- Professional English-speaking Mountain Guide. (Government requirement)
- Pakistan visa documents
- Airport transfers for Domestic & international flights.
- Internal flights and associated airport transfers
- All land transport involved in the itinerary
- Accommodation as described
- All meals, all permit fees.
- All staff, porters, cook
- Wages and basic kit of guide, sirdar, Porter’s cook and assistant(s)
- Insurance for our field staff and low-altitude porters (except for helicopter rescue)
- Porterage at airports, hotels, toll taxes, parking fees, etc.
- The team arranges the wages and kit
- Full trekking service including food and all equipment (excluding personal equipment).
Hotels & Camping
Accommodation
Summer
Best Season
Full Board
Boarding
Wakhan Corridor Trek
Trek from Yasein Valley Darkot Pass to Chapursan Valley
Wakhan Corridor is located in Afghanistan’s extreme Northeast in the province of Badakshan. It is 210 kilometres long but a very narrow patch that connects Afghanistan to China. And also borders Pakistan and Tajikistan. During the times of The Great Game, this corridor was created as a buffer between the British Empire in the sub-continent and the Russians.
The trekking community in Pakistan is familiar with a trek known as “Along the Wakhan Corridor”. It is called so because it runs inside Pakistani territory almost in parallel to the Wakhan corridor. Some people call this area as Wakhan which is incorrect as the actual Wakhan area is in Afghanistan. This is one of the most amazing treks in Pakistan’s North because it offers everything that a trekker encounters during different trekking expeditions i.e. lush green meadows, high passes, glaciers, rivers, and some of the most beautiful lakes including the magnificent Karomber.
The trek connects Yarkhun Valley in Chitral/Yasin Valley to the Chapursan Valley in Gojal(Hunza) and can be done both ways.
BRIEF ITINERARY:
D-01
Islamabad
D-02
Islamabad – Gilgit/ Bisham
D-03
Bisham - Gilgit
D-04
Gilgit – Darkot via Yasin valley
D-05
Darkot - Darkot Pass Base Camp
D-06
Darkot Pass Base Camp – Chikar (7-8 hrs trek)
D-07
Chikar – Ishkarwaz (3 hrs trek)
D-08
Ishkarwaz – Showrsheer via Lashkargaz (7-8 hrs. trek)
D-09
Showrsheer – Karomber Lake (4-5 hrs. trek)
D-10
Karomber Lake
D-11
Karomber Lake – Swinj (3-4 hrs. trek)
D-12
Swinj – Sohktarabad via Chittiboi Glacier (7-8 hrs. trek)
D-13
Chittiboi Glacier- Chilinji Jungle (3 – 4 hrs. trek)
D-14
Chilinji Jungle-Chilinji High Camp (04 hrs. trek)
D-15
Chilinji High Camp over Pass (5200m) - Biater Chuporsan Valley. (7-8 hrs. trek)
D-16
Biater-BhabaGhundi Ziarat (5-6 hrs. trek)
D-17
Ziarat-Sust Via Rehist (6-7 hrs. Jeep)
D-18
Ziarat-Sust Via Rehist (6-7hrs. Jeep)
D-19
KARIMABAD
D-20
KARIMABAD – NARAN (8 hrs. drive)
D-21
BISHAM - ISLAMABAD (07 hrs. drive)
Additional information
| Duration | 9 Days |
|---|---|
| Grade | Light |
Map and Itinerary of Wakhan Corridor trek via Darkot Pass to Chapurson valley.
INTRODUCTION
DETAILED TREK ITINERARY
D-01
Islamabad
Arrive at Islamabad and transfer to the hotel. Morning free, after lunch visit Islamabad, including the residential area, Daman-e-Koh – the beautiful picnic spot of Islamabad, from where you can have a spectacular view of Islamabad and the Faisal Mosque – the biggest mosque in Asia.
Dinner in a local restaurant and overnight stay at a hotel.
D-02
Islamabad – Gilgit/ Bisham
In the morning, transfer to the airport for a flight to Gilgit. In case of non-availability of flight due to weather conditions, travel by road and depart for Bisham. On the way to Bisham, visit Taxila, 45 minutes north-west of Rawalpindi/Islamabad, where we will visit the Taxila Museum. Taxila Valley boasts the remains of three great cities, Bhirmound, Sirkap and Sirsukh, dating from the 6th century BC to AD 460. The Taxila Museum has archaeological treasures of the Gandhara civilisation, in which various artefacts and Buddhist coins, jewellery, statues and utensil pieces are on display, which we will see. After a visit to the Taxila Museum & sites, continue our journey through the Karakorum Highway to Bisham. Dinner and overnight stay at PTDC Motel in Bisham.
D-03
Bisham - Gilgit
After breakfast, continue the drive to Gilgit, which will take 8 hours from Bisham. Lunch en route in Chilas. Following the Silk Road alongside the Indus River, we reach the famous town of Gilgit at the spectacular entry point to the Karakoram Mountains. For centuries, Gilgit has been a stopping point on the Silk Road as caravans journeyed south from Kashgar. Chinese monks, returning from pilgrimages to India in the 5th century, found Buddhism widely practised in Gilgit. Hinduism came to the area around the 10th century, followed by Islam two hundred years later. Before entering Gilgit Valley, we will stop at a world’s unique place where 3 mighty mountain ranges, Karakorums, Himalaya & Hindukush meet. Overnight in Gilgit.
D-04
Gilgit – Darkot via Yasin valley
After breakfast, drive by jeep to Darkot via Yasin Valley, which will take 6-7 hours from Gilgit. Here we will set up our camp and check all our trekking and hiking stuff. Lunch en route, dinner and overnight camp or local House at Darkot.
D-05
Darkot - Darkot Pass Base Camp
Steep walk towards the base camp of Darkot Pass, which will take 4-5 hours from Darkot village. Lunch en route, dinner and overnight camp at Darkot Pass base camp.
D-06
Darkot Pass Base Camp – Chikar (7-8 hrs trek)
Early in the morning, start a steep trek towards Darkot Pass, which is 4575m high. After crossing the pass, descend towards Chikar. Chikar is a proper village of Chitral, where we can see the School and Mosque. On the way, we cross a place called Darwaza, which means Urdu language Gate or Door; this place is considered to be the easiest pass to Afghanistan in the entire region. Overnight in the tents or a local house. Dinner and overnight camp at Chikara.
D-07
Chikar – Ishkarwaz (3 hrs trek)
After breakfast, we continue our trek towards the southeast, and the valley opens up with vast stretches of different small but colourful flowers. The stage ends at Ishkarwaz, where there are posts of Chitral scouts and police, where one has to register.
D-08
Ishkarwaz – Showrsheer via Lashkargaz (7-8 hrs. trek)
A couple of hours’ walk away from Ishkarwaz is Garhil. Inhabited by a few households, Garhil is one of the most beautiful spots in the whole area in terms of landscape. After crossing Garhil, one walks beneath the Darwaza Pass and reaches Lashkargaz (or Lashkargah Goz). Darwaza Pass is another way to enter Afghanistan’s Wakhan area. Before Lashkargaz, the main attraction of this day is a series of small but beautiful lakes with changing colours. In total, there are five different lakes just adjacent to each other. Every few kilometres on this path, one comes across a new pasture which is used as the grazing land for yaks. Lashkargaz is the place where the traditional polo festival is held each year, where Wakhi people from the whole region participate.
D-09
Showrsheer – Karomber Lake (4-5 hrs. trek)
It is a very gentle walk up to Karomber that climbs very smoothly. One passes through small settlements of Rabat and Lale Rabat before reaching the Karomber Pass at 4200 meters. Karomber Lake is further half an hour away from the pass at 4160 meters. There are some camping sites maintained along the lake. Porters normally stay in open sky small huts built above the lake. They must be provided with a waterproof sheet as protection against snow and rain. Dinner at the side of the lake with full moonlight.
D-10
Karomber Lake
Day free at leisure, explore the area afternoon hike around the lake.
D-11
Karomber Lake – Swinj (3-4 hrs. trek)
This is the easiest day of the whole trek, with a very gentle walk of a few hours. One enters the Karomber Valley after crossing Karomber Lake, which does not enjoy the greenery and beautiful landscape of the Broghil Valley. Swinj is inhabited by the Gujjar people. They come from Imit during the summer months with their livestock. They are not as friendly as the Wakhi people and must be treated with caution.
D-12
Swinj – Sohktarabad via Chittiboi Glacier (7-8 hrs. trek)
This is one of the longest days of the trek, and included with it is the crossing of the Chittiboi glacier. Glacier crossing takes around 2 – 2.5 hours. The crossing itself is not very technical; however, donkeys with a load struggle on it. At Sokhtarabad, a campsite is maintained along with the police post, where one must register. The post comes under the jurisdiction of the Ishkoman police station.
D-13
Chittiboi Glacier- Chilinji Jungle (3 – 4 hrs. trek)
This trek is easy and on the glacier. After crossing the river, we can reach the Chilinji jungle. It is very difficult at the place sometimes to find a campsite due to all around being full of trees. A cable car system has existed here to cross the river. This cable car is unique in the area. Very few remote villagers have to use this river crossing system.
D-14
Chilinji Jungle-Chilinji High Camp (04 hrs. trek)
We can continue the trek through the jungle. On the right side, we have remarkable mountain views with a bit of up and down; some parts require crossing small streams.
Note (extra one day if the weather is cloudy to cross the pass)
”D-15″
”
D-16
Biater-BhabaGhundi Ziarat (5-6 hrs. trek)
Beyond Good Khun is the mystical and holy Baba Ghundi Ziarat, a shrine to a Sufi saint said to have miraculous powers and a popular pilgrimage site. The shrine is surrounded by meadows which host herds of sheep in summer and, sporadically from June to September, Kyrgyz traders from Afghanistan who traditionally cross the Irshad Pass with horses, yaks and sheep to trade with the Chapursan villagers.
D-17
Ziarat-Sust Via Rehist (6-7 hrs. Jeep)
The next villages along the valley road are Reshit and nearby Sher-e-Sabz, each with a guesthouse, then Ispanj and Shuthmarg, before the final village of Zood Khun, at about 3500m.
D-18
Ziarat-Sust Via Rehist (6-7hrs. Jeep)
After breakfast, drive by van/jeep to Gulmit village. From here, we hire a boat to cross Ataabad Lake, which will take 2 hours from Gulmit to Attaabad. After crossing the lake, one hour drive to Karimabad. Meals and overnight stay at Serena Baltit Inn, Karimabad.
D-19
KARIMABAD
Today, after breakfast, we will visit Altit and Baltit Forts. Baltit Fort is located in Baltit Village, the former capital of Hunza. This castle was rebuilt several times during the 800-year regime of the Mirs of Hunza. The present structure was constructed some 600 years ago, with architecture reflecting Tibetan influence. Altit Fort is situated in the village of Altit, about 3 km from Karimabad, and has been built on a sheer rock cliff that falls 300 meters into the Hunza River. It is much older than the Baltit Fort.
D-20
KARIMABAD – NARAN (8 hrs. drive)
Early in the morning, drive by van to Naran. Lunch en route at Chilas. Dinner and overnight stay at PTDC Motel Naran.
D-21
BISHAM - ISLAMABAD (07 hrs. drive)
Early in the morning, leave for Islamabad. Lunch en route at Abbottabad. Evening transfer to the airport for onward flight abroad.
Wakhan Corridor trek via Darkot Pass to Chapurson valley
Private Groups – Choose your Dates.
Trek start and finishes in Islamabad-Full Board Basis.
| Start Date | Finish Date | Trip Status | Price (USD) | Deposit |
| 27 Apr | 5 May | Available | $3,600 | $100 |
| 11 May | 19 May | Avalaible | $3,600 | $100 |
| 8 Jun | 16 Jun | Available | $3,600 | $100 |
| 6 Jul | 14 Jul | Available | $3,600 | $100 |
| 10 Aug | 18 Aug | Available | $3,600 | $100 |
| 21 Aug | 29 Aug | Available | $3,600 | $100 |
| 5 Sep | 13 Sep | Available | $3,600 | $100 |
| 18 Sep | 26 Sep | Available | $3,600 | $100 |
Introduction:
Wakhan Corridor
Wakhan Corridor trek dates and prices are for the fixed departure trekking Holidays only. Private groups, please choose your dates. Group discounts are available, so contact us before booking. Our representative will meet and greet you at the Islamabad International Airport, stay with you throughout the Journey and see you off at Islamabad Airport.
Please be aware that there are often only a limited number of seats available at the advertised price, particularly for fixed departures. We recommend booking as early as possible, especially during peak times. If we are unable to secure seats at the price shown, we will contact you with an alternative quote.
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE – NO SURCHARGE GUARANTEE:
The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors, but unlike some other tour operators, Trango Adventure have undertaken to guarantee the price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our ‘No Surcharge Guarantee’. Trango Adventure is a government-licensed and bonded tour operator that follows the strict Regulations set by the Tourism Department of Pakistan.
We accept cash on Arrival, Bank Transfers, PayPal and all major Credit & debit Cards.
Wakhan Corridor trek via Darkot Pass to Chapurson valley
WHAT’S INCLUDED
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- International flight
- Travel Insurance
- Pakistan Visa Fees
- Tips for local guides and support staff
- Miscellaneous expenses
- souvenirs etc.
MEAL PLAN
ACCOMMODATION
During the Wakhan Corridor trek, the group will spend all nights in a good standard hotel and Tents. Accommodation at each of these hotels and tents is twin-sharing with en-suite facilities. If you are travelling by yourself, you will be paired with another single client of the same sex. It is possible to hire a single room for an additional cost. Additional hotel nights in Islamabad are also available. For hotel prices and single supplement costs, please contact us. Hotels are subject to availability, and prices may vary.
HEALTH & VACCINATION
You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you specifically require any vaccinations or other preventive measures. You should be up to date with routine courses and boosters as recommended in the UK, e.g. diphtheria-tetanus-polio and measles-mumps-rubella, along with hepatitis A and typhoid. Malarial prophylaxis is discretionary for this trip. Malaria exists in the area around Islamabad. However, incidences of urban transmission of malaria are extremely low. In Chilas and the mountains, there is no malaria risk. A good online resource is Travel Health Pro. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime-biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, and therefore, the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take precautions to avoid mosquito bites
INSURANCE
We highly recommend that you have adequate travel insurance for your trip with Trango Adventure Pakistan. We recognise the complexity and variety of choices in the insurance market and know that many of you either have your preferred insurer or have annual multi-trip cover in place already. If this is the case, please ensure that your insurer is aware of your Trango Adventure itinerary and can agree to cover the activities being undertaken.
Trango Adventure does not provide any advice on travel insurance, although it is highly recommended that you have travel insurance that covers the activities which you are likely to undertake on your holiday.
It is strongly recommended that suitable cancellation insurance be purchased at the time of booking, as all deposits (Royalty Fees) for the expedition are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Suggested insurance companies include:
Expeditions or Treks
- HCC Medical Insurance Services LLC Tel: +1-800 605 2282
- Travelex Insurance Services Tel: +1-800 228 9792
- True Traveller Insurance Tel: 0333 999 3140 for treks including over 4500m
- Austrian Alpine Club (UK) Tel: +44 (0)1929 556870
- Snowcard Tel: +44 (0)1295 660836
- The B.M.C. Tel: +44 (0)161 445 6111 (please note the BMC cannot cover Mt Damavand)
- Dogtag Tel: 0800 036 4824 (UK residents only)
- World Nomads (up to 6000m)
- Insure for Less (Australian nationals only).
Treks only:
- Campbell Irvine Tel: +44 (0)207 938 1737
- Rothwell & Towler Tel: +44 (0)845 908 0161
- J S Insurance Tel: +44 (0)844 848 1500
MOUNTAIN GUIDE & SUPPORTING STAFF
ALTITUDE
The Wakhan Corridor trek involves going to a high altitude. During your trip, you will be above 3,500 metres for 1-2 days. This is not something that you should worry about; the human body is quite capable of adapting to a very wide range of altitudes, but we must follow some simple rules to acclimatise successfully. Before coming on this holiday, you should get some basic advice on Tours at high altitudes.
CLIMATE
From mid-June to August, we can expect to encounter temperatures as high as 40°C in Islamabad and Chila and 25°C in the Nanga Parbat region. The weather is generally good throughout the summer season, with clear skies and little rain or snow. However, the weather in mountainous areas is difficult to predict, and short-lived storms can occur at any time.
BOOKS
- Trekking in Pakistan. Isobel Shaw.
- Karakoram Highway. King.
- Top Treks of the World. Steve Razzetti.
- In the Throne Room of the Mountain Gods. Galen Rowell.
- K2 Triumph and Tragedy. Jim Curran.
PASSPORT & VISAS
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required for visits to countries outside the EU. The information that we provide is for United Kingdom passport holders. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for other nationalities. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.
PAKISTAN VISA
All nationalities require a visa. The visa fee is approximately GBP 50, and you must apply for it before departure. To obtain a visa for Pakistan, you will require a letter of introduction from an approved agency, which will be provided by Trango Adventure. Visa applications can be made online at the Government of Pakistan’s official website.
EQUIPMENT LIST
We recommend you keep the weight of your luggage as low as possible. Weight allowance during the trip is 25 Kg. Anything not required on the trek can be left at the group hotel in Islamabad.
We will send a detailed list closer to your holiday departure.
Email info@trangoadventure.com if you need more information regarding the “Wakhan Corridor trek”.
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