Taking a drive over the Northwest Frontier and into the stunning Swat Valley, we will begin our journey north today. This area was previously off-limits to tourists from other countries, but it has lately become accessible once more, giving us a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the area's early Buddhist history. Before we check into our hotel, we get the chance to explore the Buddhist ruins of the ancient city of Bazeera, the modern-day Barikot where Alexander fought a fight, the Shingerdar Stupa, and the Galigay Buddha. We'll later visit the neighbourhood museum, which is filled with exquisite Gandharan antiques.

After breakfast, we will go on a breathtaking drive via Chakdarra, where a young Winston Churchill witnessed battle in the 1890s, and then through the Lowari tunnel and into the historic kingdom of Chitral. Following here, we'll continue on to Ayun, where we'll arrive in the late afternoon and check into the hotel.

Today, we have the entire morning to unwind, savour the Prince's lovely garden, and go for a stroll through one of the many lovely villages close by. Following lunch, we'll continue on to the village of Balanguru and the Valley of Rumbor. Most tourists opt to hike the final few miles through this breathtaking valley. Please be aware that occasionally security limitations prevent foreign visitors from staying in the Kalash valley, however we will make the most of our time there and then return to Chitral for the night if this is the case

Today we make the most of our time by exploring the valley on foot in order to take in the local scenery and warmth. We might be able to go on a stroll this morning towards the Afghan border to check out several tiny communities. After returning to Balanguru for lunch, those who want to go on another stroll around the valley to learn more about the Kalash way of life can do so. These strolls are optional; otherwise, you might spend the afternoon lounging around the village.

We have more time this morning to explore the valley before heading back to Chitral, a tranquil mountain town. If a game of mountain polo is being played in the late afternoon, we'll try to catch it, and if not, we'll continue on to Chitral National Park to witness the markhor, a type of mountain antelope and a favourite target of snow leopards, before checking into our charming neighbourhood hotel and enjoying dinner.

Following breakfast, we'll travel to Mastuj. We make our way up the Mastuj Valley, passing Tirich Mir and Boni Zong, before finally entering the Yarkhun Valley, at the top of which lies Afghanistan's Wakhan Corridor. This is one of the most picturesque and spectacular drives you are ever likely to have. We'll stay in a hotel close to the fort here. When we get there, we'll stroll through the community.

After breakfast today, you'll travel to the Shandur Pass, stopping along the way for tea at the pass's 3,800-meter summit. The top teams from Gilgit and Chitral compete there in frantic, violent bouts on the highest polo pitch in the world. The Hindu Kush mountains that surround the nearby Shandur Lake are known for their colourful reflections, and the Langer is a lovely plain where yaks and dzos are grazed. From here, we continue driving to the Ghizer Valley, which follows the course of the Ghizer River and features multicoloured water and a nice view of lush greenery

After breakfast, we'll continue on to Gilgit, a traditional frontier town that was formerly thought of as the empire's westernmost edge. It was formerly a significant Silk Road staging area, but over time, Tibetans and Chinese Sikhs pillaged it. Prior to travelling to Hunza, we will visit the local bazaar and the nearby Christian cemetery. We will stop at Chalt to witness the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates during the very stunning trip to Hunza. Then, as we turn the corner, we notice Mount Rakaposhi's enormous form lying in the sun next to the road. The sight will make you speechless. We will spend the first night at a magnificent hotel in Karimabad (Hunza), situated 2850 metres above sea level and 500 metres above the valley bottom, with sweeping views of five peaks above 7,000 metres!

Wake up at around 5:30 in the morning to observe the pinking of Rakaposhi's flamingo peak by the rising sun. After breakfast, we tour the renowned Baltit Fort, which the Aga Khan Trust for Culture has rebuilt. Currently, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After that, we'll get lunch in town. Those who desire can take a stroll along Karimabad's waterways in the afternoon before shopping at the nearby shops, where there will be plenty to choose from. The tastiest coffee and walnut cake in town can be found at Café De Hunza.

In order to see the Hoper Glacier, we will first go to the opposite side of the valley after breakfast. We'll next stop for lunch in a charming garden café before continuing on the KKH for another hour and a half to explore the recently constructed lake at Attabad. A significant landslip blocked the Hunza River in January 2010, submerging 28 kilometres of the KKH and creating a stunning lake of turquoise water. We stop by a carpet weaving studio owned by Wakhi women in Gulmit. Later, as we go further north, we stop at the fifth-longest glacier in the world, Batura Glacier, where we can take in the breathtaking views of the Passu Cones, the white Passu Glacier, and other peaks over 7000 metres. The late afternoon finds us travelling back to Karimabad. The late afternoon finds us travelling back to Karimabad.

We head back to the Karakoram Highway this morning to drive to Gilgit, stopping for lunch at the Rakaposhi View along the way to soak in the breathtaking scenery. We'll take the road back to Gilgit this afternoon, where we'll check into a hotel with a nice garden and a great view of Rakaposhi and Bilchar Dubani.

Today's drive back to Islamabad is fantastic as we first go over the Karakoram Highway, taking in the breathtaking views of the mountains and surrounding landscape. We change to the Babusar road farther downriver, crossing a 4100-meter pass from which we can view several Himalayan, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush ranges. We continue our descent into the lush, green Kaghan Valley, where we can run into wandering shepherds leading herds of fat-tailed sheep. Finally, as we approach the lively town of Naran, we pass by the picturesque Lulusar Lake, which is encircled by snow-capped peaks. Pashtuns make up the majority of the population here, so we might get a chance to meander through the bazaar this evening or relax in one of the rooftop cafés while people-watching.(Please be aware that at this time of year, flights are erratic and frequently cancelled due to bad weather, so we intend to drive this extremely memorable road and have a rest in Naran. Please be aware that we will return to Islamabad through Besham if the Babusar Pass is closed due to snowfall.

Today, we continue our journey, making a pit stop in Taxila, a fascinating university town that dates back to Alexander the Great's Gandharan era and is home to Buddhism. We will travel the short distance to Islamabad after touring this UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is where we eat our goodbye meal.

After breakfast today, the excursion comes to a close in Islamabad.