Six peaks above 7,000m, run from Skardu by our own Balti team. Permits, oxygen, insured high-altitude porters and a turnaround policy that is actually enforced.
Six peaks above 7,000m, run from Skardu by our own Balti team. Permits, oxygen, insured high-altitude porters and a turnaround policy that is actually enforced.
The Kalaam & Kumrat Valley Tour is a 5 days guided trip in Gilgit-Baltistan, northern Pakistan, topping out at 3,500 m. It is graded Easy to Moderate — high-altitude 4×4 — short day walks. 6 fixed departures are open from $220 per person, all-inclusive from Islamabad.
The Kalaam & Kumrat Valley Tour combines two of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's most spectacular alpine destinations in one 5-day journey — the beautiful Swat Valley town of Kalaam and the pristine wilderness of Kumrat Valley in Dir Upper. Together they offer the very best of KPK's mountain scenery: pine forests, glacier-fed rivers, alpine meadows and traditional Swati and Chitrali culture.
Kalaam, Swat Valley
Kalaam sits at 2,000m at the head of the Swat Valley — a beautiful mountain town on the banks of the Swat River, surrounded by dense pine forests and flanked by the snow-capped peaks of the Hindu Raj range. The Ushu Forest, the Matiltan Valley and the Utror Valley are all easily accessible from Kalaam and offer some of KPK's finest alpine scenery.
Kumrat Valley & Jahaz Banda (3,500m)
From Kalaam, cross into Dir Upper and descend into the Kumrat Valley — one of Pakistan's most pristine forest environments. Trek up to the spectacular Jahaz Banda plateau at 3,500m — a vast wildflower meadow with panoramic views — and visit the dramatic Kaga Waterfall.
This combined tour covers a geographical arc through some of Pakistan's finest mountain scenery, accessible to moderately fit travellers with no specialist equipment required.
Join one of our Kalaam & Kumrat Valley Tour fixed departures at an all-inclusive price of $220 per person from Islamabad to Islamabad.
Fixed Departures
Fixed departures are scheduled dates you join as part of a group, rather than arranging your own trip. 5 dates are currently open, each capped at 12 people. Every date is the same price, $220 per person. A $25 deposit reserves a place. The availability column shows how many places are left on each date.
These are private departures, priced by the size of your party rather than by a set date. Pick the band that matches your group and the price per person is fixed at that rate, across 4 options. The more of you who travel, the less each person pays — from $484 for Solo (1 Person) down to $220/pp for 7-10 Persons. What each band covers is set out in the table.
Group size
Price
What it includes
Solo (1 Person)
$484
A fully private Kalam and Kumrat tour with a dedicated guide and vehicle throughout.
(2-3 Persons)
$352/pp
Semi-private — ideal for couples or close friends wanting privacy at a lower cost.
(4-6 Persons)
$275/pp
The balance of value and personal attention, with a small group and local guide.
(7-10 Persons)
$220/pp
Best value. Full guide, vehicle and hotels for the whole trip.
Is this trip right for you?
Yes — this is one of the easiest trips to say yes to.
Graded Easy to Moderate — high-altitude 4×4.
short day walksDays on footthe rest is travel
3,500 mhighest pointMost people feel only short breath.
Good to know
The highest point is 3,500 m. Most people feel nothing worse than short breath up there, and the pace is set to keep it that way.
You’re ready ifyou enjoy a full day out and do not mind some hours on the road.
Give yourself a little longer ifyou would like to feel fresher. A couple of walks beforehand makes the short strolls even easier.
This might not be your trip ifyou are after long days on foot and nights in a tent. Tell us and we will point you at one.
One thing we do insist on: travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation.
Travel Experience
Itinerary — Kalaam & Kumrat Valley Tour
The Kalaam & Kumrat Valley Tour combines two of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s most spectacular alpine destinations in one 5-day journey — the beautiful Swat Valley town of Kalaam and the pristine wilderness of Kumrat Valley in Dir Upper. Together they offer the very best of KPK’s mountain scenery: pine forest...
5 days
Drive through the Swat Valley - Mingora, Fizagat, Bahrain - up to Kalam.
Jeep track to Mahodand Lake (2,865m) through the Ushu forest, with a boat ride.
Cross the Badagoi Pass into Kumrat Valley for a riverside forest camp.
Day hike to the Jahaz Banda meadows and Katora Lake at 3,500m.
Drive back to Islamabad via Dir. Departure.
What’s included in the price
Every fixed departure is all-inclusive from Islamabad. This is exactly what your $220 per person covers, and the handful of things it does not — so there is nothing to settle at the trailhead.
Included in the price
All ground transport from Islamabad by private vehicle plus local 4x4 on the Mahodand and Kumrat tracks
3 nights hotel and 1 night camping
Daily breakfast and dinner
A local guide
Mahodand jeep and boat ride
The Jahaz Banda/Katora Lake excursion
Camping equipment
Bottled water on travel days
Daily route planning
Not included
Domestic and international flights (we book these for you on request)
Lunches and personal expenses not listed in the itinerary
Pakistan visa fees and personal travel insurance
Tips for your guide and driver (appreciated
Never expected)
Why Karakoram Venture
Because the people who take you up this mountain are from it. Our guides grew up in these valleys, and they are our own team — not a booking desk handing you to whoever is cheapest that week. Every one of them is certified by the Alpine Club of Pakistan, holds Wilderness First Aid, and has between five and twenty years on high-altitude ground.
Because the safety is real, and we will name it rather than imply it. A satellite phone travels in every camp, we hold established helicopter-rescue contacts for this region, and we tell you exactly which travel insurance to carry. Budget operators cut precisely these things, because you cannot see them on a web page.
Because the price is honest. Local infrastructure is why $220 per person covers the trip from Islamabad rather than a stripped-down base rate. Exactly what it includes — and the handful of things it does not — is set out above.
How to book this trip
Four steps from here to the mountains
1Pick your dateA fixed departure above, or private dates you choose.
2Send the requestThe form on this page, or WhatsApp. Name, party size, date.
3Pay $25 per personThat holds your place. We reply within 24 hours.
4Balance 30 days beforeThen we take over: flights, hotels, permits, crew.
No card details on this page. Nothing is charged until you confirm.
More About the Kalaam & Kumrat Valley Tour
Booking & Payment
A deposit of $25 per person confirms your seat. The balance is due on arrival
Before the trip begins
Book through our website
WhatsApp
Or an authorized agent — every booking is confirmed in writing
Prices are held once your deposit is received and may otherwise change with season and availability
Cancellation Policy
Cancel 30+ days before departure: full refund minus the deposit
Cancel 14-29 days before: 50% refund of the total paid
Cancel under 14 days before: no refund
As rooms and transport are already booked
Permits & Documentation
Foreign guests need a standard Pakistan tourist visa — no restricted-zone permit is required. We provide a Letter of Invitation on request
Mahodand Lake jeep fees
Jahaz Banda/Katora trail fees are included
Carry your passport and ID
Valid travel insurance is recommended
Health & Fitness Requirements
Moderate. Scenic drives plus one full day hiking to Jahaz Banda meadows and Katora Lake at around 3,500m
One night is in a riverside forest camp in Kumrat
We provide tents and camp gear
A reasonable level of fitness helps. Tell us of any medical needs in advance
Important Notes
Carry at least 2 recent passport-size photos for verification and documentation.
A valid passport (foreign nationals) or CNIC (Pakistani nationals) is mandatory for booking and travel.
Keep your original passport or CNIC with you throughout the tour for security checks and hotel check-ins.
Foreign nationals need a valid passport and the correct visa; any NOC and trekking/restricted-area permits are arranged by Karakoram Venture.
Special Information
Professional and experienced Tour Manager available from start to end of the trip.
Delicious and fresh daily meals included from Day 1 until departure.
No complimentary meals provided on flights or during transit stops.
Follow updated state travel policies carefully for a hassle-free journey.
Transportation Details
Comfortable and spacious A/C Coaches for long trips and intercity travel.
Sturdy 4x4 jeeps for mountain roads and sightseeing (up to 7 pax per vehicle).
Reliable 4x4 vehicles (Land Cruiser / Prado) for off-road and high-altitude excursions.
Arrival & Departure Guidelines
Day 1: Report at the designated airport on time as per schedule.
Final Day: Depart after successfully completing the full itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Kalaam & Kumrat Valley Tour cost?
$220 per person on our scheduled departures. The package page lists exactly what is included; private and custom-group pricing is available on request — just ask.
How long is the trip?
5 Days - 4 Nights, start to finish.
When is the best time to go?
Summer (May - Oct). We will help you pick the best window for your dates.
How hard is this trip? Is it family-friendly?
Moderate — mostly scenic driving, but day 4 is a full-day hike to the Jahaz Banda meadows and Katora Lake at around 3,500m, and one night is spent camping by the river. A reasonable level of fitness helps; no technical skills or special equipment are needed.
What visa do I need?
A standard Pakistan tourist visa is all you need. We can send a booking letter to support your application.
What about insurance and safety?
We recommend standard travel insurance with medical cover. Our drivers and guides know these mountain roads well and travel them safely.
Who guides the trip?
Our own experienced local guides, who know these valleys and look after you start to finish.
How do I get there?
These valleys are reached by road from Islamabad. We arrange comfortable transport from your arrival point throughout the trip.
Can I do this as a private or custom trip?
Yes — every itinerary can run as a private departure and be tailored to your dates, pace and group size. Tell us what you have in mind and we will build it around you.
Top-Notch Service, Excellent Reviews
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