11-Day Karakoram Highway: Hunza & Skardu Overland Journey
Our 11-Day Karakoram Hunza Skardu Overland Journey is meticulously planned for travelers wanting to experience the ultimate cultural and geographical transition of Northern Pakistan. This Karakoram Highway road trip itinerary is engineered to showcase the dramatic shifts in local traditions, historic fortresses, and staggering mountain vistas across both the Hunza Valley and the Baltistan region in one seamless journey.
This combo package to Hunza and Skardu via the Karakoram Highway covers all the iconic highlights of Gilgit-Baltistan, beautifully blending local culture with breathtaking alpine locations. The Hunza and Skardu regions are world-renowned for their ancient history and heritage sites. More importantly, the scenic landscape of Northern Pakistan is unmatched by any other place on earth, which is why global travelers love to explore these areas so rich in tradition and history.
We will explore the vibrant valleys surrounding Gilgit and Hunza before heading deeper into the extreme north to discover the majestic peaks of Skardu. For over a decade, this specific multi-destination tour has been one of our top-selling Pakistan travel packages, a trend clearly reflected in the fantastic reviews and accolades on TripAdvisor shared by our returning guests.
Looking for a shorter trip or a single-destination itinerary instead? You can easily explore our complete collection of Hunza Valley travel plans or check our comprehensive directory of Skardu holiday options to customize your perfect northern areas vacation.
Karakoram Hunza Skardu Overland Route [ Description ]
We will depart from Islamabad and travel to Besham via the Karakoram Highway. The scenic drive up the highway features legendary sight-seeing stops like Abbottabad, Mansehra, Balakot, Shinkiyari, and Thakot. Meanwhile, on our journey on the Karakorum Highway, we will witness the Khunjerab Pass at an elevation of 4,693 m, along with the gigantic mountains that connect China and Pakistan.
Afterward, Hunza is our prime spot for this tour plan; we will visit Hunza’s fantastic and colourful places. Attabad Lake, Altit-Baltit Fort, Karimabad, Gojal Valley, Sust, and other nearby areas are enriched in culture and history. After two or more days in Hunza, we will move towards the outer part, Skardu. The exceptional region of Skardu offers panoramic landscapes and a pleasant climate.
No matter which place you visit, it casts a spell on its visitor through its immense beauty. We shall see the Shangri-La Lake, Khaplu Fort, Chnaqchan Mosque, and other magnificent lakes in Skardu.
Our return journey features a scenic stopover at Chilas, framed by the sweeping ridges and steep slopes of Nanga Parbat—the legendary killer mountain—set against lush green valleys. Which are carpeted with lush green grass with a beautiful backdrop.
Karakoram Hunza Skardu Expedition [ Inclusions ]
- 10 nights in hotels, in a double room with private facilities and breakfast.
- All kinds of transportation according to the situation.
- English-speaking driver cum tour guide
- Airport transfers
- Visa invitation letter
- Entrance fees to Baltit, Altit, and Khaplu Forts
- Visits to Attahabad Lake, Shangri-La and Upper Kachura Lake, and Sadpara Lake
Karakoram Hunza Skardu Expedition [ Exclusions ]
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Any Refreshments
- Anything other than Agreed
- Any Air Tickets
- Any Train Tickets
1st Day: Welcome to Pakistan! Upon your arrival at the airport, our team will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in our traditional hospitable style. The remainder of the day is reserved for relaxation after your flight alongside light sightseeing around the capital city.
2nd Day: We begin our road adventure early in the morning, driving directly toward Besham via the Karakoram Highway. The 7 to 8-hour journey features scenic comfort stops along the way before arriving at our destination for an evening hotel check-in and overnight stay.
3rd Day: Continuing our journey along the spectacular Karakoram Highway, we wind our way past dramatic gorges toward Chilas. Enjoy the changing mountain terrain as we travel deeper into the valley, arriving in Gilgit for our evening hotel check-in.
4th Day: Following breakfast, we will explore historic landmarks around Gilgit city, including ancient rock-carved Buddha sculptures. In the afternoon, we embark on a beautiful 3-hour drive along the river to reach the breathtaking Hunza Valley.
5th Day: A day dedicated to exploring the wonders of upper Hunza. Our excursions cover the striking turquoise waters of Attabad Lake, Gojal Valley, Gulmit, the high-altitude pass at Khunjerab National Park and the border trading outpost of Sost.
6th Day: We check out after breakfast to depart for Skardu. This 10-hour scenic overland drive transitions from the jagged formations of Hunza into the high-altitude, dramatic desert valleys of Baltistan. Arrive and relax at your Skardu hotel.
7th Day: Enjoy a scenic morning drive out to explore the pristine environment of Upper Kachura Lake. Spend the day walking along the banks, taking optional boat rides and relaxing in one of Skardu’s most tranquil alpine locations.
8th Day: Today we tour the stunning architectural heritage of the region. Visit the ancient timber-and-brick Chaqchan Mosque and the majestic Khaplu Fort palace before spending the afternoon browsing local traditional handicraft bazaars.
9th Day: We begin our return journey, routing back toward Chilas. This drive offers magnificent vantage points to view the sheer scale of the Indus River gorge and catch sweeping views of the Nanga Parbat massif during golden hour.
10th Day: Departing Chilas early, we make our final long drive down the spine of the Karakoram Highway, crossing back into the capital city of Islamabad by late evening for our final night stay.
11th Day: After checking out of the hotel, our team will transfer you to the Islamabad International Airport for your homeward flight, concluding your journey with unforgettable memories of northern Pakistan.
