Region
Gilgit-Baltistan
Duration
10 days · 9 nights
Style
Adventure (PVT)
Group
Private · 2 to 8 guests
Overview
Pakistan's signature mountain itinerary, run privately and at the right pace. We fly Islamabad-Gilgit (weather permitting; drive via Chilas as the contingency) and then move slowly up the Hunza valley, Karimabad for three nights, Gulmit and Passu for two, and a full day on the Khunjerab Pass at 4,700 m on the Chinese border. Accommodation is split between heritage properties (Serena Altit Fort suites, Eagle's Nest Hunza, Luxus Hunza) and the best owner-run inns in Upper Hunza. Private 4x4 throughout with an English-speaking guide born in the region.
Highlights
- Baltit Fort (UNESCO) and Altit Fort with a heritage curator
- Sunrise on Rakaposhi from Duikar viewpoint
- Hopper, Hussaini suspension bridge and the Passu Cones
- Attabad Lake by private boat and lunch with a Wakhi family in Gulmit
- Khunjerab Pass at 4,693 m, the highest paved border crossing in the world
Itinerary
Day by day
Day 1
Arrival · Islamabad
Met on arrival at ISB and transferred to Serena Islamabad or Roomy Signature. Evening orientation over dinner at Monal in the Margalla Hills.
Day 2
Fly to Gilgit · drive to Karimabad
Early morning 50-minute flight along the Nanga Parbat massif to Gilgit, then 2.5-hour drive up the KKH to Karimabad in central Hunza. Sunset on Rakaposhi from the hotel terrace.
Day 3
Karimabad · Baltit & Altit Forts
A full day in old Hunza: Baltit Fort with a heritage guide, lunch at Café de Hunza, the 900-year-old Altit Fort and the royal gardens. Evening walk through Karimabad bazaar.
Day 4
Hopper Glacier & Nagar valley
Drive across the Hunza river into Nagar. Walk to the moraine edge of Hopper Glacier with a local guide. Lunch at a fruit orchard. Return for sunset on Lady Finger and Hunza Peak from Duikar (Eagle's Nest viewpoint) at 2,800 m.
Day 5
Karimabad to Gulmit · Attabad Lake
Short drive up to Attabad Lake, a 30-minute private boat crossing under the cliffs, then on through the Passu Cones to Gulmit. Check in to Luxus Hunza or Marco Polo Inn. Afternoon visit to a Wakhi family kitchen.
Day 6
Passu · Hussaini Bridge · Borith Lake
Walk the Hussaini suspension bridge over the Hunza river (optional, it's a real one). Continue to Borith Lake for a high-altitude lunch with the Batura glacier in view. Free afternoon in Gulmit.
Day 7
Khunjerab Pass · China border
The big day, 4-hour drive to Khunjerab Pass at 4,693 m through Khunjerab National Park (ibex, marmots, occasional snow leopard tracks). Photographs at the China gate, then back to Gulmit for the night.
Day 8
Gulmit to Gilgit
Slow drive back down the valley with stops at Ganish (the oldest settlement in Hunza, UNESCO-listed), the Sacred Rocks of Hunza and the Rakaposhi viewpoint at Ghulmet for lunch. Overnight in Gilgit at Serena Gilgit.
Day 9
Fly to Islamabad
Morning flight back to Islamabad. Afternoon at leisure or optional Taxila day-trip (UNESCO Gandharan ruins, +USD 110 per person). Farewell dinner at Andaaz in Saidpur Village.
Day 10
Departure
Late checkout and transfer to Islamabad International for your onward flight.
Inclusions & exclusions
Included
- +9 nights accommodation in 4★/5★ heritage hotels and curated inns, twin-share
- +Islamabad-Gilgit return flight (PIA economy; road backup if weather-cancelled)
- +Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with experienced KKH driver throughout
- +Dedicated English-speaking mountain guide from Hunza
- +All breakfasts, 7 lunches and 8 dinners (local + continental options)
- +All park fees, NOC permits, monument entries and Khunjerab National Park entry
- +Airport transfers in Islamabad and bottled water in the vehicle daily
Not included
- −International flights to/from Islamabad
- −Pakistan e-visa (approx. USD 60) and travel insurance
- −Meals not listed, alcoholic and bottled beverages
- −Tips for the guide, driver and hotel staff (suggested USD 12-15 per guest per day)
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