17-Day Kuksil Valley Ski Tour in Hunza via Khunjerab National Park

17 Days Round trip from Islamabad airport Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Kuksil Valley near Khunjerab Pass in Gilgit-Baltistan
02 Ski across untouched high-altitude snowfields suited to experienced adventurers
03 Reach base camp via the Karakoram Highway and a 3-4-hour trek
04 Venture into Khunjerab National Park with access arranged through a required NOC
05 Discover climbing opportunities on peaks below and above 6,500 meters

Explore the remote alpine beauty of Kuksil Valley near Khunjerab Pass on a ski mountaineering adventure in Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region. This high-altitude area offers untouched snowfields, challenging climbing routes, and access to notable peaks including Kuksil 5, Jackey Chhish, and Chapchingol Sar. Reached via the Karakoram Highway and a trek to base camp, the valley is best suited to experienced backcountry skiers and climbers prepared for a self-supported expedition. Set within Khunjerab National Park, the journey combines wilderness, altitude, and serious adventure in one of the Karakoram's lesser-visited regions.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 17 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Islamabad, Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu, Besham

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Fly to Islamabad

Fly to Pakistan, Islamabad.

Day 02

Arrival in Islamabad and Hotel Transfer

Arrival in Islamabad.
Transfer to the hotel.

Day 03

Fly to Gilgit or Skardu and Continue to Gilgit

Fly to Gilgit or Skardu.
Drive to Gilgit.

Day 04

Drive to Karimabad in Hunza

Drive to Karimabad, Hunza.
Hotel stay.

Day 05

Free Day in Karimabad

Free day in Karimabad.

Day 06

Drive to Kuksil Check Post and Trek to Base Camp

Drive on the KKH to Kuksil Police Check Post.
Trek for 4-5 hours to base camp.

Day 07

Climbing and Ski Activities at Base Camp

Climbing and ski activities.

Day 08

Climbing and Ski Activities at Base Camp

Climbing and ski activities.

Day 09

Climbing and Ski Activities at Base Camp

Climbing and ski activities.

Day 10

Climbing and Ski Activities at Base Camp

Climbing and ski activities.

Day 11

Climbing and Ski Activities at Base Camp

Climbing and ski activities.

Day 12

Climbing and Ski Activities at Base Camp

Climbing and ski activities.

Day 13

Climbing and Ski Activities at Base Camp

Climbing and ski activities.

Day 14

Trek Down to the KKH and Return to Karimabad

Trek down to the KKH.
Drive to Karimabad.
Hotel stay.

Day 15

Drive to Gilgit or Besham

Drive to Gilgit or Besham.

Day 16

Continue to Islamabad

Continue to Islamabad by road.

Day 17

Departure from Islamabad

Departure from Islamabad.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Islamabad airport 5 cities · 17 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Full-board services from Islamabad Airport to Islamabad Airport drop-off according to the itinerary.
Included NOC fee and other pollution fees, entry fees, camping gear, food during the camps, meals in the hotel, accommodation, transportation, and related services.

What's Not Included

Insurance: Travel, medical, and high-altitude emergency rescue insurance (including helicopter evacuation coverage up to 6,000 meters) is mandatory and must be purchased separately by each participant.
International airfares: International flights to and from Pakistan are not included.
Visa fees: Pakistani tourist visa application fees and processing costs.
Personal gear and equipment: Personal mountaineering and hiking equipment, including trekking poles, sturdy broken-in boots, sub-zero sleeping bags, and cold-weather apparel layers.
Personal expenses: Laundry services, bottled water, soft drinks, energy bars, and personal snacks purchased along the trail.
Gratuities: Tips for the mountain guide, local trek leaders, camp cooks, and supporting porters.
Contingency costs: Any extra hotel nights, meals, or transport charges in Islamabad or Chilas caused by international flight delays, weather-related domestic flight groundings, or early descents.

What to bring

Personal mountaineering and hiking equipment.
Trekking poles.
Sturdy, broken-in boots.
Sub-zero sleeping bags.
Cold-weather apparel layers.

Know before you go

This area is in an open zone and falls within Khunjerab National Park, so an NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the local authorities is required and can be obtained within 2-3 days.
Peaks below 6,500 meters do not require a climbing permit, but those above this height do.
Access to Kuksil Valley typically involves traveling along the Karakoram Highway to Sost, followed by a short drive and a 3-4-hour trek to base camp.
The prime skiing season in Gilgit-Baltistan spans from mid-December to early March, when snow conditions are most favorable. April-May is normally also a good period to ski here.
The optimal climbing seasons are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), offering milder weather and clearer skies. Winter months (November to March) are generally avoided due to heavy snowfall and extreme cold.

Logistics