Trip Overview
From Islamabad, the tranquil capital surrounded by rolling hills, the adventure unfolds through the ancient marvels of Taxila, where the ruins of Gandhara whisper tales of forgotten empires. The road winds upward to Naran, a realm of sapphire lakes, pine forests, and mountain breezes that carry the scent of freedom.
Following the legendary Karakoram Highway, the journey reaches Gilgit. In this lively mountain city, rivers meet beneath towering peaks, before opening into the breathtaking Hunza Valley and its radiant heart, Karimabad, guarded by the timeless Baltit and Altit Forts. Further north lies Gulmit Gojal, a village embraced by rugged cliffs and ancient warmth, leading to the tranquil Borith Lake, a mirror to the surrounding glaciers.
Beyond awaits Passu, with its cathedral-like cones piercing the heavens, and Sost, the last Pakistani outpost before the clouds. At the lofty Khunjerab Pass, the world seems to stand still where sky meets snow. Crossing into Tashkurgan, the ancient fortress of the Pamirs, and onward to Kashgar, the fabled Silk Road city, the journey becomes a living poem written in mountains, winds, and timeless horizons.
Itinerary
On arrival at Islamabad International airport, you will be greeted by our guide and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, city tour of Islamabad followed by the Damn-E-Koh (view point), which gives us a panoramic view of Islamabad before driving past various modern streets and buildings graceful with a touch of Islamic Architecture & Folk Heritage Museum. Our tour culminates at one of the world’s largest mosques – Shah Faisal Mosque. Later visit hustling bustling Raja Bazar in Rawalpindi. Evening welcome dinner at local food street.
Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Marriott Hotel
• Tourist Class: Burjul Zaki
Meals Included: Dinner
In the morning, we drive to Naran and stop at Taxila enroute. Taxila has a well-planned museum and many historic sites of the Gandharan Buddhist civilization. The area flourished from the Sixth Century B.C until the Fifth Century A.D. Later drive to Naran.
** Bisham, route we use during off season when Babu Sar Pass is closed**
Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: North Retreat
• Tourist Class: North Retreat
Meals Included: Breakfast – Dinner
Today we drive through the scenic route over Babusar pass to Chilas joining the Karakorum highway and continue driving to Gilgit city. Gilgit the administrative capital of Gilgit Baltistan. Here world’s three mightiest mountain ranges: the Karakoram, the Hindu Kush and the Himalayas meet. The whole of Gilgit Baltistan is like a paradise for mountaineers, trekkers and adventure lovers. The region has a rich cultural heritage and variety of rare fauna and flora. Historically, the area has remained a flash point of political and military rivalries amongst the Russian, British and Chinese empires. Immediately after the end of British rule in the sub-continent in 1947, the people of this region decided to join Pakistan through a popular local revolt against the government of Maharaja of Kashmir. In the afternoon visit the Kargah Buddha carved on the rock dated from 7th century AD, later visit British cemetery.
Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Serena Hotel
• Tourist Class: Blossom Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast – Dinner
In the morning, we will drive along the Karakoram Highway toward the Minapin Nagar Valley. Our first stop will be Chalt Nagar, where the Karakoram Thrust marks the collision point between the Indo-Pakistani and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Next, we’ll head to the Rakaposhi Peak Viewpoint (7,788 m), where we’ll stop for a tea break and some photography. For those who feel energetic, you can hike toward the viewpoint for a closer look at the majestic Rakaposhi Peak.
Afterward continue driving to Minapin Village for overnight.
Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Serena Hotel
• Tourist Class: Blossom Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast – Dinner
In the morning, we will drive to Karimabad Hunza and visit Altit village and Baltit fort. Afterwards we visit Baltit Fort which is approximately 700 years. In the 16th century the Mir (King) married a princess from Baltistan who brought master Balti craftsmen to renovate the building as part of her dowry. The architectural style is a clear indication of Tibetan influence in Baltistan at the time. The rest of the day is free time at leisure for shopping.
Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Serena Hotel
• Tourist Class: Eagle Nest or Hilltop Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast – Dinner
Early morning wake up and drive to Duiker village, above Karimabad village. Enjoy the stunning sunrise over the snow-capped mountains of Ultar (7388m), Rakaposhi (7788m) and Diran (7266m) and other peaks. Afternoon free at leisure or if you are energetic hike up toward Ultar glacier.
Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Serena Hotel
• Tourist Class: Eagle Nest or Hilltop Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast – Dinner
In the morning, we drive to Hoper valley. Our first stop is Ganish village, we visit the Ali Gohar’s old house, which has received the UNESCO’s Heritage Award for 2009. Next, we will do a side trip to Hopper valley which can be seen from Duiker is on the opposite, eastern side of the Hunza River. This is another fertile valley and is predominantly Shia Muslim. This place has so many things to explore, the lush green lands, white capped mountains and colors of nature. This is one of the world’s fastest moving glaciers at Hoper. Later drive to upper Hunza Gojal, we will stop by Atta Abad Lake for photography and optional boat ride. Our next stop will be Gulmit, this is a peaceful and serene village that formerly served as a summer capital of the Hunza Kingdom. Here one will walk through the village, visit a 400-year-old house, and see local women weaving carpets and making several other traditional handicrafts. Afternoon drive toward Borith Lake.
Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Borith Lake Hotel & Resort
• Tourist Class: Borith Lake Hotel & Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast – Dinner
This morning, we will hike towards the Passu white glacier viewpoint where you can take amazing pictures. We will then take a short drive to visit Hussaini Village where you will have the chance to gingerly walk on the precarious rope bridge that straddles the fast-flowing waters of Hunza River. If you prefer a faster crossing, an optional zipline awaits you. Lunch today is an uncommon treat at Passu Village – the healthy yak meat which contains much less fat compared to traditional red meats and even salmon. After lunch walk around Passu village, take photos at Passu cones peak.
Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Borith Lake Hotel & Resort
• Tourist Class: Borith Lake Hotel & Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast – Dinner
Today, we drive to Sost. After completing the border formalities, we continue to the highest paved international border crossing in the world and the highest point on the Karakoram Highway, Khunjerab Pass (4750 m). Along the way, you will have the chance to see some wildlife at Khunjerab National Park. Upon arrival in Tashkurgan, China, after completing border formalities, meet your Chinese guide and transfer to your hotel.
Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Grand Chogori Hotel
• Tourist Class: Grand Chogori Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast – Dinner
In the morning, we visit Tashkurgan Fort, dating back from the 14th century. You can enjoy an impressive view of the surrounding fields, mountains, and military complexes from the old walls. Afterwards we continue driving to Kashgar. The scenery along the way is breathtaking. We will be stopping at the Karakul Lake where you can enjoy the view of Muztagh-Ata Mountains. Optional camel ride or walk around the Lake. Later continue to Kashgar.
Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Radisson Blu, Hampton, Home2 Suites by Hilton
• Tourist Class: Kyriad Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast – Dinner
This day is planned to coincide with the famous Sunday market in Kashgar where everything from carpets, blankets, foods, horses, donkeys, sheep’s and even camels are for sale! Wonderful assortments of people come from all over the region, and the population of the town swells by 100,000! This is truly one of the most incredible bazaars in Asia, and a photographer’s paradise! After the market visit Eidgah Mosque, Abakh Hoja Tomb and walking tour of the old town.
Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Radisson Blu, Hampton, Home2 Suites by Hilton
• Tourist Class: Kyriad Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast – Dinner
Our service will end with airport transfer.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Includes/Excludes
What's included?
- All private transfers by car, van, or bus depending on group size, except for the one-way public bus from Sost to Tashkurgan
- Twin sharing accommodation at hotels mentioned above with private facilities
- Meals on a half-board basis: (B) Breakfast and (D) Dinner
- All the sightseeing tours as described in the itinerary and entrance fees
- Fully escorted by experienced local English-speaking guides in each country
- Visa support letters if required
What is excluded?
- Visa fees
- Expenses in hotels such as laundry, telephone and room service, etc.
- Optional activities
- Meals, not mentioned above
- Personal expanses
- Single supplements
- Tips for Guides and drivers
- Early check in hotels and late checkout
- Khunjerab National Park entrance fees
FAQ
General
Yes. Popular tourist destinations such as Hunza Valley, Skardu, Lahore, Islamabad, Swat, and the Karakoram Highway are considered safe for visitors. Always follow your guide's advice and local regulations.
Most visitors require a visa to enter Pakistan and can apply online through the official Pakistan e-Visa Portal.
Hunza Discovery Tours will provide all necessary supporting documents, including the invitation letter where required.
We recommend applying well in advance, as processing times vary by nationality.
The currency of Pakistan is the Pakistani Rupee (PKR). Exchange rates are generally better in major cities and may vary in northern and remote areas, so we recommend exchanging money in the cities and asking your Hunza Discovery Tours guide for the best exchange location.
Credit cards are accepted at many hotels, restaurants and larger businesses in major cities, but cash is recommended in remote areas. ATMs are available in most cities, although availability can be limited in the mountains. We recommend carrying sufficient Pakistani Rupees when travelling to remote areas.
Wi-Fi is available at most hotels, and WhatsApp is widely used for calls and messaging. We recommend purchasing a local SIM card in a major city for reliable mobile data. When travelling to Hunza and Gilgit-Baltistan, a SCOM SIM is recommended for both calls and mobile data, especially in remote mountain areas.
Pakistan is a year-round destination, with each season offering a unique travel experience:
- Spring (April–May): The best time to witness the spectacular blossom season in Northern Pakistan, especially in Hunza Valley, Skardu, and Nagar.
- Summer (June–September): Ideal for trekking, mountain expeditions, and exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Hunza, Skardu, Fairy Meadows, Deosai National Park, and the Karakoram Highway.
- Autumn (October): One of the most beautiful times to visit Northern Pakistan, as the valleys are transformed by stunning golden, red, and orange autumn colours—perfect for photography and sightseeing.
- Winter (November–March): The best season to explore Southern Pakistan, including Lahore, Multan, Bahawalpur, Uch Sharif, the Cholistan Desert, Karachi, Makli Necropolis, and Mohenjo-daro, where the weather is cool, dry, and ideal for sightseeing.
Modest, comfortable clothing is recommended. Lightweight clothing is suitable during summer, while warm layers are essential for mountain regions. Women are not required to wear a headscarf except when visiting mosques.
Yes. Pakistani cuisine is delicious and varied. We recommend drinking bottled or filtered water and trying local specialties during your journey.
Yes, but always ask permission before photographing people. Photography is prohibited at military installations, border areas, airports, and certain government buildings.
Pakistan uses Type C and Type D power plugs with a standard voltage of 230V (50Hz). A universal travel adapter is recommended.
Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory. As a general guideline, it is customary to tip guides, drivers, hotel staff, and porters for good service.
© 2025 Hunza Discovery Tours (Pvt) Ltd
Site Developed by