Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan
The Hunza Valley is the friendliest introduction to northern Pakistan: ancient forts, turquoise Attabad Lake, the Passu Cones and the Karakoram Highway to the China border, all at a gentle, scenic pace.
Hunza is where most first-time visitors fall for northern Pakistan. The valley is green and terraced, ringed by Rakaposhi (7,788 m) and Ultar Sar, and the people are famously warm to foreign guests.
This tour is comfortable rather than strenuous. You sleep in hotels and guesthouses, take short walks to viewpoints and forts, and drive one of the world's great mountain roads. It suits couples, families and anyone who wants big mountains without a hard trek.
Day 1
Airport pickup, trip briefing and overnight in Islamabad.
Day 2
Drive the Karakoram Highway with a stop at Nanga Parbat viewpoints.
Day 3
Continue to Karimabad, the heart of the Hunza Valley.
Day 4
Baltit and Altit forts, Karimabad bazaar and sunset at Eagle's Nest.
Day 5
Attabad Lake boating, Passu Cones and the Hussaini bridge.
Day 6
Day trip to the highest paved border crossing in the world (4,693 m).
Day 7 to 9
Drive back over two days with scenic stops, or add Fairy Meadows.
Characterful hotels and guesthouses in Karimabad and along the route, chosen for views, comfort and hospitality.
Local Hunza cuisine and standard traveller fare. Fresh apricots, walnuts and mulberries in season.
Easy. Short walks to forts and viewpoints only. Suitable for most ages and fitness levels, including families.
Foreign visitors need a Pakistan tourist visa. No special trekking permit is required for this road-based tour; Khunjerab National Park fees are included.
Hunza is one of the safest and most welcoming regions in Pakistan. Our guide handles all logistics and the Karakoram Highway is driven by experienced local drivers.
Read our altitude and safety guide and is Pakistan safe for foreign trekkers.
Yes. Hunza is among the safest, most hospitable regions in Pakistan and is very used to foreign visitors. Our team manages transport, hotels and logistics throughout.
April to October. Spring brings blossom, summer is green and mild, and autumn turns the valley gold. Winter is beautiful but cold with some road closures.
Eight to ten days from Islamabad gives a relaxed trip covering central and upper Hunza plus the Khunjerab Pass. Shorter visits are possible if you fly to Gilgit.
Yes. The trip includes a day at Khunjerab Pass (4,693 m), the highest paved border crossing in the world, at the Pakistan to China frontier.
Very. It is road-based with short walks, comfortable hotels and gentle altitude, making it one of our most family-friendly tours.
This tour pairs the orchards and forts of Hunza with the alpine meadows below Nanga Parbat (8,126 m). It is the most popular way to see the highlights of northern Pakistan in a single journey.
The Rakaposhi base camp trek climbs from Minapin to the meadow of Hapakun and the base camp beneath Rakaposhi (7,788 m) and Diran, one of the best short treks in northern Pakistan.
