About This Tour
Most visitors to Northern Pakistan have to choose between Hunza and Skardu. This expedition does not ask you to choose. In 8 to 10 days, we take you through both — along the full length of the Karakoram Highway, into Hunza Valley, across to Skardu, up onto Deosai Plains and back — connecting all the dots in a single seamless private journey.
This is our most complete North Pakistan itinerary. It suits travellers who have a good block of time, want to see the full picture of what the region offers and prefer not to rush. Every day has breathing room built in. If something along the road catches your eye, we stop.
Tour Highlights
🏔
Full KKH Drive
Islamabad to Khunjerab Pass — the world's highest paved border — along one of Earth's most spectacular roads.
🐄
Attabad Lake
A boat crossing on the impossibly turquoise lake formed by the 2010 landslide in upper Hunza.
🏛
Baltit Fort
700 years of royal history above Karimabad, with sweeping views down the entire Hunza Valley.
🌘
Khunjerab Pass
4,693m — the Pakistan-China border at the top of the world, surrounded by yaks and open tundra.
🌳
Deosai National Park
One of the world's highest plateaus, carpeted with wildflowers and home to Himalayan brown bears.
🏖
Shangrila & Skardu
The lakes, desert and ancient forts of Skardu round out the journey.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
Islamabad — Departure North
Drive via KKH · Overnight: Chilas
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We depart Islamabad before dawn and head north on the KKH. The first hours take us through the Hazara region and into the dramatic Indus gorge. A stop at the Thalpan ancient rock carvings near Chilas before checking in for the night.
- Pre-dawn departure from Lahore
- KKH north through the Indus gorge
- Thalpan ancient rock carvings stop
- Overnight: Chilas
2
Chilas to Gilgit
KKH drive · Overnight: Gilgit
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We pass Raikot Bridge — the gateway to Fairy Meadows — before continuing to Gilgit, capital of Gilgit-Baltistan. Afternoon walk through the famous bazaar and a look at the Gilgit polo ground.
- Raikot Bridge stop
- Arrival Gilgit
- Gilgit bazaar and polo ground
- Overnight: Gilgit
3
Gilgit to Hunza
KKH north · Overnight: Hunza
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We drive north to Hunza, making an essential stop at the Rakaposhi viewpoint — a direct, unobstructed view of the 7,788m peak with roadside chai. Arrival in Karimabad with mountain views from the hotel window.
- Rakaposhi viewpoint stop and chai
- Arrival Karimabad, Hunza
- Afternoon village walk
- Overnight: Hunza (Karimabad)
4
Hunza Sightseeing — Forts & Eagle's Nest
Full day · Overnight: Hunza
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Morning visit to Baltit Fort followed by Altit Fort. Lunch in Karimabad then up to Eagle's Nest viewpoint for what most visitors consider the finest panoramic view in all of Hunza.
- Baltit Fort — 700 years of royal history
- Altit Fort — older and wilder
- Traditional Hunza lunch
- Eagle's Nest viewpoint at sunset
5
Attabad Lake, Passu Cones & Khunjerab
Long excursion · Overnight: Hunza
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We push north through Gojal to Khunjerab Pass at 4,693m — the Pakistan-China border at the top of the world. Attabad Lake boat crossing and Passu Cones stop on the way.
- Attabad Lake boat crossing
- Passu Cones viewpoint
- Khunjerab Pass — 4,693m border marker
- Return to Hunza for overnight
6
Hunza to Skardu
East via Gilgit · Overnight: Skardu
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We leave the KKH and head east to Skardu following the Indus River through spectacular gorge scenery. A 6-7 hour drive that delivers you into a completely different landscape — wider, drier, more desert in character.
- Depart Hunza early morning
- Dramatic Indus gorge drive
- Arrival Skardu by evening
- Hotel check-in and rest
7
Skardu — Karphocho Fort & Satpara Lake
City sightseeing · Overnight: Skardu
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Morning at Karphocho Fort high on a ridge above the valley, then Satpara Lake and the ancient Buddha Rock carvings. Afternoon in the local Skardu bazaar.
- Karphocho Fort — panoramic views
- Buddha Rock — 7th-century carvings
- Satpara Lake
- Local Skardu bazaar
8
Deosai National Park & Sheosar Lake
Full day at 4,114m · Overnight: Deosai or Skardu
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The expedition's highest point. Deosai Plains at 4,114m — one of the world's highest plateaus — carpeted with wildflowers in summer and home to Himalayan brown bears. Sheosar Lake is the centrepiece.
- Drive up to Deosai Plains — 4,114m
- Sheosar Lake stop and photography
- Wildlife spotting — bears and marmots
- Optional overnight camping on Deosai
9
Shangrila Resort & Kachura Lakes
Relaxed day · Overnight: Skardu
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A relaxed day around Skardu's famous lakes. Shangrila Resort — known locally as Heaven on Earth — sits beside Lower Kachura Lake in gardens that trail into the water. Upper Kachura Lake is a quieter gem above.
- Shangrila Resort and Lower Kachura Lake
- Upper Kachura Lake hike
- Lakeside lunch
- Final evening in Skardu
10
Return to Lahore
Fly or drive · Tour ends
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Morning departure from Skardu. Fly back to Lahore (50 minutes) or begin the scenic two-day road return via the KKH. Tour ends in Islamabad.
- Farewell breakfast in Skardu
- Domestic flight or road return
- Arrival Lahore
- Drop-off at hotel or airport in Lahore or Islamabad (your choice)
What's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- ✓ All transport throughout the 10-day journey
- ✓ 9 nights hotel/guesthouse accommodation
- ✓ Daily breakfast and selected dinners
- ✓ Dedicated local guide throughout
- ✓ All entry fees and sightseeing
- ✓ Attabad Lake boat crossing
- ✓ Deosai camping option (tents, sleeping bags, meals)
- ✓ 4x4 jeep for all off-road sections
- ✓ 24/7 WhatsApp support throughout
✗ Not Included
- ✗ International flights to/from Pakistan
- ✗ Domestic Skardu flight (~$80 one way if chosen)
- ✗ Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- ✗ Lunches on driving days
- ✗ Personal shopping and souvenirs
- ✗ Tips for guide and driver
- ✗ Costs due to weather delays or cancellations
Photo Gallery
