Guide
Islamabad to Chitral by Car With Driver: Lowari Tunnel, Kalash Valleys and Spots
Chitral sits under the Hindu Kush, with ancient forts, polo grounds and the Kalash valleys. The Lowari Tunnel has made the journey from Islamabad easier, but it is still a long mountain day.
Last updated: · SAAD CAR RENTAL SERVICES
The short answer
The route
From Islamabad follow the M-1 and the Malakand road to Chakdara, then Timergara and Dir, through the Lowari Tunnel to Drosh and Chitral. The road can have landslides after rain.
Places to visit
Kalash culture has festivals through the year. Dates vary, so ask local guides, and be respectful of local customs and photography rules.
- Chitral Fort and the Shahi Mosque.
- The Kalash valleys of Bumburet, Rumbur and Birir, reached by rough roads.
- Garam Chashma, a hot spring area.
- Chitral bazaar and the river views.
Where to stay
Chitral and the Kalash valleys have guesthouses and hotels, from simple rooms to comfortable stays. We are an independent car with driver service, not a hotel agent: confirm rooms and rates with the hotel.
Best time to go
May to October is the main season. Winter snow and the Lowari Pass can disrupt travel, so check conditions.
Visiting Chitral from abroad or as an overseas Pakistani
SAAD CAR RENTAL SERVICES is based in G-11 Markaz, Islamabad, and provides every vehicle with an experienced professional driver, for families, groups, visitors from abroad and overseas Pakistanis. Send your flight details and we plan the pickup at Islamabad Airport, then the whole Chitral trip with the same driver. If you are not a Pakistani citizen, check the current visa, permit and travel advisory rules for your nationality and the areas you will enter before you book.
Visit Pakistan with a driver → · Overseas Pakistanis → · Airport pickup →
Book a car with driver for Chitral
Choose your car below and press Book to open the booking form with your trip filled in, or send your date, pickup point and passengers on WhatsApp. We reply with the vehicle and a quote before you travel. Every booking includes a professional driver who stays with you for the whole trip.
Choose your car for Chitral and book directly
Every car comes with a professional driver. Press Book to open the booking form with the car and the trip already filled in.
PradoA comfortable, capable SUV that suits families, business trips and city-to-city journeysFamily travel · Northern areas · Long-distance tripsBook Prado with driver
Land Cruiser V8 2018 ModelA premium full-size SUV for comfort on long drives, weddings and executive travelNorthern areas · Family travel · VIP / executiveBook Land Cruiser V8 2018 Model with driver
Toyota FortunerA practical seven-seat SUV for families, airport pickups, hill roads and intercity journeysFamily travel · Northern areas · Long-distance tripsBook Toyota Fortuner with driver
RevoA rugged double-cabin pickup for tougher roads, adventure routes and luggage-heavy tripsAdventure routes · Northern areas · Mountain roadsBook Revo with driver- Real photos on request
Ask us on WhatsAppCoasterA group vehicle for families, tours, events and wedding guests (available on request)Group travel · Family groups · Corporate groupsBook Coaster with driver
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive from Islamabad to Chitral in one day?
It is very long. Plan an overnight stop.
Which car is best for Chitral and Kalash?
A 4x4 SUV for the rough valley roads. A Coaster suits groups.
Is the Lowari Tunnel open all year?
Typically yes, but weather can cause closures. Ask us for the latest status.
Do visitors from abroad need permits?
Check the current permit and advisory rules for your nationality before you book.
Can the driver stay with us in the valleys?
Yes. The same driver stays for the whole trip.
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Tell us your plan, get a quote
Call, WhatsApp or send the booking form with your pickup, destination and dates.