14-Day Gappa Valley Ski Adventure with Hunza Backcountry Journey

14 Days Round trip from Islamabad International Airport (ISB) Hard pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Backcountry and ski-touring adventure in Gappa Valley
02 Snow-covered alpine meadows, forests, and glaciers
03 Spectacular views of the Karakoram
04 Remote and uncrowded winter environment
05 Local mountain culture and hospitality
06 Adventure skiing for experienced participants

Gappa Valley, near Chalt in Nagar District, is an emerging winter adventure destination for ski touring and backcountry skiing. Surrounded by snow-covered mountains, alpine meadows, forests, and glaciers, it offers an off-the-beaten-track ski experience in the peaceful mountains of Nagar. This 14-day journey combines remote skiing in Gappa Valley with time in Gilgit, Karimabad, Passu, Chilas, and Islamabad. The suitable period for this ski trip is normally from the end of February to mid-April, with March usually being the best time.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 14 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Hard

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu, Chilas

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Fly to Islamabad, Pakistan

Flight: Fly to Islamabad - PAKISTAN.

Day 02

Arrival in Islamabad and Rawalpindi Sightseeing

Arrival: Arrive at Islamabad Airport and transfer to the hotel.
Sightseeing: In the remaining time, enjoy sightseeing in Islamabad and Rawalpindi before returning to the hotel.

Day 03

Fly to Skardu and Drive to Gilgit

Flight: Fly to Skardu on an approximately 1-hour flight.
Drive: Then drive to Gilgit, which takes around 4-5 hours.
Overnight: Arrive in Gilgit and stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 04

Preparation or Rest Day in Gilgit

Preparation or rest day: Spend the day in Gilgit preparing for the ski adventure or resting.

Day 05

4x4 Transfer to Base Camp

4x4 drive: Travel by 4x4 jeeps to the campsite/base camp, depending on the road conditions at that time. The drive takes around 3-4 hours.
Walk: There may be a 1-2 hour walk if the road is blocked due to snow.
Overnight: Overnight stay in tents.

Day 06

Hike and Ski Around Camp

Hike & Ski: Hike up and ski around the tent area.

Day 07

Backcountry Skiing and Hiking

Hike & Ski: Hike up and ski around the tent area.

Day 08

Another Day of Hike and Ski

Hike & Ski: Hike up and ski around the tent area.

Day 09

Descend to KKH and Continue to Karimabad

Drive: Drive down by 4x4 jeeps to KKH (Karakorum Highway).
Transfer: Then transfer to the main vehicle and continue to Karimabad, Hunza.

Day 10

Explore Karimabad and Duikar

Visit: Enjoy a full-day visit to the forts, bazaars, and Duikar.
Walk: Walk around the area.
Overnight: Overnight stay at a hotel in Karimabad.

Day 11

Drive to Passu via Hunza Valley Highlights

Drive: Drive to Passu.
Visit (en route): Ruby mine.
Visit (en route): Rock carving.
Visit (en route): Attabad Lake.
Visit (en route): Gulmit village and museum.
Visit (en route): Hussaini suspension bridge.
Visit (en route): Borith Lake.
Visit: Passu Village.
Visit: Passu suspension bridge and walk around.
Overnight: Overnight stay at a hotel in Passu.

Day 12

Drive to Chilas on the Karakorum Highway

Drive: Drive to Chilas on KKH and continue to the hotel.

Day 13

Return Drive to Islamabad

Drive: Continue to Islamabad and transfer to the hotel.

Day 14

Departure from Islamabad

Departure: Depart from Islamabad and transfer to the airport.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Islamabad International Airport (ISB) 6 cities · 14 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 are the 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.
Gratuities: Tips for the mountain guide, local trek leaders, camp cooks, and supporting porters.
Personal expenses: Laundry services, bottled water, soft drinks, energy bars, and personal snacks purchased along the trail.
Visa fees: Pakistani tourist visa application fees and processing costs.

What to bring

Appropriate avalanche and ski equipment.

Know before you go

Because winter access and facilities are limited, trips should be organized with experienced local guides and appropriate avalanche and ski equipment.
The exact ski season and suitable routes should be assessed locally each winter because snowpack and avalanche conditions can vary considerably.

Logistics