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11 Days · Islamabad to Islamabad · Private Tour

Hunza & Skardu Tour: 11 Days in Gilgit-Baltistan

Travel the legendary Karakoram Highway, stand at the 4,693m Khunjerab Pass, and explore Hunza, Skardu and Khaplu with local guides who were born in these valleys. A complete Northern Pakistan journey for travelers from around the world.

Duration

11 Days / 10 Nights

Start & End

Islamabad

Best Season

April – October

Max Altitude

4,693m Khunjerab

Tour Type

Private / Small Group

Tour Overview

Discover Hunza and Skardu with Local Experts

The Hunza and Skardu tour is our most complete journey through Gilgit-Baltistan, the mountain heart of Northern Pakistan. Over 11 days you travel from Islamabad along the Karakoram Highway, one of the most spectacular roads on earth, into a land of 7,000m peaks, turquoise lakes, ancient forts and some of the warmest hospitality you will find anywhere.

In Hunza Valley you will see Attabad Lake, the Passu Cones, Gulmit and the historic Baltit and Altit Forts, then continue to the Khunjerab Pass on the Pakistan-China border. In Skardu and Baltistan the landscape changes to wide valleys and alpine lakes, with Shangrila Lake, Upper Kachura Lake, Khaplu Fort and the 14th-century Chaqchan Mosque. The journey ends in Chilas, beneath Nanga Parbat, before returning to Islamabad.

This Northern Pakistan tour package is designed for international travelers, couples and families who want to see the best of Gilgit-Baltistan in one trip, without trekking. It runs as a private tour, so dates, hotels and pace can be adjusted to suit you.

Hunza Valley with Karakoram mountains

Tour Highlights

Day-by-Day Plan

Hunza Skardu Tour Itinerary

A carefully paced 11-day route with private transport, comfortable hotels and a local English-speaking guide throughout.

Day 1

Arrival in Islamabad

Welcome to Pakistan! Our team meets you at Islamabad International Airport and transfers you to your hotel. After resting from your flight, enjoy a relaxed sightseeing tour of Islamabad, including Faisal Mosque and the Daman-e-Koh viewpoint over the Margalla Hills. Overnight in Islamabad.

Day 2

Islamabad to Besham via the Karakoram Highway

An early start takes us onto the Karakoram Highway through Abbottabad, Mansehra, Shinkiari and Thakot, with relaxed stops along the way. The drive takes around 7 to 8 hours and follows the Indus River into the mountains. Overnight in Besham.

Day 3

Besham to Gilgit via Chilas

We continue north along the Indus gorge through Chilas and past the meeting point of three great mountain ranges: the Karakoram, the Himalaya and the Hindu Kush. We arrive in Gilgit in the evening. Overnight in Gilgit.

Day 4

Gilgit Sightseeing and Drive to Hunza

After breakfast we explore Gilgit, including the ancient Kargah Buddha rock carving, which links the region to its Buddhist past. In the afternoon we drive around 3 hours to Hunza Valley, with views of Rakaposhi on the way. Evening in Karimabad. Overnight in Hunza.

Day 5

Hunza Valley and Khunjerab Pass

A full day of excursions in Upper Hunza (Gojal). We visit Attabad Lake, Gulmit, the Passu Cones and Hussaini Suspension Bridge, then drive through Khunjerab National Park to the Khunjerab Pass at 4,693m, the highest paved border crossing in the world. We return via Sust. Overnight in Hunza.

Day 6

Hunza to Skardu

After breakfast we leave Hunza for Skardu, the gateway to Baltistan. This is a full-day drive along the Indus and Skardu roads with dramatic canyon scenery. On arrival, check in to the hotel. Overnight in Skardu.

Day 7

Shangrila Lake and Upper Kachura Lake

A full day around Skardu. We visit Shangrila Resort and its famous Lower Kachura Lake, then walk to the crystal-clear Upper Kachura Lake surrounded by forest and mountains. Afternoon at leisure or a visit to Skardu town. Overnight in Skardu.

Day 8

Khaplu Fort and Chaqchan Mosque

Today we drive to Khaplu Valley to see Khaplu Fort, a beautifully restored royal palace, and the Chaqchan Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Baltistan. Later we explore the local bazaars for handicrafts, dried apricots and souvenirs. Overnight in Skardu.

Day 9

Skardu to Chilas

We drive from Skardu to Chilas, the capital of Diamer District. Along the way we enjoy views of the mighty Nanga Parbat (8,126m), known as the Killer Mountain, and a beautiful sunset over the valley. Overnight in Chilas.

Day 10

Chilas to Islamabad

A long, scenic drive back to Islamabad, arriving in the evening. Farewell dinner with our team. Overnight in Islamabad.

Day 11

Departure

After breakfast we transfer you to Islamabad International Airport for your onward flight, with wonderful memories of Gilgit-Baltistan. Khuda Hafiz, until next time!

What’s Included

Not Included

Photo Gallery

Hunza and Skardu in Pictures

Shangrila Resort Lake, Skardu, Baltistan
Upper Kachura Lake, Skardu
Attabad Lake in Hunza Valley, Pakistan

Why Pakistan Tours and Treks

Travel with a Local Gilgit-Baltistan Team

Locally Owned

Born and raised in Nagar and Hunza, our team knows every valley, road and season.

English-Speaking Guides

Friendly local guides who share the history, culture and stories behind each place.

Fully Customizable

Change the dates, hotels, pace or route. Every private tour is planned around you.

Support Before and During

Quick replies on WhatsApp and email, from first question to final airport drop.

Good to Know

Hunza Skardu Tour FAQs

Do I need a visa to visit Pakistan?

Most international travelers need a Pakistan tourist visa, which you can apply for online through the official Pakistan Online Visa System. Once you book, we can share your confirmed itinerary and hotel details to support your application.

Is Gilgit-Baltistan safe for foreign tourists?

Gilgit-Baltistan is widely regarded as one of the most peaceful and welcoming regions of Pakistan, and it receives thousands of international visitors every year. Throughout the tour you travel with our local guide and an experienced driver who know the region well.

What is the best time for the Hunza Skardu tour?

The best time is from April to October. April brings cherry and apricot blossoms, June to August is warm and green, and October is famous for golden autumn colors. The Khunjerab Pass is usually open to visitors from May to November.

How fit do I need to be?

No trekking is required. The tour involves long scenic drives and short, easy walks, so it suits most travelers, families and couples. Let us know about any health needs and we will plan around them.

Will altitude be a problem?

Most nights are spent between 1,500m and 2,500m. The highest point is the Khunjerab Pass at 4,693m, which you visit for a short time only. Drink plenty of water, move slowly at the top, and tell your guide if you feel unwell.

Can the itinerary be shortened or customized?

Yes. As a private tour, you can change the length, hotels and places. To save time you can also fly between Islamabad and Skardu or Gilgit, although mountain flights depend on the weather.

Ready to Explore Hunza and Skardu?

Tell us your travel dates and group size. We will send a personalized itinerary and price within 24 hours.