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14 Days · April to October · Private or Group

Gilgit-Baltistan Tour: 14 Days Across Northern Pakistan

From the Silk Road valleys of Hunza to the lakes of Skardu, the royal palace of Khaplu and the high Deosai Plains, this is the most complete journey through Gilgit-Baltistan, guided by locals who call these mountains home.

Duration

14 Days / 13 Nights

Start & End

Islamabad

Best Season

April – October

Max Altitude

4,693m Khunjerab

Tour Type

Private, Couple or Group

Tour Overview

Explore the Whole of Gilgit-Baltistan in One Journey

Gilgit-Baltistan is the far north of Pakistan, where the Karakoram, the Western Himalaya and the Hindu Kush meet. It borders China to the north and is home to five of the world’s fourteen 8,000m peaks, including K2 and Nanga Parbat, as well as some of the longest glaciers outside the polar regions.

Our 14-day Gilgit-Baltistan tour package follows the ancient Silk Road, today the Karakoram Highway, into Hunza Valley and up to the Khunjerab Pass. We then cross to Skardu and Baltistan to explore Khaplu Palace, the 14th-century Chaqchan Mosque, Shigar Valley and its cold desert, before returning via the Deosai Plains and Astore Valley, with views of Nanga Parbat on the way.

This is our most comprehensive Northern Pakistan tour, ideal for travelers who want to understand the region’s cultures, from the Burusho and Wakhi people of Hunza to the Balti people of Baltistan. It runs as a private tour for couples and families, or as a small group, and every day can be adjusted to your interests.

Attabad Lake in Hunza Valley, Pakistan

Tour Highlights

Day-by-Day Plan

Gilgit-Baltistan Tour Itinerary

A 14-day route through Hunza, Skardu, Khaplu, Shigar and Astore with private transport and a local English-speaking guide.

Day 1

Arrival in Islamabad

Our representative meets you at Islamabad International Airport and transfers you to your hotel. Rest after your flight, then a short introduction to your journey. Overnight in Islamabad.

Day 2

Islamabad to Chilas

We drive around 8 hours through the Kaghan Valley and over the Babusar Pass, or along the Karakoram Highway when the pass is closed. Overnight in Chilas.

Day 3

Chilas to Gilgit

Along the Indus River we see Nanga Parbat from the Karakoram Highway and stop at the meeting point of the Karakoram, Himalaya and Hindu Kush. Afternoon in Gilgit city and the Kargah Buddha. Overnight in Gilgit.

Day 4

Gilgit to Karimabad, Hunza

A 3-hour drive into Hunza Valley with a stop at the Rakaposhi viewpoint. Afternoon walk in the old village of Karimabad at 2,440m. Overnight in Hunza.

Day 5

Hunza Forts and Villages

We visit Baltit Fort and Altit Fort, explore the terraced villages and orchards and enjoy sunset from a viewpoint above the valley. Overnight in Hunza.

Day 6

Khunjerab Pass Excursion

Past Attabad Lake, Gulmit and the Passu Cones, we drive through Khunjerab National Park to the Khunjerab Pass at 4,693m on the China border. Return to Hunza. Overnight in Hunza.

Day 7

Hunza to Skardu

A scenic drive of around 7 hours from Hunza to Skardu along the Indus gorge into Baltistan. Overnight in Skardu.

Day 8

Skardu Sightseeing

Explore Skardu at 2,230m: Kharpocho Fort, Shangrila Lake and Upper Kachura Lake. Overnight in Skardu.

Day 9

Skardu to Khaplu

A 2 to 3-hour drive along the Shyok River to Khaplu. Visit Khaplu Palace, a beautifully restored royal residence, and the Chaqchan Mosque. Overnight in Khaplu.

Day 10

Khaplu Valley

A slow day in Khaplu at 2,600m, walking through villages, apricot orchards and viewpoints over the Shyok Valley and the Masherbrum range. Overnight in Khaplu.

Day 11

Khaplu to Skardu via Shigar

We visit Shigar Valley, the historic Shigar Fort and the sand dunes of the Sarfaranga cold desert before returning to Skardu. Overnight in Skardu.

Day 12

Skardu to Astore via Deosai

A 4×4 journey across the Deosai Plains, one of the highest plateaus in the world, with Sheosar Lake, wildflowers and wide mountain views, then down into Astore Valley. Overnight in Astore.

Day 13

Astore to Islamabad

A long drive of around 9 to 10 hours back to Islamabad. Farewell dinner with our team. Overnight in Islamabad.

Day 14

Departure

Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your flight home, with memories of the whole of Gilgit-Baltistan.

What’s Included

Not Included

Photo Gallery

Gilgit-Baltistan 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

Gilgit-Baltistan Tour FAQs

What is the best time to visit Gilgit-Baltistan?

April to October is best. The Deosai Plains and Babusar Pass are usually open from around June to September, while Hunza and Skardu can be visited from spring to late autumn.

Can this tour be shortened?

Yes. We can create a 7 to 10-day version focused on Hunza and Skardu, or add flights between Islamabad and Gilgit or Skardu to save time, weather permitting.

Do I need to be fit for this tour?

No trekking is required. The tour includes long scenic drives and short walks, so it suits most travelers. Tell us about any health needs and we will plan around them.

What languages are spoken in Gilgit-Baltistan?

Local languages include Burushaski, Wakhi, Shina and Balti, while Urdu is widely understood. Our guides speak English and translate throughout the trip.

Do I need a visa to visit Pakistan?

Most international travelers need a Pakistan tourist visa, which can be applied 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 receives many international visitors every year. You travel with our local guide and an experienced driver throughout.

Discover All of Gilgit-Baltistan

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