in various countries to get the knowledge of Islam. These places
include Mecca, Madina, Mesopotamina, Egypt and Persia etc. He was a preacher
of Sufi Suharwardiya School. His shrine is a flat roofed oblong hall
supported by several wooden pillars.
Adjacent to it is another small, tomb which contains a footprint of Hazrat
Ali.
Bibi Jiwandi
The most elegant building and the prime attraction in Uch is the tomb of
Bibi Jind Waddi. Her name has been described by Bibi Jiwandi and Bibi Jind
Waddi as well.
Since Jind Waddi is a popular name in this region so we believe, this name
would be the most appropriate.
It is described by the historians that her mausoleum was built in 1494. The
basic structure of her tomb is built by bricks, embellished with stunning
glazed tile mosaic. The building is erected in three octagonal stories with
lower storey supported by rounded and sloping corner turrets. The second
storey was supported with a narrow gallery for walking round and the third
is a hemispherical dome, which crowns the building.
There is an aesthetically carved wooden mehrab in the West wall. Basically
it follows the typical pattern of Multani architecture on which the tombs of
Hazrat Rukn-e-Alam and the Baha-ud-Deen Zakria are built.
The outside walls of the tomb are completely covered by glazed blue colored
tiles while the turrets are surmounted with a bunch of broad flowering
leaves. This unique design makes it different from Multani tombs.
In the same graveyard, there is another important tomb, which is known as
the grave of Ustad Ladla, the architect-mason who constructed the tomb of
Bibi Jind Waddi.
Outside these splendid building, there is a common graveyard where children
used to play. The bricks of the tombs are in decay. Although this place is
included in the list of World Heritage but there is nothing being done so
far.
These unique and majestic shrines, which are supposedly the most attractive
archaeological sites in Pakistan are crumbling down to dust due to
negligence and improper care of the concerned authorities.
Some 200 years ago, these buildings were destroyed by the change of course
of river and floods, which washed out most of the parts of the buildings.
The collapsed portions of the building should be completed on top priority
basis otherwise after few years we may not find any trace of these splendid
pieces of architecture.
A renovation of the collapse minaret of Chauburji in Lahore and renovation
Shahi Qila is the superb examples of restoration work. Same methods should
be practiced here as this is the high time to save these superb monuments.
Ustaad Nooria
Ustad Nooria was a great architect of his time. Ustad Nooria came to Uch
from Iran in the middle of 14th century. Ustad Nooria was called Ustad
because of his great architectural work. Ustad Nooria’s 1st task was to
built the Tomb of Baha-Ul-Halim. Baha-Ul-Halim was the great scholar of his
time & he was the teacher of a Madrisa in Uch as well as the teacher of
Jahanian Jahangasht. Ustad Nooria builts the Tomb of Baha-Ul-Halim in the
middle of 14th century. Ustad Nooria made the Tomb with very Delegate Tiles,
he uses the color combination of Light Blue & Dark Blue Tiles, which gives a
fascinating look of Tomb.
The Second Tomb Ustad Nooria Built was the Tomb of Bibi Jiwindi. Bibi
Jiwindi was the great daughter of the Jahanian Jahangasht. The Tomb of Bibi
Jiwindi was built in 1494 A.D. It is the most remarkable monument of its
kind at Uch. The Tomb was built on a octagonal base and crowned with a
single dome raised on externally octagonal drum. The Tomb was provided with
the arched windows. The walls and turrets trapper upwards. The monument is
profusely and brilliantly decorated with mosaic white, blue and green
colors.
Hazrat Mussa Pak
Important thing about Tomb of Hazrat Mussa Pak is that cause of his body
moved to Tomb in Multan in Hussain Agahi Bazar the number of people visited
to the tomb and very less and the tomb is been used for store room for
different products like bottles etc, which is a very strange and shameful
part. Also by interviewing a local shopkeeper in the bazaar near the Tomb of
Hazrat Mussa Pak we came to know that this tomb is now using for teaching of
primary school students.
Immam Abu Hanifa
Not a whole lot is known about Imam Abu Hanifa. His tomb is visited by a lot
of people and his name is mentioned in a few books, but no one seems to be
sure of exactly who he was and what he preached.
His full name was Syed Shaikh Sadar-ud-Din Abu Hanifa. He is apparently the
descendant of Hazrat Siddique Akbar, of the Qureshi family. According to the
caretaker of his tomb, who has been the caretaker for the last 20 years, Abu
Hanifa had a wife but no children.
He belonged to Multan. He was a student of Ranjan Qatal, and served him in
order to obtain wisdom. During his illness, he said in his will that after
he died, he was to be buried in Uch Sharif.
According to Mr Ghulam Akbar, Abu Hanifa had the power to turn metal into
gold. He had a stone, that, when it touched another surface, turned that
surface into gold. A lot of poor people were helped out by him in this way.
The Imam said in his will that after his death, the stone was to be fixed
within the roof of his tomb, so that nobody would be able to find it and
misuse it. After He passed away, his will was carried out, and the stone was
fixed into the roof. Then, during the British rule, the British came to know
of the stone, and tried to steal it. That’s when a miracle happened, and the
roof burst and flew off into the air, vanishing, never to be seen or heard
of again. And that is the myth behind the missing roof of the tomb.
A lot of people believe this story. It has been passed on, generation upon
generation. The local people visiting the tomb respect Abu Hanifa a lot and
when they go and pray there they believe that their prayers will be
answered. The tomb is a source of happiness and relaxation for them. They
greatly admire and value the tomb and feel as if it is an important part of
their lives, their world.
Pakistan Culture Tour
Day 01
Arrive Islamabad drive to Peshawar, transfer to Hotel Traveling on the Grand
Trunk Road laid down by the Emperor of United Indian Empire: Sher Shah Suri.,
crossing Indus river at Attock. You may stop for photo at the meeting point
of Indus & Kabul rivers as well as Attock fort on bank of Indus river just
after Attock bridge.
Day 02
Khyber Pass & Peshawar. This day is like walking back into history with a
visit first the Khyber Pass, which has been a silent witness to countless
great events. Conquered by the Greeks, ruled by the Buddhists, destroyed by
the Huns, rebuilt by the Brahmins and invaded by the great Mughals, it is
also reputed that the army of Alexander the Great of Macedonia crossed this
pass in 327 BC. An afternoon tour of Peshawar city includes the Museum which
houses a rich treasure of art, sculpture and historical relics dating from
the Gandhara period (300 BC to 300 AD) to modern times. We then visit Yadgar
Square, the beautiful Mahabat Khan Mosque and the Qissa Khawani Bazaar
(storyteller's bazaar).
Day 03
Drive to Kalam transfer to Hotel , Peshawar/Kalam Driving along the
picturesque Malakand Pass we first visit the magnificent ancient Buddhist
monastery Takht-i-Bahi dating back to 1st to 7th Century AD. We continue
next to the enchanting Swat Valley, the famous Churchill's Picket en route.
Our way to Kalam upper Swat, a land that shines with fruit laden orchards,
flower-filled slopes, meandering rivers, rumbling streams and is surrounded
by the mighty ranges of the Hindu Kush and Karakorum., en route visit of
Bahrain. The town Bahrain borders the Swat river and trout fishing is a
favorite pastime. Kalam is 30km from Bahrain and about 2000m above sea
level.
Day 04
Day walk of Kalam. Today we start our walk from the hotel descending down to
bazaar, after bazaar we cross a small suspension bridge soon after crossing
there is very primitive wooden mosque. We will follow the trail on the right
till we cross another wooden bridge, Soon after second bridge we start
ascending on a zig zag trail for 2 to 3 hours then we will reach the summer
settlement of Kalam. Here is a tea hut for tourist where we can have cup of
tea and enjoy the views of Pushmal peaks and Utrot valley. Thereafter we
start descending to Pushmal village and their will be lunch break near a
stream. From pushmal we drive or walk back to the hotel.
Day 05
Drive to Miandam transfer to Hotel. Afternoon walk is through the village.
Where we can meet them and observe their original life. The women here are
shy and do not allow photos. This afternoon trek last for 4 hours.
Day 06
Miandam / Islamabad. Today we drive from Swat valley to Islamabad via
Malakand pass on the way we will visit takht-i-Bhai Monastry and Taxila
museum.
Day 07
Arrival Multan via Domestic Flight. Transfer to hotel. Full day excursion
around Multan city. Multan is the most important city of lower Punjab. It is
full of unexpected treasures. The Tomb of Rukn-e-Alam we really ought to
see. There are many historical and archeological sites at the city.
Overnight in hotel.
Day 08
Multan to Uch Sharif Departure from hotel for Uch Sharif. Visit shrines of
Hazrat Bahawal Haleem, Hazrat Jalaluddin Surkh Bukhari. Visit of
Bazars.Lunch.Continue visit to the shrine of Makhdoom Jahanian Jahangasht,
Bibi Jiwandi, Shaikh Saifuddin Ghazrooni etc. Return to hotel.
Day 09
MULTAN - BAHAWALPUR
After early breakfast we drive to Bahawalpur, en route lunch at hotel. After
lunch we proceed to Bahawalpur which was rebuilt in 1748 by the Nawab.
Bahawalpur is small but prosperous, and it’s an ideal starting point for
safaris into the Cholistan desert. Overnight in hotel.
Day 10
BAHAWALPUR – LAL SUHARNA – FORT ABBAS
After an early breakfast we carry on by jeep to Fort Abbas and stop en route
at Lal Suhanra National Park. Then we proceed to explore Fort Abbas.
Overnight in Hotel.
Day 11
BAHAWALPUR – Lahore
Leave for Lahore via Jhang and Faisalabad. Enroute visit the Tomb of Hazrat
Sultan Bahu, the famous Sufi Saint. Overnight stay in hotel at Lahore.
Day 12
Lahore
Full day at Lahore. Visit Mausoleum of Hazrat Data Ganj Bukhsh (Data Darbar).
He was an eminent scholar and author of many books on theology. One of the
famous books is "Kashful Mahjub". He can be described as the founder of the
Sufi Cult in Punjab. His tomb in Lahore is always thronged by devotees, day
and night. Lahore is called "Data Ki Nagri" after him. Many miracles are
attributed to him. It is believed that nobody has ever returned empty handed
from his tomb. Also visit Tomb of Mughal Emperor Jehangir and Hazrat Mian
Mir.
Mian Mir - Mir Muhammad was his real name, he enjoyed the destination of
having three royal personages as his devotees. The first was emperor
Jehangir, followed by Shah Jehan, Dara Shikoh and Aurangzeb. His shrine is
about 3 miles from Lahore Railway station.
Day 13
Lahore – ONWARD FLIGHT
After breakfast assemble to the airport.
End of our services.
Tour to Nankana Sahib
The history of the Sikh religion traces its roots to a place called Nankana
Sahib in Pakistan, earlier known as Talwandi. The birth place of the first
Sikh guru, Guru Nanak Dev, Nankana Sahib is one of the most sacred
pilgrimage sites in Pakistan. The pilgrimage site is about 75 kilometers
from Lahore and comes under Sheikhupura district. The district is well
connected with rail and road with other parts of Pakistan.
It was on 15 April, 1469, Guru Nanak Dev was born here. Every year a number
of pilgrims visit Nankana Sahib and other holy places associated with the
first guru Guru Nanak Dev.
Tour to Pakistan brings you complete information on various tourist
destinations in Pakistan. Pakistan is a wonderful tourist destination that
is popular for its historical sites and adventure travel. Pakistan is also
home to a number of Sikh pilgrimage sites. Tour to Pakistan promises to
offer you all the information and guidance to make your Pakistan tour a
memorable affair. Tour to Pakistan also offers various tour packages to
Pakistan. For the Sikh pilgrimage tours or hotel bookings in Pakistan, all
you have to do is just fill up the form given below. Tour to Pakistan will
get back to you.
Sikh Pilgrimage Tour
Day 01 - Arrival at Lahore airport. You will be met at
the airport and transported to your designated hotel, along with your
luggage. Afternoon sightseeing of Lahore. Overnight stay in hotel in Lahore.
Day 02 - Full day visit to Lahore Gurdawara sahib and
Chakki Sahib. Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 03 - Full day visit to Lahore Gurdawara sahib and
Chakki Sahib. Afternoon sightseeing of Shalimar Gardens, Lahore Fort,
Badshahi Mosque, etc. Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 04 - Full day visit to Nankana sahib and Sacha Sauda
at Sheikupura. Back to Lahore for the night stay in hotel.
Day 05 - Departure for Rawalpindi/Islamabad by road.
Enroute visit Aminpura Gurdawara at Gujranwala. Arrive at
Rawalpindi/Islamabad and transfer to Hotel. Overnight stay in Hotel in
Rawalpindi.
Day 06 - Full day visit to Hasan Abadal Punja Sahib and
back to Rawalpindi for the overnight stay in Hotel.
Day 07 - Full day visit to Punja Sahib at Hasan Abdal and
back to Rawalpindi for the night.
Day 08 - Leave for Lahore by air. Check in at Hotel in
Lahore. Afternoon sightseeing and shopping etc. Overnight stay in hotel in
Lahore.
Day 09 - You will transported from your hotel to the
airport for your destination flight.
Shandur Polo Festival
Highlights of the Festival
Passion for Polo will be the highest on the world's highest Polo ground.
Shandur invites visitors to experience a traditional polo tournament between
the teams of Chitral and during the 2nd week of July. The tournament is held
on Shandur Pass, the highest polo ground in the world at 3,700 meters. The
festival will also include folk music and dancing and a camping village is
set up.
Background
Polo is an equestrian sport with its origin embedded in Central Asia dating
back to 6th century BC. At first it was a training game for cavalry units
for the King's guards or other elite troops. To the war like tribesmen who
played polo with as many as 100 players to a side, it was a miniature
battle. It became a Persian national game in the 6th century AD. From
Persia, the game spread to Arabia, then to Tibet, China and Japan. In China,
in the year 910, death of a favorite relative in a game prompted Emperor
Apao-Chi to order beheading of all players!
Polo was introduced in South Asia, by the Muslim conquerors in the 13th
century. English word 'Polo" is a Balti word meaning, 'ball'. Now a days,
there are six players to a side, but this is by no means a rule in local
polo games. There was no limit to the number of players and no time limit.
Whichever team scored nine goals first, was the winner. The present game
with a team of six players in a side, lasts one hour with a ten minute
break.
Gilgit, Chitral and Skardu have always played the game of polo closest to
its original form. In the past, local Rajas, Mirs and Mehtars were the
patrons of the game. At times, more than 50% of the annual budget of their
principalities would be spent on supporting the game.
Shandur Polo Tournament
The first time a polo tournament took place at the Shandur Pass, was in
1936. A British Political Agent, Major Cobb, who was fond of playing polo
under a full moon, had the polo ground near Shandur, named. 'Moony Polo
Ground'.
The most exciting polo tournament of the entire Northern Pakistan, is played
on top of Shandur Pass, around 3,700 meters above sea level. It is a place
unique and exotic in itself, surrounded by some of the most spectacular
mountain scenery in the world. The event marks the annual rivalry between
the polo teams of Gilgit and Chitral. The Polo tournament has some added
attractions for the visitors; trout fishing at the nearby streams and lakes
and a festival of folk dances and music of the Northern Pakistan.
The highlight of the festival is the final match between the Gilgit and
Chitral teams. The final provides a most colorful spectacle. Supporters of
both sides travel long distances from the remote parts of Chitral and
Gilgit, to watch the thrilling game. The event, as such, offers a
fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the people of this region. Their
culture and indigenous customs are a delight to behold for the visitors.
Festival Information
It is advisable to be there one day in advance to enjoy all the offerings of
the festival. Activities at Shandur includes dance and music performances by
different groups, trout fishing, mountaineering, trekking, hiking and of
course, horse riding. Crystal clear lakes, snow covered mountains, alpine
flowers and vast stretches of green grass, are added attractions.
Facilities
A tourist tent village with restaurant facilities is sprung up during the
tournament. Merchants from Peshawar, Chitral and Gilgit set up souvenir and
folk craft shops. The tournament offers visitors and opportunity to mix with
the locals.
How to reach?
The Shandur Pass lies almost midway between Chitral and Gilgit on a jeep
road, traveling on which, is adventurous, to say the least. The distance
from either side is 170 kms. One can get to Chitral or Gilgit by Pakistan
International's daily F27 Fokker planes form Peshawar and Islamabad. There
are daily two flights from both destinations, subject to good weather.
Visitors planning to go by air must expect adjustment of minimum 02 days in
their itineraries just in case the weather does not permit flights to
operate.
Access to Chitral by road is either from Peshawar or from Islamabad. Both
these routes join up in lower Swat valley near Chakdara, from where you
proceed via Dir over 3200 meters high Lowari Pass and on to Chitral. It will
take about 11 hours for a direct ride, otherwise, a stopover in Dir is
recommended. From Dir, you shift to 4x4 jeeps for your onward journey to
Chitral and on to Shandur. From Chitral side, travelers can also enjoy
overnight stay at Mastuj whereas from Gilgit side, Gupis is a suitable
place.
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