Pakistan · Rural Experiences

15-Day North Pakistan Tour through Hunza, Skardu and Karakoram Highway

15 Days Round trip from Islamabad Easy pace
Hunza Valley
Altit Fort
Hunza Valley, Pakistan
Hunza Valley, Pakistan
Hunza Valley, Pakistan

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore the majestic landscapes of Hunza Valley during vibrant autumn foliage
  • 02 Discover ancient forts, historic bazaars, and UNESCO archaeological sites
  • 03 Enjoy boat rides on Attabad Lake and scenic walks in Phandar and Khaplu Valleys
  • 04 Visit the world's highest polo ground at Shandur Pass and the Khunjerab mountain pass

Discover the natural beauty and cultural richness of North Pakistan on this comprehensive 15-day journey. Travel from Islamabad along the legendary Karakoram Highway to explore the archaeological heritage of Taxila, the majestic valleys of Phandar, Hunza, and Skardu, and iconic landmarks such as Khunjerab Pass, Baltit Fort, and Attabad Lake. Experience diverse landscapes ranging from snow-capped peaks to alpine lakes and historic mountain villages, while immersing yourself in the heritage, hospitality, and serenity of Pakistan's northern frontier.

Travel from Islamabad along the legendary Karakoram Highway to explore the archaeological heritage of Taxila, the majestic valleys of Phandar, Hunza, and Skardu, and iconic landmarks such as Khunjerab Pass, Baltit Fort, and Attabad Lake.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 15 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Taxila, Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu, Chilas, Besham, Khunjerab National Park, Nanga Parbat
Languages English, Urdu

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Islamabad and City Highlights

  • Arrive at Islamabad International Airport.
  • Meet the Stunning Pakistan team for a transfer to your hotel.
  • Explore Islamabad on a half-day city tour if your arrival is in the morning.
  • Visit Pakistan Monument, Faisal Masjid, Shakar Parian Hills, Margalla Hills, Islamabad Market, Saidpur Village, and Rawalpindi.
  • Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
2
Day 02

Taxila Archaeology and Drive to Besham

  • Depart early from Islamabad towards the Karakoram Highway.
  • Visit the Taxila Museum and key archaeological sites, including Dharmarajika, Bhir Mound, and Sirkap.
  • Continue the scenic drive with a tea and restroom stop.
  • Arrive in Besham and check into the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
3
Day 03

Northern Journey via Chilas to Gilgit

  • Begin a long 12-hour drive north.
  • Stop at Shatial to see ancient rock carvings.
  • Visit Chilas for ancient graffiti.
  • Stop at the Nanga Parbat viewpoint and the confluence of the Karakoram, Himalayas, and Hindukush ranges.
  • See the meeting point of the Indus and Gilgit rivers.
  • Arrive in Gilgit and check into the hotel for dinner.
4
Day 04

Gilgit Sights and Transfer to Phandar Valley

  • Tour Gilgit, visiting the suspension bridges, local bazaar, and Karga Buddha.
  • Drive 6-7 hours to Phandar Valley with photo stops along the way.
  • Check into the hotel and enjoy dinner in the valley.
5
Day 05

Shandur Pass Excursion and Phandar Valley

  • Drive in the morning to Shandur Pass, the highest polo ground in the world.
  • Spend the afternoon exploring Phandar Valley.
  • Walk around Phandar Lake and visit the village.
  • Enjoy a trout fish dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
6
Day 06

From Phandar to Karimabad via Gilgit

  • Walk around Phandar Lake in the early morning.
  • Drive 5-6 hours back to Gilgit.
  • Continue 2-3 hours to Karimabad with photo stops at the collision point of the Eurasian and Indian plates, the Silk Route, and Rakaposhi Viewpoint.
  • Check into Hotel Serena Karimabad and enjoy dinner.
7
Day 07

Hunza and Nagar Valley Discoveries

  • Take a 4x4 jeep ride to Hopper Valley via Nagar Valley in the morning.
  • Return to Karimabad around noon and visit Baltit Fort.
  • Walk through the Karimabad bazaar.
  • Drive to Duikar for sunset photography.
  • Return to Karimabad for dinner and an overnight stay.
8
Day 08

Khunjerab Pass Excursion and Overnight in Sost

  • Depart early for Khunjerab Pass to reach the top before noon.
  • Spend half an hour at the pass and begin the descent with multiple photo stops.
  • Look out for mountain wildlife, including ibex.
  • Arrive in Sost for a walk through the village and bazaar.

Enjoy dinner and stay overnight at the hotel.

9
Day 09

Passu, Attabad Lake, and Return to Gilgit

  • Begin the drive back to Gilgit with stops at Batura Glacier, Passu Cathedrals, Passu Peak, and Hussaini Suspension Bridge.
  • Enjoy a boat ride on Attabad Lake.
  • Visit the ancient rock carvings.
  • Tour Karga Buddha and Gilgit Bazaar.
  • Check into the hotel in Gilgit and have dinner.
10
Day 10

Scenic Drive to Shangri-La Skardu

  • Drive 7-8 hours to Skardu Shangri-La.
  • Stop for photos along the Indus River canyon, hanging bridges, and remote villages.
  • Arrive in the late afternoon and check into the Shangri-La Resort.
  • Explore the area and take photographs.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

11
Day 11

Skardu Exploration and Drive to Khaplu

  • Visit Skardu Town for a walk in the local bazaar.
  • Stop at Satpara Lake.
  • Visit Khaplu Fort.
  • Continue with a 3-hour drive to Khaplu.
  • Check into Hotel Khaplu and have dinner.
12
Day 12

Khaplu Visit and Transfer to Shigar Valley

  • Explore Khaplu Town and its traditional bazaar.
  • Drive to Shigar Valley, stopping at Shigar Sand Dunes.
  • Arrive in the evening and check into the hotel.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

13
Day 13

Karakoram Highway Drive to Chilas

  • Depart early for an 8-10 hour drive to Chilas.
  • Stop along the way for photographs, tea, and rest.
  • Arrive in the late afternoon and check into the hotel.

Have dinner and rest overnight.

14
Day 14

Return Drive to Islamabad

  • Depart Chilas at 5:00 AM for a 10-12 hour drive to Islamabad.
  • Make regular stops for refreshments, rest, and photo opportunities.
  • Arrive in Islamabad by evening.
  • Check into the hotel and enjoy your final dinner.
15
Day 15

Departure from Islamabad

  • Prepare for departure after breakfast.
  • Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your onward flight.
  • Say farewell with a warm
15
Day 15

Departure from Islamabad

  • Prepare for departure after breakfast.
  • Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your onward flight.
  • Say farewell with a warm "Khuda Hafiz".
Attabad Lake, Baltit Fort, Khunjerab Pass, Shandur Pass

Where this trip takes you

Attabad Lake, Baltit Fort, Khunjerab Pass, Shandur Pass

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Islamabad 10 cities · 15 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Accommodation: 14 nights in 3-star hotels.
  • Transportation: Private car with fuel and toll taxes included.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner served only in the hotel.
  • Our team: Professional and licensed guides throughout the tour.
  • Visa support: Invitation letter provided for visa processing.
  • Entry tickets: Entry tickets included for all visiting areas.

What's Not Included

  • Room service and additional ancillary services acquired from the hotel.
  • Personal insurance for clients.
  • Any personal medication.
  • Evacuation and rescue charges, if any.
  • Domestic air tickets.
  • Any expenses due to force majeure, natural calamities, acts of God, or other circumstances beyond the control of Stunning Pakistan, its staff, and suppliers.

What to bring

  • Personal effects suitable for warm, windy, or rainy conditions should be carried by clients.
  • Carry insect repellent, sunburn lotion, and other personal care items.
  • Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots.
  • Weather-appropriate clothing, including layers for warmth, a windbreaker, and a raincoat.
  • Sunhat or cap.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Water bottle.
  • Small backpack.
  • Flashlight or headlamp.
  • Personal first aid kit.
  • Trekking poles (optional but helpful).
  • Energy snacks or trail mix.
  • Camera or binoculars for scenic viewing.

Know before you go

  • Using drugs or intoxication of any kind is strictly prohibited.
  • Any participant caught using substances on buses or during the trip will be expelled immediately and will not be eligible for any refund.
  • The organizers reserve the right to cancel the trip without prior notice for reasons deemed appropriate.
  • In the event of trip cancellation by the organizers, registered participants will receive a full refund.
  • On adventure trips of this nature, unforeseen factors such as weather, local politics, or transportation issues may require changes to the itinerary.
  • Substantial alterations are unlikely; however, if changes are necessary, the group leader and guide will determine the best alternative in the interest of the entire group.
  • Smoking is strictly prohibited inside all transport vehicles.
  • Participants must carry a valid Computerized CNIC or Passport.
  • Time management and punctuality are strongly recommended.
  • Participants are advised to wear non-slippery shoes, boots, joggers, or DMS footwear.
  • Heel or dress shoes are strictly not allowed.
  • On steep ascents in mountainous areas, the air conditioning in buses may be used on an on-off basis to prevent engine overheating.
  • Stunning Pakistan will not be held responsible for any injury, damage, or loss incurred during the trip.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Islamabad, Pakistan
Tour start
Islamabad, Pakistan
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 15 days finish where they began, in Islamabad.

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