General
Motorbike Tour to Kalash Valley (2024-25) – 15 Days
Motorbike Tour to Kalash Valley tour is one of the top cultural retreats of Pakistan. Motorbike Tour to Kalash Valley provides an amazing cultural experience in the Hindukush mountain ranges among the ethnic minority community of Kalash. UNESCO listed Kalash culture as “Intangible Cultural Heritage” in November 2018. The decision was announced during the 13th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee meeting organised in Mauritius.
Our biking adventure to Chitral and Kalash valley are normally referred to as “Motorbike Tour to Kalash Valley” since Kalash is the major attraction in the valley of Chitral. Including Motorbike Tour to Kalash Valley, we also offer the following options for motorbike tours.
| Start Dates | End Dates | Price (USD) | Price (PKR) | Deposit | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20-Jun-2020 | 28-Jun-2020 | US$ 1,590 | PKR 246,500 | US$ 490 | |
| 04-Jul-2020 | 12-Jul-2020 | US$ 1,590 | PKR 246,500 | US$ 490 | |
| 08-Aug-2020 | 16-Aug-2020 | US$ 1,590 | PKR 246,500 | US$ 490 | |
| 12-Sep-2020 | 20-Sep-2020 | US$ 1,590 | PKR 246,500 | US$ 490 |
Dates & Cost – Motorbike Tour to Kalash Valley (15 Days)
All seasons are considered good for exploring the Kalasha culture. Considering the flow of tourists and interest in Motorbike Tour to Kalash Valley, we carefully choose our dates for our tours to the valley. The start and end dates in the table below are your dates of arrival and departure from Pakistan. Our dates and costs for Motorbike Tour to Kalash Valley are given below.
| Start Dates | End Dates | Price (USD) | Price (PKR) | Deposit | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11-May-2020 | 25-May-2020 | US$ 1,990 | PKR 308,400 | US$ 490 | |
| 10-Jun-2020 | 24-Jun-2020 | US$ 1,990 | PKR 308,400 | US$ 490 | |
| 10-Jul-2020 | 24-Jul-2020 | US$ 1,990 | PKR 308,400 | US$ 490 | |
| 19-Aug-2020 | 02-Sep-2020 | US$ 1,990 | PKR 308,400 | US$ 490 |
The remaining balance (to be paid in Islamabad) will be decided depending on the number of people joining this trip, according to the table below.
| Solo Rider | 2 Persons | 3 Persons | 4 Persons | 5 Persons | 6-8 Persons | 9-10 Persons |
| $1990 (Per person) | $1790 (Per person) | $1690 (Per person) | $1590 (Per person) | $1490 (Per person) | $1390(Per person) | $1190 (Per person) |
Holiday Information
- 125cc Motorcycle for the tour (can be upgraded in registration form)
- Domestic flights (if included in itinerary)
- All airport transfers (if included in itinerary)
- Road transfers (according to itinerary)
- All accommodation in Pakistan according to itinerary (twin sharing)
- Invitation letters and other documents for Visa application
- Set of "Naming list" (required at Police check-points)
- Tour Map
- Emergency contact numbers
- Tour guide during Islamabad sightseeing (if included in itinerary)
- International airfare
- Personal travel insurance or trip cancellation insurance (recommendations only)
- Insurance of motorcycle
- All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) and beverages/water during meals
- Support staff (guide, cook, assistant(s), mechanic etc)
- Personal equipment (e.g. helmet, knee-pad, bag etc)
- First aid medicine kit
- Satellite phone for emergencies (available for rent: USD 20 per day)
- Local SIM card for personal communication
- Entry fees to museums, parks, malls or any other establishment
- Toll/road taxes (estimated total of maximum USD 15)
- Extra night stays
- Miscellaneous (tips/gratuities, minibar, bottled water, phone calls, laundry, souvenir etc)
- Charges incurred due to delays beyond the control of Apricot Tours (Force majeure)
Why should you register now?
1. Price changes: The given prices for the holidays are early bird discount offers and are subject to change. There will be an increase in prices every month after January. Service providers including (but not limited) to hotels increase prices in peak-season. Early reservations cost less than peak-season. Our motorcycle holiday prices will not change once you have paid the deposit so the price when you book is the price you will pay. Register yourselves early to avoid increase in holiday prices.
2. Peak Season: If your itinerary includes domestic flights, we might not be able to get you on the domestic flights if you do not pay your deposit on time. Domestic flight seats are sold very fast way ahead of time because there are only a few flights to the mountains during peak season. This is a very serious concern. Among other things, the deposit is used to book domestic flights for you in advance.
3. Pay less deposit: Given below is our deposit schedule for 2020 departures.
- April to September 2019 (deposit: USD 390)
- October to December 2019 (deposit: USD 490)
- January to April 2020 (deposit: USD 590)
Note: The same months above apply to 2021 departures.
Price discrimination
We strongly believe that international guests should not pay more than locals. The reason for what may seem to be price discrimination is purely because of the additional and necessary services included as you will find under holiday information.
Deposit amount for Pakistani nationals
The deposit amount for Pakistani nationals is PKR 50,000 or 30% of total price, whichever is greater. The deposit amount is non-refundable and non-transferrable to other departures.
Refund policy
Deposit: Once paid, the deposit is non-refundable as it will be spent on making in-country arrangements. In case of visa rejection, a refund/partial-refund (if costs incurred) will be considered. In such cases, a valid proof of visa rejection must be submitted to our office within 72 hours of rejection. The deposit in non-refundable for Pakistani nationals in all cases.
Balance: Pay the balance amount on arrival in Pakistan on the first day.
Currency
All international travelers can pay in US Dollars (USD) or equivalent in Euros (EUR) or Pound Sterling (GBP). Pakistani travelers are charged in Pakistani Rupees (PKR).
Single Supplement
Separate accommodation (single supplement) will cost according to the number of days given below:
- 08 Days: USD 410
- 09 Days: USD 465
- 10 Days: USD 520
- 11 Days: USD 580
- 13 Days: USD 670
- 15 Days: USD 775
Highlights – Motorbike Tour to Kalash Valley
Motorbike Tour to Kalash Valley has a lot to offer. Given below are main highlights of Kalash valley tour.
- Experience the culture of ethnic minority of Kalash
- Participate and dance to the tunes of Kalasha music
- Enjoy Kalasha and Pakistani cuisine
- Hear stories from Kalasha community members including men and women
- Juniper, Oak and Pine forest in Kalash
- View of hundreds of peaks including Tirich Mir (7,708m) in the Hindukush Range
- Rivers (Dir, Chitral), tributaries and streams
- Malakand pass, Lowari Pass (3,118 m) or Lowari Tunnel (10.4 kms)
- Valleys of Khyber including Dir, Chitral and Kalash
- Views of forts (Malakand, Nagar, Ayun & Chitral) and Mosques (Shahi Masjid)
- Churchil Picket, Malakand
- Experience the culture of ethnic minorities of Hunza
- Participate and dance to the tunes of Hunza drums
- Enjoy Hunzai and Pakistani cuisine
- Opportunity to interact with Hunza's community members including men, women and children
- View of hundreds of peaks including Rakaposhi (7,708m) and Passu Sar (7,478m) and Ultar Sar (7,388m) in the Karakoram Range
- Rivers (Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Indus, Kunhar), tributaries and streams
- Babusar Pass (4,173m), Khunjerab Pass (4,733m) and Attabad tunnel (7km)
- Valleys of northern Pakistan including Hunza, Nagar, Naltar, Besham/Kaghan and Naran etc
- Lakes including Attabad, Lulusar, Borith, Shandur, Khalti, Phandar and Batura
- Glaciers including Bualtar, Passu, Batura and Hussaini etc
- Khunjerab National Park
- Sightseeing of forts (Altit and Baltit)
- Bazaars of Karimabad, Aliabad and Naran
- Karakoram Highway and Ancient Silk Route
- Ride through the towns of Haripur, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Nathia Gali etc
- Sightseeing in Islamabad & Rawalpindi
- Make new friends
- Discounted culture travel
Itinerary – Motorbike Tour to Kalash Valley
The itinerary for Motorbike Tour to Kalash Valley is given below.
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 540 m
On the first day of this great adventure we will start by exploring Islamabad in the afternoon. We will visit Heritage Museum to understand and explore the culture of multi nations living in Pakistan. Afterwards we will have lunch and go ahead to explore Pakistan Museum. Later, we will visit Faisal Mosque, the famous landmark of the city and then continue to drive towards the highest view point of Islamabad (Pir Sohawa/Daman e Koh). We will also explore Super Market and after a taste of traditional food we will call it a day after having a scoop of ice cream from a famous ice cream shop. At night our guide will take the guests for their bike visit.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale (see pictures), Prestige Residence (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Islamabad. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 975 m
This day we will set towards Swat which is a beautiful hill station in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province formerly known as NWFP. We will ride on the newly constructed motorway that has shortened the journey from Islamabad to Swat. Swat was a former princely state and also a center of Buddhist Civilization centuries ago. We will explore the white palace, archaeological sites of ancient Buddhist civilization and the bazar.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Shelton's Rezidor (see pictures), PTDC Motel (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Swat. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 1,050 m
Today we will set from Swat to Chitral. We will travel through the Lowari Tunnel which is about 10.4 kms long that connects Dir and Chitral. In the past before the construction of the tunnel the passengers travelled via Lowari Pass and more over the Chitral Region was disconnected from rest of the country for 6 months. We will reach Ayun this day. Ayun is the closest villages to Kalasha Tribes and also a beautiful valley to experience and explore the place. Our stay will be in the Ayun Fort that has beautiful biological gardens and its location offers a bird eye view of the valley and river. We will spend the night at the Ayun Fort.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Pamir Inn (see pictures), Tirich Mir View Hotel (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Chitral. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 1,100 m
On this day the participants will ride towards Rumbur Valley and they will explore the surrounding areas.
The guest will meet local people of Kalash they will have the opportunity to learn their culture and rituals. The guest will be staying in Bumburet for the night. The nights will continue with bonfire and dances.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at PTDC Motel (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Kalash. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 1,100 m
On this day we will start exploring the Bumburet Valley. We will visit the local museum. The Kalasha Graveyard and the Town Centre. We will dance, do photography and interact with the Kalasha Tribe and experience this unique culture firsthand. Later we will ride towards Chitral and stay at night in Pamir Hotel alongside the Chitral River.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Pamir Inn (see pictures), Tirich Mir View Hotel (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Chitral. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 1,494 m
Today we will explore Chitral Town. We will visit Chitral Fort the capital of ancient kingdom of Chitral. The region was ruled from this fort. Later we will visit Shahi Mosque of Chitral which is in the premises of the fort. We will then travel to Birmoglasht which is on the mountain top. It offers a bird eye view of the valley as well as we might have a sighting of Markhor that are indigenous to this region. We will have lunch at Birmoglasht on this day. If there is an ongoing polo match in Chitral Town we will visit the polo ground and experience the thrilling polo event. Later we will explore Chitral Bazar. We will have dinner in the hotel.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Pamir Inn (see pictures), Tirich Mir View Hotel (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Chitral. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 2,359 m
On this day we will travel from Chitral Town to Mastuj. Mastuj is main village of Yarkhud Valley that borders Gilgit-Baltistan on one side and Afghanistan on the other. We will travel passing many villages of Chitral along the river gorge. Once we arrive in Mastuj we will take a walk around the village, meet and greet local village and community. We will stay in Mastuj for the following night.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at PTDC Motel Mastuj (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Mastuj. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 2,217 m
On this day we will start our ride from Chitral to Gupis which is also known as Khalti. Khalti is part of Ghizer District of Gilgit – Baltistan Region. We will travel via Shandur Pass and ride through many villages of Laspur. We will make a short stop in Shandur where we will experience the high alpine Shandur Lake and the Shandur Polo Ground which is the highest polo ground on the planet. We will pass through high land pastures and meadows of Barsit, Langar and Teru. We will also make a short stop at Phandar Valley. Upon arrival at Khalti, we will check in to hotel and after some rest we will go to explore the nearby villages and take some good photographs on the Khalti Lake which freezes in winters. We will have Trout Fish as one of our cuisines on this day.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at PTDC Motel (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Gupis. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 1,500 m
On this day we will travel from Khalti to Gilgit. Gilgit is the capital city of Gilgit-Baltistan Region. Upon arrival we will check in to hotel and have some rest. After the lunch we will go to visit Kargah Nala and the famous Buddha Carving. Later we will go to explore the Gilgit Bazaar and will taste the “Mantu” (Dumplings). We will relax and stay at Gilgit for the night before we start the journey to the “ Land of Legends” – Hunza.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Riveria Hotel Gilgit (see pictures), MarcoPolo Hotel (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Gilgit. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 2,500 m
This day will be different and exciting as we will be riding towards Hunza. Hunza is a full package that offers beautiful scenery, glaciers, high rising mountains, lakes, culture, heritage, an international border and the 8th wonder of the world that is called the Karakoram Highway. As we start our journey on the Karakoram Highway, we will see the old silk route used for trade which was made centuries ago. We will make a stop at Rakaposhi View Point an enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and feel the breeze coming from the Mother of Mist. As we travel ahead towards Hunza we will have a view of magnificent peaks from the window seat and as we arrive in Karimabad. The view of Rakaposhi will stun every nature lover as this ultra-visible peak will glance over your head. We will visit Baltit Fort and Altit Fort this day and also explore Karimabad Market and later we will visit the famous Eagle’s Nest View Point to experience the sunset over the mighty peaks.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Hilltop Hotel Hunza (see pictures), World Roof Hotel (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Hunza. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 2,700 m
On this day we will travel to Northern Hunza, we will do boating in the Atabad Lake. The pristine glacial water and the color of lake with the barren mountains will leave you stunned. We will continue travelling further passing through many villages of Upper Hunza and enter Khunjerab National Park at Deh. We will experience the amazing journey on the Karakoram Highway. On our return we will stay at Passu.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Sarai Silk Route (see pictures), Passu Ambassador Hotel (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Passu. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 2,500 m
We will start our day by walking around the Passu Village. We will experience people working in the field we will also visit a local house to experience the architecture and way of living of the Wakhi Community of Pakistan. We will visit Borith Lake another alpine lake with beautiful colors. We will also take a walk on the Hussaini Suspension Bridge to experience the thrill of the mountains. We will further travel to Hopper Valley and get stunned with its beauty. We will hike to Bualtar Glacier. Late in the afternoon, we will leave for Gilgit and spend our night there.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Riveria Hotel Gilgit (see pictures), MarcoPolo Hotel (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Gilgit. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 2,409 m
The guests will depart to Besham or Naran (depending on weather and other variables) from Hunza. If we take the road to Besham, we ride through Chilas and Dassu travelling along Indus river on Karakoram Highway. However, we will try to return to Islamabad via Naran road/Babusar Pass (4,173m). This will give our guests the opportunity to explore additional locations. Our guests will spend the night in Naran or Besham.
Besham
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing tent/cottage at Besham Hilton Hotel (see pictures), PTDC Motel (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Besham. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
Naran
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Parhena Cottages (see pictures), Hotel deManchi (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Naran. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
On this Day
Today participants will leave for Abbottabad from Naran/Besham. They will pass through manay villages and cities while riding towards Abbottabad. After reaching Abbottabad, our riders will continue their journey towards Islamabad via Nathia Gali. Few hours later, participants will reach Murree and then Islamabad.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale (see pictures), Prestige Residence (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Islamabad. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 540 m
Everything good thing has to come to an end. This is the day when we finally bid farewell to our guests and fellow members. The tour ends this day.
Why Register Now?
1. Early Bird Discount: The given prices for the holiday are limited-time discount offers and are subject to change. Service providers including (but not limited) to airlines and hotels increase prices in peak-season. Early reservations cost less than peak-season.
2: Limited Space in Peak Months: The peak months in the peak season attract the highest number of international guests and are therefore sold out earlier. Due to our revised Covid-19 guidelines, we have restricted our group size to a maximum of 12 travelers. We are taking registrations on a "first-come, first-served" basis.
3. Pay Balance after arrival in Pakistan: In these unusual times, we appreciate that paying the final balance for your trip may cause concern. Our policy is to only receive your final balance once you arrive in Pakistan. The only payment before arrival is the deposit.
4. Deposit valid for 3 years: We understand the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic (Covid-19). As part of our relaxed booking conditions following Covid-19, deposits are valid for 3 years.
5. Pay Minimum Deposit: The deposits for the holiday are also early-bird discounts and automatically change accordingly:
- 1st October: USD 110
- 1st November: USD 150
- 1st January: USD 180
- 1st March: USD 260
- 1st May: USD 340
Note: The same dates above apply to next season's deposits.
Deposit (Advance) for Pakistani nationals
The deposit for Pakistani nationals is PKR 40,000 or 30% of the total price, whichever is greater. The deposit is non-refundable but valid for 3 years according to our relaxed booking conditions following Covid-19.
Refund Policy for All
Deposit: Once paid, the deposit is non-refundable (but valid for 3 years) as it will be spent on making in-country arrangements. In the case of visa rejection, a refund/partial-refund (if costs incurred) will be considered. In such cases, a valid proof of visa rejection must be submitted to our office within 72 hours of rejection. For Pakistan nationals, the deposit is non-refundable (but valid for 3 years) in all cases.
Balance: Pay the balance only after arrival in Pakistan on the first day. Payment guidelines will be shared timely.
Currency
All international travelers can pay in US Dollars (USD) or equivalent in Euros (EUR) or Pound Sterling (GBP). Pakistani travelers are charged the equivalent in Pakistani Rupees (PKR).
Single Supplement
Separate accommodation (single supplement) will cost an additional USD 523. This includes all nights. This payment should be made with the balance upon arrival in Pakistan.
As Featured In:
| Apricot Tours' Social Responsibility |
| 1 foreign participant = 5 trees |
| Apricot Tours will plant five trees for every foreign tourist who visits Pakistan for attending any one of the three festivals of Kalash Valley. The trees will be planted in the northern areas of Pakistan starting from 2019 as part of our CSR initiative. We aim to contribute to "Goal 13: Climate Action" of UN's Sustainable Development Goals by taking part in the massive government campaign to plant 10 billion trees during the next five years to tackle climate change. Pakistan's adverse climate impacts are very much visible through changing temperatures, prolonged droughts, increased floods and extreme weather conditions especially in Pakistan's mountain regions. Pakistan stands 7th on the list of countries that are mostly likely to be affected by global warming and has one of the highest deforestation rates in Asia. Decades of tree felling have reduced the country's forests to less than 3 percent of its total land area. How planting trees will make a difference? Planting trees will help save energy and money, cool our cities, reduce carbon emissions, reduce soil erosion, provide habitat for species of many kinds, provide clean water and add to the beauty of Pakistan's mountain region by simply being there. Our participants can also donate separately. Details on this initiative can be requested. |
