The festival takes place every year from July 7 to July 9, but we plan the tour around it (July 1–10) to ensure you experience the festival and explore the surrounding areas like Kalash and Chitral.
If you’re traveling to Pakistan, you’ll need a visa. Depending on your nationality, you can get it on arrival or apply online before your trip. You can also go to your local Pakistan embassy for a tourist visa. The length of stay varies: e-visas can be up to 3 months (extendable to 6 months), while visas on arrival are valid for 30 days. Make sure to check visa requirements with the authorities as they might change.
In Pakistan, what you wear depends on when and where you’re going. In hot areas, wear light, loose clothes like a shirt and trousers. For cold places, bring warm clothes like a jacket and layers. When visiting mosques, cover your head, arms, legs, and shoulders. Dress modestly and avoid shorts. If you’re unsure, it’s best to dress conservatively
June–September: Monsoon season with unpredictable rains, reaching over 45°C (113°F) in June. Floods can occur.
October/November: Post-monsoon season with decreasing temperatures and rainfall. Days are warm, nights cool.
December–February: Winter months with pleasant daytime temperatures around 20°C (68°F) and colder nights, especially in the northern mountains where it snows.
March–May: Hot and dry season with temperatures in the mid-30s°C (95°F) in low-lying areas, getting hotter towards the north.
Shandur Pass is situated at 3,700 meters (12,139 ft). Most people are fine, but mild symptoms like headache or shortness of breath can occur. We ascend gradually to help you acclimatize. Staying hydrated and avoiding overexertion helps.
We provide a mix of comfortable hotels and guesthouses in Swat, Kalash, Chitral, and Mastuj. During the Shandur Festival, we camp in tents with basic facilities provided (sleeping bags, mats, and shared toilets)
Here’s a quick checklist:
Warm clothing (especially for Shandur nights)
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunblock, sunglasses, hat
Personal medication
Small backpack for day use
Camera/phone for photos
A detailed packing list will be shared before departure.
Yes, we can help you customize the itinerary, add days, or organize private trips before or after the festival. Whether you want to go hiking, explore Hunza, or visit Lahore, we’re happy to arrange it.
