Pakistan

Horseback Expedition 2026 (experienced riders only)

10 Days 9 Nights

Tour Details

This is not a sightseeing tour but a true horseback expedition into Pakistan’s remote wilderness. Starting in Islamabad, the journey travels to Chitral via the Lowari Tunnel, then from Laspur Valley continues only on horseback across the Shandur Plateau and deep off-grid to hidden places like Kukush Lake. Riders spend three nights camping in complete wilderness, experiencing raw nature and genuine local culture. The expedition ends through Phandar Valley, Gilgit, and the Karakoram Highway, with views of Nanga Parbat—designed for experienced riders and true explorers.

Trip Route

Itinerary

Expand All

Introduction

Horseback Expedition Pakistan 2026 is a rare, expedition-style journey through the remote highlands of Upper Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan, created for riders seeking more than commercial tourism. This 10-day adventure combines off-grid horseback travel, wild camping, high-altitude landscapes, and genuine cultural encounters. Between Days 4 and 7, the route becomes a true horse expedition, crossing high plateaus, alpine meadows, and isolated settlements reachable only on horseback, with nights spent under open skies beside glacial lakes and bonfires with local horsemen. Starting and ending in Islamabad, it’s one of the most raw and unique horseback journeys ever offered in Pakistan.

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
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
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
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)
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)
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)
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
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
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
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

Expand All

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
Trained Pony Polo Horses for riding
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