Spring Trail in the Hindukush
8 Days | 3 Days Riding
16-23 April 2026
What to Expect
Come ride across a truly wild and remote area of Pakistan and enjoy a rare opportunity to explore this region like a local. This itinerary has been curated for you to completely immerse yourself in the culture and wilderness of the Hindukush Mountains and valleys of Chitral. The trip showcases spectacular landscapes, imposing mountains and fierce rivers, including a very charming local population. The ethos of these local communities is entirely based on hospitality; guests are welcomed warmly and hosted immaculately.
- Hosted by Princess Zainab of the Royal Family of Chitral and former Pakistan Polo Captain Shah Qubilai Alam
- Three thrilling & unique riding days atop a polo pony
- Join in a match of freestyle polo!
- Imbibe in nightly sunset happy hours
- Rustic luxury with attention-to-detail
- Delight in daily menus curated by a celebrity chef
- Stargazing 100s of km away from city lights at our private, mobile glampsite
- A massage therapist travels along with the group
Itinerary in Detail
Day 1 | Arrive to Islamabad
- You will be personally received by a member of our team
- Transfer to the The 108 Hotel for your first night’s stay
The 108 Hotel
Day 2 | Chitral
- Breakfast at the hotel
- 8am depart for Chitral in SUVs (9 hour drive)
- Lunch enroute
- 5pm arrival & settle in at Hindukush Heights
- 7pm welcome drinks by the pool
- 8:30pm dinner
Hindukush Heights Hotel
5-6 hours in the saddle
- Breakfast, depart Chitral
- Meet & choose your equine companion for the next 3 days
- Ride to lunch, en route at a local home
- Watch freestyle polo (join in if you wish!)
- Settle into your roomy, furnished tent
- Happy hour & dinner served around your campfire under the stars
Lone Ghari Campsite
5-6 hours in the saddle
- Ride through picturesque valleys
- Visit quaint mountain villages and meet friends & fellow riders of local communities
- Picnic lunch served en route
- Arrive to your new glampsite
- Settle in for conversation, happy hour & dinner
Xamuch Campsite
5 hours in the saddle
- Gallop through Qāqlasht, an expansive 13km mountain-top plateau with 360° views of snow-capped mountains
- Picnic lunch served atop Qāqlasht
- Return your horse, drive to Mastuj
- Check-in to your mountain cabin at Mastuj Fort, enjoy a well-deserved hot shower
- Happy hour & dinner in the orchard
Mastuj Fort
- Breakfast in the orchard
- Book a massage
- Enjoy the peacefulness of Mastuj — take a nap, read, explore the village, visit a trout farm or go for a stroll
- Lunch under 350-year-old Chinar tree
- Happy hour & dinner in the orchard
Mastuj Fort
- Breakfast ... last moments in the orchard
- 10am depart for Chitral
- Lunch at Fokker Friendship restaurant
- A forest ranger meets you at the river to view the Markhor mountain goat
- Back in time for happy hour by the pool
- Farewell drinks & dinner
- Book an evening massage
Hindukush Heights Hotel
Day 8 | Depart for Islamabad
- Breakfast
- 9am depart for Islamabad airport
- Lunch enroute
- 7pm arrival at Islamabad airport
Where you Will Stay
Mastuj Fort
Chalets & glamping
Trail Campsites
Private, mobile glamp
Hindukush Heights
Eco-friendly boutique hotel
108 Hotel Islamabad
Boutique hotel
Your Hosts
Zainab Ulmulk
Shah Qubilai Alam
Shah Changez “Chango” Alam
Upcoming Dates & Prices
16-23 April 2026
US$2,700 per person for double occupancy / 2 guests sharing
US$2,900 for single room / 1 guest
Non-rider (twin sharing) travelling with a rider is US$2,100
Booking & Payment
A deposit of US$700 holds your spot, balance due 90 days prior to departure.
Cancellations 60 days prior to departure entitled to full refund minus deposit & bank charges.
Cancellations 30 days prior to departure entitled to 50% refund minus bank charges.
No refund for cancellations within 30 days prior to departure.
Trip Overview And Details
Overview
- For intermediate & advanced riders only
- Horses are polo ponies, hired from players who reside and play in the same mountains where you’ll ride
- Maximum 8 riders
- Minimum age to join is 14
- Weight limit for the polo ponies is 90kg (198lbs)
- Non-riders may accompany riders
Included
- Local polo pony
- Expert guide
- Breakfast + all meals & happy hours mentioned in itinerary
- Neck, shoulder & foot massages on tap
- Accommodations
- Transportation during trip in SUVs
- Personal pickup & drop-off to airport
Additional (not included)
- Mandatory travel insurance
- Full body massage treatments (recommend pre-booking)
- Extra snacks & drinks
- Laundry service (available only in Chitral)
- Gratuities (optional but appreciated)