7-Day Tour to Swat, Malam Jabba, and Hunza

Morning

8:00 AM: Pickup from Islamabad/Lahore Start your journey with a simple pickup in Islamabad or Lahore. Make sure you have all of your basics packed for the journey ahead. 8:15 AM: Drive to Swat (Mingora/Saidu Sharif) Take a lovely drive along the Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway, heading northwest. At the Kernal Sher Khan Interchange, take the Swat Motorway, which bypasses Mardan, Katlang, and Malakand. Enjoy the scenic vistas and a quick halt at the Swat River in Gatkoto. 11:45 AM: Reach Mingora/Saidu Sharif Arrive in Mingora/Saidu Sharif after going through Haibat Gram, Landakay, Kota, Barikot, and Odigram. Consider stopping at any of the Buddhist sites along the way for a taste of history.

Afternoon

1:00 PM: Lunch in Barikot, Saidu Sharif, or Mingora Enjoy a great meal at a nearby restaurant. Swat Marina Restaurant in Fiza Ghat Park is a good alternative, as are G-Qurban Restaurant and Khyber Shinwari Restaurant on the by-pass road. 2:00 PM: Drive to Malam Jabba via Manglor Continue your journey to Malam Jabba, a picturesque hill station in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region. The route, around 40 kilometers from Saidu Sharif, provides beautiful mountain views. 4:15 PM: Check-in at the hotel Upon arrival, check into the Pearl Continental Hotel. Before embarking on your adventure, secure your bags and take time to relax.

Evening

5:00 PM: Activities in Malam Jabba Participate in a range of activities based on your interests. Winter sports include skiing, snow-skating, and snowboarding, while year-round activities include chairlifting, zip-lining, hiking, and visiting Buddhist stupas and monasteries. 7:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel Enjoy a delicious meal at the hotel, with both local and foreign food. 8:30 PM: Free time for a stroll Take a stroll around the hotel, taking up the peaceful atmosphere and fresh mountain air. 9:30 PM: Overnight stay at Pearl Continental Hotel Retire for the night in the luxury of your Pearl Continental Hotel accommodation, ready for the activities of the next day.

Morning

7:30 AM: Ideal Wakeup Call To make the most of your day, start it early with a 7:30 AM wake-up call. 8:30 AM: Check-out and Departure After a substantial breakfast, check out of your accommodation and leave for Kalam Valley by 8:30 a.m. 8:45 AM: Drive to Bahrain (2 hrs 15 mi - 90 km) Enjoy the gorgeous trip to Bahrain, going via the charming towns of Charbagh, Khwazakhela, and Madyan. The excursion highlights the region's natural beauty and cultural diversity. 11:00 AM: Arrival in Bahrain When you get to Bahrain, take a little rest. Explore the Bahrain Bazaar for snacks, lunch, and local handicrafts. This is a great opportunity to stretch your legs and learn about the local culture.

Afternoon

Continue the journey to Kalam (1hr 15mins - 40km) Continue your journey to Kalam, going through the picturesque villages and towns of Chodgram, Mankiyal, and Harianai. As you drive through this region, take in the breathtaking scenery and serene atmosphere. 1:15 PM: Arrival and check-in at the Kalam Hotel Check into the hotel of your choice in Kalam. Secure your stuff and take time to relax. 1:45 PM: Lunch in Kalam Enjoy a nice meal at your hotel to free up time for sightseeing. Alternatively, you may dine at the Blue Ocean Hotel & Restaurant, which is conveniently positioned on the bridge leading to Ushu Forest. 2:30 PM: Drive to Ushu Forest Take a short trip to the Ushu Forest. Enjoy the tranquil splendor of the deep Deodar forest. When you arrive, stop in Shaheen Park for tea and refreshments. The park has a variety of kiosks and tea booths.

Evening

3:00 PM: Sightseeing in Ushu Forest Explore the magnificent foliage of the Ushu Forest. Drive 15 minutes farther into the forest for more exploring. Spend a few hours resting and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere of this amazing jungle. 5:00 PM: Return to Kalam Return to Kalam and spend some time relaxing at your hotel or exploring the surrounding neighborhood. 7:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant or hotel Have a delicious supper at your hotel or visit a local restaurant in Kalam Bazaar. The bazaar contains a range of restaurants as well as stores where you can buy presents and local handicrafts. 9:00 PM: Walnut Heights Resort in Kalam Finish your day with a nice night's stay at Walnut Heights Resort. Reflect on the day's activities and get a good night's sleep before continuing your journey the next day.

Morning

7:30 AM: Ideal Wakeup Call Start your day early with a 7:30 a.m. wake-up call. Prepare for a day of gorgeous travel and exploring. 8:30 AM: Check-out and Departure After breakfast, check out of your accommodation and head to Buyun, a picturesque portion of Kalam Valley. 9:00 AM: Explore Buyun (30 mins) Spend half an hour visiting Buyun, which is famed for its lush vegetation in the summer and breathtaking snow-covered mountains in the spring and fall. This region also acts as a starting point for hikers traveling to the Beshai Meadows. 9:30 AM: Drive back south to Miandam (2 hrs) Continue your journey south, passing via Bahrain. When you reach Qala Dehrai, turn left towards the Miandam valley. Enjoy the changing scenery as you journey.

Afternoon

11:30 AM: Arrival and exploration in Miandam Arrive at Miandam and drive up to the PTDC Motel overlook to get a panoramic picture of the valley. On the way back, visit Miandam Bazaar to buy food, drinks, or local handicrafts. 12:30 PM: Lunch in Miandam (optional) Consider eating lunch at Miandam before continuing your trek. This is a fantastic time to unwind and sample the local food. 1:30 PM: Drive to Shangla Pass (1 hr 30 mins - 45 km) Continue your trip towards Shangla Pass. This path, which has been greatly renovated, will take you from Swat Valley into Shangla District.

Evening

3:00 PM: Drive to Besham City (1 hr 45 mins) Continue traveling to Besham City. The road quality has been improved, resulting in a smoother and more comfortable journey. 4:45 PM: Arrival and check-in at the Besham hotel Arrive at Besham City and settle into your hotel. Take some time to unwind and recharge after a long travel. 6:00 PM: Dinner at your hotel Have a leisurely meal at your hotel. It is best to dine at your hotel for safety and convenience. The hotel's restaurant will serve a range of local and foreign cuisines to suit your preferences. 7:30 PM: Relax in the hotel Spend the evening unwinding in your hotel. It is advised that you avoid taking unnecessary walks around Besham Bazaar. Instead, relax and prepare for the next day's adventure over the Karakoram Highway. 9:00 PM: Overnight stay End your day with a nice night's stay at the Hilton Hotel Besham or the PTDC Motel. Rest up for the adventures ahead.

Morning

7:00 AM – Ideal Wakeup Call Start your day early with a 7:00 AM wake-up call. Prepare for a long journey by eating a big breakfast. 8:00 AM: Check-out and Departure Check out of your hotel and leave promptly at 8:00 a.m. to provide plenty of time for the day's excursion. 8:15 AM: Drive to Hunza (9 hours) Begin the picturesque trip to Hunza Valley. The trip takes you past the lovely villages of Sazin, Dassu, and Kumaila before arriving at Chilas. Afternoon 1:00 PM: Lunch at Chilas Stop for lunch in Chilas. This is an excellent time to relax and recharge before continuing your adventure. 2:00 PM: Resume journey to Hunza Continue driving towards Hunza Valley. Enjoy the changing scenery as you get closer to your destination.

Evening

4:00 PM: Quick stop at Nanga Parbat View Point Make a quick stop at the Nanga Parbat View Point in Jaglot to enjoy the spectacular mountain and take some photographs. 5:30 PM: Tea Stop at Rakaposhi View Point Stop for tea at Rakaposhi View Point in Ghulmet, Nagar. Take in the stunning views from Rakaposhi, one of the region's most attractive peaks. 7:00 PM: Arrival and Check-in at the Hotel in Hunza Arrive in Hunza and check into your preferred hotel: Serena Hotel Hunza, Eagles Nest Hotel Hunza, or HardRock Café Hunza. 8:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel Have a wonderful supper at the hotel. Indulge in local and international cuisine while admiring the breathtaking views of Hunza Valley. 9:30 PM: Relax and unwind Spend the remainder of the evening unwinding at the hotel. Take a stroll around the hotel grounds, or simply relax in your room and reflect on your day's adventures.

Morning

8:00 AM – Wakeup Call Start your day with an 8:00 a.m. wake-up call. Have a leisurely breakfast and get ready for a day of exploring. 9:00 AM: Depart for Sightseeing Leave the hotel at 9:00 a.m. to begin your history tour in Hunza. 9:30 AM: Sightseeing at Baltit Fort Visit Baltit Fort, a 700-year-old fort that represents the early settlement and the Kingdom of Hunza. Attend a presentation to learn about the Fort's rich history and significance. 11:00 AM: Sightseeing at Altit Fort and Royal Gardens Continue to Altit Fort, which is 900 years old and one of the oldest forts in the area. After touring Altit Fort, relax in the Royal Gardens and take in the valley's peacefulness and beauty.

Afternoon

1:00 PM: Lunch Eat lunch at a recommended local eatery. Your driver can make suggestions depending on your preferences. 2:30 PM: Drive to Duiker Village Travel to Duiker Village, the highest point in the Hunza and Nagar Valleys. This picturesque journey provides breathtaking vistas and a distinct viewpoint of the region.

Evening

3:00 PM: Sightseeing in Duiker Experience spectacular views from Duiker Village. Watch the sunset over the high, snow-capped mountains, sending golden hues throughout the countryside. This vantage point provides a stunning bird's-eye perspective of the whole valley. 6:00 PM: Return to hotel To return to your hotel. Take some time to unwind and refresh before supper. 7:30 PM: Dinner Dine at your hotel or a local restaurant suggested by your driver. Enjoy the native food and the quiet nighttime atmosphere of Hunza. 9:00 PM: Relax and unwind Spend the evening at leisure. You can go about the hotel grounds or simply rest in your room, thinking about the day's events. End your day with a relaxing night at your chosen hotel, preparing for further excursions in Hunza Valley.

Early Morning

6:00 AM – Wakeup Call Start your day early with a 6:00 a.m. wake-up call. Have a short breakfast and get ready for the lengthy trip back to Islamabad. 7:00 AM: Check-out and Departure Check out of your hotel and head for Islamabad by 7:00 AM. Ensure that all items are packed and ready for travel.  7:15 AM: Drive across Babusar Pass (if open) If the Babusar Pass path is open, have a lovely drive. Otherwise, use the Besham path. The distances and expected journey times are listed below:

• Hunza to Islamabad via Babusar/Naran: 12 hours (600 kilometers).
• Hunza to Islamabad via Besham: 14 hours (688 kilometers).

Mid-morning to early afternoon

11:00 AM: Scenic Drive and Sightseeing Enjoy the stunning vistas and nature as you pass via Babusar Pass. If you choose the Besham route, enjoy the varied landscape and take short rests as needed.

Afternoon

1:00 PM - Lunch Stop for lunch at a recommended restaurant along your selected route. Your driver will recommend the finest eating alternatives. 2:00 PM: Continue driving to Islamabad Resume your travel to Islamabad. Enjoy the magnificent vistas and make periodic breaks to stretch and take in the views. 4:00 PM: Scenic stops and breaks If going across Babusar Pass, make quick pauses at picturesque locations to take photographs and enjoy the natural splendor. If traveling the Besham road, take stops as needed to stay refreshed. 9:00 PM - Approaching Islamabad As you approach Islamabad, be ready for your arrival. Make sure you have all of your possessions and any purchases made during your vacation. 10:00 PM: Arrival in Islamabad Arrive in Islamabad and drop off at the specified place. If the Babusar-Naran route was available, you should arrive before 10 PM.