Kasavir Trek

from

$1,000

Kasavir Trek in Chitral Gol National Park delivers breathtaking natural beauty and an opportunity to see incredible species such as Markhor and snow leopards, depending on the season.

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Vacation Style Holiday Type

Camping, Climbing, Guided, Hiking, Trekking
Activity Level Moderate
3/8
Group Size Medium Group
20

All about the Kasavir Trek.

Kasavir Trek : In the center of Chitral Gol, an area in northern Pakistan famed for its extraordinary wildlife and natural beauty, sits Kasavir, a mesmerizing and easily accessible destination. Originally the Mehtar’s hunting lodge, this region has been transformed into a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts hoping to witness the gorgeous Markhor and, during the right time of year, catch a glimpse of the elusive snow leopards.

Beginning with a trip through the untamed wilderness of Chitral Gol, the journey to Kasavir gives travelers the chance to immerse themselves in tranquil and unspoiled natural settings. This walk offers a sense of adventure and a connection with nature in addition to being visually spectacular.

An overnight excursion to Kasavir is strongly advised for anyone looking for a genuinely immersive experience. The Markhor, with their unique spiral horns, are most active and easily observable during the dusk and dawn hours. The location of Kasavir makes it possible to observe these magnificent animals in their natural environment.

The word “Kasavir” is a translation of “a sanctuary for hunting” from the indigenous Kalashamun language. Despite the fact that hunting is not currently authorized in this area, Kasavir’s name honors its historical significance as a hunting area.

The seasonal variation in wildlife sightings in Kasavir is one of the area’s most impressive features. Visitors can see Markhor grazing on the rocks above Kasavir in the spring and early summer. Astonishing in appearance, these sure-footed herbivores attract viewers with their quick movements.

Kasavir also exhibits snow leopards in the winter and early spring. There have been reports of sightings of these secretive, critically endangered big cats in the region. Kasavir is a location where the fantasy of seeing a snow leopard in the wild can come true. Spotting one in the wild is a rare and thrilling event.

Kasavir stands for the effective conservation efforts in the Chitral Gol area, which have given these extraordinary species a place to call home. It is evidence of the value of preserving biodiversity and safeguarding the natural habitats of Pakistan’s amazing animals.

Kasavir offers an amazing journey for people who are passionate about wildlife, adventure, and the breathtaking beauty of nature. It is an opportunity to see some of the most magnificent animals in the world in their natural habitat and to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of preserving and safeguarding these priceless species for future generations. Kasavir is a place that makes an imprint that lasts, inspiring amazement and astonishment for the natural world’s treasures.

Day 01 Chaghbini to Kasavir

Chaghbini, the area beneath a massive cedar tree below the inspection and watcher home (whose top was severed by a lightning strike), means ”place where there is always shade.” Birmogh Lasht and Chaghbini offer stunning vistas that span practically the entire horizon. To the north is Tirich Mir, to the east is Buni Zom, and to the southeast is the sheer rock summit of Ghariet.

From the rest stop (2925m), go west along a track through a coniferous forest that runs along the south side of the ridge. There are two ways to get to Kasavir at the trail’s blatant northward curve. The cedar and Chilghoza pine forests, as well as a few hollies, oaks, and junipers, provide shade for both paths. Kasavir can be reached in two hours through a steep trail that spectacularly descends a lateral hill, but you’ll need a game watcher to direct you. Alternately, you can take the more drawn-out but steady trail that descends the Ishperudeh Nala. Ishperudeh, after the light-colored cliffs above, meaning ”white place.” Continue traveling north from the bend, crossing a spring after 15 minutes, and coming across the Ishperudeh Nala after another 15 minutes. Cross the river, then go down the bank.

If you take the route taken by game watchers, as you get closer to Kasavir, you pass past abandoned apple and walnut orchards and bridge two canals above the left bank of the Chitral Gol. For a decent area to ford the Chitral Gol, head upstream a short way to Kasavir (2195m), the location of the now-decrepit hunting bungalow of the former Mehtar of Chitral, Saif Ul mulk Nasir. Cross the Ishperudeh Nala.

Mroi Lodini (the Markhor observation site), a prominent rock outcrop seen from Chaghbini, is a short ascent above Kasavir. Climb Mroi Lodini to get a better view of the grassy plateau and the steep cliffs above, which are across the river to the west. Markhor is typically visible at dusk. Mroi is a general name for Markhor, but Shahrah and Majher are used to describe adult males and females, respectively, in Markhor.
Day 02 Kasavir to Chaghbini

Start early to limit the amount of time you spend ascending in the heat because the ascent from Kasavir is steep and hot. The best option is to take the more gradual, straightforward Ishperudeh Nala trek.

Alternative finish: Kasavir to booster

An alternative approach follows the Chitral Gol downstream, taking two hours to reach Merin (1980 m), and another hour to reach the booster. However, high water in June and July renders this path impassable (see Merin under other treks).

Alternatively route: Kasavir to Chaghbini

You can complete a round by traveling from Gokhshal back to Chaghbini. But going to Gokhshal first, then Kasavir in an anticlockwise loop, is significantly simpler.
Alternatively Day 02 Kasavir to Gokhshal

To get to Kushunisuk, cross the river to the grassy Kasavir Lasht (plain), then follow a trail to the top of the canyon. Then proceed 15 minutes further via an exposed and constrained track along the ridge overlooking the gorge before descending 30 to 45 minutes to the northwest to reach Gokhshal (2650m).
Alternatively Day 03 Gokhshal to Chaghbini

Follow the trail along the south-facing side of the ridge at the head of the Ishperudeh stream from Chaghbini (2925m), passing a spring. (Avoid the ridge top trail, which connects to the simpler trail described here after a class 3 traverse across a rock face.) When you reach the stony Ishperudeh ridge, turn up a green slope. The pass, which is the lowest point, is a tiny gap south of a bigger, higher saddle. Two hours from Chaghbini, take a cattle trail (used by cows) up, passing the intersection with the class 3 road on the right. In another 45 to 60 minutes, you’ll arrive at Gokhshal An (3720m), where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Buni Zom and the Lowari pass.

Reach the softer vegetated slopes 30 minutes below by carefully descending over steep, loose gravel switchbacks. After 10 to 15 minutes, pass a small spring, cross two small, clear streams, and then continue on the route above the true right bank of the second stream. After fifteen minutes, instead of continuing into the open forest, bridge a second tiny creek and proceed along its true right bank. In 30 minutes, get to the valley level. In another 30 minutes, follow the route along the true left bank of the Gokhshal stream to the tin-roofed game-watchers’ home at Gokhshal (2650m). Walnut trees and a spring close to willows are nearby. The property is situated near a boulder area covered in a pine forest in an incredible amphitheater-like rocky gorge. Sadly, there are cows nearby grazing, so the grass is all gone and there are poo mounds under the trees.

Package Confirmed Dates	Trip Status Trip Status	Price (PP) Excluding Flights	Price (PP) Including Flights
June 12, 2025 - June 19, 2025	Guaranteed	$1,000	N/A	Book Now