Pakistan · Festival

10-Day Hunza Ice Hockey Festival Tour through the Karakoram Highway

10 Days Round trip from Islamabad Arrival Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Experience the Hunza Ice Hockey Festival with thrilling matches, skating shows, and cultural performances
02 Explore Upper Hunza's winter scenery at frozen Attabad Lake, Passu Cones, and Hussaini Suspension Bridge
03 Discover ancient forts, rock carvings, and mountain viewpoints along the Karakoram Highway
04 Enjoy traditional Hunza cuisine, local crafts, folk culture, and bonfire evenings under the stars

Join this 10-day winter journey through Pakistan to experience the Hunza Ice Hockey Festival against the majestic Karakoram peaks. Travel along the scenic Karakoram Highway, visit historical landmarks and mountain viewpoints, and enjoy local culture through music, food, and crafts. Watch ice hockey matches on frozen lakes, explore Upper Hunza's dramatic landscapes including Attabad Lake, Passu Cones, and Hussaini Suspension Bridge, and spend memorable evenings around bonfires under the stars. This tour blends adventure, culture, and natural beauty in an unforgettable winter experience.

Join this 10-day winter journey through Pakistan to experience the Hunza Ice Hockey Festival against the majestic Karakoram peaks.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 10 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Islamabad, Abbottabad, Taxila, Gilgit, Hunza, Chilas, Besham

Languages English, Urdu

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Islamabad and City Sightseeing

Arrive at Islamabad International Airport and meet the local representative.
Transfer to the hotel for check-in and refreshments.
Enjoy an afternoon sightseeing tour including Shah Faisal Mosque, Daman-e-Koh Viewpoint, and Lok Virsa Museum.
Attend an evening orientation and welcome dinner with a briefing on the Hunza Ice Hockey Festival.

Overnight stay in Islamabad (540 m).

Day 02

Islamabad to Besham via the Karakoram Highway

Have breakfast at the hotel and depart early along the Karakoram Highway.
Stop for photography at Taxila Valley and Indus River viewpoints.
Arrive in Besham by evening and check in at the hotel for dinner and rest.

Overnight stay in Besham (800 m).

Day 03

Besham to Gilgit through the Upper Indus Valley

After breakfast, continue the journey through the upper Indus Valley via Dasu, Komila, and Chilas.
Stop at Shatial Rock Carvings, Nanga Parbat Viewpoint, and the junction of the Karakoram, Himalaya, and Hindu Kush ranges.
Arrive in Gilgit by evening for dinner and an overnight stay.

Overnight stay in Gilgit (1,500 m).

Day 04

Gilgit to Hunza Valley and Karimabad

Have breakfast and drive along the Hunza River towards the scenic Hunza Valley.
Enjoy stops at Rakaposhi View Point and explore Altit and Baltit Forts in Karimabad.
Stroll through the local bazaar before check-in at the hotel.
Spend the evening at leisure with stunning views of snow-covered peaks.

Overnight stay in Hunza (2,400 m).

Day 05

Hunza Ice Hockey Festival Experience

Attend the Hunza Ice Hockey Festival held at Altit or Attabad Lake, depending on ice conditions.
Enjoy the opening ceremony, ice hockey matches, skating shows, and cultural performances.
Explore festival bazaars featuring Hunza cuisine and crafts.
Gather around bonfires and enjoy musical evenings under the stars.

Overnight stays in Hunza (2,400 m).

Day 06

Upper Hunza Excursion

Have breakfast and depart for a full-day excursion to Upper Hunza.
Visit the frozen Attabad Lake, Passu Cones, and Hussaini Suspension Bridge.
Enjoy lunch at a lakeside café before returning to Karimabad by evening.

Overnight stay in Hunza.

Day 07

Hunza to Chilas

After breakfast, depart for Chilas with a stop at Gilgit Bridge and the local bazaar.
Continue along the Indus River valley and arrive in Chilas for dinner and rest.

Overnight stay in Chilas (1,200 m).

Day 08

Chilas to Islamabad

Depart early in the morning for Islamabad via Besham and Abbottabad.
Enjoy short breaks for refreshments and photographs along the route.
Arrive in Islamabad for a farewell dinner featuring northern cuisine.

Overnight stay in Islamabad.

Day 09

Departure from Islamabad

Breakfast at the hotel followed by free time for shopping or relaxation.
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for departure.
End of tour services.

Where this trip takes you

Attabad Lake, Passu Cones, Hussaini Suspension Bridge, Baltit Fort

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Islamabad Arrival 7 cities · 10 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transportation throughout the trip
Accommodation for the entire tour duration
Meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Sightseeing and entry fees
Professional tour guide throughout the journey

What's Not Included

Tips and gratuities
Personal expenses and shopping
Any service not mentioned in the inclusions

What to bring

Thermal layers, fleece jacket, and insulated outerwear
Waterproof down jacket or parka
Woollen cap, scarf, gloves, and warm socks
Comfortable hiking or snow boots
Sunglasses with UV protection
Light indoor wear and extra warm footwear
Sunscreen and lip balm for cold, dry air
Personal toiletries and towel
Refillable water bottle or insulated flask
Small daypack for excursions
Basic first aid kit and personal medicines
Power bank and universal travel adapter
Camera or smartphone with extra storage
Trekking poles for icy paths
Hand and foot warmers
Snacks or energy bars
Journal or notebook
Small thermos for warm drinks

Know before you go

January is midwinter, with temperatures from -10°C to +5°C in Hunza.
Snowfall and icy roads are common; flexibility in travel plans is required.
Layered and waterproof clothing is essential.
The maximum altitude is about 2,800 metres.
Mild altitude symptoms such as fatigue may occur.
Stay hydrated and avoid overexertion.
The Karakoram Highway offers scenic but winding routes.
Winter conditions may delay travel times.
Vehicles are equipped for cold weather.
The festival schedule may vary with weather and ice conditions.
Events take place on frozen lakes; wear suitable footwear and warm gear.
Respect local customs and engage positively with residents.
Selected hotels ensure comfort and warmth, though remote facilities may be basic.
Electricity and internet may be limited during severe weather.
Dress modestly and seek permission before photographing locals.
Alcohol is restricted in most areas.
Comprehensive travel insurance is advised.
Follow guide instructions during all activities.
Keep valuables and documents secure, and carry copies of IDs.