Northern Pakistan
Hunza Valley Tour
8 days through the Karakoram mountains with English-speaking local guides
Tour Overview
An 8-day exploration of the Hunza Valley. It starts in Islamabad, Pakistan's capital, into Pakistan's famous Karakoram mountains and the Western Himalayas. A scenic flight over Nanga Parbat takes you to Skardu. Spend your days exploring Hunza's historic Baltit and Altit fort, glacial blue Attabad lake, and Hunza's many villages where families have farmed apricots and apples on the ancient Silk Route for many generations.
Your guide, Mr. Karim Khan was born and raised in Hunza. He'll take you to his hometown of Karimabad, introduce you to local families, and explain Hunza's history and traditions that most tourists never hear about — from the wars between Hunza and Nagar to the impossible water channels built by ancient settlers of the Silk Route to irrigate terraced fields at 2,500 meters.
You'll eat Hunza's delicious cuisine including Chapshuro (like a Calzone) with a Hunza family, bargain for locally mined Aquamarine in the Karimabad bazaar, cross the scary Hussaini Suspension Bridge over the rushing Hunza River, and watch Rakaposhi (7,788m) glow at sunset from Eagle's Nest viewpoint at 3,000 meters.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrive in Islamabad
Our guide meets you at Islamabad International Airport and transfers you to your hotel (most flights are early morning). Islamabad is a planned city, one of the greenest capitals in the world, built at the foot of the Margalla Hills. Later in the day, visit Daman-e-Koh, vantage point for panoramic views of the city, or explore the historic Saidpur Village, nestled in the foothills, to explore Hindu temples and boutique art stores.
Day 2 — Fly to Skardu, drive to Gilgit
An early morning AirBlue flight to Skardu takes you over mount Nanga Parbat, the world's ninth highest mountain (blanketed in snow). Drive down the Indus gorge and across the Karakoram range to Gilgit, passing through traditional Balti villages. Stop at the confluence of the Indus and Gilgit river, which is also the meeeting point of the 3 mountain ranges: Karakoram, Hindukush, and the Western Himalayas.
Day 3 — Hunza: Baltit Fort and Karimabad
Drive into the Hunza Valley and visit Baltit Fort, a 700-year-old royal residence perched on a glacial moraine overlooking Karimabad (historically known as Baltit). Built by Balti craftsmen in Tibetan architectural style, the fort was home to Hunza's ruling Mirs who controlled Silk Route trade for centuries. Inside, you'll find swords, royal attire, traditional Hunza kitchens, grain storages, and views of Ultar Sar (7,388m) and Ladyfinger Peak. Afterwards, explore Karimabad bazaar, shop for locally mined rubies and Aquamarine, handwoven carpets, shawls, and apricot oil while your guide shares stories about what a day is for the local Hunza people.
Day 4 — Altit Fort and Eagle's Nest
Visit Altit Fort, winner of the UNESCO award, which is over 1,000 years old. Walk through its restored hallways and short doors (watch your head!), and the Royal Garden with its apricot orchards. Roam the narrow cobblestone streets of Altit Village. In the afternoon, drive up to Eagle's Nest (Duikar village) at 3,000 meters. Eagle's nest is the best viewpoint in Hunza where five peaks above 7,000 meters are visible from a single spot. You will arrive before sunset to watch Rakaposhi, Diran, Golden Peak, Ladyfinger, and Ultar Sar turn from white to golden to pink as the light fades.
Day 5 — Attabad Lake, Hussaini Bridge, and Passu Cones
Drive to Gulmit in Upper Hunza. Along the way visit the 1,000-year-old Ganesh Settlement, a UNESCO-listed Silk Road trading and immigration post with ancient rock carvings and watchtowers. Continue to Attabad Lake, a glacial blue lake formed after a landslide in 2010 blocked the Hunza River. You will take a boat ride and admire the stark contract of the blue lake and the barren mountain. Next, walk down to the Hussaini Suspension Bridge (and cross if you are comfortable). Hussaini Suspension Bridge is a hanging rope-and-wood bridge swaying over the Hunza River. For lunch today, you can have Yak burgers. End the day at the Passu Cones, a series of jagged cathedral peaks.
Day 6 — Drive to Skardu
After breakfast, drive from Karimabad to Skardu along the Karakoram Highway. Upon arrival, visit Kachura Lake, a crystal clear lake wish fish with grassfield around it which our guests call "heaven on earth." Then drive 30 minutes into town to visit the K2 Museum in Skardu, where rare photographs, maps, local flaura and fauna, and climbing gear document the history of expeditions to K2 and the surrounding 8,000-meter peaks. The museum also tells the stories of the Balti porters from Skardu and Shigar whose strength and skill made these impossible climbs possible.
Day 7 — Fly to Islamabad, explore Taxila
Fly back to Islamabad with one last stunning view of the Karakoram giants. In the afternoon, drive 30 minutes to Taxila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most important archaeological site of the ancient Gandhara civilization. Walk (or meditate) through the ruins of Dharmarajika Stupa, one of the oldest Buddhist stupas in the subcontinent, and the ruins of Sirkap, an ancient city which had Greek, Persian, and Indian temples. Sirkap was designed as a planned city which inspired the architect of modern Islamabad.
Day 8 — Islamabad city tour and departure
Visit Faisal Masjid, the largest mosque of Pakistan and South Asia, designed in a in a mdoern geometric style inspired by a Bedouin tent. Then see the Pakistan Monument, a 5-petal shaped national landmark which symbolizes unity among the provinces of Pakistan. Finish with time for shopping at Centaurus Mall. After dinner, prepare for transfer to the airport, and our guide Mr. Karim Khan will see you off for your onward flight home.
What's Included
Included
Best available hotels ranging from 5 star to 3 star properties
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Islamabad to Skardu return flight tickets
Private SUV vehicle with driver and fuel for the entire tour
Professional English-speaking local guide from Hunza
All site entry tickets and permits
Airport transfers on arrival and departure
Water, tea, and snacks throughout the journey
Visa invitation letter and assistance (we will get it for you)
Not Included
International airfare to and from Islamabad
Personal expenses and items of personal nature
Personal medications
Entry and exit taxes
Travel insurance (recommended)
Pricing
Pricing is per person based on double occupancy. Single rooms are available for a supplement.
Information for your Hunza Tour
Best time to visit Hunza Valley
March through October is the best window. Spring (April–May) brings cherry, apricot, and almond blossoms that carpet the valley in pink and white. Summer (June–August) is when the valleys are lush green, and comfortable temperatures around 25°C. Autumn (September–October) turns the valley into a palette of golds, reds, and oranges which is the most popular season for photography. Winter tours are also possible when the valleys are blanketed in snow.
Fitness level
Our Hunza tour does not require any trekking or high-altitude hiking. Most activities involve sightseeing, walking through villages, forts, and bazaars on relatively flat terrain. The highest point you'll reach is Eagle's Nest at approximately 3,000 meters, accessed by vehicle. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels including families and older travelers.
Visa requirements
Most nationalities can apply for a Pakistan e-visa online. We provide a visa invitation letter with every booking to support your application. We can also acquire the visa on your behalf. Processing typically takes 5–7 business days.
Safety
Hunza Valley and the Gilgit-Baltistan region are among the safest areas in Pakistan for tourists. There is virtually no crime. The local Ismaili (a sub sect of Shia) community is known for its hospitality, moderate and progressive values, and the region has a strong tradition and history of welcoming international visitors. Tourists are appreciated, and tourism is the backbone of Hunza's economy. Our guide, Mr. Karim Khan, is a seasoned professional, experienced in ensuring your comfort and security throughout the trip.
Ready to explore the Hunza Valley?
Contact us to book your spot or ask any questions about this tour.
Book This Tour