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Kalash Chilimjost Festival and Sightseeing Tour

Tour Highlights

Highway –Old Silk Route • Eye-Catching Beauty of Nanga Parbat-8125m • Famous & visit Junction of Karakoram, Himalaya, Hindukush • and views of snowcapped 7788m • Explore Kalash valleys of • Famous Passes- Khunjerab, Shandoor and Lowari

16 NIGHTS HOTEL, 17 DAYS US$550/PAX FOR A GROUP OF 12 SIGHTSEEING US$ 600/PAX FOR A GROUP OF 10 SOFT HIKING US$650/PAX FOR A GROUP OF 8-9 MAX. ALTITUDE – 4733M / 15,528FT

Key Destinations: - - - Hunza - Ghizer Valley- Shandoor Pass-Chitral-Kalash Valley-

www.snowland.com.pk PK: +92(0)3335105022 [email protected] 2 | Page Autumn Sightseeing Tour

TOUR BACKGROUND

This exciting tour will take you to the dramatic and enchanting valleys of the Northern Areas (Gilgit-Baltistan & Chitral) of Pakistan. Lush green fertile valleys with high quality delicious fruit are fed by springs and glacial streams flowing from the lofty snow capped mountains. Karakoram Highway and River Indus is a constant Feature of the region. The best time of year to visit mountain valleys (Hunza, Gilgit & Chitral) are April to October. From spring to autumn the valleys are more attractive, all three fabulous seasons have their own unique charm, which cannot be described in words but can only be felt.

TOUR OVERVIEW

DEPARTURE MONTH: MAY 2018

Date Day Activity Time Height Accommodation 10th May Day 1 Arrive Islamabad Full day 635m Hotel 11th May Day 2 Drive to Chitral 12 hrs 1500m Hotel th 12 May Day 3 Travel to Kalash Valley 2 hrs 1128m Hotel th 13 May Day 4 Joshi Festival Ceremony Full Day 1128m Hotel th 14 May Day 5 Joshi Festival Ceremony Full Day 1128m Hotel th 15 May Day 6 Joshi Festival Ceremony Full Day 1128m Hotel 16th May Day 7 Drive to Mastuj from Kalash Valley 6 hours 2360m Hotel 17th May Day 8 Mastuj to Ghizer Gahkuch 6 hours 2500m Hotel 18th May Day 9 Drive to Gilgit 2 hours 1,500m Hotel 19th May Day 10 Hunza and Explore Town –Visit forts Full day 2500m Hotel 20th May Day 11 Drive to &trek to /Hussaini Full Day 2500m Hotel 21st May Day 12 Explore Gulkin Glacier Full Day 2500m Hotel nd 22 May Day 13 Drive to Khunjerab Pass and Stay in Sost Full day 4800m Hotel rd 23 May Day 14 Travel to Besham 15 hours 1280m Hotel th 24 May Day 15 Drive to Islamabad 7 hours 635m Hotel 25th May Day 16 Contingency for Road Travel/Rest Day 26th May Day 17 Fly Back to Home Tour Ends 3 | Page Pakistan Autumn Sightseeing Tour

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive Islamabad Upon arrival one of our representive will meet you at the aiport and the group will be transferred to Hotel.

KEY DESTINATION DETAILS: Islamabad is new capital 47 years old well-planned city of Pakistan is lush green at the footsteps of Potwar hills. Visit one of the biggest Shah Faisal mosques in the world; also an interesting round trip combines a tour of Shakespearian Park with a visit to Lok versa, the institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage. Rawalpindi is a lively, bustling city with the crowded streets and colorful bazaars, thorough it lacks the grand monuments; nonetheless, the bazaar should appeal to anyone with the desire to see the real Pakistan. TEMPERATURE 25°C

ACCOMODATION MEALS: BREAKFAST DISTANCE 375 KM TIME 5-6 ELEVATION HOTEL DRIVING HOURS 635 M

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Day 2: Drive to Chitral from Islamabad via Lowari Pass After an early breakfast at the hotel, we board our vehicles and continue our journey to Chitral. Once we leave the Islamabad it will take around 10 to 12 hours to drive to Islamabad passing through typically KPK villages and towns en route.

KEY DESTINATION DETAILS: Lowari Pass or Lowari Top, (el. 10,230 ft.) is a high mountain pass that connects Chitral with Dir in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Lowari Top is a relatively low pass, by far the lowest pass to enter Chitral, the rest all being 12,000 to 15,000 feet.

Lowari Top is closed by snow from late November to late May every year. During this time, jeeps cannot cross so men must travel by foot. In 2017, the Government made functional making the road all weather for people of chitral and tourists.

TEMPERATURE 20°C

ACCOMODATION MEALS BREAKFAST DISTANCE 510 KM TIME 12 ELEVATION HOTEL DRIVING HOURS 1500 M

Day 3: Drive to Bomburate Kalash Valley After breakfast at the hotel we leave for the of Chitral. Here we explore the main valley centres as well as the surrounding small villages by jeep. During the jeep ride we will have plenty of opportunity to stop and meet the local village people and learn about their way of life. KEY DESTINATION DETAILS:

The Kalasha Valleys are valleys in in northern Pakistan. The valleys are surrounded by the mountain range. The inhabitants of the valley are the , who have a unique culture, language. As such, the Kalasha Valleys are a source of attraction for Pakistani as well as International tourists. There are three main valleys. The largest and most populous valley is (Mumuret), reached by a road from Ayun in the Kunar Valley. and Acholgah are side valleys north of Bumburet. The third valley, Biriu (Birir), is s side valley of the Kunar Valley south of Bumburet.

TEMPERATURE 21°C

ACCOMODATION MEALS BREAKFAST DISTANCE 45 KM TIME 2 ELEVATION HOTEL DRIVING HOURS 1128 M

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Day 4: Joshi/Chilimjusht Festival

KALASH FESTIVAL The Kalash Valleys of Bumburet, Rumbur and Birir lie approximately twenty-two miles south of Chitral. Population is in the region of 10,000 inhabitants, of whom less than a third are Kalasha. These valleys are the last enclaves to withstand conversion to Islam in the -Pakistan area.

We would like to take you to see the unique tribal quality of the KALASH Valleys. The close-knit valley families celebrate with dance and music, hence the KALASH Festival. Allied to the mountain setting and the relatively remoteness, it is a truly memorable experience. The Kalash have four colourful festivals. To the Kalash these festivals are the culmination of religious life and, like the big funerals, they unite the people.

JOSHI /CHILIMJUSHT-THE SPRING FESTIVAL This festival takes place in the middle of May and lasts for four days. It honours the fairies and also safeguards the goats and shepherds before they go to the pastures.

Before the festival the women and girls gather from all over the valley and decorate their houses. Inside the houses local wine and milk products are shared the women then sprinkle milk on the goddess Jestak, the protector of their children and home. The festival begins at Rumbur where the Shaman and tribal chiefs lead a procession to the Malosh altar, high above Grum and sacrifice goats to the Gods.

Later, the festival moves on to Bumboret and finally ends up at Birir. The first day of Joshi, "Milk Day", is celebrated in Bumboret. Kalash ladies move from homestead to homestead, singing and dancing and receiving libations of milk that have been saved for ten days prior to the festival.

Every religious ceremony is accompanied by dancing and rhythmical chanting to a beat of the drum. The women, wearing their traditional black robes, ornate cowries shell head-dresses and countless strands of coloured necklaces, dance in a circle. Then the men join in: it may be a man and a women or a man in the middle with a women on each side, lovers being free to intermingle. One hand holds the waist of the partner and the other goes around the shoulders. Elders in colourful dresses narrate stories of bygone days and events.We will spend 3-4 nights in Kalash Valley, staying at a local Guesthouse.

Rumbur is rugged and majestic; the mountain ridges are high and the river is wild. With its sparkling streams, shady meadows, groves of mulberry, apricot and walnut trees and yellow and green fields it is a beautiful, picturesque area. As there are few tourists, the Kalasha are less shy and less nervous, and no one objects, if asked, to having their photograph taken. Only seldom does the sound of jeeps destroy the peaceful silence of the valley. At the top end of the valley there is a Nuristani village.

We have a few hours in the morning to explore Rumbur, possibly visiting Kalasha village in Rumbur and Dancing Place on top of the hill before leaving for Chitral.

TEMPERATURE 21°C

ACCOMODATION MEALS: BREAKFAST DISTANCE: 0 KM TIME : NIL ELEVATION HOTEL DRIVING HOURS 1128 M

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Day 5: Joshi/Chilimjusht Festival

TEMPERATURE 21°C

ACCOMODATION MEALS: BREAKFAST DISTANCE: 0 KM TIME : NIL ELEVATION HOTEL DRIVING HOURS 1128 M

Day 6: Joshi/Chilimjusht Festival

TEMPERATURE 21°C

ACCOMODATION MEALS: BREAKFAST DISTANCE: 0 KM TIME : NIL ELEVATION HOTEL DRIVING HOURS 1128 M

Day 7: Drive to Mastuj from Kalash Valley

TEMPERATURE 20°C

ACCOMODATION MEALS: BREAKFAST DISTANCE: 165 TIME : 6 ELEVATION HOTEL KM DRIVING HOURS 2360 M

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Day 8: Drive to Ghizer(Gahkuch) via This day will be used for travelling from Mastuj to Ghizer (Gahkuch) via Shandur pass.

DESTINATION DETAILS: Shandur Top is located in Ghizer District, Gilgit-Baltistan, in the northmost political entity of Pakistan. It is often called the 'Roof of the World'. The top is flat, a plateau and can be crossed between late April and early November. The grade is very gradual, and the area is crossed by plentiful small streams during summer. The boundary line between Ghizer District of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral district of in Pakistan.

During the annual 'Shandur Festival,' which is organized by the Ministry of tourism Gilgit-Baltistan and the Tourism Corporation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (TCKP), there is a polo match played on Shandur Top between the teams of Chitral District and Gilgit District and Chitral District.The Shandur Pass is one of the major mountain passes of Chitral. Chitral located in the North west of Pakistan is a beautiful valley in the Hindukush range of Mountains. It has always been a very important route for many invaders to south east , Including Alexander the great Scythians, Mangol Changez Khan and numerous others. Chitral is a small town with a one single street bazaar and a few tourist class hotels. At the end of Bazaar on the right (River side) there is the Chitral fort and Palace of Mehtar (Mir Or King) In front of the Fort is the Jami Mosque of Chitral an impressive architecture with beautiful inlays and decorations. You can get to Chitral from or Swat via Dir thru the Lowari tunnel. From Gilgit you can get a Jeep to take you to Phander (Below Shandur Pass ).

TEMPERATURE 30°C

ACCOMODATION MEALS BREAKFAST DISTANCE 190 KM TIME 6-7 ELEVATION HOTEL DRIVING HOURS 2500 M

Day 9: Drive to Gilgit Leave early morning after an early breakfast for Gilgit. We will drive by the Ghizer River on Ghizer Gilgit Road.

TEMPERATURE 22°C

ACCOMODATION MEALS BREAKFAST DISTANCE 80 KM TIME 2 ELEVATION HOTEL DRIVING HOURS 1500 M

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Day 10: Sightseeing of Hunza

Today, we will travel to Hunza from Gilgit and explore Hunza town, bazar, visit .

KEY DESTINATION DETAILS: The Hunza Valley is a mountainous valley, situated north/west of the , at an elevation of around 2,500 metres. The territory of Hunza is about 7,900 square kilometres (3,100 sq mi). Aliabad is the main town, while Baltit and Altit are popular tourist destination because of the spectacular scenery of the surrounding mountains. The people are cheerful, friendly, fair-skinned and blue or green eyes. Almost all speak Brushaski and in upper Hunza they speak Wakhi. The miracle of the Hunzakuts longevity, supposedly resulting from their mostly vegetarian diet of cereals and fruits From Hunza Valley. Panoramic views of Rakaposhi 7788m, Diran Peak 7266m, Spantik Peak 7027m, 7388 Lady Finger 6000m. Baltit fort, one of the high valleys between and . Facing Rakaposhi Peak, one of the highest mountain peaks in the world, Baltit Fort is poised majestically above Karimabad, the present day capital of Hunza (Baltit was the capital of the old state of Hunza, and is now included in the Karimabad settlement area). Located on the rocky upper level of the Hunza hill and surrounded by Ultar Bar to the east, the Hyderabad Har to the west, Mount Ultar and its subsidiary range to the north, the Fort offers breathtaking views of the magnificent high mountains as well as a bird’s eye view of the villages in the valley. Baltit Fort has great historical, cultural and symbolic value to the local community. Historically, it was the seat of the Mirs of Hunza, a family that ruled the region for centuries. Culturally, with some buildings dating back to 12th century, it is a record of the architectural evolution of the area. The main building is an impressive stone structure with intricately detailed timber features. Its architecture is a significant example of Pakistan’s diverse heritage, reflecting distinct Tibetan influence as seen by the presence of a Tibetan ‘sky-light’ in the roof. Socially, the fort and the surrounding settlements are valuable symbols and reminders of man’s creativity and persistence in overcoming an unfavorable and hostile natural environment for the purpose of survival. : It has been built on a sheer rock-cliff that falls 300 meters (1000 feet) into the Hunza River, and is much older than the Baltit Fort. View of Altit fort, with the central town to the right and below the fort. The extreme gullies, sharp drop-off, and location high above the river made this settlement highly defensible and an older settlement than many in the central valley. The majestic historical Altit fort is center of attraction due to its architectural design and strategic location. Altit is the birth place of the Hunza Kingdom and Altit fort is the first fort of the region. The fort has been constructed in six different stages by using various natural levels of the rock. The construction has been made right on the edge of a sheer rock cliff that drops 1000 feet straight down to the Hunza River. In the beginning it was built as a palace, soon after the addition of the watch tower a defensive architectural element it transformed to a fort. There is great possibility that different stages of the fort have been constructed during different times because the actual age of the fort is said to be more than 800 years. This fort is said to be around 50-100 years older than Baltit Fort. Duiker valley called Roof of the world; from the top you have very close scenic view of Lady Finger (6000m) Ultar SAR 7300m, and very nice view of Rakaposhi 7788m, Diran Peak 7200m, Gooden Peak 7027m, and Dastagil SAR. TEMPERATURE 20°C

ACCOMODATION MEALS: BREAKFAST DISTANCE :115KM TIME 2 ELEVATION HOTEL DRIVING HOURS 2500 M

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Day 11: Drive to Gulmit and further to Gulkin Village Leave early morning after an early breakfast for Gulkin Village. We will drive by the Hunza River on KKH. At Attabad, there is the opportunity to stop to enjoy view of .

Gulmit Situated in the spectacular karakoram mountains on the old silk route about 140 kms from Gilgit, 45 kms from Karimabad Hunza and 136 kms from Khunjerab pass the Chinese border in the west banks of upper Hunza river and border on China Gulmit is the most visited region of Upper Hunza Valley. It is the gateway to five valleys, Shimshal Valley, Chipursan Valley, Misgar Valley, Boibar Valley & Khunjerab. Adding more to the beauty of Gulmit, standing at the Northern end of the Valley, is Mountain Tupopdan. Inspired by its unique structural attributes tourists have promoted the peak by giving it new names, some call it " Cones" and other "Passu Cathedral" mount Tupopdan is the most photographed peak of the region. It is a Valley of nine colours Mountains surrounding in its unique images. It has a unique place on the world map with a rich history and deep-rooted culture. Gulmit is surrounded by some of the world most famous peaks, glaciers and lakes such as Shisper peak 7611 meters, Gulmit Tower 5810 meters, Passu Cathedral, Passu Cones 6106 meters.

Attaabad Lake: January 2010 there was huge landslide in Hunza just 35 km before Passu village and it blocked KKH and Hunza River and became 35 km long artificial Lake towards upper Hunza. May/June 2010 Local government and private sector brought boats for passengers, goods and to transport vehicles. We have safe boat facilities therefore Trade and tourist traffic didn’t stop between Pakistan and China. Foreign tourists enjoy lot to cross the long blue Lake in the mighty mountains of Hunza Valley.

TEMPERATURE 18°C

ACCOMODATION MEALS: BREAKFAST DISTANCE 20 KM TIME 2 ELEVATION CAMP/GUEST HOUSE DRIVING HOURS 2500 M

Day 12: Explore Gulkin Glacier/ Trek to Borith Lake/Hussaini Bridge Today we will explore Gulkin village, trek to the Lake and traverse Gulkin Glacier Borith Lake Borith Lake is a beautiful lake in the village of Borith near Gulmit and Gojal valleys of upper Hunza, Gilgit- Baltisan Pakistan. It can be accessed from the Husseini Village near the Gulkin Village. It can be accessed from Husseni Village through 2 km unpaved road or it can be accessed directly from the Gulkin Village passing directly through glacier with a tracking route of 2-3 hour. The lake becomes home of of the thousand of migratory birds from the southern Pakistan, and South China.

TEMPERATURE 18°C

ACCOMODATION MEALS: BREAKFAST DISTANCE : 10KM TIME NIL ELEVATION CAMP DRIVING HOURS 2500 M

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Day 13: Drive to Khunjerab Pass and Stay at Sost

KEY DESTINATION DETAILS:

Khunjerab Pass elevation 4,733m is a high mountain pass in the Karakoram Mountains in a strategic position on the northern border of Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region and on the southwest border of the region of China. Its name is derived from Wakhi 'Khun' means Home and 'Jerav' means spring water/water falling. The Khunjerab Pass is the highest paved international border crossing in the world and the highest point on the Karakoram Highway. The roadway across the pass was completed in 1982, and has superseded the unpaved Mintaka and Kilik Passes as the primary passage across the Karakoram We will reach the Chinese town of Tashgurgan, where we complete our immigration formalities and spend the night. The town itself has a Tajik and Chinese population and a 14th century Chinese fortress that sits on a rise above the flat-bottomed Tashgurgan River valley. TEMPERATURE 20°C

ACCOMODATION MEALS : NIL DISTANCE 90 KM TIME 2 ELEVATION HOTEL DRIVING HOURS 2500 M

Baltit Fort 11 | Page Pakistan Autumn Sightseeing Tour

Day 14: Drive to Besham on Karakoram Highway (KKH) Leave early morning after an early breakfast for Besham. We will drive by the Indus River on KKH. At Juglot, there is the opportunity to stop to enjoy view of three Mountain Ranges (Himalaya, Karakoam and Hindukush) Junction.

KEY DESTINATION DETAILS: KHH is eighth wonder of the world. It is the highest paved international road in the world. It connects China and Pakistan across the Karakoram mountain range, through the Khunjerab Pass, at an elevation of 4,733 m/15,397 ft. It connects China's Xinjiang region with Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regions and serves as a popular tourist attraction. Due to its high elevation and the difficult conditions in which it was constructed, it is also referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World. The route of the KKH traces one of the many paths of the ancient Silk Road.

TEMPERATURE 30°C

ACCOMODATION MEALS BREAKFAST DISTANCE 480 KM TIME 15 ELEVATION HOTEL DRIVING HOURS 1280 M

Day 15: Drive to Islamabad from Besham

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TEMPERATURE 30°C

ACCOMODATION IME LEVATION MEALS BREAKFAST DISTANCE 270 KM T 5-6 E HOTEL DRIVING HOURS 635 M

Day 16: Tour of Islamabad/Rest Day/ Contingency for Road Travel After breakfast, we will Islamabad city and Rawalpindi (Old City) if we have time. KEY DESTINATION DETAILS: Daman-e-Koh is a viewing point and hill top garden north of Islamabad and located in the middle of the . Its name is a conjunction of two Persian words, which together means foot hills. It is about 2400ft from sea level and almost 500ft from the city of Islamabad. Daman-e-Koh is a midpoint for tourists on their way to the higher view point Pir Sohawa which is located at the top of Margalla Hills at an elevation of about 3600ft. There is a plan to construct a chairlift from Daman-e-Koh to Pir Sohawa. Monkeys are a common sight during winter. Cheetahs are frequently reported to descend from higher hills of Murree during snowfall.

Rawal Lake in Pakistan is an artificial reservoir that provides the water needs for the cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. along with some other small streams coming from Margalla Hills have been set to form this artificial lake which covers an area of 8.8 km². Korang River is the outlet stream of Rawal Dam. is located within an isolated section of the Village Malpur, Bani Gala and Margalla Hills National Park. 12 | Page Pakistan Autumn Sightseeing Tour

The Pakistan Monument is a national monument and heritage museum located on the Shakarparian Hills in Islamabad, Pakistan, aimed to symbolise national unity. The complex covers an area of 2.8 hectares and is a popular picnic destination. The monument is shaped as a blooming flower petal-shaped structure with the inner walls of the petals inscribed with the outlines of , Badshahi Mosque, and Minar-e-Pakistan. The monument opens onto a marble terrace providing a bird's-eye view of Islamabad City. The four main petals of the monument represent the four provinces (Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh), while the three smaller petals represent the three territories (Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir and the Tribal Areas)

TEMPERATURE 30°C

ACCOMODATION MEALS BREAKFAST DISTANCE 60 KM TIME 4-5 ELEVATION HOTEL DRIVING HOURS 635 M

Day 17: Tour Ends-Fly Back to Home

Tour Price/Person

Category 12 Pax 10-11 Pax 8-9 Pax

Budget 550 US$ 600 US$ 650 US$

Deluxe 850 US$ 900 US$ 950 US$

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION DETAILS

Destinations Deluxe Accommodation Budget Accommodation

Islamabad Islamabad Hotel/Dreamland/Depape Guest house/Similar

Besham PTDC Besham Besham Continental Hotel

Hunza Darbar/Hunza Embassy/Similar Hunza Continental /Similar

Sost Hunza Embassy/Tibet Motel Riveria Sost/Similar

Ghizer PTDC Green Palace/Similar

Chitral Hindukush Heights Tourist Inn/Similar

Kalash Valley Alexander Post/PTDC/Similar Kalash Continental/Similar

Gilgit Rupal/Similar Gateway Hotel/ Similar

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TOUR INFORMATION WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE Trip Cost Includes:

 Visa Invitation letters and all supporting documents.  Airport pick and drops.Transport (Mini van, Jeeps) throughout the tour with fuel and driver  Entry fees of Baltit fort, .  Hotel accommodation on Twin Sharing and bed & breakfast basis.  Services of English speaking guide during the whole journey.  Police Registration, arrangement of security where needed during the tour.  Security team food and accommodation in Kalash Valley  Accommodation and food of guide throughout the journey Trip Cost Does not Include:

 Hotel Lunch and Dinner – Full meal for the whole tour will be 250 USD/person  Bottled water, drinks, private phone calls, laundry, Tips of guide, drivers, porters etc.  Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Snowland.  Extra days beyond the specified itinerary or cost of change in the itinerary due to any reason.  Cost of early departure from the tour  Any other item not listed in this document.  *Single supplement. *Single Room Supplement Price: *Single Tent Supplement Price:

GENERAL INFORMATION

Attitude

This is an adventure... things may go wrong and, if they do, I will be there to solve problems as quickly and efficiently as possible. You will get out of this trip what you put into it; a positive attitude, willingness to get to know the locals and enthusiasm are all important.

PERSONAL EXPENSES You might need some extra money to cover items not included in the tour price such as, drinks, souvenirs and tips, lunch and dinner, toll tax of your vehicles. Tips are discretionary but are generally expected for good service in Pakistan most of it is included in cost. CLIMATE

The traditional sightseeing season in Pakistan is March to November. Gilgit Baltistan Valleys will have a wide range of temperatures depending on the altitude and the time of day. In the mountains between 1,000m and 3,500m the nights will be cool normally around 5°C. During the day temperatures can be very hot even as high as 30°C in the lower elevations. Bring lots of water, sunhat and sunscreen! At higher altitudes temperatures range from about 20°C to -5°C. The mornings are generally clear with clouds building up during the afternoon and often disappearing at night to reveal beautiful starry nights. Rawalpindi and Lahore will be hot and humid at this time of year; temperatures typically range from 30°C to 40°C with high humidity, whereas the temperatures in Chitral and Hunza at 2,340m will be cooler. 14 | Page Pakistan Autumn Sightseeing Tour

AVERAGE TEMPERATURES

AVERAGE TEMPERATURES- April-October

Region Altitude Temperature C Day Night Islamabad 635m 30C 15C 1280m 32C 18C Gilgit 1500m 24C 10C Skardu 2450m 21C 8C Hunza 2500m 20C 9C Chitral 1500m 21C 10C Kalash Valley 2500m 20C 12C

AVERAGE TEMPERATURES: MAJOR CITIES OF PAKISTAN

Cities Average Temperature °C Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Islamabad Min 3 5 10 15 19.5 24 24.5 23 21 14 8 3.5 Max 17 19 24 29 35 39 36 34 33 30.5 25 19 Lahore Min 5 8 14 19 23 27 27 26 24 18 11 6 Max 19 22 28 34 39 41 36 35 35 33 27 21 Source: https://en.climate-data.org/ GENERAL EQUIPMENT LIST Clothing Lightweight Thermal Underwear: Tops (2), bottoms or long johns (1). Made from polypropylene, Coolmax, Capilene etc, as cotton does not provide adequate warmth. Underwear T-Shirts or Polo Shirts:(3) Capilene, DryFlo or Coolmax are preferred for their quick drying/high wicking ability. Long Sleeved Shirt or Blouse: (1-2) Trekking Trousers (2) e.g. polycotton trousers or zip off trousers. Fleece or Pile Jacket: (1) Waterproof Jacket: Good storm proof mountain jacket with attached hood. Waterproof Trousers: Good storm proof trousers with side zips to knee. Travel Clothes: Lightweight cotton, preferably only for travelling in, e.g. separate to trekking gear. Footwear Training Shoes/Sandals: For travelling in and around the cities, hotels. Socks: 2-3 pairs of thin liner socks (polypropylene or Coolmax) to be worn next to the skin. This reduces the incidence of blisters and hot spots. Headgear Sun Hat: Baseball cap or wide brimmed sun hat. Wool or Fleece Hat Sunglasses: Essential to get a pair, which cuts out 100% UV rays. It is a good idea to also have a spare pair of good sunglasses. 15 | Page Pakistan Autumn Sightseeing Tour

EQUIPMENT & ACCESSORIES Scarf/Bandana: Silk, cotton or nylon for keeping the sun off the back of your neck or dust out of your mouth. Water Bottle: 1x 1 Litre (Platypus, Sigg or Nalgene bottles are recommended). Sigg bottles also makes great hot water bottle! Sun Screen: High protection factor 20-30 or higher Lip Screen: High protection factor 20-30 or higher Toilet Items: Soap, travel towel, flannel (or J-cloth), toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, comb, sanitary protection, toilet paper is provided but bring a roll for personal use and at airports! Notebook/Diary/Pens Small Padlocks: Essential for locking your kit bag and bags left at the hotel. Passport & Spare Passport Photographs: (3-4 plus any required for permits) High Energy Snacks: Sweets, chocolate bars, dried fruit, glucose sweets, Kendal mint cake. These can make all the difference in unfamiliar surroundings. Personal Medical Kit: Necessary Medicines. Cigarette Lighter/Matches: For burning toilet paper and rubbish. Wet Wipes: One pack very useful for wiping hands, face and other parts of body. Antibacterial Hand Cleansing Gel: Small bottle. WHY US 1. Guided by highly experienced and qualified local professionals having undergone on the job training over many seasons with us. They are highly experienced at catering to the needs of members, and do a tremendous amount to contribute to the overall success and satisfaction of our groups. 2. Build your exact dream trip--Itinerary can be customized. Leaves any day you desire--Lengthen or shorten trip, if you like. 3. 3 to 5 star accommodations and services--Designed for higher end budgets (hotels can be changed for middle and lower budgets) 4. Lowest Price guaranteed and the best value for money--Save 40-50 % vs. comparable guided tours with other operators of the same quality. 5. Group Discounts available for details you can write Us 6. We thoroughly explain terms and conditions of our trips to each client before making any agreement and do not surprise our clients by hidden costs after getting advances or once the trip started. 7. Provide assistance during Visa process and send you a visa invitation letter if required as we are licensed trekking agency in Pakistan. We require your full name, nationality, residential address, occupation and passport number for this letter.

OUR RESPONSIBLE TOURISM POLICY We believe that our clients have an important role to play as well, with each person ultimately determining the overall impact of the group in the area visited. The following are some ideas you might like to consider: ECONOMIC:  Try to buy locally made crafts and support local skills to encourage the positive sides of tourism.  Consider tipping a reasonable amount for good service.  Bargaining is an accepted practice in all countries we visit but do so in a good humour and bear in mind the amount of money you are haggling over!  Think carefully about giving money to beggars, it is often more effective to give money to local charity to reduce reliance and expectation. SOCIAL:  Learn some words of the local language, this is appreciated and often results in getting more out of the experience.  Ask for permission before taking photographs out of respect for the local people.  Enjoy the areas you visit but, if possible, try and leave in a better state than you found them in. 16 | Page Pakistan Autumn Sightseeing Tour

 Respect the local laws, customs and cultural beliefs.  Observe the dress code of the area and be aware of differences in social behavior and norms ENVIRONMENT:  Try not to damage any plants you see on the trail.  Wild animals should not be touched, fed or disturbed and do not encourage local people to parade animals.  Do not collect firewood; all the treks use kerosene for cooking.  Ask permission before using a village well or pump.  Please burn all loo paper and bury away from a water source (30m) and Please use toilet facilities if they exist.  Our policy is to carry out all non biodegradable rubbish, if any is left behind in the morning, please bring to the guides attention.  Bring along environmentally friendly detergents and shampoos and use as little as possible to keep fresh water supplies free from pollution. What Our Clients Say About Us

"In August of 2011, I completed a challenging trek with Snowland Treks and Tours along the length of the Baltoro Glacier, one of the longest in the world, to the "throne room of the mountain gods,” a place with the highest concentration of 8000m peaks in the world. Throughout this long and arduous trek our group was led, fed, encouraged and supported by a wonderful team of porters, guides and cooks from Snowland. It goes without saying that it was their work that made the trip not only possible but enjoyable - it was in fact the trip of a lifetime. I would encourage anyone interested in making such a trip in Pakistan to contact

Kamal at Snowland Treks and Tours. He was prompt in replying to emails and quick to put my mind at ease by responding to any questions or concerns that I had. Campbell MacDiarmid

Please visit our YouTube channel for video testimonials: https://www.youtube.com/user/snowlandtours/videos?sort=dd&view=0&shelf_id=0 Please have a look at this link about recent client’s experience with us: http://snowland.com.pk/all-testimonials/